Supercharged Kawasaki Sport-Touring Model to Debut at EICMA
Kawasaki will introduce a new sport-touring model featuring its new balanced supercharger technology next month at EICMA.
The as-yet-unnamed model follows the Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R in Kawasaki’s supercharged lineup, but the engine will use the balanced supercharger technology the company presented at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The technology uses an electronically-controlled gate to manage the flow of air into the supercharger.
Along with improved low- to mid-range pulling power, Kawasaki claims the technology will offer better fuel economy, which in turn means a longer range, important for a sport-tourer.
What remains to be seen is whether the rest of the engine will be the same as the H2’s powerplant, or if Kawasaki will be applying the forced induction technology to a new engine. Kawasaki will likely continue to use the H2’s 998cc engine but we can’t entirely rule out a different displacement.
As for the new model’s name, some are guessing it will be called the Kawasaki Ninja H2 GT. The Ninja name, however, implies a focus on sporty performance, while Kawasaki is emphasizing the sport-tourer’s fuel economy and low- to mid-range performance. A better fit might be some variation on the name Concours, such as a “Kawasaki Concours H2” perhaps.
We’ll know for certain when the supercharged Kawasaki sport-touring model breaks cover next month at EICMA.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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Ok, so for the last 13 years, I've been riding an Aprilia SL1000r (Falco) When I went somewhere, I bolted on a 45l Givi top case and took off. It's been to Canada Every year, (from Maryland). Ok, so it's not really a long haul tourer, but it's been super reliable, and only needed oil, gas, tires, and a chain. (but yeah, it did get a Ohlins rear shock, and race teck gold valves and springs for my weight upfront)
Last Augaust, I bought a new C14 thinking that as I get up in age, maybe more comfy would be nice. (I turn 61 next week, been riding since I was about 10) What have I learned? Well... It's a FAT ninja. It's a very heavy motorcycle empty it's probably 250 lbs heavier than the Aprilia. (almost 700 lbs vs 450 lbs) You feel it in everything the bike does.
The Concours came with a set of Bridgestone bt 021's and the thing was downright scary. They lasted a whopping 600 mile ride before they were gone and replaced with a set of Pirrelli Angel Gt's. That alone transformed the bike. No, it's still a fat ninja, but at least I don't think it's going to kill me everytime you look at a corner. (it took a lot of bar pressure to get it to turn, and once into the turn, it wanted to fall over.)
Anyway, I still haven't found a comfortable riding position dispite bar risers, and seating positions. My arms are always at a weird angle, or the man package is being crushed by the tank...
I've got a test ride scheduled for a BMW R1200Rt this week. But even that is still more than twice what I paid for the C14. (msrp of 24,530...) The K1600 is right out. it's WAYYYYYY too big.
If only Aprilia made a new Futura... (but using the honking V4 engine...)
Anyway, I'll hold off buying a new bike until I see what Momma Kaw is up to.
Nice, but ...I’d like 50 mpg, reverse gear, usb outlets, larger fuel tanks, gearing optional selection for distance rather than speed, ergonics, no burned legs, rear rack option. Is it sport touring, meaning distance, convenience and comfort.