Kawi2strokes.com Forum
http://kawi2strokes.com/forum/

But What I was really Looking For Was This
http://kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13908		 Page 1 of 4
Author:  Mgmark [ Sun Sep 08, 2019 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  But What I was really Looking For Was This
The December ‘72 superbike comparison test. I remember buying this back when I owned a Triumph T150 triple. Now that my ‘72 H2 is a running bike I want to read about what I’m in for and can expect.

“The Mach IV had the most willing and hysterical engine in the entire test”.

Is this a good thing? The H2 won the test, narrowly beating out the Z1 on total points. The two traded top places in most of the tests.

Mark
Author:  Jim [ Sun Sep 08, 2019 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
I'm surprised Kawasaki allowed it to be published that the H2 was as good or better than the Z1. We've all heard the story about the H2 being detuned at the drag strip to allow the Z1 to beat it.
Author:  Ja-Moo [ Sun Sep 08, 2019 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
According to Tony Nicosia, they were all a "cheatin"...... ;)
Author:  Mgmark [ Sun Sep 08, 2019 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
Jim wrote:
I'm surprised Kawasaki allowed it to be published that the H2 was as good or better than the Z1. We've all heard the story about the H2 being detuned at the drag strip to allow the Z1 to beat it.


In this test the H2 beat the Z1 by just a whisker in each test, but they went on to say the Z1 was so much easier to ride and live with, and could have done better with decent shocks and tires.

Cycle went to great pains to explain each bike had to be bone stock inside, and were stripped to the cases after the testing was done. They expected the H2 to be a ringer but it was completely stock from the airbox snorkel to the lumpy port castings.
The article went on to describe how the bikes were all getting more civilized to live with and still performed well, and bikes like the Z1 would become the norm for superbikes. The H2 was a last hold out of what the definition of a superbike was before this test. The H2 might have narrowly won by measurement, but the Z1 was surely the better bike.
Author:  Ja-Moo [ Sun Sep 08, 2019 11:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
Dont believe everything you read.... wink wink....
Author:  husson73 [ Mon Sep 09, 2019 4:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
still have the magazine andd yes the H2 was the better bike :thumbup:
Author:  Retro 3 [ Mon Sep 09, 2019 7:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
Ja-Moo wrote:
Dont believe everything you read.... wink wink....


Exactly!
“The H2 wheelied through all gears”
If I were at the track and a stock H2 and a stock Z1 were staged; my money would be on the Z1.
Why would Kawasaki spend mega $$ to build a ‘World Class SuperBike’ and it wouldn’t beat one of their own models?
Research Z1 records vs H2 records.
I have most every article/document I can find,
And... I have both bikes.
Z1 is a much better bike in every way.
MY NON PC OPINION
Author:  Jim [ Mon Sep 09, 2019 12:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
Retro 3 wrote:
Z1 is a much better bike in every way.


Even in the 90 lbs. heavier way?
Author:  Retro 3 [ Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
Jim wrote:
Retro 3 wrote:
Z1 is a much better bike in every way.


Even in the 90 lbs. heavier way?


In my case, the electric start, better fuel mileage and smoother ride (long ride) offset the 62lb (dry H2- 452lbs, Z1-510lb) difference.
I guess I ‘m open to debate, but I’ve tried to imagine launching an H2 off the line, and have done the Z.
I don’t think the average person could make a successful 60ft time on an H2 as they could on a Z.
Author:  DGA [ Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: But What I was really Looking For Was This
My H2B is faster than my KZ1100, 100hp stock, at least at lower speeds, up to maybe 70 or so. The H2 comes on power hard, where the KZ power delivery is real linear, you have to rev the piss out of it to make it go. I think the H2's advantage is the much lighter weight and its huge midrange power delivery. Mine is the longer B chassis, plus lowered front, and clip ons, so it does not wheelie. Very different bikes, in almost every way.
I can almost get bored riding the 1100, it lets you piddle along if you feel like it, but the H2, no way!
Page 1 of 4 All times are UTC - 5 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/