Some differences from MCN
57.3 inch wheelbase suggests that like the BMW S1000R (the naked bike), Green and even I should fit on the new H2 but I think 6'3" and 210lb might just be near the limit for any extended riding. Don't see how Jay Leno with his midsection girth will fit very well much less anyone bigger and taller than him.
524 lb curb weight is a bit disappointing as the 14R with a set of slip-ons is in the 550 lb range.
210 hp is doable with an exhaust mod and a good flash on the 14R as well...so where's the big advantage of the H2? It (the H2) also claims less than 100 foot-lbs of torque!
Assumingly, with the better suspension and the electronics including the engine breaking control, in the handling for carving up the track and tight back roads is where the H2 will out shine the 14R.
Then there is the panache of the exotic paint job and styling along with the supercharger chirp and distinct exhaust.
Is this worth another 8-9 grand over the price of a lightly modded 14R? Maybe so, for the right rider and "if you want to turn heads". Certainly if you want to do track days and Ca canyons, or so I would imagine.
For those without track day aspirations or skill sets and looking for a quick and fast all day ride while being on the "bigger than average" size, probably not. Especially so if speed, acceleration, and stability is your goal over
race-track handling since according to MCN and other reports; the H2 is not gonna be "easy" to mod to 300hp like the H2R. The internals of the engine and its intake array along with the non-street legal exhaust are necessary to reach the higher hp and concomitant boost levels or so they report.
I'm sure that if it is coming from the factory with 210 hp on board, that can and will be modded upwards, but how much upward and with what reliability is another question; not to mention at what cost to make the necessary mods.
Still, I admit that I would like to own one for at least a little while....but then, I would probably own a fleet of motos if'n I was in a position to do so. I remain a serial moto-monogamist for the foreseeable future...sigh.
* Last updated by: PaulAB on 11/8/2014 @ 10:36 PM *
Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory. (Franklin Pierce Adams)