KIWI RIDER 05 2019 VOL.2 | Page 101

Power is boosted by smaller throttle bodies (down to 40mm from 50mm), a smaller ram-air intake, and headers (2.2mm smaller in diameter) h my…” I mouthed as the hurtling began. “Oh great stump-jumping Jesus of Nazareth…oooh…” And then there was no more talking to myself. There was maybe some fractured internal dialogue to do with possible defences in the forthcoming criminal trial, but I was pretty much mute and dry-mouthed as the H2SX showed me it’s stuff. And we surely did hurtle some. I will admit to nothing. I will confess to even less. It won’t make any difference if it all goes to trial, but I need to not be seen to be an advocate for anti-social behaviour. “I was just redefining acceleration, your honour”, is just not going to play well as a defence. So let’s just all regard the hurtling as fantasy, shall we? But before I begin describing the indescribable joy of firing a supercharged set of panniers at the horizon, I need to address the technical aspects of the H2SX. I do this so you’ll know that while Kawasaki engineers might have bolted some hard luggage onto the H2’s arse and dubbed it a “sports tourer” (while doubtlessly giggling into the company sake bowls), this is a more powerful and rideable bike than the stupendous H2. And panniers aren’t the only things the Green Machine has added to make it so. The compression ratio is up on the H2 from 8.5:1 to 11.2:1. Breathe... This provides better power production and thermal efficiency at less Christian engine speeds while preventing engine detonation. Power is boosted by smaller throttle bodies (down to 40mm from 50mm), a smaller ram-air intake, and headers (2.2mm smaller in diameter). How so? Is not bigger better in all things? Apparently not with forced induction. This downsizing helps boost flow velocity at a lower rpm than the H2. Remember, breathe. KIWI RIDER 101