Boosted snowbike

[madmax]

Just speaking hypothetically for those who have ridden a turbo 4-stroke snowbike. Seems the general consensus is most have not been very happy with them (turbo on a snow bike) and gone back to stock, modified or N2O. What about if there was a supercharged 450 bike option? Would a supercharger be a good option? I think it would be a boondocking monster.

 

[Rush44]

If there was a supercharger that worked for snowbikes I would start selling toys I didn't need. Immediately.

That being said, I rode a properly tuned KMS updated Boondocker turbo kit this winter and they were a lot better than the first gen Boondocker that came out for production the year before last. The stocker still has the edge in the really tight steep trees (where lines fall apart quickly and you have to improvise new ones) but with the KMS update that advantage is disappearing. Out in the open the turbo gets the thumbs up with sheer power.

 

[mrquick68]

If there was a supercharger that worked for snowbikes I would start selling toys I didn't need. Immediately.

That being said, I rode a properly tuned KMS updated Boondocker turbo kit this winter and they were a lot better than the first gen Boondocker that came out for production the year before last. The stocker still has the edge in the really tight steep trees (where lines fall apart quickly and you have to improvise new ones) but with the KMS update that advantage is disappearing. Out in the open the turbo gets the thumbs up with sheer power.

if you want to just ride out in the open, then we should all be back on sleds. Snow bikes wail in the trees, and turbos just don't excel as Rush noted when lines change instantly. We need a product with instant response, and a super charger would be just the ticket for that. A belt system would be tough in snow though. Have to figure something else out or enclose it.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

Just speaking hypothetically for those who have ridden a turbo 4-stroke snowbike. Seems the general consensus is most have not been very happy with them (turbo on a snow bike) and gone back to stock, modified or N2O. What about if there was a supercharged 450 bike option? Would a supercharger be a good option? I think it would be a boondocking monster.

Id be really curious. I think the turbo's could be really close to where everyone wants to, but will take some time to get it perfect.

Supercharger sounds very intriguing! Lets get one done!

 

[capulin overdrive]

Easy!,25 grand for a Ninja, break out the welder and slap a Kmod under!

 

[SteepNdeep450]

Is there any benefit to this style?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSFucwMTQxs

Still seems like its right on the limiter like the turbos do, so you are constantly at the top of the gear or shifting. Never rode one but it sounds to me like that on every video I've seen.

 

[brycter]

Turbos are getting really close to what every one wants. Stay tunned!

 

[KAWGRN]

Turbos are getting really close to what every one wants. Stay tunned!

Well,,, HURRY THE F*%#K UP!!!!!!!!!

 

[mrsnaglepuss]

300HP SUPERCHARGED NOT A PROBLEM

Here you want supercharged boys, transplant and track this Green Monster its spittin 300HP of Green Venom, that's 30% more than my R1 and its over 200HP. Sorry couldn't get the pics to copy & paste but read on you get the picture I'm sure.

First Look: Kawasaki Supercharged Ninja H2R


Kawasaki says it has created the “hyperbike” motorcycle segment with its introduction of the Supercharged Ninja H2R

After weeks of teasers, sound bites and video clips, Kawasaki finally let the cat out of the bag with the introduction of the Supercharged Ninja H2R. In the weeks leading up to its debut, Kawasaki hinted—well, more than hinted—that the H2 was all about speed, and they weren’t kidding. It’s so fast and powerful that it can’t be ridden on public streets, it’s all about the track. It comes fitted with slick racing tires, no mirrors, no blinkers and is claimed to pump out about 300 horsepower from its supercharged engine. Obviously, Kawasaki wants to get you excited about fast motorcycles again.

Unfortunately, Kawasaki has not yet released specifications on the H2R but says it will soon.

Here is what Kawasaki has to say about its new Ninja H2R:

2015 Kawasaki H2R
When the Ninja H2 R motorcycle was conceived by Kawasaki, the driving concept behind its development was to offer the kind of acceleration most riders had never experienced. Being “Fun to Ride” is one of Kawasaki’s guiding principles, and while there are many ways for a motorcycle to be enjoyed, strong acceleration was considered to be a major factor in delivering rider exhilaration.

To achieve this goal, the Ninja H2R is powered by a supercharged engine and boasts power output in the region of 300hp. Yet it has a compact design similar to power units found in the supersport category.

2015 Kawasaki H2R
Although the Ninja H2R will be a production motorcycle, its huge horsepower means it is only available as a closed-course model. Fitted with slick racing tires, it may not be ridden on public roads and should only be ridden by experienced riders.

The key to achieving the incredible performance lies in the supercharger, which was designed specifically for this application and completely in-house. Its development drew on technologies from other companies within Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI), such as the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and Corporate Technology Division.

Technology created by the KHI Group was not limited to the supercharger. In fact, shared technology from other group companies can be found throughout the all-new engine and chassis. For example, the carbon-fiber upper and lower winglets were designed with assistance from Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company. These parts increase stability when riding in the ultra-high speed range and were critical to the motorcycle’s overall design. This is one example, but the KHI Group collaboration and the level of technology poured into the new motorcycle is why the Kawasaki River Mark* is prominently displayed on the front of the Ninja H2R.

When it came to naming the motorcycle, “Ninja” was an obvious choice because it is synonymous with Kawasaki performance and has been shared by many legendary Kawasaki models over the years. Its model designation is also derived from another iconic model, with its 750 two-stroke Triple that gave it intense acceleration, making it a sensation around the world: the 750SS Mach IV, also known as the “H2.” For a model designed to offer “the kind of acceleration no rider has experienced before,” Ninja H2R is the ideal name.

Built Beyond Belief. Kawasaki is ready to unleash a new sensation on the world: the Ninja H2R motorcycle.

2015 Kawasaki H2R
KEY FEATURES

UNRIVALLED ACCELERATION

In order to offer intense acceleration and a top speed most riders will never experience, it was essential the engine could produce substantial horsepower. While a large-displacement engine could easily provide high output, a compact engine was preferred to ensure a lightweight, compact package.

A supercharged engine is able to provide high-performance in a downsized package, meeting the project’s requirements. As a result, the 998cc in-line Four has a maximum output of around 300hp.

2015 Kawasaki H2R
KAWASAKI SUPERCHARGER

The supercharger in the Ninja H2R was designed by Kawasaki motorcycle engine designers with assistance from other companies within the KHI Group, namely the Gas Turbine & Machinery Company, Aerospace Company and the Corporate Technology Division.

Designing it in-house has helped to match the characteristics of the 998cc four-cylinder engine. The highly efficient, motorcycle-specific supercharger was the key to achieving the power and intense acceleration the engineers desired.

CHASSIS DESIGN

The objectives for the Ninja H2R chassis were to provide stability at ultra-high track speeds, and offer cornering performance to be able to enjoy circuit riding. At the same time, it needed to have an accommodating character.

Ordinarily, high-speed stability can be achieved with a long wheelbase. However, the engineers wanted a shorter wheelbase to achieve the compact packaging and sharp handling that were also desired. Furthermore, the frame needed to be stiff, yet had to absorb external forces encountered while riding in the ultra-high speed range. Such conditions could easily unsettle the chassis, so a new trellis frame was developed using the latest analysis technology. It provided both the strength to harness the incredible power of the supercharged engine, and balanced flex to help stability for high-speed competition riding.

AERODYNAMICS

Since wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, the Ninja H2R needed a combination of high power and smooth aerodynamics to operate in the ultra-high speed range. With the power requirements taken care of by the supercharger, the next step was to design bodywork that both minimized aerodynamic drag and increased stability when riding at speed.

Kawasaki’s Aerospace Company was enlisted to assist with the creation of the wind tunnel-sculpted bodywork to help aerodynamic efficiency.

2015 Kawasaki H2R

INTENSE-FORCE DESIGN

Wanting to create a bold design worthy of the Ninja and H2R names, the styling concept was dubbed “Intense Force Design.”

As a flagship for the Kawasaki brand, the Ninja H2R required presence and styling that reflected its incredible performance. And while the design looks the part, it has a functional beauty, with each piece of bodywork aerodynamically sculpted to help ultra-high speed stability.

The cowling design also maximizes cooling performance and heat dissipation, helping to achieve the engine’s circa 300hp output. And the Ram Air duct is positioned to bring fresh air directly to the supercharger.

More than any motorcycle Kawasaki has built to date, the Ninja H2R is a showcase of craftsmanship, build quality and superb fit and finish, right down to its high-tech mirror-finish black chrome paint that was specially developed for this model.

 

[mrsnaglepuss]

Try this

https://cdn.rideapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/kawasaki-supercharger-top.jpg

 

[tillbuilt]

I belive that the guys that built turbo bikes with a certain manufactures turbo system are not happy.

I have built two KMS turbo bikes and have not sold either the kit of the complete bike. I LOVE the reliability and the quick spool of the KMS turbo package.

My 2015 Yamaha YZ450F does feel better than my Husaberg FE570 because the turbo is mounted central mass of the bike. To be fair the YZ IN STOCK FORM is a better feeling bike all around.

I ride my turbo bikes on BIG days. Not just deep days but show off days also. If you have ever ridden BIG power you know that it pulls on you physically and will tire you out on a full days ride. Hanging on to 100hp at the rear wheel is physically demanding!!!!!! I can not physically ride my turbo every day. I have to jump in a stocker some of the time to let my body recover and my arms go back to normal length. I feel like Strech Arstrong at the end of a turbo day.

I am not a hill climber. I am a hard core tree rider. My bikes usually are ugly, plastic duct taped together, and smell like burning wood.

 

[Hawkster]

Talk about the H2R is a good example of how far some things have come since an introduction . This GPZ 750 Turbo came out in the early 80's .

The boost was deadly to the machines show room appearance , road rash was a given and corners where to be taken either on or off the throttle and the unfortunate majority were bone yard material .

The guys on the drag strip loved them and pushed the boost but the bike was short lived as a production made machine .

One of the players in the demise of this bike was the short lived Harley Davidson Tariff put on all foreign bikes over 750cc . It had an ill affect on the economy and that's why they all started making a 700 class .

The only other turbo bike was a Honda , it was something like a 500 or 550 .

What's funny when Harley was in some serious financial trouble piecing bikes together they used Kawasaki's Kz frames on some models , stamp is on the under side of the frame .

One could only imagine how far the motorcycle would of come along if it wasn't for congress and Harley Davidson .

Good memories ,

 

[KAWGRN]

Oh Man ,I had one of those ,,talk about turbo LAG when it came on boost you wanted to make sure you were going straight!!! and can you say high speed wobble!!!!OMG

 

[swedenturbo]

Seems the general consensus is most have not been very happy with them (turbo on a snow bike) and gone back to stock

I'm happy with my turbo snowbike and will never go back to stock!
Yes, I ride in trees. No, theres no lag. Yes, its reliable.

I think many visitors read here on this forum soak up all information about snowbikes. I'm one of them
You're probably right, some turbo bikes sucks. That doesn't mean that all turbos dont work.

From what I've seen from different turbo kit manufacturers is that there are big differenses in design and engineering.
Some take shortcuts to make it cheap, easy to manufacture and easy for the customer to mount on their bike. Thats a big selling point. Put in in a fancy box, nice brand and ship it to the customer.

Some turbo builders mainly look at performance and reliability, despite costs and that the customer have to modify a lot on both the bike and the engine. I think thats what we customers should look for.

Snowbiking is a new sport and many companies want to earn quick money. Sadly some will ruin reputation in the reliability on turbo kits

I'm no turbo kit builder, rather a hobby DIY turbo guy so don't regard me as an expert. From my trial and error I think I have some point in this debate.

My conclutions so far regarding design, reliability and maintenance:
Low compression piston
Really big plenum, mine is about 4-5 liters
Rear mount turbocharger
Good fuel, better than pump gas
Intercooler
Max 10 psi boost
Motul motor oil of good quality, 10 hrs oil change
Heavier studs
Larger water pump
Modified stronger clutch
Keep off the rev limiter!

Currently 100 hrs on my bike with no rebuild. Well, a blown the head gasket twise but concider that to some R&D
Have modified my bike so much that it's a dedicated snowbike. Too much work to return the engine and bike back to stock each year.
For those of you that want to ride a decent turbo bike in winter and back to stock on wheels in summer; you will have a lot more than a weekends work!

 

[swedenturbo]

Btw, have bought a brand new 500 bike for next year. That will also be boosted with the old turbo kit.
This photo is of my old turbo bike as I returned it back to stock prior selling it.
The only part I didn't touch was the frame and the left hand radiator.. Other parts was more or less modified.
This will hopefully show that a purpose built turbo snowbike is a fairly big project.

Completed the conversion back to stock.
Despite 100 hrs with turbo, and never ridden on dirt, it looked like brand new.

Here the bike as it was in the right elements

 

[Corban_White]

swedenturbo, I love everything you post. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with this community.

 

[KAWGRN]

Not a big aero charger guy ,,but this may be a good app for a #53

 

[dhdey]

people are looking at this all wrong. need someone to develop a sled style clutching setup. spool up time would be almost instant and engines could make much more power with a much smaller powerband

 

[up-high]

why put inefficient cvt transmission on a bike that already has a very efficient method of transferring power(chain/gears)? That's going backwards.

 

[more snow]

I completely agree on the cvt transmission being inefficient, high maintenance and unreliable. Standard motorcycle transmission is way better. I dont miss replacing $180 belts every 6 rides on my snowmobile.