Photo: Kawasaki
The fact that the Kawasaki Ninja H2R was born to break records and push limits way beyond the borders known to man is no secret, so learning that Kenan Sofuoglu wants to reach 400 km/h (249 nph) with it should not be a total surprise.
Indeed, the Turkish World Supersport star, who has been riding Kawasaki machines in WSS since 2012, has big plans for the summer. Sofuoglu already took the H2R to an unsettling 391 km/h (243 mph) recently, but it looks like there's more to this story.
Kenan's new attempt will take place in his native Turkey, on the Ozman Gazi bridge, the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. Also known as the Izmit Bridge because it stretches across the Izmit Bay in Turkey, this superstructure will be inaugurated on June 30 and Kenan Sofuoglu's record attempt will add to the overall importance of the moment.
Special treatments and gear are envisaged for the new attempt, starting from tires and down to Kenan's leathers. Pirelli came up with a specially-formulated compound for the tires that will be used during the run. Petroleum giant Elf will be supplying a race-grade fuel that should help the H2R engine produce more power and a higher top speed.
Rev'It, who is also one of his personal technical sponsors, has been working closely with Kenan to devise a leather suit that reduces drag while providing uncompromised protection. More aerodynamic mods and weight-saving enhancements are expected to make the Ninja H2R more competitive, while still maintaining it in the production class, albeit a track-only, small-series machine.
Sofuoglu adds that he should be reaching 400 km/h in about 30 seconds and that tire temperature is a bigger concern than the speed and acceleration of the bike. His attempt also has a full backing from the Turkish President.
Kenan's new attempt will take place in his native Turkey, on the Ozman Gazi bridge, the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. Also known as the Izmit Bridge because it stretches across the Izmit Bay in Turkey, this superstructure will be inaugurated on June 30 and Kenan Sofuoglu's record attempt will add to the overall importance of the moment.
Special treatments and gear are envisaged for the new attempt, starting from tires and down to Kenan's leathers. Pirelli came up with a specially-formulated compound for the tires that will be used during the run. Petroleum giant Elf will be supplying a race-grade fuel that should help the H2R engine produce more power and a higher top speed.
Rev'It, who is also one of his personal technical sponsors, has been working closely with Kenan to devise a leather suit that reduces drag while providing uncompromised protection. More aerodynamic mods and weight-saving enhancements are expected to make the Ninja H2R more competitive, while still maintaining it in the production class, albeit a track-only, small-series machine.
Sofuoglu adds that he should be reaching 400 km/h in about 30 seconds and that tire temperature is a bigger concern than the speed and acceleration of the bike. His attempt also has a full backing from the Turkish President.
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