There is a guy on here who sold his 2015 R1 for a 2016 H2. Can't remember who is was. But if you search you could probably find it. He was asking for advice like you. If it were me and I had the cash, i'd get the H2. For several reasons. 1) It has the most power of any production bike. 2) You will never see another one when you are on yours 3) Nostalgia 4) it will probably be a collectors bike 5) I love the paint. But i am sure insurance will be even more astronomical compared to R1. The R1M, RSV4 RF, MV F4RR, HP4 would be more suitably compared to the H2 IMO. The base R1 is a track bike. But it is not super flashy or setting any speed records the other bikes.

 

I think its more about what you want to do. The h2 is a bike like a hyabusa. Its just all straight line fun. (Way more so than the r1 is anyway)

If you like track riding the r1 will be best for that. Especially with the traction control and slide control.

 

I think its more about what you want to do. The h2 is a bike like a hyabusa. Its just all straight line fun. (Way more so than the r1 is anyway)

If you like track riding the r1 will be best for that. Especially with the traction control and slide control.

i second that motion...:yesnod:biggrin:

plus
i look for more accessories for the item before i buy most of the time and i've seen more custom options for the R1 than H2.

 

I know this is an R1 forum but most members here seem pretty objective.

I've been riding for 20 years and have owned multiple litre bikes, but am by no means an expert rider. 99% of my riding consists of rides with friends and carving up the canyons, maybe a track day once a year. I love sports bikes and am not interested in any streetfighters or anything else deemed more suitable for street riding.

So out of the current models available I've narrowed it down to the '15 R1 or an H2, but can't decide which way to go. I'm sure I'd be happy with the R1 but the H2 just seems so tempting.

H2 pros: Unique, superior looks (imo), superior build quality, intoxicating power.Yes, it looks unique but I wouldn't say it has superior build quality, especially if your comparing it to the R1M model. Looks are subjective but I think 9 out of 10 people will agree that the R1 is a much better looking bike. Yes, the power is intoxicating but how usable is it, especially carving canyons. The R1 is not a slouch in the power department either.

R1 pros: $10k cheaper, superior handling. This comment is right on the money. Much superior handling!!!

H2 cons: Abrupt throttle response, chews tyres and fuel, inferior handling. Throttle may be abrupt but that part of the response of having that much power which you consider a "pro".It only chews tires if you drive it that way. I'm sure it eats more fuel but who cares, it's a pleasure vehicle, you don't buy a fast bike and worry about gas mileage.

R1 cons: Not as unique, less power.The R1 is fast and has very usable power. By not as unique I think you mean not as weird looking, lol. .

Would be great to hear opinions from people who have ridden an H2, or the opinions of others considering my riding intentions (99% street riding). Also money is not an issue, but it would of course be nice to save $10k.

Cheers.

I've never driven either bike but have done excessive reading on both.I think your Pro and cons are a bit off. Comments in red above.

IEdit: I forgot to mention one thing, I'm an old Kawi guy and have had at least 6 of them in my early years so I have a soft spot in my hart for the brand. My 2nd bike was a new 1977 KZ-1000. I actually like the H2 and if I had the room in my garage I'd buy one but between my girls bike and my R1 and a million tools there's no room!!!

 

If you want an ugly drag bike, go H2. If you want a beautiful, corner-carving surgical tool with more power than you could ever use anyway, go R1.

 

I know the H2 is not for everyone but if you can afford it and have narrowed it down to this and another bike you'd be crazy to not get it. The h2 is no canyon carver but to be able to experience something like this would be on everyone's bucket list id think. Worst case you can always get the r1 after youve caused permanent damage to your face from smiling so hard.

 

r1 is by far the most practical choice

 

All I am saying is that almost any of us can go buy a R1, but if you have the 25k to spend.... a bike that uncorked makes almost 265HP!!!!!!!! and well WELL over 100ftlbs.... Thats just damn cool for a bike that you can still drag a respectable knee on.

 

Amen!

 

Guess the OP was trolling anyways LOL

 

Not at all, I really appreciate everyone's answers. Unfortunately I'm still just as torn between the 2 bikes lol.

 

Why not go for the 16 R1, why the 15? There was so many recalls for that bike, why get a model that had the engine opened?

 

well he could possibly get it much cheaper. since it's value has dropped about 3k

 

...I'm sure I'd be happy with the R1 but the H2 just seems so tempting...

This is the answer right here ^

1st choice: H2
2nd (I'm sure I'd be happy...rationalization) choice: R1

Will you REALLY be happy with your 2nd choice?

 

Why not get th R1, a used GSXR1000, and a TTS supercharger kit for it? You'll have a nice handling bike, and a super fast bike you can beat on while stomping H2's a new mud hole.

 

Because you won't have factory warranty, and you will never get it to be as smooth as the H2 from factory. I have had many high hp nitrous and turbo bike and while yes you can make them reliable it will be a vey time and $$$ consuming hassle. There is nothing wrong the the R1 again if your tracking it or want or more aggressive ride.

 

I have owned both if you're thinking of street riding with occasional twisties or track days H2!!! all the way, if you want a track bike R1!

Truly on the street you cannot compare them, and with the $$$ you save on doing brake upgrades to brembos calipers and m.cylinders (i wouldn't but i see most people do) you can get the suspension tuned in and even flash it and still have $$$ left over. (i had the R1M)

 

Guess you would have to look at MotoGp and WSB to get your answer

 

So did you end up making a decision?

 

Sure have. After some excellent replies in this thread and some great info from HotRod360 via pm I've decided to go with the H2. Cheers everyone.

 

post pics when you get it.

 

Will do. :smile2:

 

I'd stay clear of a 2015 R1. Recall and all.

 

Is it new? You going to remove the whale penis of a exhaust that thing has on it?

 

Got 2!^^^