No question about it.....the H1 would eat the 550 alive......
However, the 550 will still be running on the original pistons and bores when the H1 will be bored out to the max.....never mind the fuel that's gone down the gullet of the H1. Money spent on fuel for Kwakker strokers could support the economy of a mid-sized South American country.
Of course fuel economy is not what ANY stroker is about....right ??!!?? They're all about FUN FUN FUN, to quote the Beach Boys.
and the price is likely similar
Well, Paul, if I could buy a ZR7S for what I paid for the KZ650 there'd be no contest.....although, admittedly, the 650 has 'wayyyyy more panache than the ZR. It's just an all 'round fun bike to ride.....and the Big K really knows how to get some ponies out of a 2 valve engine.
Which one is faster and/or more fun? The Kaw has always looked lighter than the GT550.
Well, Nitro, they both have their charms. The H2, set up as it is, will do a whole bunch of things that the 550 won't......
but the 550 is very akin to the new 1250 Bandit in its torque delivery.
OTOH, Kawasaki strokers can't even spell "torque", never mind produce any.
Suzuki and Kawasaki were diametrically opposed in their approaches to two stroke engine performance. That's why it's nice to have an example from each camp.....and it'll be even nicer if I can get my Buffalo back on the road.