I'm sure in the motorcycle application it's likely turning 12K+ RPM. You can't turn a CVT primary that fast, so naturally peak horsepower will be less. Not to mention the SxS weighs 8 times a sportbike, so it has to be tuned for torque.
I never got to meet Walker. I did meet Evan at a dealer demo in Barstow. Some of my friends did know Walker, and every single one said he was a genuinely nice guy.
Clutching has never been Kawi's strong suit. It will be interesting to see if they have this dialed in, and don't have wear issues. I hope they have a DCT in development.