Quote:
Originally posted by Jools
Nice of you to say so TP, but I wouldn't mind a bit more power myself.
|
I would have considered this easy for me to say I suppose, my 996 has approx 120 rwbhp thanks to Neil Spalding plus shorter gearing and a lightened flywheel for added excitement
But, having just done a track day on the 620 monster sporting around 60 rwbhp I can understand the frustrations of people with less bhp. Bearing in mind as well that the 620 is still heavier than the CBR's, R6's etc that have over 100bhp. I found that I would get blown away on the straights and held up in the corners, or I'd get the chance to go around the outside of some people on much faster bikes. Initially I found that immensely satisfying but then just frustrating as they'd go by me again, at the end of the day they are just worse riders than me. They may have had problems, not had the suspension set up etc etc ... who knows.
This is why I think that a good torquey midrange is the most important engine characteristic and behind well setup suspension as the most important mods to a bike. A good torquey midrange will fire you out of corners, you'll be on the power quicker than the big bore boys and give yourself more of a chance of not being mugged by the next corner ....
As a reminder of how it being more about rider skill ... a guy on a SuperMotard came past me and I couldn't catch him. I was right behind him going into Paddock Hill bend and he was leaning back with his foot out. I was laughing in my helmet ....