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Really liked when vital did this test. Would love to see more riders/skill levels and tests on different tracks between different bikes. I was kind of surprised with the outcome of this test and I am sure different riders on different tracks the results would be equally interesting.
https://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/2023-ktm-300-sx-vs-350-sx-f-vs-…
I don't think the sample size is large enough. With 30 qualified test riders? Sure. Not with 5. Their lap times will be fastest on the brand they currently ride. That's the bias.
Lap times would be way off depending on what order they ride the bikes in. Probably wouldn't learn much.
More written tests than videos. I don't have the bandwidth or patience to watch a video when I can read an article at my own pace. Yes, I am getting old.
Fair points. Guess there will always be bias or variables in a bike test. The part I like about having lap time data like the cross box they used in that test is it’s not just a personal opinion of the bike. Jacob Hayes is a pro rider and I expected his lap time to be best on the 450. He liked the 300sx the most and had his best lap time on it. I own several bikes and have a lap timer. Surprised at how what feels fast is not always the best lap time. I don’t take much stock in bikes tests-kind of like someone telling me what a good burger is-very subjective. At least with lap times we can see what rider was actually faster on. Fast lap isn’t everything but if it’s fast and fun that a plus.
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I too liked that lap time comparison. I understand the variables enough to not take the results as gospel truth. I also like it when Vital did that great 450 shootout that included lap times. I just find it interesting.
I think included lap times are great for a test. Just have the rider state what bike they are currently riding. Going off another riders "feel" is dumber than seeing how lap times stack up.
Then that puts pressure on the test rider to ha e perfect, repeatable laps. Maybe they got caught behind a slower rider one lap? Maybe the track got rougher? Maybe they love the last bike the most, but the moisture is gone and berms are blown out? If everybody unanimously likes bike B more, but bike A had the fastest lap because it was ridden in perfect conditions with no traffic, what do you learn from the data? These also aren't pros churning out identical laps over and over. My lap times can vary quite a bit, especially the tougher the track is.
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