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4 seconds per lap is MASSIVE and they couldn’t feel it, but yeah sure, “trust me bro the washer on the linkage bolt with white grease totally frees up the rear end bro.”

There are people that notice a difference from a change that from an engineering standpoint, should make zero difference. Whether that’s placebo or not, who knows. Similar to how a change in power curve on a dyno may not actually be different/beneficial on the track

The “best” test riders in the industry couldn’t feel 4 seconds per lap difference between 250,350 and 450 back to back on their home track. I’m POSITIVE they can’t feel a 1mm difference on a linkage bolt.

Do you think a really good test rider could possibly feel the linkage free up a bit with that 1mm larger bolt, it would have a little more surface area for grease?

The reviewers are paid to sell products. They make a big deal about 1mm different sized linkage bolts. Like that does any single thing to anyone.

The WE is for kids chasing the limited class. They built those bikes to legally bend the rules. For a vet guy, just mod your R the way you want it. Wouldnt make sense to sell and buy a WE

At 6 hours on your current bike, that you like, I don't think it makes sense to sell your bike at a loss to pick up a WE.

I bought one for my son and justified it by getting the wider rear wheel/tire and the hydraulic clutch. The power delivery might suit you well with no additional mods necessary. I was comfortable on the bike immediately and I am over 200#.

I would say hell no. If you got your current ECU mapped for ~$250 it would make it better than the WE alone. The WE has a better map that stock but still a bit conservative with porting to meet regulations. A re-mapped stock ecu would ble better than a WE map still. Also getting valving for your speed and springs for your weight on the stock suspension with let say all the bells and whistles (like spring perches or w/e) would be way better than investing in the WE.

Even if you do notice a difference does it matter?, you sound like similar to me. It’s not the bike holding you back. It’s your own risk tolerance and skills. Maybe snag one on the next purchase so you don’t take a bath twice price wise.