Posts
1030
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Guadalajara
MX
ratonmacias
11/20/2017 8:58pm
11/20/2017 8:58pm
Edited Date/Time
2/3/2018 3:01am
After listening to Keefers shootout podcast it seems obvious that the engine didnt go the direction everyone expected. what happened? the 2018 ktm and yamaha are unchanged its not like they improved the previous models. didnt honda dyno and test back to back the other bikes?
Personally, I'm disappointed and was hoping they would try to emulate the Yamaha's power (and probably win every shootout).
Honda have been known to keep a lot in reserve the first year, and I'm hoping next year will show more of that motors potential.
I'm almost certain I'll be keeping my current CRF for another year.
The Shop
The sport is just slowly pegging away into an unaffordable state.
I'll rant about participation as much as slower bikes and tracks soon.
I'm sure you can get the bike on a dyno and move more power to low- and mid end.
Once you take that tech and lower compression and take down the timing, you probably loose or retard what the motor is capable of..... (which is what they do for Johnny Public’s bike)
Tuners always talk about “I can make bike X scream..... Bike Y is very receptive to mods and there is easy power to be found..... etc.” I would bet money that dollar for dollar, this Honda engine will yield more HP than other bikes when you throw in a high-compression piston, cams, ignition, and exhaust
Pit Row
I'm a huge fan of the Honda design changes and overall base architecture, and it will serve them well for the next 4-5 year cycle and beyond. For me, getting the right cam profile sorted out along with seeing if any easy gains can be found in the stock piston design will be the two big improvements right out of the gate, followed by port evaluation and of course electronics for those who have the budget. Honda left big room on the table though for what is needed for a truly well rounded engine.
The exhaust system results are good gains for a bolt on, but no where near earth shattering or what will be needed to fill the bottom end up
The KTM has a great chassis and engine out of the box. But I really don’t love the forks.
If I bought the Honda, I’d get exhaust and maybe try some engine work.
If I bought the KTM, I’d get an exhaust and new forks.
It’s a wash between getting the perfect bike...
I would hate to open a new engine to replace a new piston with a different new piston. Hopefully the '19 gets all those updates from the factory.
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