Not to ignite a 250T vs. 450F debate again, but I've heard repeatedly that the reason the 250 class switched to 450's was mainly due to extra power (shocker, I know). Not that the 250T didn't have the power, but you just don't have to ring the 450F out as hard to get the power.
Then we heard DeCoster comment during the fuel dilemma that the 450F won't make more power with extra lead. And in fact, the bike makes so much power that they try to tune it back just a hair. (further substantiating that their team isn't looking for more power to win races)
At the most recent round, however, I heard about 3 different times the broadcasters comment how Kawasaki finally got the team some newer, more powerful engines. Which sounded like an explanation for Bubba's most recent explosiveness. "You know, Kawi got those new engines..."
But we've been hearing all along that the 450F makes too much power to fully use, so why would a more powerful engine be better?
Personally, I think the "450 makes more power than we can use" comment is weak. If a rider has a faster bike, he'll find a way to use it short of COMPLETELY over-riding the track. But I would think especially in long straights and whoop sections, even another 10 HP would be a killer advantage from one pro to another.
Anyway....just interesting as the story never seems to be 100% straight.
Micah
Then we heard DeCoster comment during the fuel dilemma that the 450F won't make more power with extra lead. And in fact, the bike makes so much power that they try to tune it back just a hair. (further substantiating that their team isn't looking for more power to win races)
At the most recent round, however, I heard about 3 different times the broadcasters comment how Kawasaki finally got the team some newer, more powerful engines. Which sounded like an explanation for Bubba's most recent explosiveness. "You know, Kawi got those new engines..."
But we've been hearing all along that the 450F makes too much power to fully use, so why would a more powerful engine be better?
Personally, I think the "450 makes more power than we can use" comment is weak. If a rider has a faster bike, he'll find a way to use it short of COMPLETELY over-riding the track. But I would think especially in long straights and whoop sections, even another 10 HP would be a killer advantage from one pro to another.
Anyway....just interesting as the story never seems to be 100% straight.
Micah