1st Official Win for the KTM 350cc
Tue, Feb 09, 2010 - 11:12pm
Not a bad debut for the 350cc KTM with linkage. I wonder if this is a sign of good things to come for Alessi or if this is a fluke due to the conditions. My question is why go 350 and not just detune or regulate the current 450cc engines, EFI mapping and ECU's can really regulate the power output. Just seems like a lot of development effort and a whole rebranding nightmare if every manufacture follows suit. US motocross and supercross doesn't need any more class naming issues.
Thu, Feb 11, 2010 - 1:44pm
#2
A 350 has the potential to turn quicker than a 450. It has less reciprocating mass (like the 250's,) and can probably be picked up earlier in the corner, and the throttle can likely be whacked wide open sooner. It possibly may hook up better off the turn as well. Indoors, turning is probably the most important part of the race, followed by the whoops, the start and the large obstacles (triples, quads, rhythm sections.)
I say potential, because I have no idea how the KTM 350 actually handles, as setup has a lot to do with how the tires hookup, and steering geometry has a lot to do with how a bike corners, regardless of motor size and characteristics... But, indoors I wouldn't be surprised if a 350 could turn faster laps. A lot of folks think it will suffer off the start. I think the 450's power exceeds the traction that currently can be obtained, so it may not be that big a difference off the line.
However, outdoors and off-road, it is likely to suffer. Nothing beats torque for maintaining high speed over distance. The 350 might be a little lighter, and easier to corner, so it may help with endurance, but I doubt if there's that much difference. As a larger rider than the norm, I've never been too worried about a machine's weight. I have always chosen durability, over weight savings. Perhaps one of the reasons Windham is such a good mud rider, and Millsaps is so good in the ruts, is because of their larger size and ability to leverage the bike.
IMO, I think the 350 is a move in the wrong direction for several practical reasons. First of all, one of the biggest complaints about the 250's is the cost of operation, because they are modded to wring every last drop of power out of the engine. Since attaining maximum power is an issue with smaller motors, reliability can be less than the larger displacement motors. In a pro series, this may be less of a factor, but keep in mind that the whole reason for building and racing the bikes, is to sell them to the public. And this brings up the second problem. One of the first mods any rider does to a bike, is to put a ultra-loud competition exhaust on his machine. Again, this may or may not be an issue in a pro series, but noise IS an unavoidable problem in the real world. A larger displacement motor, can make the same power, with less noise, and more durability. I know mentioning exhaust noise on such a dedicated pro racing forum may be sacrilege, but its time for the industry and the manufacturers to face reality about riding area's getting shut down.
(Personally, I HATE how the bike and parts manufacturers stick their head in the sand about land use issues. Ignoring land use issues, is a gigantic hole in their logic of selling products and turning a profit.)
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Wed, Feb 17, 2010 - 11:11am
#3
Well written and thought out. I like that you didn't state anything as fact but instead stated it as your opinion. That is the way it should be.
Thu, Feb 18, 2010 - 9:29am
#4
Me and my buddies have been saying for years that we wish they had a 350. We all thought the 250F just wasnt enough and the 450 was too much and thought that a 350 motor would be perfect. I know I will be getting the KTM 350 the first chance I get.
some people like the smaller bore. yes you may be slower, but youll be more consistant cus you wont have to be so light on the throttle in places the 450 you would. also the smaller bore means less power, but that also means less fatigue from trying to hold on to a rocket on dirt. problem with that one is, atleast from what ive herd, alessi is as fit as it gets. personally, i would rather be ringing a bikes neck for power, vs being carefull with it and having 100hp.