06-15-2018, 05:58 AM
Nope, because then it won't be as smooth and serene the other 90% of the time. This bike's buzzy range is 3500-5000 rpm, and I do not want it in that window any longer than it needs to be.
Anyway, as for introducing hard parts from the aftermarket to beef up the power, no thanks. I want those improvements to come stock from the manufacturer, under full warranty, with Honda's typical R&D refinement.
The bike I can't help but think back to is the CBR1100XX, the Super Blackbird. That thing made gobs of power everywhere, yet was smooth as glass. Of course I don't expect an air-cooled retro to approach that sort of HP and torque, but I've always thought that 110 rwhp and 72 ft-lbs of rear-wheel torque with a very wide powerband is entirely reasonable for a modern 1140cc Honda I4.
I still do, and if it did make that power, the bike would be truly flawless. In exchange, I'd be more than willing to give up a bit of fuel mileage, but even there we really shouldn't have to, not at freeway cruising speeds, anyway.
The bottom line is the bike is nearly flawless, as delivered. I simply have to accept the fact that when I'm riding at extreme elevations, I'm not going to be able to accelerate with any real urgency. If I have a passenger at those elevations, I'll need to plan my passes. While I'd prefer more outright power in lieu of greater fuel mileage and a soothing powerband, I'm perfectly okay with Honda's chosen compromise. I don't often ride at 8,000' elevations, but for future reference, now I know. Either kick back and go into full slowpoke sightseeing mode, or take the XSR.
Anyway, as for introducing hard parts from the aftermarket to beef up the power, no thanks. I want those improvements to come stock from the manufacturer, under full warranty, with Honda's typical R&D refinement.
The bike I can't help but think back to is the CBR1100XX, the Super Blackbird. That thing made gobs of power everywhere, yet was smooth as glass. Of course I don't expect an air-cooled retro to approach that sort of HP and torque, but I've always thought that 110 rwhp and 72 ft-lbs of rear-wheel torque with a very wide powerband is entirely reasonable for a modern 1140cc Honda I4.
I still do, and if it did make that power, the bike would be truly flawless. In exchange, I'd be more than willing to give up a bit of fuel mileage, but even there we really shouldn't have to, not at freeway cruising speeds, anyway.
The bottom line is the bike is nearly flawless, as delivered. I simply have to accept the fact that when I'm riding at extreme elevations, I'm not going to be able to accelerate with any real urgency. If I have a passenger at those elevations, I'll need to plan my passes. While I'd prefer more outright power in lieu of greater fuel mileage and a soothing powerband, I'm perfectly okay with Honda's chosen compromise. I don't often ride at 8,000' elevations, but for future reference, now I know. Either kick back and go into full slowpoke sightseeing mode, or take the XSR.