Power vs Weight

[GregoXB]

What would benefit acceleration and speed performance more on a Buell? An extra 2-4hp and 2-4lbs of torque or 15-20lbs of weight saving?

 

[Fatty SS]

Given the choice, I prefer weight loss. It aids acceleration just the same as hp increases, but also aids handling. If I were choosing between a weight reduction mod vs a power increase mod, I'd pick the weight reduction first, then save up for the power adder later.

 

[50dro]

Based on your values and looking at HP/Wt as your measure of benefit, the weight loss is the better bet, but not by much.

Stock: 103HP/395 lb = .261HP/LB

Add 4 HP: 107HP/395 lb = .271HP/LB

Loose 20 lb: 103HP/375 lb = .275HP/LB

 

[Cooter]

I also agree that weight savings gives you an advantage in speed and handling.

Our bikes aren't underpowered (and torque is king), but where are you going to find 20lbs(!) to remove?? It might be easier to lose it from your belly!

 

[d_adams]

And this is exactly why I build what I do. 10% power gains over stock at a minimum, some as much as 14-15%. Sure, you can trim a fair amount of weight, but picking up 9-10 HP on an xb or 15+ HP on an 1125? That would require a huge diet. Finding 20 lbs is hard enough, where's the other 20-30 lbs going to come from to be comparable to the HP gains?

 

[djs2k2]

I would go for the Hp and lose weight myself, hey but that's me.[up]

 

[Fatty SS]

D_adams: the treadmill.

 

[John422]

I don't about you guys. But i go absolutely crazy when it come to weight reduction. I will shave metal brackets down to save grams, I will cut out any wires unessessaey, I will remove any thing I don't need. My fires SS think I'm crazy and they tease me all the time. But i don't care. It's totally worth it and it's a sense of pride too. And it's what the pro's do. So why can't I haha. And dean. That is yet another reason why I love your exhaust.all it is is what you need it to be and not gram more and not a bracket more haha

 

[d_adams]

Fatty SS, I'm right there with you, just need more hours in the day.

 

[GregoXB]

Things I can think of to save weight:

Remove:
- Muffler + brackets + fasteners + wires and servo = ~20 lbs
- Inner air box = ~0.5lbs
- Passenger A frame posts = ~5lbs
- Tail chop = ~1lbs
- Belts and tire guards = ~1lbs
- Battery = ~8 lbs

Replace:
- CF can plus brackets = ~ 5lbs
- Lithium battery = ~ 2lbs

That's about 28lbs of savings.... don't quote me on the weights...

I feel like there is a quite a bit that can be trimmed... bring the dry weight to like 370lbs....

Isn't that like Ducati Panigale territory? Is this possible? Or am I waaay off base here?

 

[Fatty SS]

Muffler and battery were the first things I thought of, too.

 

[Banshee77]

Don't forget the cheese grader, that thing weigh's a ass ton. Power to weight is huge to me, on my lightning my exhaust is about half of stock, no cheese grader,or passenger pegs/mounts, and no belt guards. The bike will power wheelie in first and second gear. I hear a lot of people say that they can't lift the front end without the clutch. Keeping in mind I'm only 165 pounds.