johnnyXS wrote:Is this to be an article about Bang for buck Tuning ....or an expensive scooter upgrade article ?
It is about bang for buck tuning, the clue is in the title. However in order to achieve bang for buck results, readers must gain some sort of knowledge, an overview if you will. Therefore, if Darrell runs a series of tests using lots of different components then he can deduce what is in fact 'bang for buck' and what is not. That gives the reader a better knowledge base for the reason to do A instead of B, and doesn't leave them wondering 'why didn't they try this?'.
johnnyXS wrote:Anyone vaguely interested in this tuning series will either already have last months magazine or will make it their business to obtain a copy of the article.
No, not at all. The interesting thing about magazine buying trends is that you will have a hardcore (usually subscribers) who get every edition, and then a large 'glut' of readers who will buy say 6-8 editions per year, and a small number who will buy less than 6 editions per year. The idea is to give an overview for those who buy sporadically, its far more helpful that way, and doesn't compromise any information or facts for the regular reader.
johnnyXS wrote:This is followed by a 3x page perfunctory breeze through a complete scooter upgrade ?
No, that's not an accurate assessment. It was a layman's guide to basic upgrades on the engine only, which is absolutely necessary if you want to take the engine to the next stage. To guide a reader through potential tuning techniques and not address basic upgrades would be ridiculous.
johnnyXS wrote:‘In my garage we had a basic rule of thumb ‘ .....Just who is writing this article anyway?
I wrote it. Everything depends on available time for the magazine and the contributor. If Darrell is short of time i can visit, glean the info and report. If Darrell has time, he can write the report. The important thing for me is to get the info and the facts/results out to the reader.
johnnyXS wrote:If it is a collaborative effort then it should say so .
It did, at the end of the article.
johnnyXS wrote:At this early stage of the series it would appear to me that we are investing well over £1500 already in upgrades and I am left wondering just where our ‘Bang for Buck’ has gone ...
The engine upgrades to handle extra power are: Chain, sprocket, clutch plates, clutch springs, chain slipper, main bearings, oil seals, seal plate, con-rod/bearing. Circa £170 total. Darrell also fitted a better piston, not because it was needed at this stage, but for what is to come. I believe a nice piston starts around £90+
If you wish to fit a an expansion, which Darrell does in coming editions, you can buy something decent for as little as £160
At this stage all tests were run with a small/standard carb which was up-jetted, but Dellorto cabs start from as little as £89.
So everything is about choice, stages: If you want to simply 'adjust' your engine and fit no components then Part 1 of the series is for you, if you want to test a few bolt-on/bolt-off components, then Parts 2 & 3 might suit you, and if you want to start porting cylinders.....then keep reading!
As for bang for buck, its all relative, especially compared to some of the current kits and hi-spec engines out there.....the tuning carried out is about as frugal as you can get per bhp gained, so i hope we are not doing too badly with the feature. Darrell will run a lot of tests, they need not all be considered 'instructions' in the sense of a step 1, 2, 3...but as a series of research articles to show what works, and what does not. The choice is then left with the reader, and they should have sufficient info to help shape their choices.
I hope you enjoy the coming editions