The little Monster that could (I hope).

[enzo]

The idea that a Monster is comparable to an SV is facinating to me.  While on the surface, an SV in stock trim might seem close to a 695, I can't believe that a 4-valved liquid cooled engine is slower than a 2-valved air cooled engine of similar displacement.  Also, at some point, fairings and ergos will get you around the track faster and easier, which might trump HP figures.  I don't know enough about this issue to explain it, but there has to be a reason why the 650 AFM class isn't split between SV's, Kawi's and Monsters.  I would agree that SV's have lower quality parts out of the box, but with enough prepped bikes out there, I'd be shocked if any of the SV track bikes would be slower than a 695.  If that's not the case, then how cool would it be to race a Monster in the AFM and shatter conventional wisdom?

As for Remy's situation, I think the SS was made for this application.  Fully faired, more aggressive ergos, better clearance for the track, yet air cooled, 2-valved (cheaper maintenance) and mild mannered enough for the street.