1100 EVO Claimed 100HP ???

[Mau]

Hi all,
I am the new owner of a 1100 EVO and even when I like the bike a lot, I can't avoid being dissapointed by its performance.  I know it is a 2V air cooled engine......but I was expecting a little more power as the advertising claimed 100 HP.

The latest Motorcycle-usa dyno test put out almost 87HP...however, another user reported only 83HP on his test.  Regardless the differences, I would call it and 85......not quite the 100HP Ducati claims.

How can Ducati get away with something like that?

I think the 796 outs about 78HP.

[arai_speed]

Crank vs. Rear Wheel output.

[Mau]

Thanks Arai, I understand.

Here is an explanaition I found:

Crank HP vs. True Rear Wheel HP
That's a tough one - and LONG....
The short?
Take crank HP, subtract 14.6% (please don't email me and ask - I won't answer - search SAE and old Yamaha), take that, and subtract around 10% to 15% and you'll get about True HP at rear wheel.
The actual formula contains a curve for power loss through gears and  there SHOULD be another curve for power lost in a tire (it's the majority of loss on a motorcycle....
Remember, too - that you are only likely to get a crank number from the manufacturer and that's probably a "good" one that the marketing department is providing... (sound of blowing up a marketing and sales balloon? :-)  That's not everybody - but it has happened - leaving names out! :-)

This formula yields about 76HP for the EVO......

Now I know......

[Slide Panda]

Historically Ducs loose about 10% from the crank to the wheel. The first 848s folks tested were rated at 130bhp and put down 117 at the wheel - exactly a 10% loss.

So you can roughly assume you'll be getting around 90 on that 1100.

Numbers can vary from dyno to dyno and by atmospheric conditions, ambient temps etc etc. I know my 900 feels a lot more gutty on a cool fall afternoon than a hot humid summer day

[Spidey]

Are you coming from an I-4?  If so, 100 HP on the 2V aircooled twin feels really different b/c of the powerband.  If you're used to a top-end rush (which makes the bike feel fast and powerful), you're not gonna get it.  And because the powerband is relatively flat in comparison, you'll go fast on the Duc from low revs w/o realizing it.  

That said, it's not 100 RWHP. 

[bikepilot]

Most all MFG's publish very optimistic HP figures.  You didn't think the BMW and Kawasaki 100cc liter bikes really made 200hp to the wheel or that the Buell's make 103 hp now did ya?  

Ducati used to be more realistic, but some time ago they figured out that it just made them look bad when squids compared numbers, so now their degree of optimism is bested only by Buell I think (buell claimed 103hp from a motor that'll do 80 flat on a dyno).

SP, most dyno operators apply an SAE correction factor which more or less takes into account temp, altitude etc.  They sometimes don't when its a dyno day and they are doing a ton of them though.

[Duc Buz]

Much like "claimed weights".  You really see this in the bicycle world, very generous.

[Hellraising-vtec]

I have an Evo and would love more top end power. Something about it topping at 130mph also depresses me. I love the bike but I still think it lacks some power

[Buckethead]

I have an Evo and would love more top end power. Something about it topping at 130mph also depresses me. I love the bike but I still think it lacks some power

Damn, do I wish I could afford a 130 mph speeding ticket and the corresponding bump in my insurance prices.

Also, you DO realize that Ducati speedometers are notorious for being, um, "optimistic," yes?

[Speeddog]

My **** is rated at a claimed 12".
(If I start measuring at my belt).

It happens across all the manufacturers.
I worked for Yamaha in the 80's and 90's.
The 'claimed dry weight' of the bikes was always about 10% low.

[Ohm3d]

Ducati speedometers are notorious for being, um, "optimistic," yes?

+1 LOL 

[Mau]

Thanks for all the comments.  

Yes, I always had I4s and remember my 600cc sport bikes would be much faster.  Nevertheless, today I am over the speed rush I had 10 years ago and the Monster's power seems just enough to be fun while keeping me safe.  

BTW...What's the best way to increase the monster's HP?

[thought]

BTW...What's the best way to increase the monster's HP?

http://www.ducati.com/news/streetfighter_848/2011/09/12/2251/index.do

[SDRider]

Thanks for all the comments.  

Yes, I always had I4s and remember my 600cc sport bikes would be much faster.  Nevertheless, today I am over the speed rush I had 10 years ago and the Monster's power seems just enough to be fun while keeping me safe.  

BTW...What's the best way to increase the monster's HP?

[Raux]

Port and Polish,Hugh compression pistons, Termi full exhaust with DP ECU, Powercommander V,
lightweight crank, rods, flywheel, wheels