Some examples:
Dodge Viper
- 10 cylinder engine
- 450-hp
- 3500-lbs
- power-to-weight ratio = 0.129 hp/lbs
- weight-to-power ratio = 7.8 lbs/hp
Ducati Multistrada
- 2 cylinder engine
- 90-hp
- 500-lbs
- P-to-W = 0.180 hp/lbs
- W-to-P = 5.6 lbs/hp
Now we see why even relatively small-engine size motorcycles blow the doors off nearly any automobile.
But wait...
Neither cars nor motorcycles drive themselves. So, we should factor in the weight of the driver/rider to be a bit more precise. For most cars, the weight of the driver is relatively negligible compared to the weight of the car. For example, for the Viper, a 200-lb driver (yeah, a portly dude) amounts to less than 6% of the car's weight. So, the 7.8 lbs/hp becomes 8.3 lbs/hp...not much change (6% change to be exact).
What about the motorcycle?
The 200-lb rider is a whooping 40% of the weight of the bike. Thus, the most excellent 5.6 lbs/hp raises to a Viper comparable 7.8 lbs/hp. So, now this Ducati won't stomp the omnipotent Viper.
So, how do I increase the W-to-P ratio of my Ducati?
Control portion size.
No late night snacks.
No late night snacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment