03/22/2012 by Pockets
The first step in choosing a camshaft is understanding a particular camshaft as it relates to the performance level of your motorcycle’s intended purpose. In general, Hot Cams has set a precedent of improving the power band of the motorcycle engine in three distinct ways (which will be expanded on in the future). We refer to these general design objectives as phases of development. In actuality, Hot Cams is shaping the power to meet different rider objectives. The general descriptions of choosing a camshaft are as follows:
Stage 1: The objective of this type of camshaft is to enhance the power delivery for an average rider. A general characteristic of this type of power delivery is to enhance bottom to mid-range power. This allows the rider to operate in very tight conditions such as supercross and enduro racing, without constantly having to change gears. This generally happens at the expense of some top end power. A camshaft of this type may also lower the peak power, in order to gain bottom end performance.
Stage 2: The objective of this type of camshaft is to increase midrange and top-end power, with a potential loss of lower RPM power delivery. A general characteristic of this type of camshaft would be to enhance high RPM power delivery, at the expense of some low and mid-range torque. This would be ideal for the outdoor motocross rider. The overall effect of this camshaft is to raise the peak power roughly 500 RPMs.
Stage 3: The objective of this type of camshaft is to take the strategy of the Stage 2 camshaft a step further. Due to the increase in peak RPM power and over rev, a Stage 3 camshaft may be impractical for use in sand, mud, or obstacles requiring low end power to maneuver. For this reason, Hot Cams often refers to a Stage 3 camshaft as a “Supermoto” type camshaft, due to the high speed type of racing. These can also be used when a big bore kit or stroker crankshaft compensates for the lack of low end power.
The general goal of all Hot Cams camshafts is to utilize the designed-in features of the engine so that only a camshaft change is necessary to shape a power band to meet the special needs of the rider.