Regarding the Honda, here are some things we (NKA) found that I'll provide just for the sake of transparency and conversation;
1. They were not as fast as the clones. On average about .2-.4 HP down built basically to existing clone rules. Track testing showed this as well.
2. They were more expensive, but not a lot. The final cost through a builder would have been $150 to $250 more than the average price of a built clone. Since they never were sold on the marketplace, that's just opinion, but it's probably pretty close.
3. They were higher quality. I don't think this is really a finding as most people felt this was the case anyway. However, builders that tested with them told us this as well. They felt that the quality would lead to fewer rebuilds and longer parts usage. Since we didn't test to failure, those..again...are just opinions at this point.
The Honda ultimately generated more questions than answers. Since it did not provide a positive solution, we (NKA) opted to not include it for 2014. I put out a post that covered that topic which is over on the General Forum. I also put it in the clone forum, but noticed it was deleted.
Clone, being what it is, is a very difficult engine platform to manage. With multiple importers, multiple engine configurations, and what seems at times to be a daily evolution of new parts and pieces, it keeps our tech group really busy. However, clone is a very important part of the infrastructure of karting in today's world, and I can promise you that we are working daily to stabilize the class as much as we can so that the investment all of you make in your engines doesn't evaporate. We want all of you going to races, and having fun. Not staying home because the engine you have won't pass tech.
Joe Janowski
NKA, Inc.