Boston...
This is first hand knowledge from two people I rode with...(They've both since moved on)..
He flat out did not stand behind his work, period. A defective part was sold, and it was painfully obvious since the next "design change" addressed these very flaws.
And there were posts about it on 450r.org....and whaddya know...they got deleted. I know because I read them. Others had issues, but I personally know and rode with two people that had issues.
I'm sure he is capable of building a good engine...and maybe I should've left my low opinion of his motors off the forum, even after seeing them run in person.
I'm glad the Venom product has a great record on a piece of paper...and your last statement, that HP number is a tool to get you to a good running bike is 100% true.
I will ask my friends to comment on this thread that have had his product, and have had it fail...I'd like for them to join the site anyways...