If it wasn`t for dyno sheets many (IMO) would not think the Pro is down on power. I love the powerband and snap out of the box on the Pro.
According to my dealer I have an exceptional large percentage of time at 100% throttle (something they made a policy to check on a trade-in look over after the Dragons). But, when riding I use the snap and torque more than I felt I did on the last brand I was loyal to lol.
Building a structurally stronger base engine to make more HP for 10% or less of the actual use, and adding 20 lb to the front of a Pro, would be a step backwards IMO. Building an exotic material engine is pretty costly and the tech is new and unexplored so please Poo, don't build me a stronger motor that weights more for the sake of a 10% power gain on the top that most rarely use.
When Cat went to an 800 my M7 (stock but clutched, suspension lol, and track) out performed the 8's for a full year (until the awesome SLP pipe came out).
When Doo went to 800 (speaking of Doo 800's, hard to find one for sale that doesn't say "fresh short block" or "fresh top end" installed under warranty), my HM700 ( head jetting, clutching) outperformed them until the 2003.5 Rev came out.
Every year I come across more and more high mile Pro's under second and third owners that haven't got a clue what's been done or needs to be done lol. Maybe those Pro's are so worn out that they can't break, maybe those Pro's are the lucky ones lol. I just know the owners are happy and grinning when we meet because they are riding side by side with other brands and love the fact that they need to stop and help the others get unstuck (always a good chance to beat your chest and rub it in lol)
I voted with my wallet and changed brands last year. I did it not for the power (because my M7's and HM700 had plenty power for me and performance once set-up) but to make a statement lol about QC to my last brand. The motor is only one part of the package. The package is what it is all about for me. Something that was powder ready and set-up to perform best in virgin snow out of the box.
Through my eye's the Pro was beautiful. Quality welds, fasteners, minimalist design, and the #'s seen on my scales (how did they do that LOL) is what caught my eye. After a week I loved the engine response and how the clutches put that to the snow.
I wish every Pro owner could spend a season on the more powerful Suzuki 800 in the '12 PC package (in relation to the trouble free better set-up for mountain use M package) or a couple of years on the more powerful (but heavier) 800 ZX package after owning a 700 in the same chassis.
Careful what you wish for because after 6 hrs in real snow the "package" is more important than the HP you have IMHO.
Disclaimer lol, my sleds are never stock lol. If I was controlled somehow and needed to ride something stock, hands down there is only one I would do that on and that's this Pro we are complaining to Poo about. Too old to fight my sled nowadays.