1000cc twin vs inline-four 600s

[Kinje]

Well, I'm upgrading from my 250 after getting full license.

Been riding around on a CBR250RR for the past year and a half and loving it. Wanting to get something with a bit more HP now. Was all but set on a VTR, then test rode a ZX6R today and really enjoyed it too :gob: .

The twins I've ridden all put a big grin on my face as I powered out of a corner with the raw brutal power they deliver. But after throwing the (I felt) more refined and smooth power of the 600 into the mix, I might just be waiting a little to spend my $$

Has anyone else been through the same decision? And do they have any comments on pros and cons of each type?

Been reading the 1000cc twin thread in here which has helped get (nearly) down to a VTR, but now I want to sling my leg over a few more IL 4 600's to compare (and further confuse :scratch: ) (tho all this test riding is good fun)

[Cajun]

Really depends on your riding style - do you enjoy revving a bike? If so, get a 4-cylinder. If not, go for the twin! After riding a few bikes, you'll figure out which you prefer.

Wife rode a 600 Bandit, then owned a VTR1000 and LOVED it - she's now got a GSX-R1000 but her the bike don't gel. She also hates my GSX-R 600 cause it's too hard to get off the line and is too peaky.

[NighthawkNZ]

V-Twins aren't as smooth as the inLines, but there is something about them I love... the low down grunt, the sound... But they also have their different quarks

The VTR is all round good bike that you can have some fun on the track and then take it touring the next day. Its pretty comfortable on the longer rides, the engine is pretty solid and should serve you well... They maybe not as powerful as some of the others like the TL etc but guaranteed to leave a grin on yah face when you finish riding it ;)

If you go for the VTR get at least an 2002 model earlier models had various problems.

At the end of the day, its personal choice, what you like and your riding style...and what want the bike for....

[vtec]

As said, the 600 IL4's are much smoother, so will help you with throttle confidence in the corners. I rode my dads TL1000s a few times, and the throttle was so sensitive, that I felt dangerous in the corners especially with the huge compression braking and torque. The IL4 600 is a bike you can thrash and still be in control, and be insanely fast on aswell. I will definitely be getting a 600 for the road in the next month or so. Just a much more confidence inspiring ride than the TL.

I love a screamer though. So I'm biased.

[Mooch]

I remember a similar dilemma when deciding what to replace my Kawasaki KR1 250 with.

I ruled out inline 4 1000cc as a few of my experienced rider mates were having trouble staying on the beasts at the time.

I developed a short list of bikes based on brocherware and motorcycle mags. On these were Tl1000R , CBR600 , GSXR750 / 600 and Ducati Vtwins (900ss 748).

I tried a few, was set on a TlR1000 until I rode one. Going from a low torque 250 nimble bike to high torque twin with average handling (standard) I released quickly that it wasn't for me.

I tried a number of bikes and was still dicing between inline 600 / 75- sports bike or ducs.
I ended up with with a 750 twin as the engine reminded me of the two stroke, but still had some of the urge of a 1000 and the revy nature of a smaller inline four and a reasonable amount of cornering finesse.

At the end f the day, ride lots of bikes and buy the one you enjoy riding the most. The twin still does it for me and I'm happy with power / torque / handling after owning it for 4 / 5years.

[Mooch]

As said, the 600 IL4's are much smoother, so will help you with throttle confidence in the corners. I rode my dads TL1000s a few times, and the throttle was so sensitive, that I felt dangerous in the corners especially with the huge compression braking and torque. The IL4 600 is a bike you can thrash and still be in control, and be insanely fast on aswell. I will definitely be getting a 600 for the road in the next month or so. Just a much more confidence inspiring ride than the TL.

I love a screamer though. So I'm biased.

In terms of smoothness many vtwins (or maybe it's just Ducati) are smoother in the 5000 - 11000 rpm range which is where most people ride in. Your don't get the somewhere between 4k and 6k buzzyness that I've experienced on most of the inlines that I've ridden.
Below 4k is a different story !. At 3k in the wrong gear a Twin can shake your fillings out !

[robertydog]

In terms of smoothness many vtwins (or maybe it's just Ducati) are smoother in the 5000 - 11000 rpm range which is where most people ride in. Your don't get the somewhere between 4k and 6k buzzyness that I've experienced on most of the inlines that I've ridden.
Below 4k is a different story !. At 3k in the wrong gear a Twin can shake your fillings out !

Yea i had a 900 Ducati and i found it wasnt for me. It shook the daylights out of me and im on in line four now. Really smooth

[avgas]

1000cc twin, i couldnt stay interested on anything less than an 850 anymore, feels too small.....no really

[Paulus]

V-Twins aren't as smooth as the inLines, but there is something about them I love... the low down grunt, the sound... But they also have their different quarks



I agree about the lack of smoothness but not about the low down grunt. I've recently had decent rides on a VTR1000F, an SV1000 and a TL1000S and was disappointed in the lack of said low down grunt. The TL engine is the pick of that bunch. I felt that they were all mainly mid range engines (not particularly strong low end and not a lot up top). Pretty unexciting to ride (except the TL which was fun).

[Hitcher]

Don't piss around with squidly bikes. Get yourself a big naked: XJR1300, CB1300, ZRX1200R or even a Bandit 1200. And there's always that piece of consumate magnificence, the 900 Hornet -- as a banging buck it can't be beat! At least ride one of the above before you condemn yourself to life on a bone-jarring squirter.

[The Stranger]

she's now got a GSX-R1000 but her the bike don't gel. She also hates my GSX-R 600 cause it's too hard to get off the line and is too peaky.

So we take it you are having trouble satisfying her these days?

[The Stranger]

Don't piss around with squidly bikes. Get yourself a big naked: XJR1300, CB1300, ZRX1200R or even a Bandit 1200. And there's always that piece of consumate magnificence, the 900 Hornet -- as a banging buck it can't be beat! At least ride one of the above before you condemn yourself to life on a bone-jarring squirter.

Come on Hitcher, he's not an old fart yet.

[Hitcher]

Come on Hitcher, he's not an old fart yet.

If he were an Old Fart(TM), then he would be astride an FJR1300. Or a Wing. Or a Harley.

Oh hang on, if it were to be a Harley then he would be a Grumpy Old Fart(TM).

[Coyote]

I went from a CBR250RR to a RG150. I don't suggest you do the same :p

Don't forget the Cagiva's have TL1000 motors in them. They might be worth a try. I love the crazy styling of the Xtra Raptor

[NighthawkNZ]

I agree about the lack of smoothness but not about the low down grunt. I've recently had decent rides on a VTR1000F, an SV1000 and a TL1000S and was disappointed in the lack of said low down grunt. The TL engine is the pick of that bunch. I felt that they were all mainly mid range engines (not particularly strong low end and not a lot up top). Pretty unexciting to ride (except the TL which was fun).

You don't feel the pull the same on the twins as you do on an IL4, (don't know how to explain that one... one of those quarks i suppose) all depends on your riding style etc etc etc... will agree the top end is not that strong on the VTR, 250kph is enough for me, but since I use my vtr for touring I don't need the top speed of a gillizon miles per hour I need the torque where I can load her up have the pillion and still get up and go as if it was just me on the ride.

But thats just me :D

[Edbear]

Wot's all these here "quarks"? I know wot "quirks" are... Got a few o' those!

Only prob wit my 'F' is the high frequency vibes thru the bars, but mebbe that's just perculiar to the old GSX motors.

[flyingscotsman]

Don't piss around with squidly bikes. Get yourself a big naked: XJR1300, CB1300, ZRX1200R or even a Bandit 1200. And there's always that piece of consumate magnificence, the 900 Hornet -- as a banging buck it can't be beat! At least ride one of the above before you condemn yourself to life on a bone-jarring squirter.
I went from an XJR1200 to a Multistrada. The XJR was pretty smooth and you could idle around town in top gear but it had enough power to get off the mark pretty damned quickly. The Duc is whole different animal. Anything below 3000 rpm, especially in town, and the clutch gets a lot of use. Anything over 4000 rpm and the grin factor is immeasureable. It pulls like a schoolboy. Handling is stunning - it's ability to be flicked through the corners is way beyond my skill and comfort level. Happy shopping

[madandy]

Coming from a 250 I suggest a 600 I4. They are pretty Fn quick and with only low to mid 60's of Nm are pretty forgiving. Most will handle much better than the bigger twins which in my mind are lazy bikes...My last ride was a 600 & I happen to be looking around for a big twin myself, cause I love a strong midrange...but a Litre I4 may wind up under me for a number of reasons.

Good luck making your mind up:scooter:

[MD]

Well, I'm upgrading from my 250 after getting full license.

Been riding around on a CBR250RR for the past year and a half and loving it. Wanting to get something with a bit more HP now. Was all but set on a VTR, then test rode a ZX6R today and really enjoyed it too :gob: .



Strewth. Why do so many people feel the need to go straight from A to Z and miss out everything in between?
Personally I would discourage anyone from going from a 250 to anything above 600. Enjoy climbing the ladder one step at a time and take in the views, instead of leaping to the top, falling off and hopefully surviving to regret the decision.
Why not try a 500 twin (ER5 or GS500) or 650 twin e.g. sv650 or Hyosung
My 636 clocked a measured 263kph at the sprints.. is that the performance level you now need?
As soon as anyone gets a faster bike human nature is to try it out. How are you going to react when the acceleration rush kicks in and 3 seconds later you discover that you have reached the next corner at twice the speed you feel you can take it at... Of course I've just made that up and it never happens in real life -that's why we had zero motorcycle fatalities last year. We really need another funeral like a hole in the head people.

[DMNTD]

I have always found twins to be smoother...interesting that other feel the opposite but that just reinforces the fact that every rider is different and interprets differently.
I believe the Twins are easier to cruise on...roll on grunt not "peaky" as mentioned early. IMO inline4's encourage faster riding due to the "chop it down and fang it to pass" (unless on a 1000cc IL4 which I don't recommend yet) theory,ok it's my theory :innocent:
Ride as many bikes as possible and preferably with different set ups on each style. A Twin with a -1 tooth front sprocket will change its personality hugely!

Good luck and enjoy

[manyrevs]

I started riding 2 stroke bikes which were the order of the day back then. Anyone remember the Kawasaki triples, well I owned just about all of them from 350cc to the 750cc, then when the 4 cyl 1000's appeared on the scene, I bought into them - GS1000, Z1000, Z1R's, (many of them) GSX1100, Katana's then the rocketships started appearing, like GSXR's, FZR's and I also owned many of these missiles of the day. They got better and better as time went on. The one type of bike I never wanted to own was a twin cylinder of any sort as they either represented huge dollars ( Duc's) or gutlessness. I had to give up bikes in the mid 90's but got back into them just last year.

I was never a Honda guy but wound up buying a VTR1000, simply because I didn't want to scrub myself out on something like a GSXR1000, CBR1000, ZX10, R1 after having not ridden a bike for 13 years. I thought that they were just too fast and potent. I will eventually buy one of the big 4 Yam, Hon, Kaw or Suz but right now after fine tuning my VTR to such a point that it just isn't the same bike I bought last year, I am reluctant to part with it because it has grown on me. During the run-in period, I was disappointed in the supposed v-twin punch that just wasn't there but after 4500 kms, it has loosened up a lot and is now a grunty s-o-b. It runs out of power at higher rpm's but at revs from about 3000 to 6000, which in top gear is about 100 kph to about 190+ kph, it has all the usable power I will ever want. A friend has a 650 twin and in order to overtake cars or simply power on in a similar rush, he has to chop down 2 or 3 gears, so there are lesser bikes to own. These bikes can be improved upon such a lot from showroom specs to make them a much better all-round performer. In the lower rev range, they do thump a bit but at least they don't make my hands go numb like so many 4 cyl bikes did, as they "buzzed" at similar revs...

V-Twins certainly have their place on the road and defintiely have an edge over similar types of bikes in certain situations. I have had to adjust my style of riding to match the power of the VTR as oppsed to a sportier bike. Mid corner with speed on and leaning way over, you don't have to get ready to fully open the taps to get those revs up and launch into outer space,,, you simply open the throttle quietly and hang on. I have had the front wheel sliding (under-steering) under heavy throttle through twisties, so the grunt is defintely there and should not be abused, or you could wind up eat daisies and spitting out gravel, but ridden properly, they can be "just what the doctor ordered"...

I will never turn my nose up at a large capacity V-Twin ever again...

I nearly thought about buying one of the 600's at the time but I just couldn't handle those revs. I know one of the these miniature rockets can thrash me in the hills if the rider was up to it, but I will most likely all-round enjoy my bike way more than he could ever enjoy his. Each to his own. We were driving along the open road in the car the other day at about 120kph, when an R6 went past us and I could not believe how high it had to rev as it overtook us. Sure once the revs got up, away it went but it seemed so slow to actually get up and go... I just twist the throttle and say goodbye to traffic. The VTR and no doubt the likes of Suz SV1000 and others, are traffic destroyers.

Coming from a smaller bike, you will have to decide - either lots of torque or lots of revs. Each one has it advantages.

How do YOU like to ride...???

[APPLE]

Depends on wot your into,vtwin grunt,or straight line speed with nimble handling.....:rockon:

[awesker]

Excellent read, Manyrevs! Thanks!

[98tls]

Nice read Manyrevs but if you think you can modify some excitement out of a VTR you need to step back in time and try a TLS............:Punk:

[Dodgyiti]

It really does depend on your riding style as mentioned.

I love the power delivery on the hot fours, it's addictive, but the speeds you end up doing in 'the sweet spot' are rather high. And there is a whole world of mid-range bikes you will miss out on with such a big jump up.
The challenge can be getting the most out of what you have, even more so if it is smaller capacity. Whereas you can jump on a GSX thou, wring it's neck and be doing 260 in a blink of a cop's eye, fun until you lose your licence- or worse.

I hated twins at first, then they kinda grew on me and there may be no turning back, it is nice to have a choice though.

[Unit]

Well we havent had anything less than 1,000s in both V-twin and IL4s. Im a v-twin girl, always have been. In the past 18months Ive had Ducati 900ss (94, not their best year, smallish bike in size, and was quite slow really, oh until DMNTD showed me what it could do), then '99 TL1000s, detuned and very passive, I didnt get on too well with that bike, we also had a '97 TL1000s which was the wicked model, changed the sprockets and it was a hell of a ride, a real live wire, then I got the 06 SV1000s, what a lovely bike and bang for buck awesome value, did 16,000ks on that since June. I find the v-twins are really good for if you get caught in a corner in the wrong gear you can still just roll on and it will pull you out no sweat, then at 7,000 she would just light up and this bike I found I would often red line and it would really sing, lower down it had an awesome growl, then there's that v-twin sound, mmmm. Now Im on th 60 degree Aprilia, totally different again and this bike just takes off no matter what gear, and with a lot of grunt. Its by far the quickest V-twin Ive had but with it being a factory model we are a bit spoiled with all the Olins gear etc.
IL4s We've had the 05 GSXR1000, that took some mastering, now we have the ZX10, but with mods and it is truely insane. To us we have the altimate of both types of bikes. If your coming off a 250 I believe from all conversations Ive had with people, 1,000cc is ok in a v-twin, but go for the 600 if an IL4, cause the 1,000s are truly handfuls. Just ride them all, you will know when its the right bike, and you may end up doing what we've done and go through a few changes before you really settle on the right one. Have you though of the triples at all? The Triumphs are very nice.

[paturoa]

I went to a Taupo track day and followed around a late model GSXR600 on my SV for a few laps. Down the long back straight there was nothing between the 2 bikes (except mine was carring quite a few extra kilos of fat bastard).

Below full noise VTwins have much more real world power and flexibility cf 600 il4s

[manyrevs]

Nice read Manyrevs but if you think you can modify some excitement out of a VTR you need to step back in time and try a TLS............:Punk:

I am sure there are many more powerful V-Twins out there, than the VTR. It is a VERY docile bike with all of its 110 hp, but those 110 horses can be put to better use if you care to tinker. Since buying it, I have done a few little mods which have improved its performance by a big margin for my style of riding - but yes it has its limits. I doubt whether I could continually reach those limits though. My style of riding involves slow straightline speed because of those nasty little cameras which take pictures of us at the most inconvenient of times (then they force us to buy them for ridiculous prices),, but when I hit the hills, I try not to slow down. The VTR had many suspension limits when I first got it but now it is far far better with the correct setup for me... Matching front and rear was the biggest chore but since I am not a giant, the suspension is quite adequate for me. Quickening up the steering by lifting the forks by 10mm helps around corners, but by far the best mod is the overtaking capabilities in top gear and slower speeds has been boosted by cutting off the rib on the air filter and allowing it to breathe better at lower to mid revs. Wow, what a difference. It was a highly spoken of mod over the net and at first I though "Naaa - it can't be that easy. You just don't gain any noticable power by hacking something off like that"... Well how wrong I was. The difference is huge at low revs... Honda told us that the reason this rib is there is to quieten the bike down as you throttle off. That was the payoff. It now groans like a wild dog when you power off the throttle but I love the sound.. Well worth the sacrifice...

Soon, I hope to move up to one of the rocketship 4's but I actually love the VTR at the moment. It is a very ridable bike. It's most likely the first bike (that would be over 30 bikes) that I have actually managed to customize to my style of riding. The power is right where I need it. That helps...

[manyrevs]

It really does depend on your riding style as mentioned.

I love the power delivery on the hot fours, it's addictive, but the speeds you end up doing in 'the sweet spot' are rather high. And there is a whole world of mid-range bikes you will miss out on with such a big jump up.
The challenge can be getting the most out of what you have, even more so if it is smaller capacity. Whereas you can jump on a GSX thou, wring it's neck and be doing 260 in a blink of a cop's eye, fun until you lose your licence- or worse.

I hated twins at first, then they kinda grew on me and there may be no turning back, it is nice to have a choice though.

You summed it up just right there... Me too...

[manyrevs]

Paturoa...

Just viewed your GS1000S F/Sale.. Brings back memories. I used to own one of the first GS1000's in the country when they first appeared. It was an ex Wellington M'Cycles racer... F*** could it go for its day. Had the air shocks etc and handled like a dream, back then.... I got a staggering 74 miles per gallon out of it too,, Yes that's 26.2 km/l... Of course I had to do no more than about 90kph (60mph) and stay in top gear all day to get this but shit I couldn't believe it. Papakura to Tauranga on a gallon and a half exactly... All in all, I would say that the GS1000 was my most loved bike ever, 'til I smacked it up playing boy racer over the Kopu hill...

[crshbndct]

rvf400rr beautiful bike and a good step up from 250

[paturoa]

Paturoa...

Just viewed your GS1000S F/Sale.. Brings back memories. I used to own one of the first GS1000's in the country when they first appeared. It was an ex Wellington M'Cycles racer... F*** could it go for its day. Had the air shocks etc and handled like a dream, back then.... I got a staggering 74 miles per gallon out of it too,, Yes that's 26.2 km/l... Of course I had to do no more than about 90kph (60mph) and stay in top gear all day to get this but shit I couldn't believe it. Papakura to Tauranga on a gallon and a half exactly... All in all, I would say that the GS1000 was my most loved bike ever, 'til I smacked it up playing boy racer over the Kopu hill...

Is there room in your shed for one?

Yeah, it is my all time favourite also. It is a real cultrue shock when I get off the SV and take the GS for a ride. You have to turn the throttle!

[geoffc]

I had 'inline 4's' for a number of years, (all great bikes) then bought the VTR1000. Loved it then and love it now. It is a totally different type of ride, without the need to rev to get power and when you throttle off the engine slows you without needing brakes. To me the VTR seems to be not a machine, rather something that breathes and is alive. It has personality.
Just as a side issue check out the price of insurance between bikes before you buy.
Have fun making your choice. Cheers :yes:

[Dafe]

I used to have a K3 SV1000S, I sold it for the GSXR1000K6 a year ago. I've since sold that and returned to the SV. Simply because preservation of life is important to me and I couldn't help myself on the throttle.

The SV1000S is plenty enough bike for me, Suprisingly even after just hoping off a K6 thou. My riding at present is also well within the SV's boundaries.
There's enough bike in a Twin to keep you entertained.

The GSXR had awesome speed and control, but unless you were serious about having that inline 4 acceleration and speed, there's no need for it.
Besides, The Twins are great step up bikes. Forgiving and stable. I recommend a VTwin 1000 as a great stepping bike from a 250.
Better than the inlines. After you've gained experience on a twin, you could always move to an inline having had big bike experience under your belt.

[Hitcher]

And it sounds nice and safe with the Two Brothers cans. I ordered a pair myself on the strength of that -- just to make the FJR sound like a V-twin...

[Dafe]

Wicked pipes for sure!

Man, I'm loving those things...........

Tunnels, Tunnels and Tunnels!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

[Kinje]

Good comments here, thanks to all.

The common theme I'm getting here is to just ride them all and figure out which suits my riding style best- good advice.

Tho after this weekend, I'm wondering if upgrading is the right thing to do right now. I went to the Manfield track day and then boosted over to Wellington on Sunday and realised, I'm still really enjoying my 250! Am I just looking to upgrade now because I can with getting my full license? Thats not a good enough reason to buy a new bike. I can still learn more- and I figure my skills will be better developed on a smaller bike that I need to work harder, compared to a larger one. And it was oh so satisfying to scream past a bigger bike around a corner (tho they then blast back past halfway down the straight). Could do that in the slow group, but less so in medium so I've still got improvements to be made!

Then a ride over the takas today on the back of a day at the track. Put some of the skills practiced yesterday to work- and had to exercise a lot of self control to not let it pull all the way up to warp speed out of the corners- esp those ones coming up from Te Marua where the passing lane is!

Hmmm, some soul searching for me then this week.

Ride on

[Pixie]

Wot's all these here "quarks"? I know wot "quirks" are...

It's a type of cream cheese - or a subatomic particle.
Take your pick

[Hitcher]

Isn't a quark the noise a posh duck makes?

[bluninja]

It's a type of cream cheese - or a subatomic particle.
Take your pick

Has anyone seen a naked bottom yet?

[manyrevs]

Good comments here, thanks to all.

The common theme I'm getting here is to just ride them all and figure out which suits my riding style best- good advice.

Tho after this weekend, I'm wondering if upgrading is the right thing to do right now. I went to the Manfield track day and then boosted over to Wellington on Sunday and realised, I'm still really enjoying my 250! Am I just looking to upgrade now because I can with getting my full license? Thats not a good enough reason to buy a new bike. I can still learn more- and I figure my skills will be better developed on a smaller bike that I need to work harder, compared to a larger one. And it was oh so satisfying to scream past a bigger bike around a corner (tho they then blast back past halfway down the straight). Could do that in the slow group, but less so in medium so I've still got improvements to be made!

Then a ride over the takas today on the back of a day at the track. Put some of the skills practiced yesterday to work- and had to exercise a lot of self control to not let it pull all the way up to warp speed out of the corners- esp those ones coming up from Te Marua where the passing lane is!

Hmmm, some soul searching for me then this week.

Ride on

There's nothing like common sense and some of what you are saying about not "needing" to upgrade hits the nail on the head. If you feel happy with what you are riding then stay with it. Most of us don't "need" a new/bigger bike but we "want" a new/bigger bike. Truth be known, we could most likely ride a smaller bike just as fast through the tight stuff, just as efficiently or even better than a bigger bike. I used to ride a 50cc scooter like you wouldn't believe around the streets. I biffed it a couple of times but just picked it up and went on my merry way again... Getting back onto the big bike at the weekends made me feel awkward and it was like driving a Mac truck after being in a Mini... That 50cc bike made me realize just how far you can go if you wanted to...

The one thing that you can't get from a 250cc bike is the effortless ride from a bike of either a 600/4 or even more so, a VTwin 1000. With a small bike you "use" what you have. On a big bike, you "control" what you have... If you can control yourself on a bigger bike, I don't think you will ever regret getting one.

Most of the "control" starts with the right wrist...

[Animal]

Or you can really confuse yourself and do exactly what I've recently done - test ride a 675 Triumph. It's got V-twin character and grunt, with inline smoothness. And as I was at the point where I thought I'd narrowed my choice of new bike for this year down to two bikes, riding the triple has completely fucked with my head and added a whole new dimension to things.

[Animal]

...and realised, I'm still really enjoying my 250! Am I just looking to upgrade now because I can with getting my full license?

Hmmm, some soul searching for me then this week.

Just a thought, there's a CBR400RR on sale down here that might be a workable step up for you. Because 250s are so pricey (due to demand for L-plate use), you could sell yours, buy the 400 and still have change. pm me if you want me to find out more on the bike for you.

[Crisis management]

If your enjoying the 250 then keep riding it, learning to wring the most out of a small bike is the best way to improve your riding skills. The biggest downside to a large bike is that it makes us lazy riders, we don't have to carry speed into corners and brake just enough, we overcome all with opening the throttle....not the best practice to get into.
You will realise when you want to get another bike, there is a huge variety out there so take your time and enjoy!

[JT.]

I went from a FZR 250 to a newer FZR 600 and the only thing I can think of thats better about the 250 is the price of tires, it's an easy decision.

Bigger bike is less prone to wind, not so cramped, better fuel economy, more power, a lot smoother, handles better, oh and more power :Punk:

[HDTboy]

I bought a CBR400RR after my MC22 CBR250, I wasn't happy with the (minor) amount of extra power.

My 600 just beats 996 based racebikes in a straight line, so they're fairly similar in pace.

[bluninja]

Bigger bike is less prone to wind,


I think you'll find that's bigger bike riders are less prone to wind :innocent:

[Hitcher]

Bigger bike is less prone to wind

Not entirely true. The ST1300 I had was a pig of a thing to ride in strong cross-winds.

[JT.]

I think you'll find that's bigger bike riders are less prone to wind :innocent:

...and the bike. The heavier (bigger) bike takes more force to move. Most sports bikes have a similar shape and area from a 2D perspective as well as weight distribution, its not like a van vs car difference so the % diff in weight of the bigger bike means it doesn't get pushed around as much by the wind.


Not entirely true. The ST1300 I had was a pig of a thing to ride in strong cross-winds.

You obviously had the heater control bias off centre and that was creating a pressure difference, that big bike was a psuedo-aerofoil in action :nya:

[n0regret5]

i'd recommend the 1000 v2 as they ARE more fun, though screamer 600I4s can be a little easier to control..i can truly recommend not to get a vtr though, almost anyone will admit they lose their lustre in the power stakes after a short while. also the engines are really sluggish below 4000rpm. buy a tiller!!

[hospitalfood]

twin.......................

[terbang]

1000cc VeeTwin, lots of stomp in all the right places.

[dipshit]

I used to have a K3 SV1000S, I sold it for the GSXR1000K6 a year ago. I've since sold that and returned to the SV. Simply because preservation of life is important to me and I couldn't help myself on the throttle.


I had 'inline 4's' for a number of years, (all great bikes) then bought the VTR1000. Loved it then and love it now. It is a totally different type of ride, without the need to rev to get power and when you throttle off the engine slows you without needing brakes. To me the VTR seems to be not a machine, rather something that breathes and is alive. It has personality.

I think the thing is, is that the V-twins still have that grin/fun factor even when quietly cruising along at 110km/h on the open road. A couple of big pistons lazily going thump-thump-thump beneath you, knowing they are ready to accelerate you hard the moment you open the throttle.

Whereas the silky smooth sports orientated inline 4's don't seem to come alive with that grin factor until you are peddling them hard.

[CookMySock]

The twins I've ridden all put a big grin on my face as I powered out of a corner with the raw brutal power they deliver. But after throwing the (I felt) more refined and smooth power of the 600 into the mix, I might just be waiting a little to spend my $$ Don't know about pro's and con's, but you hit the nail on the head with the brutality vs smooth power. So it is up to you just what gives you the grins. I just lurrrrve the way I my v-twin shakes itself stupid so I cant use the mirrors, and fattts off with a thunderclap following it. Reminds me of the old 500cc dirtbike days, but more-so. :niceone:

But I admit the 13,000rpm howl of he inline four has its appeal. It's whatever spanks yer monkey.

DB

[Subike]

But I admit the 13,000rpm howl of he inline four has its appeal. It's whatever spanks yer monkey.

DB

but the in line four has the harder punch factor......sooner

[CookMySock]

but the in line four has the harder punch factor......soonereh? :blink: not what I would have thought.. not to argue, but Inlines have more spank if you ring their neck, but v-twins are fun-fun-fun all the way through the rev-range. So its apples, or pears ? Or, pears? or apples ? hrm, apples ? no, pears!!, oh maybe.. geeesh I dunno :cool:

DB

[Renegade]

Or you can really confuse yourself and do exactly what I've recently done - test ride a 675 Triumph. It's got V-twin character and grunt, with inline smoothness. And as I was at the point where I thought I'd narrowed my choice of new bike for this year down to two bikes, riding the triple has completely fucked with my head and added a whole new dimension to things.

i made that exact same mistake, that was 4 months ago and i still havent decided what bike to buy arrrggghhh.

[Mooch]

Don't know about pro's and con's, but you hit the nail on the head with the brutality vs smooth power. So it is up to you just what gives you the grins. I just lurrrrve the way I my v-twin shakes itself stupid so I cant use the mirrors, and fattts off with a thunderclap following it. Reminds me of the old 500cc dirtbike days, but more-so. :niceone:

But I admit the 13,000rpm howl of he inline four has its appeal. It's whatever spanks yer monkey.

DB

il4 600 skilly smooth ... not the ones I've ridden, they seem to have a buzz around 5 -5.5k. Nothing like the roar of a Vtwin doing 12,500 RPM :eek:

[HornetBoy]

V-twins for that trademark sound even without an aftermarket muffler but make sure you tighten those bolts up daily you never know what will fall of next :laugh:

IL4 600 = :headbang: :woohoo::woohoo: i think 600s are the full license holders 250 i mean you ride them the same as you did your 250 but instead of making alot of noise and going nowhere your making noise and taking off like a rocket,only thing is they seem to catch alot of attention from the plod :Police: :pinch:

[rocketman1]

I used to have a K3 SV1000S, I sold it for the GSXR1000K6 a year ago. I've since sold that and returned to the SV. Simply because preservation of life is important to me and I couldn't help myself on the throttle.

The SV1000S is plenty enough bike for me, Suprisingly even after just hoping off a K6 thou. My riding at present is also well within the SV's boundaries.
There's enough bike in a Twin to keep you entertained.

The GSXR had awesome speed and control, but unless you were serious about having that inline 4 acceleration and speed, there's no need for it.
Besides, The Twins are great step up bikes. Forgiving and stable. I recommend a VTwin 1000 as a great stepping bike from a 250.
Better than the inlines. After you've gained experience on a twin, you could always move to an inline having had big bike experience under your belt.

My thoughts exactly I could only see myself getting into trouble on GSXR 1000 too much temptation to go wrong fast, yeah on race track fine but we ride on public roads, the SV1000 has all the attitude, sound, torque & power most people need and much more controlled power, once a Vtwin owner always VTwin owner..but I have nothin against inline fours either, just preference for the bikes that have character...would love a 1098 Duc but cant reach to the $, I could buy 3 SV's for the same price.

[cruza]

Wicked pipes for sure!

Man, I'm loving those things...........

Tunnels, Tunnels and Tunnels!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!

Hell yeah ,used to run the duc's thru lyttelton tunnel all the time, sometimes it took 2 or 3 goes :rolleyes: better than a inline any day