The Twins...

[Colapop]

Yeah it's been done to death - the comparison of Inline 4's and Twins but what about comparing twins?
To my (limited) knowledge there are only a few makes around or do all the manufacturers have their own ones? I'm interested in comparing the very popular SV with other makes/models out there. What makes the SV so popular as compared to other brands? Is it just coz Suzuki got 'this one right'?
There's;
Suzuki - SV
Aprilia - RSVR, Mille, and Tuono (essentially the same bike?)
Buell - Lightning, Ullyses

and...? (I told you my knowledge was limited)

[TerminalAddict]

buell
10 chars

[Grahameeboy]

With the SV I suspect cost made it popular but it is the best value bike for the money and is considered as one of the top sports bikes.

I mean it is slightly quicker 0-100 than a Gixxer thou..............

If the SV and the other examples were all priced the same then it would be a different story.............the RF900 has been NZ most popular bike......suited to NZ roads, well priced at time and was faster than Blade in it's time.

I am biased but the red and black frames SV looks tasty and just a few add ons makes a difference..

[xwhatsit]

What about Honda's VTR series? Also, there's Kawasaki's ER6, but that's probably not so much at the pointy end of the field, although I remember a discussion here about somebody racing them against SVs.

[Colapop]

When I upgrade it will to a twin. I like the way they ride. a Bike can be set up for comfort pretty easily in most cases so it's really down to a matter of like of power delivery and style of ride.

p.s. I'd like to get the RF painted... Black with gold/yellow flashes on the 'vents'. A classic colour scheme

[Grahameeboy]

What about Honda's VTR series? Also, there's Kawasaki's ER6, but that's probably not so much at the pointy end of the field, although I remember a discussion here about somebody racing them against SVs.

VTR's nice bikes but thirsty, not Fi and a bit dated I guess compared to the SV but the riding experience is what counts..............think the SV's maybe a little quicker but no difference on real roads

[Grahameeboy]

When I upgrade it will to a twin. I like the way they ride. a Bike can be set up for comfort pretty easily in most cases so it's really down to a matter of like of power delivery and style of ride.

Yep, my last bike was an RF900......SV my first twin and it does have more personality and I like being able to use the throttle more than the brakes for corners............SV is certainly a fast bike which is not always apparent on a first ride and can catch you out when you realise you are going faster into a corner............

[xwhatsit]

So what have we got here... Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki. Does Yamaha have a twin, outside of its cruisers? EDIT: Oh yeah, TRX850. Read this: http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccolin/trx.html

There's also always Ducati, but that is money money.

What about BMW and the F800S? MD is still loving his.

[Colapop]

Models and photo's please.....

Although I did find this car pic.. which I thought was interesting....

here (http://news.windingroad.com/auto-news/torn-between-a-v-twin-cruiser-and-track-day-car-twintechs-got-your-number/)

[NighthawkNZ]

hmmmmm... :scratch: I just love the personality of the VTwin

[WarlockNZ]

I'm just shocked that no ones mentioned the Hyo ..they do have a 650 you know .. :dodge: :dodge:

[Grahameeboy]

I'm just shocked that no ones mentioned the Hyo ..they do have a 650 you know .. :dodge: :dodge:

They are nice looking bikes, just need some more 'evolution' I guess

[WarlockNZ]

They are nice looking bikes, just need some more 'evolution' I guess

Evolution in what regard ?? or are you just saying they are to new to the market to be trusted?

[Grahameeboy]

Evolution in what regard ?? or are you just saying they are to new to the market to be trusted?

No, I guess like Triumph they just need time to make something that makes it compete with the Japs and others......but saying that have seen a few around so should not be long....like I say they are nice looking bikes...reckon they should bring out a 1000cc.....now that would be interesting......

[WarlockNZ]

No, I guess like Triumph they just need time to make something that makes it compete with the Japs and others......but saying that have seen a few around so should not be long....like I say they are nice looking bikes...reckon they should bring out a 1000cc.....now that would be interesting......

Funny you should say that .. LOL .. the word in HYO world is they are looking at either a 1000 or a 1200cc ..

Tell you what .. go down to a dealer and take the 650 for a spin :) .. i think you might be surprised :)

[riffer]

Hey Col.

A Brutale ain't a Buell. Nor is it a twin. It's a 4-cylinder MV Agusta.

But I agree with you on the twin idea.

I'm seriously considering a twin for my next as well. I don't know if its my imagination but I feel like I'd be quicker and smoother on a twin than a 4, particularly in the crappier conditions.

Definitely leaning towards an SV, but then again if a nice TL1000 came up I wouldn't say no either...

[Colapop]

Hi Si,

I've been told that TL's are better bikes than SV's but I wouldn't know...

[riffer]

Picture an unrefined SV that accelerates like an Ape...

They are the ultimate hooligan bike mate. A good mate of mine had one with a full Ohlins rear, Yoshi RS3 exausts, PCII and Hayabusa brakes.

Damn it was fun to ride. :yes:

[98tls]

in my opinion the TLS is simply so much better to look at than the SV........ive done a whole lotta work to mine and is a keeper for sure.....ive a mate with an SV who has ridden the TL and reckons its twice the bike than his.....bear in mind the TL has the suspenders at both ends sorted out and some muckin about with a yosh box has been done...........i often chuckle when i buy an bike trader and everynow and then you see a SV for less than a 10 year old TLS...................i will say ive seen the odd modded SV......one in particular that a member on this forum owns and yea...i like it......lots

[Grahameeboy]

in my opinion the TLS is simply so much better to look at than the SV........ive done a whole lotta work to mine and is a keeper for sure.....ive a mate with an SV who has ridden the TL and reckons its twice the bike than his.....bear in mind the TL has the suspenders at both ends sorted out and some muckin about with a yosh box has been done...........i often chuckle when i buy an bike trader and everynow and then you see a SV for less than a 10 year old TLS...................i will say ive seen the odd modded SV......one in particular that a member on this forum owns and yea...i like it......lots

Your bike is cool.........all I have done to my SV is:

Titanium Arrows
K&N
TRE
Oggy Knobs
Red Wheel Rim Tape
SV stickers on wheel rims
SV Radiator Grills
Tinted Double Bubble

Just small touches but looks good and if I could afford I'd add USD's and an Ohlins but will probably end up just getting heavier front springs and getting Shaun to perhaps put an Ohlins spring and re-shim which I did to my RF and it made a huge difference.

But the TL's are still lookers years on eh.

[98tls]

Your bike is cool.........all I have done to my SV is:

Titanium Arrows
K&N
TRE
Oggy Knobs
Red Wheel Rim Tape
SV stickers on wheel rims
SV Radiator Grills
Tinted Double Bubble

Just small touches but looks good and if I could afford I'd add USD's and an Ohlins but will probably end up just getting heavier front springs and getting Shaun to perhaps put an Ohlins spring and re-shim which I did to my RF and it made a huge difference.

But the TL's are still lookers years on eh. Just clicked on your profile pic mate............yea nice..real nice.....ive a GSXR front end in the garage for the TL..........if i ever get off my arse and put it on...............:innocent:My mates just bought an ohlins for his SV so should be good to go.................

[Disco Dan]

Got to be twins:

[Grahameeboy]

Just clicked on your profile pic mate............yea nice..real nice.....ive a GSXR front end in the garage for the TL..........if i ever get off my arse and put it on...............:innocent:My mates just bought an ohlins for his SV so should be good to go.................

How much was the front end? I understand you can do the same on the SV with slight mods...........I think I have added the arrows since pic.

Trubs is the Ohlins is not cheap and just out of my range at mo......let me know how the Ohlins changes the SV.....I know Maha's bike is heaps better...

[98tls]

How much was the front end? I understand you can do the same on the SV with slight mods...........I think I have added the arrows since pic.

Trubs is the Ohlins is not cheap and just out of my range at mo......let me know how the Ohlins changes the SV.....I know Maha's bike is heaps better...
i got the front end off a guy in the states........even with post it was cheaper than i could get here.......have a look at any other options there may be for a rear shock........ohlins is awsome but in my opinion grossly over priced........ive ridden a TLS with an ohlins over the pig-root and no way did it do anything so much better than the hagon on mine that would justify its horrendus price tag....................mind you theres them out there that have to buy something with a brand-name attached...........:weird:

[bgd]

And of course the BMW boxer in its different forms

[98tls]

And of course the BMW boxer in its different forms The new 800 sounds and looks like a whole lotta fun..............

[Duke5]

Yeah it's been done to death - the comparison of Inline 4's and Twins but what about comparing twins?
To my (limited) knowledge there are only a few makes around or do all the manufacturers have their own ones? I'm interested in comparing the very popular SV with other makes/models out there. What makes the SV so popular as compared to other brands? Is it just coz Suzuki got 'this one right'?
There's;
Suzuki - SV
Aprilia - RSVR, Mille, and Tuono (essentially the same bike?)
Buell - Lightning, Ullyses

and...? (I told you my knowledge was limited)

Yes your knowledge is limited.:angry:
Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!:yes:

[98tls]

Yes your knowledge is limited.:angry:
Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!:yes: Well i owned one ducati and that was enough.........ive passed a few in my day as well.........really used to enjoy it when 916s were the thing.......the price of the farkin things was ridiculous when you could buy a TLS sort out the suspenders and keep up no problem...........for a hell of a lot less money.When i bought the duc i had it was a huge event.......was going to be everything i wanted and had saved for........the reality was vastly different.....the only Duc i would ever buy would be an old bevel drive SS.....the rest of em..forget it........would rather buy a realistically priced bike and devote the rest to the mortgage.........plus the TL sounds better than any Duc bar an old bevel drive with contis........:Punk:

[nudemetalz]

OOOIII Col !!!!!
How could you forget MOTO GUZZI'S !!!!!!!!

Nice simple design, adequate power, beautiful looks and handling that once you get used to is great.
So, a VTR or SV or Aprilia will leave it behind in a drag, but you know, speed is not everything.

And yes, I'm biased toward Guzzis, but do you blame me?? ;)

[98tls]

OOOIII Col !!!!!
How could you forget MOTO GUZZI'S !!!!!!!!

Nice simple design, adequate power, beautiful looks and handling that once you get used to is great.
So, a VTR or SV or Aprilia will leave it behind in a drag, but you know, speed is not everything.

And yes, I'm biased toward Guzzis, but do you blame me?? ;) Good point...........was never a guzzi fan until i learnt how to ride one......IE....its way different than what i was used to and once we worked that out........wahooooo:Punk: :Punk: loved it.

[nudemetalz]

Yes your knowledge is limited.:angry:
Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!:yes:

Errr, I realise you're Italian twin biased but doesn't Guzzi's count?

[98tls]

Yes your knowledge is limited.:angry:
Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!:yes: Interesting post.........sitting here with 4 other sports bike riders we have been debating it.........concensus is that its another Duc rider out for a troll........:zzzz: or as has been pointed out to me it could be another Duc owner with to much money and over the top taste in riding gear.......there easily recognisable.......you spend ages following them through the twisty bits......the number plate and alpine star logo firmly etched in your head as once again they fuck up another corner then accelerate enough to stop you passing them on the short straights..........as my mate just said......after passing them when they pull up at the next stop they pretend you dont exist.......as if to say........that didnt really happen........:gob: it cant of..this cost $30000 plus..............

[nudemetalz]

Great post, 98tls,...so true !!!

[98tls]

I/we must add i guess that in no way is this a generalisation of Duc riders as i see it...........I/we must just have had extraordinarily bad luck with the Duc riders we have met........bit like Harley riders i suppose........for some reason the 5 of us have met an obviously disproportionate number of harley riders with attitude....................:innocent:

[Duke5]

Interesting post.........sitting here with 4 other sports bike riders we have been debating it.........concensus is that its another Duc rider out for a troll........:zzzz: or as has been pointed out to me it could be another Duc owner with to much money and over the top taste in riding gear.......there easily recognisable.......you spend ages following them through the twisty bits......the number plate and alpine star logo firmly etched in your head as once again they fuck up another corner then accelerate enough to stop you passing them on the short straights..........as my mate just said......after passing them when they pull up at the next stop they pretend you dont exist.......as if to say........that didnt really happen........:gob: it cant of..this cost $30000 plus..............

Now i remember why i do lots of reading on this site , but dont do many posts. To much shit thrown at people. You dont even know me.
Ducatis , like harleys are a passion. Yes i have a 32k bike, but i also have a huge mortgage.
As far as skill goes, i know how to ride pretty well thanks.
1098 or tls hmmmm, thats a hard one!
I know quite a few ducati riders and they are a grouse bunch of people.
There are always exceptions though. Im sure there a quite a few tl riders out there who fall into the exceptions catergory.

[Motig]

You have to remember 98tls isnt a follower:first:

[Colapop]

AND he upsets Harley riders too!

[RC1]

i have only ridden a couple of twins and found the TLS the best allround bike for the price

[jahrasti]

If you are talking about dukes then there are the monster series.
They come in a big range of sizes from 675-900 air cooled and then there are the water cooled engines (S4Rs and S4r).
apparently the servicing schedules have been increased to try and bring them into line with other makes.

I am not biased about dukes, I need a mortgage to keep it on the road.:dodge:

I would go for a Moto Morini my self or an Bimota SB8( but it has a zuki engine unfortunately).:innocent:

[Waylander]

So,who in here wants to let me test ride a TL?

[sAsLEX]

Got to be twins:

I raise you....


<img src=http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/qtor/olsen_twins.jpg>

[Motig]

That cant be them, their too fat:mellow:

[MidnightMike]

Ooooo yea.

[Richard Mc F]

[.the only Duc i would ever buy would be an old bevel drive SS.....the rest of em..forget it........would rather buy a realistically priced bike and devote the rest to the mortgage.........plus the TL sounds better than any Duc bar an old bevel drive with contis........:Punk:[/QUOTE]

The sound of a bevel..............as soon as I shovel new bearings into mine it will make noise again, if ya want one do not hesitate, prices are going mad, S2 with a blown motor went for 4500 on tarde me, you could drop 6k to 8k in there no problem, a MHR that looked like it had been dragged out of a skip went for 7500:shit:

[Oscar]

What about KTM950/990?

[98tls]

Yes your knowledge is limited.:angry:
Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!:yes: Funny........in your previous post you mentioned not posting on this site much because of the shit throwing.................you entered this thread with the above post............if you cant take a bit of shit dont throw any.........as for the 1098 or a TL comment............not hard for me at all.........i will keep my TL thanks...maybe hard for you to see but i have absolutly no desire to own a 1098 at all........none.

[Duke5]

Funny........in your previous post you mentioned not posting on this site much because of the shit throwing.................you entered this thread with the above post............if you cant take a bit of shit dont throw any.........as for the 1098 or a TL comment............not hard for me at all.........i will keep my TL thanks...maybe hard for you to see but i have absolutly no desire to own a 1098 at all........none.

What i said was tongue in cheek. The tl series and vtr's were to compete with the 916. Did they succeed ? Yes in making bloody good twins in a price range that joe average could afford. I have been fortunate to own a tls , tlr and a vtr. Nothing wrong with any of them, apart from the rotary shock on the tls.
I can take a bit of shit and will dish a bit out but your opinion on most Ducati riders in a previous post is a crock of shit.

[McJim]

Odd - why does everyone assume Ducatis are expensive?

I've got a 600ss that gets 20-23km per litre - I do 20,000km per year so that's a $1,000 saving over an inline 4 600cc bike.

Service is only every 10,000km - my honda was every 6,000km so that saves me the cost of at least one service a year already.

the only noticeable expense is getting the belts done every year - about $400 which is more than compensated for by the savings on fuel and service.

I bought a Ducati to save money - it was only a bit more than $6,000 - I couldn't afford a SV or a VTR or even a GT650R.

And the 1098 is a viffer anyway innit?

[McJim]

Anyways got drawn off topic a bit there.

Twins:
Most Ducatis ('cept the old singles)
Aprilia - mille or RSVR
Honda - VTR1000 but also worth a look SP1/2 etc.
Cagiva - Raptor 650/1000
Hyosung - GT650R
Suzuki - TL1000, SV650/1000
Yamaha TRX850
Kawasaki - ER6N/ER6F
Moto Guzzi - Although they put them in the wrong way!
BMW Boxers (BMW still make singles too)
Laverda - Parallel Twins

So go look into them and sit your arse on some - it's the only way to find out which one you like. They all deliver the torqu earlier in the rev range than the 4 cyls and have varios pros and cons but seeing a concise list of em all gives you an idea.

Happy twin huntin Col.

[nudemetalz]

I don't mean to sound negative, but why do people always forget to mention Moto-Guzzis as a viable alternative for the "Foreign Twins" ?
Are they really that quirky ?
Does that mean that people like SDU, Lemans, Dodgyiti, Paul in NZ and myself are quirky too ?
(I duck while everyone does :dodge: )

[jimbo]

Ooooo yea.

Had a ride on one of those.Very very nice ...But oh the price:gob:

[terbang]

Well I have just joined the twins on a Suzuki (TL 1000) powered Italian bike. A great marriage I reckon.

[nudemetalz]

And the 1098 is a viffer anyway innit?


Errr, nope, it's still a twin.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Superbike&model=SBK1098-07

[NighthawkNZ]

Are they really that quirky ?
Does that mean that people like SDU, Lemans, Dodgyiti, Paul in NZ and myself are quirky too ?


yup... :dodge:


Then again all the big twins are quirky ;)

[McJim]

Errr, nope, it's still a twin.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Superbike&model=SBK1098-07

My bad - I thought the 1098 was the road going evolution of their latest GP bike. Desmo sedici - means 16 Desmonds - I didn't think they could fit 8 valves in each cyclinder.

Why do they need that many?

[NighthawkNZ]

On a serious note when I took Lemans's Guzzi for a ride it wasn't what I expected, and it did have its quirks, it wasn't for me I found the vibration way to much especially that model and would drive me nuts and after a while... though I wouldn't mind testing a few others to compare. Where as the VTR is smooth... and very little vibration even at high revs...

on a good note though, being behind a fairing on the VTR I was suprised by the ease and the lack wind resistance at speed (compartively speaking) on the guzzi

[nudemetalz]

Actually, NighthawkNZ, the people who have taken my V11 Sport for a spin have commented on the vibration also. I just must have got used to it.
It's not a tingling vibe, rather a lump vibe.

[NighthawkNZ]

It's not a tingling vibe, rather than a lump vibe.

thats what I found as well...

There is something about the VTwins :) and it doesn't matter which make or model

[McJim]

Errr, nope, it's still a twin.
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Superbike&model=SBK1098-07

Coz we forget - is alzheimer's a crime? I have only seen one Moto Guzzi since I got to NZ so they don't exactly stay at the forefront of the mind.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-96221104.htm?p=3

This guy seems desperate to sell his Laverda Col. If you buy it I'll ride it to Welly for you.

[Maha]

Go triple Col'....i saw someone today ( Suzuki owner ) get up and go home cos' there were tooooooooo many Triumphs at the Puhoi today, nothing to get intimidated about....its just class.....aye Pete?....:yes:

[nudemetalz]

Coz we forget - is alzheimer's a crime? I have only seen one Moto Guzzi since I got to NZ so they don't exactly stay at the forefront of the mind.

Fair enough, I can't argue with that.
I'm happy with having a "different choice" of motorcycle ;)

[pritch]

MZ? If they're still making them...

(I had to say soemthing else otherwise it wouldn't have been 10 chars.)

[Colapop]

I dunno if they are but I rode one a long time ago...

[Sensei]

Duke5 [ Quote ]> Theres only two real twins out there. DUCATI and APRILIA.
The rest just want to be like these two !!

I don't think either the Honda VTR or Suzuki TL was ever ment to be anything more than just a well priced Twin that all could enjoy . Where the Ducati & Aprilia have based their bikes to be the best V-Twin avaliable but saddly at a greater cost to those that want them . Albeit they have some of the best gear that can be put onto a bike in the world on them but not everyone can justify the extra $$$ . For those that do as myself the rewards are worth it . Twins have & well always have a place in the biking world and as they get more HP for them they will I believe get more Inline4 riders giving them a try

[surfchick]

Coz we forget - is alzheimer's a crime? I have only seen one Moto Guzzi since I got to NZ so they don't exactly stay at the forefront of the mind.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-96221104.htm?p=3

This guy seems desperate to sell his Laverda Col. If you buy it I'll ride it to Welly for you.

It amazes me that this hasn't sold... guess people don't wanna risk what they're not so sure of re. replacement parts...

[Colapop]

Yeah man that's a WAAAAYY purty bike... I don't know anything about them though... If it's so damn good why is he selling it?

[NighthawkNZ]

Twins have & well always have a place in the biking world and as they get more HP for them they will I believe get more Inline4 riders giving them a try

I know my next bike will be another VTwin... something about them :baby: they just have there own character... love it...

every time i come back from a ride i go :woohoo: :Punk: :love: :2thumbsup

[surfchick]

twins rule in a grumbly rumbly way!! lurve the rumble.

the money for them is a real tuff one...
a 2000/2001 ducati 748 same money as nu/or near nu sv1000 (not splitting hairs about the exact amount...thankfully) 12-13k
a few k more and you get a 2001 ducati 996
so it ends up being more about personal taste in the feel of the ride PLUS the threat of more/vs less maintainance with the newer SV probably costing less to maintain cause it's newer. i ended up liking the ducati so much i was willing to risk the older bike- but that was a big call and I angsted out over it for a while...

but back to the indescribably lovely rumble of the v-twin PLUS the rattle-shimmy of the ducati dry clutch... a kind of mini orchestra between ones legs...:devil2: ...well just the percussion. it would be alarming to hear the faint sounds of violins while riding...

[Colapop]

I'm most drawn to an Aprilia. It's not so much the look as they look real nice... it's the way the bike felt. similar to the SV but more... in tune to me...? I dunno I jumped on it and within a very short time I thought "Shit yeah, I LIKE THIS"

[NighthawkNZ]

twins rule in a grumbly rumbly way!! lurve the rumble...

...but back to the indescribably lovely rumble of the v-twin

:Punk:


PLUS the rattle-shimmy of the ducati dry clutch...

that the one thing I not like about the the dukes is the rattle of the dry clutch... but thats a personal thing... would hide any other rattle I suppose ;) :dodge:

[Sensei]

I loved the rattley clutch on both my Ducatis just didn't like the fact they felt weak in the motor when Kaning the shit out of it

[Colapop]

...but the Ape on the other hand....?

[Sensei]

The more ya trash an RSVR the better they run ! They just love to be take out to 10,000rpm all day

[nudemetalz]

The Guzzi has a dry clutch too and sitting at the lights in gear, you get some strange looks from people, like the motor's about to lunch big time !!!

[NighthawkNZ]

like the motor's about to lunch big time !!!

Lunch... would you like a coke with with your lunch :lol:

[nudemetalz]

As long as the coke isn't garnished with clutch parts.... ;)

[NighthawkNZ]

As long as the coke isn't garnished with clutch parts.... ;)

thats the choke... I mean joke ;)

[Dazza]

What about KTM950/990?Now your talking :yes: