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 .

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 ) (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:Me]

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:Me]

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:Me]

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

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:Me]

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