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Hey, first off i want to say no one give me crap for this question; im not complaining or trying to trash the rc51. I'm just wondering why someone would want a vtwin like the rc51 over a 4 cylinder 1k like the zx10 or gixxer 1000. what are the advantages and disadvantages to riding a vtwin? thanks
I ride a SuperHawk, and that is where my v-twin experience comes from. I've ridden several different 1000cc fours, although nothing newer than 2001.
-I used to answer this question with low-end torque. But the newer generations of 1000cc fours have plenty of midrange torque, and pull fine from low rpm's just as well as the twins do.
-The sound produced from a sporting twin is incredible (to me at least). I think it sounds like raw power!
-Twins could be said to have more character. This depends on the person riding, and what they like. The twins vibrate more; and feel more raw and less civilized. They are deceptively fast. Most twins have a linear power curve with few peaks. This equates to pulling pretty hard everywhere, which feels slower compared to hitting a power peak at high rpm's on a four cylinder. It makes the power seem more boring, but it is much easier to ride hard.
-Twins tend to be narrower between your legs. Although they may or may not have as light of steering as 1000cc fours, the narrowness really allows you to throw the bike around comfortably. The twins also seem to respond more to slight shifts in body weight.
These are my experiences, and others may not agree, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
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Last edited by Str8away Hater : 07-10-2005 at 11:01 PM.
Nice St8away Hater! Pretty much spot on there! Especially the last one.
I rode some hard right handers ( tee hee hee ) today with some friends ( a K5 Gixxer, a RC51, and a ZX-10r ). The fastest guy was the K5, he has more riding experience than me, but on the final run, I got a chance to ride behind him. I stayed on his tail for two loops, but then backed off. I had nothing to prove, but I now know what this machine ( '00 RC Five-One ) is capable of. I can go into a hard turn unprepared, but the platform is so solid that I can shift a little to place myself where I want on the bike and the bike just stays its course. All I need to do now is adjust the suspensions just a little bit, not quite satisfied yet, and it'll be all good.
Of course on the straights I'd get creamed by the new liter bikes, but in the turns, the Five-One will perform.
so the twins have pretty good handling? i wouldnt have really thought so because of reading articles about how they are too heavy. and if they've got a lot of torque does that mean they are good for wheelies; not for a stunt bike but just for the occasional wheelie when you're all alone on a straightaway?
The v-twin engine centers it's weight lower and narrower than an inline, perhaps this contributes to better handling, but not all v-twins excel in the twisties. I've heard that the TL was notorious for bad handling ( not flaming the TL's ), and bikes such as the SV1000s aren't really meant for the track. In the other hand, bikes with better suspension components such as the Aprilia and Ducati's are bred for the track.
V-twins have gobs of torque. They can wheelie very easily. I try not to do them on purpose, but I've found myself experimenting in the countryside. The RC51 shouldn't be bought for a stunt bike however. There are just way too many parts to replace if it happens to fall. There are two mufflers, two radiators....etc.
thanks hams, very helpful. just two more questions, thats it i promise. how is the top speed compared to the 4 cyclinders? i'd think it's just a bit lower. and why do i not see more twins like the rc51 on the street? it sounds like a great bike, it's a bit more expensive but other than that i see no downside. the rc51 looks amazing too. you'd think there would be more around
The reason they are not around as much is because they are not "Kings of the Spec Sheet". A lot of people want the lastest and greatest technology and that's not what the RC is. It hasn't been overhauled in 5 years. Honda just doesn't have the need for a V-twin anymore so they have no need to change up the RC51.
I ride a SuperHawk, and that is where my v-twin experience comes from. I've ridden several different 1000cc fours, although nothing newer than 2001.
-I used to answer this question with low-end torque. But the newer generations of 1000cc fours have plenty of midrange torque, and pull fine from low rpm's just as well as the twins do.
-The sound produced from a sporting twin is incredible (to me at least). I think it sounds like raw power!
-Twins could be said to have more character. This depends on the person riding, and what they like. The twins vibrate more; and feel more raw and less civilized. They are deceptively fast. Most twins have a linear power curve with few peaks. This equates to pulling pretty hard everywhere, which feels slower compared to hitting a power peak at high rpm's on a four cylinder. It makes the power seem more boring, but it is much easier to ride hard.
-Twins tend to be narrower between your legs. Although they may or may not have as light of steering as 1000cc fours, the narrowness really allows you to throw the bike around comfortably. The twins also seem to respond more to slight shifts in body weight.
These are my experiences, and others may not agree, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!
I would have to agree with every point! However, the only other bikes I have riden were a 97 GSXR600 and a I don't know the year Ninja 500. I love my RC51... The feel, the sound, the control I have over it (hmm... kind of sounds like a great woman) lol.... .JK... in case my wife is reading... lol
ive noticed that alot of v-twin riders are older more experienced riders(cept me). These older riders know they dont need the best/fastest bike, so they get what they want. I love my bike, i love the fact that it doesnt look like a gixxer adn everyone and their brother doesnt have one. I love the fact that when i pull into my garage, stuff vibrates on my roomates desk upstairs. I lvoe the sheer easieness of being able to wheelie. awesome bike, i love v-twins.also i think the superhawk was rated the number 1 wheelie bike by many mags.
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Quote:
Originally posted by RoughNTough But a TLS owner isn't in their right state of mind to begin with. They like booozing, picking fights, and causing general chaos throughout their neighborhood.
ive noticed that alot of v-twin riders are older more experienced riders(cept me). These older riders know they dont need the best/fastest bike, so they get what they want.
....
Hey, now... I happen to believe that the RC51 is the best/fastest bike....
Another reason that twins handle better is the timing between power pulses. A 4 cylinder has 4 power pulses to a twins 2. This allows the tire twice as much time to regain traction between pulses. Also most twins don't rev as high as a 4. This also allows the tire more time to regain its composure.
vtwin vs 4 cylinder
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Linear Mode
