06-21-2019, 09:56 PM
(06-21-2019, 03:09 PM)Novice_imp Wrote:(06-20-2019, 02:21 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote:(06-20-2019, 02:10 AM)Capo_imp Wrote: When it comes to sport bikes, or today's naked sports machines like the Super Duke, you have to make your decision based on the engine. There is no use comparing specs...every modern liter bike will be far more than you can handle or is needed on public roads. In fact, even on under 2 mile courses for track days, liter bikes are overkill and rarely get out of 2nd gear. (I have a Daytona 675R for such endeavors and it's perfect.)
The character of the engine...V-twin, Triple, I-4, Cross-plane I-4, V4...is so important to the experience and preferences of the rider in this class of machines, that all of the other aspects pale. If you're not a V-Twin fan, you'll hate the Duke, no matter what. If you love silky I-4's then the CB1000RR SP could be just the ticket. But you're not likely to love both. So, think about that, determine what floats your boat, test as many as possible, and buy the one that makes you all tingly inside.
Those are all great points Capo.
Those are all great points Capo.
Yes, all great points. I think of myself as an I4 person. However, I have never owned or ridden a twin other than a Harley I rented for a day, but I've been a fan of them from afar. Ducati, TL1000, RC51, Moto Guzzi Daytona, Super Duke, etc. the sound alone is enough to make me want one. I was trying to explain to the wife (not a rider) how much of a difference the sound of the bike makes in the riding experience, but she didn't get it. That being said, I'm not sure a big shaky shaky engine is right for me coming from I4s. But it's simply my lack of experience with them that makes me not want to rule them out. How do you know you don't like them if you've never tried one?
Jedd
Thank you! I have looked at the BMW S1000RR and they are awesome. I've even played with the build your bike feature on their website. For some reason though, I'm not as confident with their engineering as I am with the Japanese bikes. Maybe I'm wrong and someone will tell me based on their experience that they are just as solid as any Japanese bike.
Speaking of engines- Does anybody know if there's a practical difference and what it is between the CBR1000RR engine and the R1 crossplane engine other than the obvious engineering difference and the sound when riding them around?
That's a wise observation. How many of your shortlist will you be able to test ride?
Members of this forum who own a number of bikes are able to reconcile themselves happily to different makes and styles of bike.