08-15-2017, 11:00 AM
Having learned to ride on friends 750 I4's in the early 80's, I've only officially owned two bikes: a V4 Interceptor and the CB DLX. I've ridden others including V-twins and boxers, but the I4 and V4 seem best.
The V4 was a beautiful engine but Honda's implementation of VTEC messed it up a bit. But take it up over 7,000 rpm and the thing absolutely spoke to you. My brother-in-law described it perfectly: "I had to rev it all the way. It needed to sing. To not do that would have felt rude. Like interrupting a conversation." The problem was finding yourself going way too fast way too often. That, aggressive ergos and the rider's aging body finally made an end to the affair.
The I4 in the CB is just butter smooth and confidently powerful. That, and the good looks make a winner. If there had been an upright version of the VFR with comfy ergos, the CB would still win based on looks.
The V4 was a beautiful engine but Honda's implementation of VTEC messed it up a bit. But take it up over 7,000 rpm and the thing absolutely spoke to you. My brother-in-law described it perfectly: "I had to rev it all the way. It needed to sing. To not do that would have felt rude. Like interrupting a conversation." The problem was finding yourself going way too fast way too often. That, aggressive ergos and the rider's aging body finally made an end to the affair.
The I4 in the CB is just butter smooth and confidently powerful. That, and the good looks make a winner. If there had been an upright version of the VFR with comfy ergos, the CB would still win based on looks.