Why do you (or don't you) prefer inline 4s to Twins?

[COCB1100_imp]

My brother rides a parallel twin Triumph T-120, one of the new 270 degree firing ones, but used to ride one of the old 790 360 degree firing ones. I lent him my CB yesterday for a just under 200 mile ride, and his comment to me was " no wonder you like this bike, it's so smooth"

My buddy said the same thing to me after taking my CB for a spin. He rides a liter + engine Ducati. I actually tend to like the "texture" to the sound of his thumping twin, but can appreciate how ridiculously smooth the CB's motor is too. Everything about it, from the power curves to the liquid smooth sound and feel. I can appreciate both for different reasons, but if smooth and less choppy (motor) is what you're after, I don't think its even remotely competitive. On the other hand, if you want more noise, more and larger chunky cadence vibes making their way through and enjoy those sensations, its not even remotely competitive in favor of the twins. I do understand folks who aren't fans of high frequency buzzing might be put off by inlines, but mine only seems to do it from 3-4k RPMs.

[Django]

I liked the 180° parallel twin of the CB500T (successor of the CB450). Then had a Yamaha XS650 with a 360° parallel twin. That engine was kinda boring, though the Yamaha was the better and more powerful ride.

Since I got the K1100 in the 90s, I've been in I4. Best characteristic for me. Rode some boxer and other twins meanwhile, but do not really like them.

[Syscrush_imp]

For me all engine configurations have their good points. I love the feel of a boxer twin but not so much the sound. In-line triples and fours are my favorites, triples having the best combination of sound and feel I think. Although I've never had the experience of riding a CBX I think I would enjoy that in-line six even more. There is nothing that comes close to the sound of a CBX.

The CBX is pretty nice, for sure. As much as I love it, though, I think that the I6 at 9,000 RPM sounds very similar to an I4 at 13,500.

In theory there's some difference in the harmonics of the power pulses, but based on sound alone I don't think I could identify an I6 vs a flat-crank I4 spinning 50% faster.

[Nortoon_imp]

The six cylinder CBX certainly is an interesting looking bike. But its 105 horsepower engine in a 600 pound motorcycle is no match for todays sports bikes.

[Vic_imp]

I've had 4 inline-twins. One of those was a 4 stroke, 3 of them 2 strokes. Have had 2 V-twins, both 4 stroke, and one inline-4, my CB. Have to say that my favorite engine of those are the V-twins. I feel safe on a V-twin. Something about it, the sound and feel of those engines tell me it will get me there wherever there is.

[ManInBlack_imp]

I really like the CB1100 engine, so smooth and well behaved, but my current favorite is Yamaha's 900cc inline triple in the FZ-09 and FJ-09. I have the FJ-09 and despite being 200cc's smaller than the CB1100 it is faster and has more torque. The sound is great too. It has a deep snarl...

After the that it is the CB1100 and then a Triumph parallel twin I had (1800CC Thunderbird Storm). It had enough torque to pull our shoulders out of their sockets

I had a Honda CTX1300 V4 and was unimpressed. Found it boring...

[Jonnyallover_imp]

I've never had an I4 until my 2014 CB 1100. I've had several other engine configurations over my 50+ years of riding but definitely prefer the under stressed engine of my present bike along with it's torque characteristics and its "do everything without drama" nature. Like Ferret, I really like a quiet exhaust note and the muffled exhaust sounds are relaxing on an early morning ride into work and, there is pleasant goodness above 48-5K rpm or greater when I want to get on it and enjoy that side of the record.

Currently, I am extremely blessed to also own a 2017 Husky SM single and a '17 Super Duke. Both have aftermarket cans bringing out their charms. But the CB 1100 is the one I turn to with a warm heart most often and is a keeper until I trade for another one someday down the road. The 701 is a beautiful contrast to the 1100 and I love to change-up ever day or so. Mostly, my adult son rides the SD and, I have not bonded with that twin.

It has absolutely magnificent engine characteristics that I find are easily manageable. It had been touted as having qualities that would allow this model to be a comfortable tourer. But there is a harshness to the engine and the bike in general that for me grows old quickly. And, I've come to have second thoughts about sharing a powerful twin with my son. I wouldn't think twice about that with the CB and, that puts me over-the-top completely in a strong vote for an inline 4 over the potential of a twin.

-Will never forget the late winter evening on one of my Tuono's in a SoCal canyon, hitting black ice and high siding (my smallest left finger will never be the same after jamming one bone deep into its socket). -So much early-on torque! A friend whom I let ride one of my Tuonos for a day ran across damp grass after leaving his house to return my bike. He broke his collar bone and arm and I think, a rib. Sure! No one should do that with an I4 but a strong twin needs an experienced pilot and can be really edgy.

[use2b_imp]

loved the Boxer 4 cly on the original Goldwings the best but the sound and smoothness of any 4 cly is why i prefer it over a twin