I've sort of kicked around the idea of maybe eventually, possibly moving up to a motorcycle in the far, far distant future. But I can't get a straight answer about a very simple question. Anyway, here is my post from Actual Riders, feel free to comment:
If you read my intro, you know I may be looking into buying a motorcycle in the somewhat near future. The thing is, trying to get an unbiased opinion is hard to do in the bike shops. Most of what they say is exactly the wrong thing to say to me. It seems that everyone but me wants to go 150mph in 4 seconds, and that is the bike that the shp people point me to.
Anyway, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate some general advice.
If I do move up, I think I'd be more than happy with a 650cc bike, like the Kawasaki KLR or the Versys or the Suzuki 500 or something similar. I think I prefer the naked bike/standard look.
So, my question is:
When is enough power, enough?
I mean, the KLR 650 does 0-60 in six seconds, according to the review I read in one of the magazines I have. I don't want to go faster! Well, I probably do, but I don't really need to go faster. According to the review, top speed on the KLR is 93mph, so it will probably cruise at 80mph with no problems. Does anyone really need more than that? Why?
Some of the reasoning I hear seems crazy to me. Besides the 'Because you can', which you can't argue but is a pretty weak argument. The one that kills me but that I hear a lot is 'Well, at 75 mph sometimes you need that extra power to get out of trouble.'
Ummm, seems to me that you shouldn't be driving that fast if you're in a situation where you can get into trouble. Sure, I completely understand that stuff happens but is that a valid point?
Anyway, thaks for trying to help a new motorcycle enthusiast out and I hope I haven't set off a fame war on my fourth post.
One last thing, if you know of a bike other than the three I listed that will top out around 100 mph and is comfortable but still pretty quick, let me know. I'll add it to my list.
Thanks again!
2 comments:
Your request can be complicated. Here's my nickel's worth.
One, pick a bike that fits in with the kind of rding you will do. If you're going to commute a few miles to work then a 900 pound touring bike won't do. On the other hand, if you're off to see Aunt Martha in Florida, you don't want a 50 cc scooter.
As to power, it's really where the power comes in that matters. Most of us need power in lower gears rather than top speed. We need to be able to get our body and bike underway without too much strain. We also need enough power to get out of someone's way when in traffic. Not at high speeds, but that middle range of 35 to 45 mph. That's really more a function of torque than horsepower.
The other criteria for power is freeway or extended legal limit riding. Does the bike have enough power so that the bike doesn't buzz so much the mirrors are blurry? Score. As to passing, etc,. that's what lower gears are for! Shift down and let it rev a little. They like it!
A smoother ride will be had with more cylinders. Four cylinders will be smoother than two, which in turn will be smoother than one.
From what it sounds like, a twin like the Suzuki SV650 might be up your alley. There may come a time when the buzziness of spinning a twin gets tiresome. You'll need a llttle more rpm for power on it. Not extreme power, but the "taking care of business" kind of power. If you're buying used, a good condition Honda Nighthawk 750 would be perfect. It's naked, easy to add bags and a windshield to, and has the perfect combo of smoothness and torque.
Some twins have bigger cylinders so they don't have to rev as much. The Honda Pacific Coast was a perfect example of that. Try a '98. The motor was used in the Shadow 750 but bumped up to a 800. It was perfect for most any type of touring and commuting. Hydraulic lifters made for no valve adjustments.
Just some ideas of other things to think about.
Let me know how it comes out! Good luck.
I concur with irondad, the SV650 is probably the bike you want. I just posted on your site about the SV650 and started reading the rest of your site. If you are in an urban area at all, anything bigger than a 650 is a bit of a chore... especially in Philly with all of the stoplights and stop signs. Irondad is correct that the more cylinders gives a smoother ride. My first bike was a 550 with two cylinders, my second was a 750 with four, and now I have a 492 with one cylinder. I have kind of fallen for thumpers. I don't know why, but I really like them. If you are going to be on the highway a lot, I would suggest something a bit larger than a 600.
Post a Comment