Whats everyones "next twin" going to be? I know everyone has a bike in their head, but I want to know the realistic ones, not the unlimited cash flow ones. After the Superhawk, if I ever get rid of her, most likely would be a 51. I know I should have got one instead of a the Superhawk because realistically, thats what I'm trying to transform my Hawk into. And if some reason I couldn't get a twin it would be a 929rr. So lets hear 'em.
Today I sat on a 410lb (dry) 07' SV1000 and drooled a bucket. But now discover it has been end of lifed! Sure its low clip ons are not the comfy of ergos of my 9er. But how could it possibly lose out in Suzuki's line-up?!
Yes the RC51 is heavy, but not for a liter twin. On the street the weight is not felt unless you are doing transition flip flops. Even then you can do something as easy as go to a 180/55 or 190/55 and you get more steering quickness. Also do that fork spacer mod.
The cheapo Jardine 2-1 SS full system lost 21 lbs from the stock 00-01 system and it made a big difference.
I sold the RC because I could not afford 2 rear race tires per weekend, plain and simple. It was a blast to race and fun to spin the rear up.
You can go the Durbahn route and get an RC51 below 400lbs wet. With the HRC engine/ECU kit stuff that Big D had you can fight 999R and even 1098s.
A guy in Portland is selling an Aprilia 550 road racer. That is what I want next. I cannot afford to race anything which much more than 100hp.
Yeh I'm still thinking about it. I know I want a twin, I am hooked.. Ducati is out of the question, Aprilia is looking ok.. But I really want to stick with a Honda. So I dont know if I should just wait a couple seasons to see if they come out with a new sport twin.. or just sell the Superhawk and get an RC. Well I know Im waiting till next season to do anything, and the recent gearing change on the Hawk is still making me smile. So who knows.
Yeh I'm still thinking about it. I know I want a twin, I am hooked.. Ducati is out of the question, Aprilia is looking ok.. But I really want to stick with a Honda. So I dont know if I should just wait a couple seasons to see if they come out with a new sport twin.. or just sell the Superhawk and get an RC. Well I know Im waiting till next season to do anything, and the recent gearing change on the Hawk is still making me smile. So who knows.
Gems, I'm about 30 minutes north of you in Mass on the Suffield line. If you are seriously looking for an RC, let me know. I would think about selling mine. You could always come up and we could get a few around here together for a ride ... you could take a spin on it. Guaranteed it will put a shiet eating grin on your face!
__________________ It's better to have loved and lost than live with the psycho for life!
I'm sure it would. What mods do you have on it? I read on the Speezilla forum a lot, and some of those guys' bikes are insane. If only the Hawk pumped out about 30 more horse and I could get it to about 400 pounds, I wouldn't have to sell it. What do you think it would cost to accomplish that? I know its probably better to buy a 51, and spend what I would have an the Hawk and have an already totally bad-assed machine. All I know is I want a twin. Nothing compares to its growl and attention it gets from everyone.. even the gixxer boys.
I'm sure it would. What mods do you have on it? I read on the Speezilla forum a lot, and some of those guys' bikes are insane. If only the Hawk pumped out about 30 more horse and I could get it to about 400 pounds, I wouldn't have to sell it. What do you think it would cost to accomplish that? I know its probably better to buy a 51, and spend what I would have an the Hawk and have an already totally bad-assed machine. All I know is I want a twin. Nothing compares to its growl and attention it gets from everyone.. even the gixxer boys.
I left and haven't been back on the Speedzilla fourm in close to 3 years. Not even for a peek. It got a bit "squidly" for me. I don't know if I'd call my RC insane. I'd say it's done up right for me.
- Suspenion
- Freebie mods (didn't do the Pair on this one, but have Kyle block-offs
- All the Sato parts that were available, including the limited mid exhaust
- etc.
It would be my third, don't ask about the other two. If you haven't riden a RC. It is very different from a Hawk. The Hawk is a Golden Retriever, friendly enough, can get pissed, but never truly scares you. Great bike. The RC is a Doberman (a real big one). Can be kind and gentle, but when the teeth show, your arse is in for a good time!
The invite to try it is always open. Just give me a bit notice. I'm just 12 miles north of Bradley. There are some great roads in NW CT and we can always get H_Ryder, Mr. Mike or some others out for a ride.
__________________ It's better to have loved and lost than live with the psycho for life!
My next twin would be my first and probably the 1100 shadow. Vanilla maybe but the ergos are perfect for me.
Had a chance to sit on a 51 and the owner fired it up for me. Now I know why everyone raves about the twins. This leads me to a question.
How much effect does the cylinder spread have on torque and power ?
And how much does a transverse mounted differ in power from an inline mounted vee , if any.
If given the choice of a 51 or a Hawk....
I would stay with the Hawk.
I have had more goofy / legal fun on friends hawks than either fo my RCs.
I am not about all out speed. I like something comfy I can ride all day.
Other Than H_ryder, I am nopt sure anyone would ever rdie the RC over 800 miles in one day.
That said, I loved my RCs and was sad to see them go...
But the attachment is emotional.
My R1 was a hands down better sport bike in every category but "Soul"
My R1 was also trouble free.... Wish I could say that about both RCs.
It is the only bike I have ever owned were sitting in traffic made me nervous about hover heating - and this is because on two occassions, I was sitting in traffic when it started spitting antifreeze everywhere (it was three months old the first time).
So----
If you heart is set on one, it is a blast and nothing is like it.
If you want a great sportbike with out spending 4 grand in mods.... get something else.
Had a chance to sit on a 51 and the owner fired it up for me. Now I know why everyone raves about the twins. This leads me to a question.
How much effect does the cylinder spread have on torque and power ?
And how much does a transverse mounted differ in power from an inline mounted vee , if any.
My understanding is that the cylinder spread (angle of the V), everything else being equal, has no effect in of itself in terms of power.
The angle affects vibration, exhaust note, etc more than power and torque.
So, all power derived from a twin is based more on valves, fueling, air delivery exhaust, etcetera ? Why does H/D seem to lag ? Perhaps it's just not their tea ?
So, all power derived from a twin is based more on valves, fueling, air delivery exhaust, etcetera ? Why does H/D seem to lag ? Perhaps it's just not their tea ?
Lemon, there are many factors that go into engine design. Bore, stroke, valve size, number of valves, angles, etc. You also need to take into effect what you are looking for? HP? Torque? etc.
__________________ It's better to have loved and lost than live with the psycho for life!
Power production is also very dependent on bore and stroke, and the implied mass that goes with a larger bore. In general a longer stroke will mean a lower revving engine (tho more torque). Same for larger/heavier pistons (more reciprocating mass to move). Add a giant flywheel to help quell the vibrations and smooth power delivery, and you will have a lower revving, heavier engine design.And if fed by a more restrictive (read inefficient) carb system (vs FI), and, if the volume of air the engine can move is more restrictive (smaller number of intake/exhaust valves per cylinder), this too, can lessen potential power.
What often gets forgotten as well, is the weight penalty paid with air cooling. Engine castings for air cooled engines weigh *significantly* more than engines that are water cooled. Despite the weight of the cooling system, including the fluid, air cooled engines are heavier, everything else being equal. More weight to move around, a slower device.
Besides push rods and old technology, the big twin Harleys are damned heavy! I went to Low Country Harley yesterday to get one of my old Navy bud a local dealership shirt and took the time to eyeball the new Road Kings and was told that it rode so smooth because of it's almost 800 lb weight. 800 lbs before a rider loads up those saddlebags, get on and gases up.
Was also told that the new V-Muscle is built for the drag guys but still gets right at 28-32 MPG on the highway.
I'm pretty certain that a stock 9er would rip it a new one and still get over 40mpg! The Harley's do have some nice factory paint jobs and fancy showrooms!
__________________
JDubya
Harleyville, South Carolina
USA
'02 Honda 919 - She's the only one for me!
and get an RC. Well I know Im waiting till next season to do anything, and the recent gearing change on the Hawk is still making me smile. So who knows.
If you haven't riden a RC. It is very different from a Hawk. The Hawk is a Golden Retriever, friendly enough, can get pissed, but never truly scares you. Great bike. The RC is a Doberman (a real big one). Can be kind and gentle, but when the teeth show, your arse is in for a good time!
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