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Originally Posted by Thundurburd  How do the torques compare? Is it possible that the higher HP is due the higher rpm available on the R bike?
Just asking. I'm pretty much clueless on sport bikes. |
The thing that makes singles and v-twins fun is the fact that sooo much torque is available right at the bottom. If you want to have some fun watch what happens when a v-twins suckers an inline 4 into a stoplight drag--you know just a block long run between stoplights.
V-twins win the first 100ft easily then shut down just as an inline 4 starts to spool up. (Unless of course the inline 4 is willing to do a true drag start and hold the throttle at 7K before launch, then all bets are off and you should have your thumb on the 9 on your cellphone 'cause bad things are about to happen).
The best explaination I ever heard about horsepower v. torque was this:
Horsepower is how much you can lift. Torque is how fast you can lift it.
Hence, a 600cc sportbike has plenty of HP (up to 120 on some) but not as much torque.
A 900 Buell has only about 90 HP but plenty of torque--so is comes off the bottom better.
There are those who feel that the v-twin is a more 'ride-able' engine. I tend to agree. I ride a 400cc single right now, coming off an 1100 inline 4. It's easier for me to get usable, tractable power out of the single. The 1100 (where all hell broke loose at 7 grand) needed to be wrung out a little to make the big power. (The equivalent of 'riding the pipe' on a 2stroke).
For an experienced rider the question is: which do YOU like more. IF you can a couple of test rides would be nice. I, personally, think that maybe a 3 cylinder might be the best of both worlds but I haven't got any seat time on one...bummer.
If we're betting on this? I imagine you'll be more comfortable on the Buell. The hard part is choosing a color...them translucent airbox/tank cover things are pretty darn cool....