How do they make the 800cc bikes so fast?

[Texas Jay]

In reviewing the speeds & times in the quarter-mile, it looks like the 1400cc bikes are just barely quicker than the 800cc bikes (eg., S83 vs. S50). There is essentially no difference.

With about 600 fewer cc's, how are the smaller bikes able to keep up with the larger bikes? Is it just because they weigh much less?

I didn't buy my bike to race, but if I was going to spend an extra $2,000+ on a larger bike, I'd expect it to be a little quicker than the smaller, less expensive bikes.

[DrBob]

The VS800 is designed to be very quick, with light weight and gearing to maximize low-end acceleration. But there is a trade off for all that bottom-end grunt: the 800 tops out at about 108 MPH. And you are in top gear fairly soon, which is why everyone keeps saying they would like a sixth gear to bring the revs down at highway speed.
The 1400 is heavier and more stable on the highway, and is more comfortable at 80 MPH that the 800 is, with a less busy motor. The 800 pulls like the dickens up to about 75, then starts to run out of steam, where the 1400 pulls strong up to about 100, and tops out at something like 125 or more (I have never actually found the top end on a 1400 before).
For years the 800 was actually faster than the 1400, but the newer 800s are not as fast as the older ones. The difference, I believe, comes from the different ignition curve in the post-1998 control box, which will not work with the older bikes and vice-versa. The single-carb version of the 800 motor in the Volusia is a LOT slower than the dual-carb VS version, and the version in the 800 Marauder was somewhere in between the two. The version put in the VX800 sport bike was identical to the VS motor, but with a vacuum fuel pump instead of an electric one. But because of the highway gearing on the shaft drive, the VX was actually slower than the cruiser version stoplight to stoplight.

[Texas Jay]

Thanks.

Since I don't go very far (no trips to either coast), my 800 appears to be fine. If I get the urge to do some serious, cross-country cruising, I may consider getting a bigger bike.

[DrBob]

Hey, my 800 visited 22 states in 2004 alone! I have gone as far as 1176 miles in 24 hours, and been from Florida to Maine to Texas to Illinois. The 800 is perfectly fine for long trips...but I have to admit, every now and then I think about a Road King for those coast to coast trips...

[Texas Jay]

That's encouraging. Maybe I just need some saddlebags and I'll be able to go anywhere. I'd love to go to California at some point. It sounds possible.

[DrBob]

I have no pronlems with long trips at all with the 800. I don't use a windshield, but I am putting on some highway pegs so I can stretch my legs out. Instead of saddle bags, I have a large bag that slips over my sissy bar. This will hold enough gear and clothes for about a two-week trip. For riding around on weekends I have a small, rigid sissy bar bag that holds my rain gear, gloves, extra glasses, and my cell phone.
Where is McKinney? I will be riding across Texas in the spring, on my way to California...

[Texas Jay]

McKinney is 35 miles north of downtown Dallas and 40 miles south of Oklahoma. If you're going through Dallas, I'm not too far away. If you're going through San Antonio or Oklahoma City, I'm probably out of the way.

If you want to stop and rest, send me a private message with the details of when, etc.

[DrBob]

Thanks! Too cool! I have not yet set a route, but I'll let you know...maybe I'll come by and buy you a beer.

[opticsguy]

I'm in N. Dallas, and sometimes ride to work in Plano. Did you get your bike at Plano Suzuki/Yamaha/whatever?

[trini0]

Originally Posted by DrBob

I don't use a windshield

How is it without a windshield at highway speeds??
Me personally, I dont really like the look of them.
Thanks

[Texas Jay]

Originally Posted by opticsguy

I'm in N. Dallas, and sometimes ride to work in Plano. Did you get your bike at Plano Suzuki/Yamaha/whatever?

No, I bought it at the dealer in Sherman (Sherman Power Sports). When I was shopping, I went to: 1) Plano Kawasaki/Suzuki, 2) Action Suzuki in Mesquite, and 3) Sherman Power Sports (Yamaha/Kawasaki/Suzuki).

I was looking for a 2005 S50, but when I walked into the dealer in Sherman back in October 2004, they still had two 2004 Intruder VS800's. I liked the pulled-back handlebars, the silver color, and the large discount because it was "last year's model".

Lately I've been looking for a dealer to do my first servicing. I've called the dealers that I already mentioned, plus Honda/Suzuki North in Dallas (near I-35 & LBJ). The service manager at Honda/Suzuki North seems to be extremely knowledgeable & honest. I think that's where I'll go, even though it's about an hour away.

Where did you get your bike?

[sunny]

Lately I've been looking for a dealer to do my first servicing. I've called the dealers that I already mentioned, plus Honda/Suzuki North in Dallas (near I-35 & LBJ). The service manager at Honda/Suzuki North seems to be extremely knowledgeable & honest. I think that's where I'll go, even though it's about an hour away.

the parts desk people are also really nice and helpful. that is where i get my parts.
when i first got my bike (which didn't run) and didn't yet have a manual, the service guys let me and my friend look at theirs and actually answered some questions.

[Texas Jay]

Originally Posted by sunny

the parts desk people are also really nice and helpful.

Thanks. That's where I'm going for the servicing. They're also going to add an attachment for the rear turn signals, so they blink when the brakes are applied. It's about $80, but I think it's worth it.

[Pinhy]

Originally Posted by Texas Jay

an attachment for the rear turn signals, so they blink when the brakes are applied. It's about $80, but I think it's worth it.

that sounds like a great added safety element...i may look into something like that when i get the new bike!