View Full Version : My first 4pot experience...
Last night, I dragged myself over to a mate's house as he'd just been to pick up a 2000 Kawasaki ZX6R Ninja that he'd just bought.
He had one of these a few years ago, before upgrading to a Ducati 748S which was unfortuantely stolen. His girlfriend was also their on her RVF400.
To my surprise, I was offered to have a go on both of them! :shock: So without much hesitation, I popped my lid and gloves on, and got to it.
Now, I've not ridden anything other than a twin before. The opportunity was never really available. It's really only ever been the ER5 I did my DAS on, and my SV.
The main thing I noticed on the ZX6R, was that it was incredibly easy to ride. The lack of torque in the lower end is pretty friendly around town. To be fair, I never really got it above 3rd gear, but the sensation of the bike winding up is definitely there.
I then got on the RVF... this really is a girls bike! It's small, light, and not friendly to male genitals. It makes a great noise and is pretty nippy - especially considering it's a 400. Again, no opportunity to get above 3rd gear, but definitely a lot of fun! If these bikes had a cheaper reputation, I woud definitely consider picking one up as a bit of fun. :roll: :oops: :lol:
All in all, a lot of fun, and a new experience for me. It certainly highlights the difference of the V-Twin to me, and I still think the SV is a wonderfully practical bike with its low end torque.
Jelster
03-08-05, 12:20 PM
One of the things that I have enjoyed since passing my test is trying out all the different bikes. The ones that really stand out are:
The Aprilia Falco, very, very strong big vee twin (gives a different feeling to an SV Thou' IMHO).
The BMW R1200GS... What a let down, I really wanted to enjoy it, and I absolutely hated it.
Surprise of the bunch was the VFR Vtech, a real experience.
Ducati 749 which seems to capture both a twin and a four, as you get the V-twin characteristics, but it revs like a 4 pot.
And, everyone must, at sometime, ride a Hayabusa...
Glad you enjoyed the experience, I'd like to try one of those little 400 in line 4's, they're barking made :lol:
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Too many on here condemn IL4 engines without ever having riden one. At least when you have a pop in the future you'll be able to do so from a position of knowledge.
Sounds like you quite enjoyed it. Also confirmed when I've been saying......... they're very easy to ride at slow speed.
Yeah I did enjoy it, and I've always enjoyed trying something new.
As you say Jabba, they're much easier to ride at low speed. All the throttle does is make the engine spin faster! From that, I feel I'm a much better rider having been on the twin for the past couple of years. I could imagine my clutch and throttle control getting very lazy on the Ninja.
I can see why some call say they're dull and no personality. There simply wasn't the pull and grunt that the v-twin provides, or the noise. That's all reserved for the upper end that you only use when out and about on our clear and smooth roads :lol:
Funny that... Stupot and I were discussing IL4's in comparison to V-twins the other day and he says 'Once you've tried an IL4 you never go back...'
Does anyone agree with this statement? I'm not sure myself as I LOVE the V-twin noise and I've not ridden an IL4 since I got my riding confidence.
:)
Saint Matt
03-08-05, 03:12 PM
I rode a mate's CBR4 the other day, its full power. to me, it doesnt feel that much faster than my sv, but i guess thats torque for you.
hmmmm, I have ridden a fazer thou, hornet,cb1300,cb1000 and have enjoyed them all but on balance I still prefer the v twin. They are rather fun at the top of the rev range though :lol:
i guess thats torque for you.
I reckon that's got more to do with the +50-odd % increased capacity that the SV has over the CBR4 as the engine configuration.
IL4's, in general, make more torque than twins of the same capacity. cc for cc, my Hornet makes more torque than an SV and the Hornet's IL4 is detuned compared to the doner CBR600F.
This big difference is where in the rev-range the peak torque is produced, and the rev-range considerd to be the mid-range.
Each to their own, I say.
Jelster
03-08-05, 04:33 PM
Vee twins tend to have a flatter torque curve, but IL4's are pussy cats at low revs and modern 600's can be ridden in traffic without hitting the "all hell breaks lose" spot.
I'd consider another twin, but as a 2nd bike, not as my only access to the hobby. I'd definately consider an SV again but for what I'd want another bike for (commuting etc) the DL650 may be a better choice, and it's much more comfy too...
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kwak zzr
03-08-05, 05:30 PM
ive always had il4 sports 600's and still prefere the sv.
Flamin_Squirrel
03-08-05, 05:53 PM
Vee twins tend to have a flatter torque curve, but IL4's are pussy cats at low revs and modern 600's can be ridden in traffic without hitting the "all hell breaks lose" spot.
Ahh the dilema I'm facing. Especialy after getting my SV remaped, the torque curve is even flatter, and I really like it that way.
After trying the ZX-6R, I liked the amount of power, and even thought the low down grunt was decent enough for my tastes, I just didn't like the violent transition between the two!
But then I had a brief ride on a Thundercat, which felt closer to my SV than the 6R in terms of power curve :shock:
So now I'm even more confused as what bike I want next :cry:
So now I'm even more confused as what bike I want next :cry:
okay - I'll expect the usual flames................ you need to try a Hornet (very linear power cure - more a line really) and a Z750.
Or try one of the old type of Yam Fazers - the ones with the headlights a bit like the pointy SVs.
Flamin_Squirrel
03-08-05, 06:33 PM
Unfortunately Jabba, I want a faired bike :(
I may look a the CBR600F, that's basicaly a faired Hornet isnt it?
Jelster
03-08-05, 06:48 PM
Unfortunately Jabba, I want a faired bike :(
I may look a the CBR600F, that's basicaly a faired Hornet isnt it?
The CBR600F is a very compenent bike and around town probably a better selection than the RR, GSXR, or Kawaski. I read a report that compared it to the RR which said in the wet it handles better due to it's softer suspension, the 0-60 was similar, it was far more comfortable and of course, was cheaper to buy and insure.
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I may look a the CBR600F, that's basicaly a faired Hornet isnt it?
It's a way better bike than that - better suspension, frame, etc and more potent engine.
I may look a the CBR600F, that's basicaly a faired Hornet isnt it?
It's a way better bike than that - better suspension, frame, etc and more potent engine.
:) i think there t-balls :)
i have one :)
there great for touring too - will easily keep up with/ if not pass GSX-R's. CBR600RR's and R6's
the 0-60 is better on the CBR600F than the CBR600RR as it is easier to launch (if i recall correctly)
Flamin_Squirrel
03-08-05, 07:10 PM
I may look a the CBR600F, that's basicaly a faired Hornet isnt it?
It's a way better bike than that - better suspension, frame, etc and more potent engine.
More potent engine, in what way? If potent means tuned for more top end power then I'm not sure I'll like it. Although, I'm not even sure about that, because I might just get used to it :lol:
The 636 is ment to have a more linear power curve isnt it? Well, more so than other sports 600s... so that doesn't really say much does it :shock:
if im correct in thinking that the hornet is about 80bhp ? (jabba will correct me no matter what i say ;)) and my CBR is 109bhp standard (im hoping its alot more now i tinkered with it a bit)
the engine is the same . apart from the CBR's is designed to rev higher and harder. stretching the power out more across the rev range.
the hornet revs to about 10k (again . . . jabba correct me) while my CBR revs to 17k (redline is about 14.5k)
jabbas hornet will have more low down power than my CBR, but once i get my CBR upto about 8k i will leave jabba in the dust (in theory anyway :)) the CBR just seems to rev and rev and rev.
but you gotta remember (what alot of people forget) is that the midrange is alot higher up in the rev range on an IL4 than on the SV. they need to be ridden at between 5-8k revs (thats where the midrange starts)
Horses for courses. MY SV is the only v twin I've ever had. I've had loads of IL4s in the past, my fave IL4 still being the barking mad early GSXR750 with it's flat slide carbs and 2 stroke like power delivery. In contrast I find the Sv much easier on the road and easier to live with from insurnace, maintenance and license point of view.
I don't think there is a bike that will be everything to everyone, not that everyone of us has the same style or pace of riding anyway. It'd be kind of boring if every bike was the same anyway.
I think my next bike, if I don't buy another Suzuki, will either be a trumpet thruxton or an older speed triple.
Buy British :D
kwak zzr
03-08-05, 09:46 PM
http://www.thebikereview.com/iup/get8.asp?ID=899
my mates thruxton with track pipes! sounds great! its a good bike with no oil leaks.
twotime
04-08-05, 07:59 AM
I've been on my j2 zx6r for two weeks now and am finding that my concerns about commuting in traffic are unfounded. admittedly you need to get a bit higher up the rev range for the same pulling power that the SV had, but within reason I'm not noticing much difference. It's incredibly easy to ride slowly, really well balanced, and the brakes instill a lot more confidence in me. gear changes are smooth and it dives less under front braking.
there is an issue with it that drives me mad though. I've checked with the mcnninja website and it appears most of them do this..... when the bike is hot, i.e at warmed up running temp if you stop it it's a bitch to start again. A fraction to much throttle and it floods imediately, I've already had the AA out once as I flattened the battery trying to start it..ggrrrr. was a fairly comical moment though, stuck down a back street in London last week with a large bag, looking suspicious hanging aorund, then got a huge backfire trying to start it..cue everybody in the vicinity bricking it big time! sure enough within about 5 mins a cop car rolled past to see what I was up to :lol:
on a honda with F1 - if the engine floods, turn the ignition off and leave the throttle open for 5 seconds and it will suck all the fuel out of the engine :)
nice touch :)
Steve W
04-08-05, 07:59 PM
Of course, there are exceptions to evry rule... my CB1300 develops lots of torque low down the rev range and its red line is about 8k. I like its smoothness, low down torque and general planted feel - I miss the fun, manouvreability and sound of the SV. Of course, in a perfect world I'd have a garage full of bikes, petrol would be 10p a gallon, ManUtd would be in the Beazer Homes League etc. etc...
well i like my 4 pot too..lol
muddycoffee
04-08-05, 09:22 PM
My last bike 11 years ago was this GPZ600R :-
http://www.rocknroll.f9.co.uk/motor/b600r.jpg
now I know it's old by todays standards, but it accelerated in a fantastic way, with it's 4 pots and 16valves. However I found the handling extremely hard to get on with and the SV is a much more chuckable machine, it's lighter in weight than the last few bikes I had.
Peter Henry
08-08-05, 06:19 PM
muddycoffee....around that time I had the awesome big brother to your bike....The ZX1000RX....RAW POWER! :lol: 8)
Funny that... Stupot and I were discussing IL4's in comparison to V-twins the other day and he says 'Once you've tried an IL4 you never go back...'
Does anyone agree with this statement? I'm not sure myself as I LOVE the V-twin noise and I've not ridden an IL4 since I got my riding confidence.
:)
I am the opposite. I have over the past twenty years, had IL4's 600's and 750's, this is the first time that I have ever ridden a twin, and I won't go back. Absolutely love the twin. HEAPS of fun.
More potent engine, in what way? If potent means tuned for more top end power then I'm not sure I'll like it.
You might wish to consider a twin :lol: .
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Flamin_Squirrel
08-08-05, 08:17 PM
More potent engine, in what way? If potent means tuned for more top end power then I'm not sure I'll like it.
You might wish to consider a twin :lol: .
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:lol:
Yeah, I'd consider an SV1000, but the tank range would irritate me :(
SVeeedy Gonzales
08-08-05, 08:23 PM
on a honda with F1 - if the engine floods, turn the ignition off and leave the throttle open for 5 seconds and it will suck all the fuel out of the engine :)
nice touch :)
Just on Hondas? That is nice - you'd have thought they'd all have something like that. Bet my SV doesn't have that :cry: Remember my Yamaha Sr125 always dying when it got hot and had been turned off, and needing a push start (fun at petrol stations!) Turned out to be a faulty regulator/rectifier though.
Vee twins tend to have a flatter torque curve, but IL4's are pussy cats at low revs and modern 600's can be ridden in traffic without hitting the "all hell breaks lose" spot.
Ahh the dilema I'm facing. Especialy after getting my SV remaped, the torque curve is even flatter, and I really like it that way.
After trying the ZX-6R, I liked the amount of power, and even thought the low down grunt was decent enough for my tastes, I just didn't like the violent transition between the two!
But then I had a brief ride on a Thundercat, which felt closer to my SV than the 6R in terms of power curve :shock:
So now I'm even more confused as what bike I want next :cry:
Ill give the Cat a vote, well i would seein as i have one brill bike m8, comfy, economical (180 miles out of a tank is the most ive managed, and NO i dont ride like an old lady :P) looks maybe a bit dated now but i think it still looks a cracking bike(especially in black), nice 'n' chunky. You dont have to ride it like a hooligan its quite happy pottering thru traffic but if u winde it up it fast a bloody nuff. All in all a great bike. 8) :thumbsup:
Martin
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