IL4 compared to V-twin

Sorry if this sounds noobish but my only experience on a geared bike is on single cylinder 2stroke engines.

So apart from the obvious physical mechanical differences, what ARE the main differences?

All I have heard is VTwins naturally have more torque, and thats about as much as I know.

[maviczap]

More low down torque and more character than an IL4, less parts,

Much better noise from a twin IMO

chalk and cheese!

[fizzwheel]

What engine capacity IL4 are we talking about, because the characteristics depend...

Smaller IL4's rely on revs to make their power. This can make for tiring riding / more frequent gear changing. But can make for a more rewarding ride.

A bigger capcity IL4, say a Bandit 12 has just as much low down torque as some V-twins do.

IL4's are smoother to ride. I.e. the power delivery is much smoother, again especially on larger IL4's like a Bandit 12.

Comapred to a twin, IL4's dont have as much engine braking, but that doesnt mean that they dont have any.

This is based on my own experience of what they feel like to ride and may not be scientifically correct. I went from an SV to a GSXR-750... I honestly think its down to personal preference its really down to riding style, and how you like a bike to feel, theres no good or bad points, its just different thats all...

[andrewsmith]

twins are more torquey don't require trashing to do out!!
IL4's produce a ****load power for their size
triples are the way forward power and torque of the above two

My GSXR750 gives me a headache with the whine of the engine, and doesn't sound as good as my old SV...but it shifts!

Well I'd say SV650 compared with Bandit 600/650 for engine size.

Its just I have 2 mates on either camp - one owned an SV650 for a bit but recently sold, and one has something else. When I asked them why they prefer IL4/Vtwin all I got was "The IL4 sounds better (high pitched noise)" and the V-Twin "has loads of torque"

Just wondering if there was more to it, per se o.-

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by maviczap

More low down torque and more character than an IL4, less parts,

Yeah twice as many camshafts, twice as many tensioners and camchains too

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

A bigger capcity IL4, say a Bandit 12 has just as much low down torque as some V-twins do.

If you want torque buy a GSX14, there really is no replacement for displacement in that.

Bandit 6 and stuff are pretty heavy for what they are, SV is nice light middleweight with enough poke to keep you awake.