Handling a 1000 v 600

Can someone tell me what essentially makes a 1000 harder to corner than a 600 given that there’s only 20kg difference on some supersports?

IMO alot more power and not enough skill in using it. Some say that 600 turn in quicker but if you look GSXR's there is not much difference in the range so they should be the same

Originally Posted by Kevin

Can someone tell me what essentially makes a 1000 harder to corner than a 600 given that there’s only 20kg difference on some supersports?

Its down to geometry (or something else mathematical).

Lots of things can effect it, height, width of tyres/wheels etc...

If i were to drop my forks through the yokes 1cm, my steering would be "faster". Not necessarily what i would want in the real world. Same applies to larger bikes.

I read somewhere it's because of a larger moving mass inside the engine, especially the crankshaft.
This causes a gyro effect, just like the wheels, that tries to keep the bike upright.
So, bigger engine equals bigger crankshaft equals bigger gyro effect equals "heavier" steering.

Obviously, the latest model sportbikes are so advanced that the crankshafts on a 600 vs. a 1000 are very close in regards to weight, making the difference in steering minimal.

Most litre sportsbikes these days are equiped with steering dampers.......................

I would think the differences in rake and trail as well as wheel base. But then again what the hell do I know?

Originally Posted by uthaug

I read somewhere it's because of a larger moving mass inside the engine, especially the crankshaft.
This causes a gyro effect, just like the wheels, that tries to keep the bike upright.
So, bigger engine equals bigger crankshaft equals bigger gyro effect equals "heavier" steering.

Yes, the gyroscope effect would make sense. The faster you go the more it wants to be upright, with a big engine, the rpm would probably need to be less to get the same effect.

In a similar way it's useful when trying to turn in a small space to dip the clutch and over-rev (annoys the neighbours mind- any non-biker will glare at you thinking you're showing off), the gyroscopic effect of the engine helps keep it upright.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

In a similar way it's useful when trying to turn in a small space to dip the clutch and over-rev (annoys the neighbours mind- any non-biker will glare at you thinking you're showing off), the gyroscopic effect of the engine helps keep it upright.

thats good to know, i get very nervous turning my bike slowly with full lock on

Well, It seems to be every factor apart from the weight itself.

I suppose Litre bikes cost more and so you’re subconsciously less confident in throwing your metal around.