4 cylinder vs. twin

[dsmith41]

I am new to the forum so hello folks!  I have been riding a Honda Helix 250cc scooter for 5 years now and I love it.  I call it my touring scooter.    Anyway, I'm soon graduating college and looking to upgrade.  I want a bike that can get me down the road long distances in relative comfort but with plenty of power.  So far, I have narrowed it down to the Kawasaki 650R Ninja and the Yamaha FZ6.  

My concern with the FZ6 is that it has a past generation's R6 engine in it.  I know it has been tuned for more low to mid range but I am concerned that it will still be too high strung for my liking.  In fact, I am afraid most 4 cylinder engines would be.

But is a twin cylinder okay for traveling long distances reliably?  I would say my riding will consist of 50% in town commuting and 50% highway touring.  

Please give me some recommendations.  

David

[Kiwi]

I voted for the 650R because that's what I bought. It's a great all around bike and I haven't had any problems with it. Throw some sadle bags and a top case on it and it makes a great touring bike.

[Hickey]

There are two FZ6 models now.  The FZ6   http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/273/0/home.aspx    And now the FZ6R   http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/619/0/home.aspx

They have a similar purpose and share the same motor, although I believe the FZ6R is tuned for more economy.  Either should make a fine bike for commuting and travel.  Some reviewers have complained that the motor is a little bit buzzy and high strung.  Be aware that due to its exhaust placement the FZ6R cannot have a center stand like the FZ6 -- which is handy for chain maintenance while traveling.

The Ninja 650R has been reworked for 2009.  It now has a digital dash with a fuel gauge.  They also made some changes to the frame to deaden engine vibration.  Although it only carries 4 gallons of fuel, it supposedly returns excellent fuel economy allowing 200+ miles per tank.  There are many aftermarket accessories out there including luggage which can make it a fantastic sport tourer.  Although as with the FZ6R, there can be no center stand.

The SV650 comes in two flavors, the naked bike and the fully faired 'S' model, both of which can come with ABS.  There are many many aftermarket accessories, including luggage.  The naked bike has upright ergonomics like the other bikes you listed and the 'S' has lower, more aggressive clip on handlebars.  These are really fun bikes.  My wife's gets around 50 MPG even when ridden hard.

All of these make great light sport touring bikes and excellent commuters.  They all have more than enough power for highway riding and probably are within a few MPH or each other in terms of top speed.  The differences in engines will be largely subjective judgement calls like styling.  Sit on them and see how they feel.  One might fit you just perfectly.

[2RR2NV]

i went with the SV since it's been around for FOREVER!!  lots of aftermarket support for em. got to ride a friend's SV and it wasn't too bad. power was broad (not peaky like 4's i've rode/owned). sounded pretty good, but with a pipe, even better. when my wife gets her license, it'll be one of the top choices. of course, who knows what will be out there in 5 years....

[dsmith41]

What rpm range do those 650 twins run in at highway speeds?  From some Youtube videos I've watched, it looks like about 7,000 rpms at 75-80 mph.  Is that high of revs hard on the engine for long periods of touring?  I am new to cycling so you'll have to forgive the noob questions.  

[Hickey]

What rpm range do those 650 twins run in at highway speeds?  From some Youtube videos I've watched, it looks like about 7,000 rpms at 75-80 mph.  Is that high of revs hard on the engine for long periods of touring?  I am new to cycling so you'll have to forgive the noob questions.  

According to MCN the FZ6 will run at 4750 RPMs (it redlines at 13,300 RPMs) at 65 actual MPH.  The SV650 runs at 5300 RPMs (it redlines at 10,250) at 65 actual MPH.  And the Ninja 650R runs at 4870 RPMs (it redlines at 10,800) at 65 actual MPH.  All three are capable of top speeds greater than 125 MPH and 0-60 times of less than 4 seconds.

They all have around 7% error in their displayed MPH.  That is to say they all claim to be going faster than they really are, displaying approximately 65 MPH when they are going closer to 60 MPH.  This is very common for motorcycles.

Anyway, none of them are working hard at highway speeds.  Any of them could do 80 MPH all day without a problem.  Vibrations might be an issue for your own comfort, but the bikes won't be bothered in the slightest.

[wolf46]

I have the FZ6R which has lower end torque than the FZ6 and doesn't seem to be very "twitchy" at all. 4.6 gallon tank, low seat height, and runs right about 7,000rpm at 80mph. I haven't felt any vibration as has been reported in FZ6's, possibly because motor is part of stress mounted frame which is steel (accounting for some of the extra weight some complain about). I'm happy

[Fourstring]

But is a twin cylinder okay for traveling long distances reliably?  I would say my riding will consist of 50% in town commuting and 50% highway touring.  

Please give me some recommendations.  

David

Welcome to the board!

The Ninja 650 will run 85 all day long without breathing hard.  Hell, my single-cylinder Burgman would too.  So there's my vote.

Oh, and my wife says her 650 with stock gearing runs 5500 RPM at 80mph.  She's not slow either.

[Orson]

We are living in a golden age of motorcycling.

You almost cannot buy a bad motorcycle nowadays.

You should be happy with  whatever you purchase. It comes down to personal preference.

The inline four will tour effortlessly, however, if horsepower figures don't mean much to you, the extra dollop of character that the parallel twin provides, might be right up your alley.

[dsmith41]

I think I'm pretty sold on the Ninja 650R.  

[Zerosum]

I also voted for the 650R.  I breifly considered getting one before getting my V-Strom.  It's very light and narrow.  It would make a great "second bike" for someone who's cut their teeth on a 250.  The only thing I don't like about the 650R is the shape of the handlebars.  I think they're swept rearward at a strange angle.  Of course, YMMV.  You really can't make a wrong choice, here.  The SV would serve you just as well.  As would the Versys or V-Strom.

My V-Strom 650 has virtually the same motor as the SV.  (There are minor differences, mainly that the engine is tuned for a little more torque, and a little less HP.)  It's a superb city/commuting/touring/everything bike.  Light, easy to maneuver, plenty of torque.   It has the best luggage rack out there, IMO.  It's very sturdy and luggage cases can bolt right up to it.  

My only gripe about it is that I'm always trying to shift into 7th gear on the highway.  It's geared a little on the low side.  I think it turns about 6K RPM at 80mph.  The redline is 10.5K.  I think the SVs redline is 11K.  

[2Pokey]

I evaluated both bikes as well. Both are extremely capable machines. I voted with my wallet for the FZ6. I liked the 650R more visually but it felt a little cramped. I find the FZ6 to have better ergos. The 650R wasn't as comfortable as it looked. The FZ6 seemed to have better fit and finish and an engine with excellent history. I love the underseat exhaust. And it came in an amazing color of red. As for buzzy I havent really noticed. Twitchy? Maybe a little when your wringing it out. I am one extremely satisfied customer.  

[RenegadeVT]

The SV650 is the pick of the litter.  I purchased mine 9 years ago and have not been able to part with it.  Great bike and will keep you entertained for many years.  I have used it as a touring bike (1500 mile trips, 300+ mile days), commuter, canyon carver and track bike.  It does all of them well.

The Ninja 650 is also an excellent option.

I have heard some reports that the FZ6 has some very annoying habits and would stay clear.

[chornbe]

Hmm... I've got some twins and have had oddles of i-4s.

I prefer the way the twins deliver power for street riding, but the 4s definitely have a real rush once they wind up.

I'm going with the twins (L-twin / V-twin rather than parallel twins) for street riding.

[chornbe]

The SV650 comes in two flavors, the naked bike and the fully faired 'S' model, both of which can come with ABS.  There are many many aftermarket accessories, including luggage.  The naked bike has upright ergonomics like the other bikes you listed and the 'S' has lower, more aggressive clip on handlebars.  These are really fun bikes.  My wife's gets around 50 MPG even when ridden hard.

For '09 the SV650 (naked) has been replaced by the Gladius and there will be no ABS option until '10 or '11 for that.

[chornbe]

I have heard some reports that the FZ6 has some very annoying habits and would stay clear.

Such as? I haven't really heard too many negatives. Crappy stock forks/springs is the biggest I think.


The only "complaint" I have about mine is that off-idle, the FI is a little twitchy, but ONLY off-idle. I just go into turns on the go and it's fine.

[falconati]

The Ninja would be fine, but check out the FZ6R as previously mentioned.  It's a detuned FZ6, and would suit your needs as well.

[bucktownbilly]

Just turn 20,000 miles on my 2005 FZ6 after putting 600 last weekend.  Mainly use it for day trips and long weekend trips.  Went around the lake (Michigan, is there another?) a couple of years ago, and ran down to Nashville last year.  It's a unbelievable solo tourer, sporty yet comfortable.  Not one issue, very reliable which is utmost of concern when your out in the middle of nowhere.  I'm 6ft, 200 + and think it has the most room of the bikes mentioned.  I also wonder if I am missing the low end torque of a twin but the FZ6 seems to have enough and won't kill ya if you do something stupid.  Enjoy working for the right gear.  Could cruise a 100mph all day and not even work up a sweat.  Highly recommended.  With that said, do like the looks of the new 2009 650R.  Also would love to see a Triumph 675 tiger which I've read rumours of.  Love my bike but getting an itch for something new.  Will pull the plug when I see a better replacement, hasn't happen yet.

[Westy]

Anything gets a butt down Sslab @80 forever and doing 170 is kinda "pfft" these days.

It's the 35-60 (10-30 posted) twisties that gets the heart rate up and torque with gearing does that for me without working at it hard.

I enjoy my twin now more than the Busas and other 4's  i've owned. Twins seem to be better midrange and less technical in rider aspect.

Twins have better intake and exhaust thus greater torque and also fewer parts to go wrong with.

I really miss my DRD400.

[Papa Lazarou]

I just get so irritated that many polls lack the "I like apples" option. It might be a small thing....


Oh, and wot Orson says, except the SV is the pick.

[Fourstring]

Such as? I haven't really heard too many negatives.

As you mentioned, low-speed FI and springs.  I've also heard a narrow clutch engagement is a problem for noobs.

[MackDaddy]

I voted 650R, but you've left out a very competitive bike....

I absolutely love it.

[jsanford]

Twins are great.  For "other" I suggested a 2-valve Ducati.  

[rodm850g]

Guys,
I just got me an interceptor,and I knowits like saying you got a BMW or a Guzzi around here,but I last rode  as a sport bike a TL1000 and it was killing my back....I used to get by with a 800 motrin butthat didn't last long.....so the TL has a new home and I now have another V-4
Rod

[Hickey]

Guys,
I just got me an interceptor,and I knowits like saying you got a BMW or a Guzzi around here,but I last rode  as a sport bike a TL1000 and it was killing my back....I used to get by with a 800 motrin butthat didn't last long.....so the TL has a new home and I now have another V-4
Rod

Sweet!     I had a red '98 that I loved.

[keppyou812]

I didn't poll.  Even though I own an SV, any of the above bikes would be excellent "starter" bikes.  

With the SV (1st. gen) I cruise about 5300RPM at 70 MPH.  This is stock gearing, and the only "power adder" is a K&N filter.  As far as the SV being able to do 125 MPH top speed.  Only going off of a steep mountain.  

You might want to check out the Street Triple also...

[wolf46]

I really liked how the 650R looked but after I sat on it it didn't feel as good as the fz6r, the other that was in the running was the gsx650f. I like the I4, very very smooth.

[rockinjc]

Picked other so I will be suggesting a Honda 919 simply because I was looking at one the other day.

j