My best riding buddy has given up motorcycles

[kver]

Yep

Yep on the opinion of I4s vs twins?  the sv800?  or triumph 660?  all of the above??

inquiring minds want to know...  

and no, I can't help it    

[Sport-Touring]

[Biking Sailor]

I think this discussion of Big V-twins and In-line 4's is pretty accurate. Both have their place and fans. However, the big boxer, in a different sense, gives a blend of both worlds. Lots of low end grunt (like a V-twin) with tract-able power (like an in-line 4). Maybe that's why so many are using the R GS as a sport/touring/commuter machine, with little pretense of taking it off road.

[kver]

I think this discussion of Big V-twins and In-line 4's is pretty accurate. Both have their place and fans. However, the big boxer, in a different sense, gives a blend of both worlds. Lots of low end grunt (like a V-twin) with tract-able power (like an in-line 4). Maybe that's why so many are using the R GS as a sport/touring/commuter machine, with little pretense of taking it off road.

Agreed -- 2 out of 3 ain't bad (Meatloaf) --- the boxers lack the HP....  some of that is air/oil cooling... but lots of it is that that fewer cyllinders = bigger pistons and/or longer strokes = lower top rpm and less efficient fueling.   Beacuse of their inherent balance -  without needing heavy flywheels or counterbalancers -  the boxers get to run harder and have smoother low end response.

[Baz]

I think this discussion of Big V-twins and In-line 4's is pretty accurate. Both have their place and fans. However, the big boxer, in a different sense, gives a blend of both worlds. Lots of low end grunt (like a V-twin) with tract-able power (like an in-line 4). Maybe that's why so many are using the R GS as a sport/touring/commuter machine, with little pretense of taking it off road.

How come I failed to see low end grunt on my boxer test ride?

Personal opinion I know but BMW's boxer engines have about the same attraction to me as our clothes dryer.

[Biking Sailor]

How come I failed to see low end grunt on my boxer test ride?

Personal opinion I know but BMW's boxer engines have about the same attraction to me as our clothes dryer.

It took me a while to bond with mine, but having had a few Guzzi's, I had a bit of an understanding they like to spin. My hex head puts down quite a bit of torque around 3500 rpm. The newer 1250 water heads are tuned for a bit more surge at the top end I am told, but the couple I have test ridden (an RS and a GS) seemed equal in torque down around 3-1/2K. Of course they are not designed to be lugged, like a long stroke twin (HD), with the happy spot cruising 4 to 5K and want to rev on up to the 7K range.

But I get it that different folks like different characteristics from their bikes. I enjoy all my bikes from the singles, twins, triples and the 4's. I do have to adjust riding styles for each, as the bikes demand.  

[jay547]

It took me a while to bond with mine,

What is, "words never spoken by Blue?"

[Blue is Best]

What is, "words never spoken by Blue?"

I got a neighbor down the street. Every time I see him he cusses me. I didn't give him much time to "bond" with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blue is Best]

Yep on the opinion of I4s vs twins?  the sv800?  or triumph 660?  all of the above??

inquiring minds want to know...  

and no, I can't help it    

Yep means I agree with what you wrote.                  

[kver]

How come I failed to see low end grunt on my boxer test ride?

Personal opinion I know but BMW's boxer engines have about the same attraction to me as our clothes dryer.

Clothes dryer -- I go one worse --- sewing machine...   but that's still better than the 900lb super loud rolling oil leaks all my federal LEO friends ride.