slow bikes fast...or fast bikes slow...Fun?

[lucydad]

MH,

I need a work break. On a Moto Guzzi forum populated with mostly older, crusty, and opinionated Moto Guzzi riders we have discussed this topic.

What is more "fun"?

a) riding slow bikes fast
b) riding fast bikes slow.

Everyone will have their own opinion, and that is ok and valid. I will define slow bikes as those with lower HP, maybe no more than 50-60 and maybe 400 pounds wet weight. Fast bikes I will define as HP over 90, and weights up to 500 pounds or so: your typical sport bike perhaps.

Let's ignore cruisers and dirt bikes for now.

For me, I choose a) on my Guzzi small block 750. It only has 50 HP, but handling is superb, response is linear, and at the high end the bike is truly a joy, responsive, and a heck of a lot of fun. The bike is relatively safe and predictable, yet it can top out just over 100 mph and corner very, very fast. Torque is high.

Some Guzzi riders love the big block engines: the Griso. It is a true b) category, and I admit after one. Yet, many prefer the small block Guzzis for the fun factor and riding a slow bike fast.

Choice b), well I get the attraction. I came to a razor's edge of buying either a Triumph Street Triple R, or Ducati 1100. But, off the track we all pretty much have to ride near speed limits. Accelleration yes can be blinding and very seductive and fun. But, most of the time all that performance sits idle, and is potential unused by most riders.

In my opinion fast bikes demand more respect than slow bikes. This is not saying all motorcycles demand respect (or death results).

What do you think?

stay safe!

[Chris_5.0]

Small bike at the track


Big bike on the street

[Reduxalicious]

I'm also after a Griso, It may very well be my next bike.

As for the answer to your questions--I've only had REAL saddle time on my KZ and my dad's 08 FXDB (It's a cruiser I know, but I'm comparing it to my KZ), Where as BACK IN THE DAY, The KZ would be a option B. Bike--I actually enjoy riding my dad's bike fast over my bike slow--it's hard to keep my bike under 60 (not in literal sense but in a, WHAT I WANT TO DO) kind of sense because know in the RPM range my bike cruises in, it's nothing but torque, Where as the FXDB it's fun to ride in any range--and riding it faster then 80 is a rush-- (I'm not going to mention cornering because well one's a cruiser and the other corners about as well as a old school muscle car corners.

[wiayeman]

Slow bikes fast...

Mini Endurance is more fun than should be allowed.

[queenmoka]

Originally Posted by Chris_5.0

Small bike at the track


Big bike on the street

you have both in real size too

[skelator]

Both are fun !

[Chris_5.0]

Originally Posted by queenmoka

you have both in real size too

So true !

[Chris_5.0]

Originally Posted by queenmoka

you have both in real size too

Maybe i should say small big and bigger

[cedestech]

Riding a slow bike fast is always giggles...

Riding a fast bike slow is frustrating.

[mbeezy10]

I think it all depends on where you will be driving it. if you are a everyday rider and live in the city, definitely go with a smaller bike/more comfortable and better handling. I can't stand going slow on a gsxr 600! stop signs and stoplights / traffic on a super sport bike sucks.

as of right now I have two bikes. not really on purpose just found an amazing deal on both of them.
Right now I'm going to school, I live in the middle of the city. I have a 07 ducati Monster 695. very comfortable/lightweight, pretty torquey, and looks awesome. I love it in the city. but when it gets on the hwy the wind in your face kinda sucks with no windscreen.
feels almost too light at high speeds.


back home I have a 08 gsxr 600. go out to the national forest and crank it on my way to Huntsville.


downtown- ducati 695
more real estate - 08 gsxr 600

[Volfy]

We can always count on you to come up with these moto-philosophy threads. I do like.

My personal opinion: it isn't just about the bike.

The most fun comes from riding at the speed the road beckons, be it street, track, or anywhere in between.

For any given path, there is a point at which speed becomes exhilarating and the ride comes alive. Beyond that point, the fear of self-preservation or the rush of adrenalin begins to erode the simple joy and Art of motorcycling dynamics.

Now if the bike simply does not allow the rider to reach that nirvana point, then that is simply the wrong machine for the road, or the wrong road for the machine. Given a chance to ride the Daytona Speedway, you'd be ill-advised to bring a Ninja 250. Take it instead to some tight winding back roads, and... nirvana.

[urbanXJ]

I have a blast on my "slow" versys at the track

untill all those folks that pass me on the straight stand it up in the next corner

I think I just need to work my way out of Novice....

[The Hulk]

I have fun riding my fast bike slow

[brian1570]

if it has wheels and a motor it can be fun. it all depends on who's operating the machine

[GABRIEL]

Alway fun riding the out of a slow bike. Makes passing slow big bikes that much more fun.

[TMAX]

Drafting on a slow bike is fun (dual purpose)

[Mr.P]

slow bikes are generally lighter. DOon't get slow and heavy (aka Guzzi, Harley 883, etc...) Get slow and light like a Ninja 300, CBR500, SV650. They will put a smile on your face.

Big and slow is frustrating. 3 years of track riding on the 1000 and my times are just now improving due to my recent confidence at those warp speeds.

Racing 250's....most fun that can be had on two wheels, just about.

[lucydad]

Ah, my V7R Guzzi is only 400 pounds wet.....not heavy

[Guitar Man]

Riding slow bikes fast.

[Tojo92]

Originally Posted by wiayeman

Slow bikes fast...

Mini Endurance is more fun than should be allowed.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.