Switching from an IL4 to a V-twin

[hornetrider]

Hi Guys

First bike - Canyon 500 single thumper
Second bike - Hornet 600 (had for four years)

New bike (yaaay!) - Aprilia Falco

Anyone else made the change? I appreciate the power curve/delivery will be different... any tips on riding style?

Any other V-Twinners out there?! Really looking forward to picking her up next week!

[carrera2]

Engine braking suddenly means something! Torque is also a word you'll be using, as is exhaust note.

Well done.

[hornetrider]

It comes with the OE high-level "Fighter" carbon fibre race cans - should sound like a heard of elephants!!

[black-k1]

You may find that you spend some time bouncing off the rev limiter, especially in the lower gears. Likewise you’ll find you are travelling much faster than you expect. You’ll need to make a conscious effort to do what feels like short shifting but you’ll soon get used to using the low and mid range rather than the top end.

IMHO a V twin is the best layout for a “real world” motorcycle engine so I think you’ve made a very wise move.

[Steve_T]

The delivery is deceptively lazy on a big twin, so while you feel you're not trying very hard, you can be carrying a fair amount of pace. The Falco has a nice lump of low down grunt, but there's a good amount of top end punch beyond 7k too. I love mine. Looking forward to seeing the difference now my Power Commander has arrived.

Steve.

[twit]

Good buy! Can't beat twins for character! As has been said just watch the engine breaking and unexpected speed!!!

[tankslappa]

I'm a big V twin fan, may consider chopping the R1 for one next year. They feel far more alive, and are easy going.

My mate is chopping in his K6 thou tomorrow for an RSV Factory. He can't stand the handling on the K6, and says the whole experience feels anaesthetised compared to the V twins he's previously had.

You won't regret it.

[ninjaboy]

As already said you will run out of rev's and it will feel slow even though it isnt. I Had a Buell for the Day and it takes ages to learn but you can leave gearbox well alone most of the time.

[anonymous-user]

I agree with all of the above; for road bikes and real-world riding, v-twins really are superb. If you go back to an in-line four you may find that a strange experience too as you'll probably find it under-powered because you'll still be changing gear at 5-7000 rpm instead of higher up! I still find v-twins more soulful, especially when fitted with an appropriate pipe.

[MrsMiggins]

If you go riding with a mate on an IL4 and you're leading make sure you mention the engine braking to him before you set off.

I've nearly been rammed by my mate on a rideout because he didn't appreciate the amount of engine braking a twin has. To slow down I just ease off the throttle and sit up - apparently to him it looks like I've selected reverse

[FunkyNige]

black-k1 said:

You may find that you spend some time bouncing off the rev limiter, especially in the lower gears. Likewise you’ll find you are travelling much faster than you expect.

Don't I bloody know it! My bike makes the same sound at 3000rpmas it does on the limiter so I've often been riding along quite happily following a car when the bike starts lurching. Look down at the clocks and revs are bouncing off 10500rpm and the speedo is at 110 leptons

New exhaust is going on next week though

[Mad Dave]

My last bike was a 1000cc V Twin (TL1000R) and I quite liked the engine for road use but hated it on track - the torque all kicked in at once and it felt really intimidating on track when I was right on the ragged edge - felt like one false move and i'd be climbing out of the nearest tree. I only kept it for 4 months before chopping it back in at the same dealer for a 2003 R1. I absolutely adore the R1, and prefer powerful IL4s.

Just me though, and the MAIN reason I chopped it back in was the wayward handling rather than the engine.

[kawasicki]

I went from a Kawasaki zxr400 to a Honda SP-1. The V-Twin needs a more flowing style, much more throttle sensitivity and a sharper judgement of speed. Mine doesn't have huge engine braking, I think it depends on the engine tune...for example my friends firestorm feels like it has much more engine braking.

I'm loving it though, it is the opposite to my zxr, which was the whole point. I barely ever get into sixth gear and feeling torque squirm the rear of the bike exiting a corner is a real thrill.

shane