Concept comparison: muscle bikes

Posted on by admin

Table of contents

Concept comparison: muscle bikes

motorcycles

Concept comparison: muscle bikes

Concept comparison: muscle bikes
Night on

Content of

While the protagonists in Jim Jarmusch’s Taxler epic act at the same time, but spread over half the globe, our protagonists act locally and temporally adjacent. Yet each of them tells its own story.

Stefan luck

02/13/2008

When the day goes, Johnny Walker will come. Might be. But what comes in any case, after the sun has sunk blood red behind the horizon and the heat has left the city, is the hour when downtown should be checked again. Only with what? With today’s diversity, it is easy to bet on the wrong horse, sorry, motorcycle. In order to be able to carry out such undertakings confidently, it is advisable to use a subset that exudes as much authority as it is casual. Both racing rolls and long forks fail at these pre-qualification hurdles: some are too uncomfortable, others too cramped and cool.

However, the candidates described in more detail below meet the requirement profile: If you look at performance alone, BMW K 1200 R Sport the Ram Air-adorned plastic nose ahead with 163 hp, and the story could end there. The BMW-Power beams you quickly to more distant amusement areas, and the way there is easy thanks to the reasonably protective half-shell. At high speeds, which can be up to 264 km / h, the K is very light at the front and tends to stir. However, this is less of a problem than the strong load change reactions and the constantly present, high-frequency vibrations. Last but not least, the extremely smooth clutch with no noticeable pressure point takes at least getting used to. In return, the six gears slide, uncharacteristically BMW, smoothly, easily and, above all, noiselessly. However, this becomes irrelevant as soon as the throttle bodies open their mouths: Then you have an inkling of how a golf ball experiences the tee shot.

Since the test machine has both the electrically adjustable ESA and ABS on board, no matter how powerful it is, there is never a hint of uncertainty. Together with a few other goodies (see data box), the price then adds up to a rather indecent 16,867 euros, with which the BMW topic has probably settled for most. The remaining ones may be interested in the fact that the new brake works without the unfortunate booster, which is very beneficial in terms of controllability. And if necessary, the ABS lets the tires whimper so close to the locking limit that in the end new records are set in terms of braking distance.

The second in the league is of a completely different caliber, the MT-01 from Yamaha. When a motorcycle includes the term “macho bike” deserves then this. The monumental, air-cooled V2 with a massive 1670 cubic centimeters displacement originally did ?? how should it be different? in the Cruiser Road Star Warrior service, has been heavily revised for use in the MT-01 and lost a considerable 20 kilograms in the process. But despite all the variable air boxes, 12-hole injection nozzles, forged pistons and ceramic coatings, it remains a bumper motor with pistons covering a full 113 millimeters between the two dead centers. The power, the speed, but also the torque could come from a turbodiesel data sheet. Of course, 90 hp doesn’t lure anyone behind the stove anymore; a torque of 150 Newton meters is more likely, especially since the maximum values ​​are applied at speeds at which 600 super sports cars only run halfway smoothly.


Concept comparison: muscle bikes

A lot of steel, little plastic on the MT-01

Speaking of which: this drive doesn’t work, it shakes. Every turn of the throttle is accompanied by acoustic and mechanical eruptions that make the hair on the neck stand on end. This machine tingles and vibrates in all joints, giving the rider a full body massage. Yes, even where it is particularly good. Which can turn into the opposite on longer stretches of the motorway with corresponding speeds. The comfort zone is between 2000 and 3000 on the 1950s-style tachometer ?? or should we say better: on the first Richter scale, which is not open to the top. More is seldom necessary, and from 4000 revs the V2 slowly but surely runs out of breath. Nevertheless, the pull-through values ​​are the Yamaha the second best after the BMW.

The MT-01 was discreetly lifted for 2007, the most striking feature are the six-piston brake calipers of the current R1, which, however, bite the windows quite bluntly. Behind the mountain range it is quite relaxed, at least for tall people, although the narrow bench will soon start to pinch. The chassis is of course fully adjustable at the front and rear, but no matter how you screw and turn, you have to live with the tilting in an inclined position. The 190 tire is likely to play a role in this. But, so what, with the MT-01’s favorite pastime, digging through tunnels, it doesn’t matter. With 13,659 euros, it has long left the bargain league behind.

This applies equally and especially to them Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, for a mere 18,805 euros on the dealer’s counter. On top of that, it can be seen as a vivid example of the fact that expensive things do not necessarily have to be good. At least in terms of driving characteristics. The Special differs from the conventional Night Rod primarily in that you can get it in your favorite color? assuming it’s black.

The 240 mm rear tire, originally intended as a unique selling point, was fitted to all Rods in 2007 except the Street Rod. What the brutal look undoubtedly sprouts a few more chest hairs can hardly inspire outside of Texas and the Luneburg Heath: The night Harley works its way through asphalt arches with the maneuverability of an oil tanker. If there are bumps on top of that, she develops an upright moment that makes all the blue pills in the world green with envy. The lack of inclination, which can hardly be described as such, does not make things any easier, so the tobogganist (!) Can only hope for the next straight.

Lo and behold, it is heard: the agile and aggressive water-cooled V2, which hangs aggressively on the gas, beats the rear wheel via the five-speed gearbox and the carbon fiber timing belt and whips the rod forward as if the Russian mafia were after it. Objectively, it has to bend slightly to the others up to 150 km / h, but subjectively you always have the feeling of riding a cruise missile on it, also due to the seating position model “wet sack”. Should a passenger get lost on the Night Rod, they will not share this feeling for long: In the absence of any means of holding on, they simply involuntarily descends with a no-handed backdrop-to-ass bomb during heavy acceleration. This cannot happen to the others, especially them CB 1300 S offers passengers a princely seat.


Concept comparison: muscle bikes

The simplicity of the CB should not be underestimated.

Which brings us to the underdog of the hour: Four weeks ago he matched the brand new 12er Bandit and Yamaha’s FZ1 in the light of day (see PS 3/2007), tonight he claims the crown of coolness. At first glance, it doesn’t look good at all: On paper, the Honda is missing 47 hp from the BMW. The other side of the coin: the Honda is only 9 Nm behind in terms of torque, which is also 2,000 tours earlier. So it is due to the long overall translation that she has to let the Bavarian go, but she has the two two-cylinder engines easily in the bag. The red / white lacquered half-shell is not only reminiscent of the CB 1100 R of the 80s, it makes an impression on the boulevard as well as it decisively reduces wind pressure on the railway. With a full tank of 266 kilograms, it is not a lightweight, but it does not make handling it a strain. On the contrary, the CB combines the sovereignty of a ?? heavy motorcycle ?? with modern agility. It is hardly noticeable that the five-speed gearbox can be shifted very smoothly and precisely, you are in the fifth most of the time anyway and enjoy the moments that are turning. The load change reactions disturb a little, and sensitive natures could whine about the fine vibrations. Setup freaks will also be disappointed with the CB: the conventional fork and the old-fashioned stereo struts can only be adjusted in the spring base and rebound. Everyone else shrugs their shoulders about it: So what?

What is most noticeable when dealing with the CB is that actually nothing is noticeable. This can be seen as an award, especially in connection with the standard ABS: Basically, it works in secret that the normal case has occurred, you can tell more from the rhythmic nodding of the fork and the short braking distances than from a pulsating lever or pedal. With 11,470 euros, the CB goes through as a cool bargain in this environment.

To get back to the initial topic: So which bike is suitable for whom? For Johnny the question is quickly resolved, for him the name says it all. And the others? Attempt to classify: The BMW is recommended for power freaks with the necessary money. Due to its monumental drive, the Yamaha is likely to be the dream bike of all seismologists. Straight-lined bikers who perceive every single bend as a hair in the street soup and are looking for the dead straight highway to protect their cholesterol level will find the right base in the Night Rod Special. She is good at catapulting herself straight ahead into the sunrise or sunset. The Honda remains. To make it short: Anyone who did not find themselves in the above descriptions of the other three should be happy with the CB 1300 S. It’s been a long evening, night goes on. Johnny too. On foot.


Concept comparison: muscle bikes

The K-1200 R Sport marks the top when it comes to pulling through.

DATA + CONCLUSION

BMW K 1200 R Sport

Drive: four-cylinder in-line engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 120 kW (163 hp) * at 10250 / min, 126 Nm at 8250 / min *, 1157 cm3, bore / stroke: 79.0 / 59.0 mm, compression: 13 , 0: 1, ignition / injection system, 46 mm throttle valves, multi-plate oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: Bridge frame made of aluminum, steering head angle: 61.0 degrees, caster: 101 mm, wheelbase: 1580 mm, double trailing arm with central spring strut at the front, spring travel from / to: 115/135 mm

Wheels and brakes: light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17 ???? / 6.00 x 17 ????, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/50 ZR 17, 320 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers front, 265 mm single disc brake with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear

Weight (full tank): 246 kg, tank capacity 19.0
Liters of super
Price: 16 867 euros including ancillary costs
Measured power: 120 kW (162 hp) at 9800 rpm, 128 Nm at 8300 rpm

* Factory specification

Conclusion: a real power bike. The mileage brings tears to your eyes, as does the cost price. A functional techno bike with its own chassis.

Yamaha MT-01

Drive: two-cylinder V-engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 66 kW (90 PS) at 4750 / min *, 150 Nm at 3750 / min *, 1670 cm3, bore / stroke: 97.0 / 113.0 mm, compression : 8.4: 1, ignition / injection system, 40 mm throttle valves, multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: Bridge frame made of aluminum, steering head angle: 65.0 degrees, caster: 103 mm, wheelbase: 1525 mm, inner fork tube Ø: 43 mm, spring travel from / h .: 120/117 mm
Wheels and brakes: light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17 ???? / 6.00 x 17 ????, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17, 320 mm double disc brakes with six-piston fixed calipers front, 267 mm single disc brake with double-piston floating caliper at the rear

Weight (full tank): 267 kg, tank capacity: 15
Liter normal
Price: 13,659 euros including ancillary costs
Measured power: 69 kW (94 PS) at 4600 rpm, 157 Nm at 3800 rpm

Conclusion: For those who wear chest hair and those who want to become one. The engine is awesome. The MT-01 looks more evil than it is. A test drive will definitely broaden your horizons.


Concept comparison: muscle bikes

Harley for those hungry for performance: The Night Rod.

Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special

Drive: two-cylinder V-engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 89 kW (121 PS) at 8250 / min *, 108 Nm at 7000 / min *, bore / stroke: 100.0 / 72.0 mm, 1131 cm3, compression 11.3: 1, ignition / injection system, 53 mm throttle valves, multi-plate oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: double loop frame made of steel, steering head angle: 56 degrees, caster: 115 mm, wheelbase: 1715 mm, Ø fork inner tube: 49 mm, spring travel from / h .: 102/74 mm

Wheels and brakes: light alloy disc wheels, 3.00 x 19 ???? / 8.00 x 18 ????, front tires: 120/70 ZR 19, rear: 240/40 R 18, 300 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers front, 300 mm single disc brake with four-piston fixed calliper at the rear

Weight (full tank): 307 kg, tank capacity: 19
Liters of super
Price: 18805 euros including additional costs
Measured power: 89 kW (121 PS) at 8500 rpm, 108 Nm at 7400 rpm

Conclusion: If you want to drive a Harley, you want to drive a Harley. So far so good, but the Americans missed it with the 240 rear tire. Looks important, but doesn’t work at all outside of the drag strips.

Honda CB 1300 S.

Drive: four-cylinder in-line engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 85 kW (116 PS) at 7000 / min *, 117 Nm at 6000 / min *, 1284 cm3, bore / stroke: 78.0 / 67.2 mm, compression: 9 , 6: 1, ignition / injection system, 36 mm throttle valves, multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Chassis: double loop frame made of steel, steering head angle: 65.0 degrees, caster: 99 mm, wheelbase: 1515 mm, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm, spring travel v / h: 120/116 mm

Wheels and brakes: cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 ???? / 5.50 x 17 ????, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 180/55 ZR 17, 310 mm double disc brakes with four-piston calipers front, 256 mm single disc brake with single-piston floating caliper at the rear, ABS

Weight (full tank): 266 kg, tank capacity 21 liters normal
Price: 11470 euros including additional costs
Measured power: 88 kW (120 PS) at 7500 rpm, 123 Nm at 6000 rpm

Conclusion: building society savers can also be cool. The CB unites two worlds: casual sovereignty and honest functionality. You can find that inconsistent or practical. Or both.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *