Motorcycle Misadventures

Why Horsepower Doesn't Matter: Torque (Or is it the other way around?)

Nobody's revealing horsepower these days. The first time I really noticed was in December when I was at the KYMCO booth asking how their 250 Venox cruiser can go freeway speeds. What horsepower does it have? I asked the rep at the booth, who quickly replied, "We don't reveal the horsepower because it doesn't matter, you have to measure different aspects...blah blah blah" and I went away thinking that they didn't want to tell anybody because it was so low. But now I've been reviewing all these really high-powered bikes and they don't talk about horsepower either. I asked a few people why horsepower is considered a wanky measure, and it my dad (as usual), gave the best answer. I look forward to your wisdom on this topic, too.

Well that depends. There is torque horsepower and brake horsepower. They both have meaning if measured the same way.  If you put a Harley and a Yahama in 6th at 30 mph and lay down on both, the Harley will probably leave the Yahama for a while because the torque hp of a Harley is probably greater than the Yahama. However when they both get wound out and up the Yahama will probably leave the Harley. So for a horsepower to have true meaning it must be stated like "687 foot pounds of torque at 3200 rpms at full throttle," or something like that.

You want a farm tractor or semi to have a lot of torque. You want a racer to have a lot of brake horsepower at high rpms. You can use gears to help match them up. An example of the numbers being phony goes like this: A 100 watt light bulb generally puts out more light than a 60 watt bulb, but it doesn't need to, because the wattage is just an indication of the power it uses. It has nothing to do with the light it produces. But we have been hoodwinked in to thinking blindly that it does.  So horsepower in general means this bike is more powerful than that one. But who cares if the horsepower tests are only real above 150 mph?

2 + 2 does not =  4 if you are adding 2 cups of water to 2 cups of popcorn.

I also found a nice little writeup about torque and horsepower in fairly plain English by Bruce Augenstein as related to  automobile engines, which translates well to motorcycles, I am assuming, where the author states this, some of which I can relate to:

Torque is the only thing that a driver feels, and horsepower is just sort of an esoteric measurement in that context. 300 foot pounds of torque will accelerate you just as hard at 2000 rpm as it would if you were making that torque at 4000 rpm in the same gear, yet, per the formula, the horsepower would be *double* at 4000 rpm. Therefore, horsepower isn't particularly meaningful from a driver's perspective, and the two numbers only get friendly at 5252 rpm, where horsepower and torque always come out the same.

From there, my eyes start glazing over, and I find myself still wondering how a consumer is supposed to compare power between one bike and another without having to have a math degree. Because despite understanding torque and horsepower -- which this article thankfully provides in an easy-to-digest manner -- the manufacturers don't give us the numbers. And considering all this, I can hardly blame them.

Still, when I compare specs on the two bikes below, nothing in the numbers tells me that the Vulcan is going to give me an overall smooth and powerful cruiser ride, and the Boulevard is going to rip me off the back of the bike if I turn the throttle on a little too hard, right?

Kawasaki Vulcan Classic

Published specs:
Engine 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 50° V-twin
Displacement 1,552 cc
Bore and Stroke 102.0mm x 95.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Belt Drive
Transmission 6-speed with overdrive
Found with some research:
    Torque peak of 108 ft-lbs at 2750 rpm
    HP  peak of 89 at 5000 revs

Suzuki Boulevard M90

Published specs:
Engine 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, OHC, 54° V-twin
Displacement 1,462 cc
Bore and Stroke 96.0mm x 101.0mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Shaft Drive
Transmission 5-speed, constant mesh
Torque (can't find)
HP (can't find)

If you can tell me - it would be much appreciated.

Six Outrageous Fantasy Motorcycles

Motorcycles that are fun to look at - 6 Badass Motorcycles.

Happy Holidays, Update

Happy holidays from Portland, Oregon! Twelve of us in our family were scheduled on several flights in San Jose and Oakland on December 22nd but when the airport closed we all got into rental cars and drove up to my sister's house, spending the night in Medford and getting here in another snowstorm: shoulda seen the Californian's trying to put chains on up south of Medford. We got there and the only vehicles we drove for a few days were sleds, which was just fine with us.

I'd just finished the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in San Mateo, which was a great success in my opinion. I met so many people, some I've known on the web for a while, and some new folks who stopped by the booth and my motorcycle adventure travel talk. I hope that everyone who wants to travel but has been hesitant to to for some reason or other now has the information they need to get going. I was so surprised that the Horizons Unlimited website was big news to people. I thought everybody knew about it! But I was happy that so many people were ready to go on their first trip, and ready to go solo, without a guide or agency to make all the arrangements. It's really so very easy - especially in Europe.

I also got to sit on some new bikes from makers I'd never heard of, including the KYMCO Venox 250, which felt surprisingly substantial. It feels like a full-sized cruiser but with 250ccs and weighing only 418 pounds. (See article.) With the $4,299 price tag it might just be a perfect beginner bike. It might even be a nice upgrade option for some, like my friend Marian who is looking to upgrade from the rattletrap Rebel she started out on last year. She's looking for something bigger, newer, with a warranty, but not necessarily with a lot more power - while feeling comfortable on the freeway at up to 75 mph. This might be it! They also had one of their 2010 sport bikes on the floor. It was tiny on me, but shorter riders might find it the perfect starter sportbike at 150cc's and $3,499.

Commenting about it to a friend in the business, he told me that KYMCO Taiwan was in the 3rd party components and Taiwanese scooter business for a long time, and when they started supplying components to the USA their quality went way up. The scooter room was full of really nice models by them, too. I look forward to test riding the marque, soon, as I don't really feel comfortable with what the industry calls a "beginner" bike - 800cc models that weigh above 600 pounds. I still love the Rebel for a starter cruiser, and something like a Honda Nighthawk for a good "standard" bike.

Here's a photo of me with "Super" Sarah Schilke, who organized The Hub events and all kinds of other things going on at the show. By the way, here's Sarah's list of beginner bikes.

Never a lack of interest in the V-Strom

The Suzuki V-Strom (DL650) has to be the most interesting bike on the market if only because the people who never stop complaining about how ugly it is then launch into a list of merits that can go on for pages. It's great for around town and it's great for around the world. It fits people who are 5 feet tall and 6"7' feet tall. (With the right modifications.) People ask me about the bike but my friend D. Brent Miller is a much better source of informtion as he is a V-Strom rider and writer, and he's done a few really nice detailed reviews. Here's the link. Meantime, I guess I had just better get myself on a test ride . . .

Compare: BMW F650GS, Kawi Versys, Suzuki DL650 V-Strom

Thanks to Brent Miller for pointing me to this video comparison of the the BMW F650GS against the Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki DL650 V-Strom by MCN, a British publication. Enjoy!

Sidecar on the Darian Gap? Give it a miss.

In July I blogged about Scott Schidler's idea to tour on a Ural sidecar motorcycle from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego. Some old sidecar hands replied with some wise advice, and everyone agreed that, dreams or no dreams, giving the Darian Gap a miss is the best idea.

But Scott hadn't even tried the Ural yet. Once he did, he wrote: "Although I knew that it would be different, I never imagined it would have been what it was! . . . turning was a monster effort! I had to dig deep within myself to understand why I would consider driving such a piece of machinery at all, let alone for a long trip."

Alan Karl wrote, "from what I can tell Eric Cleveland opted to fly over the gap to Bogata as I did a couple years back. It's a treacherous piece of real estate and not for the tame of heart. There are primitive tribes, drug runners, terrorists and who knows what else. Why didn't I do it? Well I was alone and if you see the pics in Helge's book, it doesn't look like a lot of fun."

I thought the toe-in might have been a bit off, and suggested getting advice from a sidecar forum. James Barnwell wrote in to advise reading the manual Driving A Sidecar Outfit and to practice the exersises suggested in the manual, and to take a sidecar safety course. "The pullin-drifting on acceleration/deceleration is normal," says James. "You will get used to it. Thank goodness you have not flown the chair-yet! Good luck! Urals are the most fun you can have on three wheels."

I agree. It doesn't handle like a motorcycle -- there's none of that leaning, flying feeling. It's more like driving a handicapped sportscar, one with three wheels and handlebars instead of four wheels and a steering wheel. Why do I love it, then? Well, that's a complex question. For now let's just say it's that je ne sais quoi.

How to Choose a Motorcycle

How do you choose one bike over all the other makes and models out there?

I was reading Brent Miller's article V-Strom DL650: The First 1,000 Miles (download the pdf that's linked from his blog entry), which is actually a very informative piece for anyone who is trying to narrow down their choices in the big wide world of motorcycling.

It's normal to get very confused about what you want versus what a seller, dealer, your buddies, or your boyfriend, want in a bike. Brent made his decision after a year of research, test rides, and self-examination. Here's an excerpt.

Everyone looks for information that helps them make a decision about buying the next motorcycle, or perhaps the first. Even though I have been motorcycling for more than 40 years, I did exactly the same. I started researching and reading rider/owner reviews, looking for information that would match my riding desires with the next motorcycle purchase. . . I started a self examination:

• What do I want in a motorcycle?
• What is important or a priority for my motorcycle purchase?
• Am I buying a motorcycle to impress others or declare a status in life?
• Would I rather ride or polish chrome?
• What kind of riding will I do?
• Where will I ride?
• How many miles will I ride each year?
• Will I be riding alone or two up with a passenger?

There’s a lot more involved: initial purchase price, cost of ownership (repairs, parts, and extras), and what a lot of people call “bang for the buck”—which is very subjective.

Read Brent Miller's article V-Strom DL650: The First 1,000 Miles (download the pdf linked from his blog entry), for more words of wisdom.

What's a Chick Bike?

I posed the question on the Adventure Riders forum on what's a chick bike and have gotten some fabulously hilarious responses. Ride on over there and be entertained. Got an opinion? Use the comments form (below) if you're not an advrider member.

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I have just got to know what is all this about "chick bikes." I hear the term more and more often now.

I'm 5"7' 130 pounds. Ride a big BMW K75RT and a little 500 cc Enfield, and have ridden everything from a tiny Honda trail bike to a Fat Boy, sidehacks, too. What makes a chick bike? Is it smaller? Is it prettier? Is it sexier? Quieter? Cute and cuddly? Is there or should there be such a category? Can chicks only call other chick's chick bikes chick bikes? "Hey girlfriend, look at that Monster. It is such a cool chick bike..."

There are plenty of guys shorter than me who are learning to ride who need a low seat height and underpowered engine - which is how I've heard chick bikes described - so that can't be it. Really.

Here are a few bikes I've heard called chick bikes, and not all of them are "underpowered" - there must be more. Do we - chicks, that is - like them better? Would a guy - even a learner - be caught dead on any of them if they were branded as chick bikes?

• Ducati Monster
• Harley Sportster
• Ninja 250
• Honda Rebel
• Aprilia Shiver

Scuderia Hosts Two Expert Women Riders

Women's Riding Essentials: Learning, Socializing, Inspiring!

Most of the time in my life, I spend my time alone on my computer or on my motorcycle, or maybe with other writers, or sometimes in a room full of publishing people. So it was a sweet change for me to be in a roomful of women motorcyclists, and I asked myself, "Why don't I do this more often?" Well, maybe I will.

Crystal Gurr (of Scuderia West) introduced Jody and Nicole, who are touring around the country for this  Women's Riding Essentials program sponsored by Kryptonite Locks, who were very generous, I must say, in their giveaways at the end of the program!

Nicole Roesch (left) from Florida, is an endurance racer. She entered the field late, in her twenties, and says she's old now. (She looks about 25 to me!) Jody Perewitz (right) from Massachusetts, is a rider and custom bike builder. She was born into the business, and has ridden "anything with wheels." (Read more about them in the Women Riders Now article.)

They begain with the basics.

Choosing a bike: Comfort equals confidence. Learn on a used bike, one you can keep both feet on the ground on, and just keep trading up.

Learning to ride: Take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. Even if you grew up riding, you'll find out that what you don't know far outweighs what you do know. Also, learning to ride in dirt translates well to street riding.

Gear: Buy the best gear you can afford--especially the best helmet. Textile's great, cool to ride in on hot days, and you're more likely to keep your gear on. Get hard armor, not the foamy padding.

Theft: Prevent theft--lock it up to a stationary object. (Like, um, maybe a Kryptonite lock? ;-)

Keep Learning: There are lots of women's events: FemmeMoto in October, with novice and intermediate tracks. Dealers bring new bikes for women to ride. Cost is a well-earned $100 for a five-hour session. American Supercamp has a dirt track camp with XR100's. They provide the gear and the bikes, cost is $650 for the two-day camp. "Lots of fun and physically challenging," said Crystal of Scuderia.

A raffle was held, they gave away about a dozen Kryptonite locks and a pair of Icon boots to lots of oohs and aahs. A few serious bikers swore they're "real" boots, plus comfortable, gorgeous, and walkable. "Real" meaning with ankle guards and motorcycle soles. Hmmm... I'm tempted. But I didn't win the boots. I won a little disk lock (left), though.

At the end of the program I hung around to talk with Jody and Nicole as Crystal locked up the store. Both women were amused at the scene in San Francisco. "We're standing here looking out at the street, and we never saw so many scooters in all our lives," said Jody. And Nicole noted that we must all get really good really fast with the clutch and the brakes, learning in the hilly San Francisco city environment. (Yes, we do!)

"Everybody seems to be wearing really good gear here, too," said Nicole. "In Florida people ride around in shorts and flip-flops, with no helmets."

"And it's all dark stuff, leather, mostly," said Jody. "Wow, I'd be way out of place in my jacket," she laughed, grabbing her candy-bright pink and white mesh jacket.

All the women who attended the event were riders, but in Philly, Jody said, about half had never ridden. "Every group has been so different," said Nicole.

This was their third stop on the tour. Make sure to see them if they come to your city. (Look for Women's Riding Essentials on this Kryptonite events page.)

Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer"

While checking some facts to answer Jason's question in my last entry, "Your First Street Bike: What to choose?" I came across this excellent article on Motorcycle USA on the Suzuki V-Strom 650 "Sport Enduro Tourer." This is old news, of course, but I was re-intrigued, as I'm always trying to determine what's the "best touring motorcycle." Here's an excerpt of the four-page, in-depth article. And I see from Suzuki's corporate website that they've now added ABS braking.

You can read the entire article, here.

Suzuki's concept for the DL line was to create a "Sport Enduro Tourer," and the V-Strom 650 gets top marks for living up to the monicker. In combining the SV650 motor with the DL1000 chassis, Suzuki has built its parts bin special into a bike that defines a new market segment.

With a 417-lb. claimed dry weight and road-biased rubber, the 650 isn't gonna win many enduros, but it actually takes to loose conditions fairly well.

It has the power and smoothness to dust a BMW F650, and it offers more comfort and wind protection than the SV650/S, Honda 599 and Triumph Speed Four. Its closest competitor is likely Yamaha's buzzier but faster FZ6, which shares a similar riding position, fairing coverage and price tag. The FZ is definitely faster in a straight line, but its R6-based engine isn't as adept as the smooth and torquey DL's Twin. And with its standard luggage rack and optional hard luggage, the V-Strom is much more the SUV as opposed to the FZ's sports coupe. In a way, the DL650 is the Honda VFR of the adventure-touring segment, offering versatility, a sporting nature and Lexus smoothness.

As the day's light faded into the horizon on the way back to the hotel and the subtly attractive orange glow of the instruments matched the color of the setting sun, it was hard to imagine another machine with a competitive versatility-per-dollar ratio. At $6599 in blue or black...  Read the entire article, here.

In my quest for the best world touring motorcycle, I'm keeping this one on my list of possibilities. Any takers? I'd love to hear your comments.

Until next time, may all your motorcycle misadventures have happy endings!

Carla