No-one needs more than a 600/650 cc bike | GTAMotorcycle.com

No-one needs more than a 600/650 cc bike

R

revrandy

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Forum Sponsor
The other day I was talking with my brother-in-law about motorcycles. He was a racer in his younger days and did the circuit (semi-pro I believe). We were discussing my new Versys and what a difference it is from my Tiger 955i, different in a very positive way for me, though less HP and cc's.

Out of his mouth came the words that no-one needs a bike larger than 600 / 650 unless you are racing. Having a litre bike is a waste on the streets, and a waste of money. That is not what they were designed for. Fast forward to this morning when I was talking with Tony at Blue Streak, and he mostly agreed with the sentiment. Yes there are instances where a bigger bike may be warranted (extensive touring), but for the typical rider, a 600/650 is more than enough bike.

I have to admit I agree with both my BIL and Tony, though I am sure many on here will vehemently disagree.
 
I doubt a 650-600 cc bike would put up with the abuse I give my FJR1300, and I am not talking about redlining it at every gear. When loaded for touring, ( wife included ) and do a 12 - 16 hour day, I know a 650 bike would do it, but I doubt I would still be married or doing 378 kms strech because there are no gas stations for that distance.

I am quite happy on an R6 when I go and do FAST, but out on the road, not so much.
 
While I agree with the statement somewhat, it's kind of like saying this:

Out of his mouth came the words that no-one needs a car faster than a Civic unless you are racing. Having a Ferrari is a waste on the streets, and a waste of money. That is not what they were designed for.
Click to expand...
 
While I agree with gwel that for touring I love my ST1300 for that... it eats miles like no tomorrow. I've done it on smaller bikes but not nearly as comfortably or 2up for 4 weeks.

So no one NEEDS anything ... but what do you want ?!?

Do you need a BMW / Merc / Audi over a Nissan / Honda / Toyota / Chevy ? no ... do you want it ? yes...

if there is a market for it there will be someone who makes for it...simple as supply and demand...
 
^^^^ exactly.

people dont NEEED much in society. but they want a whole lot of stuff
 
LePhillou said:
^^^^ exactly.

people dont NEEED much in society. but they want a whole lot of stuff
Click to expand...

And if they can get it while being legally and morally in the clear, then why not? :cool:
 
Ride a K1300s and tell me you don't need it :D :D :D
 
If you want to chop bitchez at clubs you need 1000CC+. 600CC is like showing up in a civic. You wouldn't know anything about it anyways...

Also a 600CC harley would put out like what, 9HP?
 
I'll go further and state that with the possible exception of long-haul touring carrying a passenger, no one needs more than 250cc. Anything more than that is a want, not a need.
 
Well, define need. I've done quite a few miles on my CB175 and Yamaha 500 years ago. Yamaha 750 with a Windjammer fairing, triple disks and shaft drive...... nice bike for its day. There's no comparison to the comfort and ridability of these bikes to my now old 2002 ST1100 with a Russell seat and a few other comfort options.
 
Brian P said:
I'll go further and state that with the possible exception of long-haul touring carrying a passenger, no one needs more than 250cc. Anything more than that is a want, not a need.
Click to expand...
What if i have a condition like in Crank where i need my adrenaline to be high at all times? 250cc will get you killed. Bro. :D
 
LePhillou said:
^^^^ exactly.

people dont NEEED much in society. but they want a whole lot of stuff
Click to expand...

+1, needs and wants get confused easily.

really most people probably don't even need much more then a 250cc, having a bigger bike cetainly will help win light to light races, make you feel like you are on the GP bike tour, or make touring a little more pleasant then riding an constant top end.

Only a small percentage of people will ever have the need or ability to use all of the power/capabilities their vehicles, gadgets, toys, etc have.

tim.jpg
 
No one needs it really, but it sure is fun to have one!

BTW im thinking of putting a turbo on my 1000cc hahaha :D 260hp here i come!
 
Needs make the world round and wants make it spin.

Choice is a tricky thing if safety is involved but we're supposed to be adults, right? The (older) 600 SS I used to ride was total overkill for my riding needs BUT the opportunity to experience some of the snap it offered was exciting AND educational.

Ironically, I wouldn't (technically) agree with RevRandy without my want being satisfied. Still, I could see buying an even bigger bike just for the friendly long distance cruising it could offer.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom