Category Archives: Motorcycles

Motorcycles

Every Major Motorcycle Engine Type Ranked From Worst To Best

The inline four, also known as the straight-four, is one of the most popular types of motorcycle engines. Real-world examples of the inline four include the iconic Suzuki Hayabusa along with others made by BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha. You can find a variety of motorcycles with the inline four and we only put it a slot above the V4 because there are more choices for consumers. 

In terms of pros and cons, the inline four is similar to the V4. It’s heavier, more complex, and more difficult for home mechanics to work on than simpler engines with fewer cylinders. They are also larger overall, resulting in motorcycles with larger dimensions. These are definitely more for cruising highways than crowded city streets. Since they are fairly powerful in general, you’ll typically only find the inline four in motorcycles with high-rated power. They’re also pretty expensive, so they’re not built for or priced for beginner or intermediate riders. 

For the pros, the inline four is an excellent overall engine. Much like the V4, they’re fast, loud in a good way, have low vibration compared to engines with fewer cylinders, and they have a good overall sense of balance. These are the kinds of motorcycles you see flying up and down the freeway in those dashcam videos on YouTube and TikTok. The aforementioned Suzuki Hayabusa set the world record for the fastest stock motorcycle at 194 mph back in 1999, and it used an inline four to do it. 

Motorcycles

Why Janus Motorcycles Buys Its Engine From China

Janus Motorcycles, a manufacturer of lightweight hand-built bikes, has a unique reason for sourcing its engines from China. Founder Richard Worsham explains that he wanted a suitable engine for Janus’ bikes that would align with their vision of simplicity and reliability.

Worsham explored the possibility of using typical American-made motorcycle engines, such as the big V Twin engines from Harley Davidson or Indian, or even a modified version from S&S Cycle. However, these engines did not match the lightweight and minimalist design that Janus was aiming for.

Instead, Janus opted for a 229cc motor originally designed by Honda in the 1970s. Worsham highlighted the importance of having an engine that is simple, reliable, and easy to service. By choosing a long-established engine design, Janus ensures that parts availability will not be an issue, as manufacturers have been producing parts for this particular engine for several decades.

Ultimately, Janus’ decision to source engines from China was based on finding the right engine for their specific needs and providing their customers with a dependable and easily maintainable product.

Motorcycles

Ducati Vs Suzuki: Who Makes The Better Sport Bike?

When it comes to innovative features in sport bikes’ electronic systems, Ducati took the lead, introducing traction control, LED front lighting, engine brake control, slide-by-brake, radar adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and more. These advancements made Ducati’s line of sport bikes highly advanced and technologically superior.

However, Suzuki has caught up and now offers many of the same features in their newer bike models. For example, the higher-end Suzuki GSX-R1000R is equipped with a 32-bit dual processor engine control module, LCD multifunction instrument panel, and motion track anti-lock brake system. This means that newer Suzuki models can provide a similar level of safety and technological advancements.

It’s important to note that every model is different, but if you’re comparing Suzuki and Ducati sport bikes, you can expect newer models to have similar advanced electronic and safety features. However, older Ducati models are likely to have more sophisticated systems compared to older Suzuki models.

Motorcycles

Why Are Arch Motorcycles So Expensive?

Arch motorcycles are significantly more expensive compared to other bikes due to their unique and custom nature. Unlike generic motorcycles that are widely available, Arch motorcycles are built to order. When you purchase an Arch motorcycle, you become an active participant in the design process, working closely with designers and craftspeople.

According to Arch’s website, every new Arch bike owner is involved in the creative process right from the start. They have the opportunity to consult with designers to determine the desired appearance and feel of their new bike. This includes ensuring the ergonomics match their individual body frame and silhouette, selecting personalized colors, graphics, engravings, and other intricate details, and participating in the creation of a 3D virtual model of the final product.

Once the consultation process is completed, Arch’s craftspeople begin bringing the customer’s vision to life. Because each Arch bike is customized, they must source specific parts from suppliers worldwide and sometimes modify existing components and frames to align precisely with the customer’s requirements. Naturally, obtaining the highest-quality parts to exact specifications is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.

Therefore, the high cost of Arch motorcycles is a reflection of their status as more than just motorcycles but rolling masterpieces. Commissioning a work of art is known to be a luxury, and Arch motorcycles embody this artistic craftsmanship. The price tag reflects the dedication, attention to detail, and exclusivity that accompany owning a unique and personalized piece of mechanical art.

Motorcycles

Motorcycle Crash Prevention Tech Promises Riders And Drivers A Sixth Sense For Safety

Ducati’s V2V technology, tested with a Lamborghini Urus and Ducati Multistrada, aims to address three critical and dangerous types of motorcycle accidents by providing drivers and riders with enhanced situational awareness and response time. The technology acts as a digital sixth sense, offering important safety signals in scenarios where visibility is limited or obstructed.

One scenario is Intersection Movement Assist (IMA), where both a motorcycle and a car approach a busy intersection from different roads. The V2V tech alerts the car’s driver of the approaching motorcycle, prompting them to proceed with caution. Similarly, the Left Turn Assist (LTA) feature involves a car turning left at an intersection, with the motorcyclist receiving a warning signal when the driver activates their turn signal.

The third scenario, Do Not Pass Warning (DNPW), occurs when a motorcycle attempts to overtake a larger vehicle while a car ahead plans to make a left turn. The system sends a warning to the motorcyclist when both the motorist and the motorcyclist activate their blinkers before turning.

Although still in the prototype stage, Ducati’s V2V technology has the potential to prevent numerous accidents and save lives. Lamborghini and Ducati have released a joint video showcasing the importance of this safety technology, which can be viewed on Lamborghini’s YouTube channel and website.

Automotive Reviews, Motorcycles

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V2 Review: The Ultimate Commuter Bike?

With its powerful V-twin engine, the Ducati Streetfighter V2 has no trouble reaching top speeds on straight roads, regardless of the gear it’s in. To fully experience its acceleration, I found myself leaning forward onto the contoured gas tank and shifting my weight back onto the footpegs. On public roads, downshifting and engine braking were usually enough to slow down, allowing me to lean into turns and maintain control without excessive braking. It’s an upright naked bike with the soul of a sportbike, and it took a bit of courage to push its limits.

The Ducati Streetfighter V2 is a more affordable alternative to the Panigale, making it a popular choice for riders looking for a well-rounded bike that doesn’t break the bank. While it may not surpass the sales of the best-selling Multistrada, the Streetfighter V4 dominated the market in 2020 with 5,730 units sold. The V2, priced below the V4 models, still offers a range of electronic features found in the Panigale V2.

Equipped with ABS Cornering EVO, Traction Control EVO 2, Wheelie Control EVO, Quick Shift EVO 2, and Engine Brake Control EVO, the Ducati Streetfighter V2 offers a comprehensive suite of electronic aids. Furthermore, riders can choose from three ride modes—Sport, Road, and Wet—to customize the bike’s performance and the level of intervention from these features.