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When whacking the throttle open for a quick burst, I've never though to myself "I wish this would accelerate a bit slower". Now I have wished for more traction!
Or unless you're a manufacturer like Piaggio who's gone to Sturgis for 3 years running trying to appeal to people who currently have slightly built 103", 106", 111", 117" engines etc etc etc. Many of those people are used to over 115 RWHP and torque. Some are used to over reliable v-twins engine with over 140 RWHP and torque. So it's good to have choices. I suspect no one will be forcing more power and torque onto those who don't want it. There's nothing wrong with a 1400cc middleweight motor unless you like and are used to higher hp and torque V-twins. If Piaggio is happy with the current sales of their 1400cc line, I suspect they'll leave it as is for a while longer. If they're not satisfied with current sales numbers, perhaps they'll build a bike to compete in the big bike market. No muss, no fuss. Ride and justify whatever you desire.
It is all about loud and proud and not really about performance.
1/4 mile, 1/8 mile, roll on from whatever to whatever. So what. But be careful with challenges as an R6 will easily blow away a CA 1400 too. Plus many a big v twins are sleepers. If you were roll up on my friend with your peppy and free reving CA 1400 and think, he's on a big barcalounger etc etc etc. Go ahead, make your challenge. You may not notice his 106 is now a 116 with a supercharger tucked away down low. He's putting out over 200 RWhp and over 245 RW foot pounds of torque. Yet his bike is as easy and effortless to ride as could be. Yea, he'll be your huckleberry. You name from what speed to what speed or from what distance to what distance. If I go ahead and add a 117 big block kit mine would move up the scale to about 135/135. Yes, even many H-D's I ride with are sleepers. But they'll not challenge you, they leave that up to you. At 60mph, my Victory is likely still in 4th gear with more go on tap. No matter how you slice it, 114 foot pounds of table top flat rear wheel torque from 1500 rpm through redline at 6250 is pretty decent. And no, my Victory is by no means what I consider a powerhouse. Nor am I a street racer of any sort. Since I don't know you, make your challenge and I'll wave you on and tell you to enjoy your ride. Of course gearing and tuning play a big part in things. If I go ahead and add a 117 big block kit things on my Victory would move up the scale to about 135/135. I'm not into a show pony as I much prefer a nice looking go pony.When I first test rode my first Victory 106 I immediately thought it sounded and felt constipated as it was tuned for the EPA, not for the motor. A dyno tune on a box stock 106 makes a world of difference as well.
Mark, you are never going to win this, you have to know that. Guzzi are cool, others have their attractions, but they still aren't Guzzi cool. You want Guzzi to make a big barge to make your wife happy? Maybe they will make one someday, but I hope not, that's not where they come from. There are lots of good choices for hauling butts around. Remember when you were happy with a 850? Then a 1000, then a 1100 Bassa ( really only 1064cc) was everything you wanted? Then 1200, and perhaps more? Now you're sitting on something like 1740cc. Are you happy now? Sounds like you want more. When will it stop, 5000cc, I doubt it, wouldn't 5050 be even better?
This is good discussion. I love it. I also love facts, numbers and visuals. So, I thought I'd do a little bit of quick research and throw together my own comparisons. I compared Cubic Inches, HP, Torque, Acceleration, Weight, Ground Clearance and Lean Angles on the 4 baggers that I thought mattered and were relevant here.Transparency; I care way more about weight (lighter), acceleration, ground clearance and lean angles here in the land of a million hairpins called the Ozark Mountains. HP and torque are nice too, but not the highest thing on my list. I'll also say again that if I wanted a bike for continuous cross country 2-up touring, I'd choose none of the bikes listed here. I'd buy a Goldwing for that. Not taking away from any of these bikes 2-up capabilities, but if I did any type of lots of miles 2 up, I'd choose comfort over a lot other specs. Luckily, my wife rides her own bike, so that will not be a conversation in the near future.That said, here is what I found. Various sources and I compared these numbers from at least 3 different sites. Numbers and facts don't lie. I'll shut up now and let the picture do the talking. Don't shoot the messenger. I'm just reporting what is out there for everyone to see.