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What's your preferred engine size?
faffi:
All thing else being equal, let's say a wet motorcycle weight of 500 lbs and 60 hp from the engine, the engine being of typical Guzzi design (air cooled V-twin), what capacity would you prefer?
Realistically, the engine would need a capacity of at least 450 cc to reliably deliver 60 hp, but it could also be ten time as big if someone prefer. Ignore the obvious, that a larger engine would be heavier, just imagine it would not. Basically, would you want a screaming 450 or a loping 2-liter or something in between?
auzziguzzi:
--- Quote from: faffi on February 10, 2026, 05:20:40 AM ---All thing else being equal, let's say a wet motorcycle weight of 500 lbs and 60 hp from the engine, the engine being of typical Guzzi design (air cooled V-twin), what capacity would you prefer?
Realistically, the engine would need a capacity of at least 450 cc to reliably deliver 60 hp, but it could also be ten time as big if someone prefer. Ignore the obvious, that a larger engine would be heavier, just imagine it would not. Basically, would you want a screaming 450 or a loping 2-liter or something in between?
--- End quote ---
For solo riding, a 650cc air-cooled, 90º, V-twin.
For two up riding with luggage, a 1000cc, air-cooled, 90º, V-twin.
Since your parameters state that both bikes weigh 500 lbs and each has 60 hp and both are air-cooled, there is nothing to separate them, there.
However, the bigger engine would be higher geared, lower revving with more torque.
It would engender a more leisurely feel to the day's riding.
The 650 would be higher revving and more sporty with most likely a smoother power delivery, remembering that both are 60 hp. It would be a sweet motorcycle.
Kev m:
In my heart motorcycle engines should be air-cooled and about 1000cc give or take a couple hundred at most.
Once it meets or passes 1.5L it starts to feel like an exercise in excess.
I understand how emissions standards and marketing have pushed size and power, but my last Harley had more displacement than at least one car I've owned and that's dumb.
It's one of the many reasons I'm personally embracing the smallblocks as a comparative exercise in "minimalism" without all the work of actual minimalism and having to worry about getting run over on a T125 or a Grom.
guzzisteve:
Screaming 450/550's didn't set well for Aprillia, putting out 80+ hp. Owners failed to listen to the engine & pistons flipped. Last ones you got 2 for 1 price.
SIR REAL ED:
--- Quote from: faffi on February 10, 2026, 05:20:40 AM ---All thing else being equal, let's say a wet motorcycle weight of 500 lbs and 60 hp from the engine, the engine being of typical Guzzi design (air cooled V-twin), what capacity would you prefer?
Realistically, the engine would need a capacity of at least 450 cc to reliably deliver 60 hp, but it could also be ten time as big if someone prefer. Ignore the obvious, that a larger engine would be heavier, just imagine it would not. Basically, would you want a screaming 450 or a loping 2-liter or something in between?
--- End quote ---
I think the state of tune of the engine would be more influential than engine size. That and intended usage.
I remember 35 years ago, getting off my Suzuki GS1000G and getting on a friend's Kawasaki Ninja 500 and being astounded by the wide powerband, low end torque, and top end horsepower of that puny 500. Of course, that is apples to oranges, a 1970's two valve air cooled motor vs a 1980's four valve water cooled motor.
For where I ride and how I ride, 500 lbs is 100 lbs more than I prefer. Still hard to beat a Suzuki DR650 for versatility.
Based on my buying history, I have owned a lot of 650's.
Although, I think the Royal Enfield 650 twins might fit the bill. The parallel twin with a 270 degree crank feels very similar to a 90 degree V-Twin. IIRC, someone makes a 865cc kit, in case 650cc doesn't cut it.
If superchargers ever come into the production world (electric powered, and activated by button or voice command?), I suspect 350cc engines might just surprise a lot of people.
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