t3 vs v9 horsepower/torque

[yackee]

The reviews of the new V9 somewhat predictably tend to ding the bike because of the low HP numbers, which, if some of the reviews are to be believed, make for an even lower power-to-weight ratio than the piggy Harley Street.

This got me wondering about how the V9 compares to the old 850 tontis, e.g. my 1976 T3. The Intertubes suggest that the T3 produced 59hp, though its unclear whether that is (a) accurate or exaggerated and (b) at the wheel or not. My butt thinks that 59HP is exaggerated. I also don't see any torque ratings for the T3. The V9 is supposedly 55hp, 62 NM.

I suppose the T3 was heavier; 211kg dry, versus a "kerb weight" for the V9 of "+- 200 kg".

So I guess I am wondering, how does the power/torque of the two actually compare?

JY

[mjptexas]

Here's one datapoint:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/moto_guzzi_850_t_3_1976.php

I think BikeZ typically reposts what is provided by the manufacturer.  I checked out the 2006 Griso on the site - says 89 hp which is comparable to what MG published.

[redrider]

HP is rpm dependant. Torque is the only thing engines make. A couple of years ago my Café Sport and a Griso were on the dyno. 79 and change for mine and the Griso added 10 more.

[Moto]

I have never found a contemporaneous measurement of the T3's horsepower, apart from what the factory claimed, though I've looked. If someone has one, I'll be delighted.

Meanwhile, I do have a contemporaneous set of measurements including top speed, times-to-speed, and quarter mile times and speeds. (Also 1/16, 1/8, and 3/16 of a mile times and speeds.) If/when someone makes these measurements on the V9's, we'll have a good comparison. (Assuming the new measurements are as trustworthy as the old ones seem to have been.) You'll have to click on the small image to see a larger version.

[Moto]

HP is rpm dependant. Torque is the only thing engines make. A couple of years ago my Caf� Sport and a Griso were on the dyno. 79 and change for mine and the Griso added 10 more.

Engines that make the same torque at higher rpm make more power. The measurement unit for that is horsepower. If you want to go fast, that's what you need.

[Moto]

The T3 factory manual claims "HP 68.5 SAE @ 7000 r.p.m." Almost certainly the claim referred to horsepower at the flywheel.

The manual also claims a top speed of 195 kph, which is 121 mph, 5 mph faster than the MIRA test.

I've heard and read of T3's making about 40 rear wheel hp in stock condition. But I have no direct knowledge.

More data would be appreciated!

[pete roper]

Back in the day low forties was the norm for a T3.

[Kev m]

I have never found a contemporaneous measurement of the T3's horsepower, apart from what the factory claimed, though I've looked. If someone has one, I'll be delighted.

Meanwhile, I do have a contemporaneous set of measurements including top speed, times-to-speed, and quarter mile times and speeds. (Also 1/16, 1/8, and 3/16 of a mile times and speeds.) If/when someone makes these measurements on the V9's, we'll have a good comparison. (Assuming the new measurements are as trustworthy as the old ones seem to have been.) You'll have to click on the small image to see a larger version.

Well, considering a V7 should about match the low 14.something 1/4 miles shown in most of those specs, I'm going to predict the V9 makes a little more power/and is a little quicker. But not by much.

[Murray]

Well, considering a V7 should about match the low 14.something 1/4 miles shown in most of those specs, I'm going to predict the V9 makes a little more power/and is a little quicker. But not by much.

The v9 will be considerably lighter than the T3 and won't have a victorian signal box masquerading as a gearbox, It is likely to make a little more power and be a lot quicker. Neither would be considered vaguely performance bikes so from a performance point of view we are discussing which one will be less s!@#.

[Moto]

The v9 will be considerably lighter than the T3 and won't have a victorian signal box masquerading as a gearbox, It is likely to make a little more power and be a lot quicker.

Yep, it won't have that big flywheel to accelerate either, which slows acceleration of the bike.

On the other hand, it won't have that big flywheel to make highway miles so pleasant.

I expect the V9 will be quicker accelerating than a T3 but not necessarily faster in terms of top speed. Of course the latter property is irrelevant to any sensible person. Right, Kev?

Moto

[Kev m]

Ha ha, yup...