Author Topic: 2v big block vs 4v big block - who likes what? (Read 14576 times)

ohiorider · « **on:** May 29, 2015, 06:40:59 PM »

I own and have ridden several thousand miles on my 1200 Sport. Also own a 4v/head Griso, and have put approx. 10k miles on that lovely bike. I know which engine I enjoy most. Does anyone else have an opinion about 2v big block vs 4v big block engines? Not looking for performance opinions, ie, which engine out drags the other, just opinions on which engine they like to ride.

Bob

rodekyll · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2015, 06:58:08 PM »

I like simple. I prefer my 2v stuff. As I look at a 1200 upgrade I'm not considering a 4v. $0.02

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2015, 07:06:14 PM »

Can I pick "both"? ;D

Vasco DG · « **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2015, 07:06:46 PM »

I like 'em both, I just like the 8V more!

Pete

rodekyll · « **Reply #4 on:** May 29, 2015, 07:42:14 PM »

Mostest simplest - hydro. ;-T

Vasco DG · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2015, 07:58:17 PM »

Hydro is nice but simplest?

Being sensible about it though none of the Guzzi engines are complex. Why there is this belief that the 8V is somehow much more difficult to work on and deal with I can't fathom. It's really no more difficult than the old pushrod engine. Getting a head off an 8V takes no longer than a pushrod bike really. Getting the engine out of a Stelvio is a pig of a job but a Griso? No harder than a T3! Really!

Pete

beetle · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2015, 08:02:28 PM »

:pop

bpreynolds · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2015, 08:06:25 PM »

Honestly, I liked them about evenly when I owned both for a while (Stelvio and still owned Cali) - they just seemed quite different to me. The 8V did seem to run a bit hotter but it has its own charms to make up for it.

rodekyll · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2015, 08:34:37 PM »

I'm lazy, Pete. Hydro + outsider + Convert + EFI = near-zero maintenance. I like that in my bikes and my wimmins*.

* I have two bikes and no wimmins. ::)

Vasco DG · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2015, 08:37:50 PM »

Half yer luck!

I currently have two wimmins and no motorbike! ??? ::) :wife: :BEER:

Pete

kevdog3019 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2015, 09:05:09 PM »

I'll take 8 valves........... small blocks. ;-T
I've got one that's reminding me more and more of a mini Centauro. It's got that same visceral "beast" in it but not quite as untamed.
My 4 valve BB V11 Lemans is sweet.

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2015, 09:13:32 PM »

2V for me in both Guzzi and Ducati.

SteveRivet · « **Reply #12 on:** May 29, 2015, 09:52:58 PM »

Quote from: ohiorider on May 29, 2015, 06:40:59 PM

I own and have ridden several thousand miles on my 1200 Sport. Also own a 4v/head Griso, and have put approx. 10k miles on that lovely bike. I know which engine I enjoy most. Does anyone else have an opinion about 2v big block vs 4v big block engines? Not looking for performance opinions, ie, which engine out drags the other, just opinions on which engine they like to ride.

Bob

It's a bit of a cop out answer, but I like both of mine for different reasons. The 2V 1200 is very smooth from idle to redline, and I really like the midrange on it. My 4V is a little lumpier, but the top end is awesome. If I could only have one, I'd be happy with either.

Steve

willowstreetguzziguy · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2015, 11:20:39 PM »

I test rode a 4V Griso before I bought my 1200. The 4V does come on strong on the top end but lacks some grunt at the lower end. I like the low end torque on my 1200 2V because I tend to spend the most time between 2500 and 5500 rpm. The 2V feels great at any rpm. The sweet spot is from 4000-5000 where it is buttery smooth and seductively strong.

not-fishing · « **Reply #14 on:** May 30, 2015, 12:19:04 AM »

I do my own maintenance and would rather ride than adjust valves so I'm not sure I'd ever go to an 8v.

I want low end power. I'll never ride close to a ton but I hate slowing down for corners. Grunt is good.

Finally I favor the Baritone of the lower revs to the Tenor of the higher revs. Who needs a tape deck when you can listen to the rise and fall of the Guzzi on a windy road? Not everyone likes the registers of tenors & sopranos.

Vasco DG · « **Reply #15 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:37:39 AM »

Quote from: not-fishing on May 30, 2015, 12:19:04 AM

I do my own maintenance and would rather ride than adjust valves so I'm not sure I'd ever go to an 8v.

I want low end power. I'll never ride close to a ton but I hate slowing down for corners. Grunt is good.

Finally I favor the Baritone of the lower revs to the Tenor of the higher revs. Who needs a tape deck when you can listen to the rise and fall of the Guzzi on a windy road? Not everyone likes the registers of tenors & sopranos.

OK, 2V engine 16 bolts to remove rocker covers and four adjusters to adjust. Total of 36 *Operations* to perform to adjust valves. 8V? 8 bolts to remove rocker covers and eight adjusters to adjust. Total number of *Operations* to perform valve adjust? 24! Now, which one was quicker and easier again? ???

Look, I have no problem with people preferring the 2V engine for whatever reason but at least let's be sensible and rational in our reasons for making a choice! :beat_horse

Pete

beetle · « **Reply #16 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:45:32 AM »

Pete, sensible, rational thinking don't exist on the interwebs.

Phang · « **Reply #17 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:49:00 AM »

I have both and I like both.

the 2V made you feel quick but the 4V is actually quicker.

rodekyll · « **Reply #18 on:** May 30, 2015, 03:54:26 AM »

Quote from: Vasco DG on May 30, 2015, 02:37:39 AM

OK, 2V engine 16 bolts to remove rocker covers and four adjusters to adjust. Total of 36 *Operations* to perform to adjust valves. 8V? 8 bolts to remove rocker covers and eight adjusters to adjust. Total number of *Operations* to perform valve adjust? 24! Now, which one was quicker and easier again? ???

Look, I have no problem with people preferring the 2V engine for whatever reason but at least let's be sensible and rational in our reasons for making a choice! :beat_horse

Pete

36 *operations*? 24? I hope that includes a funnybonectomy. :D

The lowly hydro needn't be sprightly nor fast. While you solid tappet sillies are playing *operation* I'll be getting a head start. 8)

Vasco DG · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2015, 04:59:20 AM »

Yeah, but there's a shitload of tiny oil galleries in lifters to clog up! ~;

No, I know what you mean and I still maintain that the Hydro motor should of been the engine in the original Norge. That thing is such a complete frontbottom to work on. If it had the mighty H in it it would of been a joy!

Pete

boatdetective · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2015, 06:28:46 AM »

I'll go along with RK in praising the hydro. One of those unfortunate roads the company took by dropping an engine just as they had it figgered out. Mine ran like budda.

I've had the 2V in my 1200 and the Griso. About as simple as it gets- but I'd really like to try the 8V. As Pete points out- once you are in there with the screwdriver and feeler gauges, it's no big deal.

Pardon the drift- but to use a Goldilocks analogy- i'm looking for a mama bear engine. Not too small, not too big.

bpreynolds · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2015, 07:01:30 AM »

To add a little to what I typed earlier - and it makes sense given other comments - is that I prefer the 2V Hydro in my Stone for in town or country leisurely riding. It seems to run cooler, more relaxed (to me) at low speed driving, seemingly the perfect engine for my semi-standard "cruiser" in Stone. Though not exactly either bikes' forte per se, the Hydro also seems (to me) to be a little more efficient or at least my mpg numbers were just a bit better with the 2V Hydro or otherwise (I've had 2 Hydros, a Special, and a Jackal). ;-T

On the highway and when the pace heats up, yes, I would most definitely take the 8V. It's more at ease at the speeds I like to travel on the big, big roads and it's certainly more lively per se. And too, the greater heat of the 8V was whisked away the faster you go. Honestly, they are both fantastic and make very distinctive and intoxicating sounds.

jas67 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 30, 2015, 07:08:47 AM »

Quote from: rodekyll on May 29, 2015, 06:58:08 PM

I like simple. I prefer my 2v stuff. As I look at a 1200 upgrade I'm not considering a 4v. $0.02

I've not ridden a 4V, but, do love the simplicity of my 2V motors (the vast majority of my bikes have 2-valve motors, and most of them are push rod twins).

I'm satisfied with performance of my B11, so, I probably ought not even ride a 4V big block.

Likewise, I bought my Monster 796 to get the last of the air-cooled 2V Monsters. Sure, the 821 is 112 HP vs. the "lowly" 87 HP of the 796, but, it also has a cooling system to maintain, and twice the adjustments to make at valve adjustment time. I won't confuse things with the fact that the Testastretta (current 4V Duc) motor's valve maintenance interval is twice as long.

Kev m · « **Reply #23 on:** May 30, 2015, 07:42:39 AM »

2V for me too.

My Jackal, Breva 1100, and now V7 all have performed exactly as I've wanted.

The B11 was bordering on power I didn't need.

But I very much liked the feel of all 3 motors.

jas67 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 30, 2015, 08:00:31 AM »

Quote from: Kev m on May 30, 2015, 07:42:39 AM

The B11 was bordering on power I didn't need.

It isn't about need ~;

That said, the B11 is perfect for me. Nothing good would come from more power (for me, anyway).

menzies · « **Reply #25 on:** May 30, 2015, 08:02:28 AM »

I like the feel of my B11 2v better than the Stelvio, cannot put my finger on why or express it in words just like it.

Vasco DG · « **Reply #26 on:** May 30, 2015, 08:08:39 AM »

And still the whole thing about 'Power'?

................... ...

Kev m · « **Reply #27 on:** May 30, 2015, 08:09:55 AM »

Quote from: jas67 on May 30, 2015, 08:00:31 AM

That said, the B11 is perfect for me. Nothing good would come from more power (for me, anyway).

<smacks his little brother on the head>

I said the same thing

LowRyter · « **Reply #28 on:** May 30, 2015, 11:00:04 AM »

My V11 Sport seemed the equal of the 8v Grisos and Norges I test road. And the Greenie looked better doing it I might add.

The Cal 14 seemed to be the one that surprised me with power.

andrewdonald1 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 30, 2015, 11:18:11 AM »

I had a 02 V11 before the NTX.

Both were great motors.

Now with only one bike, I'll take the 8V. It gives me some top end to play around with when I feel frisky.

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Author Topic: 2v big block vs 4v big block - who likes what? (Read 14576 times)

Vasco DG

Vasco DG

beetle

bpreynolds

Vasco DG

Vasco DG

beetle

Vasco DG

bpreynolds

Vasco DG

andrewdonald1