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What is the reason that now a 650-750 motorcycle is too small/not enough power, when 20-30 years ago a 650-750 was a BIG motor? And why did it become that way? Now it seems most bikes must have 1100+ engines to be considered good enough.

Is it there a good reason for it, or in all reality has nothing changed except for bigger egos and pocketbooks wanting bigger bikes/engines?

Just trying to spark some discussion...there are no right or wrong answers.

As for me...well, I honestly don't know enough (right now) about motorcycle history to give an educated answer. Part of me thinks it has to do with the "bigger is always better" mentality. I'm sure there is some science behind it as well. But I don't know.

I (somewhat) relate it to hunting. 30+ years ago, my grandpa could go out into the woods, wearing red/black plaid wool, and successfully kill a deer. Today the mindset is if you don't have hi-tech camo patterns, you couldn't kill a fly.

Your thoughts?

Andy G wrote:
I (somewhat) relate it to hunting. 30+ years ago, my grandpa could go out into the woods, wearing red/black plaid wool, and successfully kill a deer. Today the mindset is if you don't have hi-tech camo patterns, you couldn't kill a fly.

Your thoughts?

Yep and he probably was shooting an old 30-30, today it has to be a 300 magnum or something like that...... I call it the American way. There ain't no sech thing as OVERKILL. BIGGER just has to be better.

Well, it sounds like you are referring to cruisers? Anyway, just a comparison:

modern Honda Shadow Spirit 750 is a V-twin that pushes about 43hp.

1967 Honda CB750 inline 4 pushes about 67hp.

The difference today is fat americans like V-twin torque to pull them, and the low rumbly V-Twin sound. So it ends up that modern 750-800cc twins in cruisers aren't up to speed with the 1967 750's. It all has to do with marketing and public perception.

The answer is simple.....650-750cc bikes became "too small" once we sampled the bigger bikes that were released each year. At one time, 750's were the big-dogs, and now we know what triple-digit power and torque numbers feel like, so they're old news.

You could post an identical thread about drum brakes.

It's because motorcycles are a luxury item !

Last time I checked they were still selling a lot of bikes in the 500cc to 800cc range. Guy across the street just bought a new 750 V-Twin.

ZooTech wrote:now we know what triple-digit power and torque numbers feel like, so they're old news.

Heh, heh....... I don't know what triple digit power and torque feels like. Money being what it is, ain't likely to find out any time soon, either...... unless you ride out here to Jersy, Zoo, and let me borrow your bike!!

I have a 650cc V-Twin and I'm quite happy with it. It's everyone else who tries to convince me I need a bigger bike.

I suppose there are times when a bigger bike would be good because my 650 sure does rev high in comparison to the 1100 when it's trying to haul me and itself up a big mountain road. A bigger bike would make the climb much more easily.

I would say handling was a major factor keeping engine size/power in check.

Many of those 750's of 30+ years ago could hit 120 mph or more but would start wobbling like crazy at a ton. Frames were not as stiff, tires were squirmy and brakes were often non existant.

TechBMW wrote:It's because motorcycles are a luxury item !

true, although for some of us they are getting close to being a necesity, and every day utility vehicle. I live in the city, and drivng my grand cherokee just doesnt make sense, when I can take the cb, or the scooter, or even the moped, and get around much easier, park for free, save on gas, etc etc.

I use a bike almost every day and i think they're becoming much more then a luxury item because of those reasons.

As far as the CC debate, bigger is by far not always better. I've much rather ride one of the lighter, lower cc bikes around the city. Much easier to move around in traffic, park, etc etc. 1200cc is by far overkill for city traffic and just doesnt make sense.

When it comes tiime for a weekend ride in the suburbs, or a tour, thats what the 1200 cc's comes in handy.

but yea, for the average dickweed, riding down the strip on a saturday afternoon, i guess they need as many cc's as they can get so as to impress the ladies and not be made fun of from the other weekenders