Does small-bore bore you?

[RVFRick]

Here you go! I got my hands on it in a non-running condition, as it has been sitting for 11 years. This picture makes it look like it's in way better condition than it is, but overall it's still in relatively great shape. There are a ton of little things to fix or replace.

Very nice! Keep at it.

 

[Cafe Racer]

I think he actually meant "small displacement".

A 600cc four cylinder is small bore if you consider the bore of a single cylinder (65.5 mm for some of them). My KTM 790 is "smaller bore"....

Yes, your terminology is correct. Displacement is the proper term.

Scott, I think the main reason he went with the term "Bore" was purely for the play on words aspect. Miguel knows what he's talking about. Not much you can do with the word "displacement" ...

..... and you definitely caught my moderately inaccurate sense of humor.

Miguel

 

[Cafe Racer]

As I rode my 400cc on the freeway in 6th gear, (for there first time in a few years) I opened the throttle and not much happened. And because of that i ended my day off riding fearing an issue with the bike.

No issues with the bike. It just prefers to be ridden between 8k and 13k rpm. And on the freeway in 6th gear, not easily done.

So, in the twisties the bikes a jewel. On the freeway its a 400cc with 57hp.

 

[ScottRNelson]

It just prefers to be ridden between 8k and 13k rpm. And on the freeway in 6th gear, not easily done.

Reminds me of my RZ-350 in the days of the 55 mph speed limit. Headed up a long uphill road, if I kept it at 55 I was constantly shifting between 4th and 5th. At 90 mph it was just fine in 6th gear.

 

[RVFRick]

As I rode my 400cc on the freeway in 6th gear, (for there first time in a few years) I opened the throttle and not much happened. And because of that i ended my day off riding fearing an issue with the bike.

No issues with the bike. It just prefers to be ridden between 8k and 13k rpm. And on the freeway in 6th gear, not easily done.

So, in the twisties the bikes a jewel. On the freeway its a 400cc with 57hp.

My CB-1 was Honda's answer to your FZR. The FZR 57hp is impressive. My stock CB-1 delivers about 45hp at the wheel if online dyno charts are to be believed. I can almost pull a ton on the incline eastbound Dumbarton Bridge. 98mph according to GPS. Doesn't matter, I have fun just trying. Freeway riding was unsettling at first seing the high rpms I felt bad enough to not travle faster than 65mph. I soon realized these bikes are happiest being worked hard. I defo prefer riding slow bikes fast.

 

[Cafe Racer]

My CB-1 was Honda's answer to your FZR. The FZR 57hp is impressive. My stock CB-1 delivers about 45hp at the wheel if online dyno charts are to be believed.

Yes.... i was pleased to see those numbers. I had Wheelsmith Racing (Factory Racing) in San Rafael work in the bike a couple years ago. They ran the numbers.

Hope to touch 60hp with the upcoming mods. But not really necessary. Even 5hp would soon be forgotten in feel. It's only a 400cc dammit .

 

[squidworth]

Thanks! Next is going through the parts book and tracking down some of the harder to find items from either Europe or Asia.

I have all of the bodywork, but will clean each piece and reassemble once the bike is running.

Very nice! Keep at it.

 

[Cafe Racer]

Thanks! Next is going through the parts book and tracking down some of the harder to find items from either Europe or Asia.

I have all of the bodywork, but will clean each piece and reassemble once the bike is running.

Dude.... you need this in your garage!

 

[Cafe Racer]

Reminds me of my RZ-350 in the days of the 55 mph speed limit. Headed up a long uphill road, if I kept it at 55 I was constantly shifting between 4th and 5th. At 90 mph it was just fine in 6th gear.

The RZ was and still is a mean bike!

 

[redtail]

I love smaller displacement bikes, but not exclusively. There are times when there is no replacement for displacement. i.e. two up, extended freeway, and when you think you're going to want that "fuck you" power that comes with a liter or more of cubes.

Off road, back roads and long solo rides that don't involve slabbing are perfect on a nimble mount, such as that RZ250R. (I am SO jelly)

But a good sumo will also suffice...

 

[lgyee4]

The RZ was and still is a mean bike!

So true. The RZ350 is one of the most entertaining bikes; the smells, sounds, the performance, the balance, the easy ergos..

 

[Inland Viking]

I love the tiny bikes... I started off on a cb125s. Moved up to cb and cl 350's. I am looking for another... Maybe a cb200 or something..... I find I ride more when I have a tiny bike.. When I had my Buell, I rode it quite a bit on the longer, more exciting rides, But runs to the parts store, grocery store, etc were almost exclusively done on a cb250t... I like the fact, that there is NO chance I might go to adjust my grip, and accidentally wheelie... Not saying you don't have to be careful.. Just less things to have to worry about. I need another "small bore" because the Superhawk has the worst mpg of any other bike made..... Biggest carbs on a factory bike (48mm)=worst mileage...

Also like little bikes for the funny factor.. 6'5" 300ish lbs... Swooping in on a little 50...

 

[Cafe Racer]

I love smaller displacement bikes, but not exclusively. There are times when there is no replacement for displacement. i.e. two up, extended freeway, and when you think you're going to want that "fuck you" power that comes with a liter or more of cubes.

Off road, back roads and long solo rides that don't involve slabbing are perfect on a nimble mount, such as that RZ250R. (I am SO jelly)

But a good sumo will also suffice...

Fastest way around the City is on a Supermoto. No doubt. 40mpg, light and agile. Wheelies on demand and they take drops well.

I had a WR450 SM for many years but only rode it to Alice's once because I hated riding on the freeway. S###! 1qt of oil splashing around at 70mph+ for 70 miles. No thanks.

 

[BiG Chris]

I ride my groms and scooter more than my larger bikes

 

[mrzuzzo]

Since when is 400cc small bore?

Rode my Grom (143cc) around the Santa Cruz Mntns and Hwy 1 yesterday.

Seriously thinking of selling the VFR800 as I prefer to ride the Grom and I no longer have to commute anywhere.

 

[gixxerjeff]

Since when is 400cc small bore?

In the late 90's.
Right around the time the R6 was considered an "entry level" motorcycle.

 

[GB500guy]

I guess most would consider all my bikes "small". But I'm 140 lbs, 71 years old and don't like bikes I can't easily pick up. I virtually never ride on freeways, almost all on back roads. So to me the small bikes in my stable are the CB125S and the 84cc Dream 50. They both make me grin the minute I head down the driveway. Somehow they feel like an extension of me rather than me riding the bike.

-Bill

 

[edzx6]

That CB125 is spectacular.

 

[BiG Chris]

Since when is 400cc small bore?

Rode my Grom (143cc) around the Santa Cruz Mntns and Hwy 1 yesterday.

Seriously thinking of selling the VFR800 as I prefer to ride the Grom and I no longer have to commute anywhere.

Let me get you on my swapped grom, your gonna see the light lol

 

[ratpick]

I have just as much fun on my drz (dirt wheels or the 17’s) as I do on my 990 superduke.