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How do the VRSC's compare in power to the new 96's? They are much smaller engines, but does engineering make up for their smaller size when it comes to power?
I own an '07 Street Bob and I just returned from Las Vegas where I rented a night rod special. Granted, my seat time on the V-rod was only 2 days, but I drove it both solo and with a passenger. I have to say it impressed me. Just by seat of the pants feel, the v-rod had really nice power. It was quick. Very nimble. But the power really came on at about 5,000 RPM. Low end grunt was much less than the Bob. But that's kinda the point. And I know the 240 rear tire on the NightRod Special factored in as well. The 96 c.i. motor is a noticeable improvement over the 88. I guess the P.C. answer is that both engines are well tuned to their respective chassis and purpose. You want sport bike type acceleration in the higher revs, the revolution motor is great. You want grunt, seat-of-the-pants torque, the 96" is the choice.
Also, I felt with a passenger on the V-rod there just wasn't enough take off from a stop without getting the revs up and feathering the clutch.
And don't forget the difference in transmissions. The 6-speed is much smoother shifting!
No offense to any VRSC guys. I will eventually add one to my garage. It's a great performing, beautiful bike! But all things considered, I prefer the 96. Hope that helps. Or at least doesn't start a war! LOL.
How do the VRSC's compare in power to the new 96's? They are much smaller engines, but does engineering make up for their smaller size when it comes to power?
Thanks
Depends on what you mean by "power". Torque is less, but horsepower is greater.
TC 96's are 9.2:1 compression with a reline of what, 5500. TC 88's are 8.9:1 with about the same redline. Revolutions are 11.3:1 with a redline of 9000. There are a number of factors that make the Revolution a higher horsepower engine, and engineering is the root cause.
Apples and Oranges. Neither one will beat the other one at what they are designed to do. I just bought an Ultra with the 96". While waiting on paperwork I rode a V-Rod. Foochie Gaboo that thing was fast off the line! I would not care to go long distance on it. Buy what ever tickles you for what you want to do. They are entirely different animals.
VFR, I own a 2002 V-Rod and a 2007 Street Glide. Both bikes are killer. The V-Rod is a blast around town and for a short time on the highway. I've taken it to Peoria, Ill. a couple of times without a shield and the wind gets to be kind of a bitch. The throttle response is fantastic. But for pure comfort and brute torque I prefer the Glide.
I've ridden the 07 V-Rod, RoadKing, StreetBob & Heritage 'back to back' and its no contest, the V-Rod runs away from the 96" real easy. Simple factor of power & weight.
However if that was the only issue I would be riding a metric with 170+BHP (or maybe a Triumph Rocket 2,300cc triple). Having ridden a number of the 07 bikes, the best bike (for me) was the onethat I rode home on, my own 06 SE Ultra.
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