everybody responded with actual V's for thier twins. while these are popular and abundant, its thier particular loping performance is the attraction.. V configs have their drawbacks.
Several mfgs are now putting out P'twins w/270 cranks that mimick 90vees performance in a much titer package. Yam has some 1200cc X'10erator(?). Hondas got a VC700x. Trumpets been pushing thier old dawg VertTwins. bet there are other P'twins using a 270 crank these days.
I've owned 3 V-twin sport bikes (Honda VTR250, Ducati 900SS, and Ducati 748) and put quite a few miles on a Superhawk and 2 P-twin bike (EX500 and ER6N) the V's win in smoothness and power delivery(part of this MIGHT be the sound, V just sound better when you lean on them) and the P's win in compactness.
Not a VTwin, but the Triumph 1700 Thunderbird is most certainly sporty and verrry powerful. I rode my buddy's once but not for long as I feared I 'd have to buy one!! Definitely a thrill to ride that parallel twin. Gobs of power, comfortable, and good handling.
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"Don't sweat the small stuff---it's all small stuff"
Enjoy your new ride. The old Fireblades are still awesome bikes, powerful but practical enough to do pretty much anything on. Does it have round headlights?
Of course you could have gone for a Firestorm (Super Hawk) and kept the V ... but that's a very thirsty bike and the Blade is a better everyday ride.
Going back to some of the other comments, the rebirth of the parallel twin over the last few years has been a very welcome surprise. I know there were a few still plodding along (TDM, Rebel, Bonnevilles etc) but I think BMW really pushed the P2 back on the tech agenda with the F800s.
Enjoy your new ride. The old Fireblades are still awesome bikes, powerful but practical enough to do pretty much anything on. Does it have round headlights?
Of course you could have gone for a Firestorm (Super Hawk) and kept the V ... but that's a very thirsty bike and the Blade is a better everyday ride.
Going back to some of the other comments, the rebirth of the parallel twin over the last few years has been a very welcome surprise. I know there were a few still plodding along (TDM, Rebel, Bonnevilles etc) but I think BMW really pushed the P2 back on the tech agenda with the F800s.
It's a 1998 not round. Beautiful bike, love it, amazing power
Have you looked at the "Stryker"? It is a liquid cooled, 1300 cc "hot" looking chopper want-a-be with great lines. The only negatives I have read is in regards to rider fit as the "reach" to bars and seat position is a bit far for anyone less than 5'9". Some also comment that the foot controls are a bit too far forward. With the increased rake, low speed maneuvering may be a bit new. Apparently the sexy gas tank is also small and requires fill ups about every 100 miles.
I considered this bike, but I'm only 5'7" and felt the 900 Classic was more along my lines of daily riding and a better size it.
There are a few left over 2011's out there at very low prices. Yamaha is also doing traveling test ride shows to allow a decent check out before buying.
its that 270 crank on the Ptwins that is giving them hope of rebirth. like most, have had numerous P2s and was never really thrilled with them. thats cause they either were british style 360 crank throws or Jap style 180 crank throws. both have a heavy dose of vibration. the newer 270s put the TDC and BDCs at 90 apart mimiking a perfect primary balanced 90v motor, aka Ducati, and a few Yappers.
havent ridden one yet, but read enuff reports that this config is moved back on bucket list. That 700cc honda seems to fill a niche. the 1200 yam is overkill, not the motor.. all the plastic and eurokrap styling.
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