Is a 1000cc V-Twin engine better than an in-line 4 cycliner of the same cc?

Answer 1

Not necessarily. They are different.

The V-twin has more torque, the 4-cyl. works more on horsepower. The V-twin might vibrate more, though these days they have a lot of tricks to smooth out v-twins. But the vibration of a twin is lower-frequency than a 4, and is less objectionable. The 4 might be smoother but what vibration there is is 'buzzy' and makes your hands numb.

The v-twin is simpler, less stuff to go wrong, easier to adjust valves or whatever. The 4 is more sophisticated, has some advantages, like a wider power band (depending on how it's designed of course).

Answer 2

Brand identity. Since the late 20th century Ducati have only sold twins and until very recently they all have similar valve operation. The engine configuration and (for the majority) red colour are part of what their customers expect from Ducati. To change would, apart from requiring costly re-tooling of their factory, be a commercial risk. Would an inline 4 or V4 be competitive with the Japanese and European competition? Probably not, although BMW got it almost right from the start, and if they did get it wrong the investment in re-tooling could be catastrophic and Ducati's company history has not always been golden. On the other hand creating race engines and frames does not require the same level of investment or carry the same risk levels. And in order to compete at GP (rather than WSB) the engine configuration rules favour 4 cylinders.

Answer 3

todays 4's make more hp than a twin of the same size
the four will rev higher
but the twin will have a broader torque curve
the twins will get out of a corner faster
my rc51 is not as buzzy as some of the fours i have rode lately
a 90 degree twin almost balances it own vibes
ducati has dominated the Wsbk series for years for a reason
traction control is helping the 4's lately but the duc will rise next season with a 1200cc version
the duc is down some 20-30 hp on the fours this year something torque and power delivery just can't overcome

Answer 4

Better at what? You're comparing apples to oranges.
The inline 4 will give higher revs, but tends to more top heavy, because of the over head cam and chain needed to drive it. The V-Twin will give you more bottom end torque in a narrower package.

Answer 5

Personal preference: the inline 4 - for its smoother ride and performance.

Observations: if you talk to several motor officers who used to ride Kawasakis (inline 4's) and now ride Harley's (v-twins) you will find the majority of them miss their Kawasakis.

I get stopped on occasion by the now Harley riding motor officers just to talk about the differences and am often asked if they can take a nostalgia ride on my KZ1000P around the block.

Answer 6

depends upon many factors, bikes are so advanced today, you cant really go wrong anywhere.
traditionally vtwins were lighter, had better low to mid power, and handled better.
with todays onboard ecms, the new shortstroke fours make bottom power comparable to vtwins, and cad design makes them as compact as a twin.
i ride a 98 honda vtr, and 07 r1, its just a personal issue. if they didnt build good products, the manufacturers wouldnt survive long.
main thing is is to take the msf course, get good gear, and ride!

Answer 7

No. The in-line 4 is a superior design. Its operation is smoother and produces less stress on internal parts. Inlines are quicker as well.

Answer 8

Both are real nice, I wouldn't say one is better than the other so for me I'd just flip the old coin

Answer 9

4cyl has a smoother torque curve but a twin will rev up quicker