How much horse power is enough?

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How much horse power is enough for the majority of riders?
I’m talking on the road, not track.

Kyle Wyman, a professional motorcycle racer and champion Battle of the Baggers racer, thinks stock hp is more than plenty. I agree with him.
Isn’t 100hp enough? Dose anyone really need more?
Do stock bikes need to come stock with 120,150, 200hp?

I’d say 90+% of the people on the road or people with modified motors increasing the hp can’t handle them or the power anyhow.
So what’s the point. Perhaps I’m getting too old and kinda see it as being pointless to go beyond the 100-120 hp range.

I’d much rather have less weight, better suspension and better brakes with comfort whether it’s cafe, sport or cruiser riding position.
 
It's a very subjective subject even with the question being restricted to just road use
I had this discussion with some mates not too long ago and the conclusion was 90hp for road use
But of course torque plays a huge part in this
And fun plays another if you love screaming up and down through the box
I can remember reading about someone with an absolute balls out turbo gixer Street fighter that was something around just over 200bhp
But whilst having some work done on the engine he'd fitted a bone stock gs1000 engine
He found in certain places he was faster with the old engine
 
It’s a good question, but IMO largely comes down to the difference between need and want.

How much lower you need, even to make rapid progress, is one thing, and is almost always less than you think. Actually a lot less (just look how fast an old Brit twin can be made to go, or how fast a Manx Norton can lap).

Bit how much power, and / or torque, you want, just to put a big fat grin on your face when the moment presents itself, well that’s another matter entirely!

I know people who drive 500bhp plus cars on the road, clearly there’s no need for this, but when the moment presents itself…
 
Owned a Ducati 900SS with 80 some hp. It was not the fastest for all out mph but for cornering it was more then ample. I also had a BMW sport touring with 173 hp. Why? I honestly didn't read up on the BMW till after I bought it. But why do you have that hp for a touring bike? But it would blister a rear tire with traction control off! If your asking for a vote on hp I would say 80 - 100 is ample.
 
It would be difficult to determine who the “majority” is.

But, If your speaking of reasonable riders, then for a 450-500LB bike, 100hp is probably enough for everyday riding. I agree with baz that there should be a good balance between HP and torque. That would determine general rideability, and enjoyment in many different riding environments.

If you’re a track-day, or a Walter Mitty GP champion kinda guy, then the formula changes. HP becomes a yardstick for measuring penis size.:p
 
A slow bike that feels fast is enough for me. I have a friend that has had a revolving door of later model ultra-quick machinery, and while fun to ride, I would sooner not own them. I likely would either lose my licence or ability to draw breath .

Me on my 50+ yo machinery tends to keep our group rides at a reasonable pace. Any more than 30 mph over the limit here gets very costly and inconvenient when they impound your bike…
 
A lot depends on how well engineered the whole package is.

Most of us have ridden bikes (ie 70s Japanese two strokes) that seemed properly dangerously powerful. But they weren’t powerful at all really.

I had a Honda Africa twin for a bit, latest generation with 100bhp.

I convinced myself it was more than enough.

I traded it in for a Ducati Multistrada that has a claimed 160bhp.

Don’t miss the Honda.

The Duc is bloody fabulous !!!
 
Off subject a little : any one have or had a Moto Guzzi Daytona. What did it run like? Never owned a Guzzi and have a itch!
 
Triumph Speed Triple with 130 hp is more than needed but its sure fun to have it available. Most riders wont ever touch the HP of the current sport bikes. That's why we always recommend suspension upgrades before you start trying to add a few HP you don't need with exhausts and all the other crap people throw at their bikes.
 
mean gene said:
Off subject a little : any one have or had a Moto Guzzi Daytona. What did it run like? Never owned a Guzzi and have a itch!
Click to expand...
Well I suggest you ride any Guzzi you can before. Many don't like the way the bike twists when revved. It gets in their head. Sort of the same as a BMW but much more pronounced at idle. Riding you don't feel it. But they are fun to ride and maintenance is easy plus the shaft drive is super smooth and makes for an enjoyable day.
 
I owned a ‘07 Griso 1100 2V , for 8 yrs … was a very nice bike on secondary roads where I ride , think it around 70-75 hp …. I did have to mount a Corbin , a fly screen was perfect , did the Cabot Trail several times with it and performed really well , my luggage was limited to a large tank bag , enough room for a quick overnight at my daughters , quick easy servicing , a bit heavy in parking lots but no issues ever and a great bike , if I had more room in shed it still be there ….
 
I have a all forged 580hp car 100mph in 7.0 sec, ¼ mile 10.91@127mph, manual trans, it's a blast, 3rd gear can really take your breath away if you haven't had your foot in it for a while, totally unnecessary ,and stuff has more chance to break . I'm really only used to dirt bikes and I am new to road riding so 750 norton with 60 odd hp is cool for cruising. Cheers .
 

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mean gene said:
Off subject a little : any one have or had a Moto Guzzi Daytona. What did it run like? Never owned a Guzzi and have a itch!
Click to expand...
I have one. Love the engine , looks, and sound but the riding position is a bit difficult for someone of my age. Also, the drive shaft is a bit compromised to allow the tire sufficient clearance. I prefer a position midway between the daytona's and that of a stock commando. A friend has a Centauro, kind of ugly but it is a better riding bike for everyday use and has essentially the same engine.
 
I have the Commando and a Trident. I also have a RE Inter 1969. I find riding the RE keeps me safer as I far less temped
to pass the car ahead of me. It is, in effect, a lot safer ride!
 
Onder said:
I have the Commando and a Trident. I also have a RE Inter 1969. I find riding the RE keeps me safer as I far less temped
to pass the car ahead of me. It is, in effect, a lot safer ride!
Click to expand...
It’s true, some bikes ‘egg you on’ a lot more than others. I find some sports bikes impossible to ride at sensible speeds. Even the Duc 1200 Monster S was like that. Strangely the Duc Multistrada, despite having a bit more power and a lot more torque, doesn’t egg me on anywhere near as much.

Nevertheless, I doubt you’ll get rich selling ‘slow bikes save lives’ T shirts !!
 
You have given me the idea....I should act on it. It is a great idea!
Jay Leno's statement "Sometimes you just want to go for a ride" is along the same line and he should market said
tee shirt.
Long ago we reached the 'how fast' boundary yet still the horsepower numbers increase. Has little to do with reality but then
advertising never does.
 
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