Topic: Hp/Torque

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Given the recent discussion regarding HD engines, this might be informative in understanding horsepower and torque

http://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-horsepower-definition-explanation-history?con=TrueAnthem&dom=fb&src=SOC&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_content=59a930d404d3011f3cc7db1a&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook#page-4

[MikeSimon]

There has always been that common believe that horsepower is the number for performance. Even among the car buyers.
If you ever raced, you know that horsepower is the ability to sustain top speed and torque is acceleration. Thus, for seat-of-the pants feel, you look for max torque at low rpm and over a larger range of rpm. Do not seek high hp numbers that come at 8000+ rpm

[754]

 I really think the sohc  is good for torque,  and would not have been as popular for as long , had it been a twin cam.
 Plus it's so darn simple, easier to work on..
 Heck I would set out cross country, any day on a relatively fresh motor in a SOHC..

[J-Rod10]

I really think the sohc  is good for torque,  and would not have been as popular for as long , had it been a twin cam.
 Plus it's so darn simple, easier to work on..
 Heck I would set out cross country, any day on a relatively fresh motor in a SOHC..

I don't know, on the 750 bit. They made the SOHC for 10 years. They made the DOHC 750 for 20+.

[754]

What I mean is the 39years and older 750 still has a very strong following, maybe more than the dohc, and there has to be reasons why..

[eigenvector]

Nostalgia.

Engine manufacturers switched to multi-cam layouts for good reasons.

[J-Rod10]

Add simplicity in to that. SOHC is incredibly easy to work on.

[eigenvector]

Well the SOHC is very easy to work on, but so is the DOHC.  It's easy because it's air-cooled.  Actually I find my DOHC bikes easier to work on than the SOHC bikes (ahem... even that stinking Nighthawk) simply because the design is more ergonomic.  They were engineered to be worked on better.

Once you add in the fuel injection, water cooling, or the computerized components it gets difficult to work on real fast.

[scottly]

 Heck I would set out cross country, any day on a relatively fresh motor in a SOHC..

Yeah, and you just proved it.

[Don R]

 My race engine guy always says gear for HP. But that's why we have a torque converter.

[Dunk]

What I mean is the 39years and older 750 still has a very strong following, maybe more than the dohc, and there has to be reasons why..

Indeed. I see very few DOHC Hondas, lots of CB500/550 and while I used to see a lot of CB750 now I don't see many.