Definition required: "Twitchy"

[kumpy]

I heard people use this term many times and I'm beginning to question if I really know what this term means? Can someone give me a clear definition? Does it refer to overall handling stability, stability while leaning in corners, stability while going over bumps, does it refer to the finesse of the throttle when you first crack it back on? A racer referred to my 2000 R6 as "twitchy" and I'm wondering if its because its carbureted?

[SRTie4k]

I don't think there is any one unified definition. A throttle can be twitchy, the steering can be twitchy, tip-in can be twitchy, suspension can be twitchy. Any moving part can be twitchy.

I assume it generally means "nervous", or more mechanically related "irregular, prone to rapid change"?

[kumpy]

I don't think there is any one unified definition. A throttle can be twitchy, the steering can be twitchy, tip-in can be twitchy, suspension can be twitchy. Any moving part can be twitchy.

I assume it generally means "nervous", or more mechanically related "irregular, prone to rapid change"?

You know that's what I'm assuming too, and I think it's kinda general term. I was hoping there is some more defined definition of the term "twitchy." Next time someone mentions a bike being "twitchy" I'm gonna ask in what way?

[Eric Baker]

With the R6 he was likely talking about the throttle being twitchy, meaning the on/off throttle is rather abrupt. Just takes some getting used to, it's really not that bad. The carburetor actually is smoother than the early fuel injection, so the 03-04 is a little worse, but again, still manageable.

[Garandman]

"Characterized by jerky or spasmodic motion; nervous; jittery."

The way I describe it is "a non-uniform response to a control input." A friend of mine says "Twitchy rhymes with Witchy," as they are evil.

[ecd2004]

I would say it is a step beyond responsive, if you went to turn in on a good bike, it would fall quickly into the corner but feel stable. a twitchy bike, when you applied the input to turn in, it might respond to fast or be to sensitive to make specific inputs

[loudog]

If referring to throttle control, I would say to someone, "The throttle is twitchy." Though I would still not use the word twitchy there.

Personally, if I say your bike is twitchy I'm referring to handling.

[Paul_E_D]

Wirelessly posted

If referring to throttle control, I would say to someone, "The throttle is twitchy." Though I would still not use the word twitchy there.

Personally, if I say your bike is twitchy I'm referring to handling.

However, an 00 r6 is anything but twitchy in the handling dept

[jwm2k3]

I get a lil twitchy when theres some good homebrew around...

[ecd2004]

^^^thank you for inspiring me to grab myself one of my chocolate stouts