still sounds like a Harley

[timmyho414]

I don't want to get into a power argument so I'll stick to sound.

This is not a twin but it doesn't matter. The sound (rhythm really) the timing of when the cylinders fire.

This is a video of the R1's 90 degree cross plane crank vs the typical 180 degree flat plane. If you haven't seen it it really cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJKkv...ure=plpp_video

I'm not sure if the original letter was made up or not made but it did cross my mind. I'm not sure if the guy being from Alabama helps or hurts.

[RandyO]

'Engineering'! Ha..

You mean cost-reduction. The sound is a mistake.

no different than any other high volume manufacturer
Suzuki 99SV650 excellent first model yera bike
00SV650, recalled to retrofit and plate to replace internal casting that mighta saved 3¢ in manufacturing cost

also the reason almost all cars are front wheel drive, strut design, certainly isn't for performance, handling or maintenance cost

but why can't I make a 45° V sound like a 90° L coulda been worse, I've heard the same story with guys that wanna make a R6 sound like a duc

[ZX-12R]

'Engineering'! Ha..

You mean cost-reduction. The sound is a mistake.

The original sound was a byproduct of the engine design but all their subsequent engine designs of the modern era have had an extensive amount of engineering effort put into maintaining that sound. Brüel & Kjær out of Denmark is the company that has worked extensively with Harley Davidson over the years to fine tune the sound of their entire product line.