How would you answer this?

[shooter64]

Somebody looking at my Valk. "Good grief, 6 cylinders, 6 carbs and 6 exhaust pipes. How much horsepower does that thing have?" I say "about a 100" He says "Huh? I thought a 6 with just one carb or F.I. would make way more than that. Wonder why they chose to make it so complicated?" All I could say is it is very smooth and some have been known to go up to 400k miles before an overhaul is needed. How would you guys answer that?

[Serk]

Reliability
Smoothness
Extreme horsepower


Pick 2

(Yeah, cost should be in there too, with enough $$$ thrown at something you could probably get all 3, but ya' get the idea)

[Fritz The Cat]

Nerdy chicks dig it. 

[bscrive]

If you drove one you would know.

[Former BMW Guy]

I'd ask him to repeat the question....

Joe P

[sandy]

It's a low tech motor that makes 90+ HP at the rear wheel. Presumably an HD driver made the comment. His bike struggles to make over 70 HP (RWHP). An HD service manager told me of 110" Sceaming Eagles making 82 HP on the dyno. I was standing next to the Dyno at Chester's HD in Mesa, AZ when he said that and some HD riders told him he was full of it. How would you respond?; tell them to produce a copy of his Dyno readout. I have 2 of them to show people.

[steve 3054]

I usally say it is a torque monster

[old2soon]

I smile-throw a leg over-fire it up and RIDE.  RIDE SAFE.

[JimmyG]

I have been ribbed about my HONDA. I just smile and say, "you probably ought to ride a harley".

[john]

                                     thats what you get for think'in

[Alien]

If it's someone you trust, who rides, just hand him/her the keys.  When they get back all their questions will be answered.  It worked for me with a family member who was giving me the "When are you gonna get a REAL bike" nonsense.

[Jess from VA]

Good grief, 6 cylinders, 6 carbs and 6 exhaust pipes. How much horsepower does that thing have?" I say "about a 100" He says "Huh? I thought a 6 with just one carb or F.I. would make way more than that.  Wonder why they chose to make it so complicated?

1.  Yeah a car-sized 6 would make more power..... but my 1520 just has 6 little 250cc size cylinders.  Probably at least 200cc smaller than your big twin.

2.  It's not complicated at all, a flat 4 or 6 has been around a long time, and is one of the best designed, smoothest, high longevity engines ever made.  Unlike a Vtwin, which is none of those.

3.  And you too can have one used for 5-7K that will easily go 200K more miles with nothing more than routine maintenance.  (this is where they start gritting teeth...LOL)

[musclehead]

reminds me of a little kid once saying to his momma "look momma a motorcycle, why doesn't it sound like a motorcycle?"

I said "it's in stealth mode" 

[ValkFlyer]

I'd tell him it's a shame he doesn't know more  , throw a leg over and ride off.

[shooter64]

Reliability
Smoothness
Extreme horsepower


Pick 2

(Yeah, cost should be in there too, with enough $$$ thrown at something you could probably get all 3, but ya' get the idea)

I think that is what he was saying. Would it be less reliable, less smooth and have less horsepower with fuel injection for instance?

[klb]

It's a valkyrie thing. If I have to Explain it you wouldn't unserstand!  

[Chattanooga Mark]

I usually say something like "enough, and it's silky smooth" or "their goal was 100 rear wheel hp and 100 foot pounds of torque"

Mark

[Momz]

Just tell those Harley riders that the Valk is just a big moped.

[doubletee]

Just tell those Harley riders that the Valk is just a big moped.

"It's a really big moped. How ya gonna feel when your HD gets whipped by a moped?"   

[Mr Whiskey]

    I stole this from someone here, caint remember who, but it seems appropriate in SOOOOO many situations. Thanks to whoever originally posted it.
Peace, Whiskey.

[Big Rig]

I would laugh, smile and backaway...Stupdity is contagious....

[The Anvil]

Good grief, 6 cylinders, 6 carbs and 6 exhaust pipes. How much horsepower does that thing have?" I say "about a 100" He says "Huh? I thought a 6 with just one carb or F.I. would make way more than that.  Wonder why they chose to make it so complicated?

1.  Yeah a car-sized 6 would make more power..... but my 1520 just has 6 little 250cc size cylinders.  Probably at least 200cc smaller than your big twin.

2.  It's not complicated at all, a flat 4 or 6 has been around a long time, and is one of the best designed, smoothest, high longevity engines ever made.  Unlike a Vtwin, which is none of those.

3.  And you too can have one used for 5-7K that will easily go 200K more miles with nothing more than routine maintenance.  (this is where they start gritting teeth...LOL)

This hit the nail on the head. With the exception of the carburetors the Valk is as simple as a stone-ax. It's actually quite powerful for it's displacement, layout and valevetrain.

[Patrick]

I overheard a couple folks a number of years ago say it was 'just another harley clone' ..

[alph]

i'd show him the "nickle trick" then tell him how all exotic vehicles have small cyclinders, but a lot of 'em!!  there's a reason why some of 'em have 12 cylinders and only produce 5L of displacement, but fly like a bat out of hell!!

but, then again, some people think that thier one cylinder lawnmower is the cats meow for cutting grass......