New Member Help me make decision

[postoak]

I have been thinking about the same two bikes. So the 270 degree engine was implemented to be smoother? The roughness at idle was one of the things that I didn't like about the T120, so even with the 270 degree engine it is a different beast from a smooth in-line four. Of course, once you come off idle, you won't notice the roughess on the Triumph, and that's where you'll be most of the time.

[Flynrider]

(08-06-2017 04:59 AM)caddy425 Wrote:  I know - the 270 makes it more rideable - and should be better for longevity - but when you trade on history - and profess to be traditional etc. then find an elegant way to counter a 360 cranks issues - the sound of the 360 from any old brit bike is as special as anything else - the 270 just doesn't sound right. - but i am an old brit - lol

I see your point. From a historical perspective, its a departure from tradition (but then, so is liquid cooling).

Kawasaki tried counterbalancers on their 360 degree 750 twin, but they were only marginally effective at lower rpms. I recall my wrist going completely numb on long (~400 mile) rides, and I had several metal parts eventually succumb to metal fatigue from the constant vibes. The Yammie XS650 had no counterbalancers. It had more low rpm vibes, but was actually a bit smoother at cruise, due to the smaller piston mass.

Generally speaking, trying to smooth out those two big pistons moving up and down together would be a tough nut to crack.

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(08-06-2017 08:49 AM)postoak Wrote:  The roughness at idle was one of the things that I didn't like about the T120, so even with the 270 degree engine it is a different beast from a smooth in-line four. Of course, once you come off idle, you won't notice the roughess on the Triumph, and that's where you'll be most of the time.

That's where the 270 degree engine makes itself obvious. Instead of even spaced pulses, you get two pulses close together followed by quiet. It's more of a loping idle.

[The ferret]

I've ridden my brothers 2016 T120 and it " throbs" all the time. You can feel the pulses. My brother calls it " character" , I call it not as smooth as my CB lol

[Cormanus]

G'day ghollaba. Welcome to the forum.