Will a sportbike accelerate more quickly than a cruiser with the same engine size?

Will a Ninja 250 beat a Honda Rebel?


Would a Ninja 650 beat a Honda Shadow?





I don't whether I should look into a sportbike or a cruiser for my first motorcycle. Any information would be appreciated.
Will a sportbike accelerate more quickly than a cruiser with the same engine size?
there are 250's that can beat 500's out there, so your Q is not really sensible. BTW I hope you slow down and live to learn to ride well. Anyone can ride fast enough to be dangerous to themselves, and/or others. We riders need you young blokes to live to take over the fight when we're gone.
Will a sportbike accelerate more quickly than a cruiser with the same engine size?
Ninja for a first bike=hospital time





better learn on the Honda





ya the sport is made to go fast,,bigger carb more air flow etc.
Reply:Cruisers create less stress on the body for extended time in the saddle.


If both have the same horsepower and the same gearing then both are equal from a stop. At speed the sportbike has the aerodynamic advantage and will probably reach a higher top speed quicker.
Reply:Yes, a sport bike with the same size engine will beat a cruiser every time. The two are made to be ridden in different ways. The name says it all SPORT bike, fast, nimble, requires more rider skill to use to potential, easier to get in over your head and out ride your ability. CRUISER bike, slower, more forgiving, less costly insurance, more comfortable.
Reply:Most of the time a sportbike will out accelerate a cruiser with over twice the engine size, but there are a few power cruisers that defy this general rule. A 600cc stock will out perform 1200cc air cooled bike all day. An old v-max bike will surprise many 600cc riders so there are exceptions, I cannot name them all but Yamaha makes a few, as do the other Jap manufactures. Harley's v-rod will put up a good race and even beat 600cc rocket with a good driver, I have not seen this happen at a track yet but the numbers say they could with a better driver. Heck the new ninja 250 has better quarter mile times than the big sportster, check motorcyclist.com for the real numbers by pro drivers. Once the bikes are modified all bets are off on that one though.
Reply:DEFINITELY!





sport bikes tend to have double to triple the power of their cruiser counterparts
Reply:Absolutely.





The displacement is only part of the equation.





With the exception of the ninja 250 (which I am pretty sure only has 2 cylinders) most sportbikes have 4 cylinder in-line engines, as opposed to cruisers which almost all have v-twins.





They usually have oversized carbs, overhead cams, and run much higher RPM's, which - combined with the right gearing, and sprocket set - give you ridiculous amounts of power. On top of this, they are usually much lighter as well.





Definitely avoid sportbikes for your first motorcycle. For one, they are much too powerful (although the 250 ninja probably isn't too bad) - the riding position is uncomfortable, and isn't good for learning how to ride. Also - when (not if) you drop it, a sport bike has way too much plastic on it, and it will get messed up bad.





I usually suggest learning to ride on a used dirt bike, or enduro style bike (on/offroad). They can take a lot more abuse than a sportbike or a cruiser. Once you are more comfortable, then get something that looks nice, and has more performance.





It is also suggestable to take a riding course - some states require doing this in order to get your motorcycle license.





I'm not necessarily anti-sportbike, but a lot of inexperienced riders get on equipment that is basically designed for racing, and go out and kill themselves on it. I just attended a funeral for one of my friends from high school who did just that.





I mostly stick to cruisers - my '06 Suzuki Boulevard C50 has plenty of torque, and is pretty nimble for a cruiser. 800cc, fuel injected (no carbs), liquid cooled, and shaft drive (no chains/belts to wear out). It has an adjustable uni-shock in the back (no ugly springs), floorboards (for the rider) and a heel-toe shifter. The only thing I added was a seat back.





The 450cc version would probably make a decent starter bike (although you should definitely consider learning on a dirt bike).





The most important thing to remember is - people in cars are not looking for you. Most of the courses tell you to pretend like you are invisible.





I take it a step further and pretend like people are actively trying to kill me - that way when someone swerves across three lanes of traffic, and stands up on their brakes in front of you - you aren't surprised (had this happen about a week after I got that suzuki - I dropped two gears, locked up both brakes, and slid to a stop right at the guys bumper - he is lucky to still be alive, I was shaking so bad, if I had gotten off that bike - I would've twisted his head clean off)





With that said - as long as you are careful, keep your bike well maintained, and watch out - motorcycling can be the most fun you will ever have.





Good luck!
Reply:Yes the sport bike should be faster. The motor may be the same size but the cams carbs gearing are different. Except for the rebel anything can out run a rebel. Some one who knew motocycles would not have had to ask.