Accelerating on a GSX1400 is like... [complete this sentence]

[SA14]

Inspired by this video...

Accelerating on a GSX1400...

...is like eating all of the ocean's plankton in 4 big gulps.

...is like being injected by a 4 inch wide syringe of freedom four times in a row.

...is like taking off in a fighter jet.

...is like being pulled by a planet.

What's it like for you? And I'm specifically referring to giving it a handful in the first 4 gears. Because as a new owner I'm stunned by it's seemingly endless enthusiasm for wanting to accelerate out of my hands and I've only ever taken it to about 5,000 RPM! I've never felt anything so powerful in 56 years on this planet. I've driven 650hp Lamborghinis, ridden Kawasaki 900s, 1100 Katanas and Big block powered Buicks and Cheviews but nothing comes even close to how my 14 feels. I feel like I own and ride the best of something. Help me bank some superlatives so I can describe it to others in ways they might understand.

Go.

[Mick_J]

...is like being pushed by a tsunami of torque.

[Monarchjock]

Ahem!!! Pay attention at the back...... 

Like a magic carpet ride, with a rocket up it's arse.   

[grog]

SA14, they do go so nice. Reason i keep mine. Today at work we serviced a 200 series Land Cruiser, it puts out 800 bhp on dyno, not bad for a diesel. Not as quick as 14 but bloody good for a big heavy 4wd. Turbos spin up, then re boot it, lhf wheel comes up. Unreal to drive. 

[Hooli]

@grog that sounds fun!

[SA14]

SA14, they do go so nice. Reason i keep mine. Today at work we serviced a 200 series Land Cruiser, it puts out 800 bhp on dyno, not bad for a diesel. Not as quick as 14 but bloody good for a big heavy 4wd. Turbos spin up, then re boot it, lhf wheel comes up. Unreal to drive.

Crickeys!

I remember reading an article in Hot Rod magazine (illustrated by the great George Trosley) explaining torque versus horsepower and how torque was the most important thing for any street car. When I read the 14 doesn't have as much HP as some other sport bikes but had ship loads of torque I knew it was the bike for me.   

[Hooli]

I believe torque & bhp curves always cross at 5,250rpm, although I can't say why. So low revving engines always win on torque compared to their HP.

[northern]

just remark:
5250rpm is in case Horse Power and Pound-foot

Form math point of view, Power is Torque multiplied by Speed. In case of engine RPM.
HP = lbf∙ft * RPM / 5250
or
HP = N∙m * RMP / 7127
or
kW = N∙m * RMP / 9550 (International System of Units - SI)

Form math point of view, Power is Torque multiplied by Speed. In case of engine, speed is RPM.
There is formula, where this 9550 is coming, but I would not bother you with it

[Hooli]

Cheers @northern

[T 24]

My HP & NM curves are crossing at 7300 rpm. I just don't know what it means in practice.

[northern]

Acceleration from low speed, is the reason I can't allow myself to sell my 14, even I'm using less then before (less then 1000km this year).
Cruising in traffic on third, then you see some space, slight wrist turn and it pulls like a train! Put smile on my face every time

[DP1400]

Accelerating on a GSX1400 is like.......accelerating on any modern day hyper sports bike !

Thats taking nothing away from either bike.

They are both super quick and probably equal in terms of time to the magic `Ton, and after all, thats all that really matters on todays roads.

What makes the `14 so special is that regardless of how much you dial in, the thing stays planted, digs in, and just flies. Its like a powerful spring constantly uncoiling, a sensation experienced through every gear. The aforementioned sports bike, being light, will try its level best to leave planet earth and dump the rider. Especially as the HP hits its trigger point, and constant gear changes are needed to keep the power plant on the `edge`.

Not so with the `14. In point of fact, the `14`s weight & torque combination combine and force the bike towards the horizon at an incredible pace whilst the pilot is able to stay in complete control, regardless of gear selection or revs.

Horsepower is fine, but weight and torque combined make a much better package. In my opinion, the `14 is probably as good as it gets, having an amazing combination of both.

Incidentally, due to the torque available i find that its really easy to ride the `14 quickly without ever fully opening the throttle. I`m sure you`ll all know what i mean! So, next time out, try holding the throttle on the stop in the first few gears - i guarantee you`ll wonder what the heck just happened. I consciously did that last Saturday for the first time in a while, and i`m still walking about with a huge smile!

[SA14]

...try holding the throttle on the stop in the first few gears...

Is that even possible? I can't even hang on at half throttle! It's going to be a long time before I think about giving it full throttle in 1st, 2nd or even 3rd. I was warned to not even try it in first or second or the bike will throw me off the back. Not keen to find out so I'll ride around with too much respect as a safety measure.   

[GSXKING]

Try an electric bike if you want TORQUE. Not sure if it will rip your arms out 

[SA14]

Try an electric bike if you want TORQUE. Not sure if it will rip your arms out 

Been keeping an eye out on the electric cars because of the torque and it excites me but when I have to literally hang on for fear of dying I've got more than I can deal with on this bike.

Plus...four gigantic pistons makes goodly sounds that make me happy. This 14 is everything I could ever want from a bike and here's a nice side benefit; being naked I'm getting buffeted so much by the wind at even legal speeds that it keeps me happy and satisfied. 100km/h feels like 200 to me anyway. I love the growl, the punch and the fear. Couldn't ask for more.