S11E10: Best (and Worst) Sounding Motorcycles!
About this episode
Zach and Spurge dive into the world of iconic motorcycle engine sounds, sharing personal favorites like the Ducati Monster 900, Triumph Street Triple 765, Aprilia V4, Honda RC 30, and Harley XR 750. They explore what makes an engine sound memorable, from emotional connections to historical significance. The hosts also discuss their least favorite sounds, including the KTM 300 two-stroke and Ninja 300 parallel twin. The episode features a guessing game with listener-submitted clips, a thoughtful discussion on kids riding motorcycles, and reflections on the deep bond riders have with their bikes' sounds. The show blends technical insights, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of motorcycle culture.
Zack and Spurg dive into the auditory soul of motorcycling and what makes an engine sound "iconic." From the rhythmic clatter of a Ducati dry clutch to the "vicious" scream of an Aprilia V4, we break down the sounds that transports us to the racetrack and the open road.
We also pay tribute to the legendary Japanese industrial designer who survived the atomic bomb to create the iconic Kikkoman soy sauce bottle AND the Yamaha VMAX.
Stick around for a special Engine Sound Guessing Game and a heartfelt discussion on the risks and rewards of putting kids on the back of a motorcycle.
Check out more from RevZilla:
- Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews
- RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos
brake fluid
"you've watched Ari Henning's shop manual video on how to bleed your motorcycle brakes, but now, now you need brake fluid."
Brake fluid is a special liquid that helps your motorcycle's brakes work when you squeeze the brake lever.
Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in motorcycle braking systems to transfer force from the brake lever to the brake calipers, enabling effective stopping power.
bleed your motorcycle brakes
"you've watched Ari Henning's shop manual video on how to bleed your motorcycle brakes, but now, now you need brake fluid."
Bleeding brakes means getting rid of air bubbles in the brake lines so your brakes work properly and safely.
Bleeding motorcycle brakes is the process of removing air bubbles from the brake lines to ensure consistent hydraulic pressure and effective braking.
Motul
"but now, now you need brake fluid. Well, Motul has you covered with a full line of brake fluid. From riding around in the street to ripping around on a racetrack, Motul has got the right brake fluid for you."
Motul makes special liquids that help motorcycles work better, like brake fluid that helps your brakes stop the bike safely.
Motul is a well-known company specializing in high-performance lubricants and fluids for motorcycles and other vehicles, including brake fluids designed for various riding conditions.
sport bikes
"So keep that in mind next time you need to make a purchase for your motorcycle from cruisers to sport bikes to adventure bikes and everything in between."
Sport bikes are fast motorcycles made for quick riding and sharp turns, with a riding position that leans you forward.
Sport bikes are motorcycles designed for high performance, speed, and agility, often featuring aerodynamic bodywork and aggressive riding positions.
cruisers
"So keep that in mind next time you need to make a purchase for your motorcycle from cruisers to sport bikes to adventure bikes and everything in between."
Cruisers are motorcycles that are comfortable to ride slowly and look cool, often with a laid-back riding position.
Cruisers are motorcycles designed for relaxed riding with a low seat height, comfortable ergonomics, and often classic styling.
adventure bikes
"So keep that in mind next time you need to make a purchase for your motorcycle from cruisers to sport bikes to adventure bikes and everything in between."
Adventure bikes are motorcycles that can be ridden on streets and rough trails, good for exploring different places.
Adventure bikes are versatile motorcycles designed for both on-road and off-road riding, featuring upright ergonomics and long suspension travel.
dry clutch
""Do I hear a dry clutch? You hear a dry clutch.""
A dry clutch is a part of the motorcycle that helps change gears. Unlike other clutches that use oil, this one works dry, which can make a unique sound and feel when you ride.
A dry clutch is a type of clutch system commonly used in motorcycles where the clutch plates operate without being immersed in oil. This design often results in a more direct engagement and distinctive sound compared to wet clutches.
Ducati
"The most famous dry clutches in my mind, it's going to be a Ducati. Am I hearing a Ducati engine? You're hearing a Ducati engine."
Ducati is a company from Italy that makes fast motorcycles. They are famous for the unique sound their engines make.
Ducati is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for its high-performance sport bikes and distinctive engine sounds, often featuring dry clutches and desmodromic valve systems.
Ducati 916
"But I have a feeling that you're probably going a little bit earlier than that because you're probably thinking like 916 is, is my, my guess, like a Ducati 916. Okay. That's wrong."
The Ducati 916 is a famous motorcycle from the 1990s known for its cool looks and unique engine sound.
The Ducati 916 is an iconic sport bike produced from 1994 to 1998, famous for its design and the distinctive sound of its 90-degree V-twin engine. It set a benchmark for sport bike styling and performance.
90 degree V twin
"90 degree V twin from Ducati from approximately the nineties is the, that to me is a very, very iconic engine sound."
A 90 degree V twin is a type of motorcycle engine with two cylinders set in a V shape at a right angle. This design helps the bike run smoothly and sound special.
A 90 degree V twin is a motorcycle engine configuration where two cylinders are arranged in a V shape at a 90-degree angle. Ducati is famous for using this layout, which provides good balance and a unique sound.
Ducati 1098
"Like a, like a 999 or even a 1098 or something like that."
The Ducati 1098 is a fast motorcycle made by Ducati with a strong engine and sharp design. It came after the 999 model and is popular for its speed.
The Ducati 1098 is a sport motorcycle produced from 2007 to 2009, succeeding the 999. It features a powerful liquid-cooled V-twin engine and is known for its performance and aggressive styling.
air-cooled engine
"But I think the air cooled Ducati's of that era that the 900 CC or the 900 SS or a monster 900, that, that engine to me has a lot of this sort of like base and, and I don't know, sort of legendary kind of rumble of old Ducati V like bevel drive V twins of the seventies."
An air-cooled engine is a type of engine that stays cool by air blowing over it, not by using water or liquid. This makes the engine sound different and sometimes louder.
An air-cooled engine uses air flowing over the engine to dissipate heat instead of liquid coolant. This design often produces more mechanical noise and a distinctive sound compared to liquid-cooled engines.
Ducati S2R 1000
"I think it's just because it was when I was graduating from college and I was buying motorcycles for the first time with the Bible. But the, the 2006 S2R 1000 monster, which is the two valve air cooled engine."
The Ducati S2R 1000 is a motorcycle from 2006 with an older style engine that makes a special sound many people like. It is air-cooled and has two valves per cylinder.
The Ducati S2R 1000 is a 2006 model motorcycle featuring a two-valve air-cooled V-twin engine. It is known for its classic Ducati sound and character, representing the traditional air-cooled engine style.
Ducati Scrambler
"I mean, it's like, they're still selling scramblers, right? Scramblers still in air cooled 800 CC. It's like the remnants of that are still around. Is that, is the, is the new scrambler a wet clutch though? Or is, I don't think it's, yeah, I think all the, I think it went away from dry clutches a while ago."
The Ducati Scrambler is a motorcycle that looks a bit old-fashioned but has modern parts. Some older versions had air-cooled engines and dry clutches, but newer ones use different technology.
The Ducati Scrambler is a modern motorcycle line that retains some retro styling and character. Earlier versions used air-cooled engines, but recent models have transitioned to wet clutches and liquid cooling.
wet clutch
"Is that, is the, is the new scrambler a wet clutch though? Or is, I don't think it's, yeah, I think all the, I think it went away from dry clutches a while ago."
A wet clutch is a part of the motorcycle that helps change gears and is covered in oil. This makes it work smoothly and quietly.
A wet clutch is a motorcycle clutch that operates immersed in oil, which helps with cooling and smoother engagement but reduces some of the distinctive noise associated with dry clutches.
Yamaha MT-09
"And, um, and I thought, my first thought was like Spurge picked an MT-09. That's weird. But then once it revs up a little more, you can hear that sort of like water pump whistle that the, uh, Triumph has that sort of, um, slightly high pitched, uh, noise in the, in the, in the rev."
The Yamaha MT-09 is a motorcycle with a three-cylinder engine that makes a unique sound. It's known for being fun to ride and is sometimes confused with other bikes that have similar engines.
The Yamaha MT-09 is a naked sport motorcycle featuring a three-cylinder engine known for its lively performance and distinctive exhaust note. It is often compared to the Triumph Street Triple due to similar engine configurations.
triple engine
"I, I picked this, um, really because I think the, the triple sound is just iconic. And there's a lot of triples within, um, Triumph's lineup."
A triple engine means the motorcycle has three cylinders in its engine. This setup helps the bike have good power and a special sound that many people like.
A triple engine refers to a three-cylinder engine configuration, which is known for balancing torque, power delivery, and a unique exhaust sound. Triumph is especially famous for using triple engines in many of their motorcycles.
Triumph Rocket 3
"And there's a lot of triples within, um, Triumph's lineup. But if you, if you go back to, um, they really introduced a triple engine back when it was, it was Triumph and BSA and they had the, um, the, uh, it was the rocket three and the trident,"
The Triumph Rocket 3 is a big motorcycle with a strong three-cylinder engine. It was one of the first bikes that showed off Triumph's special engine style.
The Triumph Rocket 3 is a large-displacement motorcycle known for its powerful triple-cylinder engine. It was one of the early models that showcased Triumph's triple engine technology.
Honda CB750
"They were released in 68. They were overshadowed when Honda released the CB 750, which obviously, you know, changed the world."
The Honda CB750 is a famous motorcycle that changed how bikes were made. It had four cylinders and was very powerful for its time.
The Honda CB750 is a landmark motorcycle introduced in 1969 that revolutionized the industry with its inline four-cylinder engine, disc brakes, and overall performance. It is often credited with starting the modern superbike era.
Vedder fairings
"Um, but, uh, before like the, the interesting fact there was they brought on Craig Vedder, um, who, if you remember, we talked about in the Goldwing episode for, for like issuing in like the Vedder fairings. The fairings. So he was the, like redesigned it, um, Triumph eventually goes out of business."
Vedder fairings are special covers for motorcycles that help protect the rider from wind and make the bike look cool. They were designed by a man named Craig Vedder.
Vedder fairings are a type of motorcycle fairing designed by Craig Vedder, known for their aerodynamic shape and distinctive style. They have been used on various motorcycles to improve wind protection and aesthetics.
inline four engine
"Um, when he introduced the new Triumph, he introduced it with triples and inline fours and inline fours eventually went away..."
An inline four engine means the engine has four cylinders lined up in a row. This type of engine is common in many motorcycles and cars and runs smoothly.
An inline four engine is a four-cylinder engine with all cylinders arranged in a straight line. It is a common engine configuration in motorcycles and cars, known for smooth power delivery and high revving capability.
engine displacement (765cc, 800cc)
"Uh, the most recent one is the, the six or not even the most recent one, but one of the more, you know, uh, notable ones is the, the new six, seven, 65 engine that's in the street triples... Like there's a, there's an 800. That's what it was. It was this Tiger sport 800 drive. Glad I came around to that and you'd see the seven, six, five engine and 800 engine."
Engine displacement is how big the engine is, measured by how much space the cylinders take up. Bigger numbers usually mean more power. Triumph uses engines around 765cc and 800cc in some of their bikes.
Engine displacement refers to the total volume of all the cylinders in an engine and is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) for motorcycles. The 765cc and 800cc engines mentioned are different sizes of triple-cylinder engines used by Triumph, affecting power and performance.
Triumph Tiger Sport 800
"Like there's a, there's an 800. That's what it was. It was this Tiger sport 800 drive. Glad I came around to that and you'd see the seven, six, five engine and 800 engine."
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is a motorcycle good for both sporty riding and longer trips. It has a three-cylinder 800cc engine that gives it good power and smoothness.
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is a sport-touring motorcycle featuring an 800cc triple-cylinder engine. It blends performance and comfort for longer rides and is part of Triumph's modern lineup.
Triumph Bonneville
"And I think, you know, for me personally, because, you know, you're talking a little bit of the personal anecdotes here, like I bought the Bonneville in 05, which was a parallel twin engine. But then I remember going back to a, to like a dealer demo day and they had a Sprint ST 1050."
The Triumph Bonneville is a famous motorcycle that has two cylinders side by side in its engine. The 2005 version kept the classic style but added some modern features.
The Triumph Bonneville is a classic motorcycle model known for its parallel twin engine configuration. The 2005 model continued the legacy of this iconic British motorcycle with modern updates.
MV Agusta
"And other than other than Yamaha, you know, MV Agusta, if you want to think about MV Agusta, like who there's really no one else making triple engines."
MV Agusta is a company from Italy that makes fast and special motorcycles. They are known for using three-cylinder engines that sound and perform differently than others.
MV Agusta is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for its high-performance sport motorcycles, often featuring distinctive triple-cylinder engines. The brand is celebrated for its racing heritage and unique engineering.
T-plane crank
"I wish we had a T plane crank we could play as little clip. We got a clip for that? No clip. OK."
A T-plane crank is a special part inside some motorcycle engines that makes the engine run and sound in a unique way. It changes how the engine's power comes out.
A T-plane crank is a crankshaft design used in some triple-cylinder motorcycle engines, where the crank pins are arranged in a T shape rather than evenly spaced. This design affects the firing order and engine character, giving a distinctive sound and torque delivery.
liquid cooled
"It's is it a liquid cool twin? No, is it a VFR? Close. I mean, essentially, yes."
Liquid cooling means the engine uses a special liquid to keep it from getting too hot. This helps the engine work better and last longer.
Liquid cooling is a method of regulating engine temperature using a coolant fluid circulated through the engine and a radiator. It helps maintain optimal operating temperatures and prevents overheating, especially in high-performance engines.
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