The New Universal Japanese Motorcycle?

skida · Trackday Trickster Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Karma :

In the late seventies/early eighties a motorcycle journalist coined the phrase "Universal Japanese Motorcycle" or "UJM" because he felt that the across the frame in-line fours all looked the same.

The other day, whilst "attending an appointment" in the bog, I was reading a road test in Bike Magazine of the latest 600s (plus the 675) and I noticed that the dyno readings were almost identical for the new 600s from the big four. I then read that they all have identical bore and stroke dimensions.

So are the new 600s worthy of the name UJM again?
____________________
Previous: Suzuki GT125, Honda C50, Honda C90, Suzuki GS125, Yamaha XJ600N, Triumph 955i Sprint ST, Triumph 955i Speed Triple, Triumph 955i Tiger, Triumph 955i Sprint ST
Current: Honda CBR600FR

TheShaggyDA · Repost Police Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

"Again"? I thought the term never went away.
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

I think it's less applicable today. Other factors, such as fuelling, the ecu, suspension set-up, geometry, braking, frame rigidity/flex, rider comfort, reliability etc. mean that the similar engine characteristics can be enjoyed in different packages.

They're all very similar, but subtly tweaked to appeal to different people. For instance, if you compare the Ninja B1H to a CBR600F of the same age, you find one is a mild mannered sports tourer, and one is a ragged savage.

Jack
____________________
www.bikepics.com/members/jackcheese <--- NOW FOR SALE! 51 Plate Cagiva Planet 125
Quacker_boy: "Jack, you really are a dick!"

fredsredhat · Traffic Copper Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Karma :

what i cant believe is "Bike A turns so much faster than bike B because of the shorter wheelbase" WHAT??? 1.4mm shorter and you can feel that? "Bike A has a much stronger top end than bike B" It makes 0.6 BHP more, over 3000 rpm. fuck, are you a journo or a computer?

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

Well, if one bike has soft suspension, a longer wheelbase and a long swingarm, and a bit more rake at the front, it will feel a lot more planted than one which is marginally tighter. All the little changes make one big one. Thumbs Up

____________________
www.bikepics.com/members/jackcheese <--- NOW FOR SALE! 51 Plate Cagiva Planet 125
Quacker_boy: "Jack, you really are a dick!"

fredsredhat · Traffic Copper Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Karma :

yeah it will but look at the 600 class. they're all much of a muchness. I agree a SV650 is different to a truimph 675 but R6 CBR6 ZX6 etc.....

Jack_Cheese · World Chat Champion Joined: 14 Jul 2005 Karma :

Take the CBR for instance, it has a very long swingarm, and stable suspension. The kawa B1H has a shorter swingarm, stiffer suspension and a higher degree of rake. When you subtly tweak many aspects, the overall result is quite dramatic.
____________________
www.bikepics.com/members/jackcheese <--- NOW FOR SALE! 51 Plate Cagiva Planet 125
Quacker_boy: "Jack, you really are a dick!"

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

They still sound crap.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.