How many of us out there have ridden a 2016 (non-Euro 4) bike back-to-back with a Euro 4 2018+ model?
My experience with both versions has been:
2016 is a smoother accelerator (off the start)
The two 2018 models which I rode both needed a "throttle bump" to get past the low-rpm dead spot. Well "dead spot" is too dramatic of a description. Just a bit of hesitation is what I experienced.
Comparison Experience: (tiny sample size)
- My 2016 model has 12,000 miles on the clock, after 24 months of ownership.
- Three weeks on a 2018* in Andalusia Spain (Nov 2017)
- Three weeks on a 2018 in Austria, Switzerland, Italy (Sept 2018)
I didn't go into the 2017 Spain tour bike rental expecting anything different with the 2018 bike vs my US 2016 model. But gee, I sure did notice the initial hesitation multiple times on the 2017 Andalusia Spain trip. I found myself instinctively "goosing" the throttle for each takeoff.
The next tour, in 2018, after completely forgetting about the "hesitation" I experienced on the 2017 model the previous year ... same thing. Same hesitation on the 2018 model when taking off from a dead stop.
I know some folks say some of the 2016 model's are "vibey." Mine feels manageable and harmless without bar ends, but I do have the factory modification. I don't really know how to define the "degree of vibey." But if it were bad, I'd prob add bar ends. I "do" agree with many others, the bike smooths out with additional miles.
Responsiveness:
From my tiny sample size, the 2016 seems to be more responsive from take-off.
I looked into "why" the 2016 might be more responsive from a standing start and all I can point to is the Euro 4 emissions changes (to the engine) implemented in late 2016 (on the models which would be called 2018 models, since there are no US 2017 models)
Anyway, I'm about to buy a second 2016 unit (used) for use when we ride in Europe. Mostly because I like the throttle response on the 2016, and prefer to have my own bike in Europe rather than rent a bike at 180 Euro per day.
But I'm happy to buy a new bike ... especially that pretty blue bike
Would be happy to hear others experiences. Not looking for "homers" who love only what they own, and not trying to be a "homer" myself. Just wondering if it's coincidence or consistent with what others have experienced.
Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.