I ride year round storming or not. About 18K miles per year. And in the California bay area there’s lots of high elevated bridges that cross the bay in different locations. And in my own town area there’s an elevated portion of the freeway. After riding in every storm there’s been for the last 20 years, I can say that vision is the number one key. Keep looking were you want the bike to go relax your grip and arms, and use smooth input on the bars to maintain direction and you’ll be just fine.
Travelling in Patagonia last year , really strong winds , solution, drop down a gear , keep it torqued, look far ahead , stay alert ( really cold ) stay hydrated 😉
April 6 years ago, I bought a Goldwing from Norwich and rode it to Malta where I was living at the time. The wind was so strong through Norfolk that I could only manage 20 mph, leaning into the wind which was mostly from the right side. It wouldn't have been possible on a lighter bike. I'd never do it again but at that time I had a ferry to catch.
Windy : put your shoulder into it. With the wind on your shoulder pull that grip gently towards you. Or conversely apply gentle pressure on the opposite bar. Riding across the Western part Nebraska dodging tumble weeds taught me that one.
I loved my Ducati 748s. Reliable and comfortable, just so uncomfortable. And I had a mk1 KTM superduke. That bike was sooooo much fun and just mental! I miss those bikes very much!
Awesome video! There are two things that will keep me from riding - ice and wind. The scariest experience was a high bridge where the wind was gusting uo to 45 mph. After I crossed the bridge I pulled over to get my heart started again and to start breathing. Can you imagine being on one of those huge bridges in Norway in high winds? I googled if wind could knock over a parked motorcycle ? Yes, 45 to 50 mph can do it. Respect it. Best!
To the guy with the V4R; what about a track riding school with bike rental instead? Think that Honda Haslam school is no more, maybe some people on here can recommend one for you.
Or could hire one for a couple of track days to get accustomed. Agree with school though - real shame Ron Haslam had to shut down. I did these regularly working up to the Elites on the fireblade sp’s
Had never thought of that, actually. I'm based in the US, the Midwest actually. Not sure if there are tracks/organizers that do rent out bikes but I'll poke around. Thanks!
When I was a brand new CBT rider two years ago I took a practice distance ride on my 125 to cheddar gorge and back, a 300 mile round trip. The day selected turned out to be biblical weather with 50 mph gusty winds, blowing snow and very low temperatures. Turned out the bike couldn’t make enough electricity to power itself and my heated gear. The dual carriageway, leaning into the wind, being blown from one side of the lane to the other as another HGV overtakes me was terrifying along with having to frequently wipe the slush off my visor. 12hp just wasn’t cutting it. I would say the Metzeler Roadtecs were outstanding though.
Interesting about the wind. Years ago I took my 08 model R1 touring found the UK for 2 weeks and one day in Scotland it was really windy and I was loaded up with luggage and I'll never forget crossing the Kessock bridge. I was lent right over and really felt like I was going to get blown off. After crossing I had to stop for a bit as my heart was racing. Ever since I freak out a bit crossing high bridges on a bike.😕
I regret selling my monster 1200 but recently brought a BMW s1000r to go along side my GSA. I’m very fortunate to own 2 great motorcycles. Thank you for doing these q and a’s they are an easy watch. Cheers Ian.
Some bikes are easier to ride in the wind than others, I remember when I had the V-Max, the wind would pull me off it before it upsets the bike, it just wasn’t phased.
Another interesting selection of questions and thoughtful replies. Many thanks including my question on where to ride sportsbikes (I still have the T509 after 27 years - but it is awaiting subframe surgery). I am a great fan of the early morning summer run - and can report only one 35 in a 30 speed camera incident at 6:30am on a Sunday in well over a decade of doing this. I can also add a week spent in the Alps in October a few years ago with four friends was easily my best biking experience - brilliant weather for all the passes and the only blemish was the run back through the Black Forest when it was very wet and very foggy (but still strangely enjoyable). I think more touring may be the way forward although I enjoy smaller back roads but they are not really sportsbike roads. I swore for years I’d never get an adventure bike and yet I am on my 3rd!
Thanks for answering my question & yes, I have pestered you before several times lol. I'd be inclined to agree with you about the GSXR750. Doesn't need any more power, but maybe some adjustable clip-ons & foot pegs to broaden the appeal with minimal electronics & you'd be good to go. Alas, if only.
Really good discussion on the wind. I’ve been caught out by a couple of mistral winds in the south of France, with 60 or 70mph gusts from the side, and it can be very scary. One of those times was when testing a desert X with my wife on the back. The best solution was to slow to a sensible speed, and oddly what helped was to ride in zigzags, the point being to partly turn the nose into the gusts where I could, within the limits of road width. Must have looked a bit nuts to car drivers, but it worked. Also got caught on my own Multi V4s and noticed the type and weight of the bike helps a lot. The V4, in similar conditions, was far better. So I think the lesson is, if living in a windy place, buy a heavier bike.
Agree with joe about still enjoying my hard copy of MCN. Yes I watch you tube and other social media but still like reading the hard copy. Tend to learn more about things I wouldn’t find/search for on social media
The bike I wish I didn't sell is my first ever bike I bought, a Suzuki RM500 1986, an absolut monster! I bought it instead of a moped when I was 15 years and I could barely start it at the time, but it was so freaking cool to ride! Unfortunately I sold it for 380ish punds withing a year of owning it, bare in mind this was 20 years ago, so sad though. Thanks for another great video! :D
Put the V4R in “Street Mode” and you’ll be fine. Did my 1st track day ever on my first sporty bike ever… an 1199S… which is less forgiving than the V4, and it was 100% fine.
Fab watch, these vids of yours really are one of the few positive byproducts of lockdown (well said) 👍🏻 Regrets, NC30, ZXR400, FZ1, VFR1200F and 954 Fireblade all sold and I wish i hadn't had to🤦🏼♂️ Think we all need a bigger garage, and wallet! Always fancied a GSXR750 but as yet, not managed to own one, still time I suppose, as like yourself I'm still in my mid 30's 🤔🤭 Thanks for sharing, appreciated and enjoyed as always 🏍️😁👍🏻
We have very similar taste, i still own my VFR1200F, every time I think of “upgrading” there’s a compromise I refuse to make. Maybe an additional bike but it’s a keeper.
This is really cool, enjoying these videos! In wind which we get a lot of in Wyoming, agree with you completely, basically don't get over reactive and don't panic.
Regret selling my 2011 KTM RC8R. A true “gentleman’s” sportbike that was fun on the track and usable on the road. Never had any issues and a big fan of that LC8 motor.
I regret selling my 1986 Honda NS400R. It was dialed and sorted with many custom engine and chassis modifications. It held its own against 3/4 liter bikes of the day on and off the track. All that's left are a box of spares, likely rare enough on their own I suppose.
My new favourite bike channel, love the Q&A sessions I really like how calm you are and not all shouty and OTT, great insight into all things bikes with super knowledge. I passed my bike test in 1989 which just comprised of riding round the block and some basic Highway Code I went out and bought a year old RG500 ! Amazingly still here to tell the tale and boy do I wish I still had it. Q : what are your thoughts on winter storing bikes, I hear some folk say run them up to temp and have the fan cut in and some say no just start for a few minutes and turn off. I also leave the optimate plugged in permanently not sure if that’s a good idea or not. Q: if that’s been asked, do you think the bike test should be simpler, more straight forward and cheaper. I genuinely believe the current system puts young folk off. At 16 my mates and I all had 50cc bikes, fizzies, DTs, ERs etc it was our escape and mobility into a new world. We have been going to the TT for over 20 years and I swear we’re still the average age of bikers going there. There seems hardly any new generation bikers. Thanks again and all the MCN stuff Chris Plowman
@@Bow-to-the-absurd I get that, but that’s a personal comfort level rather than a definitive number. If you can use a V4R without constantly being worried about something happening to it then go ahead and use it. That’s what it’s for. Modern electronics make the bikes easier to ride as well.
Thanks neevesy it's nice you entertain us mere mortals with your fantastic podcasts my two regrets a GSXR 750 spr which I only got rid of it a couple of months ago and which I'm already regretting it and an rf900r which was very underrated by a lot of people but I loved it for touring 2 up I'm still had a bit of pace as well keep up the good work 👍
I think I would rather go with reliability of the Japanese bikes instead of quirky European bikes. The Kawasaki Z H2 was not mentioned in the super naked category? I very much enjoyed your podcast with Chris from 44 teeth. Thanks Michael!
@@gmc677Four years ago Michael reviewed the Kawasaki Z H2 and he said it is predominantly a road bike as you mentioned. He seemed to like the Z H2 adding that he would not mind having one in his garage although, he did say he was awaiting the new Aprilia and the Ducati.
Love these vids. Great mix of nostalgia and fantastic learning/refresh. Enjoy every one. I have a question. I see you often on road tests wearing a huge rucksack. Nobody else wears one. What on earth do you carry in there? Your lunch 😀 Love to know.
Riding is similar to flying in many ways. Pilots base their decision to fly based upon threats posed by the environment. If the environment presents threats that might overwhelm you and/or your machine - pick a different time, or route, to ride.
I regret selling my 98 R1. I bought it at 17 years old in 2004 from a police man in town. He knew I was on my restricted license and there was no chance of waiting for my full licence before I started riding it. I should mention my dad was a police man too, he used to try and hide me mid pack on our Sunday rides. The bike was in average condition, had bright orange wheels to look like Mick Doohans NSR500 and a dead battery I couldn’t afford to replace. I had to bump start it every other day which became the neighbours source of morning entertainment. I sold the R1 a year later on the repeated advice from more experienced riders, they would say “it’s going to kill you… you should be on something smaller like a 600”. I loved that bike and only had good experiences. I never liked the 03 cbr600rr that replaced it and always looked for that old R1 getting around town. Recently I found another 98 R1 sleeping in a thick layer of dust under an old sheet at the back of my friends bike shop. He doesn’t ride road bikes and has no interest in it. He said I could have it for $3000 Australian dollars…. Bargain! Even if it needs some TLC. But maybe I should let a sleeping dog lie… maybe it’s more trouble than it’s worth and I should just enjoy those sweet memories for what they were? Hmmm. Love this series, would be great if you could put the audio on Spotify etc so I can listen to it while I battle the long & straight, speed camera infested highways!
@sp00ky1969 I guess, in relation to the v4s it should have been at least a 911 something. Which both has sort of the same answer: how big is the family/how good is 1st-track-bike on the track
@@alfieaolomons6560 Are you saying a V4 Panigale is not a good track bike? I’ve got a small old 911 and it’s a perfect family car (my dog loves it in the back). 👍😂
Thank Micheal for another great QA video your vast knowledge and humble attitude to bikes and life is a credit to you and I definitely value your opinions thanks again ps the bike I regret selling was a 1975 Gilera 50 cc trial I was 16 and I love it even though it broke down a lot 🤣🤣👍👍👍
First of all, thank you for taking the time to share you're wealth of knowledge with the community, it means a lot to many of us. I listened to your interview with Chris the other day and when you mentioned Alan Cathcart as an influence, memories of my youth just rushed in, reading his books and daydreaming in boarding school somewhere in northern Italy helped me learn english back in 1990 )) Now to my question, I have a perforated 2 piece suit for sporty riding and the occasional track outing. Now I'm about to buy a new jacket for street riding / touring on less hot days, but can't make up my mind between a full leather jacket and a part textile one (A-*) Proton. Until recently I wouldn't have considered buying a part textile jacket for street riding, but this model in particular has me wondering if it offers similar protection to a full leather piece. What do you think? Thank you so much. I hope you'll continue to spoil us with your content!
Hi Michael. Love your videos and especially the wide variety of topics/questions being covered. Mine is on Superbike racing. It has been nearly 10 years since we first saw wings on the Ducati MotoGP bikes and by now there seems to be general consensus that this improves performance. All MotoGP bikes now have it and we have seen it trickle down to roadbikes as well across brands. Why have Yamaha and Kawasaki not put these on the R1 and ZX10? Same for the GSXR but Suzuki don't seem to care too much about racing anymore. I guess the added performance is negligible on the road, but surely Yamaha/Kawasaki can launch a homologation special with wings just so they can also use it in racing. Thanks, hope you can feature my question and please keep these videos coming.
Hey Neevesy! What is your favourite long term test bike you've ever had? The one that took you out of bed the quickest.. Thanks for all the effort and content.
Wind can be pain in the as but you can look at the trees or bushes near the road to see in what direction it blow, it csn help a lot especialy if you want to overtake a car, truck.
Great video as always, keep up the great work! Where do you think the motorcycle industry as a whole is going in the future? I've heard someone say big ADVs are the SUVs of the bike world and the 600cc will die just like hot hatches did. With the increasing costs of living and emissions regulations, what you reckon manufacturers will do? Cheers.
When the average biker covers no more than a couple of thousand miles, hence your 5k club, the mileage covered by your test fleet is normally much higher than average. Go see how many sub 10k sports bikes are at superbike factory to prove the point.
Hi neevsey Just my opinion I honestly believe the Japanese can easily build a bike to fit the supermarkeds but to do so it would be 20k+ and I don't think that works for them. Ducati bmw easily be north of 20k+ and it's pretty much the norm now. Japanese are definitely better priced and everyone has different budgets
A bike I regret selling hmmm....only ever managed to sell one and th was a GSXR 600 25th anniversary addition. Exactly the same as the normal one with a different paint scheme - which of course gave it at least an extra 10 bhp ;) Still miss it, my strategy since then has been to just keep them all :) regret
Hi Micheal, thanks a lot for your great inputs, your inside views and tips as well as knowledge are very valuable, informative and entertaining! I’m in the process of getting a Ducati 959 or V2 Panigale. The main focus of my riding is enjoying it on the street, some weekend touring and over the year two/three trackdays. Im interested in these two bikes by there esthetics and on top of that to bring a bit of spice in to my daily riding. What is your view on these bikes and could you also please explain a bit about your experiences on touring on sportsbikes? Thanks a lot for sharing your passion and love for motorcycles, Markus
I too would love to own : TMAX 560 + GSX-R750 + YZF-R6 (not sure if that is what you meant when you said R16 - that's what i heard @ 22:07) . . . however no need to 2 inline-4 bikes like GSXR & R6 . . . . so i would skip R6 & get a V2 or V4 instead though i am happy with my :-- 2021 TRiDENT 660 + Full Titanium AKRA 2022 GeN 3 HaYaBuSa + Full Titanium AKRA 2023 X-DiaveL + Termignoni Slip-on + Ducabike Clear-Clutch Thanks NeeVeSY
Really great video youre doing...you ought to consider doing bike stuff for a living! Would be Interesting to hear your fitness regime for bikes...you look in great nick mate...and as an extension to the track bike question...what track bike with a budget of around 4k would you recommend? Thanks again for all the excellent advice and info...ie always said it but biker people are the best...Im coming to the conclusion that riding is a spiritualising experience...being so easy to frighten yourself to death and having to face your fears brings you closer to the eternal!
Silverstone Must be one of the Most Windy Circuits in The UK The Riders on the 125cc Two Srokes were Always Getting Blown off Their Bikes Down The Hangar Straight.
Hi Neevesy, QQ for you. Because we are having some much rain in the UK a wet track day is becoming more common. For someone in the novice group riding on Diablo Rosso Corsa 2, would I get any benefits running wets? Keep up the good work 👍
Hi Michael, adventure bikes are my hobby, and I have had an African twin and now own a KTM. I was very interested in the transalp until I found that you have to lift the fuel tank to get to the air filter. I live in Australia, and air filters need cleaning regularly with the dust. Why do manufacturers make it such a chore to access? Thanks for your thoughts.
Hello Neevesy, Recently did my first track day on my Multi 950S. Since I didn't have a track suit the track coordinators were kind enough to let me use my ADV textile gear. Now I've got the itch to get a proper sports bike and a proper track suit and do more track days. My question is, which brand do you think makes the best entry level track suit? And perhaps can you do a segment on what to look for when buying a track suit? Cheers from the USA.
Hi Michael love your vid’s watched every single one. My question is how do you get back into riding after a bad crash. Had a crash a few months ago and broke both my legs 🙈 but I’m on the mend. Just wondering how I’ll respond the day I swing a leg over. Any pointers. Thanks appreciate it.
Forgot to say I regret selling my first TZR250 in 1991it was mint with only 5000miles on but I was young and needed money for a car. My GSXR600 srad which I bought new and sold only a few months later to buy a K1 GSXR600 and maybe my blue and gold 08 R1as that was a stunning looking bike. 😢
Hi mate! One more tall guy question....I'm lucky enough to live in a country where you can still buy a new GSXR750....I"m still 195cm and 220lbs unfortunately, is the 750 more cramped than the 1000? Also which brand would offer the most available mods for tall riders? Cheers and thank you for producing my favorite youtube channel....
Great video! Agree on the fact point that Japan is too conservative when it comes to bike development. Imo the Honda RC213V-S was the last truly special bike to come out of Japan but completely unattainable. I would love them to just give us something with character to take some of the lime light off the usual suspects. We all know they could if they wanted to, not sure why they don't...
I think Kawasaki deserves some credit here. H2/H2R came around the same time as that Honda. The inline-4 ZX-25RR is truly one-of-a-kind in this day and age.
@@filipbunalti Agree the h2r engine was and still is amazing but I think at the time everyone wanted the h2 engine in the chassis of a supersport/zx10. Unfortunately the h2 that came out was just way to heavy for most people and became the zzr1400 replacement . Amazing technology though. But imo the rcv213vs was just on another level.
@@kozadongre I don't think it was ever meant to be a trackday weapon. More of a Hayabusa and ZX-14R class motorcycle. With the supercharger and the cooling requirements, it was always going to be heavy and weight is a lot more important than power when going around the track. As for the RC213V-S, it's a $200k showpiece limited to 213 units. Completely unattainable, as you said. I can't seem to get excited by bikes that I wouldn't ever be allowed to touch, let alone ride. Most of them likely wouldn't even spend 1000km on an actual road or a track.
Michael, i have a question for you. Yamaha are discontinuing the yzf- r1 and r1m from 2025 and i would like to know what your opinion is on whether they will release a v4 powered flagship superbike in the next couple of years? Rumours of 850cc for Moto GP in 2027 and a new r9 for the street for 2025 and the fact that you said Japanese manufacturers are slow in making changes to their flagship machines doesn't fill me with confidence though.
Hi Neevesy, thanks for the latest video and all of your worldly insight. Couldn't help but notice the Alpinestars Supertech R10 on the shelf behind you amongst all of your regular Arai's - how does it compare to the Japanese brand's equivalent, the RX-7V?
It's too bad we can't have something like a 2024 Yamaha Thunderace to use as a sport tourer. Imagine a usable sport bike with a 20l fuel tank. Forcing us into motorcycle-SUVs isn't the answer.
the guy "stuck" with the V4R may well be the guy who won the one that Yammie Noob gave away on youtube a couple months ago... can't imagine what other circumstance would create that conundrum...
Hey neevesy! Wondering what I can do to get more feel from the breaks on my 23 XSR900, this is my second bike, the breaks are good for stoping but there’s no feel at the lever, my first bike was an Indian Scout(non abs) but I could feel the pads sliding on the rotor, chasing that feeling on the lever, I heard steel beaded lines could help but it’s a big job on ABS bikes, any suggestions? Thanks for making these videos, great value to the motorcycle community. (Maybe a breaks special ?)
I have noticed over the years of following you that you put a lot more emphasis on tires and pads than others when you do your reviews? I just see tires and brake pads as disposables and if you dont like what comes on your bike then you just swap them out. I am not sure that oem choices should carry much weight in reviewing bikes. I could be wrong though…..
Hello michael, I've listened to your podcast with the Sue Perkins from 44 teeth. Are there any plans to talk with Jason Statham or John Wilkes Boothy from 44 teeth, either? Have you talked to either of them in the past? Keep up the good work!
If there’s no way to run it in on the road you’d have no choice but to do it on a dyno. Quite laborious…and expensive! I didn’t bin the 1390 BTW. I wrote it for MCN and one of the other road testers did the video 👍
I had a Suzuki GSX 1000 GT (22 plate) and live in the Yorkshire Wolds. This bike was the worst bike i have ever owned with regards wind, it was all over the place with the slightest gust and had the standard screen on it. It was that bad i sold it after 10 months.
Who the hell only owns a V4R? You've got the money for a $40k bike but not the money for a $3k SV650 or something to go trundle around on the track? That's crap. Ducatisti stereotype in full effect, I guess? Does he have the Ducati branded leathers, boots, helmet and gloves? Because he'll be fulfilling that role of being passed by Ninja 400s in the corners before he slingshots out of the apex and then parks it in the next corner. That poor bike...
i think he might be the guy who won the one that Yammie Noob gave away on his RUclips channel... i can ask him in the community discord, he's a nice enough guy, at least.
@motodaxa if that's the case then sure. I would still sell the r, get an S and an appropriate track bike. That R is just too damn precious, especially as an only bike
I only own a V4R. Sometimes, it's not just about money. No need to feel sorry for a V4R that's going to get tracked, I suspect it'd be a bigger shame to NOT track it wouldn't it?
@@alhung5637 I don't know how you took that the wrong way. "That poor bike...." means "It's going to be ridden by a track newbie at Ninja 400, or less, speeds around that track and nowhere near the capability for which it was designed." Sell it, get a V4S and a dedicated learner track bike is my recommendation, as stated.
Hi Michael, Its so cool to hear a legend like yourself say you enjoy my humble little videos. Love your work!
Mate, you’re the legend. I can’t imagine the work you have to put in to create your videos. They’re outstanding!
When my worlds collide😂!!!! This is crazy.
I ride year round storming or not. About 18K miles per year. And in the California bay area there’s lots of high elevated bridges that cross the bay in different locations. And in my own town area there’s an elevated portion of the freeway. After riding in every storm there’s been for the last 20 years, I can say that vision is the number one key. Keep looking were you want the bike to go relax your grip and arms, and use smooth input on the bars to maintain direction and you’ll be just fine.
Travelling in Patagonia last year , really strong winds , solution, drop down a gear , keep it torqued, look far ahead , stay alert ( really cold ) stay hydrated 😉
April 6 years ago, I bought a Goldwing from Norwich and rode it to Malta where I was living at the time. The wind was so strong through Norfolk that I could only manage 20 mph, leaning into the wind which was mostly from the right side. It wouldn't have been possible on a lighter bike. I'd never do it again but at that time I had a ferry to catch.
I've always found riding with wind difficult. When that petrol station can't come soon enough!
Windy : put your shoulder into it. With the wind on your shoulder pull that grip gently towards you. Or conversely apply gentle pressure on the opposite bar. Riding across the Western part Nebraska dodging tumble weeds taught me that one.
I loved my Ducati 748s. Reliable and comfortable, just so uncomfortable. And I had a mk1 KTM superduke. That bike was sooooo much fun and just mental! I miss those bikes very much!
We luv ya Neevsy!!!... one of the best sessions questions answers commentary yet I think!.. you should feel at the top Mate 🙂
Awesome video! There are two things that will keep me from riding - ice and wind. The scariest experience was a high bridge where the wind was gusting uo to 45 mph. After I crossed the bridge I pulled over to get my heart started again and to start breathing. Can you imagine being on one of those huge bridges in Norway in high winds? I googled if wind could knock over a parked motorcycle ? Yes, 45 to 50 mph can do it. Respect it. Best!
To the guy with the V4R; what about a track riding school with bike rental instead?
Think that Honda Haslam school is no more, maybe some people on here can recommend one for you.
That was my first thought too. Riders are actively encouraged to go slower for Level 1 lessons and focus on doing the drills correctly.
Or could hire one for a couple of track days to get accustomed. Agree with school though - real shame Ron Haslam had to shut down. I did these regularly working up to the Elites on the fireblade sp’s
Had never thought of that, actually. I'm based in the US, the Midwest actually. Not sure if there are tracks/organizers that do rent out bikes but I'll poke around. Thanks!
Enjoy your common sense, down to earth answers and advice!!
When I was a brand new CBT rider two years ago I took a practice distance ride on my 125 to cheddar gorge and back, a 300 mile round trip. The day selected turned out to be biblical weather with 50 mph gusty winds, blowing snow and very low temperatures. Turned out the bike couldn’t make enough electricity to power itself and my heated gear. The dual carriageway, leaning into the wind, being blown from one side of the lane to the other as another HGV overtakes me was terrifying along with having to frequently wipe the slush off my visor. 12hp just wasn’t cutting it. I would say the Metzeler Roadtecs were outstanding though.
Interesting about the wind. Years ago I took my 08 model R1 touring found the UK for 2 weeks and one day in Scotland it was really windy and I was loaded up with luggage and I'll never forget crossing the Kessock bridge. I was lent right over and really felt like I was going to get blown off. After crossing I had to stop for a bit as my heart was racing. Ever since I freak out a bit crossing high bridges on a bike.😕
I regret selling my monster 1200 but recently brought a BMW s1000r to go along side my GSA. I’m very fortunate to own 2 great motorcycles. Thank you for doing these q and a’s they are an easy watch. Cheers Ian.
Some bikes are easier to ride in the wind than others, I remember when I had the V-Max, the wind would pull me off it before it upsets the bike, it just wasn’t phased.
agree with your comment about RRC Restorations. Very talented guy
Another interesting selection of questions and thoughtful replies. Many thanks including my question on where to ride sportsbikes (I still have the T509 after 27 years - but it is awaiting subframe surgery). I am a great fan of the early morning summer run - and can report only one 35 in a 30 speed camera incident at 6:30am on a Sunday in well over a decade of doing this. I can also add a week spent in the Alps in October a few years ago with four friends was easily my best biking experience - brilliant weather for all the passes and the only blemish was the run back through the Black Forest when it was very wet and very foggy (but still strangely enjoyable). I think more touring may be the way forward although I enjoy smaller back roads but they are not really sportsbike roads. I swore for years I’d never get an adventure bike and yet I am on my 3rd!
Number one worst riding condition is in strong wind; second is heavy fog.
Thanks for answering my question & yes, I have pestered you before several times lol. I'd be inclined to agree with you about the GSXR750. Doesn't need any more power, but maybe some adjustable clip-ons & foot pegs to broaden the appeal with minimal electronics & you'd be good to go. Alas, if only.
Really good discussion on the wind. I’ve been caught out by a couple of mistral winds in the south of France, with 60 or 70mph gusts from the side, and it can be very scary. One of those times was when testing a desert X with my wife on the back. The best solution was to slow to a sensible speed, and oddly what helped was to ride in zigzags, the point being to partly turn the nose into the gusts where I could, within the limits of road width. Must have looked a bit nuts to car drivers, but it worked.
Also got caught on my own Multi V4s and noticed the type and weight of the bike helps a lot. The V4, in similar conditions, was far better. So I think the lesson is, if living in a windy place, buy a heavier bike.
Agree with joe about still enjoying my hard copy of MCN. Yes I watch you tube and other social media but still like reading the hard copy. Tend to learn more about things I wouldn’t find/search for on social media
Such a humble guy!, saw you yesterday at Donnington it was my first track day I was a bit overwhelmed when I saw you to say hello a bit star struck.
You should've come and said hello. Next time!
The bike I wish I didn't sell is my first ever bike I bought, a Suzuki RM500 1986, an absolut monster! I bought it instead of a moped when I was 15 years and I could barely start it at the time, but it was so freaking cool to ride! Unfortunately I sold it for 380ish punds withing a year of owning it, bare in mind this was 20 years ago, so sad though. Thanks for another great video! :D
Put the V4R in “Street Mode” and you’ll be fine. Did my 1st track day ever on my first sporty bike ever… an 1199S… which is less forgiving than the V4, and it was 100% fine.
Fab watch, these vids of yours really are one of the few positive byproducts of lockdown (well said) 👍🏻 Regrets, NC30, ZXR400, FZ1, VFR1200F and 954 Fireblade all sold and I wish i hadn't had to🤦🏼♂️ Think we all need a bigger garage, and wallet! Always fancied a GSXR750 but as yet, not managed to own one, still time I suppose, as like yourself I'm still in my mid 30's 🤔🤭 Thanks for sharing, appreciated and enjoyed as always 🏍️😁👍🏻
Thanks mate 👍
We have very similar taste, i still own my VFR1200F, every time I think of “upgrading” there’s a compromise I refuse to make. Maybe an additional bike but it’s a keeper.
This is really cool, enjoying these videos!
In wind which we get a lot of in Wyoming, agree with you completely, basically don't get over reactive and don't panic.
Regret selling my 2011 KTM RC8R. A true “gentleman’s” sportbike that was fun on the track and usable on the road. Never had any issues and a big fan of that LC8 motor.
RRC Restorations is a great channel. 👍
I regret selling my 1986 Honda NS400R. It was dialed and sorted with many custom engine and chassis modifications. It held its own against 3/4 liter bikes of the day on and off the track. All that's left are a box of spares, likely rare enough on their own I suppose.
My new favourite bike channel, love the Q&A sessions
I really like how calm you are and not all shouty and OTT, great insight into all things bikes with super knowledge.
I passed my bike test in 1989 which just comprised of riding round the block and some basic Highway Code I went out and bought a year old RG500 ! Amazingly still here to tell the tale and boy do I wish I still had it.
Q : what are your thoughts on winter storing bikes, I hear some folk say run them up to temp and have the fan cut in and some say no just start for a few minutes and turn off. I also leave the optimate plugged in permanently not sure if that’s a good idea or not.
Q: if that’s been asked, do you think the bike test should be simpler, more straight forward and cheaper. I genuinely believe the current system puts young folk off. At 16 my mates and I all had 50cc bikes, fizzies, DTs, ERs etc it was our escape and mobility into a new world.
We have been going to the TT for over 20 years and I swear we’re still the average age of bikers going there. There seems hardly any new generation bikers.
Thanks again and all the MCN stuff
Chris Plowman
love ya stuff mate , most interesting gear on you tube
Thank you, sir 👍
Good first track bike?
Something costing less than 4 k
Older inline 4 600’s Honda cbr600f4i/cbr600rr, Gsxr 600/750 or R6’s
Why £4K?
@@sp00ky1969 less fear of binning it.
Plenty of them around in mint condition.
Zx6r , gsxr750 , etc
@@Bow-to-the-absurd I get that, but that’s a personal comfort level rather than a definitive number. If you can use a V4R without constantly being worried about something happening to it then go ahead and use it. That’s what it’s for. Modern electronics make the bikes easier to ride as well.
Great stuff. Keep them coming.👍
Open your leg out like a sail on the side of the bike the wind is blowing against. It helps.
Thanks neevesy it's nice you entertain us mere mortals with your fantastic podcasts my two regrets a GSXR 750 spr which I only got rid of it a couple of months ago and which I'm already regretting it and an rf900r which was very underrated by a lot of people but I loved it for touring 2 up I'm still had a bit of pace as well keep up the good work 👍
MN presents as charming, engaging & experienced. Unmissable 'bike content, thanks.
Caught your podcast with BVG this week. Great stuff - like an extended version of this channel.
I think I would rather go with reliability of the Japanese bikes instead of quirky European bikes. The Kawasaki Z H2 was not mentioned in the super naked category? I very much enjoyed your podcast with Chris from 44 teeth. Thanks Michael!
A lot of testers don’t put the Z H2 in the same category, because it’s handling will not match the other super naked’s. It has amazing power though.
Too heavy. It's a muscle car vs a GT3 RS. If you don't do track days it's every bit as good as the Euro super nakeds on the road.
@@gmc677Four years ago Michael reviewed the Kawasaki Z H2 and he said it is predominantly a road bike as you mentioned. He seemed to like the Z H2 adding that he would not mind having one in his garage although, he did say he was awaiting the new Aprilia and the Ducati.
Love these vids. Great mix of nostalgia and fantastic learning/refresh. Enjoy every one. I have a question. I see you often on road tests wearing a huge rucksack. Nobody else wears one. What on earth do you carry in there? Your lunch 😀 Love to know.
Riding is similar to flying in many ways. Pilots base their decision to fly based upon threats posed by the environment. If the environment presents threats that might overwhelm you and/or your machine - pick a different time, or route, to ride.
RRC restoration you say? OK, got it subscribed.
I regret selling my 98 R1. I bought it at 17 years old in 2004 from a police man in town. He knew I was on my restricted license and there was no chance of waiting for my full licence before I started riding it. I should mention my dad was a police man too, he used to try and hide me mid pack on our Sunday rides. The bike was in average condition, had bright orange wheels to look like Mick Doohans NSR500 and a dead battery I couldn’t afford to replace. I had to bump start it every other day which became the neighbours source of morning entertainment. I sold the R1 a year later on the repeated advice from more experienced riders, they would say “it’s going to kill you… you should be on something smaller like a 600”. I loved that bike and only had good experiences. I never liked the 03 cbr600rr that replaced it and always looked for that old R1 getting around town. Recently I found another 98 R1 sleeping in a thick layer of dust under an old sheet at the back of my friends bike shop. He doesn’t ride road bikes and has no interest in it. He said I could have it for $3000 Australian dollars…. Bargain! Even if it needs some TLC. But maybe I should let a sleeping dog lie… maybe it’s more trouble than it’s worth and I should just enjoy those sweet memories for what they were? Hmmm.
Love this series, would be great if you could put the audio on Spotify etc so I can listen to it while I battle the long & straight, speed camera infested highways!
V4 track bike? Surely a leg pull, Is a Porsche a good family car!
Which Porsche?
@sp00ky1969 I guess, in relation to the v4s it should have been at least a 911 something. Which both has sort of the same answer: how big is the family/how good is 1st-track-bike on the track
@@alfieaolomons6560 Are you saying a V4 Panigale is not a good track bike? I’ve got a small old 911 and it’s a perfect family car (my dog loves it in the back). 👍😂
Thank Micheal for another great QA video your vast knowledge and humble attitude to bikes and life is a credit to you and I definitely value your opinions thanks again ps the bike I regret selling was a 1975 Gilera 50 cc trial I was 16 and I love it even though it broke down a lot 🤣🤣👍👍👍
Great questions this week. Fun, and also learnt something.
Great to hear you have another side to life eg.Drumming.Its all healthy.Cheers.
First of all, thank you for taking the time to share you're wealth of knowledge with the community, it means a lot to many of us.
I listened to your interview with Chris the other day and when you mentioned Alan Cathcart as an influence, memories of my youth just rushed in, reading his books and daydreaming in boarding school somewhere in northern Italy helped me learn english back in 1990 ))
Now to my question, I have a perforated 2 piece suit for sporty riding and the occasional track outing. Now I'm about to buy a new jacket for street riding / touring on less hot days, but can't make up my mind between a full leather jacket and a part textile one (A-*) Proton.
Until recently I wouldn't have considered buying a part textile jacket for street riding, but this model in particular has me wondering if it offers similar protection to a full leather piece. What do you think?
Thank you so much. I hope you'll continue to spoil us with your content!
Hi Michael. Love your videos and especially the wide variety of topics/questions being covered. Mine is on Superbike racing. It has been nearly 10 years since we first saw wings on the Ducati MotoGP bikes and by now there seems to be general consensus that this improves performance. All MotoGP bikes now have it and we have seen it trickle down to roadbikes as well across brands. Why have Yamaha and Kawasaki not put these on the R1 and ZX10? Same for the GSXR but Suzuki don't seem to care too much about racing anymore. I guess the added performance is negligible on the road, but surely Yamaha/Kawasaki can launch a homologation special with wings just so they can also use it in racing. Thanks, hope you can feature my question and please keep these videos coming.
Hey Neevesy! What is your favourite long term test bike you've ever had? The one that took you out of bed the quickest..
Thanks for all the effort and content.
Yay!!
Wind can be pain in the as but you can look at the trees or bushes near the road to see in what direction it blow, it csn help a lot especialy if you want to overtake a car, truck.
it would be interesting to see you drumming )
Great video as always, keep up the great work!
Where do you think the motorcycle industry as a whole is going in the future? I've heard someone say big ADVs are the SUVs of the bike world and the 600cc will die just like hot hatches did. With the increasing costs of living and emissions regulations, what you reckon manufacturers will do? Cheers.
There was the B King super naked but it weighed a ton.
When the average biker covers no more than a couple of thousand miles, hence your 5k club, the mileage covered by your test fleet is normally much higher than average. Go see how many sub 10k sports bikes are at superbike factory to prove the point.
As you said 2k a year is about average. A lot of them only take the bike out once a year for a MOT and then put it back in the garage😂
I wish Honda would bring back the VFR.
Enjoying these Michael - question if I may, I'm about to buy an MT10 SP. With electronic suspension do you still need to setup the static sag ?
Hi neevsey
Just my opinion I honestly believe the Japanese can easily build a bike to fit the supermarkeds but to do so it would be 20k+ and I don't think that works for them. Ducati bmw easily be north of 20k+ and it's pretty much the norm now. Japanese are definitely better priced and everyone has different budgets
Wind!..try riding a lambretta to a national scooter rally 😂..keep up the good work Neevesy.
Another awesome vlog mate, keep up the quality content 👍🏽😎🙏🏽
Thanks mate 👍
A bike I regret selling hmmm....only ever managed to sell one and th was a GSXR 600 25th anniversary addition. Exactly the same as the normal one with a different paint scheme - which of course gave it at least an extra 10 bhp ;) Still miss it, my strategy since then has been to just keep them all :)
regret
Regret selling nsr250 c reg with doohan rothmans colours. 94 Yzf750 98 cbr918 86 rd125lc.loved them all.
Hi Micheal,
thanks a lot for your great inputs, your inside views and tips as well as knowledge are very valuable, informative and entertaining!
I’m in the process of getting a Ducati 959 or V2 Panigale. The main focus of my riding is enjoying it on the street, some weekend touring and over the year two/three trackdays. Im interested in these two bikes by there esthetics and on top of that to bring a bit of spice in to my daily riding. What is your view on these bikes and could you also please explain a bit about your experiences on touring on sportsbikes?
Thanks a lot for sharing your passion and love for motorcycles,
Markus
I too would love to own : TMAX 560 + GSX-R750 + YZF-R6 (not sure if that is what you meant when you said R16 - that's what i heard @ 22:07) . . . however no need to 2 inline-4 bikes like GSXR & R6 . . . . so i would skip R6 & get a V2 or V4 instead
though i am happy with my :--
2021 TRiDENT 660 + Full Titanium AKRA
2022 GeN 3 HaYaBuSa + Full Titanium AKRA
2023 X-DiaveL + Termignoni Slip-on + Ducabike Clear-Clutch
Thanks NeeVeSY
Really great video youre doing...you ought to consider doing bike stuff for a living! Would be Interesting to hear your fitness regime for bikes...you look in great nick mate...and as an extension to the track bike question...what track bike with a budget of around 4k would you recommend? Thanks again for all the excellent advice and info...ie always said it but biker people are the best...Im coming to the conclusion that riding is a spiritualising experience...being so easy to frighten yourself to death and having to face your fears brings you closer to the eternal!
Silverstone Must be one of the Most Windy Circuits in The UK The Riders on the 125cc Two Srokes were Always Getting Blown off Their Bikes Down The Hangar Straight.
Hi Neevesy, QQ for you. Because we are having some much rain in the UK a wet track day is becoming more common. For someone in the novice group riding on Diablo Rosso Corsa 2, would I get any benefits running wets? Keep up the good work 👍
Hi Neevesy. Any two stroke would be great to see resurrected. RG500, TZR 250 3xv with modern suspension❤❤
Hi Michael, adventure bikes are my hobby, and I have had an African twin and now own a KTM. I was very interested in the transalp until I found that you have to lift the fuel tank to get to the air filter. I live in Australia, and air filters need cleaning regularly with the dust. Why do manufacturers make it such a chore to access? Thanks for your thoughts.
Hello Neevesy, Recently did my first track day on my Multi 950S. Since I didn't have a track suit the track coordinators were kind enough to let me use my ADV textile gear. Now I've got the itch to get a proper sports bike and a proper track suit and do more track days. My question is, which brand do you think makes the best entry level track suit? And perhaps can you do a segment on what to look for when buying a track suit? Cheers from the USA.
Top G ✅
Hi Michael love your vid’s watched every single one. My question is how do you get back into riding after a bad crash. Had a crash a few months ago and broke both my legs 🙈 but I’m on the mend. Just wondering how I’ll respond the day I swing a leg over. Any pointers. Thanks appreciate it.
Forgot to say I regret selling my first TZR250 in 1991it was mint with only 5000miles on but I was young and needed money for a car. My GSXR600 srad which I bought new and sold only a few months later to buy a K1 GSXR600 and maybe my blue and gold 08 R1as that was a stunning looking bike. 😢
Hi mate! One more tall guy question....I'm lucky enough to live in a country where you can still buy a new GSXR750....I"m still 195cm and 220lbs unfortunately, is the 750 more cramped than the 1000? Also which brand would offer the most available mods for tall riders?
Cheers and thank you for producing my favorite youtube channel....
Great video! Agree on the fact point that Japan is too conservative when it comes to bike development. Imo the Honda RC213V-S was the last truly special bike to come out of Japan but completely unattainable. I would love them to just give us something with character to take some of the lime light off the usual suspects. We all know they could if they wanted to, not sure why they don't...
I think Kawasaki deserves some credit here. H2/H2R came around the same time as that Honda. The inline-4 ZX-25RR is truly one-of-a-kind in this day and age.
@@filipbunalti Agree the h2r engine was and still is amazing but I think at the time everyone wanted the h2 engine in the chassis of a supersport/zx10. Unfortunately the h2 that came out was just way to heavy for most people and became the zzr1400 replacement . Amazing technology though. But imo the rcv213vs was just on another level.
@@kozadongre I don't think it was ever meant to be a trackday weapon. More of a Hayabusa and ZX-14R class motorcycle. With the supercharger and the cooling requirements, it was always going to be heavy and weight is a lot more important than power when going around the track.
As for the RC213V-S, it's a $200k showpiece limited to 213 units. Completely unattainable, as you said. I can't seem to get excited by bikes that I wouldn't ever be allowed to touch, let alone ride. Most of them likely wouldn't even spend 1000km on an actual road or a track.
I regret selling my 2002 Aprilia RSV Mille, being 6,2-6,3 Ive never found another sports bike that I fit on properly☹️
V4R as a first bike... someone is on the wind up!
Yep, and I've just bought a desmosedici RR for going shopping. 🤥
Not my first motorcycle. Been riding for years and years, but never took any previous ones on track.
@@alhung5637 Why is a much cheaper, more suitable first track day bike out of the question? I don' t get that
I would sell that v4r and get a cheap sport bike instead. my friend on his srad 750 was killing it on the track.
Michael, i have a question for you.
Yamaha are discontinuing the yzf- r1 and r1m from 2025 and i would like to know what your opinion is on whether they will release a v4 powered flagship superbike in the next couple of years?
Rumours of 850cc for Moto GP in 2027 and a new r9 for the street for 2025 and the fact that you said Japanese manufacturers are slow in making changes to their flagship machines doesn't fill me with confidence though.
Hi Neevesy, thanks for the latest video and all of your worldly insight. Couldn't help but notice the Alpinestars Supertech R10 on the shelf behind you amongst all of your regular Arai's - how does it compare to the Japanese brand's equivalent, the RX-7V?
It's too bad we can't have something like a 2024 Yamaha Thunderace to use as a sport tourer. Imagine a usable sport bike with a 20l fuel tank. Forcing us into motorcycle-SUVs isn't the answer.
hm.. I regret selling my old mt09, also foolishly sold my old superduke, but I bought it back
the guy "stuck" with the V4R may well be the guy who won the one that Yammie Noob gave away on youtube a couple months ago... can't imagine what other circumstance would create that conundrum...
It's a parking space issue, actually.
incredible! i live in govt apartments as well, it's crazy keeping a bike hobby in these places. hope you have fun on track!!@@alhung5637
Hey neevesy! Wondering what I can do to get more feel from the breaks on my 23 XSR900, this is my second bike, the breaks are good for stoping but there’s no feel at the lever, my first bike was an Indian Scout(non abs) but I could feel the pads sliding on the rotor, chasing that feeling on the lever, I heard steel beaded lines could help but it’s a big job on ABS bikes, any suggestions?
Thanks for making these videos, great value to the motorcycle community. (Maybe a breaks special ?)
I have noticed over the years of following you that you put a lot more emphasis on tires and pads than others when you do your reviews? I just see tires and brake pads as disposables and if you dont like what comes on your bike then you just swap them out. I am not sure that oem choices should carry much weight in reviewing bikes. I could be wrong though…..
1500 views and 170 likes.... come on give neevsey some love and likes🎉🎉🎉
Hello michael, I've listened to your podcast with the Sue Perkins from 44 teeth. Are there any plans to talk with Jason Statham or John Wilkes Boothy from 44 teeth, either? Have you talked to either of them in the past?
Keep up the good work!
They no longer sell the gsxr750 new in Australia anymore which is a shame
If you buy a new R6 for track-only riding, how are you supposed to break it in?
If there’s no way to run it in on the road you’d have no choice but to do it on a dyno. Quite laborious…and expensive! I didn’t bin the 1390 BTW. I wrote it for MCN and one of the other road testers did the video 👍
I had a Suzuki GSX 1000 GT (22 plate) and live in the Yorkshire Wolds. This bike was the worst bike i have ever owned with regards wind, it was all over the place with the slightest gust and had the standard screen on it. It was that bad i sold it after 10 months.
V4R wind up 😂
Normal breeze by anglesey standards 😂
Who the hell only owns a V4R? You've got the money for a $40k bike but not the money for a $3k SV650 or something to go trundle around on the track? That's crap. Ducatisti stereotype in full effect, I guess? Does he have the Ducati branded leathers, boots, helmet and gloves? Because he'll be fulfilling that role of being passed by Ninja 400s in the corners before he slingshots out of the apex and then parks it in the next corner.
That poor bike...
i think he might be the guy who won the one that Yammie Noob gave away on his RUclips channel... i can ask him in the community discord, he's a nice enough guy, at least.
@motodaxa if that's the case then sure. I would still sell the r, get an S and an appropriate track bike. That R is just too damn precious, especially as an only bike
I only own a V4R. Sometimes, it's not just about money. No need to feel sorry for a V4R that's going to get tracked, I suspect it'd be a bigger shame to NOT track it wouldn't it?
@@alhung5637 I don't know how you took that the wrong way. "That poor bike...." means "It's going to be ridden by a track newbie at Ninja 400, or less, speeds around that track and nowhere near the capability for which it was designed."
Sell it, get a V4S and a dedicated learner track bike is my recommendation, as stated.