Sports bikes were not always uncomfortable. As you will probably remember, the late 90s version of the Blade (carb model) was a lovely bike and great for general road use.
I think the S1000RR (extreme power), current R1 (extreme riding position) and Panigale 1199 (both, combined with a needlessly peaky engine) are the bikes that have set the trend of current "too good for the street" sportbikes. For me, sportbikes should have some extra CCs, just to bring that midrange up, lower the footpegs and raise the clip-ons a bit. Oh, a proper pillion seat wouldn't hurt.
Sportbikes are uncomfortable because ,we, the riders, are terribly out of shape. Loose the gut, loose the pounds and hold something heavier than a smart phone and they become very easy to live with. Remember the name sport in sportbike means "activity".
spot on..... I am 64 ride 2019 blade sp2, gsxr 750 2016, and a vfr800f 2017. They are all comfortable in my view, but I run 1:40 min half marathons and remain generally fit and active.. Hate seeing the "I am 40 now and can't ride a bike any more" wtf.....
Yep, I get a lot of satisfaction from being challenged to stay in shape in order to ride these bikes and feel like a ninja while I'm on board, and not the tin man.
Great show I raced for 25 years and in that 25 years of racing I was never uncomfortable on the bike because sports bikes are really race bikes with lights so road riders can experience a race bike built for a track
So much interesting stuff. I may need to start taking notes!! I accidently found the ideal sports bike for me and it is not a sports bike per se. I wanted something with a fairing but not a tall-rounder, was a bit sporty but not going to be an issue with my aching limbs, powerful enough to be exciting on the road but not intimidating, and could take some luggage for the occasional longer trip. Couldn't find anything to fit the bill so bought a Ninja 1000sx and lo and behold it is exactly what I was looking for!! Seems obvious in hindsight, but at the time I saw it as more tour than sports. Actually it is an old man's sports bike you can fit panniers to.
I’ve owned and ridden many sports bikes and to be honest I don’t for the most part find them uncomfortable at all. I think every experience is different based on you body type and fitness. I strongly believe you have to be in good shape to ride a sports bike comfortably. Then again I am lucky that at 6’ 2” I have long arms and torso and not so long legs, this makes both my 998 and Panigale 1199s quite comfortable. What I like about the 998 is I sit in it not on it and I have plenty of leg room on both my bikes. If I recall this wasn’t the case on my old 1198 when I believe I had some knee pain on long trips, for some reason I had less leg room on that bike. I think my main point is if you stay reasonably fit and limber, pick a bike suited to your frame, if possible, then you will be golden. Having said that sports bikes these days are made pretty small and compact. Anyway just my 2 cent’s
Brake earlier whilst still upright, smooth with the throttle on exit and look/smell for diesel/oil all the time near corners. I know you did not ask me but for many years this has worked for me.
Great vid as ever. Really interesting questions & answers. I love the characteristics of twins, especially V-twins as once you get used to it, you can almost use it like a gentle brake & just roll on & off the throttle using the torque without lots of gears or heavy breaking. It's a pleasant way to ride if you're not going for it.
Your Q&A videos for many like me turns to be an online MC riding University! Thanks for another interesting video and splendid answers! I am 45 and riding 2 wheelers since I was 12. Tought I know most of the stuff, but you proved me wrong with your first video! Thanks again Sir and cheers! Keep up the great work!
I rode nothing but sportsbikes for thirty years. The only one that was slightly uncomfortable was the MV F4 1000, because it's so small - I'm average height, and found it cramped. Bought a Triumph Street Triple R last September, and love it. I ride it happily for hours, and only get off it if I need fuel. And the only slightly leant forward riding position when getting a move on gives a great view of the road ahead.
As a beginner rider who's only been riding a big bike for a year, these Q&As are fantastic and explained by you so well. I get to learn a whole lot more about many aspects of bikes and the industry. Thanks.
Wanted a Ducati V2, but was turned off by how high the seat was, dropped clipons, and almost to steering. The dealer recommended the V4 for the street as it has more low-end and mid-range. I sat on one of those and also determined that it was a race bike. Very top-heavy, tall seat, low bars, and little steering movement. As much as I wanted one, I would not be happy driving down the freeway on one.
Sportsbike ergos do suck out of the box, but if you can set aside maybe $1000 or so, some Helibars or adjustable clip ones, adjustable rearsets and a taller screen make a huge difference. Hell I've heard stuff like swapping the left and right clipon and turning them upside down (to get rid of the downward bend) helps on some bikes. It's bizarre that they are often so bad out of the box though.
Man, I thought I was the only one bothered by the downward bend on clip ons on pretty much any sportbike, that completely kills all the comfort and control I have in the corners. I tried flipping them and it was noticeably better, but a bit too far in the other direction, I couldn't grip them properly when hanging off. I feel like 0 degree clip ons would be perfect, I'm probably gonna buy some for my next bike.
Thank you for making these videos. I find them quite educational and entertaining - especially when you reflect on stories from past road tests or look back at the evolution of different bikes. Had a question.... What's the general guidance on how many revs one needs to carry when riding through a corner? What factors do you take into consideration? Does it matter what type of engine your bike has (say V2 vs. V4) and do you change your approach significantly when looking at these factors? Thanks again for the great content.
Talking about technique on track, I was told on a recent course to go slower and concentrate on a couple of points of technique - 5 degrees less than my maximum lean angle, never more than 90% throttle and short-shifting everywhere, 35kph slower on the main straight… it was my fastest lap by 6 seconds. Clearly lots to learn and improve but that’s the fun of it. 😂 Something that really put things in perspective was seeing Troy Corser go flying past me into a corner and then disappear down the straight on his back wheel… with a pillion on the back of his bike. 🙈 An instructor told me he went on the back of the bike with him and they had 58 degrees of lean angle… Very impressive stuff to see up close.
Do you think your instructor was trying to get you to look more at the track and where you wanted to be, instead of you trying your maximum in every moment? If you're at maximum lean, and trying to get max throttle as you get the bike upright, then maximum brakes, you might not have the time for positioning excellence? I want pay a guy who was riding slower than me but his lines were amazing. He was riding outside edge to inside edge to outside edge. Great positioning. Probably be was a faster rider than me and he was working out the best lines. I'm guessing your teacher might want you to do that? And you did it, and you went way faster. What do you think? Did you video the sessions?
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now They wanted us going slow (80-90%) in order to have time to concentrate on various techniques being taught. In this case it was body position (hence less lean) and lines. I did the same course at the beginning of the season. I’m never trying to give it my maximum though - small steps, building technique, etc. I did get some video but not much.
Best time for comy spprtsbikes was 1996-2000. My SC33 blade from 1996 is the gold standard for a comfortable road based sports bike. Its like all the manufacturers now are scared to take a half step back & make something thats not the skinniest or most extreme riding position
Re: the fantasy middleweight sportsbike grouptest, when you were thinking of the circuits you would like to ride I immediately thought Jerez and Brands GP before you said it - nice to see we're on the same wavelength! I've ridden a Daytona 675 around Jerez and it was an absolute hoot... until it lunched its gearbox, at which point I was then put on a (Simon Crafar) GSXR750, which was even nicer! 😀
On the subject of remebering what side of the road to ride on in europe, I tape the small ferry QR code ticket inside my screen on the RHS so if ever i have those brain dead moments i can glance at the screen as an easy instant reminder.
I thought that now amongst other reasons 1000cc are too fast/good for their own right, hence why 750cc ish parallels are a popular choice. So then if a little is good, more is better and surely 400 cc inline 4s with a sound and looks of usual sportsbike yet safety, price and running costs of a commuter would be the next thing, do you think so? Thank you for great content on YT as well.
I guess it might have a limited interest but is there any chance of a review of track-only bikes, such as the new Kramer GP2 890RR? I saw one recently and sat on it… very tempted. I love my SP2 on track (I don’t take it on the road now) but a bike that’s around 130kg and more than 1:1 power to weight ratio (before I sit on it 🙈) would probably be tremendous fun.
I recently bought a Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT. It's my perfect bike, except that it gives me shoulder pain after an hour. Is there anything I can do about that, short of buying a different bike. I never used to get that on my old MT-10, which felt similar in the ergos to me. Cheers Neevesy, keep up the great work.
The engine breaking in my Panagale v2 is pretty strong. MT07 was pretty strong too considering my knowledge of bikes back then. Small roundabouts are hard work, left and right tight turns also. Until you learn to control the throttle and not close it. Absolutely different story in faster bends.l think It’s amazing and a lot more comfortable.
I think that the litre bike class superbikes used to not be as extreme, but that's where the market has taken them in recent history of about 10 years. They used to be a bit more relaxed on the street versus straight up race bikes, but the market dictated that people wanted the fastest, sharpest bikes available, basically race bikes for the street. Also, there was demand for the ability to take the bike from the showroom right to the track and perform. Neveesy is actually taller than the average guy, so for me, someone who is 5'10", I don't feel the same crampedness on these bikes as he does for legroom. However, I do find the bars on the R1 and Panigale V2 very low, and that is more uncomfortable for me than higher pegs. I have a 2020 RSV4 Factory, and I do agree the Panigale V4 is a bit roomier, but I don't find my bike too bad for the rider triangle.
Thank you. You are so helpful to us in sharing your experience and wisdom. I dream of a comfy sport bike and maybe it will be the R9. (S100RR brakes, MotoGP style farings, a bit longer wheelbase, lower pegs, higher bars) Hail, the return of the sport bike!
A newbie Thai car journalist was killed on his first overseas road test drive some 30 years ago when he drove on the wrong side of the road. As for me - a former car reviewer myself - had one short misorientation just across the border on a dirt road in Laos. Of course, on 2 wheels things could be way more interesting
From OZ - thanks for your time, love the channel. Question: what protection gear would you recommend to daily bike riders? In your videos, you often wear a full leather suit. That's probably the best in term of safety for when you are spending time on the track?! But would you recommend it to people doing the daily commute? If not, what would be the best compromise? I personnaly wear gloves, helmet and jacket at all times but wonder if i should invest in riding boots and pants or a full suit. Many thanks 😊.
Hi Neevesy, thanks for taking the time to make these videos, they're great. I've got a question about wheelie control and whether I can rely on it help me learn? I've got a '23 XSR900, which I absolutely love, I've been trying to build my wheelie confidence on it and was wondering if I should be able to tell the difference between the 3 levels and if I should be using these to build my confidence or if I'd be better off just switching it off and trying to learn without it. I seem to be struggling with any level switched on, will all of them inhibit wheelies? I'm a bit nervous of just switching it off! Thanks, Matt.
Love this series and have gotten a lot out of these so far! I have a ton of questions regarding track riding but will try to limit them to the top few bugging me. Some times, especially during slow corners it feels un-natural and most often or not I end up in the wrong gear (either too low or too high) and mess up my drive out-Question 1: Even if I do get the right gear and line, do some corners always end up feeling un natural (doesnt feel free flowing).Question 2:The last time I was on track for some weird reason I just couldnt get in to the groove(mentally) and started questioning what I was doing on track, needless to say I crashed on the second session ruining a two day track day. Does this happen to other riders or am I an exception and how do I deal with it? I have a ton of other questions but will keep them for another time :-). For context, I have been road riding for the last 30 years but have only recently started riding on track.
Amen. I hope before it’s all said and done Suzuki unveil a final GSX-R750 in honor of the original but with the modern upgrades. But it feels like they’ll just bag middleweight sportbikes all together here soon.
I try to keep a steady throttle through corners on my V twin rather than cutting it through corners completely. That helps with the engine braking without taking weight off the front. I'm not sure my slipper clutch makes any difference, still loads of engine braking.
Wanted to ask this question for you to answer but I’m not sure whether I ask here or submit an email? Anyhow, After Ron Haslam shut down, is there anywhere else you are aware of that offers the same training and facilities that they offered at Donnington? I’d like some training but don’t own a sports bike or leathers and am kicking myself for never booking a session at RH’s now. Thanks Jay
Hey neevesy love these chats, just wondering i see you wear glasses do you wear them when riding and if so do you have a specific brand or lens that you use mine arnt great under my visor and are quite uncomfortable on longer ride. Cheers simon.
Neevsey, currently in estapona Spain and drove upto Ronda in a rental car. Bikes everywhere, have you rode these roads and anywhere you know where I can get to have a good time. What amazing mountain roads!😊
To the guy with the Z650. You will get used to it and it does get easier. i went from a GSXR1000 L6 to a Ducati 1299s and the twin took me about 2 months to understand it. riding it is different and the engine braking mostly. it feeld like you have hit a brick wall it engine brakes that hard. but you ride with it and use it to your advantage. i find i don't really need to brake that much in normal riding , only when i am late for dinner and i can hear the wife telling me off do i end up braking hard along with the engine braking.
Hello Neev, i feel we are not ready as a nation (INDIA ) for MOTO GP / WSBK , haven't reached a LEVEL . we had F1 for a couple of seasons , THEN STOPPED. Feel same will happen with MOTOGP . On Sept 22 - 24 . the super rich in INDIA want to entertain themselves,
I think u can adjust the fuel map to control the fuel injectors to put small amout of fuel to keep the drive to combat some of the engine braking or change the timing to have the exhaust valve open earlier to let the exhaust out earlier and lesser pressure inside the cylinders? I just think out loud I could be totally wrong
My first big bike was a 2002 CBR 600 sport F4i (before it went to the RR with the underseat exhaust) and It was pretty comfty compared to a modern supersport. The clip-ons sort of came up high, not low. Pegs arent so high and the seats alright. They're getting hard to find now but worth mentioning
Honda did the math on their 600 sales and brought out the CBR 650F as the spiritual successor for CBR 600F leaving CBR 600RR to rule the Supersport class. However the sales volume drop and cost of Euro 5 meant that Honda Europe decided to stop selling CBR 600RR. Then Yamaha decided to continue selling R6 only for Track use and Supersport became R6 Cup! CBR 600RR is back for 2024 being E5 compliant.
Hi Neevesy, really enjoying your videos, please keep up the good work. I replaced my oe tyres with some maxis as I didn't have bundles of cash at the time. They gave more feel than the stock tyres but I was instantly hit with very loud road noise. It was so loud that I thought I had blown the wheel bearings. Also the rear has just started to square after 2000 miles. Lesson learned. Have you experienced this? and where do you go to find what tyres fit what bike? Thanks.
A quick follow up if you would. When testing tyres do you stick to the ubiquitous 36, 42 or change to your own preference or indeed spend time finding the best for you on that tyre on that bike. I have seen a previous test a few years ago where the pressures were different by you on different tyres.
imho, by far the best or should I say most comfortable sports bikes at least for me having owned a few, was either my 1997 FireBlade Foxeye and latterly the GSX-R1000 K5/K6 I would happily tour on either and have down down to the South Of France and back, all though I think the GSXR just pips the Blade as the most comfortable.
I do wish for a middleweight Sport tourer, if the VFR800 came back under 450 pounds with modern tech I would prefer it to the new crop of twin nakeds or sport bikes.
Hey Michael, I have a question for you. I have just completed a week in the Picos and worn out a Metzeler Sportec tyre in 1400 miles on a modern bike with electronic aids. Should I stick to sports tyres or use a more touring focused tyre for better mileage and let the traction control, etc keep me upright.
Brilliant channel! I have a query about high mileage bikes. I’m a relatively new rider who is in the market for a year-round commuter. I often see well priced bikes with over 50k on the clock. They seem to sit on eBay struggling to sell, even with full dealership service history. It may be my lack of understanding as a newbie; but is there anything inherently wrong with a high mileage bike? I get the impression that anything with over 50k miles is highly undesirable. But surely motorcycles aren’t that highly strung? I guess I don’t understand why bikes aren’t considered to have 100-200k lifespans like cars are.
New sports bikes are tiny & extreme. That's why you see so few in the road. I'm currently looking at gsxr K6/7 for comfort, touring & fun. The new so called adventure bikes just bore the crap out of me. I'm going to add Helibars, footpegs, gel seat, screen & heated grips. A rear shock & suspension service as well.
Seating position for each will vary . Personally I have to lean forward as my arms n shoulders work better in that position . Ive ridden sport bikes to qualify for an iron butt .
Great Yt content Michael , i like your videos they are something missing on Yt and you filled gap good job .And i would say to people that they Don't find sporstbikes confy they should swap to sports tourer asap. But i Don't seen myself riding any other type of motorbike then sportsbikes. Now am 29 i hope i would be able and fit to do it in 50s as well🤣.Take care and cant wait for new videos .😃😃
hi thanks for the video. i have a question as i track off and on. someone once told me to really know the limit of a bike you have to crash . is there such a thing to reach a such a limit safely
4:07 Re. sportsbike lack of comfort: I wonder is it intentional on the part of manufacturers. It gives road riders the feeling that they are on an “extreme” machine while at the same time increasing the likelihood that the same rider would buy a second, more comfortable, upright bike.
Q&A. Which bike have you sold and regretted most? …or are they all on loan 😂 I sold my 2011 Repsol blade with 22,000 miles. it was still immaculate and nothing had gone wrong on it in 10 years. Regretted it later.
Would like some helmet advice. Used to wear Arai Vector2. Been searching for 18+ months now and can't find anything from any manufacturer that I can wear more than 45 minutes. Lidpicker doesn't cover the Australian market. Does anyone do custom fit? I would fly to EU/UK for it and pay $$$$. Sold my GS because I couldn't use it anymore. Help?
Hi Michael, I have a rather delicate question: Why do I see very different riding styles of journos at MCN including You if i compared a mid naughties sports bike group test on the road and looking at a 2018 and onwards sports bike test on the road. I mean before with Chad and all the other guys it was all about wheelies, stoppies, knee down at photoshoots and it was all so free and cool and honest. There was even a wheelie school back in the day. Whereas now it's all no wheelies, no speeding, no knee down on public roads, nothing. Just well behaved riders sitting in the middle of the sports bike in a touring position and taking corners like a tourist. No offense, I'm just curious, why everything got so PC these days and why roadtesting lost its edge. Or is it just for the content that we see on the screen, but off set when the cameras stop recording the journalist still ride hard and put the bikes to the test properly?? Sorry didn't mean to be personal i just see a big big difference here and I'd like to here your opinion 🤔
I’m assuming most of your viewers are in their 50s , sportbikes don’t need to be uncomfortable if you look after yourself and keep fit they are not . If you’ve gut a big beer gut and can’t put your shoes on without making a sound then yeah you may as well get a cruiser. Look after yourself and you can keep riding whatever you like.
Great advice. Keep fit on a road bicycle like racers do and get used to an aero crouch and no suspension. After that any modern sportsbike will seem luxurious.😂
Sounds like we need to crowed found our own new sports bike. Conformable for the road, bigger for the average rider, with all the thrills of the new stuff. I'm sure good old British engineering could russel up something😊
Where do you see the motorcycle industry in 10 years ? Club racing on its knees , trackdays even worse , people can’t afford the monthly payments on these 20k superbikes. Would be great to hear you opinion
Having ridden about 120,000 miles in the UK and 160,000 miles in Europe I have found that you never mix up which side of the road to ride on *_unless_* you are distracted (usually at a junction). Distraction can be caused by anything: thinking about work; thinking about the bike; thinking about your significant other; thinking about the beautiful, shapely scenery; the list goes on... So, the rule is: _Think about the ride and put everything else out of your mind!_ Oh, the positioning of traffic signs can remind you which side of the road to ride on if you get confused. If they look like they're on the wrong side of the road, or facing away from you - it's probably you!
I was working a job in London and almost got ran over by one of your red double decker buses. My partner was a local, she grabbed me and pulled me back just in time….I looked to the left and nobody was coming😂😂😂😂
Lol they look good but I would never buy one, even normal bikes now days are not very comfy, not like old bikes were. I remember my old cb550four k and that was sooo comfortable big plush seats
I was shopping around for a sportsbike for a while and didn’t like anything new. They were cramped, lacked low down torque & were too serious. Just bought a K8 GSXr 1000 and l love it. Ticks all the right boxes
Marketing, just pure marketing. Ive been riding for the last 50 years and when I walk into a dealership its easy to separate the products for sale.. Sport bike, super bike, naked this and that are pretty much myths. Look, you got race/track bikes that are mostly not street legal - that's not Euro5/DOT/EPA compliant. Sport bikes are street legal rides that can look like race bikes or standards. Standards bikes are comfortable upright bikes. Argue all you want about how this class is so much better than another class. Sure right up until a SV650/GSX-R passes your new Ducati in a corner and has a lower lap time. See Zack and Ari's old Suzuki make a new Ducati look very sad on the track.
Sports bikes were not always uncomfortable. As you will probably remember, the late 90s version of the Blade (carb model) was a lovely bike and great for general road use.
I think the S1000RR (extreme power), current R1 (extreme riding position) and Panigale 1199 (both, combined with a needlessly peaky engine) are the bikes that have set the trend of current "too good for the street" sportbikes. For me, sportbikes should have some extra CCs, just to bring that midrange up, lower the footpegs and raise the clip-ons a bit. Oh, a proper pillion seat wouldn't hurt.
100% My 96SC33 I can sit on all day. Although bikes have got better in nearly every aspect, comfort has gone backwards.
CBR 929 (2000) PGM-FI was fairly comfortable too.
IMHO 2004 is when the Blade shrunk and took the race crouch position as standard...
My 1993 gsxr750 would laugh at you for saying it was comfortable. I still own it and it keeps me and my aging knees in check.
Sportbikes are uncomfortable because ,we, the riders, are terribly out of shape. Loose the gut, loose the pounds and hold something heavier than a smart phone and they become very easy to live with. Remember the name sport in sportbike means "activity".
spot on..... I am 64 ride 2019 blade sp2, gsxr 750 2016, and a vfr800f 2017. They are all comfortable in my view, but I run 1:40 min half marathons and remain generally fit and active.. Hate seeing the "I am 40 now and can't ride a bike any more" wtf.....
Yep, I get a lot of satisfaction from being challenged to stay in shape in order to ride these bikes and feel like a ninja while I'm on board, and not the tin man.
Great show I raced for 25 years and in that 25 years of racing I was never uncomfortable on the bike because sports bikes are really race bikes with lights so road riders can experience a race bike built for a track
So much interesting stuff. I may need to start taking notes!! I accidently found the ideal sports bike for me and it is not a sports bike per se. I wanted something with a fairing but not a tall-rounder, was a bit sporty but not going to be an issue with my aching limbs, powerful enough to be exciting on the road but not intimidating, and could take some luggage for the occasional longer trip. Couldn't find anything to fit the bill so bought a Ninja 1000sx and lo and behold it is exactly what I was looking for!! Seems obvious in hindsight, but at the time I saw it as more tour than sports. Actually it is an old man's sports bike you can fit panniers to.
I’ve owned and ridden many sports bikes and to be honest I don’t for the most part find them uncomfortable at all. I think every experience is different based on you body type and fitness. I strongly believe you have to be in good shape to ride a sports bike comfortably. Then again I am lucky that at 6’ 2” I have long arms and torso and not so long legs, this makes both my 998 and Panigale 1199s quite comfortable. What I like about the 998 is I sit in it not on it and I have plenty of leg room on both my bikes. If I recall this wasn’t the case on my old 1198 when I believe I had some knee pain on long trips, for some reason I had less leg room on that bike. I think my main point is if you stay reasonably fit and limber, pick a bike suited to your frame, if possible, then you will be golden. Having said that sports bikes these days are made pretty small and compact. Anyway just my 2 cent’s
I love these videos.
Can you tell us some tips on riding in rain. I m somehow terrify to lean on wet.
Thank you
Brake earlier whilst still upright, smooth with the throttle on exit and look/smell for diesel/oil all the time near corners. I know you did not ask me but for many years this has worked for me.
Avoid over banding, drain covers and white lines. These can all become slippery when wet.
Great vid as ever. Really interesting questions & answers. I love the characteristics of twins, especially V-twins as once you get used to it, you can almost use it like a gentle brake & just roll on & off the throttle using the torque without lots of gears or heavy breaking. It's a pleasant way to ride if you're not going for it.
Agree and its one of the big reasons why I like my GS.
Your Q&A videos for many like me turns to be an online MC riding University! Thanks for another interesting video and splendid answers! I am 45 and riding 2 wheelers since I was 12. Tought I know most of the stuff, but you proved me wrong with your first video! Thanks again Sir and cheers! Keep up the great work!
I rode nothing but sportsbikes for thirty years. The only one that was slightly uncomfortable was the MV F4 1000, because it's so small - I'm average height, and found it cramped. Bought a Triumph Street Triple R last September, and love it. I ride it happily for hours, and only get off it if I need fuel. And the only slightly leant forward riding position when getting a move on gives a great view of the road ahead.
Always great content, greetings from the Midwest USA
As a beginner rider who's only been riding a big bike for a year, these Q&As are fantastic and explained by you so well. I get to learn a whole lot more about many aspects of bikes and the industry. Thanks.
Thanks for the mention Michael. Keep the videos coming please. 👍
Wanted a Ducati V2, but was turned off by how high the seat was, dropped clipons, and almost to steering. The dealer recommended the V4 for the street as it has more low-end and mid-range. I sat on one of those and also determined that it was a race bike. Very top-heavy, tall seat, low bars, and little steering movement. As much as I wanted one, I would not be happy driving down the freeway on one.
Test rode the v4s and a year later the streetfighter. The streetfighter is what your looking for
Great questions this time and great answers, as always. Thanks for this, it's a rare gem.
Always looking forward to your content. Greetings from Northern California 🌲
+1
Sportsbike ergos do suck out of the box, but if you can set aside maybe $1000 or so, some Helibars or adjustable clip ones, adjustable rearsets and a taller screen make a huge difference. Hell I've heard stuff like swapping the left and right clipon and turning them upside down (to get rid of the downward bend) helps on some bikes. It's bizarre that they are often so bad out of the box though.
Man, I thought I was the only one bothered by the downward bend on clip ons on pretty much any sportbike, that completely kills all the comfort and control I have in the corners. I tried flipping them and it was noticeably better, but a bit too far in the other direction, I couldn't grip them properly when hanging off. I feel like 0 degree clip ons would be perfect, I'm probably gonna buy some for my next bike.
They are NOT uncomfortable, riding is conditioning.
Im 58 did my full license Jan 2022 and I’m loving a Panigale V2 and how can it me a dream group test be as described without the V2!
Thank you for making these videos. I find them quite educational and entertaining - especially when you reflect on stories from past road tests or look back at the evolution of different bikes.
Had a question.... What's the general guidance on how many revs one needs to carry when riding through a corner? What factors do you take into consideration? Does it matter what type of engine your bike has (say V2 vs. V4) and do you change your approach significantly when looking at these factors?
Thanks again for the great content.
Talking about technique on track, I was told on a recent course to go slower and concentrate on a couple of points of technique - 5 degrees less than my maximum lean angle, never more than 90% throttle and short-shifting everywhere, 35kph slower on the main straight… it was my fastest lap by 6 seconds. Clearly lots to learn and improve but that’s the fun of it. 😂 Something that really put things in perspective was seeing Troy Corser go flying past me into a corner and then disappear down the straight on his back wheel… with a pillion on the back of his bike. 🙈 An instructor told me he went on the back of the bike with him and they had 58 degrees of lean angle… Very impressive stuff to see up close.
Do you think your instructor was trying to get you to look more at the track and where you wanted to be, instead of you trying your maximum in every moment?
If you're at maximum lean, and trying to get max throttle as you get the bike upright, then maximum brakes, you might not have the time for positioning excellence?
I want pay a guy who was riding slower than me but his lines were amazing. He was riding outside edge to inside edge to outside edge. Great positioning. Probably be was a faster rider than me and he was working out the best lines.
I'm guessing your teacher might want you to do that? And you did it, and you went way faster.
What do you think?
Did you video the sessions?
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now They wanted us going slow (80-90%) in order to have time to concentrate on various techniques being taught. In this case it was body position (hence less lean) and lines. I did the same course at the beginning of the season. I’m never trying to give it my maximum though - small steps, building technique, etc. I did get some video but not much.
Best time for comy spprtsbikes was 1996-2000. My SC33 blade from 1996 is the gold standard for a comfortable road based sports bike. Its like all the manufacturers now are scared to take a half step back & make something thats not the skinniest or most extreme riding position
Re: the fantasy middleweight sportsbike grouptest, when you were thinking of the circuits you would like to ride I immediately thought Jerez and Brands GP before you said it - nice to see we're on the same wavelength! I've ridden a Daytona 675 around Jerez and it was an absolute hoot... until it lunched its gearbox, at which point I was then put on a (Simon Crafar) GSXR750, which was even nicer! 😀
Nailed it again Neevesy- all very interesting and subjective. Keep it up and looking forward to next episode 👏
Great vid again, and Yes please, talk about tyres all day, very interesting. Thanks
On the subject of remebering what side of the road to ride on in europe, I tape the small ferry QR code ticket inside my screen on the RHS so if ever i have those brain dead moments i can glance at the screen as an easy instant reminder.
I thought that now amongst other reasons 1000cc are too fast/good for their own right, hence why 750cc ish parallels are a popular choice. So then if a little is good, more is better and surely 400 cc inline 4s with a sound and looks of usual sportsbike yet safety, price and running costs of a commuter would be the next thing, do you think so? Thank you for great content on YT as well.
I guess it might have a limited interest but is there any chance of a review of track-only bikes, such as the new Kramer GP2 890RR? I saw one recently and sat on it… very tempted. I love my SP2 on track (I don’t take it on the road now) but a bike that’s around 130kg and more than 1:1 power to weight ratio (before I sit on it 🙈) would probably be tremendous fun.
Enjoyed the q&a. Thank you for putting it together.
I recently bought a Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT. It's my perfect bike, except that it gives me shoulder pain after an hour. Is there anything I can do about that, short of buying a different bike. I never used to get that on my old MT-10, which felt similar in the ergos to me. Cheers Neevesy, keep up the great work.
6:10 I seem to remember Baron von Grumble pulling onto the left in France doing about 100mph for a few seconds before he realised.
The engine breaking in my Panagale v2 is pretty strong. MT07 was pretty strong too considering my knowledge of bikes back then. Small roundabouts are hard work, left and right tight turns also. Until you learn to control the throttle and not close it.
Absolutely different story in faster bends.l think It’s amazing and a lot more comfortable.
I think that the litre bike class superbikes used to not be as extreme, but that's where the market has taken them in recent history of about 10 years. They used to be a bit more relaxed on the street versus straight up race bikes, but the market dictated that people wanted the fastest, sharpest bikes available, basically race bikes for the street. Also, there was demand for the ability to take the bike from the showroom right to the track and perform. Neveesy is actually taller than the average guy, so for me, someone who is 5'10", I don't feel the same crampedness on these bikes as he does for legroom. However, I do find the bars on the R1 and Panigale V2 very low, and that is more uncomfortable for me than higher pegs. I have a 2020 RSV4 Factory, and I do agree the Panigale V4 is a bit roomier, but I don't find my bike too bad for the rider triangle.
Thank you. You are so helpful to us in sharing your experience and wisdom. I dream of a comfy sport bike and maybe it will be the R9. (S100RR brakes, MotoGP style farings, a bit longer wheelbase, lower pegs, higher bars) Hail, the return of the sport bike!
Thanks for this advice and I have been practicing rolling into corners in higher gears and it has brought back much enjoyment in riding.
Great questions guys .. good answers middleweight sports bikes sound great
A newbie Thai car journalist was killed on his first overseas road test drive some 30 years ago when he drove on the wrong side of the road. As for me - a former car reviewer myself - had one short misorientation just across the border on a dirt road in Laos. Of course, on 2 wheels things could be way more interesting
From OZ - thanks for your time, love the channel. Question: what protection gear would you recommend to daily bike riders? In your videos, you often wear a full leather suit. That's probably the best in term of safety for when you are spending time on the track?! But would you recommend it to people doing the daily commute? If not, what would be the best compromise? I personnaly wear gloves, helmet and jacket at all times but wonder if i should invest in riding boots and pants or a full suit. Many thanks 😊.
Another great vid Neevesy!
Hi Neevesy, thanks for taking the time to make these videos, they're great. I've got a question about wheelie control and whether I can rely on it help me learn? I've got a '23 XSR900, which I absolutely love, I've been trying to build my wheelie confidence on it and was wondering if I should be able to tell the difference between the 3 levels and if I should be using these to build my confidence or if I'd be better off just switching it off and trying to learn without it. I seem to be struggling with any level switched on, will all of them inhibit wheelies? I'm a bit nervous of just switching it off!
Thanks, Matt.
Love the series mate , very informative and helpful, great questions . Keep up the vlogs 👍😎
Great question and answer re the tyres 👍
Love this series and have gotten a lot out of these so far! I have a ton of questions regarding track riding but will try to limit them to the top few bugging me. Some times, especially during slow corners it feels un-natural and most often or not I end up in the wrong gear (either too low or too high) and mess up my drive out-Question 1: Even if I do get the right gear and line, do some corners always end up feeling un natural (doesnt feel free flowing).Question 2:The last time I was on track for some weird reason I just couldnt get in to the groove(mentally) and started questioning what I was doing on track, needless to say I crashed on the second session ruining a two day track day. Does this happen to other riders or am I an exception and how do I deal with it? I have a ton of other questions but will keep them for another time :-). For context, I have been road riding for the last 30 years but have only recently started riding on track.
Amen. I hope before it’s all said and done Suzuki unveil a final GSX-R750 in honor of the original but with the modern upgrades. But it feels like they’ll just bag middleweight sportbikes all together here soon.
I try to keep a steady throttle through corners on my V twin rather than cutting it through corners completely. That helps with the engine braking without taking weight off the front. I'm not sure my slipper clutch makes any difference, still loads of engine braking.
Wanted to ask this question for you to answer but I’m not sure whether I ask here or submit an email? Anyhow, After Ron Haslam shut down, is there anywhere else you are aware of that offers the same training and facilities that they offered at Donnington? I’d like some training but don’t own a sports bike or leathers and am kicking myself for never booking a session at RH’s now. Thanks Jay
Hey neevesy love these chats, just wondering i see you wear glasses do you wear them when riding and if so do you have a specific brand or lens that you use mine arnt great under my visor and are quite uncomfortable on longer ride. Cheers simon.
Neevsey, currently in estapona Spain and drove upto Ronda in a rental car. Bikes everywhere, have you rode these roads and anywhere you know where I can get to have a good time. What amazing mountain roads!😊
To the guy with the Z650. You will get used to it and it does get easier. i went from a GSXR1000 L6 to a Ducati 1299s and the twin took me about 2 months to understand it. riding it is different and the engine braking mostly. it feeld like you have hit a brick wall it engine brakes that hard. but you ride with it and use it to your advantage. i find i don't really need to brake that much in normal riding , only when i am late for dinner and i can hear the wife telling me off do i end up braking hard along with the engine braking.
Hello Neev,
i feel we are not ready as a nation (INDIA ) for MOTO GP / WSBK , haven't reached a LEVEL . we had F1 for a couple of seasons , THEN STOPPED. Feel same will happen with MOTOGP . On Sept 22 - 24 .
the super rich in INDIA want to entertain themselves,
I think u can adjust the fuel map to control the fuel injectors to put small amout of fuel to keep the drive to combat some of the engine braking or change the timing to have the exhaust valve open earlier to let the exhaust out earlier and lesser pressure inside the cylinders?
I just think out loud I could be totally wrong
My first big bike was a 2002 CBR 600 sport F4i (before it went to the RR with the underseat exhaust) and It was pretty comfty compared to a modern supersport. The clip-ons sort of came up high, not low. Pegs arent so high and the seats alright. They're getting hard to find now but worth mentioning
Honda did the math on their 600 sales and brought out the CBR 650F as the spiritual successor for CBR 600F leaving CBR 600RR to rule the Supersport class.
However the sales volume drop and cost of Euro 5 meant that Honda Europe decided to stop selling CBR 600RR.
Then Yamaha decided to continue selling R6 only for Track use and Supersport became R6 Cup!
CBR 600RR is back for 2024 being E5 compliant.
Hi Neevesy, really enjoying your videos, please keep up the good work. I replaced my oe tyres with some maxis as I didn't have bundles of cash at the time. They gave more feel than the stock tyres but I was instantly hit with very loud road noise. It was so loud that I thought I had blown the wheel bearings. Also the rear has just started to square after 2000 miles. Lesson learned. Have you experienced this? and where do you go to find what tyres fit what bike? Thanks.
A quick follow up if you would. When testing tyres do you stick to the ubiquitous 36, 42 or change to your own preference or indeed spend time finding the best for you on that tyre on that bike. I have seen a previous test a few years ago where the pressures were different by you on different tyres.
imho, by far the best or should I say most comfortable sports bikes at least for me having owned a few, was either my 1997 FireBlade Foxeye and latterly the GSX-R1000 K5/K6 I would happily tour on either and have down down to the South Of France and back, all though I think the GSXR just pips the Blade as the most comfortable.
I do wish for a middleweight Sport tourer, if the VFR800 came back under 450 pounds with modern tech I would prefer it to the new crop of twin nakeds or sport bikes.
Another great vid, cheers!
Zx6R around J2 (whale shark mouth) was pretty comfortable, and a weapon point to point.
Hey Michael, I have a question for you. I have just completed a week in the Picos and worn out a Metzeler Sportec tyre in 1400 miles on a modern bike with electronic aids. Should I stick to sports tyres or use a more touring focused tyre for better mileage and let the traction control, etc keep me upright.
Brilliant channel!
I have a query about high mileage bikes. I’m a relatively new rider who is in the market for a year-round commuter.
I often see well priced bikes with over 50k on the clock. They seem to sit on eBay struggling to sell, even with full dealership service history.
It may be my lack of understanding as a newbie; but is there anything inherently wrong with a high mileage bike? I get the impression that anything with over 50k miles is highly undesirable. But surely motorcycles aren’t that highly strung?
I guess I don’t understand why bikes aren’t considered to have 100-200k lifespans like cars are.
New sports bikes are tiny & extreme. That's why you see so few in the road. I'm currently looking at gsxr K6/7 for comfort, touring & fun. The new so called adventure bikes just bore the crap out of me. I'm going to add Helibars, footpegs, gel seat, screen & heated grips. A rear shock & suspension service as well.
Would love to see you road test the upcoming CFMOTO triple supersport 675SR.
Excellent video you should have your own cable program.
Seating position for each will vary . Personally I have to lean forward as my arms n shoulders work better in that position . Ive ridden sport bikes to qualify for an iron butt .
Great Yt content Michael , i like your videos they are something missing on Yt and you filled gap good job .And i would say to people that they Don't find sporstbikes confy they should swap to sports tourer asap.
But i Don't seen myself riding any other type of motorbike then sportsbikes. Now am 29 i hope i would be able and fit to do it in 50s as well🤣.Take care and cant wait for new videos .😃😃
There’s every hope that you’ll still be riding sportsbikes in your 50’s in my humble opinion.
I still ride a ‘Blade at the age of 68
21:58-22:10 racer is in corner without throttle. when and how is again on throttle and can this be used on road?
hi thanks for the video. i have a question as i track off and on. someone once told me to really know the limit of a bike you have to crash . is there such a thing to reach a such a limit safely
4:07 Re. sportsbike lack of comfort: I wonder is it intentional on the part of manufacturers. It gives road riders the feeling that they are on an “extreme” machine while at the same time increasing the likelihood that the same rider would buy a second, more comfortable, upright bike.
Q&A. Which bike have you sold and regretted most? …or are they all on loan 😂 I sold my 2011 Repsol blade with 22,000 miles. it was still immaculate and nothing had gone wrong on it in 10 years. Regretted it later.
Would like some helmet advice. Used to wear Arai Vector2. Been searching for 18+ months now and can't find anything from any manufacturer that I can wear more than 45 minutes. Lidpicker doesn't cover the Australian market. Does anyone do custom fit? I would fly to EU/UK for it and pay $$$$. Sold my GS because I couldn't use it anymore. Help?
I'm not trying to be smart , I just try to learn. On a track shouldn't one be on the brakes or on the throtle ?
Hi Michael, I have a rather delicate question:
Why do I see very different riding styles of journos at MCN including You if i compared a mid naughties sports bike group test on the road and looking at a 2018 and onwards sports bike test on the road.
I mean before with Chad and all the other guys it was all about wheelies, stoppies, knee down at photoshoots and it was all so free and cool and honest. There was even a wheelie school back in the day.
Whereas now it's all no wheelies, no speeding, no knee down on public roads, nothing.
Just well behaved riders sitting in the middle of the sports bike in a touring position and taking corners like a tourist.
No offense, I'm just curious, why everything got so PC these days and why roadtesting lost its edge.
Or is it just for the content that we see on the screen, but off set when the cameras stop recording the journalist still ride hard and put the bikes to the test properly??
Sorry didn't mean to be personal i just see a big big difference here and I'd like to here your opinion 🤔
Because it cost a lot of money to crash or trash a bike stunting it.
What is your opinion about Suzuki GSX 750 F?
I’m assuming most of your viewers are in their 50s , sportbikes don’t need to be uncomfortable if you look after yourself and keep fit they are not . If you’ve gut a big beer gut and can’t put your shoes on without making a sound then yeah you may as well get a cruiser. Look after yourself and you can keep riding whatever you like.
Great advice. Keep fit on a road bicycle like racers do and get used to an aero crouch and no suspension.
After that any modern sportsbike will seem luxurious.😂
Sounds like we need to crowed found our own new sports bike. Conformable for the road, bigger for the average rider, with all the thrills of the new stuff. I'm sure good old British engineering could russel up something😊
MotoJitsu just bought a new Gixer 750. He has posted a few videos bombing around on it.
Where do you see the motorcycle industry in 10 years ? Club racing on its knees , trackdays even worse , people can’t afford the monthly payments on these 20k superbikes. Would be great to hear you opinion
Having ridden about 120,000 miles in the UK and 160,000 miles in Europe I have found that you never mix up which side of the road to ride on *_unless_* you are distracted (usually at a junction). Distraction can be caused by anything: thinking about work; thinking about the bike; thinking about your significant other; thinking about the beautiful, shapely scenery; the list goes on... So, the rule is: _Think about the ride and put everything else out of your mind!_
Oh, the positioning of traffic signs can remind you which side of the road to ride on if you get confused. If they look like they're on the wrong side of the road, or facing away from you - it's probably you!
We love you.
Hi can u please give me address of trident engineering bronze welded frame that u tested xr 69
I was working a job in London and almost got ran over by one of your red double decker buses. My partner was a local, she grabbed me and pulled me back just in time….I looked to the left and nobody was coming😂😂😂😂
👍
Lol they look good but I would never buy one, even normal bikes now days are not very comfy, not like old bikes were. I remember my old cb550four k and that was sooo comfortable big plush seats
Top g 🏍️
Fact:
Sport bikes aren’t uncomfortable..
The point is, MOST of the riders don’t know how to get a proper body position..
Hands/arms is the key word.
Does anyone know the results of the ride tyre test, im after new tyres now
Metz Roadtec won the test 👍
@@neevesybikes brill, thanks for the reply neevesy, love the channel,cheers 🍻
I was shopping around for a sportsbike for a while and didn’t like anything new. They were cramped, lacked low down torque & were too serious.
Just bought a K8 GSXr 1000 and l love it. Ticks all the right boxes
Brand new t shirt? I think so🤓
Sportsbikes are not uncomfortable.
It's just that many people aren't fit.
Just arrived here. Sportsbikes are not uncomfortable if you are fit. Period.
Marketing, just pure marketing. Ive been riding for the last 50 years and when I walk into a dealership its easy to separate the products for sale.. Sport bike, super bike, naked this and that are pretty much myths. Look, you got race/track bikes that are mostly not street legal - that's not Euro5/DOT/EPA compliant. Sport bikes are street legal rides that can look like race bikes or standards. Standards bikes are comfortable upright bikes.
Argue all you want about how this class is so much better than another class. Sure right up until a SV650/GSX-R passes your new Ducati in a corner and has a lower lap time. See Zack and Ari's old Suzuki make a new Ducati look very sad on the track.
I don’t think sports bikes are uncomfortable
33☝️ 🏍🔥🔥🔥
zx10s are for little japanese lads
Top G 🛵