Thanks for asking: The Great Sportsbike Debate Pt2
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
- Hello! In today's video:
00:00 - Intro
03:45 - Why superbikes still rule on the road for some.
11:07 - Do you still want to read about sportsbikes?
14:01 - Will sportsbikes ever make a comeback?
17:14 - Why does sportsbike ABS get a bad rap?
24:23 - The most comfortable sportsbike?
28:13 - Can you still crash with superbike electronics?
32:04 - Are super nakeds better than superbikes? - Авто та транспорт
Not everyone who watches these videos are older bikers , I’m 22 with a full ‘A’ license (progressive access) and absolutely love your vids
Same, 20 here and been watching these videos since the channel started and Neevesy for longer. Some of the best motorcycle content out there!
24 and full A under me. Gotta listen to the elders, might give you a bit of info you didn’t consider, especially when they’ve been doing it longer than we’ve been drawing breath
I'm nearly fifty and own a 2017 GSXR-750 and 2023 ZX-10R. I will own and ride Superbikes for as long as the almighty will allow me. It's just what I love.
C'mon man you're not that old
yo more power to you mate.
is a 2015 daytona 675r a superbike?ive got one and an r nine t a ccm r30 and also a forza 300 with full curtain and hand muffs and I love them all, oh and a beta trials bike. The new breed of scooters are wonderful fun and its funny coz when Im on it I ask 'bikers' if theyve ridden one, "wouldnt be seen dead on one mate2 is a pretty common response which makes me chuckle, theyre simply cheerful and surprisingly quick and super practical Im lucky to have a bike for every occasion and regularly ride 3 in one day just because theyre all such different experiences.
good on you mate, I am 53, had loads of sports bikes, I will always have a super bike as long as I live however I do feel I'm not as fit & flexible as I used to be, and the bikes are sooooo fast ! I've had R1's GSXR1000's, ZX10r's RSV4's - I still do track days and will keep doing them, I have also got a dirt bike & super naked to ride on the road when the sports bike is going to be uncomfortable - it's in the blood you either love sports bikes or you don't !
Same
Blimey 9:27 😳 so level headed and zero ego, maybe that’s how you got the Saint nickname. Fair play for approaching that comment with high spirits. 99% of others would have avoided it or even blocked them 😅
I agree quite a rude question our Neevsey answered with class and total knowledge
Beautifully handled, Neevsey. Class and skill tops brute rudeness. Thanks for the masterclass. Your balls are fully intact and attached!😂
I agree - well done with the response - very mature and I think, possibly you were biting your tongue a tiny bit ;) Would that person who commented be after on the street tan you? Probably, because he'd be risking his life and other road users and Neevesy knows better. I ride sports bike and ride over limits but do so when there is little risk so I am not a saint but I refuse to ride with others that zip in and out basket weaving between traffic while also wheelying with abandon. My bet is that the Neevesy would be a faster rider on track .
Came here to say this. Lesson to us all on how to handle inappropriate people.
Would be interesting to see Neevesy on the track with this self-proclaimed sport bike hero.
We want superbikes to live on, I currently have 5 of them, and wanting manufacturers keep on investing in them. 🙏
Superbikes on the road are like Supercars on the road. Not everyone can afford one, not everyone can accept the compromises of noise, impracticality and lack of comfort. Neither can be taken anywhere near its limit on the road, so many would argue they’re pointless. But that would be to miss the point. They’re not meant to be used as a daily to nip to the supermarket are take your garden rubbish to the tip. They’re things of beauty. Automotive art. Made to make the rider or driver feel special and even if you don’t have (or want) one, the world wouldn’t be quite the same without them.
Nicely put 👍🏻👍🏻🤓
I’ve never owned a super bike, nor ridden one. The closest I’ve gotten is flinging my leg over a Fireblade at numerous bike shows and then my friend sits on the pillion. Bear in mind we are two 6’3” strapping males and it looks pornographic in the extreme, cramped and crouched.
We just love the look on the faces of the sales team, patently the bike is not designed for two up….
But I enjoyed your summary of the bikes themselves, if not for me they have a place in the timeline of engineering excellence 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
No, just absolutely no.
Most supercars are quite comfortable. Their setup is so "road" that most of them can't even decently turn on a track or canyons even.
You absolutely can take them to the limits on a road, because stock cars (most of them) are inherently understeery + on road alignment grip is crap.
They exactly meant to be used as daily. They are furthest thing from automotive art possible - most of them, anyways.
Superbikes, on the other hand, are the weapon of torture and compared to cars they're 99% of WSBK bike. There is no comfort, you can't put them to a limit even if you're very experienced rider, and actually proper riding (not highway chill) on a superbike for the whole day is barely executable exercise.
Coming from a car guy, who happened to try both road supercars&racing cars and same with motorcycles.
@@maximborodyuk3773what car over 500bhp/200mph have you fully used on road? I would put a supercar into a similar position as superbike.
The tyres offer so much grip that you can corner at phenomenal speeds in a 200mph car.
Trying to push a 200+mph car with very sticky tyres on the road is high risk. If the tyres break traction then that only happens at very high speed/forces. The turning swing out effect is so rapid, especially if it's a heavy car, that trying to correct while on a country road requires a bit of skill. The rear brake loose, starts to swing, you're on the throttle through a very fast corner at maximum, as the rear starts to break free, you try to correct by steering, the rear grips hard, you have to counter steer just enough, not upset the body, and so on.
But doing this at 60 in a GT/GTI is very different to a supercar at 140.
A supercar is as fast as a superbike in a straight line, probably faster in a bend, and it's very difficult to push to the genuine maximum on restricted roads. Sure you can accelerate, of do a few corners quickly, but I mean flat out for several minutes is tricky on a road in a 200+mph car.
Anyone else want to say what their experience is on this? Could you drive a supercar at maximum for more than 15 minutes?
So that's why people go for the luxury fast car, luxury fast bike, cool fast car, cool fast bike. They still do 180+ mph. Which is enough most of the time :-))
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now you just basically confirmed what I was talking about.
Twisting the throttle/stomping the accelerator could be done by an actual monkey and have nothing to do with limits or sport.
You clearly don't know what are you talking about and you never tried racing car on slick. Grip? In road going car on road alignment? Gripn't I'd say lol.
Why are you bringing 200 mph to convo? You wouldn't actually get to this speed even on a track, it's a useless metric. And the car that could do that would lose to a GT4 racing car on any given track lol. You don't need this speed to bring the car on a limit.
I was clearly talking about corners, maximum speed metric are mostly for highway warriors who can't drive/ride.
Pushing road car do not take much at all. And it's not even 1/10 dangerous as motorcycle, correcting the slide vs highside let's say.
I could drive any car for 10/10 for half an hour (I mean on a track even) without any problems. As a lot of people can, it's nothing special.
I doubt there are a lot of people who can say that about motorcycles, the fatigue difference is very intense. Especially if we're talking on like -10% off a proper pace. It's completely different game.
@@Google_Does_Evil_Now for the first question:
Most of the modern cars wouldn't do 200 mph, and you certainly need more than 600 hp to do that.
Cars that I break over the limit on a street with above 500 hp - my Shelby GT350 (until it was track prepped it was easy), Ferrari 488 GTB (way too easy, shit is understeery af, as it supposed to be in stock trim, 245 tires and zero camber)
Brilliant response to the first question. Balanced, humour, respectful, humble, and great entertainment.
Neevesy, you didn't have to show that question but glad you did. It was the most I've laughed in these vids, when you cracked open that can of 2 stroke oil I burst out laughing. I'm 34, have ridden mid sized sports bikes then bigger capacity naked bikes and sport touring bikes. I recently got a 2022 s1000rr and it really is a drug. I get up on my days off and first thing I do is look out the window and see if it's going to be a sunny one suitable for some superbike thrills. Taking it to France and Spain in September and can not wait!
Thanks for the videos as always.
Might see you out chap! Me and my friends are heading through France to Spain in September! Me in a monster 1200s, my friends on an Aprilia Rs660an and kwak z900r! 🙌
If you get to Spain and anywhere near Lloret de Mar the GI-682 is an amazing road.
Superbikes are garage porn. I’ve got a 2020 Aprilia RSV4 Factory (The Matt black, green and orange one) dripping in carbon, EC2 Ohlins, Brembo’s , Akro, wings and a V4 motor.
Let’s face it, 7 months of the year we open the garage or shed door and if there’s a serious superbike looking back at you it triggers something deep in your soul. Followed by the puff of your cheeks and the voices in your head saying f**kin look at that…..
There’s now way on earth if you only have GS to look back at you that you get that feeling……. Nothing wrong with a GS but it gives context.
Thought that was a can of beer😂 Love the fact that you read that first question and was humble. Not sure Fagan would have given the same patience😂. Fair play Neevsey 👍🏻
Fagan would've said "Jog on, you absolute Jeremy Hunt!" or something similar haha 😅
@@wolfurine 😂😂👍🏻
I thought it was a can of whoop ass
Your response to first question deserves applause, you’re a true pro , you didn’t bite or show any offence , just understanding. Your still head and shoulders above the rest 👌
I’m heading for 60 with a love or hate it 749 not a superbike by todays standard but it makes me happy.
My thoughts are go do what makes you happy .
I own a V4 panigale for the road. Does it make any sense errrr no. I love it and it justify's all the hours I've done in the past to earn it.
That can of 2 stroke was brilliant, hats off.
Thank you for doing the q&a's.
What a beautiful answer to an absolutely embarrassing knob head of a first question. Respect neeves
Brilliant controlled response to Q1 👍
Your mate Chris Northover said, when review the KTM 890 SMT, that motorcycles are not sensible - a Ford Fiesta is sensible. He added "motorcycles are a daft idea, and that's why we love them so much."
I could not agree more, and nothing illustrates this point more then sportbikes - the absolute extreme of motorcycling. For me, motorcycling is all about passion and emotion and how it makes me feel, from riding the damn things to just looking at them. Personally, I go about my life in a fairly rational, sensible way. Even when purchasing a car, I just really look at specs and how practical the vehicle will be (I'm not into cars at all). But I reserve that touch of madness for motorcycling, and that will never change.
Great comment.
R6user hand grenade 😂😂 Bit harsh to call out someone with cred and has driven all over on a superbike & met the car that can catch you out!
Billy Big Balls springs to mind 😄
Hes right im with r6 user
My most memorable times on my motorcycles are riding them to their very limits, the engine screaming, the frame flexing, the tyres running out grip, and pure adrenaline coursing through my veins, giving me the feeling that I had mastery over road and machine. This just isn't achievable on the roads that I ride with anything much over 100bhp. Sure ownership of a 200bhp superbike will give you kudos at bike meets but I can't imagine the frustration of not being able to let it stretch its legs and constantly having to focus on reigning it in rather than having a bike that's matched to your abilities that you can really have some fun on.
Yes, you are correct in saying that superbikes are now too wild for public roads now. but, I recently fell for the adv bike trap and in 2 months I realized even though I cannot reach the limits of the superbike on the roads, i actually don't want to. I just love the aura around superbikes. and yes they belong to the public roads. Sold my adv in just 2 months of owenership and booked my dream superbike
similar story....... bought a Brand new Speed Triple RS1200 struggled to put 800 miles on it. I hated riding it with the wind blasting me off the back... sold it and went back to Fireblade. added a GSXR 750 Now happy ❤
Personally i reckon if they just remanufactured superbikes from 20 years ago today, with none of the gizmos, de tuned them a little to get through the emissions they could sell them for half the price and i bet they'd sell more of them.
If they can build whats fundamentally a 2007 cbr600rr and sell it for 10500, then they could build an 07 blade and sell it for a similar price.
Sportsbikes are a victim of their own success.
They got so good that making them better cost more than it was worth.
Offer a brand new 20 year old gixxer or blade etc. For 11 or 12 grand with a warranty and I'm certain they would sell. And sell better than their modern counterparts.
The only exception to this rule really would be the Ducati i reckon.
Budget Sportsbikes is a category that needs to be introduced to save the bikes that we love.
And it can't be that difficult surely the actual superbikes were fairly Budget 15 20 years ago and still more than good enough today.
I totally agree. I'd love to have a brand new GSX-R K5/K6.
R6user... whats your best traffic light lap time 😂😂
I am 45 and also a sporty rider for more than 25 years. I still have a 1098s tricolore in the shed. I will never sell her because of the beauty. Now I bought a ducati scrambler 800 flat track pro and on the public roads it is also a lot of fun. My main issue for not taking the racer mainly is the traffic, and the penalties. You can not ride the 1098 slowly… here in Belgium the penalties are expensive. In my opinion the modern racers are too expensive, I do not want to spend that kint of money to a bike… the 1098 has open termi cans and that also is becoming more and more an issue. To loud 😡. @ Michael I am a big fan of you during years. I love your reviews and I enjoy your feedback of the rides bikes.
I’ve realised diversity is the answer
I’m old and lucky enough to have a KTM superduke, 990, Harley softail slim, Kawasaki Zx10r and a Ducati Diavel in the garage, horses for courses!
Many of us were sportsbike hooligans in years past : but in Europe with it's cameras and smaller roads modern superbikes make you feel unfulfilled (been there). You can only do a section of bends or two, then behave yourself for the other 95 %. It seems the USA still buys sportsbikes and can go fast on big open roads without being jailed ! Older sportsbikes are more enjoyable overall, get the brakes / suspension updated, their comfort and broad torque are more enjoyable than the excellent, but very focused modern tackle . Thanks Neevesy 🍻
That first question wow! that guy certainly does not pull any punches! Loved your response Michael to a direct question, and good on you for reading it. And to the author for sending it in. It was great entertainment!!
I also absolutely love superbikes! Currently own my fourth GSXR750 (I understand it’s not really a superbike anymore) and plan on keeping this one for as long as I am riding (58 years old) I also have just got a 2024 SV650, and I must admit that even though on paper the two are no where close to being comparable regarding performance, I have found the SV to be brilliant on the road and loads of fun. One thing I really like about the SV is that you’re able to get a highly enjoyable ride without getting into 3 figure speeds, which ultimately is good news for my license. Regarding people struggling with sports bike comfort, it’s always possible for people to improve their flexibility. Do some yoga! Don’t use the excuse ‘I’m not flexible enough for yoga’ , that’s the same logic as saying ‘ I’m too dirty to have a shower’ . Yet another highly enjoyable video Neevesy! Please keep on with your content.
Spot on about Yoga (or any Sport therefore).
Use it, or lose it.
That first question/answer. Fair play mate 😂😂. I have a Panigale and no way can take it to the limits on the road nor would I want to but the way it makes me feel after saving and working for it is second to none. I do fancy a second bike though that’s more chill and that you can enjoy and relax a bit more on.
Good comment, fair play, I bet you feel amazing when you're out on the Panigale, what a beautiful machine. Cheers.
Hi I have owned many bikes over the years and had naked bikes but also many sports bikes . Being over fifty I currently own a street triple RS and a GsxR 1000 the street triple is a Brilliant bike and really enjoy the less frantic nature when road riding , but the Gsxr 1000 , again road riding , is still in my opinion an easier bike to ride and less fatiguing. I’ve made a few mods that don’t detract from the overall look of the bike , Helibars are a game changer and a MRA double bubble screen, the bike has standard suspension but adjusted for the British roads. My particular bike set up is comfortable for me and can do long distances without a chiropractor. I’ve done many road trips like Black Forest and NC500 . With essential luggage firmly fixed to bike and great fuel economy can seriously be used in everyday scenarios, and the best thing is once you arrive at your base and unpack , you can fully take advantage of the surrounding areas . At bike meets people , usually younger , seem more interested in the sports bike . So I think the sports bike still has a place on the road . Cheers
Great video, as always! Please keep them coming, I very much enjoy your content and knowledge. Had to comment on the sport bike debate after watching the vid and seeing some comments. I'm older at 56 now but still ride everyday, don't own a car but own 3 bikes. The only concession I've made to age is to go from sports to naked and would still ride a super bike. Bottom line is that they don't make sense, aren't comfortable, 99% of us can't ride them to their potential, etc. But, they're gorgeous, fun, thrilling, they push you and make you want to be a better rider, etc. They're art and if just owning one makes one happy, regardless of riding skill, then that's what matters most. Just do and be what you one loves.
Thanks for the vids, you're the best. And love you having a two stroke in response to that one question.
The question from first guy , you just know he would be so slow on track 😂 but he can clap it out on his favourite Sunday road in a straight line
ZX14.. Say no more 🚀
Michael I’m with you. Used to be all sports bikes or nothing. I was a pretty quick club racer back in the day but the last 2 sport bikes I had were an SP2 Honda and an anniversary livery 06 R1. What has really changed my mind is buying an Interceptor 650 and realising how much fun 47 torquey hp can be on the road. I still love my Monster S4RS and it’s 132 at the wheel after a few mods but even that feels too quick a lot of the time. I shudder to think what riding a Panigale V4S would be like. So frustrating. Besides it’s fun keeping up with sportbikes down a twisty road on essentially a learners bike knowing you aren’t challenging straight line speed limits etc.. I’m sure this whole discussion skews almost entirely by age. I’m 54 now and have little interest in the Uber bikes knowing that even though I’m lucky enough to be able to afford them I wouldn’t get the value or enjoyment out of it.
Hello Michael,
I wanted to respond to your question regarding if sport bikes are still relevant for the road. First I wanted to say I enjoy your video's so thank you for making them. I am now 44 and have been riding sport bikes on the road since I was 15 (1995). One thing you should keep in mind is that in other parts of the world ( I am in the USA) the roads can be very different than what you guys have to deal with in the U.K. Where I am located we have several back roads with minimal traffic and fairly smooth roads where we can take advantage of not only the 200 + HP bikes, but also the downforce provided by wings that you British journalist usually dismiss for the road. (To clarify, I do this in the safest manner possible as silly as that sounds).
I actually prefer the lower power bikes for the track (currently ride a RS660) so I am not destroying back tires and get the most enjoyment on the track by late braking and also carrying lots of corning speed and lean angle. I prefer my big power bikes for the open back roads when I can get my excitement from the power and were I cannot carry quite as much lean angle etc.
Also comfort is something that can be very individual, for example I am much more comfortable on a long ride on my RSV4 or my 2020 V4S than on my BMW R9T, or my wife's 950 Supersport S. I also like sportbikes because for example on my V4S, if I want to be out of the wind I can just tuck in and have this bubble of protection, or I can sit up if I want. On most naked bikes your just getting blasted by the wind on they hwy. I will say I do have a 2012 696 Monster that sits you down further than most and has more wind protection because of that and I really do enjoy that on long rides as well (also the track!).
Anyway just wanted to respond to your question, as it shouldn't be a blanket statement that all sportbikes are uncomfortable and unusable on the road. It just depends on the person and also the roads they get to ride.
Thank you again and take care!
I've owned quite a few superbikes (first one was a Ducati 888), never had a problem with comfort. A year ago I bought a Triumph Street Triple R and love it. I really enjoy being able to see the motor, and not having to pfaff around removing fairings to do oil/filter changes. And being in the wind makes legal speeds enjoyable. And riding in traffic is a lot more comfy.
As a 40 year old who just bought his 1st two super bikes...it's content like yours that I really value before making a purchase. I went with the 2023 Fireblade SP and the 2023 Streetfighter V4SP2.
£60,000 on 2 motorbikes. So crazy.
@@jdahack7367 I have a 3rd bike too, I have a 2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports. They are all expensive bikes for sure but the 3 bikes cost what I had invested in a single high performance car.
Im a younger rider (27) and I dont like superbikes. Been riding since I was 18 and never have. Traffic near me has only gotten worse, people are paying less attention to the road, more speed cameras, and other factors have made me really appreciate a good naked bike. The feeling of speed is so much greater with the wind and having all that torque means you dont wake up the entire neighborhood just trying to have some fun. I wouldn't exactly call naked bikes sleepers but they do usually attract less police attention than a superbike, which is good in my book!
Hello from North Carolina! Very classy handling that first question, massive respect. I ride a ‘22 MT07 and every time I try a supersport it gives me this unbridled joy that no other bike does. My head tells me to get a tall-rounder next but my heart says supersport.
Mad first question haha...fair play for taking it on with an open mind.
I don't agree that the user is using it to it full capacity , none of us do and not even come close to it.
It is really wholesome to see you read such idiotic, self centered, overly confident, dropping-random-ridingtechniques-buzzwords comments, with such composure and analytical approach.
Your attitude is exactly what we need to make social media interactions - and even just social interactions - bearable.
Keep going, you just reminded us why we love your takes on the motorcycle world 🔥
Just taxed my k5 , even taking it for mot the other day made me feel great, what a sound with that full yoshimura system 😍 at 55 I’ll never really ride it fast anymore and I consider it a classic now, obviously it will get opened up occasionally!!!
I’m still doing everything I did when I was 18 but slower, that’s just life, I do wonder how long the motorcycle industry can continue in Europe 🤔 youngsters are not being encouraged to get into motorcycles, it’s far too expensive now🤨
As an old army vet living in Germany I can tell you sportbikes still have a place on the road! I ordered and bought a S1000rr last fall. The RR is an absolute riot that makes me laugh and smile every second I'm on it. Even though I'm not riding it half of its potential most of the time, I get a kick looking at the M package goodies and love the butter smooth QS.
I've turned back to the early 2000s for my last couple of bikes. Currently on a K1 Gsxr750 with fairing deleted and straight bar conversion. The suspension is stock but fully rebuilt, handling is an comfort is fantastic on the road and great for trackdays as well. Further more, a mear mortal with a bit of mechanical ability and a manual can maintain the bike themselves. Parts and upgrades are still plentiful.
You got me, I was raging till about 6 min in when you took a drink!😂
I remember that landmark case years ago when a guy accelerated onto a motorway briefly hitting 130mph on blade and got a prison sentence. With all the need technology and reduced speed limits, it would so easy to find yourself in the same position on any midsized bike, let one a super bike. This must put a lot of people off. This possibly just adds to my anxiety and has the opposite effect that riding used to have. It was an escape from the pressures of life but, now seems to bring different pressures. If funds allowed, I would go back to track riding but, sadly, what used to be a relatively cheap pastime, isn’t so cheap.
I’m 63yo and I’ve downsized to a gixxer 600 and love it. These days I find litre sports bikes redundant with 160 to 200 HP is an absolute over kill, when watching US guys riding all they do is ride fast in a straight line and when they do go to the twisty bits they fall off, I understand in the US there’s a lot of long highways, I’m lucky coming from Australia we have plenty of great riding roads within a 30 minute ride, that’s why I love my 600 it’s got more than enough power there light and handle beautifully, don’t get me wrong the adrenaline you get from opening the throttle on a litre bike is very exhilarating. When riding in a group which I don’t do a lot because of idiots… there’s always one, I keep up with everyone with ease. That’s my 2 bobs worth, cheers 🇦🇺
Best episode ever
Neevesy’s face at the end of the first email when he pauses to open his beer is motorcycling gold and should be a classic moment
Absolutely brilliant
Keep it up 👍
Ha! Can you get those cans of 2T drink in Tesco, looks great. Beautifully handled the first question. 😉🤜🤛
You handled that first “question” so well Nevesy 😂😂😂
It does make me sad that Superbike and Supersport machines are dying off but i guess the truth of it is simply that the only constant in life is change! Tastes change, user demographics change, manufacturers images change and ultimately what once was the best all and end all just gets old and dies off 😢😢😢
My K3 Gsxr 1000 in the garage probably is lucky to see 1000 miles a year….. but EVERY time i take it out its a special event! Its an absolute eye opening, arse clenching afternoon of sheer pageantry and excitement! Cracking on I’m Bruce Anstey wining the Proddy race at the ‘03 TT 😂😂😂
At least we’re still riding no mater what we’re on! Bikes have always been the ultimate in exciting motorsport and long may that last whatever form they take!
Thanks for another great video! ❤
There are some seriously flawed myths surrounding modern bikes and riding position and riding comfort that need to be called out. I'm in my 50's and last year bought a MT09SP after a 20 year break and it's one of the most uncomfortable riding positions I've ever encountered and yet in every review it's one of it's most praised aspects.
It's so difficult to move about on these newer bikes compared to a sports bike and being able to move about on a seat is essential for comfort on long rides. Upright seating positions suck. I would happily do 1000km in a day on my TRX850 or my ZX-7R but no way would I try that on the MT09 no matter how much padding I tried to add to the seat.
Why on earth people are praising a seating positions that are comparable to riding a penny farthing is mind boggling.
I expect a big part of it is that people know nothing else these days. As long as reviewers tell people it's more comfortable then they will believe it because they've never experienced anything better.
That age thing isn’t all markets, the demographic here in Italy is much more diverse. Laws and biking culture here is chalk and cheese. Last sport bike I had was an FZ750! I’ve ridden plenty as a mechanic and they have never hit me as the type of bike I most want to ride day to day. If I had enough cash for lots of bikes I would definitely have an F3 amongst them but I’m stuck with one bike (sort of) so I’ll pick the one that does all the things I need, well. For what I like to do (riding mountain roads and often in not the best surfaced!). For those who prefer sports bike I say this: awesome! I envy your joints because I get uncomfortable fast but if that’s the bike type you love that’s brilliant. It’s like people who knock ‘adventure’ bike riders (what a shite term marketing people!) but don’t ride them off road. So? It’s a motorcycle, a thing, a toy. Buy the one you like and let’s not pretend we’re choosing something that’s objectively good/better/best.
That said - what do you think about the journalist/editor trait of bigging up each new variant of a bike. Each new launch every detail is looked at and the new bike is on the whole judged an improvement, often in language that makes it sound light years ahead. The conclusion is that bikes are few generations old must be awful. They weren’t though, original R1s were epic and are still epic today, same’s true of loads/most of the bikes from maybe the late 90s on. Is there a tendency to exaggerate in new motorcycle reviews at the cost of perception of older models? Is this marketing driven consumerism?
Love your stuff - top banana 💪👍
Good all and thank you Nevsey. I am fortunate enough to own 4 bikes. One being a sports bike. I ride for pleasure, commuting and sight seeing. When I go out with my friends or family who have R1’s, the ride becomes nothing more than carelessly breaking the speed limit with poor riding standards thrown in. That is the put-off for me with sports bikes, that when you give a man a hammer, he begins to see everything as a nail.
I suspect that even as a 43 year old now, there still isnt many guys on a super bike that can keep up with me on the back roads of surrey with me on a 890 smt. There isnt many places that a super bike can realy stretch its legs. You can see this at tracks like brands hatch. In the wet, a 600 is likely faster than a 1000 for example. all that extra power doesnt mean much on the corners.... add in the crappy roads that we ride on in the real world and i suspect that that is were the sports bikes come a little unstuck. Not to mention the sheer quantity of traffic on the roads these days. back in the 90 s, there was simply less people on the road on a sunday afternoon. Where can you really open up a 200 bhp sports bike on the road and be safe. my 105 bhp bike is at that sweet spot between 30 and 100 miles per hour where most roads have their limit... with sporty tires and decent suspension and brakes, what more would you need than an SMT 890... That is perhaps why the sports bike is disappearing. They are simply out performed for real world riding. This all said, I love to look at them, and I hope they dont die off.. That new 400 rr from kawazaki looks like the tool for the road in my opinion...
I appreciate how gracious you were to that dude who wrote in.. it’s a good lesson on being a good human being.. always a fan..
I've never ridden a modern superbike, and I won't before I can afford one. I just love my old 2gen r1 and I hope that feeling lasts as long as possible.
I think that R6user should look up 'Dunning Kruger effect', he sounds like a real keyboard GP winner. Well done Michael for not rising to the bait and maintaining a Zen like calm. Love the 2T drink...
I am a young 56 soon to be 57! A few months ago picked a leftover 2023 ZX4RR, and just love it. I have couple small bore ADV bikes in the garage as well to fill that itch as well since I grew up riding mainly dirt bikes. I have had a few sport bikes over the yrs and sold them off only to come back into the mix. I guess like many of us riding a sport bike at a older age is just in our blood per se.
Michael, why aren't sportsbikes getting cheaper if they've been built for 30 years in ever cheaper factories? It's still an engine, frame, 2 wheels and some electronics, the same recipe with only a few changes. Engineering and manufacturing is getting more efficient, so why aren't costs to buy coming down?
There's a new 2 seat electric car launching for £6,000 that does 45mph, 100 mile range. £6k new. And the roof is a solar panel so it charges the battery 20-30 miles every day, for free.
How can a new technology car be so cheap while a mostly older technology bike cost 300% more than 20 years ago?
You are basing your whole argument off one car. On the whole cars are becoming way more expensive. A brand new VW golf R is just shy of 50 grand, yes 50 grand for a golf. Majority of electric cars carry huge prices that dont fall within most peoples budgets. All that new technology costs loads and finding one car that can manage a paltry 100 miles really cheaply doesnt mean that is in anyway the norm
Dear Neevesy, I have really enjoyed this series since it started because it has been so particular to where I am in my bike life since episode 1. I am a mid to late 40’s SBK and SSP nut, clip ons all my life from RS125 onwards and with a total hatred and scorn for things like BMW GS . I would argue that sbk is the best tourer, sbk is the best commuter, they look the best, have the best tech, are fastest and best in every sector, best sounding, best brakes, most fun, girls love them etc etc. Also I am only slightly older than Rossi and his fame and career went along with how sports biking took over my life, rising at the same time so I had a sporting hero to go along with it all. However after a massive accident that wasn’t even my fault I had a bad back problem and could not ride bent over for more than 20 mins without stopping to stand up and the next day a lot of pain. I was already unable to use my 1199s on the road properly anyway so I downgraded to an F3 675 and optimised it thinking it would be easier on me with so much less power but it was worse! So in feb this year I exchanged the F3 and a bit of money and a bit of finance and bought a brand new 2024 Tuono Factory with no test ride! Dealers here in Italy don’t let you test ride bikes of that level, its unusual for them. I was terrified and thinking it would be awful, never having ridden a single bar bike in my whole life since I was 16! All I can say was I was totally wrong and wow wow wow, as soon as I left the dealer I understood in 500 metres that I had done the right thing. I am obsessed with this bike now and cannot stop riding it, with no,pain during or after rides. I haven’t even changed no parts on it either and maybe I won’t, what is the point? It just seems so perfect. I ran it in the engine in 6 days! For any older superbiker thinking of changing to a Tuono, do it! I am more comfortable, with better equipment, even a usb in the dash, my phone turns the screen into google maps and I am faster than before with that unbelievable engine and chassis/suspension. Sorry for the long story but I actually have two questions because I am ignorant of this new tech. One, does changing the springs front and rear for my weight make the electronic suspension even better? Or it’s a waste of time because it confuses the calibrations of the computer? Two, have you ever deliberately or accidentally triggered cornering abs at extreme lean angle on a manufacture test for example, and if so what happens when it activates please? I don’t want to activate it deliberate, but if I see a hazard mid corner and hit the brakes hard I want to know what to expect, from your valued opinion and experience. Thank you
Love the look and performance of sports bikes, but I found myself switching from being uncomfortable and frustrated behind traffic (when I couldn’t overtake) to being a maniac with open road in front of me. Amazing fun, great buzz and gorgeous to look at but I couldn’t own one as my only bike. Love just cruising in the sunshine in comfort sometimes without the internal pressure of going full throttle all the time.
great story about the Kiwi in Portland! I’m a Kiwi in Seattle, and a 52 year old track addict. Mutton dressed up as Lamb! Curious about the sport touring segment. I gave up riding super bikes on the street. Track only for those. But i have traded my ADV moto for a reunion with my Spoort tourer last - love my new Ninja 1000SX. Rumor has it that you are now a GS fan boy. Truth or not?!! 😮
Great show. Love it.
Keep it coming.
Just bought a 2017 S1000R all-rounder after seeing your old reviews, an oldie but good enough for me on the public roads.
I’m almost 50. I’ve been riding for over 30 years.
I’ve loved Superbikes for a long time but only within the past several years have gotten to own/ride them.
Here’s my 2 cents.
1) I love it. The speed has broken me and I cannot go back.
I have an 06 Fireblade. It’s not remotely the fastest thing on the road and still it’s a rocket.
2) absolutely NOBODY needs anything like this on the road.
It’s absurd. It’s too much for normal people to adjust to just for me to get my speed fix.
Do I want my bike to be taken away? Hell no, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m just being honest, these things do WARP speed and there is no place for that on the road.
I honestly like that modern bikes are returning to a middleweight setup.
I also see younger riders taking to them and that gives me hope for the future of what we love.
I own a GSXS1000, a road based superbike. It is a lovely bike to ride though even at "only" 140hp it could be considered too much for the road.
I do enjoy riding slower bikes faster and feeling that you can push them, but I also like my GSX spinning it's tyre and going absolutely mental when you get it up in the rev range!
All bikes are great!
At the end of the day bikes are in our blood. They are a thing of passion, emotion, there's nothing sensible about hooning it but it is fun and makes you feel alive.
Everyone should just ride what they want and respect others doing the same.
You handled that first comment like a gent and a true biker, brilliant response. Cheers.
The zx9r was an amazing road bike, that the media, didn't embrace at the time.
I'm still to find something that matches.
I think that the cbr600f was the same kind of bike.
They are hade and shoulder above what is avaliable today.
It's a shame that the magazines didn't embraced them.
It will be awesome to see a gsxr 750 in a road bike tune ...
It's the unicorn...
For me personally, a bike have to have the ability of touring, and super naked are not for long highways, adventure bikes are wobbly...
I’d LOVE to fly the latest fighter jets. I’ll never be able too. Thank God there are publications and videos that describe/show what it’s like.👨✈️
I’m 36. And after 18 years on superbikes, everything you can think of 600 and 1000, always the latest thing brand new, racing, track days, euro trips. You know what I did? Went and bought a 2001 zrx1200r 😂. The roads and mates aren’t what they used to be. I got “too quick” on the road. And I found now I just wanted something cool that me and the misses can go out for a leisurely ride on. I’ll probably get another superbike again, but it’ll likely be in the garage more than the chilled out bike.
what you said between 9.35 and 9.45 ... absolutely true ... but only known to those that had enough track time ...
I’m 51 been riding a 600 rr for years and now going to a 2024 blade I love it and will never change to a pop pop. It’s not even close to a sports bike.
Great video, as always Neevesy, that first comment was handled so well 👏 In terms of the sports bike question, there is something special about riding around on a superbike, I cannot put my finger on exactly what it is but it's definitely something! I currently ride a 2020 Tuono V4 Factory and a Gen 3 SDR, and although, in my opinion, they are far better for the road than any of my previous sportsbikes, I really miss my R1M. If money allowed, I'd always have a superbike in my garage. Until that day, I'm very happy with my twisty road daily commute on the SDR and weekend fun on the Ape. I'm a very lucky boy
Q&A: Hi Michael. Thanks for the great videos sharing your knowledge; I always enjoy them. I’ve been trawling through your back catalogue because I thought you answered the first part of this question in one of them, but to no avail, so I’m asking here: How do you corner on a supermoto; hang off the inside or push the bike down? And then: what helmet style is the current fashion on a supermoto; ADV, ADV with peak removed, or road? Thanks!
2:01 Morning neevesy have a good one, dont know how a youngster would rather pay 2 or 3k insurance on a car rather than on a honda grom and hoon around with their mates. wierd world
great vid! really loved that first comment, you can hardly call that a question! and your answer, opening up the can had me cracking up, hitting my desk with a flat hand! I love sport bikes, i think they are the pinnacle of technique, well, motogp is but they look so beautifull and are beyond the control of us mere mortals wich make's them so appealing. So, 65 here and love my r1 07. after fitting a quick shifter last year went on with a blipper as well. not that i need it but it is just for fun on the road.
On a side note, your focus in the vid is quite hunting, and not as a qritique, why is it? I used a sony zv one time and it has a setting for product focus wich sometimes interferes with a portrait setting and eye-focus tracking. what do you use?
Hey Michael. Thanks for these great videos. We all really appreciate your time and effort. I was at a Track Day yesterday on my SV650 and it’s going great for me at novice level. In the briefing they were really recommending airbag vests. They are expensive, so perhaps at novice not required, but those in Inters or Advanced (faster / more track days) they are a must? Assume you use them and if so which one would you recommend? Thanks again.
The dream garage,v4 panigale,250 2 stroke mx bike,street triple rs, love all bikes and every biker should respect everyone's else's choices regardless!
For me, the only relevant superbikes for the road these days are the older ones with less power. Like the old fire blades, r1s, gixers. Today’s modern ones are just too fast. Even the super nakeds like the Tuono, s1000, streetfighters, they’re all too fast really for the road here. Europe, maybe not as the roads are better, quieter. The UK though, just too fast. If you are riding near the limit of any modern day bike, you are riding too fast for the conditions. You need to be on track.
please bring back the superbike shootout every year on mcn. kinda missed the good ol' days where almost every bike magazines make a shootout test every year
Hi Neevsey. It's the first time that I've caught up with many of your videos over this Easter break. Really enjoyed it on all fronts. The stand out topic for me has been the sportbike questions and debates that have been put your way. This got me thinking. When UA-cam started to take off in the mid 00s, the magic era of 90s and early 00s sportsbikes wasn't covered by that platform. It would be such a treat to see you do a quick road test report on what is now considered as classic exotica. Bikes like the early Blades, R1s, ZX7s/ZX9s, 748/916, MV750/750 Brutale's, Bimota's and the 749/999 just to name a few. Obviously they'll be on modern tyres but I guess the character will still stand out. Anyone here want to offer up a MV750 for starters? Very much enjoyed catching up with your informative videos.
Class act, Mr. Neeves.
I’m 62 and still own a GSXR1000 and a Duc848 for those perfect days in the mountains - I’m done with track days and racing chasing lap times but the occasional knee down on a quiet road keeps me somewhat alive and kicking in this more controlled world we now live in. The desire to own a V4r is strong in me but the reality is I like my Vaquero for most of the time and the longer distances I do a few times new a year
Super explanation of ABS feel & efficiency over recent years. Thanks again, MN.
So glad that you didn’t respond by saying”great question”, which this wasn’t. This “question” was merely a provocation, an attempted self promotion.
Frankly, I enjoy your measured , practical reports.
Ex 916, R1 rider.
Love this channel.
I love watching videos and reading about superbikes! It’s interesting and makes u want more. Later this year I’m buying the new cbr600rr all black 🥳
Great that middleweight sports bikes are making a comeback. Useable power and reasonably comfortable. I'm still enjoying my 2001 ZX6R and happy to ride it at legal speeds on the road. Track days have no appeal to me and prefer to watch reviews of bikes ridden on the road.
Brilliant Video❤
Hi Michael, greetings from an old Ozzie. I'm just about 65 years young and still fit and strong and still riding. Absolutely love your vlogs and especially your Q and A's
And between your channel and Chris and Al ... I get informed, kept up to date and have a good laugh.
I've been a dirt bike rider since I was a kid and this shaped my way of thinking through my motorcycle life.. a bit of a purest, horses for courses etc. and I just wanted to put my two bobs worth in on the super bike - super sports subject. At the moment I own a 2010 Husqvarna TE510, still like to keep in practice and brush up the skills in the bush, a 2013 Aprilia 1200 Dorsoduro, which is basically a super naked and a 2006 Aprilia RSV1000R factory. I had a Aprilia RSV4 APRC with a full Akro system and race ECU.. but even with the amount of country we have here ( I live in northern NSW Australia.. which has hundreds and hundreds of miles of roads that are some of the best riding anywhere... I won't mention the year round weather) with the RSV4 I toured on it ( to Jyndabine and back down the Great Divide, over 3,000 km's in two weeks) weekend rides up into the mountains and back, etc. I must agree with you that even though the RSV4 is the most incredible thing I've ever ridden in every way... it was a bit much.
So my remedy for the problem was along your way of thinking a bit. I kept the TE 510.. will always have that.. I sold the RSV4 and bought the 1200 Dorsoduro for a much more relaxed and comfortable ride, day to day and trips..but still a hoon machine and massive grin factor.. did I mention wheelies? 😆 and I got the RSV1000R factory to be able to still experience the super bike experience ( but not at mind melting levels ) I always wanted a RSV1000R but went for the V4 for it's modernist and technology.. the older super bike(RSV1000R Factory) can still deliver everything and more and I feel is in no way inferior...and is even more enjoyable in a lot of circumstances,
except maybe ten tenths and going for your quickest lap time's ( on the track) .. so for the price of a modern day super sports ( super bike ) you can really have the best of both worlds, and rego, fuel and tyres..plus some fantastic trips away.. and still have some change left over. It might not be everybody's cup of tea.. but I think it's the way to go!
Keep up the great work mate! Thanks for all the time, effort and work that you put into your channel.. and keep it rubber side down. Cheers. 👍
Hi Neevesy! Firstly, I would like to say your content is awesome! Your years of experience and expertise in the motorcycling really shows in the advice that you give. With this in mind, I would like to ask question. When do you know when you should upgrade to a bigger track bike?
I have been riding a Kawasaki ZX4RR on the track for a few months now, and it's been a blast to ride. But the limitations of the OE components are starting to show as I ride the ZX4RR harder (Most especially the front suspension). Should I upgrade the ZX4RR or look for a bigger bike that would fit my needs?
Thanks for your time Neevesy. Big love from the Philippines!
Yes sir! Superbikes these days are so powerful, and sadly have good reason to be illegal, very much to my dismay!!
When we came up with super bikes the didn’t have the power of today!! I own a V4s and🤯😋 it feels like I could jump it off mount rainier @14000ft I and land in Seattle! In a million pieces of course!!
Brilliant video as always! Good effort on addressing question 1! I winced massively. If this chap and his "crew" are using full fat sports bikes to the limit on the road then they are taking more risks than they should be. Or they should all be racing the TT.
Having recently traded in an older Fireblade for a new NT1100 I must be on the grandad track myself. I haven't had as much fun on a bike in a long time as I am on the new one. I love that things like the CBR1000RRR, M1000R etc exist, as engineering masterpieces they are hard to beat, but I'd rather keep my licence and make it home in one piece to enjoy my pipe and slippers lol.
Great video Michael. Courteous and diplomatic as usual. I have several bikes incl a gsxr1000k5 and if I were to ride it anywhere near its limits on the road I would very quickly end up dead or in prison. 😊
Love this video, your response to that first, very short sighted comment was fantastic.
You responded to my question about a second bike between MT09, Duke 790 or a Duc Scrambler to partner my VFR750. I actually ended up selling the VFR and bought a 2007 Fireblade.
Having had a 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2018 'Blade, I love them all except the 2005.
2018 was a little uncomfortable but looks incredible and sounded brutal. 2008 I felt was the best, but I am only just exploring the 2007, it is feeling very promising on the road.
My question to you, what is your favourite Fireblade, for both road use and a few trackdays a year?
Hi Neevsy. I love your videos and marvel at your encyclopaedic knowledge. Thanks. In my eyes the Super Sports Bike is the pinnacle of the evolution of the motorcycle. I still have my original Urban Street Tiger bought new in 1994 and am lucky enough to own a Z900RS which as you have said is an amazing bike and a Ducati 950 SuperSport S which is gorgeous to look at but I have recently bought a ZX10 and just looking at it fills me with a sense of excitement and I love the riding position. To my mind it feels like the way a motorbike should be ridden. Being of 'retirement age' I doubt I will ever ride it anywhere near to its full potential but contrary to popular belief it is quite possible to ride it at 'sensible' speeds and still enjoy it. Although being able to get to those speeds very rapidly does of course help.😂
Cheers for the video.
Remember way back when when alot of us thought Yamaha should have used the Fazer engine tune in the the Thundercat. The thinking was to have more easy to use road engine in a sports bike setup with better suspension, brakes aerodynamics etc. Do you think there would be a market for this sort of set up now ? Imagine something like the old Daytona 675 with the engine more in say a trident state of tune (I suspect this is what alot of people hoped the new Daytona would be). Would people dismiss it because of a lack absolute power even if in reality it would likely be faster and more fun in the real world?
Cheers
Paul
I disagree with your opinion on the Honda C-ABS system.
Its great when the bike is new, but completely draining and bleeding the entire system is a days work for a garage and most garages don't know how to do it, the 10 feet of brake lines are getting old so half the system is filled with 10 or more year old fluid in 10 or more year old rubber brake lines.
Full braided lines for the abs cbr600rr and blade are 280 quid, plus an entire day's labour to fit and bleed.
Because half the systems fluid is about 10 years old and is supposed to be completely drained and replaced every 2 years, its full of manky fluid and air, which occasionally makes the abs fail.
When the abs fails you don't get normal brakes back straight away the lever comes back to the bar, you have to release it and then normal brakes come back when you pull it again.
It was probably good when new but now the bikes are 10 or more years old its dangerous.
Plus its cheaper and safer to rip it out and just spend 100 quid on regular brake lines, than spend 600 plus quid on replacing the lines for the entire abs system, and trusting a garage to do it properly because its almost certain they've never actually done that job ever yet.
In another 10 years i reckon almost all c abs 600s and fireblades will have had the abs removed. Or crashed due to no brakes and people not releasing then braking again fast enough.
Or at very least having the fuse removed all year and just put back for the mot and hope an air pocket doesn't throw up the abs light during the test.
Garages aren't bleeding the full c abs system because they don't know how.
The system between the pressure sensor and the cylinder that actually puts pressure to the calipers is completely isolated from the system that makes the brakes function normally when stood still or the abs fails. So cannot be bled in 30 minutes like garages will tell you, thats only bleeding between the caliper and the master cylinder section of the system, not the section i between all that where the pump is that actually does the braking when the bike is moving. And not in fail safe mode.
Once you've had that system almost kill you then you want rid of it before riding the bike again.
Its not designed with maintenance in mind. So its a terrible system.
Absolutely the superbikes have a place on the road. I'm getting my blade ready for a trip to Spain in mid May. I'm 56 and I'm addicted to superbikes. But I also love the 600s. And the dual sports (I also have an 08 WR250R and I had a DR-Z400S in the past). I don't feel much attraction for nakeds and adv bikes, but in the end any bike that gets you out there riding is good.
I never rode a scooter, but one of my mates, when I was an instructor, loved to teach scooter riding because of all the chicks who took that course! :)))
I can see both sides of the argument for and against superbikes on the road. I've ridden and owned GSXR750s, Cross Plane Crank R1, a 2010 S1000RR and now own a 2022 S1000RR M SPORT. I've done a shed load of track days also so know how to ride. But my bike is now pushing out 204bhp at the rear and as much as I love it to bits, I am not even scratching the surface of what it is capable of. And to be fair, even on a track it would take someone pretty handy and probably a racer to get the best out of it. I do however love riding it and it does everything I ask of it and more and is an incredible bike. Although, when people say they ride it like they stole it or ride a superbike to its limit on the road, I feel that they're either lying or will end up in a six foot hole as with the amount of cars on the road now and an equal amount of terrible or wreckless drivers, your chances of ending up dead are quite high if you ride these machines at or near the limit. I do appreciate other types of bikes and who knows, one day I'll go for something more comfortable. But for now owning and riding this insane machine keeps me very very happy. 😊
Great video, great content and great passion from all. Love all bikes especially superbikes love reading about them and looking at them. Being 60 now the body does creak a bit and flexibility not as good so owning one is probably not right for me now. But never say never as they say.
Thanx for all the videos you are making, just love them.. regarding superbikes on the Road i totaly agree with you, lots of superbike owners just dont know what kind of "wepon" they are riding 🙂
i´m coming from 20 years on my 1998 FZS600 and got my dreambike the yzf R1 07 just 3 years ago and then got a 2´nd one for the track.. and i would never be able to use my Road R1 the same way i pilot my racebike (they got the same ´ish setup) .. BUT i would also never change my R1 roadbike cause it fits me so nicely.. i can go hours (well until tnak gets empty) without any "Pain".. i gues there is a bike ( and not) for everyone.. luckly the R1 RN19 4C8 is the bike for me..
Looking forward to your upcoming youtubes.. best regard a 50+ Newbee racer 😀
The first comment wasn’t worth your (or, anyone’s) time. But, your response was impeccable. I love super bikes, and my 1964 Vespa. We still have balls (and brains). Someone, though, may have small hands…🤔
There is clearly a market gap that 05'-10' superbikes covered at their time: 180HP, lighter bikes, no electronics, no fancy displays, far cheaper...
Hey Neevesy , thanx for all the great content. Bit of struggle for me is to decide if I want to buy the s1000r completely stock and fit a fully adjustable ohlins system front and back, or get the semi active suspension from BMW. In order to get a great bike on mountain twisties but also use it everyday.