Naked Bikes Go Extinct with new "Comfortable" Sportbikes

[@garyu3875]

Not everyone equates sporty with being covered with plastic. I feel a lot of people prefer the "naked" look for the look. It's not trying to be a racer replica, or fool anyone to think it is. It is exactly what it looks like, fully exposed, pure. For my dime I'd rather have the money go into the mechanicals of the bike rather than the bodywork.

[@kupalisky3553]

Yeah I own superbikes and a supernaked because I like the aesthetics of both. Also the riding dynamics provide varying experiences and personalities

[@AsusSusu-o3x]

FortNine had good video about value of bikes. Instead of getting more for more, we should have gotten the same for cheaper.

[@nateb0722]

I prefer seeing all the interesting bits.

[@wadeteach]

Got back into riding at 55 years old. I got the GSX-8R because it checked all the boxes for me. And it looks badass, IMO.

[@Whatsthedealsquirter]

"i really like specilized bikes" coming from the guy who has access to anything he wants to ride😂😂

[@TwistedMolecule]

Exactly. Not everyone has the means to have a specialized bike for every situation. The vast majority of us need a bike that does it all.

[@Whatsthedealsquirter]

@TwistedMolecule ,I can afford one payment not even dream of buying cash🤑🤑,I ride a duel sport,cause I like the woods ,just feels small on the road,big in the woods

[@artemis83]

@@TwistedMolecule indeed, the vast majority of people want (and need) a bike the does everything decently, or at least most.

[@adrienadjeisowah4114]

Doesn't he ride an Adv 😂😂

[@Whatsthedealsquirter]

@@adrienadjeisowah4114 guy alot better than me for sure ,even on dirt and he hates dirt

[@ravfrage3988]

I’ve always preferred the look of sport bikes over naked bikes. There’s just something about the sleek, aggressive styling that resonates with me. That said, the new generation of sport bikes aren’t exactly the dialed-in, track-focused super sports we used to see. They’re more versatile, which is great for someone like me who doesn’t have the luxury of buying multiple bikes for different purposes. Let’s be real-if you’re making $50k, $60k, or even $70k a year, it’s tough to justify a dedicated track bike alongside a daily rider. That’s why I went with the RS660. It’s a great, comfortable way to get into a sport bike without having to buy two machines that essentially serve similar functions. Sure, track riding and everyday street riding are very different experiences, but if one bike can handle both decently well, why not go for it? For me, the RS660 struck the perfect balance. Styling is also a huge factor for a lot of people when it comes to bikes. I didn’t just get a bike because I wanted to ride-I got one because I wanted to look cool and feel like the most badass person on the planet while doing it. No matter what the specs say or how a bike rides, if I don’t think it looks good, I’m not going to want it. Personally, I’m not a fan of how most naked bikes look. Sure, there are a few out there that I think look great, but for the most part, they just don’t do it for me. I gravitate toward sport bikes because they have that aggressive, sleek styling that really makes me feel like I’m riding something special. At the end of the day, if a bike doesn’t make me feel excited just looking at it, it’s not the bike for me.

[@skrrrttt999]

that is exactly why I want to buy gsx-8r, I love look of sport bikes but I want to do naked bike riding with it

[@Gofr5]

Same here. I can only have 1 bike, so highly specialised machines don't appeal to me. I like the more generalised machines. Got a 1290 SAS as more more comfy sport touring machine that can handle light amounts of offroad also. Perfect!

[@dddon513]

Have you convinced yourself yet the rs660 was a good purchase? Yeesh.

[@rickybobby6760]

Naked bikes to me are the 'UJM' of the 70s/early 80s. Boring...always preferred the aesthetical of the sport bikes to them.

[@DanielRodriguez-do6ud]

There’s nothing wrong with specialized bikes, but a jack of all trades bike works for the 98% of us who can’t ride any bike we want because our job isn’t focused around bikes. They’re a very expensive luxury, so if I want something I can daily to work while also having a blast on track or at 2am I’m gonna get an r9. Bikes are too expensive to just have 4 different kinds that we can pick on any given day

[@cf9590]

Arrhhh9

[@rywints]

people want the comfort of naked bikes with wind protection

[@7even255]

Naked looks better than Sport, can't change my mind, no matter how comfortable or cheap

[@jermaineogarro2124]

😂😂😂

[@rickybobby6760]

And to me the opposite...naked looks to me like the UJM bikes of the 70s/80s. Already lived through that.

[@7even255]

@@rickybobby6760 that's absolutely okay. But the sheer fact that there are people like me makes nakeds non-obsolete

[@rickybobby6760]

Not me arguing they are obsolete...as long as a bike has a market then it is relevant. I don't tell others what they shoukd like 😀

[@greatbigeye2506]

It’s interesting to me that these bikes are considered comfortable. They are frequently recommended to new riders but the athletic aspects of riding them are rarely discussed. You are constantly sliding into the tank so you have to grip it with your legs. A lot of your body weight is on your hands. Your knees are quite bent. These bikes rip but I’d rather just sit upright even if it means needing an expensive wide dorky looking aftermarket seat so my tailbone isn’t in pain.

[@Pinggolfer71]

It’s about having lots of choices on the market. Not everyone wants a fairing to remove before working on their bike.

[@Victor-i8b2w]

The fairings just look cool, that’s why.

[@tiger200350]

Sport touring FTW. The ninja 650 was ahead of its time, again.

[@BolverkrTheEvilDoer]

I almost agree with you. I think the ADV bike made the changed. Adventure bikes cannibalized the sports-touring market, so they are almost extinct. But after a few years of riding, you will get bored of the local roads, so it is almost inevitable that either you will turn to a track day guy, or a touring guy. And if you go to day long or multi day long rides, rain and wind protection and comfort will become important, so you will need a more upright seat position and fairing. This is where it comes to a full circle. The sport-touring category is making a comeback from the sport bike side. Not to mention, that sport bikes become so expensive, that only a few people can afford a full sportbike for track days. At least that is the way I see it in eastern/middle of Europe.

[@einarrjamesson9643]

I view it kind of like the car market. People love their camero ZL1 and mustang shelbys and hellcats. But at the end of the day they aren't race machines. They are heavy, don't have race tires, they have ac, radio, leather power seats, etc. I know it's easy to sit back and say that the manufacturer should make the 1L and the 600 and have those available for people or maybe on a made to order basis, but I don't see anything wrong with making more street oriented Supersports. Make them a little more comfortable? Get a middle of the road gearing that let's you have the low power without sacrificing the top end. Hell, just make the 1000 an on order basis and keep the 600, or shit ditch both and just run a 750 with a street trim or certified aftermarket kit to swap it for street use. This turned into a ramble but I ended up liking the last idea best lol.

[@Cartsp70]

You’re right, that’s why I always say to people that imo the BMW R1250R is probably the best bike I’ve ever ridden and I’ve had loads of bike including the Speed Triple Rs1200 and I say this because the R1250R can do anything, you can tour on it you can use it for commuting it’s got enough power to have fun on a track ( although it’s a bit heavy ) but when you add everything together like heated grips heated seat cruise control rider modes it’s supremely comfortable it’s got incredible torque for the highway, it’s good at low speeds , it’s not the prettiest bike out there but it’s a fantastic bike 🏍️ 👍🏾

[@gdswghdsCjiirwe]

Fairing on an average bike looks like race kit on an average car.

[@AWholeLottaKalamata]

Its pure preference as some peeps love their naked bikes and others have grooves in their brain indicating that having a windscreen is logical for going anything above 40 miles per hour

[@robertisaar]

Perhaps I'm missing a few grooves, but 40ish feels fine. It's not until 85+ do I even start to think "that wind really doesn't like me".

[@ultimateslayerjr9890]

I personally rock with this new trent, I love Sportbikes because of their performance and looks, but I'm 6,2 and riding one for more than an hour gets uncomfortable. I've never liked naked bikes because of how "common" they look, they just look like any other bike, just with the performance of a sport bike. This new bikes kinda give you what Sportbikes give you, without the uncomfortable ergonomics

[@corujariousa]

The advantage I see on a naked bike with fairings is that they become easier to keep clean. I personally believe the naked bike crowd appreciates the style and would not make the trade.

[@beardannyboy]

I think you hit the nail on the head at 2:40. It's a styling exercise. It's about aesthetics. It's why family minivans are shaped to look like offroad vehicles these days. It's why the NC750X kinda looks like an adventure bike. There's a set of riders want their generic do-it-all-okay bike, but they want it to look like a high-performance racing bike.

[@lucascarracedo7421]

Style is still the main reason for similar products to exist, even if they are using the exact same platform. It's not like the existence of one is risking the other as basically it's just the same with different fairing more or less. Some people will like one thing, others will prefer the other flavor.

[@KriszX12]

Yeah... look at the Ducati SF "Formulae". Panigale + wider handlebars - fairing. They literally put the fact onto your face that's all the difference (in their marketing). That's literally all it takes to change that flavour we are talking about. Personally I think both looks sick, maybe the SF a bit better (due to that V2 stock exhaust fitting better for naked in my opinion) but silly me wants to own a sport bike in their lifetime then move to naked again probably ending up on sports tourer later in time.

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

I will reject the electric nonsense vehicle forever.

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

I just like the looks of a naked. Its more pure and its showing off its muscle, with the added bonus of being alot easier to maintain and clean. I sometimes look at the new Penigale V4 and I like to imagine what it would look like without any fairings. I know they serve a purpose, but not everybody wants to ride at 150mph all the time.

[@simonb6982]

Actually, producers have snuck the sports tourer genre back in. Which I really like. Would have bought a R9 or something like that in 2016, but there were no brand-new cool 100ish hp sports tourers available back in the day. So I got a Street Triple 675R with a big wind shield instead

[@DmenDuroRider]

I think the supersport market is changing. Not everybody has 20k+ to spend on one bike. The R9 is going to be a sweet machine.

[@eladlevi9607]

R9 R7 are crazy uncomfortable, even cbr650r is not comfortable. the ONLY comfortable "sports" bikes are RS660, GSX-8R and Ninja 650

[@motomehanicar459]

You were talking differently couple of years ago - sport bikes had to be more comfortable and now you are talking the opposite! 😂 👍

[@skrrrttt999]

yeah, that is the cricle he is talking about lol

[@saladkeeper]

13:15 man this intersection gave me an aneurysm. Please Texas make more roundabouts 🙏🙏

[@samanthagregoryurich4167]

I started on an Aprilia RS 660 a little over a year ago and it's been fantastic. It works really well on the road and on the track. It would be perfect if I was less track focused, but this winter I bought a GSXR 600 for the track.

[@aw5175]

"naked bikes... feel rough around the edges" The Streetfighter v4 sp would like a word

[@bernardofidalgo1808]

now I understand why you're moving back towards track riding. these recent vlogs are just straight rodes all the way

[@ninji5226]

I ride an 04 FZ1 and the small bikini fairing on my bike makes it look damn sexy, just enough plastic for some style lines. The Suzuki SV was the same way, just a small fairing made a huge difference because without those both bikes looked like the definition of forgettable, which is how I see most nakeds. Some like the Z900 or the last gen MT-10 have enough plastic that it almost looks like a bikini fairing and I'm down with that. I don't need a full fairing (pita to service) but I want something with more style than what a tank and frame can provide.

[@michaelmabe8214]

I think one of the reasons we never got back to 2008 levels is because of how aggressive so many drivers are these days. people talk about expense and I think that's true as well but I think the main thing keeping new younger riders away is the fear of being leveled somewhere in the city. I'm also not sure if it pulls girls the way it used to when I was younger :)

[@darthtrucker489]

Love my S Triple 1200RS. I can't believe you say it's not comfortable. It's way more comfy than my Daytona.

[@therealsushi423]

yap session bc why not: the motorcycle sales not recovering since 2008 makes no sense to me personally, i remember years and years ago i was about 14 and saw a video of a guy on a sportbike with “heartbeat” by childish gambino playing over it and i was just in LOVE, now here i am as a beginner and my current hyperfixation (i have autism) is sportbikes 😂 i don’t get how people my age aren’t all buying motorcycles, they’re so diverse and no where near as expensive as a car, so long as you’re buying a bike that’s good for getting around the city and not like a h2r or smth😂 anyway yammie noob i love watching your videos while i eat and stuff you teach really good things like safety and not developing bad riding habits and we as a community are all a lot safer and having more fun because of your work, thanks bro, ride safe

[@nla27]

Mt09, xsr 900 R9, GT9, and tenere 9 use the same frame. The rear subframe that the seat attaches to is the difference in frame. The trim, swingarm, handlebars, and tube length are the main differences. Xsr 900, gt9 , and tenere had a slightly longer swing arm for stability.

[@stephenbarnes8817]

Those supersport machines are still not as comfortable hero’s as most of the naked bikes. The sport touring bikes are closer to comfortable. I do like fairings for wind protection.

[@stephenharriau1406]

I started as a Harley guy, worked on them in my shop. Started reading riding technique books. Got a Honda Hornet and freaked out on the control, power and comfort. FZ1, then an R1. I’m on a Tracer now, my second. Don’t have to sell me on a comfortable tech bike.

[@JohnDoe-zo5tu]

What's wrong with a comfortable sportbike? Nothing. The Ninja 1000 is basically a Z1000 naked bike with fairings. If you prefer fairings, get the former (otherwise, get the latter). Some people don't want or need a ZX-10R. It's a race bike designed for the track. Nothing wrong with that. But the reality is, for most people, it's impractical for everyday use. Kawasaki hit the nail on the head in describing the Ninja 1000 as "a sportbike for the real world." And let's not forget that not only is a ZX-10R more expensive to buy, it's significantly more expensive to insure. Personally, I think Yamaha should offer a fully-faired version of the MT-10. I also think Honda should bring back the VFR.

[@Mall_Watch]

I grew up in the era of sportbikes 90-2010 turning 16 in 2000. The arms race compromised them too much for street and made them too expensive. That killed them.

[@morningsalute03]

My 2007 GSXR 600 is very comfy just did a 600 mile trip in 24 hours. I don't understand everyone saying they aren't comfortable. Im 6' 2" 205 pounds so I'm not tiny.

[@schigara]

I find my 08 ZX10R quite comfy. The most comfy supersport I have owned out of about 23 sport bikes since 1989.

[@NightowlJWebb]

I will never understand why Honda killed off the VFR800. The amazing sounding V4s are more and more popular, the ergo style is more popular than ever as people grow out of fully committed sportbike angles, the single-sided swingarm is a stylish luxury, the "deluxe" version offered modern tech and adjustable suspension, the last fairings looked every bit as good as CBRs... I love my VFR, there's not a single bike I'd prefer for double its value or less

[@barbarousrelic4591]

Lack of sales killed it. I had a VFR too, great all-round bike with that excellent V4. It's also heavy, and not especially sharp steering. The 8th gen looks pretty sharp still, but all previous generations are looking dated now. The V4 is also complex and expensive to manufacture. The buyers just wouldn't be there at what Honda would need to sell them for.

[@equinox2909]

Personally, sportsbikes really excelled in the handling category. I have much easier time riding a sportsbike in traffic than those motorcycles that have handle bars.

[@sheaselmer1835]

I personally love the triples though bc of the fun torque you get that you don't from a fairing bike. Plus I'm a big fan of the non plastic naked. I'm an mt09 rider and I love that thing.

[@TrippyWheelsEnduro]

see the issue is its not always the performance aspect. I feel a lot of naked buyers are buying for style over most things. I am one of the people that grew up thinking naked bikes looks sick. I also love all bikes so maybe I am not the one to ask. Cruiser, sports, ADV, Dual sport or dirt bike, Love them all

[@CrunchDramaNetwork]

Got a ninja 500, and love it for daily commutes

[@TalonTSI95]

Track guys ride sport bikes, but lets not pretend that the majority of sport bike riders are track guys.

[@T3CHNOskillz]

picked up a 2024 CBR650R back in october. i dont like the look of naked bikes. but to each their own. but that being said the newer model sport bikes are very comfortable to ride for quite some time. the CB650R is almost the exact same bike just without a fairing. damn near same frame

[@boondoc001]

It seems as if the motorcycle industry is doing the same thing the car industry did with making sports cars more comfortable and refined.

[@roryhennessey1983]

Suzuki gsx s1000f for me. Don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon

[@Cthooligan]

Previous MT07 and current RS 660 owner here - I'm going back to naked for my next bike

[@alecd.6449]

I got a MT-07 and want a RS660 so bad 😭

[@vq4209]

Yea I want a cb1000 hornet next

[@artemis83]

I've always wanted a kind of bike that sounds pretty straightforward to me: a normal sporty naked bike (like the 765rs or the tuono 660) but with half fairing so some decent air protection. But it doesn't exist. And I never understood why.

[@Gofr5]

Comfortable sport bikes are what I always wanted. I always wanted a fully faired bike with the ergos and handle bars of a naked bike. That would be my dream bike. I took it to the extreme though and got a road oriented ADV that I use as a sport touring bike. Even the "comfortable" sport bikes for me are not comfortable enough. ADV ergos, for me personally, are unparalleled. That all said, I do REALLY want that GSX1000GT from Suzuki. They finally made it in red!!! As for preferring specialised machines, that's a personal preference. I like more generalised machines since I can only have 1 bike, so highly specialised machines to me are not very appealing. That's why I got rid of my 701 SM, despite still liking it. I wanted to do longer distance rides and I could just not do it on that bike.

[@CascadianExotics]

With the prices of goods these days (I think I saw a dozen eggs going for nearly $10 over the holidays), people can't afford to get "specialized tools" as their toys anymore. So, if a manufacturer cross-platforms in order to offer a preferred styling package for a broader range of uses, its a tool for them to simultaneously boost sales and meet customers' needs. Car makers do this with their lineups all the time.

[@MrKillervincent]

Personally can't wait for the new r9, want a bike that I can use on the road and the track maybe 50/50, thought about the 765rs, thought about a zx6r, but once some content on the r9 comes out I'll make my decision, currently got a gen 1 sv that does a great job (swapped out the suspension components)

[@xXAkitokunXx]

I hate compromise, like I enjoy the supersport position for that purpose track and twisties. If i want comfort im getting a cruiser or naked. The in between feels kinda cheap and doesn't feel like it's like half half which some people may like. But it depends if people want these or not. I want a supersport R9 because the power use more than the R7. But the R9 you can raise the pegs higher. Really weird grey area.

[@bluefrog8670]

They must figure most people dont walk out to a whole stable of bikes in their garage.

[@dean8367]

Pretty sure the nakeds will always be cheaper..

[@irradiatedgrog]

I bought an 24 MT09 on yours and others recommendations. 2 months ago you were saying the mt09 was the best going. Ive always liked naked bikes and more so supermotos. The naked is easier to work on and just seem more agile playful. I also do a bit of stunt riding and the mt09 will go off road after first crash. I love the R9 tho but my mt09 really does feel like a giant supermoto

[@johnellis2435]

For bigger guys its probably ideal something with a windshield. I have a naked bike and my 52 inch chest gets kited along with my shoulders.

[@johncurry7246]

I don't know about extinct, I still really like the look of the Triumph Trident and Yamaha XSR.

[@mtntroll1]

Got the Trident 660 last month. Good looking as it is fun to ride. & Oh yeah, pd all day comfortable

[@johncurry7246]

@mtntroll1 nice! I'm thinking about getting one this spring to get back into riding now that my kid is grown.

[@mrvwbug4423]

At this point they're just throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks.

[@jonmarchilgers384]

“Only a 135mph”. Haha. Love your content. Long time viewer. ☮️

[@sabref4i290]

Wait my naked bike is going extinct ? Jumps on super duke 1290 goes for a ride yeah I absolutely don't think so lol

[@cleric670]

I think your opinion on "a bike that should specialize" is exactly why sport bikes are so much less common nowadays, people want bikes that are more universal. And there's no such thing as a "comfortable" sportbike, they're just more comfortable than they USED to be but in no way is that riding position actually comfortable...

[@bigbadvicHo]

Bikes should all have a changeable riding position with certain speed or with the press of a button

[@ThePeter3489]

I can’t be the only one that wants a naked bike confront with sport bike plastics for the cool factor give me a fully phared naked bike pls

[@logangodofcandy]

It's only naked, because it doesn't have the fairing.

[@ThePeter3489]

@ I’m aware but they also have upright seating

[@codydavis4513]

I have a Tuono v4. It’s pretty close to that

[@kupalisky3553]

Get a Tuono

[@wargolemx102]

If it was fully faired, ut wont be naked

[@brentcollins9727]

“Obsolete” by Fear Factory is an incredible song

[@zackadkins4234]

We all know the ultimate answer is the Z H2👀🤣

[@tractioncontroloff9796]

After a year with my Thruxton R I’m ready to trade it in for a gsxr 750 or r9. I wanted to love the Thruxton but I’m still a supersport guy. The Thruxton doesn’t handle or perform how I like.

[@mrzeke4413]

What car is equal to the naked bike. Thats what we need

[@flyingmerkel6]

"Comfortable" sport bike? Sounds like my 1984 Kawasaki GPZ 750. Rode it all over the Southwest & California

[@barbarousrelic4591]

We all love the look of fully-faired race replicas, but for street riding, I dont want to be in full race tuck all the time. My solution has been to own a pure sport bike, and a good naked bike up until now. As of this year though, I've downsized to only one bike... and its a comfortable, fully faired street bike. Owning two or three motorcycles (and insuring them, maintaining them, upgrading them) just doesnt make much sense to me anymore.

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

My 2005 VFR800 has been comfortable for 20 years, LOL

[@blucati1521]

I think I agree with some that a sport bike should be uncomfortable. Was my lower back hurting after long rides in the hill country or track days? Yes of course! That was name of game, and I enjoyed it like everyone else. I’ve always had a love for naked bikes, and what made me switch was my knees going bad from the military. If manufacturers are changing to be more comfortable, then I feel they’re doing changes or getting rid of bikes for the wrong reasons.

[@supdude5481]

I’m at the point of completely retiring from riding if people can’t use blinkers or look twice just not worth it to be honest. Beautiful machines will miss it

[@Montragon29]

The CBR1100XX could be considered a comfortablke superbike nowadays...

[@some_guy441]

Buy a sport bike they say.... why? You cant even get out of first gear in most places. I used to not shift to second gear till i was at 90mph. Sold it... bought an mt09

[@Sizzle408]

Let’s gooo. I’m cool of naked bikes , nooooo thank you.

[@jp2024b]

Yams, I want your opinion. What if they brought back the SV650S to compete with the R7 and the rest of the middleweight category? Updated styling to match the new crop of sport bikes of course but I think it’d be interesting. It would give the R7 a run for its money and it would be more raw and unassisted than something like the GSX8R, RS 660 etc. It’d also be the only V twin in the category as well. I own an 03 SVS and I really want to see how it would stack up to the new 650 class if it got updated.

[@1mangostick]

I might be an outlier but I'd like to see more road biased sport touring bikes built on middleweight naked bike platforms vs these huge hulking 800lb+ machines or silly ADV bikes. Some of us that want to ride pavement all day aren't trying to ditch the nimble flickable feeling a lighter bike has. I get it, farkles add weight but literally doubling my MT07 in mass just for luggage, bodywork and a second seat just seems stupid and though the big bikes do have a market, I think the mfr's are missing a pretty good sized hole in the middle.

[@EpiceverythingProductions]

In the past you have stated the Speed Triple 1200 rr as an almost perfect bike but literally has the same engine and tune of the rs, which conflicts with what you are saying now

[@skrrrttt999]

guys, I initially wanted to buy gsx8r but cbr650r is the same price and I like the inline 4 more, is it gonna be okay for riding twisty roads and short trips (like 100km one way)? I want to be comfortable but I'm okay with losing some of it for looks and characteristics

[@michaelmckinney9251]

Thoughts on the new Kawasaki 1100SX SE?

[@trunktoyz]

@1:17 that position looks really odd. Goofer sport ergos 😂. Is that person just really tall for that bike?

[@CurtisSmal]

i cant speak for anyone else, but for me personally, i went with a daytona 660 because i don't want or need a bike that breaks my back and wrists and goes 270+kph, and realistically having a position that committed doesn't make anyone faster on the roads anyway as much as people like to think it does, and i personally think naked bikes are ugly as shit, i hate the way most of them look. also the daytona name goes further back than just the damn 675 bro there has been a daytona similar to the 660 before.

[@tylerrichter4066]

I still want a mini busa 600

[@stephenclarke6114]

The R9 is not a comfortable bike?? My gsx8r is no way I could do 400-500 miles on a R9

[@tzarnaev]

If they can’t make em look like the Superduke I sure hope not!

[@th3bi6Lebowski]

Honestly. Just get a damn harley, goldwing, or indian at that point. Wanna do fast boy things than it'll come with some give and take.

[@sycology2486]

Price is bigger issue

[@bratcafe5632]

This is another reason the Ninja 650 remains popular. Very close in comfort to the Z650, but looks sporty. As a side note the average rider can get the Ninja 0-60 mph the fastest of all in the 650 class. (Which is basically a "stoplight to stoplight" speed/ distance contest) .....ya don't have to rev it to 14,000 rpm's to get power. And finally.....have you seen these newer modern style obscenities they call "naked bikes" ?? Hideous in appearance, all. Look like something from a gobot//Transformer movie If all the manufacturers just made the standard inline 4 UJM, the sport would grow more quickly. In early 2022, I bought a Ninja 650....pretty soon after, they rolled out the "classic" version, UJM style. If I would have known it was coming, I would have waited. I would bet it has higher sales numbers than the z650 or Ninja.

[@mortonxdd]

Yam hates Honda haha they’ve been doing this 😂

[@oldmangaming3715]

Well, everybody wants versatility of a sport touring bikes but don't have the money for it. So only logical way for manufacturers is to make lesser sport touring that is more approachable in prise. Let's be real. All of us would likely have Goldwing/Glide/BMW K and so on for touring and another 30k sport bike for fun. But we live in reality that nobody has such money. So we all search one that excite us when we look at it and it needs to be practical that we can justify the purchase.

[@Mike_and_Life]

I really haven't figured out why someone would want a less comfortable bike? Yeah, i want a fast bike that i can ride for 20 minutes before i have to stop because my spine is going to explode! Woohoo! Sign my chiropractor up! Who lives near a track to ride? Or can afford it too? And the Street triple is ugly AF, sorry.

[@BlooveyMcgrady]

you can keep shilling the r9 but I will never be interested in it.

[@benpielstick]

Ninja ZX-4RR?

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Think people don’t have specialized bike money. People aren’t gonna buy 2 or 3 bikes. Many people like the look of supersports but may want to ride more than an hour before their back gives out. Also as these bikes go up in price less really young people can afford them. People prolly want to do more than one thing with their bike and a super uncomfortable sport bike goes fast and is nimble around turns but hurts after an hour of riding is a hard sell to anyone that doesn’t do street pulls or goes on track.

[@stabbyronnie]

Sportbikes go extinct as companies put fairings on naked bikes. Fixed it for you.

[@anthonyf3200]

I think they're trying to fill the gaps. I want a middleweight sport tourer like the VFR800 as an all rounder and all of it's competition has died with it (F800GT, Sprint ST, etc). I also think ADVs and nakeds look HORRIBLE (with the exception of good retros like maybe the SV650, Trident, XSR, or Z RS models). Seriously, the speed triple can be as amazing as you say, but when it looks like optimus prime's late term abortion, I certainly wouldn't put money into it. After learning that the bag mounts for the VStrom 800 directly fit onto the 8R (and somewhat the introduction of the Tioger Sport 800), I think there's FINALLY something on the market that is interesting. Maybe there are just more folks out there that miss middleweight sport touring/commuter bikes with lower seat heights and sport wheel sizes than you think, especially tapping into your point about lower disposable incomes leading to a lot of single-machine garages.

[@tymichaelis9735]

Well, I think your perspective is kind of warped. Sure you (as someone with many, many motorcycles) can say that you like specialized motorcycles, but the average person doesn’t necessarily have 10 different individual specialized motorcycles like you do. I think that’s why the niche is a thing, people want a sport bike they can enjoy the looks of and the fairings, while not being cramped, hot, and uncomfortable all the time.

[@einarrjamesson9643]

@tymichaelis9735 Yeah, bikes aren't as expensive as cars, but dropping north of 10k on one* is kinda crazy even for people who make somewhat decent money, much less a stable full. You have to make sacrifices to get something that will do at least more than ONE thing. I'm all about 50/50 or even 75/25 sport bikes, I really like the old 650 thumper dual sport category, when you built your adv instead of buying it. (And can actually go off road and trail ride.) So if instead of a 12k (low end) track bike, a 13k ADV or cruiser for touring, a 8k naked for around town, and a 7k Enduro, I can buy a 13k "not so Supersport" and 6k Dual sport. Even then, that's pushing, and I'm fairly blessed financially.

[@hyperfocus4866]

Kawasaki Sx1000 Ninja 1100?

[@GoFullAuto]

Actually it's the opposite: what is the point of fast bikes with NO wind protection and aerodynamics? What is the point of 180-200 hp bikes with near-track level chassis and brakes and NO fairing?? It's naked (fast) bikes that make no sense!! And WHY ON EARTH should faired bikes NOT be comfortable??? Actually, even S1000RR's and the likes, if sold with a license plate, SHOULD come standard with USEABLE ergonomics, leaving to the optionals' list the lowered bars and higher footpegs needed to optimize lap times.

[@moto_madslims_joel]

I think people have just become too much of whining little babies. Sports bikes are supposed to be uncomfortable, you get over it and if you don’t you shouldn’t ride. Want to find comfort get a naked, Ducati monsters will always be sexy. Same with MT line. Get a few bikes, widen your range and experience on different platforms.

[@docchung9085]

Yea because god forbid anyone would want wind protection with an all around comfortable bike.

[@AS34N]

Laughs in 2025 ex650abs 😂 do you "Mr. Hardcore"

[@bernardoberner4]

You think? Nah youre spot on

[@markholmes5695]

I love sports bikes but like 8+ hour days at weekends on the saddle. That’s me in my profile pic, hardly a pansie but sports ergos are shit. They’re design for track use. So I bought an SFV4s grey Nero. All the nuts without the crap ergos

[@ogmogly8118]

That’s stupid. So I can’t have a bike that’s light, comfortable, and offers wind protection?