Neevesy's simple set-up hacks: sort your bike like a road test pro | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

Michael Neeves has ridden all kinds of bikes all over the world from 125s through to exotic limited edition superbikes and race machinery. Find out the simple things you can do at home to improve your bike set-up like a pro with minimal tools
#StayAtHome
Get the best of biking EVERY day...
Follow us!
Facebook
/ motorcyclenews
Twitter News and Sport
@MCNNews / mcnnews
@MCNSport / mcnsport
Instagram
/ motorcyclenews
Visit the MCN website for all the latest news, sport, buy a used motorbike and even get insurance through us with MCN Compare:
www.motorcyclenews.com/
Welcome to the official KZbin channel of the world’s biggest print and online motorcycle publication. All the greatest motorcycle video content from the world’s most respected motorcycling media brand. Since 1955 MCN is available weekly in both print and digital editions and 24/7 on motorcyclenews.com. ow.ly/10pe69

[@maxflight777]

No profanity, no criticism of other journalists- just solid facts and guidance. 25 years of experience in a 17 minute video ! Thank you Neevsey.

[@expatbiker6598]

Neeves has been generous of late. Seems like he's in a point in his life where he has no fear of competition. Just giving back mood.

[@bruceleong9534]

Fantastic Michael. After 50 years on a bike I’ve picked up most of this but so good to have it all confirmed by a pro in one simple, down-to-earth video. The silver lining to the Covid19 cloud. Look forward to more like this.

[@inthesPhila]

Thank you. So calm, so all knowing but gentle. Man, I like your style of passing on knowledge, deep knowledge. Honest. Broadly experienced, not selling anything. Awesome video.

[@countcatula]

As always, brilliant layman terms that everyone can understand... Love your reviews and input Neevesy!

[@HamzaFaruqui]

That was years of experience in 16 minutes. Amazing.

[@andysatch9150]

Heard TMF mentioning this guy quite a bit, but never really seen him. Now I know why. I've watched a few videos of late (I'm sure we all have!!), and this guy is top notch in his knowledge and presentation. This stuff is gold dust to those who were not born on a bike (you know who you are!). I for one appreciate the information and the easy way it is presented.

[@AndrewBoundy]

Love listening to people who actually know their stuff. Thanks Michael.

[@therookiebiker3990]

All the “Fast Boys” are going to be riding about with their brake levers hard up against the glove, because “Neevesy says racers do that”😂

[@boydjeffery7672]

Yeah I found it funny as I have long fingers..

[@docmoto6477]

@@boydjeffery7672 as do i. But not all are as blessed as we few.🤣

[@sivonparansun]

He forgot to mention that a ton of those 'quick' individuals have aftermarket brake parts xP

[@daystate123]

Close to the bar for more squeeze then shove stubby levers on 🤔🤭🤪

[@N0kJAA]

Waaaaaaaaaa Mi-A-Dead 🤣🤣🤣🫣 #FuRR-Real 🤌🏾

[@lhunt480]

What an excellent guide based on proven experience, top tips from a top guy! 👍👍

[@adamstratford6740]

Neevsey keeping it 💯 real no bs no willy waving just saying it how it is 👏👏

[@bikewolf7455]

setting your handlebars by rotating them really helps too on some bikes. especially on everything you ride offroad with.

[@calumkz]

We need more of these videos online. There’s so much on new bikes no one can afford and all the expensive modifications and maintenance but so little is on the basics of good bike setup. So many people on the road have their bike set up so bad but they don’t know because you rarely get a chance to ride two identical bikes with two totally different setups to compare against. That’s why it’s so hard to figure out what works best because there’s little to compare your bike to unless you keep messing around with the settings each time you ride on the same road.

[@knotsable]

One of the more likeable motorcycle reviewers on youtube ...

[@dodge20071]

Appreciate the veteran wisdom. Always good to have a refresher early in the season for me in the USA. Thanks again.

[@mrmenan6450]

Neeves so relaxed and calm, man continue with this series, any info you give is valuable to us. :)

[@paulmcadam6825]

Thanks for posting. Proud owner of a UK spec 918 FireBlade! Watching this in Guyana, South America.

[@markkelly8521]

Excellent advice. You should consider doing a garage section on your vlogs. Found this great advice 👍

[@dodge20071]

Mark Kelly completely agree! Need more this style vids.

[@Invis_Space]

This was a great little bit! I’m sure many will appreciate this.

[@vintagerealityvr]

Watching 6 months of motorcycle vids this was honestly the most useful to me

[@colinm1325]

Hey Mike, Yeh, he's good. Hava look at MCRider, and Mike on Bikes, & DDFM, I think they all hav gr8 advice and r helpful 👍🙂🌈🛵

[@GhanaianBoy]

Very informative stuff, thanks. Recently discovered your reviews and I love them. Good man.

[@teecee3918]

Excellent stuff...nice and straightforward, no BS 👍

[@andyhorton1472]

Love Neevesys videos. More please. Also love all MCN videos. Great they took time in lockdown to educate and entertain us.

[@spetersonmusic]

This video is gold. Every bit of it is useful and informative. Total respect for doing this.

[@AirwolfBMG]

After going to Ron Haslems race school/ classes, it has saved me hundreds on tyres. When you see him and the instructors on sport touring rubber. You got to ask why do I need these other tyres which last 1000 plus miles LESS. Great upload 👍thank you

[@NurburgringBikerBlog]

Awesome Video Michael, I genuinely do not think there is anyone out there with more Motorcycle knowledge than you! Respect!...😊👍

[@sofiadurao312]

Thank you! Amazing to listen to you, great advice!

[@bramelbull]

I truly appreciate your insight, Neeves! It's like you are my personal coach, and your knowledge is very helpful and on point. Thank you.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Thank you for your service to humanity. 🙂👍

[@samiam5326]

Thanks Neevesy, very helpful. Stay safe.

[@rhonerider6966]

Incredibly valuable information in this video.... and I cant think of a time I've ever seen a video done properly on this subject, from someone who knows what they're talking about... thanks 🙌

[@VTECheart]

Lots of great wisdom here. All motorcyclists should watch, listen and take to heart the information here! thank you

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

Many thanks for this superb checklist. One for the archives. Best. G.

[@David-xg6ws]

Great information. Really appreciate the content and the delivery!

[@leewatkeys9065]

Thanks for sharing that hard earned knowledge with us all Neevesy. Be nice to be able to go out and put into practice once lockdown is over 😀

[@lovenotfear-fp3gp]

Yep excellent advice for someone like me who's only been riding for just over 1 year

[@kramnam4716]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience so clearly and concisely. 🙏🏼👏💚

[@davidcardinal9900]

Great video! Definitely some useful nuggets of information

[@sidsmith8251]

Good info for any rider beginner or experienced

[@JamchesterBoozle]

You the man Neevesy, geezer 🤛

[@brandonreptilianclassiib9271]

My new (at the time) 2015 GSX-R750 NEEDED the suspension adjustment and ECU tuning just to be RIGHT. I also upgraded the adjustable rear axle adjuster and extended 12-15mm (depending on the day (Temps, route, tire pressure, etc) and that thing handled like a damn dream. Anyone with a K5 and up needs to do this. Example of how bad factory Suzuki ECUs are.. after my tune (ignition and fuel with full bolt-ons and no cat) I made as much to the wheel as a factory Gixxer 1000.

[@sammdonn100]

very informative and educative Neevesy, thanks a lot.

[@allenglishknives6823]

Excellent as always 👍🏻

[@philipTOMPSETT]

Really helpful for a newbie. Thanks

[@allanblackbourn990]

Excellent. Love your work. thanks.

[@SaqibKhaliq]

Amazing. Went in the garage last night and had to tinker - you are bang on about the levers, and adjusting them to your liking. Thank you. Please continue with this - lets do some Q&A like Simon Crafar is doing, help us get through this lockdown.

[@jameshutchins3396]

Truly the voice of experience

[@leduaracosta1569]

Very useful video mate much appreciated it ✌️

[@icterio1]

Excellent video!!

[@gazeepthesheep]

This is gold!

[@ZondaF355]

Really informative clip...these topics are always interesting to hear from experts that have the amount of seat time that you do sir

[@SuperMotoMe]

Good advice all over. I agree on every point, way of thinking.

[@gerrickrosado1839]

Thank you this was very helpful

[@rickjames7532]

Great advice Neevsey. I knew nothing about bikes when I got my first and luckily spoke to a dealer who had a workshop and helped me with the suspension set up as I'm very tall and heavy. Thanks for tips with levers and gear position. My wrists hurt on long journey's and I just came to expect that being that I ride a sports bike but that just might save me a bit of pain.

[@tonypammen3398]

Went up to the supermarket on the bike after going softer on compression damping on the front and rear on my MT10SP, a lot better no jarring through the bars. So thanks for that Mr Neeves

[@craigmayall7513]

Bloody good. Thanks !!

[@bobbyblueace]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@marcodimaio3087]

Amazing content, top man

[@iancharlton5530]

Brilliant vid thank you.

[@enduroa.k.o]

Great information as always 👍

[@optixmatrix6201]

Great video..helped me out alot

[@Dillonpickle]

Thanks mate, good tips on levers

[@grayman999]

That was interesting and was very relaxing and knowledgeable chat really enjoyed it 👍👍

[@LambChopRides]

Great advice from the Don 👍

[@thaNZdon]

Gday old chop fancy seeing u here

[@sourceenergy246]

Great advice 👌 thank you

[@m7jnu]

Solid advice

[@jockmcjock8411]

This is what you get with years of unbiased experience, having been paid to do a job objectively. Not the uninformed ramblings you get from far too many a vlogger who just seems excited to have a free bike to use and is out to make content for contents sake.

[@moviebod]

Very interesting. Thanks!

[@davidbassiri8066]

This is an excellent video Neevesy

[@manuelfava6493]

This is a useful video thanks

[@docmoto6477]

It IS nice from time to time. Well said.😎

[@gnarshread]

What a nice little insight into being a bike journalist.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@MrMetalhead33]

I really enjoyed this, thank you. I hope to see more like this. Maybe tips for touring?

[@nigelpstreet]

Excellent vid. Best bike journo by miles - the biker's Chris Harris.

[@dedelabinouze5110]

Brilliant video, very helpful, thank you ! I'd love some riding tips and stuff like that from Neevesy.

[@sailor5026]

Thank you

[@gspiggity]

Nice one thanks to neevsey!

[@MayorofDipshittery-lq7if]

Really helpful comments 👍👍👍👍

[@michaelstrauss6587]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. While I may not have learned anything new, this was a great confirmation that what I've been doing for years is right, not only in my own eyes but also someone like yourself who is a professional.

[@oldhairpin]

Great video Old Chap

[@Snoopmasta]

Great advice🥳 and at a time lots of us might have the time at hand since they can't use their bike because of isolation restrictions. 🥺

[@jamsxr]

I’ll never forget Neevesy make me go backwards at Brands 😅

[@duncanfraser2390]

I would say adjusting the angle of the clutch and brake levers so they fit under my fingers better was a huge improvement for me, and it took 2 minutes to do.

[@darseyno1520]

Brilliant information from Mr Neeves, straight to the point and it is good to hear from someone who knows what they are talking about.

[@BrianFrichette]

I agree with pretty much everything, with a few small caveats. I generally find it's better to run tire pressures a bit lower in the rear than in the front. Pressures depend on the carcass construction, but generally I go 32-34 rear, and 34-36 front. I'll put more in the rear if I'm just doing commuting though for longevity. I fully agree that people drop their pressures too much on the road. Everything you said is correct about how on the track the COLD pressures are lower because the tires are meant to heat up which increases the pressures. But one thing people don't often realize is that you get much *less* grip when your pressures remain too low. It's not just lazy steering; The tires end up deflecting, compressing, and then bouncing back. Not only does this wear the tires out many times faster, this quick flexing creates a cavitation effect that makes the tire unstable. It will wallow around alot, and can even give a feeling like rebound is too fast, when really it's the tire flexing and rebounding too much. It's a really bad situation. Basically, big thumbs up pointing that one out. You can drop your pressures a *little* if you're going to be maintaining a healthy clip on a back road, but I'm talking a couple PSI, max.

[@aarondatsun6957]

Top Man!

[@GeirMeyer]

Beutiful ..Thanks

[@Addy29plus5]

Awesome

[@chrisd2415]

Plus if your brake lever is too high you have to make an accelerating action with your wrist to enable your fingers to operate the lever, potentially causing you to accelerate into a braking situation, not good. Great video

[@nunyabidness9257]

Agree with almost everything said, apart form what was said about tire pressures. I have found that lower tire pressures help stop the tires prematurely wearing. My rides typically involve a 40 mile freeway ride to where the good roads start and when I first got my R1M myself and other were aghast at the tire wear from cold shearing and from wearing flat on the rear. I only had 400 miles on my first rear when it started to flatten out noticeably. I found that my wear problems stopped largely by running 5psi or so low front and rear. It feels like they might warm a bit quicker too, but to be fair the RS10’s are pretty good even cold. Did the same on a set of S21’s on my GSXR and they lasted 3 seasons-finally down to the wear bars. The Super Corsa Whatever’s on the EBR1190RS (not RX, the RS was a Bucket List bike for me)I just got might get the same treatment once I get used to them and set the chassis up. Hope you’re doing well in the UK (was born near RAF Lakenheath), things are quite bad here in Detroit, we can still ride as a recreational activity but the economy simply vanished. Best regards, Dave

[@GaryJohnWalker1]

More of this wisdom please while most of us have too much time on our hands.

[@one-of-us9939]

I waited my whole life for a race type bike. When Aprilia RSV4 RF LE in 2018 came out with wings I had to have it. Nothing to do to it, besides set up suspension for my weight. She even came with premium Pirelli rubber.

[@petereeves1354]

My old '07' KTM 990 Superduke recommends 34psi front & rear. I live in the Italian mountains & run Supercorsa SPs. Normally run 33 front 32 back, & can get a wiggle on nae bother. 34 front 30 back on my local track in Modena. Stay safe thanks for all the vids. FatBoy.

[@markb3480]

The thing that I am always amazed at is how many people are riding round on bikes that are setup the same way as the day they bought it. The whole point of having adjustable suspension oem is to make it easier to get the bike set up for you to enjoy. So these people are not using the whole potential of their bikes simply because it’s setup for the previous owner lol

[@kiwi2631]

As far as tire pressures it’s good to go with the tire manufacturers recommendations if they make them available. Dunlop’s Q3+ lists them at 32/32ish F/R.

[@marksmith8663]

Good pointer and I like Leavers close as it’s Easier to modulate until you trap your 3finger on a emergency braking 😱

[@DSO1994]

. . . also adjust the handle bars mm perfect until they feel right for your riding style & arm length, then adjust levers accordingly. Makes a World of difference.

[@mikewatson361]

Very informative 👍 many thanks 🙏 🏍

[@dmandhelen]

Ive personally found that under "normal" conditions the brake lever is better closer to the throttle, however I have it farther away because I found that if I have to do an emergency brake where I have to react quickly ,my fingers were caught by the lever as I was trying to "roll off" and then get on the brake as quickly as possible.As I ride through the winter and have thicker gloves on, having the lever farther than nearer is best for me.