Thanks for asking: Fastest riding style, sports touring tyres on track, a bike for everything & more

[@paulclark7637]

On the road, the (safe) limit is usually set by how far you can see, not how hard you can lean

[@BaronVonGrumble]

Good evening Michael, Barry here. Thank you for your detailed and articulate answer, good choice. Its one of those questions that I ask myself daily and enjoy massive swings of opinion depending on my mood. However, I can only choose one and I will also stay in team BMW, however I would choose the 2023 S1000RR. For all the reasons you gave but the additional wind protection from the RR trumps, for me, the bar position. Although the GSA is very close behind it if I'm allowed to swap the front wheel out for a 17" and put some v02 slicks on it 😂 3rd is an old GSXR1000 with 40k miles on it and a don't care, can do attitude 😂😂

[@MillerMotoring]

Barry sounds like a porn alias to me!!?! ;)

[@neevesybikes]

Hi Barry. Good choice - the RR is one of the more comfortable race replicas out there. Warm hands, cruise control and decent wind protection. I wouldn't be too unhappy if someone gave me one... As for the GS, well, now that Metzeler now do a 19in M9 Sported RR, you can almost get that 17in front-with-a-slick kind of feeling on the road. 😊

[@reflexchill]

I'm desperately hoping this is just good banter. Thanks Neevsey and Chris . . . Erm Barry. 😊

[@DangerMouseFN]

Hi 'Barry' 😅

[@davidash1008]

Surprised the Pikes Peak hasnt sneaked into this chat...I'll take that thanks

[@nickprice3605]

Barry 🤣

[@Kenoathy]

What's your one bike to rule them all Barry? @BaronVonGrumble

[@markhinde6187]

Remember when Barry Sheen used Black tape wrapped around the knees of his leathers... Wow no one even knew what knee sliders were in those days, Sheen was way ahead of his day, great topic

[@anupleo]

One bike only could be Yamaha MT-10, most unique cross plane engine in the naked bike segment with amazing exhaust note and all the tech from R1.

[@youmisterrob]

I think Barry wanted you to say the GS and you didn't, you're my new favourite, thanks for answering.

[@ro2959]

Hi Michael, I’ve had a ’21 Tuono V4 Factory for two years and the dash on the V4 does have phone connectivity and turn by turn navigation and it worked fine. You don’t see that advertised very much on KZbin. All they talk about is the great engine. And it is! And there is also an option for soft-cases in the accessories list! So, maybe a Tuono after all? Keep up the great vids.

[@johnharvey5338]

I have used a BMW S1000XR which I have had since 2015 and do everything on it, even toured to the artic circle and did 4800 miles on it, does everything I want from a bike.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Hi Neevesey, I enjoyed that as always, your mate Barry once asked his mate Mr. Fagan the same question, they both said the KTM 1290 SDR. That was a couple of years ago mind. I totally accept the BMW S1000R is a much better bike now with optional less intrusive electronics. Lovely all round bike. I had one for 18 months and thought it went like my old R1 but with motocross handlebars to rag it round easier

[@markhinde6187]

Over the years of bike reviews have you ever later down the line thought, "I think I got that review wrong" this can be for better of for worse, Great content as ever, keep them coming

[@davidjloveland3673]

Hy Michael thanks so much for your regular vlogs. I mentioned earlier in the year that I still have the urge that I need to rekindle my youth so to speak and get back into the old 2 wheel marlakey. My question. My last bike was a a ZXR600J2 fantastic fun... Proper old school no electronic aids no traction control anti wheelie lean sensitive ABS etc. It's been 10 years now since I've last rode a bike, but all the new models of all the manufacturers on the market now offer so much tech for rider safety. My eyesight, reflexes, balance are all top notch in my tender age. Does the new era of motorcycle make riding safer. My memories still remind me of looking out for grit on the road the old diesel smell and tell tell rainbows on the road. I remember years ago I lost the front on a GPZ600R with "anti dive" forks which didn't help me out. Road rash only to me and the bike.

[@rideitalia]

Depends on visibility too, on the road, more open visibility - hanging iff is grand, where there’s less visibility with trees or verges, the head being higher up with pushing the bike down gives a better view.

[@Gofr5]

Worth noting that while sports touring tires these days are fantastic and more than enough for 99.9% of us (myself included), Metzler does offer their M9RRs with a 19 inch front wheel setup, so those of us with fast road biased ADV bikes can get something a little different and stickier if so inclined. Just throwing that out there as an option for faster ADV bois. I know some folk have questioned why the need of such a tire on such a bike, but some of us are limited to only being able to have one bike, so having a super sporty rubber option on an ADV is rather nice. (The V4 Pikes Peak is waaaaaay too much money to just get a 17 inch front wheel)

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

riding by direction first is fastest, we can't get into the throttle until we have direction. Focus on direction first then mix in all the additional ingredients and you will safely be very fast, with less corner speed,and it's really fun

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great content Michael. We are all different. If you get a buzz from your 125 or the same from your panigale, so be it. Just enjoy ! BTW totally with you on the BMW s1000r. Love mine. 👍

[@celestialyidum]

Haven't taken my Dunlop RoadSmart4s on the track but they have plenty of grip for me! 2016 GSX-R750. Cold and wet weather performance is very impressive compared to any other sport bike tire I've ever felt. 3,000 miles on them so far with over 50% life left

[@jonnya6107]

Cheers Michael, helped a lot with my tyre choice mate, thanks a lot! 👍

[@mocioclistu]

I hope I can submit questions here for the next one. What is your favorite slow bike to ride hard? I found the crappy old slow DRZ400SM to be an absolute giggle machine as long as I rode it on the right, tight bumpy twisty roads with lots of elevation changes I had in Northern California. One of the local legends used to trash the hell out of his "wife's bike" Ninja 250. Wallowing stock suspension, sparks throwing from it bottoming out everywhere yet keeping a pace that had to be seen to be believed. I found that slow bikes let you get away with murder and make you feel like a hero when you trash them [on the right road] I'm sure you must have some bikes that you feel the same about. Btw love this series!

[@bloffs3352]

Thanks again Mr Neeves for another great informative QandA. I must say as far as cornering goes and on my 2019 Hayabusa it aint that easy,well for me anyway,that your advice about bending your elbow for cornering really helps. Now if i could just get my suspension set right it will be even better. Cheers again. bloff.

[@bloffs3352]

Hi again Michael.Cheers again for the great videos. I really could watch and listen all day. I have a GSXR 1000 question. Being so close to the industry if anyone knows its you. Is the UK and Europe getting the 2024 model? We are in Australia as far as I can see. We did hear they were being discontinued a while back due to emissions worries. Cheers, Shane.

[@iainwhite3476]

I really look forward to Mondays with our Neevesy 👌🏻

[@spikedee1538]

Cor what a great set of Q's and A's. I think I would have to vote for a KTM 1290 Super Duke. Its funny how nobody mentions passenger comfort? Defo going to try that flat foot thing being a dedicated toe on the pegs man. Great Vid Neevesy.

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

First thing I did on my Superduke was remove pillion footrests!

[@beanwithbaconmegarocket]

Thanks again for these videos, Neevesy. Eager to try a more flatfooted position on my STR at the next track day. I've been struggling with the tap dance coming out of left handers because it's hard to get my toe under the shifter on exit when still partially hanging off (standard shift).

[@krishnack79]

Hi Neevesy , as always a wonderful and very informative video , I loved your answer about which tyres to put on when going on track - the sports touring tyres. As someone who is a novice / beginner for track days this works for me as I can ride the bike to the track , do the track day and back on the same set of tyres. Did not know you were at Ron Haslam , I have attended a half day session with them , pity they closed down. As to one Bike I would use for everything - you have it in your video - its the V4 Pikes peak but unfortunately cannot afford one at the moment, so looking for a 1260 pikes peak which is also a very capable bike - but they are rare as unicorns :-)

[@jun701]

Always fun to watch! Trying my question - What kind of protective gears would you choose for everyday commute / short tour around town? (Leather / Textile / Mesh, Boots / Riding Sneaker etc)

[@diytastic]

Thanks for answering my question Neevesy! Another cracking Vid - I love ‘em. I’m going with the 01-SE on the PP. She’s had a few track outings since I raised the question. I’ll send you a pic on Insta of how she looked (we’ve been exchanging messages about instruction with my GSXR 1000 after my crash at Brands). Thanks again mate, loving your work.

[@MathewJones-q2t]

Really enjoying these Q&A. Thanks for taking the time to do them. My question is i have a triumph 1050rs and wanting to get into track riding but nervous about dropping it on track. Would you suggest doing a track day hiring a bike like the yamaha experience , getting track day insurance and just biting the bullet with the RS or been looking at picking a cheap £1500 track bike. You thought would be much appreciated 👍

[@MrBrimsy]

Gotta love Tuesday vid drops .

[@capybara931]

Another amazing and informative vid. Thanks for all you do, it's greatly appreciated ❤❤

[@cesarsaurasilva6637]

I love your job and love listening what you have to say and really respect your opinions! And want to believe you, when you say that a good journalist speaks the true... But then I struggle a lot with one thing! I'm lucky enough to be able to experience all the current Superbikes and the absolute best ones (reliability, quality of materials, brakes, suspension, handling, stability at high speeds, etc) in my opinion, as someone who rides them almost everyday is: first the fireblade sp, followed by the other Japanese bikes and only next come the European ones like the Aprilia, Ducati and the worst of them all the S1000rr wich I also had (2022) and sold because it proved to be extremely unreliable, vibratory, with poor materials and the worse equipment (leaking steering damper, brakes with recalls, weak suspension,...) and still this are the bikes that you defend the most! And you critique the other ones... Why?

[@MrDeepseadweller]

I have a 2020 rr m-sport as my track bike, as do 3 of my riding buddies. The only issue i have had with the bike was a dead coil which was replaced under warranty. Other than that, all 4 bikes have been rock solid and I have put 20,000 km on my bike, of which about 15,000 km are on the track. Maybe you just had a dud.

[@brdw]

Thank you so much for these videos with your incredibly thoughtful replies. Just finished my second year riding on track and I'm either the fastest in the intermediate group, or on the slow side of the fast group. I've ridden these years without incident but finally had my first cold tyre crash. It has made me think a lot about tyres and suspension setup. I feel like there is a lot of information online about suspension setups, but not so much talking about choosing tyre pressures. My ducati v4 manual has recommendations for track tyre pressures for the supercorsas which I use, but I don't know if those are cold or hot temperatures. Should I be checking my pressures before or after each session and making small adjustments to account for heat and pressure build up during the day. I'm also confused as to how you consider the weather in making tyre pressure adjustments (cold vs hot days). I'd love your thoughts here.

[@SV6Noobie]

Speaking of sport touring tires, why aren’t there more sport touring bikes, especially middleweight. I would love to see more bikes like the Tuono 660 where it’s got the wind protection and looks of the fairing, with handlebars for more comfortable ergos.

[@creedm3040]

Great video! Always interesting to hear your perspective. Best!

[@markobutkovic5414]

The big answer was not what everybody was hoped for , but gs is still a great bike even if mister Neevsey doesn't thing so. Great videos , thanks for sharing your knowlege and thanks for your time. Q : thinking of buying a bike for my daughter , so she can ride with her dad. Only problem is how to start with that (she is 13 now ) and i was thinking about some Pitbike and some empty parkings, or is it better to wait for another year and just leave her in the riding school with profesionals? Cause my dad learned me basics 25 years ago , and now is my turn... Thanks for your answer

[@sburns2421]

I have perhaps 10cm of chicken strips on the back tire of all of my bikes, but I am tall and hang off because it feels natural after these years and the bike doesn't lean over as far as it might be able I guess. But I can go on familiar roads far over the speed limit even mid-corner if I can see through, I hate to think how fast it would be (or the crash!) if I was all the way to the edge of the tire.

[@iancharlton5530]

I’m looking at purchasing a s1000r 😊. Thanks for the vid as per usual a great informative watch.

[@shadowred1980]

Another great q&a, thank you for making them.

[@uksurfer2505]

Really enjoy this channel 😁👍

[@ktkace]

IMHO the fastest ridin style is one that takes you home safely and consistently.

[@markmallet922]

Hello Mr. Neeves, thank you so much for the riding tips. Helps my confidence immensely. When I was driving (a car) on the track, using the throttle to shift weight front to rear (and therefore traction) was very handy at the limit to turn or rotate the car. Is there a similar technique on a motorcycle on the track near the limits?

[@mfux8mo2]

Hi Neevesy Love the channel and the great content you are showing with those Q&A videos. Have a question regarding the YZF-R6 latest iteration of 2018 , what would you say is a great tire for road & sometimes track use ? I heard good comments of the Pirelli Diablo rosso 4 , but I’m not sure if their longevity is up to par respect to the competition out there. Thanks again and keep the videos coming~

[@CaptainFeathersword]

I suspect that the issue with some youtubers sugar-coating bike reviews has more to do with who is sponsoring their personal youtube channels rather than PR pressure from manufacturers during demos.

[@Dirtjam9]

Hi Michael, Thanks for all the advice to date! I currently ride a Hypermotard 1100 EVO, and I'm looking to get something to sit alongside it for road use. I have been looking at Streetfighters, particularly the 848. I know you had a long termer, and I was wondering if you think I would regret not springing for the 1098? As I can't leave anything alone, an 848 would likely end up with Ohlins and Mag wheels, so this is more of a question of the power and the character of the bikes. Thanks in advance!

[@daveclarkson5519]

Great vid, what about the R1250-R I have never ridden one but has to be more comfortable than the s1000r, have even more touring options, loads more real world grunt and I guess could do ok on track..ish?

[@dantton1987]

Regarding the first question, how did the oldschool style came to be? I recon being on top of the bike makes catching slides and feeling the grip is easier, isn't it? I mean, that is how the MX guys ride.

[@adrian_o777]

Hello,Michael. A question: In the past I heard you say a few times that if it was your money, you would buy the GSX-R 750 because it was the perfect blend of power and agility. Has that changed? If you would have to buy a bike tomorrow with your own savings what would that be? Thanks for these videos. Keep them coming. Cheers from Romania.

[@AthanasiusCM919]

Hi Neevesey! Thank you for another great video! Do you by any chance know where to buy or look for the 1985-1986 Suzuki GSXR 750 "Slabby" frame? Thank you.

[@Darryl1982]

Great answer for one bike for mulitple uses. Im going through this dilemma now! A traditional sports tourer could be great but possibly too much for the amount I will actually use it to tour, tall rounders perhaps but your points on the wind noise from bikes like the Tracer 9 make me hesitant which leaves a naked which is possibly best for 80-90% of my riding but could be difficult to live with on my 1-2 annual trips to the continent (suck it up i hear you say 😅) With limited funds and space im looking for that bike that will allow me to tour twice per year, commute and to enjoy the local twisities on the weekend. Any thoughts with a budget of up to £6k for a 6'2" rider? I currently run an 2006 CBF1000.

[@georgiosplagianos2208]

Hello, another great video as always. My question is regarding the choosing of only one bike for all year round. Is it worth it the extra performance of the S1000r the less comfort and luggage of the S1000xr? It is a very personal question, I know

[@TheRealBhuado]

Hey michael, great vids and very informative as always. the question is about liter bikes. i have watched so many vids in your channel, that you specifically mention you would choose a s1000rr thana gixxer 750. as someone who has ridden/tested more than 50 bikes over the years, i literally have no real enthusiasm for a liter sports bike, or a naked even. way too much power that you need to be in 1st gear thought the city, and even in spirited riding, a 600/636/765/900 is still bloody fast. enough yapping, the question would be, why would you choose a liter bike for "do it all" type of situation when a middle weight can do the same, be cheaper, lighter, less bulky, and sometimes even more roomy?

[@Mrgibbo1974]

Hello Neevesy, A thankyou and a question, I will try and make this as short as poss. I have recently got back into Track Days. I have watched all your videos and digested all your advice on track riding and am glad to report that having never gone quicker than a minute round the Brands Indy Circuit I am now getting comfortably into the 55's, so thanks for the remote tuition it really has worked!!! my question is this: I am on a Gen3 S1000RR on Rosso sp's and standard electronic suspension which is perfectly setup for my weight. Do you think I should be pushing for quicker lap times than a 55 or should I be moving to better rubber and mechanical suspension before trying to get lower times. The bike is starting to move around a lot. ps I am nearly 50 and not trying to break any records just racing against myself really..😄

[@paulfowler6665]

Hi Micheal I have a question that no one seems to know the answer too but im sure you do. Its about brake reservoirs and how come cheaper machines are often fitted with metal ones and more expensive or performance bikes have the plastic ones. TMF recons the plastic ones are fitted to save money but surely thats backwards? I own 4 bikes. Only my most expensive bike a Ninja 1000 has the plastic brake reservoir the othes a TZR, a hornet and a RE interceptor have metal ones. I've owned R1's Fireblades and GSXR's all had plastic brake reservoirs. So whats the deal here? Thanks in advance and love your channel👍

[@paulmullany7147]

Cheers for another interesting video. I have a question; my old man is in his mid 60s and stopped riding a few years ago after hurting his lower back ( not on the bike). He no longer has the mobility to swing his leg over even medium high bike seats. He loves the look, seat height and price of the the various Royal Enfield 350s but worries he will find their lack of power frustrating. I suggested he also had a look at some maxi scoots, tmax, burgman even an mp3. They are step through , touring bike comfortable and pretty quick. Would you recommend he buys with his heart and gets an RN or should he get over himself and get a maxi scoot ( which he will probably ride more and find easier to live with). I suppose the choice is get what makes you smile most when you look at it or get what makes you smile more of the time when you ride it over the long term. What do you reckon? Regards Paul

[@nickrider5220]

Great as always Mr Neeves.....doesn't Barry work with Alan Fagan ?!!

[@SteveSeadog]

No. (That's Sue Perkins.) 😁

[@kawker]

Hi Neevesy QQ for you. What do you do to keep your bike skills sharp when not on track. I got the bug this year and don't want to lose the progress I made through the winter. I general ride all year round, but obvs can't ride like that on the street in the winter. Do you have any tips? Keep up the great vids 👍

[@JSweec]

hi Michael - I’m currently riding a ducati 959 on track and while it’s a nice bike and all, my vanity and curiosity keep turning my attention to the thousands. I have a pretty good relationship with my local bmw dealer and likely will pick up an s1000rr soon come the year end discounts, any advice for a mid level track day rider whos only had ducati twins but is now going up to a four cylinder thousand on track? anything particular about the thousands you think I should look out for? since these are very powerful bikes, do you think keeping them on the boil at higher revs is a good idea especially around corners? would the torque create problems? thanks Michael and keep the good stuff coming!

[@homersimpson2963]

Very interesting topics here 😃

[@johnsteel4719]

Re BarryVG’s question… I understand your answer re the S1000r but given the bike has to do everything, including touring, why wouldn’t you go for the S1000XR? Another great video 👊

[@neevesybikes]

Thanks mate. The XR is a good track bike, but a bit bus-like compared to a super naked or sports bike 👍

[@johnsteel4719]

@@neevesybikes think I’d have to go with BVGs choice. My GSXR is my everything bike but would need the RR’s hot grips and cruise for the long rides.

[@nathanedwards8094]

Hello Neevesy, just a quick question for you. Do you think that the IOM TT has become too safe ? Cheers Nath.

[@timrodierides]

Have you ever put slicks on a T-Max?

[@EntropyReversal228]

Hi Michael, have you changed your camera? The red's and green's in the video are too saturated. I have to adjust my screen each time I watch your videos.

[@rlw85]

Hi I’ve got a bit of a daft question. I’ve got the mk2 s1000xr it’s a lovely bike with a stock air box and exhaust, but on the motorway it’s far too loud even with earplugs. I’m not 100% if it’s the air box or the exhaust that makes all the racket. I’ve been looking at the DB killers for the end can, would one of these be any help or will it mess the engine up.

[@MalagutiF12Phantom1]

Hi Neevesy ! Love the videos ! I have a question on a topic that hasn’t been disscused.I am planning to move to UK and bring my bike also with me (Yamaha R1) ,but everyone warns me about stealing. I live in a place with an underground parking but still i am afraid .What is the best way to keep your bike protected in the UK?? Thanks!

[@lonpfrb]

Keep it out of sight for sure. Anchor set into the building. Never go straight in so that you are easy to observe.

[@kgjersda]

Hi and thanks for your content! I've recently moved from a 2017 Yamaha MT10 SP to a 2022 BMW S1000RR. Reason being I wanted to try to do something else after spending 6 (fantastic) years on the MT. When switching to a pure racebred bike, what things should I consider or relearn for the S1000RR after riding a naked so long? Thanks!

[@williambrown6080]

😂😂😂Barryvongrumble will be pissin himself at this

[@solo_dingo]

Hey mate, I'm in Qld Australia, it's getting pretty hot here, 35/36 and I'm experiencing a greasy feeling on my Metezeler td slicks. Doesn't really inspire confidence. I'm running 26psi rear 33 front taken on warmers set to 80deg on a 675 Daytona. I do a maximum of 4 days on a set. The tyres have been great in temps under 30 but now they feel like a rockabilly's hair. Mostly I get this feeling on a track that cars drift and race on. I pick up a fair amount of rubber off the track on the front particularly so I'm not sure if it's my tyre compound/pressures/heat or the rubber on the track? Any tips?

[@nikitis13]

You desperately wanted to choose that T Max Neevsey 😄. I get why. Just turbo charge it and be done with it? 🙃

[@MrBuzzBrain]

My tuono 1100 factory 2022 I had turn by turn sat nav. You activate it true Aprilia mobile phone software.

[@jasonwood6100]

Thanks Barry. 😂

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

Ha Baron von…I love 44t, and that David Walliams does bikes and comedy. 😵‍💫. 👍🏳️‍🌈

[@bryansuperduke1290r]

Bet the Honda was a CX500.

[@lonpfrb]

Dullville for the boring but useful crown!

[@joewright4195]

Top g

[@ricardo6861]

Nice t shirt

[@ottomondo1368]

Barry von Grumble. 😂😂😂😂

[@bitzannbobz]

lol a alot of wallies here thinking they are rossi...

[@f-godz3342]

Barry 😂

[@markhinde6187]

Sorry Mate it was my CBF600............