Thanks for asking: Best MCN long termer? Quick exits on track. OE tyres and brakes. Two-up touring.

[@chriswest2290]

This podcast is so simple but so helpful. Neeves is so knowledgeable and humble. Can't imagine him ever lossing his shit about anything. Very laid back. Great content. 👍

[@gingerpunk2]

Just wanted to chime in to @superbikeJunky here - I crashed on the road in 2021 - Deer literally jumped onto my front wheel, hit it at 70 MPH. Wasn't fun, but walked away relatively unscathed. Which I am grateful for. However what I didn't realise was the amount of PTSD that followed. I was shaken up a lot, but not consciously, when Driving my car I'd go through some panic attacks almost whenever someone pulled out or did something erratic. I was convinced my relationship with bikes was done for. Then after about 6 months, I realised how much I NEEDED bikes. So I got back on the horse. First road I rode down was the crash one, my heart was beating out my chest, so I rode it several times back and forth. I rode super cautiously and defensive. Still do, it has made me the ultimate wuss when riding on the road, but that's not a bad thing really. I get flashes of terror whenever I ride past high hedges with a clear gap in them. I expect something to jump out on me now everytime. So I am usually the slowest on group rides when we are out in the country. For faster stuff I now go to the track. And that's what works for me. Just give it time, and more importantly - just be honest and true to yourself in terms of what you are comfortable with. Ease back into it at your own pace, don't feel any shame if you are on the road and ride slower and more cautiously. I tell people that I am not a fast road rider if I ever go out, I get the destination point and do my own thing. "if I fall behind, mines a latte and bacon sarnie, will be with you eventually" - etc

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

You learned from something serious that happened to you that there's a very real danger that something could run across the road and hurt you. To learn from that seems perfectly normal to me. Self-preservation. Well done you for facing the fear while also learning the lesson, and finding a practical solution for you. You've balanced the risk v reward.

[@kirteshlad7208]

Hi Michael, it's really interesting to hear the '14 S1000R was your favourite.. same here, I bought the same bike in '16 and finally sold it in 2022. I've been missing the bike since then, it was such a perfect fit for me. The new one is more competent but not as mental with everything switched off. On the crazy switchback roads in the middle of our mountainous region in central Spain really shows up a bike's suspension deficiencies and this is the only bike I've taken down there that did not get flustered but the bad tarmac, bumps or loose surface. It was untouchable! Thanks for the video and for appreciating such an underappreciated bike! Edit: I'm still hankering after something fast but due to a bad back even my R1250RS gets uncomfortable. My R1150GS is really comfy but not reaching the floor isn't good especially when you're about to drop the bike. What would you recommend that is comfy (upright, relaxed position), fast and not too heavy? The R1300GS does spring to mind but, I'm thinking of maybe switching to another brand after a good 15 years riding them. I'm 5'10 with a 32" inseam. Best regards from Madrid and I hope you're enjoying Spain!

[@ryanGnVtown]

I ride a 16 S1000R 60-mile round trip to work every day. Reliable, fun, fast, and comfortable. Just hit 40k miles.

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Thank you very much for the answer. Now i just need to convince the wife to learn how to ride 😊

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Neeves, hello from Texas. Not going to lie, I have reached the point where I really look forward to these episodes. Thank you so much for the content.

[@georgenestoridis3452]

Hey Neevesy! Thank you for answering my question, you really went for the extra mile for that one! Truly appreciate it. I was surprised to hear about the BMW, I was quite sure it would be some gsx-r from your younger years. Nice! Really enjoyed your CBR1000RR review and waiting for the review of its little brother. P.s. : i know that it doesn't matter but... Its George Ne-sto-ri-dis , its a greek surname. Im not on steroids!..yet 😂

[@Savvas_chatz]

Μπες φάρμακο πατριώτη 😂

[@a3lfeoxld]

I found cycling helped me get back into riding motorbikes again after a huge crash, and I also rode a scooter for the first few months - not having to worry about gears etc. and just focus on road skills again and getting confident. Now back on an MT09 and loving it.

[@patwilliam543]

Solid 7 months late, but on the getting the other half on a bike point, as the more experienced party I certainly felt responsible for her safety etc (she did actually bin it once), and actually having someone in the back is far more relaxing in my experience.

[@arturobugaoan5615]

Love your videos, just so relaxing to listen and watch. Have you thought of doing a podcast with a few of your journalists friends to talk about the MotoGP season as it unfolds? The chats would be epic to hear from you all?

[@chriswest2290]

That would be great. And much better than listening to Keith huwen. The legend in his own head.

[@bobklee2397]

Very good points about the “green” rider who needs some time to get the experience that we enjoy

[@dankorolyk5917]

Very entertaining and informative as usual

[@richardcook2674]

Love the advice...I'm listening from Bucharest Romania...It's like radio 4 in the background for me...! x.

[@neevesybikes]

Brilliant! Thanks for listening 👍

[@David_Gardener]

Echo the comments on partner riding Michael, my wife passed her test last year and yes it takes time to get comfortable and you have to expect that it's not a 12 month timegap where we start planning an adventure. Everyone is different of course but only prepare with consideration of the less experienced rider. BTW my wife passed when she was 60, and I'm really proud of her for doing that, she's actually better than me at slow speed control too! 👍🏻 Thanks for the channel, you always speak the most motorcycle sense of any journo/Presenter/YT’er.

[@chrismurray3198]

I had a 15 plate s1000r and have to agree it was my favourite bike I have ever owned. I actually bought it on your recommendation Michael.

[@w00t-w00t]

Hi Michael - just wanted to pass on that your recommendation for the '14 S1000R was the reason I bought mine! 10 years later and I still absolutely love it. I have to confess that I've been distracted by new shiny options but the potential replacements just don't seem to be worth the extra investment! 100% agree on being a great value option.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Agree with you Neevesy 100% regarding tires and brakes. Thoroughly discussing these during a review is a must.

[@jerseycitymuaythai]

I regret selling mine. I had a white 2016. I rode from nyc to Michigan on my s1000r… i bought coming off a monster 1200 after watching your long term.. prob the best best i ever owned zz

[@kimomoto]

I’ve had 8 different bikes, most of them super nakeds but my favourite was the 2014 s1000r with a full Arrow full system, loved it.

[@vexsar.]

I'm on my second R (2016). Had an MT09 Tracer for 6 months inbetween, but could not stand the horrible brakes and suspension, so had to go back to an R. No plans on replacing it, as it ticks all the boxes for me.

[@MrSeansy]

Hi Neevsy, I'm a relatively new rider and have found your videos supremely helpful. Their are alot of folks on KZbin and being able to trust the presenter is paramount so mega job! My question involves comfort when touring in poor conditions. I have a '22 XSR700 and have added bits and bobs to be able to get to the good roads a couple states over in comfort but what is your preferred touring gear/setup when you know you'll hit some mountain rain and cold? Thanks for your input!

[@nockianlifter661]

My wife got her license and it was quite stressful for me because she was slow, timid and unaware of the dangers. In the end she stopped riding and then she quit being a pillion because she hated sitting on the bike for hours at a time. So we used the car for touring, or I go on my own.

[@rodintoulouse3054]

😢

[@nockianlifter661]

@@rodintoulouse3054 Depends if your partner is clamouring to ride, or whether it’s more that kind of compromised “if it makes it easier”. My wife had never thought of riding a motorcycle, but one day while out on mountain bikes hammering down a fast downhill track with a tailwind, she asked if it was similar to riding a bike. I bought her a couple of lessons just so she could experience riding, I wasn’t expecting her to book more lessons and eventually take her test. She failed twice, passed on the third, so then it progressed to finding a suitable bike. We bought an ER5 (restricted) and cut the seat down. She dropped it several times a low speed/manoeuvring. She stalled on a roundabout and nearly got wiped out by a car, she crashed into a petrol pump and had to get rescued from the tentacles of a several petrol hoses that got pulled on top of her. She didn’t dare exceed 30mph and we had long lines of cars honking at us on straight Roads. Gawd, it was horrible. Don’t do it unless your partner is showing that 2 wheeled hunger is my advice.

[@MichaelSmith-pd5pt]

Hey Michael on the question of pillions I fortunately have bought a lot of bikes on your recommendation but also have to consider a pillion. As I’m sure MCM have partners why don’t they plonk them on the back and ask them what they think like revzilla “Daily Rider” reviews do. The best bike I have had for a pillion according to them is my Bimota DB9! I know that there size would come into play but I think people understand that like when you say you are 6” and taller riders will struggle I think a pillion could do that too. I know that pillion comfort seats can make a lot of difference when I had a 790 Duke and with my current V2 Streetfighter the height and padding of comfort seat made it more comfortable and easier for the pillion. The other thing worth looking at is feet clearance I always had problems banging my uk size 10s with the pillion on my RnineT. So my pillion was comfortable but never had room for there uk size 4.5s. You wouldn’t think it’s a thing just looking at a bike it’s something you discover putting them on the back. Maybe you should always ask with long termers for the optional pillion seat when there is one and ask KTM for the pillion comfort seat and compare it to the standard. These are just a couple of things I have noticed but the v2 streetfighter with the very inexpensive optional seat ($140aud) is really a great option if you want a sext\y two up bike

[@branthurley2285]

Says much about your views that I bought a S1000R Sport & the same about that 'bike in that I eventually replaced it with a M-Sport

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great video. Totally agree with your favourite long termer. Have owned a s1000r sport for past two years. Love it. Always puts a smile on my face. 👍

[@markobutkovic5414]

hi michael question: after a long time on supernakeds and superbikes I went back to my old 2001 vfr800 and the steering is slow now and the seat is too low, so I'm thinking about changing the rear tire from 180/55 to 180/60. what is your opinion, will the balance of the bike be ruined, or will it be better? P.s only fast road riding , no track. thank you for your reply . I've been following the channel from the beginning, and I think this is the best content for motorcyclists on YT.

[@Love4boost]

In the video game Ride some of the bikes that are sold with OEM version tires that are in the game actually use no brand in the game. I wish they’d do that in real life. Say my 21’ MT-09 came with OEM S22’s and they were so bad that I was considering other tires when replacing them. But everyone was suggesting S22’s as a tire to buy for street use with the capability of taking on track too. So I ended up buying another set mostly because of their reasonable price. They’re not even the same tires imo. I love them and it makes me want them to brand OEM tires as the motorcycle company to differentiate. Call them Yamaha S22 by Bridgestone and so on. They do it in the guitar world. They’ll do something like Seymour Duncan pickups by Gibson. Basically saying they’re not from the Seymour Duncan manufacturing company. They are built somewhere for a budget with the ok to use their name and design for this guitar built on a budget vs a Gibson custom shop that will use the real deal. It’s literally the reason I don’t buy guitars with brand name parts. Give me the factory parts and I’ll upgrade what I don’t like. If I see a Brembo master cylinder I might not upgrade it even if it’s more than likely the issue with my braking system. Where if I buy a Brembo RCS-19 it will solve that issue because it’s the authentic part, and not what the manufacturer paid for the name, meanwhile having it built somewhere else on a budget. Because if you take Honda’s most successful car engines. Many of the OEM parts are perfect. People will buy aftermarket chain tensioners and such when building an engine not knowing the OEM parts are better quality for the stress they’re about to put on that part leading to expensive catastrophic failures. I just want to know when a part is outsourced.

[@jonathanmackie4884]

Another fine use of 24 minutes of my evening. Thank you. And if you would be so kind, when doing the Michelin tyre launch, figure out whether I should put a new set of Bridgestone S22/23s on my Ninja 1000sx to replace the OEMs (which may or may not be the dreaded OEMs as I'm not switched on enough to be able to tell) or jump to the new Michelins. Cheers mate, money is in the post.😉😬

[@jpmotorsport4728]

Another quality vlog mate, hope your having a good trip 👍🏽😎🌞

[@devilsreject320]

Excellent advice as always. Love your channel bud. ✌

[@vsokolov987234]

Hello Neevesy, thank you for all the fantastic Q&A videos, truly a goldmine of information! I’ve a question for you. Can you share your thoughts on the concept and technique of “relaxing the chassis”? Supposedly it is to improve traction by letting the rear slide shortly and release the excess energy accumulated in chassis and suspension? Thanks again!

[@reflexchill]

Hey Neevsey. Keep these coming, they are good fun - like ASMR for for motorcycle types. I've got a technique question how far do you sit from the tank and why? Has your preference and technique in this regard changed over time as well?

[@AlpineTreeCare]

Great choice with the S1000R. Mine was written off last year by a van on a phone! Ended up with a 2023 S1000R which isn’t quite so good. I’d love to know your set up for touring with a pillion, my wife isn’t happy!

[@kevskibiz]

Great chat Neevsy… I bought a black s1000r 2016 on your recommendation via twitter, it’s been a great bike thanks…what tyres do you recommend for everyday riding? 👊

[@phillheth]

Cheers for the answer. 👍🏻

[@matteosimonutti]

Hi Michael. I’m asking you this as a maximum GSXRs expert 😉. I have an urge, an itch to buy a sport bike as my second bike and my choice is among the GSXR 1000 K5/K6 and the GSXR 750 K8/K9/L0, which I’ve found at a very similar price. What do you think is best in terms of reliability, handling, pure joy of riding, fuel efficiency, maintenance and costs of spare parts? And so on if you can think of other aspects to consider. As always, I appreciate your work on KZbin and for MCN, always calm, polite and available such as a true English gentleman. Cheers from Italy 🤙🏻

[@mciao8723]

Good morning Michael, all ways nice to follow you in years. I understood, you will long test the KTM 1390 S D, I just bought it, when do you think we can have Your impressions? Thank you, you are always a PRO rider. Saluti Michele.

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Hi Michael. Thanks for your time and wisdom and sorry to abuse your goodwill with another question. Here in france where I live, there is municipal free track (circuit Candy, if you google it) which is open to anyone. In about a month’s time there is a half day introduction to track riding. I am not into sports or naked bikes, but I am fortunate to have a honda nc750x dct 2021, a royal Enfield classic 350 reborn 2023 and a super soco tcmax 2020. They have all oem specs. Which one would you choose if it was you. I just want to polish my general technique . Not looking to breakany landspeed records. Thank you!

[@johnsteel4719]

If you had the opportunity to stock your garage by selecting one bike from each of the main brands to cover all your riding needs what would they be? I’m thinking Suzuki, Ducati, Yamaha, BMW, Aprilia, KTM, Honda, Kawasaki and Triumph. 9 bikes is a little excessive so maybe 5 bikes to cover touring, track, Sunday blasts, tootling around town and guilty pleasure..

[@xcelmaster4779]

Enjoyed your CBR600RR review on MCN channel. I’m also tall-ish. What new sport-ish bike is there for the taller rider? You say S1000R is great bike and I read it’s also roomy. Thanks for these great videos.

[@alandavies3726]

Hi Neevsey, why does ABS on sports bikes get such a bad rep? I have an 09 Fireblade and it’s my first bike with ABS. I find it extremely confidence inspiring especially after watching an MCN video on the ABS Fireblade (filmed when it was first released), where the system was praised. I understand that on track, ABS is a hindrance, but for the road I wouldn’t want to go back to non ABS, so why do so many people speak badly about such a system?

[@lonpfrb]

The public highway is not where you can legally explore the limits of the bike. That's only possible on circuit. So ABS is primarily for road riding with much lower limits for safety. Especially limited on grip expecting poor road conditions. On circuit in warm dry weather fitted with track tyres the limits are very different. So an ABS system setup for road use will not accept hard braking that is very possible in track conditions. Nobody wants to go hard into the Melbourne loop only for the ABS to remove the brake and send you into the gravel trap. That's why Race ABS mode is calibrated for circuit use and modern Superbikes have at least two ABS settings.

[@alandavies3726]

@@lonpfrbyeah like I said I understand why it’s a hindrance on track, my question is why does it get a bad rep on the road

[@jaseamondo]

A good follow up question to the OEM tyre situation, which new bike would you say benefits or transforms the absolute most from a new set of tyres?

[@jkst675r]

13:48 Hi Michael, really love the content! I am just going to finally do my first trackday and I have been doing a lot of research about it. There is one thing I literally can’t find any content about and that is downshifting techniques with a bike that doesn’t have an auto blipper nor a slipper clutch. Are you meant to downshift and blip while heavy breaking into a corner which could upset the bike if not done perfectly or shift without blipping and using the clutch smoothly to downshift on its own with no blipping? This is a technique that I found some riders suggested but I find it hard when I try to practice it on the road as blipping become so natural but it’s really hard to get right under heavier braking. I just got a 2015 Street Triple 675 R and I don’t know if I need to get a slipper clutch if I want to do some more track days or will learning the proper technique will be more than enough? Hope you see my comment. JK

[@boonstick]

Hi. Loving the videos, learnt about these after watching the excellent podcast you did with the Baron. My question is, I've been doing trackdays for a number of years now and recently done a few over in Spain which were amazing but I've recently noticed that I seem to have hit a bit of a wall with my speed and never really seem to be able to improve my laptimes. I feel that one major area where I'm loosing time\speed is braking into corners. As much as I try I can't seem to get the confidence to brake later and carry more speed into a corner. Do you have any tips to help gain confidence in braking later either things to change on the bike or more ride tips? Thanks for any help and keep up the great videos 👍

[@Markycarandbikestuff]

"If you want to ride around with your hair on fire", absolutely love that line, genuinely LOL 😄

[@NicolasBeaudry-f8d]

Hello Michael, Greetings from Quebec, Canada ! Have you riden around here ? I really appreciate the quality of your work and involvement. Thanks for sharing your passion. I had a 2004 Honda 599 (you call it Hornet on your side of the ocean), a 2003 CBR600RR and a 2014 FZ-09 (MT-09). I bought a new 2020 Tuono V4 RR two years ago, following your advice. Amazing experience (everything switched off) ! Am i really missing something with the Sachs suspension? I love analog bikes and i'm sad to see that electronics rules the motorcycle world. I want to drive my bike, I don’t want a computer to do it. What is your opinion about that ? I miss the analog tachometer too. Oh and a few years ago, you said that the S1000R would be better with the ShiftCam engine from the RR. Now that they've done it with the M1000R, you said it's too powerful for the road and irrelevant ! Interesting... 😉 Love your Dream Ducatis video. Safe ride man. Cheers. Nicolas

[@samihasib]

Hi Michael, Thank you for your content. My question: Let's say you are going for a spirited/fast ride through the twisty/hilly roads (not track). Which one of the following bikes would you pick? 1. 2022 BMW S1000RR Sports or 2. 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke Kind Regards

[@neevesybikes]

KTM. Upright bikes on the road are easier to ride over distance 👍

[@radiocrash]

Bought my s1000r back in 2019. Often fancy something different but can’t seem to let this one go.

[@tuonouk6896]

I bought my s1000r off the back of neevesys long term review of his red s1000r , then bought my 2019 tuono 1100 factory off the back of another review he did , he has cost me a fortune over the years 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 .

[@LloydG52]

Another great video as always Michael, keep up the good work 👌🏻 question??? I'm looking at doing some longer days/trips 2 up with the Mrs. Maybe the odd Euro tour as well. I'm looking for something that's fun to ride and trending towards the sportier side of riding but can also cope with the extra weight of a pillion and panniers. I have around a £6k budget so I was wondering what you would recommend with all your wise road testing knowledge? I'd love a superduke GT but I think it's still a bit out of my price range 😅

[@LloydG52]

I forgot to mention that my current 2 bike stable is an Aprilia RSV mille and a Aprilia shiver 750. Looking to replace the shiver for something more touring orientated. 👍🏻

[@christophereaves7108]

Hi neevesy.. as always thank you for you video. So interesting hearing your opinions. I recently came off my bike thanks to a car coming round the corner to quick and I had to swerve to avoid. Driver didn't stop... only damage was on the plastics. Now £800 later bike fixed and extra protection added I thought I had to get new tyres fitted as my old ones bt32s had 5k on and I seemingly have lost confidence thinking would new gripper tyres could of saved me? Any advice would be good on getting confidence back. Hoping the weather gets better so I can get out use the new tyres

[@xcelmaster4779]

Hey Michael. Dublin to Nurburgring. What month, how long at track, which French / German roads to take, something unusual only a regular like you would know, dangerous?, rent bike at track? Sharing of your knowledge and experience greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[@paulwotmeworry8336]

Hi Neevesy, I’ve just returned from a 3 day tour taking in the high country road over Mt Hotham, in Victoria, Australia. I never lubed the chain and it’s pretty dry now. I thought the lube would last the 850km distance. Obviously not, but how do you lube a chain on tour? I ride a CB650F and use an Abba stand at home. Keep up the great content. I loved the Fireblade POV!! Cheers, Paul.

[@3rduncle]

Sit on your behind facing the chain. Pull the bar and tip the bike towards you so the rear wheel is raised a couple of mm. Lube the chain and, with your right foot, rotate the wheel. It's easier than it sounds. Been doing it for 20 years.

[@iainwhite3476]

Another question saw you with Tommy bridewell and Al from 44 teeth. What are the lap time differences on same track between factory rider vs 2 experienced quick semi pro racers??

[@dushyantkarthikeyan]

Hi Neevsy, if I may ask a bit of a cheeky question, how come you wear so much alpinestars casual gear (t-shirts, hoodies etc…? I love most of the astars gear I have, but don’t own a single t-shirt of theirs… LOL

[@troopz4683]

Would have put me shirt on you choosing the 750 Gixer, I think you were bribed into choosing the beemer 🤣🤣🤣

[@_Archambaud]

👍

[@brunocarmona4958]

Yesterday KTM announced the 2024 RC8C. I feel that (for the mere mortal) the RC8C/Kramer GP2 is one cylinder away from being the perfect track motorcycle. Parallel twins lack character and don't rev very much. I can only imagine the RC8C with the Triumph 765 engine in it. Can you elaborate on that? Not counting price would you choose a twin RC8C or a Street Triple 765RS with full fairing? Or would you skip them and go for a R1 GYTR or something with 200bhp+?

[@Caksy12345]

Hi neevesy , are you not doing the Daytona 660 launch this week ?

[@neevesybikes]

Young Carlos is doing that one. I’m stuck testing tyres at Jerez…

[@Caksy12345]

⁠ah that’s a shame , was looking forward seeing your review on it as I knew you wouldn’t compare it to the 675 and would look at the bike as what it’s marketed for.

[@brdw]

Salubrious!

[@xipingpooh5783]

GSXR 1000 K5 for me

[@tonimagg]

What visor is that? The dark tint you get doesn’t seem that dark

[@neevesybikes]

Which one?

[@tonimagg]

@@neevesybikes the arai helmet behind you. I have the dark tint but it’s more lightly smoked

[@neevesybikes]

Mine’s a race tinted visor, but it actually looks darker than it really is in the video…

[@tonimagg]

Yeah they used to do Tinted Pinlocks but don’t now just clear

[@skaraborgcraft]

Here i am thinking 60hp was the "sweet spot" for a road bike, and you add +100hp...... My legs are still metal and screw free, if that counts for anything.

[@sadletrampsscooby]

Shame it broke down on motorway cause of a little bit of rain 👀

[@stzero7619]

Funny fact: a greek surname (first question) turning to sound like steroids.

[@baccas66]

Tyres and brake pads are subjective. I'm only a lightweight rider, 10 stone with my leathers, lid and boots on. The Bridgestones fitted to my ZZR1400 felt OK when I first rode the bike. Once I had adjusted the suspension and started playing with the tyre pressures; the tyres felt so much better, as did the braking. The bike felt far more balanced. I think in all honesty. There really aren't any bad tyres these days for road use. Track day tyres? That's a whole different can of worms.