Thanks for Asking: Crashes, highsides, tuition, factory racers, Harada, geriatric testers, TT racing

Hello! In today's video:
00:00 - Intro
00:26 - Launch crashes
06:07 - Low-rev highsides
11:23 - Track tuition
15:53 - Factory race bike tests
20:45 - Harada’s Arai
24:26 - Your question answered
25:07 - Geriatric road testers
29:41 - Racing the TT

[@BMWSJR]

Michael 1 to 1 day at Snetterton was brilliant. He made a massive difference to my entire approach to track riding. I went 7 secs faster and a mate of mine in the same garage also went faster just listening to Michael. Lovely geezer and great technical analysis. Highly recommended.

[@sp00ky1969]

I’m surprised at the average age of a MCN reader. 😳 I started reading MCN maybe 35 years ago - I wonder what the average reader age was back then. Another cracking video. Thanks for taking the time to do these. 👍

[@Oilyhands749]

Light bulb moment for me with you comments about keeping the revs up in corners, that makes so much sense

[@rogerkay8603]

Batley - home of Fox's Biscuits and Padgetts Yamaha! Respect to Clive, top bloke.

[@KosmicKitchen]

You come across as someone who genuinely loves his path (motorcycles) is good at it and knows the limits. I really like your videos.

[@brianeaston3748]

Great listening too you talking about your parade lap at the TT,wow,that must have been amazing too ride with those legends, money can't buy that,could listen to you chatting about your experiences all night👍

[@kingGar27]

Great videos - always a must watch! If you woke up early on a sunny Sunday morning and a mate text to ask if you were up for a morning spin on some decent roads for a coffee or breakfast… you’ll be home by midday, in time to watch some MotoGP or WSBK in the afternoon… (a) which roads would you choose and (b) which of the following bikes would you choose and why (and likewise for anyone reading this comment): 1. Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory 2. BMW S1000RR 3. Triumph Daytona 675R 4. Suzuki GSXR 750 5. Something else

[@nozzer6686]

Hi, you need to write a book for your pension fund, as you are full of great stories and always make me smile & even chuckle, thanks for the very enjoyable vids.

[@jonnytheboy23]

I absolutely love these videos and really enjoying listening to you talk, the fact that you are incredibly modest makes you even more of a likeable chap! Helmets are a bit of a thing for me too, I've had loads over the years but my personal favorites are my present Shoei X-Spirit 3 Assail TC10 and XR1000 Kagayama rep. Simpson RX3 looked cool but made a terrible road lid. I contacted Shoei UK a few years ago to enquire as to why they didn't offer classic replica designs like Arai do but was told that they just get what Japan produces and there didn't seem to be the appetite for classic designs. I would buy a Shoei Kocinski rep tomorrow if they made one. I was sorely tempted by the recent Arai Schwantz replica but do feel a lot of brand loyalty to Shoei. Looking forward to more videos, cheers!

[@Treo80]

Excellent advice on the low gear, high revs through corners being the safer way to ride on track. I will certainly take that to heart, and I suppose it's just as valid for supermoto which I've only just taken up.

[@ChasingTenths]

was really looking forward to this, thank you

[@AyoHues]

Wow! What an amazing TT story. 🤯 I was lucky enough to gatecrash a trip to watch the event with some mates back in 2019 - a huge treat as I’ve been fascinated by the island & road racing for years. Really love these videos and enjoying like many others the wealth of your experience and knowledge. So my question is going completely in the opposite directIon: where do you see the future of biking? If there even is one, what will it look like? (Full disclosure: my rides are an MV and a pedal assist e-bike! 😂)

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Another great one Michael, but ... Your kick yourself now Phil Read, John Surtees Bill Ivy & more recently Steve Mercer need I go on all great Southern TT riders. Look forward to the next one. Quick story last night we were on the M25 in our car its windy raining hard and a guy come past on a GSXR1000 and boy did I wish I was on it. Even at 72 you don't lose the love of Sports Bikes.

[@tonygraham2684]

Very interesting stories Neevsey 👍 Love the collection of lids behind you ..

[@stramasher2953]

Love the insight as always. Arai Matsudo was my favourite. Got battered and binned. Go through the rest of your lids (and show them to camera) can’t see what’s on the bottom shelf! Lol

[@nielszwering2414]

Interesting story on the Harada helmet. Sounds like a gruesome experience. Thanks for another nice video. Almost time for my first trackday. 🎉 cheers

[@Fishing8136]

That is a great vid I really enjoyed it brought back some happy days😎🇨🇦

[@jeffestrada6857]

Thanks for the video really enjoyed your relaxing style of reporting 👍

[@stephenchapman8344]

Another great video and personal insight. Keep them coming. 👍

[@oliw3664]

Not a question, but I love hearing your memories in these videos. Cheers!

[@lynnkanable7023]

Enjoy these so much, hope you keep doing them.

[@HyperBiker]

Hi Michael We met briefly at Spa last August, I was on my 2018 BMW S1000R and we chatted about it for a bit. Anyway, the machine is coming up to five years old but I've really looked after it and invested a fair amount of cash into it to improve it and I know it inside out. I've been keeping an eye on the newer models but just couldn't justify upgrading because I love the front end looks of this era of BMW's and there's not much performance improvements with the new machines and the slightly negative overall reviews of the 3rd gen kept me away from buying one. Until now. BMW have the new M1000R carbon edition to be released soon and then last week, I popped into my local Ducati dealer and placed a deposit on a Streetfighter SP. The desire to own one of the newer machines feels overwhelming, but after riding my existing bike home from the Ducati showroom,I realised there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. Do I take the plunge and commit to one of the new bikes ownership, or keep my bike and use the money I will save by not buying new, to improve it further? I just wish the streetfighter had cruise control as that has put a little doubt in my mind after having it for years.

[@matthewkimpton4865]

Loved this video 🔥 can’t wait till the next one.

[@Maxlalala1986]

Thank you for all the different content that keeps people continually interested in all things motorbikes. As a young sports-bike rider (37 years young) I often wish I could be the age I am now back in the sports bike “Hay Days”… late 90’s, early 00’s. Is there a part of you that wishes manufacturers would stop complicating the hell out of motorbikes, and just get back to making them the way they use to? So many channels out there dedicated to exploring the history of these great machines. Aren’t the manufacturers at all interested in exploring that clear hunger for the roar, desirable, pleasurable, not to mention affordable bikes that seem so distance from a new bike buyers market? Apologies for the rant!

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I can't stop thinking about the memory you recalled,( a couple of vids back), when you rode down to Ibiza with Carl Cox..... just wow.... Fair play sir.

[@brianeaston3748]

Neevsey that was a great video, really enjoyed it👍 Also enjoyed your recent test of the new Triumph 765 in MCN, brilliant picture of you getting the knee down, It looked alot of fun,a great read and amazing photos to look at!

[@LeeTillbury]

Interesting and really helpful video Neevesy, thanks dude 🤙🏻

[@445oneballracing]

Neevsey, being a lifelong biker and novice racer I am really enjoying the videos and the variety of your content. Any thoughts on doing a Podcast? Still covering Q&As, but having a weekly topic like: bike set up, how to get into racing, your favourite road routes for example. It’d be good to listen to your content when commuting or doing jobs on the bike. Cheers, keep up the great content 👍

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

Almost 10k subs Neevesy you’re almost there!!

[@David-dh4gn]

Great stuff, Michael. Very interesting and entertaining content. Most motorcycle channels I can take or leave but yours is top notch and I always look forward to the next release.

[@matteobagni8072]

Pleasure to listen as always

[@deon1978]

Thanks for the video, so enjoyable to listen to you. Your videos has become my favourite pass time. Always waiting for the next one. Take care mate.

[@RayLombardi]

Hey Michael, Ray here. Please talk a bit about Arai helmets. I've been riding for just 10 years and in the first 4 or 5 years I tried over 40 crash helmets(starting from the more budget ones) until I landed at Arai and never looked back! I'd love to hear your story with the brand, crash experience, etc. Thank you! Love the videos.

[@klaassiersma4892]

About those low rev highsider crashes, I still think 2 strokes are the best to learn track riding on., I did a lot of track riding on the Assen race track, both track days and illegal before they closed it down there. mostly on stuff like my rg 500 road bike and my rgv 250 and Aprillia rs 250. It was from the mid 80s to the late 90s when I went there a lot. I learned the only way to go fast on those was to keep them in the power band everywhere and try to keep up as much speed as possible going into corners. but alas I am 60 now and my track riding days are over, sharpness went away and fear took over, but I guess that's normal. ( even I had to grow up sometime.) But I still think it's a shame two strokes are gone, especially in racing.

[@fvckyourusername]

Thanks for answering my question about your Harada helmet! And what a story around it. I've been toying with buying a white Rx7 and getting my own replica made. Arai would do good to release one 😁

[@kurushunwalla]

Amazing to hear your experiences and huge respect to come back from the horrendous crash you spoke about, most wouldn’t have made it back on two wheels. I am 57 years old and tastes really change as we grow older. My previous bike was the Street Triple RS which was great but getting cramped 😊. Moved on to the Ducati Multistrada V4s and happy with my choice. Keep the great content flowing. Love to hear your thoughts/reviews/experiences. All the best for the future. Cheers

[@nickrider5220]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos, always fascinating 👍

[@stuleyland9490]

Nice video Neevesy. Great helmet designs of the early 2000s... I'd like to add Chris Walker's Arai and Dave Jefferies' OGK. Both distinctive designs that stood out.

[@jonathanmackie4884]

Another cracking video. Thanks for taking the time to make these. Shocked to hear about your big crash back in the day, sounds very tough to come back from. I have been SO lucky, many close calls but no big ones. My brother, who was a much better rider than me, had 2 fairy bad car/motorcycle interactions which made me think better to be lucky than good!! Question for you in this respect, with the experience and skill you now have would you have been able to avoid that crash back then? Anyway, hope you don't mind the question and glad you have healed now and had so many good years on bikes since. Best

[@shadowred1980]

Thank you for putting this together.

[@marv2820]

(Still) Loving this series. Hearing you talk about your parade lap on the TT and you saying it’s in your memory as one of your best rides it made me think. As a road tester you must have been invited to ride some of the best roads in the world. What other rides are up there in your memories as far as the best roads on the best bikes? Keep up the great work.

[@JPWest020]

The lap: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3-Tq2SjqbCnh9U

[@neevesybikes]

Wow, that brings back memories! Thank you 👍

[@malcolmmuirhead301]

Always looked to mcn for riding tips and apart from the obligitory car skirmish I never crashed and don't say I was not trying. Old eyes/brain now so don't go fast, just try to keep concentration and of course enjoy the ride.

[@lukas_wins]

Love this content mate, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Would you consider doing a track footage feedback series?

[@branthurley2285]

Springsteen's 'Glory Days' is wrong: little beats recounting stories of our youth. Humility & humour make for half an hour top quality content. Thanks, MN. Eagerly await more.

[@robsherwood8980]

Hey Neevsey, love the vinyl spiral shirt man! I have loved my house, trance etc since the late 80s. Back in the days of warehouse parties arranged by telephone box 🤣 I am 52 with a Triumph Speed Triple 1050 '94 2015 model in Daytona yellow (not R). I love it; I think it might be a keeper. I am considering a ride from central south to Ibiza later this spring. Any suspension and tyre tips would be much appreciated as it is on 4k miles and the suspension is choppy and not even the R model. Keep up the awesome vids, all the very best, Rob.

[@BradP666]

Love the videos Michael! I’m 30 and starting to get into sports bikes. I love hearing you talk about motorcycle racing and wondered if I’m too old now to ever have a go at amateur motorcycle racing at some point in the future?

[@G100666]

Try a few trackdays and you will find out for yourself. (Comment written by a 64 year old who only recently started track days and training and realises that this should have been available when I was 30). I am not quick enough to race but, at your age, there's no reason not to 👍

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Any special reason why you chose and continue to use #33? You're the best, Neevesy! ❤❤

[@kevinstreet5709]

Insightful, Nevesy

[@m.robinson2558]

Always enjoy your content sir. Many thanks. Having been a road tester for many years, would you say that it has become easier for you (given age, wisdom and reputation) to give your objective opinion without feeling any pressure from the various manufactures? I would think they would all expect a 'glowing review' of their respective machines and wouldn't appreciate any criticism given the competitive marketplace today. Mike

[@xcelmaster4779]

I’ve been enjoying the James Hillier Dakar Diaries videos. Incredible resilience in the face of huge adversary. Would you ever ride it or any rally? Thanks for these super videos.

[@nickmurray721]

Fantastic series! What bike surprised you the most in your testing career, both exceeded and disappointed you? Thanks

[@fadiatieh626]

Great series keep it coming 👍

[@RicoSFV4S]

Hey Neevsey, awesome format. Its great having this „conversation“ style with you. I love the stories, and i am always excited when you upload a new one. I actually had the yellow 848 after your videos back then. Loved the bike, and i am now getting a Streetfighter V4S. I have two tours planned and a track day (thanks for the high rev tips). The tours will be to Sardinia, and down to split (similar to your panigale roadtrip). I watched the tour planning video you made for MCN, however, I am still not sure what the best packing configuration is. Tail bag vs. Backpack? Tank bag? and why? What is you favourite set up? Do you have any other top of mind tips?

[@MisterFishfinger]

Nice videos, keep them coming! Testers sometimes use the term "mechanical grip" when talking about bike handling. What do you actually mean when you say that?

[@creedm3040]

Great video! I enjoy these very much. I certainly have my regrets. I always wanted to ride the track. What is your greatest regret in your career? Best!

[@georgenestoridis3452]

Hey neevesy. Have you ever been in Greece for some adventure riding? We have pretty cool places to explore if you're into that sort of stuff . Its also the reason I'm thinking buying a crf 300 rally as a first bike. Love your vids, they keep me great company while I'm doing my service in the army. Cheers!

[@ragerider6283]

Another great vid, really interesting as ever. I have a question about born again bikers as I am one. For context I haven't ridden for 13 years but I've decided to get back in to it this year. So, what are your top tips for someone returning to biking after a while out, predominantly regarding safety as I understand they are the group most likely to have a serious accident.

[@moto_biker]

Nice one Neevesy, two questions: are there any bikes that got away, like one you really wanted to ride but somehow missed out? ...and: do you ever get to ride any of the bikes you grew up with, if so do you still enjoy riding them or have modern bikes really changed the game??? FWIW I would love a go on an RC30 or a Desmocedici, and I'm still riding/ loving the sports bikes of my youth 😍

[@sferreirac]

Hi there Michael, thanks for this little talks, I love hearing your opinions and experiences. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the 2019 Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS? I have one now and I bloody love it, but I don't understand why there's no more fuss about it, almost no performance bits, it's like everyone forgot about it! Thanks, keep up the good work.

[@jpsrides]

Loving these videos and the blast from the past, I've got some 90's MCN in the attic, I must dig them out. So finally the question :) How does one get a one to one track day with the neevesy master?

[@neevesybikes]

Drop me a line on instagram 👍

[@shaneenticott6490]

Love these videos, I appreciate the stories and advice. My question is with track bikes, how do you bed brakes in? Most pads say don’t go flat out for a considerable number of miles, a lot more than a couple of sighting laps.

[@LeeTillbury]

I have a question Michael. Is my 2019 R1 and similar bikes with good electronics un-chrashable from ham fisted throttle at lean/in the wet and braking hard when cornering too. Are the electronics that good?

[@Desmoduke]

Excellent video, it seems like all the main motorcycle KZbinr are following your format. I have question I hope you can provide an answer, whilst you were racing on your BMW race bike, did you have a specific training regime, as fitness is key to being relaxed on the bike. Thanks Adam

[@oldhairpin]

Hey Michael, if you were in the position to have 5 bikes in your garage, which ones would you have and why? P.s. that's you and me in my profile pic 🤘

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

Really enjoying this series of videos, please keep them coming. Does being a full time tester make it difficult choosing a bike to buy ?

[@willhorsley2105]

This would be a good podcast; can you make the audio available for podcast?

[@jsleeio]

Ace. Got a question for ya. What to do when you simply can't find a helmet that fits right? Been searching a few months now. Used to get Arai Vector 2s - perfection! - but they stopped making them and the alleged replacements don't fit me (Profile-V) or aren't locally available to test fit (Quantic). I would happily fly to Europe or Japan (from Australia) if a manufacturer did custom fitting like Bell does in the USA. Don't want to visit the USA

[@stuleyland9490]

Neevesy, like you I've worn leathers for years as it's always been a natural choice and I'm a bit old fashioned possibly. When you are riding on the road now, what do you wear that gives you the same protection as leathers? I'm still wearing a two piece suit with a pair of Daytonas. Give us some insight on what's out there now. Cheers.

[@liveinaweorg]

You spoke about a 6 year break from motorbikes after your accident. Would you talk about that period, was it the physical recovery, mental recovery or other influences that kept you from riding?

[@stephenpalmer-mu9ys]

Stevie p.thanks for all the videos going to Donnington for my first ever track day on a ktm superduke have you any tips or advice cheers

[@charlielidderth4556]

Neevesy, I’m going on my first bike tour in May, I’ll be solo on my Monster 1200S riding from U.K. to southern Italy, besides the obvious that I might’ve already read about, do you have any tips/advice which are a bit more outside the box? Thanks!!

[@razvan-cristianlupu]

What are your thoughts on the VFR line - 750, 800 and 1200? And why do you think Honda stopped making them, while Ducati has so much succes with V4s.

[@andrewhull365]

Another great video, thanks for doing these! What bike would you recommend for someone about to do their test who is looking for something adventure-esque? Thanks!

[@marksmith8663]

Great story , I’m surprise don’t you have a old sports bike just for the odd track/road day ?

[@cpuuk]

Q. Apart from the relentless march of BHP, what single other improvement has evolved motorcycling for the masses?

[@andrewdugdale7043]

Hi Neevsay, if you where going around Spain from the UK on a tour maybe by yourself or with another which bike would you take if you only had £3000 to spend on one?

[@tucker9162]

OK Matey the big one - Being 53 would you ever buy a GS?

[@stevenwilliamson2916]

Q: with the Ron Haslam school no more anyone you recommend for track training. Booked on with Whitam trackdays which I've heard good things about any others?

[@yakiudon7921]

This month we've lost another great magazine (Practical Sportsbikes). Do you see any future for MCN as physical copy, or will it transform into having an online presence only, similar in vein to a TV show ala 44 Teeth? Would this be a bad thing?

[@billmillar8148]

hi mate been riding 20ys now have had loads of bikes and scooters ,have a 650 ninja but dont ride it alot, can you recommend a bike that i want to push out of garage a ride , dont want 200 bhp ,something for the weekend or touring ,,, a bike to get motivated to ride again and enjoy

[@duckylucky6505]

When you’re outside the UK testing bikes in countries where they drive on the right side of the road how hard is it not to inadvertently end up on the wrong side of the road?

[@jl9161]

Can you safely use a framestand in conjunction with a center stand or is rear stand required?

[@KnightRider1157]

My brother owns the 1200 multistrada your colleague John Westlake wrote off back in the day. Ah well we all make mistakes...now over the years I've read some great articles from great journalists like Dave Minton, John Robinson, Martin Harrison, Colin Schiller and your good self etc. Who past and present do you hold in the highest esteem?

[@commonsense769]

Although I love sports bikes, I don't see many cruiser reviews from MCN can you tell me why?

[@solo_dingo]

A question. Are these modern, super high hp sportsbikes unrideable without electronics for mere mortals?

[@babyfknblu]

hey neevesy, kind of a specific question: i did my first track day on a ninja 400 at sepang the other week, and i had watched and rewatched all your track advice videos ad infinitum in preparation. as a result i did use low gearing and high revs, but i found with the tiny twin the engine braking was way too heavy, and i was heavily overslowing into turn 1, 4, and 9 in 2nd without even using brakes! i spoke to an instructor there and he said that i should be in a HIGHER gear since i was on a 400, and this confused me since i had really internalised your advice, which seemed contradictory. but i tried it and i ended up carrying way more corner speed and got comfortable braking later. did i do the right thing? is there a caveat to your lazy gears advice for smaller bikes?

[@hks071]

What is your opinion on reviewing some of the older bikes ? I have a zx12r and not many review available for that bike

[@scottljwalk24]

Hi neevesy great videos as always - question, raced a 600 all my racing life new comer up to superseries, sold and invested into a 1000, got any tips for getting ahead of the game and riding a 1000 well thanks as always- scotty

[@kmpaton]

Thoughts on the upcoming Kawasaki ZX4RR?

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

Hey Neevesy which school/instructors would you recommend over here in the States??

[@delmilligan4584]

Quick Q = where do you think you’ll be in the next 10yrs or doing even ?

[@nicholasthake2435]

@neevesy What bike/bikes do you actually own? Understand if you don’t because of the long “termers” etc. Have you parted with your own money in the last 10 years. If so what? Would love to know.

[@dry509]

What bike would you buy with your own money right now?

[@andystainforth6874]

Neevesy, I'll cut to the chase. How much for a days tuition?

[@neevesybikes]

Drop me a line on instagram 👍

[@lonpfrb]

​​@@neevesybikes Hi Michael, loved the Blade flip topic as a former 929 (2000) owner. You mentioned Andy Ibbott so any idea what happened to him after California Superbike School? PS sub'd

[@hks071]

What's your take on chicken strip?

[@stevebayross7248]

What are your thoughts of the many videos of half naked young woman doing wheelies & stunting around on KZbin?