Thanks for Asking: game-changers, R1s, the nicest racers, road v race and lots of back brake

[@dunksuk]

I would imagine that most of the riders that know you would list you in their nicest riders they know. Best journo out there too 👍🏻

[@patrickmalone9380]

I agree great comments u dont hear else where

[@deon1978]

If you did podcasts I would be able to listen to it for hours. So entertaining, interesting and informative to listen to you. The riding tips you yet again gave sounded so good I will also practise it. Thank you!

[@future62]

For sure! He can port these videos over to a podcast format no problem. Would love to hear him talk about WSBK/MotoGP too

[@marcolin2682]

so cool that you answered..thank you so much! You're such a great ambassador for us motorcyclists. In the Dolomiti Mountains where I live it's icy till march...so sadly I'll have to wait a bit to practice your tips 😢 (the rear brake part is the one that i feel i can improve the most on) As you said many times, riding a bike feels like a never ending quest...we can always discover something new. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@garylai363]

his first tip will be the biggest game changer. when your bike is pointed downhill, you will naturally put more weight on your wrists, trying to hold your body up. what this does is actually restrict you from putting positive steering input into the front, so the bike feels heavy and doesn't want to turn. Like Neevesy says, grip the bike with your legs, hold your torso up with your core, and you'll find that the bike will be much easier to steer. This tip also goes for any corner. Before you approach, make sure your arms are loose like noodles and your bike will be happy :)

[@Mowser63]

Really enjoy the way you deliver these reviews/reflections. Nice relaxed style but full of wisdom and valuable nuggets coupled with balanced analysis. Great stuff Mr. Neeves 👏

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one. The question relating to breaking and turning down hill was a great one and well answered. As an ex Australian Superbike racer, with Phillip Island being my home track, MG corner is one of the toughest on the world tour (in relation to the question) as TV doesn’t do it justice. Coming over the Heyshed (blind corner) you are literally faced with an extremely down hill into a slow and tight corner. Getting in an out of this corner well will make the biggest difference to lap times as it will determine how fast you pass the chequered flag.

[@keelzybear]

I’m drunk watching this, I really hope I remember the rear braking into a corner tip when I’m sober. 🤞🏻 Merry Christmas from down under, mate!

[@splodge5714]

Nice motorcycle chat. Biggest game changer, before Neeves' time, the Honda CB750. And then a huge jump to the modern bike, the Kawasaki GPz900R.

[@SB-Kiwi]

Love all this content. Really interesting stuff. Thank you very much and greetings from Switzerland as they say here.

[@casefarley5744]

Thanks for doing these. Very entertaining. It's a real joy to be able to hear this stuff, and I appreciate your sharing it.

[@shadowred1980]

Thank you for making the q & a vids. Highly useful.

[@nickrider5220]

A lot of sense spoken Mr Neeves !👍...and always interesting 🙂

[@brianeaston3748]

Thanks Michael another great video👍have a great Christmas and a happy New Year,looking forward to more videos👍

[@gnmurray5955]

These videos are so good. The overwhelming thing that comes through is genuine and honest experience, and a remarkable memory! Your response to Marcolin on downhill cornering reminded me how useful your video on cornering on the road was for me. I have stepped back into riding with an R1250GS after a 40 year gap and the small technical changes you suggested (loading the inside butt, bend the inside arm, foot position) make the bike feel significantly better in corners. I was up until recently heavily involved with sea kayaking and as with most activities, technique makes such a huge difference in boat control. The same applies to bike control. You mentioned using the rear brake a lot. When I was working on Tasmania's west coast 40 years ago I developed the technique coming into very tight corners on my CBX1000 (no ABS or traction control) of dragging the last bit of speed down using the rear brake while still keeping minimal throttle on. It made for a very smooth transition from power on to braking to power on. Keep the videos coming, they are the best! Geoff in the world's best motorcycling state :)

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Triumph modern classics early 2000 and Triumph Speed Triples starting in 1995 big influence on the market. Royal Enfield Himalayan and 650 Interceptor certainly have been important in moving the displacement and cost down.

[@CarlosMartinsPT]

Thank you, and thank k the other viewers! Great answers to greet questions.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thanks Michael another great one. Happy Christmas & prosperous new year to you & yours.

[@Focused_Veteran]

Appreciate you taking the time to answer my question in the previous episode 👍🏻 have a great Christmas and new year, will see you at Brands Hatch in March! I'll pop over and say hello.

[@findingneutral426]

Our paths have crossed a few times over the years Michael, I sort of know your brother as well who’s also a great bloke. Always been a pleasure, for me you’ve been THE’ motorcycle journalist.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Brilliant as always

[@benturner868]

These videos are next level ! Really enjoying them.

[@andrewprice1189]

Just discovered your channel although been watching MCN for years etc. We swopped a few emails a few months back over our opinions on the speed triple RR. Glad its gone & the loving the 1290SDR. Looking back the most uncomfortable bike I've ever ridden....Looking forward to watching some of your old stuff. Merry xmas from sunny Melbourne!

[@paulocarreiro5855]

Thanks a lot Neeves for another great video with very useful info!

[@davidelizabeth4933]

All good stuff as usual, Neevesy. We'll see you on the next one. ❤❤

[@Oscar240z]

Great to hear your comments very interesting vid.

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

Neevesy is the best!!

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I'm surprised you didn't list the Yamaha Niken GT as a biking revelation. It really is a game changer.

[@Bikeadelic]

I'm 29 (not exactly young but not old either) and the only thing that stops me buy a 2023 R1 (the new front end looks absolutely gorgeous) is money!

[@V0d00o]

Really great video 👏 please keep them coming 👌

[@brucekendall52]

Always interesting,thanks.

[@aurimasbielskis890]

Another great video Michael👍 looking forward seeing your videos more than Christmas. BTW- I wish I win lottery one day and could hire you as an instructor for a day🤞 keep up good work, can't wait for your next upload👍

[@FancyAnimal]

-The 1998 R1 made everyone forget about the CBR. -The 2010 S1000RR made everyone forget about the R1. -The 2018 Panigale V4 made everyone forget about anything with an inline 4, including the S1000RR.

[@scrooge8564]

Great video,very humble,and great answers,fully agree with your views on jezza and Simon crafar,top top blokes

[@branthurley2285]

Essential content for all bikers, I feel. Subscribe to avoid missing these. Thanks, MN.

[@billyboy77801]

Hi Michael, I’ve really enjoyed watching all your vids over the years. Really informative and honest appraisals. I Would love to get your take on what’s the best of these bikes for ownership, grin factor and fun for the weekends. I do love a bit of Italian exotica and have narrowed it down to a Gen 2 MV Agusta F4 RR (2015) Aprilia RSV 4 Factory (2021) or bite the bullet with a Ducati V4S (2022), be it I’ve not ridden any of them. I currently own a Panigale 959. I’m 60 next year going 35 😂 but just can’t get excited about Adventure bikes just yet. This will likely be my last sports bike. What would you go for? Keep up the great work.

[@DarR1299]

Always informative. thank you. Quick question about OEM suspension: Hows does the OEM Ohlins on Ducati's for example compare with aftermarket Ohlins?

[@NudaMan]

That’s very very good question Indeed

[@neilcolley25]

good show

[@benrideout9583]

Been loving these videos mate, where does the gsxr 1000 k5 k6 sit with you? It seems to have developed a real cult following. I actually owned an k6 1009 ex TT race bike that’s used to belong to Ivan linten. Absolutely loved it. Cheers Ben

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

I've always used lots of back brake, I think its mainly due to too much weight on my wrists - poor riding posture on race replicas for 25 years. The ron haslam experience helped my put things into place.

[@belly450]

Have you ever raced Al Fagan.....could you do a cameo on 44 teeth

[@neevesybikes]

I don’t think we’ve ever been in the same race together. As for a 44 Teeth cameo, I’ve probably video-bombed a few of their reviews over the years anyway 😃

[@juanispi]

Really like the Q&A videos I have a late 2006 BMW R1200S, with ohlins front/rear and the 6'' rear wheel, best sports-tourer ever made. I dont find any review from when the bike came out. Have you riden one? Any opinions/impresions? Great videos, keep up this kind of content

[@cpuuk]

Whatever happened to anti-dive. I bought my KTM partly because it came with anti-dive. I remember it from my yuff in the 1980s, but I don't know of any other bike that does A-D. Second question, with Suzuki pulling out of racing, is the old maxim 'win on a Sunday, sell on a Monday' now irrelevant?

[@DarR1299]

The correlation between racing bikes and street bikes can be summarized by the following old adage: Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.

[@bertzx9r894]

Interesting Tony saying about the S1Krr not winning anything, world championship wise yes but how about the Irish Roads!? 🤔 the BMW has been a contender and a winner for several years in HP4, M but also S form

[@mickl8212]

Another excellent video. Where in the UK would you recommend some rider training for the track? I know you can get some 'instructor advice' with certain trackday providers but ideally I'd like something a bit more in depth without the usual trackday heroes putting you off.

[@BTrain-is8ch]

Pricing on a used HP4 Race is getting closer and closer to the price for a new M1000RR. How do the two bikes compare to each other? Does the HP4 Race still hold up? Have the "street" electronics caught up with what we were told were WSBK grade electronics on the HP4 Race?

[@mybikegarage1040]

As far as significant decade bikes go that are game changers, i certainly agree on the GS1200 being the most significant bike of the last 15 years. Bringing a whole new category for riding as well as the most significant bike of the last 15-18 years. I also believe that the Multistrada 1200, 1260 signaled a new standard for street bikes or sport touring bikes. The MTS 1200 completely changed the perception of Sport Touring across the board. All the manufacturers joined in as well with street biased ADV style bikes. I don’t believe the Yamaha 900 bikes are significant and changed motorcycling. Of course they are good bikes, but you could say Triumph has had a solid Market impact, taking volume from the Japanese makers for sure, with higher quality solid products. Yes the SuperBike has taken a dive. As well they would have. Not long ago Freddie Spencer won world championships with 150 HP, todays super bikes make well over 200 HP, Who is a better rider than Fast Freddie and can handle that much extra power “On the Street”? No one really can, so whats the point of driving a NASCAR motorcycle on the street commuting to work?

[@kingGar27]

Would you be interested in testing viewers’ bikes - like a series of you reviewing some of our bikes. I would love to hear your view of modern classics (CBR600RR, Daytona 675R, SRAD, older Ducati’s, etc) now that you’ve reviewed the likes of the S1000RR, which seem to take a little skill and fun out of riding. The ratings should be based on the size of your smile after riding each. I think Revzilla did a video where they put a 2007 GSXR 1000 up against a Panigale and the former came out on top around a track. Crazy!

[@davidsampson3537]

Neevesy do you think middleweight adventure bikes will become the new superbikes!

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

There could be a Genuine Road Race Series. They could be a real Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday.

[@brianeaston3748]

Michael,just a quick question,I know you've tested an H2 in the past,would you say the supercharged kawasakis where game changers? I had a 2019 H2SX and really loved the bike but I'm over 6ft so I started to get alot of wrist ache so I traded it in and got a Versys 1000s in September,really like the bike and its so comfortable, definitely not as exotic but I think more than enough power for the road,really like your opinion on bikes your testing because your tall aswell so its great to get an honest opinion by a normal sized biker😄

[@abellopes15]

Massively subscribe to the podcast opinion given below. 😁 It just saddens me a bit that all sports bikes are now so expensive (to buy and maintain). I enjoy my Tuono a lot, and so does the wife to be, but deep down I wish it was a RSV4. I just hope she doesn't read this. 😂 on a different note, if you could, what would your dream race bike? Given your experience, can't be an easy choice.

[@tkwood]

Hey Neevesy, do you think, in the interest to make the bikes more “mainstream”, do you think Ducati has lost some of its unique attributes? I had an 1198 and loved and feared it as I thought it was even trying to kill me occasionally, but it was unique and unquestionably Italian. I have ridden all flavors of the Panigale and it’s fantastic but honestly has such good electronics, it’s almost boring. I know it’s a considerably faster bike, but I feel myself starting to gravitate to older Ducati’s. Even as pain in the arse as they are with maintenance.

[@jonathanmackie4884]

What do you mean my road Kawasaki is nothing like Johnny Rea's race bike, it's green innit!? But seriously. Thanks for the video. And I would agree on the tall rounder comment. I get a bike with inline 4 engine, enough power and handling for my excess age and limited ability; but with comfort for my old joints - and I can even put on luggage and tour too.

[@RikkyTang]

Hi Michael, great video again and I am really enjoying the series! Now, I have a crazy dream about fitting carbon fibre wheels to my BMW R1250R, which I take on track days as well as ride on the road (really fun, underrated bike IMO!) My understanding is that CF wheels generally make even stock suspension behave in a better way, along with other benefits of having less reciprocating weight. What experience have you had of CF wheels and is it true "what they say" about them being among the best value for money performance mods you can make to a bike?

[@ianmajor8227]

With your contacts and influence could you campaign for place’s like Rockingham to reopen, Mallory to be allowed to operate more days etc and hence make Trackdays a cheaper option for motorcycles and cars. Surely for safety awareness (and to cut road accidents), training on track should be fully supported by a government initiative?? I think you’re the man for the job. 10 years ago I used to do 10-15 Trackdays a year now I can’t really afford any. I’m sure this has contributed to the decline of Superbike sales.

[@jamest5149]

Maxton are an awesome company 👍

[@RaiderCBR6.5]

You have to mention the K5 GSXR. The gap between the K5 and the other bikes was huge. The GSXR from 01 to 06 was the best liter bike 5 years running. It got to the point that numerous testers of the bike did not want the GSXR to be top dog yet again. They tried there best to relegate the bike to 2nd or 3rd but in the end they could not say this bike is better than the GSXR. They got there wish in 2007, dam thing has a pipe on each side.

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

I have 1 and I'm never selling it

[@Oilyhands749]

The down hill cornering comment was excellent, as was your reply , can’t wait for the spring to go out and try . Could you cover building up to go do a track day , I’d absolutely love to do one but I just don’t have the confidence

[@djg9589]

Mate, don’t worry about building up to it. Just go and do one, and there is novice only days. You will not regret it. Do it at a track you like the look of too, you’ll be 10x’s more likely to enjoy it. If it’s a fair distance away, make a few days of it, stay away. Good luck 😁👍🏻

[@Oilyhands749]

@@djg9589 thanks fella 👍

[@fj9987]

Is the current MT-07 still a great bike? It hasnt gotten heavier or more dull for some reason? Looking to replace my Z750 -05 this spring

[@PrateekMishra1]

thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts with us mortals. I have a 2009 R6 which I am planning to use only on track now. Any suggestions to things to change apart from rear suspension. Also, what are your thoughts on 2014 Yamaha R1. That is my dream bike and would love to know your thoughts on it before I buy one.

[@stuwhite1969]

Would love to know your favourite ever bike! Mine is my 916 , had much faster more reliable bikes since, but it was just so much fun

[@brunocarmona4958]

No list of game-changers of the last 20 years can be complete without the Triumph Street Triple 675 (and/or Daytona for that matter). I have never ridden a better road bike than the Street triple. The small triple engine is a masterpiece and the handling of this bike is amazing. Proof of that is the 2023 ST765 is not that much different from a 2007 ST675. On top of that the Triumph achieved this while being as practical, reliable and cheap as a japanese motorcycle. As someone said already you really should do a podcast Michael Neeves

[@neevesybikes]

Good call. I was actually thinking about the Triumph. It’s a fantastic bike that’s deservedly popular, but I’m not sure if it’s changed the path of biking, like a GS. It’s just its own brilliant thing. 👍😃

[@brunocarmona4958]

@@neevesybikes I believe if it wasn't the Street triple there would be no Yamaha CP3 engine. Besides being a great motorcycle on its own I think the relevance of the Street Triple/Daytona (or Triumph in the the Bloor era) was to prove that the inline triple is the best engine configuration for a road motorcycle's engine. I know I'm biased but I really think that if we weight all the pros and cons of the different engine configurations the inline triple comes on top.

[@SB-Kiwi]

How do you think racers from the past, the likes of Mike Hailwood, Ago or even Stanley Woods would fare on todays machinery? Thanks 👍 🙂

[@stuwhite1969]

S1000rr fastest bike ever round the IOM TT! GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME

[@gordonborsboom7460]

I think you meant the RD350 was the spiritual predecessor of the MT 07

[@David-dh4gn]

No mention of Street Triple? Ultimate street bike?

[@jamesowen4360]

Ducati 916 , GSXR 750, K5 thousand, S1000RR ( which I believe was based on said K5 gixxer)

[@sk2283]

Mt07 being spiritual successor to the mt07 ? I guess that is a mistake but would be interesting to hear it clarified 👍

[@neevesybikes]

Ah, well spotted! I meant to say RD350LC. 👍

[@sk2283]

@@neevesybikes wow that’s a big call! I remember my first ride on a 350lc back around 1988 I think - just passed my test and I couldn’t stop laughing the whole ride, wheelies galore ! Great fun - there is a lot to be said for smaller cheaper bikes that are just fun to ride, I love sports bikes and I love the tech and power but they are now at such a level they are a bit too serious, bring back 250 2-stroke sports road bikes like the RD / TZR & RGV !

[@beverleynorth4914]

Do you consider it a real downside that the Tracer 700 and MT07 don’t have a slipper clutch

[@joewright4195]

Top G

[@Farsightful]

more ! ( yes, rude)

[@Bikeadelic]

"Can't be that good if it doesn't win races" it's not the bike it the rider most of the time

[@gregsmith9470]

Hi mate love ya caste but I don't understand when people call things like h2's, the v4s , rsv4 1100's and the like superbikes when they just arnt , to me a superbike is only one if they r eligible to race in superbike racing hence the word superbike and is unfair to test them up against proper 1000 cc superbikes because they have the advantage of an extra 100 cc , I'd call them hyper bikes not superbikes

[@NickyLong89]

BMW hasn’t won anything? IOM TT 22 springs to mind 👌

[@cassiofreitas8559]

S1000RR’s never won any WSBK at all,Nothing at all……

[@patrickmalone9380]

I agree look am not 1/4 rider you are.but leave honda out a company bring out game changers .maxi scotters .goldwing .fireblade athough org gsx 750 or gsx 1100 changed production racing .to say superbike in roadform is nothing like race bike not true.if thats case they whould not need change zx 10 ray asks kawaski khi because rake trail dynamics have be right .am honda nut.but previous fireblade was bad .john m broke his leg .on the roads did average in superrbikes .even new one not wining .it looks amazing .but racing proves not there bmw wont win sbk title for a reason its not good enough .

[@rt2255]

Modern 1000 cc sportbikes great for track but useless.on streets. No where is 200hp needed.on street. But most guys have little man syndrome. 99% of street riders cannot.push bike limits on good 600, much less.1000. Look at wreck stats on 1000 bikes.