Thanks for asking: Kawasaki ZX-4R, being honest at launches, riding gear, tips and lots more

[@Jimo368]

Leathers are perfect for the racetrack where you are more likely to slide at high speeds, whereas textiles are great on the street where speeds are slower and a tumble is more likely, also it’s great to have pockets for all your junk and protection from the rain. I wear a one piece Aerostich and feel ready for anything.

[@matteobagni8072]

It's always nice to see these videos popping up when one opens KZbin! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@stephenjohnson7519]

I am a motorcycle who has come back after 20-years can not believe how far motorcycles have come on I have a honda fireblade 2021 and feel very safe on it

[@nikitis13]

"What bikes professional journo's (riders) whip around on"... I've been looking into this for some time now and having worked as a motorcycle trainer that had to ride rain hail shine every day for decades. I concur with you Neevsey. You tend to look for "a two wheeled device" aka scooter being a tool for the job. To basically get you from one end of town to the other with the least effort required . There's nothing better than a twist and go when you're knackered after a day of riding and all you want to do get home in one piece, stop for some groceries along the way, and swing your knackered body through a step through frame. 😄😄... I can totally relate😉👌

[@woooster17]

Absolutely loved being a part of this era of bikes, early/mid 90s. I owned an original KR-1 (non S) and bought a new 1993 RGV250P from a dealer in Harrow! Never owned a 400cc sport bike other than my first ever big bike after passing my test, a Honda VF400F. It really is great that Kawasaki have brought back a class of bike that meant so much to so many, a proper 400cc IL4 sportbike!

[@paulking8055]

Really enjoyed this one Neevesy, talking about the 400's from back in the day and feathering the clutch pre the era of electronics brought back memories....mandatory skill on old 916's. Not all us old farts turned pretend adventure, some of us just went sports tourer. Sprint ST and ZZR14 for me. I could see sports tourers making a come back, more sport than tourer. What do you recon?

[@rogerkay8603]

The FZR400SP was the one I lusted after as a 4 stroke when the 2 stroke death knell was rung, but hard to find and expensive. The CBR400RR Tri-arm/Gull-arm (baby blade) was awesome too. I had a GSXR400 (grey import) and that was fun (above 11000rpm) Be great to see these make a comeback. My only off in 32 years was a result of a cage pulling out on me at 40, hit him side on, over the boot and my Rev'it Eclipse textile slid for bit and stopped me and you wouldn't even know it to look at it. Back Protectors - will never ride without one since that day when it saved me from serious damage.

[@xorbe2]

Thanks for mentioning "value" versus what plucks at the heart strings. I found that my "value" bikes get resold generally, and that it's better to buy what one actually wants in the first place.

[@adrianrouse5148]

A fast reving 400 . What's not to like. Up and down the gearbox screw the nuts of it. Two up touring leave it at home. Going from mopeds to 125s you learned to get the most out of them.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Another great one Michael. Ok lets get controversial. Been riding over 50 years never raced and I have been on several Bike Safe days plus a MAC course when I brought a new Honda many years ago now and I have come away from each of them thinking it was time well spent. So I am definitely not someone who thinks he knows it all. But that said I have tried both I.A.M & RoSPA courses and liked neither of them. Mainly because I seem to meet too many advanced riders that are know it all. Sadly one that wasn't and was a nice fella who took me on an observed ride got killed riding his bike. I just feel that your being taught how to ride to pass a test and a big factor in passing it is the decision of one person on a particular day and time.One of my mates is currently doing I.A.M and he keeps telling me that when he is doing 50 - 55 mph in a 60 he's being told he isn't making progress and i have told him if he is happy doing that fine.So my question is are you Advanced or someone like myself who is capable of riding within your limits.

[@kmpaton]

Just wanted to update you that I picked up my Kawi ZX-4RR on Wednesday. It is an absolute blast, TFT dash, quick-shifter, really good factory Showa suspension, and screams like a banshee, all while Im grinning ear to ear. Cant wait until you have the chance to ride one and hear your thoughts.

[@colinrhodes1838]

Just found this channel - Fantastic content - Probably the most knowledgeable bloke on this topic on the planet - a joy to watch - Cheers

[@jh9493]

Thanks for the shout out for scooters Neevsey!! I've been riding 4 years and had 7 bikes, and the 2 bikes I love the most are my Burgman 650 (sold) and current C400GT 😊 I've also got a GSX-S 1000F for everything else 👍🏻

[@kmpaton]

Thanks for answering my question Neevesy! Im #1 for a 4RR at my local Kawi dealer (should be arriving in the next couple of months) and lm looking forward to this bike. I also just bought a 2023 GSX-R750 after your last video made me realize how much I missed mine.

[@Fee.1]

Please make an entire episode on the rc390 and mt09 interactions and recalling what those conversations were like and how the exchange went etc that’s fascinating

[@Amerigo73]

I've been riding the Daytona 675, switched to the Speed Triple 1200 RS. Of course the Daytona is a fantastic bike for the track, but Triumph just wouldn't sell enough units and a new Daytona would cannibalize their Street Triple RS. My next step are custom set up Öhlins aftermarket, set up to my weight of less than 70 kg. This will mean softer springs probably. You're providing great insights, thanks for your videos.

[@keithwaller4545]

Love the sports bike chat. Not a 4 cylinder fan myself. An L twin fan Ducati. Just bought a mint 1098s 7k miles must say what a bike never been ohlins suspension before set to standard less 2 clicks used yesterday around Cotswolds must say mega ride even on pants roads . Have pp1200 MS with skyhook too.

[@FancyAnimal]

What will happen to future motorcycle sales when Gen X and older millennials start wearing diapers? In the states, majority of teens don’t even want auto licensure.

[@wokeybrokey8006]

It’s a shame ….they are a generation of instagram simps

[@steveschneider3872]

They will be riding in side cars looking at their phones and sucking their thumbs.

[@FancyAnimal]

😂

[@natearchuleta2003]

The wave is just barely breaking. Me 26, and a younger cousin 22 both bought our first bikes independently in the past two years. There is hope yet, for at least some.

[@FancyAnimal]

@@natearchuleta2003 glad to hear it chief. Made my day.

[@GaryFackler]

I greatly enjoy your installments. Thank you for the series. I have a suggestion for a future episode: a comparison of bikes that have undergone long-term reviews. It has been my experience that the bikes that fare best on short term reviews are frequently not the best bikes for the long term. Would be interested in the features that increase the value of a bike in the long term. For example: being a veteran biker, I cannot conceive of buying a chain driven bike that is not fitted with a centers stand. Can also not think of buying a bike with, for example, a desmo valve train, which is costly to maintain. Same thing with racy ergos. Great on occasion but very taxing in the long term. Thanks for your consideration of this story approach.

[@reflexchill]

Neevsey thanks for a great video/listen and for answering my question. Looking forward to the next one!

[@Crimson_Strider]

Stock zx4rr was just dynoed 50ish whp. But, he was able get 70 whp after he removed some of the restrictions from the emissions.this was with stock exhaust and filter 70whp. Im excited to see how far you can take ut with a full exhaust, filter and tune.

[@htothejay]

Would love for more on your take on the Husqvarna vit and svartpilen 701

[@eamonnmckeown6770]

I think the Eliminator 400 with the Ninja 400 engine looks like it could be a sales hit here in America if they bring it over from Japan. Rebel 300/500 is a popular beginners bike. $10k for the ZX-4RR is collector money territory.

[@checker3694]

Yes your right these grey market 400 were far higher spec than the UK 600s counter parts, there was a brief period when they were pouring in from Japan, on used market the VF honda version were fabulous. If I remember the Kawasaki Zxr 400s were the only official UK model

[@CRFLAus]

Those bikes were pretty trick compared to modern small bikes which seem very dull. I had a CBR250RR, gear driven cams, 4 carbs, proper little rocket. Not as fast as an RGV or NSR but infinitely more reliable.

[@CRFLAus]

Those bikes were pretty trick compared to modern small bikes which seem very dull. I had a CBR250RR, gear driven cams, 4 carbs, proper little rocket. Not as fast as an RGV or NSR but infinitely more reliable.

[@gdfggggg]

I had a little rgv250l. Most fun I ever had on a bike.

[@branthurley2285]

Content that never fails to entertain & educate. Thanks, MN.

[@r6singh]

Neevesy, always a pleasure listening to you talk bikes. I want your opinion on the clutch operation for road use. Generally, would you dump the clutch on upshifts, downshifts and what about clutch control in corners? Would you ever corner with the clutch pulled in to allow for less engine braking, etc.

[@LeeTillbury]

Another quality video Neevesy. Thanks 👍🏻

[@yorkshireR9T]

I always lusted after the vfr400. I ended up with a yamaha xjr400, because it looked like the new bandit 600 I couldn't afford.

[@sandyrollo2245]

Honestly unbelievable, I’ve just been reading an old MCN from March 24th 2021 (garage spring cleaning), you were asked what you would buy with £7500… the answer was a T-Max. A Question for you is that in the same issue there was a Triumph TE-1… has anyone ridden that project bike yet ? It was certainly a looker.

[@ianjames3078]

These videos are gold 👍

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I've got an '89 CBR400-RR that will be up for sale soon, I think. It'd make someone a great starter bike, if they can look past the non-original fairings. Mechanically, it's sweet. I wish I was able to ride it myself, but sadly that's not possible, and it deserves to be thrashed.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great video. Always interesting to hear your opinion and perception regarding all aspects of motorcycling. 👍

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

Good evening Neevesy, really enjoying your videos. Would you have a word with Kawasaki and suggest that what we really want is a naked, comfortable ZX-6R? Isn't it about time our green friends had something new and potent in the mid range class? Thank you.

[@jayzee1968]

As always… thank you for sharing your insights.

[@oliw3664]

Why not put a fairing on the Street Triple rs as it is? No need to redesign anything.

[@lonpfrb]

@neevesybikes Hi Michael, wise words on OEM suspension and tyres. My RSV-4 Factory definitely has OEM Öhlins parts. I know this because my former CBR600RR got the aftermarket Öhlins shock and spring for my weight and was transformed from the OEM Honda shock. One point to add is that aside from the basic setup, its important to service the suspension regularly. Forks and Shocks both get performance from the oil, springs and shims. Thats an engineering job so select your race workshop or dealer with care. Go Racing Developments are outstanding. Ride safe.

[@Bajker4ever]

Love this Q&A thing, we're lucky to have someone with vast wisdom on our side. I guess your age Neevesy is about 45 years, and you seem to be in good shape, I'm a bit youger and in not so good shape, I guess time takes its toll on all of us in some way, I'm interested what do you do after a long long ride, how do you remedy your body, do you use any supplements, or just crash in bed and good rest is enough for you? And what do you eat and drink during the day when you're on bike all day to keep your mind and body fresh and sharp?

[@ianmajor8227]

After listening to all these videos and reminiscing about the RGV, ZXR400 and GSXR days, I’ve just booked a ‘road bike only’ Trackday at Donington 10th May. As a Donington expert/ex-instructor have you done a track guide, braking markers, turn in markers, etc I can watch anywhere? Better still, have a well deserved day off and come along for a play 😂

[@skts2610]

Don’t see the point of the ZX4R in the current UK market personally! We have very few new young riders coming into biking, us older riders want big bikes not screaming little 400’s!! You looking forward to running the H2SX this year? I’ve had my H2SXSE since 2019 and love the thing. It’s getting a remap on Friday now it’s out of warranty😬… Dave Wood Racing here we come👌🏽👍🏽

[@tonyaustin1895]

I really hope the ZX-4R is good as I hopefully bring new youngsters into bikes. The riding kit has come on like tyes, suspension and electronics, and is all good. I would like to know your views on tyres as I have watched your reviews on youtube and really enjoy them. I go on forums and still see people, go this is a tyre is better than this, but surely it's about your own feelings, and not what people think, and confidence

[@stewness3863]

Great to hear your insight as always! You mentioned a week or two back about having a seat unit on your race bike that gives you more room. I struggle as a taller rider and my wife, who also rides, struggles at the other end of the spectrum as she is 5'1 and petite. Do you think that manufacturers should/could do more to help the 'non-average sized rider' with more adjustability? Everything in a car these days is adjustable, if we want to make a change it normally involves buying after market parts which makes choosing a bike in the showroom more difficult as you have no idea if you are going to be comfortable or not or even able to touch the floor! BTW what seat unit was it? I could do with one myself!

[@lynnkanable7023]

Great content and delivery, thanks so much

[@davidjloveland3673]

Great content again. Ps I like the look of the new Shoei Helmet. Smiley grin.

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid as ever. Always interesting. Can you see the time approaching any time soon when you hang up your road tester leathers? If so, what would you do instead & what's on your bucket list? Not saying your old by the way lol! ; )

[@jefflambert8603]

I had a Honda VFR NC24 ( Pre NC30) RC30 Colours I loved that Bike Down a B Road

[@lundog8548]

Neavsey loving the content thank you. Question for your next vid is it it worth spending the extra money to have the suspension set up professionally to suit a riders weight etc if it’s just going to used on the road? I am looking at a Suzuki GSX S1000 as my next bike it has fulling adjustable suspension up to now all I tend to do is make a little adjustment to the preload as and when I take a pillion as I don’t completely understand what the rebound etc does am I missing out?

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Hopefully suzuki will bring out a 'rgv' styled 400 id buy that in a heartbeat

[@Kristofferheihei]

I have a question for you. What is the best cornering driving style for road driving? Knee out, body out, sitting in, elbows down etc? You know what i mean. Everybody talks about knee down, but why on road?

[@Fishing8136]

Great vid very informative 😎🇨🇦keep ‘‘em coming!

[@rwd323]

What would be your most memorable bike launch? Phillip Island for the K5 sounded pretty good!

[@GhostRider020]

Non slipper clutch is a problem if you have built up habits by riding a few years on a 750 cc bike with a slipper clutch for a few years and get on a 500 cc bike that has shorter gearing and no slipper clutch.

[@shadowred1980]

Enjoying the series, thank you for making them. Speaking of the zx4r, I saw an article saying the Asian market gets a really high spec cbr400rr. Any truth in that ? It would be interesting if Honda sent that over here to.

[@maccas1krr46]

Hi mate, loving the videos, very informative keep it up ! I have owner my gen 1 S1000rr for just over two years, it's the best thing I've ever sat on, I have owner litre sports bikes before (05 Zx10r C2H and 4c8 R1) I'm not used to having traction control and I'm wondering how intrusive is it on the BMW and if you can really lean on it with confidence with out the bike launching me to the moon on the exit of a corner, TIA

[@bikesandshedstrackbike7370]

What you tube channels do you like to watch when your chilling

[@richarddonoghue7474]

Keep up the good work! Bit of an odd question since the bikes aren’t technically rivals… I had my heart set on a Ducati Streetfighter V4S recently but since all the journalists seem to be raving about the latest Triumph street triple I was thinking is the triumph all the bike you could ever need, and can the Ducati warrant double the price? Ended up buying a 2017 Tuono V4 Factory anyhow, already broken unfortunately, I’m blaming it on the Dubai trackday heat.

[@nate9455]

Neevesy - great video as always. Been reading/watching your content for over a decade now! I'm doing my first track day on my 899 Panigale at road america this August - really excited but a bit nervousto be honest. Do you have any tips/advice for my first time really exploring the limits of my own riding? I've been riding sportbikes (mostly 600s) for about 15 years on and off, but always on the street and never fast enough that I'm really at the limits of the bike. I've been on the track on 4 wheels and done some karting, but I've never done anything like this on two wheels. I'm also curious how you think the 899 holds up almost 10 years later. I found a perfect low mile one last year, and it's my favorite bike I've owned! First Ducati as well. I heard you mention you raced an FZR-600 in one of your other videos. I somehow survived learning to ride a motorcycle in high school on a 1988 FZR-600. It was in pretty rough shape when i got it, and I ended up taking it apart and fixing things up the winter after I bought it ('08). Was a fun project and a great bike. I sure thought I was cool when I rode to highschool on it lol. Appreciate your videos - take it easy!

[@cpuuk]

Wotcha Neevesy, my question- What motorcycle innovations have made you sit up and really take notice at the time?

[@laz1go286]

Fantastic insight into riding as always. I did't actually know that the different size of chicken strips on either sides of the tire has to do with elbow and arm position, and uneven posture. Well that might be a case for sports bikes anyway, as with adventure bikes and off-road bikes you would actually do the opposite, as you either sit neutral or pushing down the bike and sitting more upright for cornering, eg.. MX- Enduro, Super Moto.. I know this is a big topic with many different views on it, but it would be great to here your opinion on this one! I personally ride my GSXR track style on the road, with hanging off, elbows fully bent, toes on the pegs, as I find this technique safer in the twisties, and mountain roads, because of the reduced lean angle. I can't be bothered by the chicken strips, it's my ticket to get home safely in one piece.. I see riders many times sitting right in the middle of their bikes, fully leaned over, going super fast, abusing the tire, with zero chicken strips, and zero margin for error..

[@langhamp8912]

I think the type of bike is a fairly accurate determination of the rider's tolerance of risk. The GSXR has one of the highest insurance rates of any motorcycle due to how often it's crashed, while the GSXS (note the S) has one of the lowest insurance rates of any motorcycle due to its likelihood of being bought by slower and older riders. How the rider leans his bike over isn't all that important compared to how fast he decides to go.

[@laz1go286]

@@langhamp8912 I get your point, however physics cannot be altered with. A fully leant over bike ridden on the edge of the tire takes away the rider's last chance to correct an error of loosing traction. And as a result crashing. Which is fine on a track day, as the risk and the damage is usually less than in a road crash. The other problem is that at full lean the suspension cannot work to its full potential and thus making the ride more sketchy as well. And this is independent from manufacturer or the style of bike. This is just law of physics. Insurance is another topic. Luckily here in Australia we don't have to pay more coverage for a Gsxr than a GSXs, as an example. A bike is a bike, cc is what counts and age and location of the rider.

[@langhamp8912]

​@@laz1go286 Leaning off a bike into the turn allows greater cornering clearance but if you lose traction then you have no choice but to do that "outside chicken leg kick". Leaning the opposite way of ala dirt bike allows you to let the bike slide underneath you. Riders lean off the bike not for traction but for cornering clearance. So for most street riding where cornering clearance isn't a concern, your best chance to catch a slide is to sit straight or push the bike down. If you're going fast enough to run into cornering clearance, then by all means hang off the bike.

[@laz1go286]

@@langhamp8912 riders lean off the bike for cornering clearance but also for traction! As you have a bigger contact patch and more grip/ traction towards the center of the tire. (I did watch tons of videos from: "Mike on bikes") Also the suspension can work more effectively when the bike is more upright, thus making the ride safer. All the other things you said were basically the repetition of my first comment. So basically when I ride my Gixxer I do hang off because it's safer, and due to not riding on the very edge of the tire I still have space to correct slides by pushing up the bike and gaining traction. Never ever crashed on the road with this technique. By no means would I put my foot down on the road to save a slide, because that could break a leg. (I'm also not Marquez to push myself up against the road surface with the knee to regain traction 😅) But that's only a case if I ride spiritedly, if I just cruise along I also sit in the middle of the bike, coz it's more comfy, and safe enough. On the other hand when I ride my WR250R on the single trails, switch backs, and berms, I do push down the bike for cornering as on that type of bike that is what works. I did both on and off road rider trainings so I have a pretty good idea what's good and bad but still Michael is a rider on another level hence I've asked him for his opinion.

[@altergreenhorn]

Can understand that supersport 600 is dead because the production price is simmilar to the 1000, but why for example Yamaha dont fit new R9 with a little more punch, no electronic needed apart for the ABS and we have new GSXR750 or old R1 or at least YZF 750 which is a perfect fit for the road?

[@rockyorchid]

Neevsey Just asking a question for your next Q&A KZbin Vlog. What was your favourite 2 stroke road bike, and what was the best 2 stroke race bike you have ridden, Cheers Andy

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Is there any type of bike you think should be made that currently isn't? Perhaps a recipe of features and styling that you think is missing from the market and would sell well. Or do the manufacturers have every niche of every segment thoroughly covered? Thanks as awlays, Neevesy!

[@wirenut3020]

A mid cc upright sport tourer. The Yamaha Tracer is the style. Triumph should make the 660sport as a 765 Sport with all the street triple bells and whistles.

[@Ali-x9h3p]

Good evening never been touring what are the best countries to go too. Take care stay safe fantastic videos

[@skts2610]

Picos in Spain, French/Spanish Pyrenees and Italy are all superb…

[@Ali-x9h3p]

@SKT's Hi Thank you I shall have a look at them. Stay safe

[@markobutkovic5414]

Great videos, thanx for that. Seems like you're in love in your t-max , i'm just thinking about buying one ( or maybe honda x-adv 750) , but i'm afraid that it's gonna be boring in a month or 2. Is t-max any good for longer jurneys, or 2 up, no back pain by sitting like on a chair ?

[@joewright4195]

Top G 🙌🏼

[@hatefeulblast]

from the country of all forbidden. max, we can have 250 cc s here. and thats not include 4 cylinders. better to not talk about prices .... Im deeply happy for all of you good people, that you never got the 1% of chance to born in this part of the planet.( calculation exact). I love your channel and many things on it. Greetings from Iran.

[@jondavies5885]

Had a zxr400 in the dark purple.

[@andrewrussell6238]

Do you Know if the ZX-4RR will be the full power 80hp version, as sold in the American and Asian markets or less powerful because of Euro 5 for European Markets ?

[@Bellamotograzi]

Hi Neevesy, Loving the chanel and the content. I have a question for you, I'm looking at adding a bike to my collection that I can do some track days on, not looking to do any competitive stuff just some fun. It's been about 100 years since I have done any track stuff and back then I had a road going GSXR1000 K1. So my question is what to buy. I'm weary of buying a track bike as there is a good chance they will have had a proper spanking and have been down the road, but on the other hand i might find something that has a lot of the changes you would want for a track bike. I'm looking at a 1000cc bike and a budget of around 7k what would be your advice? Track bike or road bike and then make some modifications to it? Cheers Paul

[@Neils400]

how come you've gone to a Shoei? Is it a trial or is it better than the Arai RX7?

[@keelzybear]

Do you see many/any sports bikes living on as track only options without any development to meet stricter emissions standards etc? And without the price tag of say a KTM RC 8C. Here in Oz you can still buy an R6 but it can’t be registered and comes without lights (bit surprised there isn’t a GYTR fairing they could throw on instead but I’m sure there’s a reason $$)

[@liammarsden4643]

Hello Mr Neeves. If you could ride one bike at one location. What would it be and where? Any bike and location, regardless of how unrealistic.

[@kantoman9114]

Nice new lid

[@PCERules]

Ok, so a question: two bikes I have bought that have tyres fitted that aren't full spec (cheaper versions) for when I've got them new. 2015 Versys 1000, bought one after review in MCN (your's maybe?) But the demonstrator and mine had different tyres - I checked the code. Second was a 2019 S1000RR M Sport, the Michelin Tyres on that weren't the full fat tyres either. Is this a common practice, and when you do tests after launch, have you ever noticed a difference in the quality? Or have you heard of this practice?

[@future62]

Problem with the ZX4RR is it costs exactly the same as a ZX6R. Doesn't rev any higher either lol

[@mfennell70]

It's a bit less in America. Back in the day, the VFR400 and the CBR400RR cost more than the CBR600F3 (considering exchange rates). Why would they cost any less? There's hardly any less material in the 400s and the components (forks, shocks, etc) cost the same. Some people just prefer a bike they can use to its limit more easily. If anything, people are annoyed that Kawasaki cheaped out on the 4 with a steel frame, making it weigh nearly as much as the ZX6R.

[@future62]

@mfennell70 same reason a ZX10R costs more than a ZX6R. You can use a ZX6R at its limit easier than a ZX10R too. I think for places with graduated licensing and slower traffic the ZX4RR can make sense. But here in the US.... I have a 70HP 650.... I want more lol.

[@xorbe2]

The similar spec krt zx6r abs is $2300 more, and that still lacks ride by wire, tft, and auto-blipper.

[@edwin4027]

Thanks Neevesy, i want to buy a sport nakedbike and doubt about the : cb1000r s1000r and the z1000sx what is the best about perform ? and than the middle area thx mate

[@Djzsolo]

I’m conflicted sir I’m getting back into to riding my last bike was a 2008 cbr 1000rr I’ve been leaning towards a in-line 4 again but I have never rode a triple or a twin so my question is .. in your opinion what engine is better in looking at the triple 765 and a Suzuki gsx 1000 the naked

[@Fee.1]

What airbag vests do you use ? And do you wear that for normal road use or just track ?

[@lonpfrb]

I think he said Alpinestars...

[@mikealls8938]

Hi Michael, can you recommend a bike for a 40+ rider who wants a fast bike without it being a naked and relatively comfortable . I've been looking at the Speed triple rr , BMW S1000rr, older CBR 1000rr, thx

[@Topendz]

Random question if I may… the majority of the time test riders always tout the latest and greatest version of a bike to be better than its predecessor. What stands out for you as the top three bike models that this wasn’t the case. Example for me there’s no way the 120 Jota was better than the 180. Same for the Ducati 999 compared to the incredible 998 which I owned for 14 years

[@xt225]

How do I ask a question?

[@Achilles22]

When should you change the OE tyres on a New Japanese bike? After running in? Why are they so different to the tyres you can buy in the UK tyre shops.

[@lonpfrb]

Built to a price that the OEM is willing to pay by the thousands of bikes they plan to make. Literally not as good as the aftermarket product however no OEM is going to supply a tyre that is dangerous. It's not going to get past the legal or product compliance people. Say for example OEM is 80% as good as aftermarket. So are you using the full 80% in the first set. Realistically I suggest not, based on 30 years riding experience. No offense intended. So better to wear out the OEM tyres and enjoy your bike, then replace with aftermarket. Money saved, plenty of smiles. Rubber side down. #REME #StandWithUkraine #FONOPS

[@Achilles22]

@@lonpfrb thanks for the heads up

[@dwhxyz]

I love my FZR400 3TJ track bike - with its 919 Honda Fireblade engine in it! Goes quite well - see vids on my channel.

[@sp00ky1969]

Unfortunately I think the ZX-4R will disappoint due to the weight.

[@michaeltrivette1728]

Dude it's fine. It does't have to be the greatest bike to be a great bike.

[@Nymsudo77]

Neevesy, firstly thanks for the Mint content. Advice please; I started racing with Bemsee at 29, I’m now in my second season and don’t think I ever want to ride on the road again ;) Do you think its possible to end up in BSB supersport in a few years If I continue to get some club podiums, or am I too old and being fucking Naive

[@-DC-]

Bring a massive Sponsorship Budget with you and someone will give you a ride, Otherwise well you already know the answer.

[@splundno1]

Do you feel that the reduced popularity of the race rep superbikes is partly or mostly down to the massive price increase for superbikes these days? 1000cc superbike in the noughties was £8000 where now the same thing is 20k! And combined with the fact that a race rep in the shop isn't a track bred Road going version any more? Honda rcv for instance... you can't buy one in the shop, and I've seen them for £150,000!! Honda don't even produce a v4 superbike for the public do they?

[@mannyechaluce3814]

"Wasn't that bad" is the same "It is not that good" :D

[@fj9987]

Great series, enjoying every episode. I currently own a Kawasaki Z750 and its a love-hate relationship. It’s so fun to ride and with a slip-on I absolutely love the sound it makes, both the screaming while revving and some burping an popping when letting go. However, the handling and the suspension gives me no confidence to ride it hard other than in a straight line. It feels really unforgiving and it also has no electronic aids to add confidence. Its the complete opposite of my RS660 which is smooth, stable and confidence inspiring … buuut a little less fun. What should I replace my Z750 with? It needs to be a fun inline four bike with som decent handling and abs. Is the recently discontinued GSX-S750 my best bet?

[@MachoMadness69420]

Have you considered a Z900? I’ve owned one and think that it’s a very good bike. Apart from the OEM Dunlop Roadsport 2 tyres, there isn’t really anything wrong it.

[@yetti423]

Had to jack the seat up 2 inches on my zxr400. hurt my neck but was such a blast.accidentally went off a drop ina back road to the cat and fiddle flat out as was having so much fun it had dissappeared from my memory. fingered by the police for that.

[@-DC-]

If you don't fit on.a 125 you won't fit on a ZX-4R, A bike aimed purely at the Asian market after the initial big sales push you really wonder who they think is going to buy an expensive no torque tiny Sportsbike, The Market for that disappeared years ago.

[@defylifeadventure]

Too many bike launch journos are providing a basic overview but calling it a review. Funny how things like the buzziness of the engine, or harsh suspension of the 790/890 when it came out was glossed over at launches. Then later some of the same journalists that said everything was great in their press launch videos, turned around in their real reviews and mentioned it.

[@daveo9844]

🍻

[@presstodelete1165]

I have only owned a couple of hundred bikes, I'm still not sure any models were shit, a few individual examples were but that was always thanks to the life they lived. what I can suggest is that a bike might be shit if it fails to match the promises made for it. Not sure that makes the bike shit or just reflects badly on whoever made the silly promises.

[@blipco5]

"Little old road tester". 😂

[@seanbirtwistle649]

now that the big bikes are so extreme people are beginning to understand that to get the most out of it you need to learn how to ride. the middle weight has been converted to naked bikes because its too expensive to try sell a middle weight track bike for the road. i'm hoping the next generation of little hyper bikes are around the corner to enjoy on the road and be a nice cheap entry point to track days. i just don't like the looks of the last generation ninjas =\

[@left-hand-threaded]

What is the nicest sounding bike you’ve heard at full chat

[@divexplore21]

There is a girl at my work that’s just bought one!

[@quasimodo8215]

Just posted for the algorithm and I don't want your heart for it....😆✌

[@neevesybikes]

Brilliant 😄👍

[@quasimodo8215]

@@neevesybikes you have a good taste, as always...😉! Cheers

[@astrostrotch]

Do you remember the headline "the best thing to come out of Japan since the Fireblade "? I certainly do, and the first gen MT-09 was my worst purchase ever. I can't forgive the journos for this.

[@neevesybikes]

I remember that, too. I couldn’t believe that mag said that. Our review wasn’t as gushing…

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@neevesybikes Yamaha definitely missed the boat on the 07's & 09's.. really fell into the Marketing Men bs.. but.. I just look back at the tdm's, the 900's mx style ali frame, what ever went wrong since.. on the topic "if it sucks".. good journo's SHOULD be able to give GOOD reports on ANY bike.. theyre ALL good at something, just not quite what you as a rider reporter might be expecting.. so.. if a "Sports" bike isn't.. its YOUR job to recategorise WHAT it can do.. you'd know better than ANYONE if a bike pushes into corners the setup needs changing.. I cant believe.. todays mentality.. theres NO compression or rebound adjustment.. BS!.. change the shock oil viscosity like we used to.. bring back some of the older skool skills setting up.. todays gen are TOTALLY spoilt.. humble Nev's.. cheers from NZ retired & lovin it

[@davidvitan3590]

Absolutely nobody "needs" a slipper clutch on the road. 99% of riders wouldn't even notice the difference