Thanks for asking: Perfect power for a street bike? Best handling pre-2000 sportsbike & more

[@ChrisPaggen]

I ride a Ducati Supersport 950S. Perfect power for the street and comfy position with bar raisers. My track bike is a S1000RR. It is registered so I did ride it on the road. Once. It's massively overpowered for the road and reaches truly ridiculous speeds in seconds. To me 110-130 BHP is the sweet spot with a big-bore twin.

[@dddon513]

HP is a function of torque. You can't really use all of 150+ HP on the street, but bikes with that much power usually also have 80+ ft lb of torque which you absolutely can use all of. You'll blast to 80 mph faster, and you don't need to downshift as much.

[@magaudion]

We’re on the same wavelength. ! Went to EICMA and the XSR900GP was my fav. Just bought a new Tracer GT+ and so tempted to get a GP. Sweet spot for a road bike. Anything with a CP3 motor ! Best roadbike engine possibly ever .

[@magaudion]

XSR GP now ordered . Sod it !

[@RocketMan_Moto]

I subscribe to around 350 channels on KZbin. Yours is the only one I have activated the Notification Bell on👍😊

[@neevesybikes]

Top man! Thank you 😃

[@1956colinb]

You described my 899 exactly! I’ve got BST carbon wheels, K-Tech suspension and it’s downgeared a touch, the wheels transformed the bike, they saved 6.2 kgs of unsprung weight, fabulous ride still love 😍 it after 32k miles! Keep up the good work 👍

[@Squiserker]

Thanks Neevesy for answering this And thanks 1956colinb for giving me inspiration on what parts to buy next :D!

[@warrendegonzague]

That sounds like an excellent setup!

[@1956colinb]

@@warrendegonzague I’ve also de-flappered the exhaust and it’s not choked with Euro 5 stuff like the V2 , one of the best bikes I’ve owned over the last 35 years or so and one of Ducati’s best looking bikes ever 😍 and it’s been a delight to own and ride 👍

[@dmartin23]

I had an 899 but upgraded to the v2...the electronics and geometry changes are markably better, worth the upgrade for me.

[@JPWest020]

Don’t forget the Kawasaki ZX6R. Great handling bike with sufficient power and really good suspension standard (Showa).

[@morri03]

My Ducati has 150hp and it is plenty and the power delivery much more useful than the 180hp bikes I’ve had. Still I love my 47hp Enfield too and it’s relative lack of power doesn’t seem to detract from the riding experience

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

This is the reason I got my ZX4RR for some back road blasts.

[@7-v4z]

Rgv, coke can ,roundabout... legendary

[@eddiestevenson-kaatsch6306]

Just to say, I discovered your memory lane channel, and find it so interesting. Thankyou for your insight Mr. N.

[@Motorcycle_Mike]

Neevesey, absolutely loved your guest appearance on Chris Eades new podcast! You both smashed it outta the park. REALLY enjoyed the conversation. Please do more Podcast. You’re an inspiration and treasure. All the best from Canada 🇨🇦

[@toxicnerveYT]

Completely agree with the 110-130hp being the sweet spot for road bikes. I used to have a 2017 Speed Triple 1050R and that was such a great bike for road. The engine was beautifully tractable and the platform was so well sorted by that stage that the handling was pretty sublime too. The only thing it really lacked was the latest and greatest in electronics and rider aids. Still miss that bike. Replaced it with a Tuono V4 Factory in 2022 and it's obviously a brilliant bike, with all the toys. The power delivery is also an absolute hoot. However, opportunities to wring its neck are limited, and the risk of finding yourself in front of the Magistrate are significantly higher, ask me how I know!

[@NonFlyiingDutchman]

you can use the whole 110bhp on public roads?

[@toxicnerveYT]

@@NonFlyiingDutchmanA greater proportion of it, for more of the time, yes. But we're talking in relative terms, compared to the 170-odd hp of the Tuono and other bikes like it.

[@NonFlyiingDutchman]

@@toxicnerveYT I had an early GSXR600 which had a claimed 100bhp and I felt I was always holding it back on public roads - anywhere near the power band and it was already well over the speed limit; I found it a bit frustrating. For ragging it on public roads I'd go for something smaller; ZXR400 maybe.

[@anxiousappliance]

yes - for some reason I ended up with two white bikes with about 115hp weighing about 460lbs - a 821 hyperstrada, and gsx-s750. They do the same things very differently, but very well.

[@toxicnerveYT]

@@NonFlyiingDutchman I won't claim I've never broken the speed limit, hence my mention of ending up in front of the Magistrate. 😉 I had a K5 600 and that was a great bike but, counterintuitively, it felt it needed ragging the arse off it to have any fun. As Neevesy mentions, the bigger bikes let you be a bit lazier, certainly with a big twin, V4, or triple, you can just ride the wave of torque without feeling like you need to ride the absolute arse off em.

[@hatefeulblast]

We love you. Thank you for the contents.

[@davidbarton7463]

Hi Neevesy, I've recently got back into riding and was fortunate enough to have stored my CBR400RR for 20 years, did a load of work on it this summer and with new sticky tyres this is a peach for the Cornish twisty's, I'm not going to say I can ride it all day as I will be 57 next week but shit this can fly, may try and put braided hoses on the front for next summer. Great to be back on two wheels and now looking for a sports tourer to keep the baby blade company.

[@haymush69]

Just caught you on the new Podcast that you done with Chris (BVG), really enjoyed listening to you and ill be following this channel from now onwards, well in Neevsey.

[@TimH123]

Great start to the week! Thanks 😁

[@nickmurray721]

Ideal road bike is sitting in my garage: 2005 KTM Superduke, carbon dymags, BSD reflashed ECU, (116 rwhp) MCT rebuilt white power suspension, KTM full carbon bodywork. Never going sell.

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting & entertaining vid again! Contrary to my initial thoughts before I knew what I was doing on a bike (still don't really lol) power is probably the least inportant ingredient for your average road rider. Light weight, decent brakes & good suspension are far more important, useful & fun! It is possible to be entertained at legal speeds! I guess powerwise for me personally I would say between 45 - 100rwbhp is a good range depending on your experience, if you have a good chasis. I've had a couple of bikes with 150bhp & just couldn't use them fully & if I'm honest, was very cautious to try. They were great but wasted on me really hence wouldn't get another one.....unless they bought the GSXR750 back. ; )

[@rafaellastracom6411]

120 hp. More than enough to have a ton of fun and get into trouble in equal parts. More and you´re just asking for it.

[@anxiousappliance]

ha ha - you're still asking for it, just in a different gear.

[@laz1go286]

So true, 600 super sport just perfect for the road ..

[@rafaellastracom6411]

Exactly, the real fun I keep saying is being able to ring an engine out to redline. A liter bike on the street is just not that much fun for me. The noise boys, it´s all about the noise. @@laz1go286

[@richguest66]

Always remember the Arai in performance bikes covered in coloured triangles, think it was article about the spondon

[@-SlamDunK-]

Was that Gus Scott's lid?

[@keithwaller4545]

Great again. Two stroke 250s ace plus 400s . People probably don't realize these bike where mega trick top specs. Which is why stopping importing due to cost. On the Arai Rx7 shame uk arai don't import my favorite Doohan reggae rep or quantum. Which I find odd as they do import some well odd choices.

[@sburns2421]

Ideal power range for the street? 100-125 rwhp IMO in the US. Enough to be faster than almost anything on four wheels in the real world, entertaining without being intimidating. Torque is also important, unless you want a peaky bike you have to rev like crazy by choice (Kawa ZX-4RR comes to mind). I have one with ~160 hp and ~185. Are they exciting? yes. Better to ride than my old 999? Not really. I find myself thinking about downsizing, would an 848 with extra goodies have the looks, handling, relative comfort to replace all of them?

[@maxspain46]

Thank you so much for answering this. My parents and myself are watching this all together, you have made my day. I remember Chad very well, i remember when all of you bought bangers and went for a track day (fzr600 i believe it was purple) funny video. The coke can scraping elbow got me laughing 😂. I have heard rumours that elbow down existed way before the KZbin big bang elbow down but the fact that you were achieving this sort of dynamic riding in the naughties is extremely impressive. I will continue to watch you videos for many years to come. Thank you for all your great content and reviews such with mcn and your own personal youtube acount. Thanks neevsey

[@graemeevans214]

Triumph 675 Daytona would be my choice to replace the Honda 500 imho

[@chriswest2290]

Totally agress with that. The middle weight nakeds are the most fun. Basicslly. The triumph street, mto9 and the dukes

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Hi Neevesy, I always end up doing high mileages on my bikes. Until 2020 i was running a Street Triple 675R for touring, fun rides and track. After 40,000 miles the rear started to feel a bit squidgy on track. Currently riding a STR 765RS and I'm nearly at 40,000 miles. Question: When running up high mileages, when should I consider replacing or refurbishing suspension components?

[@adamniswonger8015]

I’ll answer for him. Yes. A rebuild will do wonders for the feel. Things wear out and fluid degrades.

[@elevationmoto6208]

Yes! I can be relaxed and lazy on my Z900 SE, thanks to its abundant mid-range power, and comfortable thanks to its decent wind protection. Or I can lay on the power just for the thrill of it. Don't need more power: it's just right.

[@nairbyad7188]

i agree about lower power and weight having a sweet spot! i've owned and have been riding liter sportbikes since the late 70's, upgrading in the 2000's. i've usually had both a sportbike and a sport-tourer. i met a fellow the other day with a beautiful 1976 kawasaki 900 he's been riding since new who said he's never ridden a modern one! i warned him not to do so!! anyway, modern liter sportbikes really belong on track. I recently got a 765 spotrbike which is lighter and more fun on the roads. on track it doesn't accelerate as well at 130, that's ok, too. i'd love to add a monster sp which has even less power, but less weight, too.

[@CarlosMartinsPT]

Hey Neevsey, I’m a long time fan of you. You’re an wasome communicator and I imagine an even better chap. Now, quick question about bike touring: some people prefer to travel in large groups. Others prefer to travel solo. Others with just 2 or max 3 other friends. What do you prefer and why?

[@unclemel3607]

my answer to question 1 and two would be 166 bhp gen 3 zx10r with upgraded every thing and modified lower triple clamp (extra bolt each side)this thing paces with the big ducaties and can out corner 99% them canyon riding can use it all having a blast latest mod after current clutch inspection is a quick throttle yet to try havent been able to pin it with ease due to old smashed wrist should be fun fun 🙂

[@belly450]

Just watched the 996 video, what a machine that is.....i am guessing you had a meeting that day seenig you in a shirt 😂

[@Love4boost]

Power for the street is about as loaded of a question as it gets. I’d have a Super Duke right now if I thought I had enough control. But I’m on an MT-09 and still managed to cause nerve damage in my hand from the violent acceleration doing a wheelie.. in the area of a bone I broke in a motorcycle accident 9 years ago. Don’t be afraid to admit that your body or age are a limiting factor in how much power works in the street for you. There’s nothing wrong with an MT-07 if it works for you. Me personally, I’d go over the cost of an MT-09 upgrading an MT-07 for me because I’m a fatty. So it’s what works for you.

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

140hp, GSF1250SA, upgraded F/R suspension, brakes, and Renthal Street Fighter bars. Plenty of power, even with a pillion

[@Mrgibbo1974]

Hello Mr Neaves, I want to ask a question about an issue never discussed in any issue of MCN, any bike meet I have ever attended nor any online video ever made. I want to talk about Plums! I often find that even with the perfect bike and the perfect riding gear the old Happy Sacks always and often are the first and worst to suffer in the comfort game. Even the perfect ride in the most desirable location can be hampered when your Love Spuds start misbehaving. I am a boxer short man but have taken to wearing budgie smugglers to keep my conkers in check. A serious subject i hope you’ll agree and one that needs addressing and solutions shared within the community. So! Have you got any hints and tips for all day comfort and keeping your boys behaving in the barracks? Big fan, keep up the good work.

[@paulred158]

Love these videos , I too love the look of the xsrGP . I like many of your viewers prefer the appearance of the older bikes. I’m riding a gen 1 RSV r mille (soon to trade for a tuono racing of the same era) the Yamaha was the first new bike that’s really caught my eye, I know the engine is a peach.

[@CRFLAus]

Nailed it, the bike you can get the most out of is the bike you can hammer and be it's boss. Not talking about scooters here guys. Power is great but we're not all built the same! It's better to have more power for giggles though. In other words there is no perfect power.

[@N269]

Hornet 600 - pre 2007!! (~95bhp). Or Hornet 900 (~110bhp). I'm not biased! 😁

[@jamesmatkowski33]

Love my 919, but need some wind protection

[@N269]

@@jamesmatkowski33 Fair enough... I use my bikes sporadically, and have fun over The Mountain where focus is lost at 120mph... petrification occurs at 140mph... yeah, a barn door could make it better 😁. (edit: yeah, both Hornet 900s and both Hornet 600s)

[@flanners41]

Made the 'mistake' 6yrs ago selling both my hero's.....916SPS and an MV Agusta F4. Still have sports/Adv bikes but miss the objet d'art in my garage. Always fancied an RGV 250 but the prices are nuts now.......best Arai lid is the Haga MK1Quantum with the 'yellow' flame effect

[@garyeverett8757]

Great content and questions as always

[@ronsmith6110]

Hi mate, long time follower of yours in the paper & caught this channel fairly early and really enjoying it. In my opinion, MCN was & is the last word when it comes to reviews on new bikes. That being said, over the years I've felt that one part of the review has gotten to have less value. That's the star rating, because as fewer dodgy bikes have been released, the grouping around 4 stars has been getting greater and greater. Do you agree that 4 stars are far and away the most likely rating? If so, what are your thoughts on whether this is a bad thing & what your conversations have been around this in the past? My personal preference would be that each aspect of the bike is rated out of ten, with ten being the benchmark of the best for that aspect from any production bike. Then using the RRP to set the final rating so everything goes through that value lens.

[@goansunborn]

My 07 R1 is amazing but I never get to properly unleash it on the road. Below 6k it’s ok but only really comes to life over 7k. More of a track really. My favourite bike I had on the road in my younger days was an 89 VFR400rr. Amazing handling and you could ring it’s neck 😅

[@keithhoggett7230]

In the 90s I had a gsxr 750, rgv250 zx7r and a 916 but my personal favourite was my 95 yzf750, great handling bike with a decent balance of power..

[@lynnkanable7023]

Agree with your sweet spot definition. Traded 790 Duke for 1290 GT. Bought the GT for touring which 790 was too small for. I do miss the 790 MOST of the time however.

[@davidhudson8960]

Loved the new XSR900 GP at the NEC, more so in the flesh even than in the photos. Couldn't get my head around the TFT though, such a beautiful retro bike, why would Yamaha go and do that? Its crying out for some retro clocks, you're living the dream up until the point you ride it where you get a constant reminder its just a tarted up modern bike. Hated that TFT.

[@LeeTillbury]

Great content Neevsey. I think the TZR 250 3xv is an amazing handling bike. ❤

[@grottyquacks]

Thanks for answering my question neevsey you've saved me a lot of money! Duke 690 is probably exactly what I need, you're right, but my ego loves the faired sportbike look too much.

[@babyfknblu]

kramer makes an insanely good track only special out of the duke 690. also, theres the husqvarna vitpilen 701 using the same engine and frame with clipons and racier ergos. options perhaps?

[@grottyquacks]

@@babyfknblu had not heard of that company. The bike looks crazy nice. Way too expensive and too track oriented for what I want, thank you though. I was looking at spending about 4k on something used. Vitpilen is a great shout

[@grottyquacks]

Update: Bought a Vitpilen 701 and It's perfect. I love it. Thank you both.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Had a 99plate r6 that was an amazing handling bike .good power good brakes .

[@dylanhedges5634]

Gen1 Ape tuono for the win!!

[@Adverse_Yaw]

Hi Neevesy, I'm really grateful that you're still doing these videos. I do the occasional track day and am comfortable lapping in red group but I feel like I'm being held back by my own nerves about losing the front end. I replace the front slick every 3 track days even though I don't notice degredation in performance. How do you find the limit of a front tyre without crashing if you're not Marc Marquez and is it safe to run a slick to the side wear markers

[@RichDunn]

Neavsy, why won't Arai make a modular helmet? I know they say they won't on safety grounds, because they never compromise when it comes to safety, and a split shell that locks is deemed inferior to a single shell construction. Yet they have no issue selling me a $500 "open-face" helmet, which seems a total oxymoron. If they could make a proper Shoei Neotec competitor, I think they could sell a gazillion!

[@tobymaslin7015]

Hi Neevesy, really enjoying your vids 👍 Do you know why bikes don’t have Fog lights? I’ve always wondered this…you never see cars without fog lights surely bikes are just as or more venerable if there’s a sudden patch of fog on roads? Thanks again keep up the great work

[@markobutkovic5414]

This videos coming better and better , well done . Really nice of You to spend so much time reading all those questiones. Would be nice to hear more about helmets too . I really need some help about buying one. I have an old Arai Quantum f in awsome colors, but now i need to buy something more afordable , cause arai are really expencive. Anyway , would be nice to hear your opinion about Nolan , or Shark or Hjc in some middle price category (with internal visors). Or what ever you prefer about helmets in general, because your opinion matters ( at least for me ). Thanx a lot

[@alanssnackbardailyrelaxati8155]

Best handling bikes. I'm no expert unlike neevsey. Rgv 250m brilliant machine. Laverda 650s kevlar on rails that machine. Love neevsey work.

[@MultiVacGaming]

Hi Neevesy, I (like most people) have nowhere near the experience of different bikes and setups you have and I have no idea if the suspension on my bike (z900rs cafe) is setup right for me and I'm apprehensive about making any adjustments. Would you recommend people try adjusting their own suspension to play around and find a setting that feels right? Should it only be attempted by a professional? Is it dangerous to potentially make a mistake and set it up wrong?

[@enricohagn]

On my Z900RS I (76 kgs) do rather longer rides (the last one was 1340 km in one day) the rear shock is great on default preload, the fork I set two clicks to the softer side (starting from from the most stiff settings). No harm done by trying yourself what fits you best, mate.

[@anxiousappliance]

My suggestions: Be systematic - start with sag and go from there - keep notes, make small adjustments and watch what happens. There are suspension gurus on youtube - can't go wrong with Dave Moss - and they can explain what every adjustment actually does, so you can be more systematic. Keep notes and you can always reset and start again.

[@atanaskolov5513]

Hello, and thank you very much for the great content !!! I started riding (at 34) 2 years ago on a new 2021 Duke 390 as all purpouse bike (doing twisties, City and Track riding), then got a new 2022 Street Triple RS when i felt the Duke getting too small. For the last year I have done mostly Track riding and cources on the STRS ( the Duke only in the City). Really falling in love with the Track day life and I love both bikes for different reasons. Question: what would be your recommendation for next step - Selling the Duke and getting a 400cc track toy or converting the STRS into a track bike? Additionally we have some club racing for 400cc bikes in my region, I might try at some point (but the STRS will probably need much work to get into the 600SSP). Thanks and keep the vids coming !!!

[@chriswest2290]

Depends on the city amd street really. I live in a tropical coutry by the coasts. The roads are terrible and covered in sand. 50bhp will do. Still spins up out of the corners. But in the west. Good roads. 120bhp is more than enough for the road amd track days

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Best!

[@sburns2421]

Pre-2000 handling (assuming all same condition, realistic values today) Ducati 748. CBR900RR. Yamaha R6.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Hey neevsey question for you : if development of 2 strokes had carried on what power do you think a new 23plate rgv250 would put out? And do you think it would be reliable? Wish suzuki would do this as a 30 year tribute to kevins title win in 93

[@RileyCope-x1m]

Hi Neevesy, Love the Q&A’s! I have a racing question. In Australia we have a European/American middle weight naked class, dictated by power to weight ratio. Most bikes are under 120hp. The most competitive bikes in the class this year were a almost standard KTM 890 Duke R and Street Triple 765 RS with a track modified Thruxton 1200 R coming third over the season. I’m looking at joining this class next year and currently have a standard 09 Street triple I’ve considered converting. With modifications do you think I would be clutching at straws to make the 09 Street Triple competitive against these newer bikes? What would be your bike of choice? Many thanks, Riley

[@shaunwhitfield112]

Bingeing my way through these 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😁🙌

[@SaqibKhaliq]

Hey, great video again! Talking of crash helmets - what would be your favourite helmet for the road, and what would be your favourite for the track? I like the new Alpinestars helmet, have you tried it? I have a Shoei GT Air II. Love the quality and fit of the helmet. Riding without a drop down visor in the UK is tricky, especially around dusk/dawn.

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Recently went from a MT10SP to a Street Triple RS and found on the road was having much more engaging, fun rides plus the MPG on the MT10 just gets annoying.

[@patkawasaki771]

Mike Hailwood thought that about 80bhp was plenty.

[@jayhooks]

Hi Neevesy, love your content, one of my favourite channels! Tyre question…I recently bought a Triumph Scrambler 900 (EFI) and it has Continental TKC 80’s fitted. Love the look and they seem to be pretty decent for grip. I am a bit nervous to push sometimes because they’re knobbly tyres. What’s your view on knobbly tyres and their limitations for road riding?

[@robocombo]

Could you test the grip in a limited risk way? Make sure traction control and ABS are on. Open full throttle and see what happens. Get hard on the brakes while upright and see what happens. I ride an enduro bike on knobblies that are less street focused then TKC 80s and its crazy what's possible. Do some low risk testing to build confidence in them. You'll be surprised what they'll do. But be careful with the front in the wet... that's the only scenario where I've run into trouble on knobblies on tar.

[@jayhooks]

@@robocombo Hi mate, yeah…I could do but I’ll wait for the summer! My bike doesn’t have TC or ABS so the limit is the limit. It prob doesn’t help that I came from A GSXR 750 with Supercorsa’s fitted and never felt I was close to the limit. I think it’s just experience, getting used to the bike and the tyres. It’s good to hear other people’s experiences and advice so thanks for the comment 👍

[@NudaMan]

I was gonna pick up a 2000 cbr929rr this last weekend but the seller was being weird (could’ve been such a great bike to own) now I’m looking at getting a 07’ Cbr1000rr instead completely stock with 27.8k miles, gonna go see it in a few days 😉

[@sjonnie1963]

Hi Neevesy, a question from Holland, so forgive me my bad Englisch. Love your video's. Riding for over 40 years I started trackdays again 5 years ago with my SC57 blade. Nice bike but I changed it for a L7 750 and its the best bike I ever had. So much fun to ride. First time with it at Assen I was faster then with the Blade. I am thinking about changing the shift pattern. Seems a bit easier on the track I guess. Now my question ; You ride a lot of bike's on the road and on the track. Do you ever make a mistake shifting because off the different patterns ? And what do you prefer ?

[@T-Bone54]

I'd argue 120 bhp is probably OTT, frankly. Ideal bhp for country road blasts and motorway runs is 70bhp -90bhp from a 650 - 800. Will out accelerate the most determined hair dresser, but allow you to power through headwinds on the motorway and cruise at 70-80 all day. You don't want to be put putting around on an underpowered Royal Enfield, but a 120 bhp machine gives a) a hard to resist, human desire to use that fully and b) will still get plenty people going through a hedge if they are not paying attention.

[@organichotdog3807]

+1 For my gen 3 SV650. The only thing I wish it had was cruise control. If I was going to upgrade today, it would be for an XSR900 because it has cruise control.

[@christopherwheatley7845]

I've got a fully usable 80bhp on my lightweight ktm 690 duke r 140kgs, it's actually all you need for the road, very nible/agile plus relaxed position naked.

[@T-Bone54]

@christopherwheatley7845 Exactly, yes. My little Ducati is 73 bhp and suits the twisty country roads I like to ride just perfect.

[@iainwhite3476]

Hey Neevsey love the vids. I’ve got a Street Triple 765 rs 21 model I love it. I keep hearing how the stock tyres Pirelli supercorsa SP’s are great in the dry but a nervous in the wet. Question is what tyres would you suggest I look at from the other manufacturers for quick road riding and occasional track days? I’m so confused Bridgestone s22? Metzler etc…

[@elcupanebray]

Hi neevsey. Love the videos long may they continue. As a self confessed tyre geek I was wondering what your thoughts are on my multistrada 1260. I find the oe Pirelli tyres are good but lots of people change them for other makes. Am I missing something or is it really personal pereference. Many thanks Andy.

[@AntaresSQ01]

Re ideal power thanks for touching on riding dependancy, 120-130 bhp is really great fun in a naked... But in a 220kg sport touring bike i'd want at least 150-160, preferably more. The tracer 9 and versys 1000 are both very bland bikes when compared to the likes of the S1000XR and the KTM 1290 SDGT, I'd wager even the 150bhp GSXS GT and new GX are not quite up to the excitement of the above 2 as it just delivers gutless power in comparison to the 2 I mentioned. On the other hand in an adventure bike I'd find 90-100hp more than enough as long as it's geared right (thinking DesertX and KTM 890 ADV) but despite the peachy engine, find the tenere 700 and Tuareg 660 gutless in certain RPM bands. But then the same 90-100 in the whale that is the africa twin, that's then again not enough, a bike like that once again calls for 130-140 bhp ish, as found in the newer GS-s and then the KTM 1290 SA is the other end of that spectrum where it may be just a tad too much, albeit the 1290 makes it's power EXTREMELY manageable offroad, whilst still being exhilarating on road.

[@jefflambert8603]

On the Subject of Crash Helmets How long do you think its Safe to use a Helmet for ? 5 years or 7 years?

[@stephenchapman8344]

Great content. 👍

[@martin_eneqvist]

Thanks for all the great motorcycle content. I especially love these Thanks for asking vids, a true goldmine! I’m a 45 year old beginner rider with about one year of riding experience. After selling my first bike, a Svartpilen 401, I’m now looking for my second for commuting, light touring and the odd track day. I’m considering a SuperSport 950 S, 765 Street Triple RS or S1000R but I’m concerned it might be too much. What do you think, should I look elsewhere and save those for later? Also, when it comes to power delivery. What do you think is more dangerous for beginners, bikes with lots of low end grunt or bikes where the power is delivered at higher revs?

[@briangc1972]

I partially disagree with his assessment. There are numerous 600 to 750cc bikes that offer plenty of power and loads of fun. He is a far more skilled, experienced and advanced rider than the rest of us, so his idea of enough hp to be fun is going to be higher than yours and mine. I own an Aprilia Tuareg 650 and a Ducati Diavel 1260S. If I had to sell one, it would be the large engine because the smaller engine has plenty of power to be fun and it much more nimble. Larger engines have more rotating mass and are great for touring, not so great for commuting and not so great for beginner track days. Test ride the Tuareg 650, Tiger 900, and the SS950, you will see what I mean.

[@JSweec]

hi Michael - I wonder if you could talk about how riders in Britain deal with colder/wetter road conditions, as opposed to the ideal dry summer days. I’m in California and our riding season is basically year round but i am seeing much wetter winters these past couple of years, hence wanting to get the best advice from the old country :) what would be a road temperature that you think is unsafe for tires to grip? how do we find the confidence to have some reasonable fun on a twisty wet surfaces? thanks and love these videos!

[@TheIdlesurfer]

Michael hasn't responded but I will as a UK based part time freelance bike journo and all year rider. I pick winter tyres with decent silica content. I'll take grip over longevity on wet roads. 8:24 I have decent waterproofs. Mine are Klim overlayers. Our temperatures get close to freezing so I use a heated jacket. If there is ice around, I don't ride. When tyres are cold or roads are greasy, I sit on rain mode. My Triumph rain mode is cautious but I also ride simple enduros and dual sports on knobblies and with no ABS or rider modes, and I just take it easy on tarmac.

[@JSweec]

@@TheIdlesurfer thanks for the tips! agreed that icy conditions should be avoided altogether. it always amazes me seeing you guys riding on damp looking roads in cold weathers haha

[@rogerkay8603]

Neevesy, a question if you please? I was a massive Performance Bikes fan back in the day, other than MCN do you read any other Bike mags?

[@dogrange]

Could you give a reflection on what the riding experience of a KTM 690SM (or equivalent Husky 701) is versus Duke 790/890?

[@christopherwheatley7845]

I've had ktm 690smc and a 690 duke r personally I prefer the duke r you sit more into the bike rather than on top of it, smc is motorcross style it's fun but the duke is way better on longer trips etc the r has better brakes & fully adjustable suspension

[@kimomoto]

Hi there! I’m looking for a sports bike that I will mostly use for track days, preferably a 600cc. I have a budget of 5000 euro. I’m considering a 2008 R6. Which bike would you choose?

[@schmuppetify]

Hi Neevsey - love your content and appreciate the effort you put in for us viewers. I currently ride a 2022 S1000R which I love as it's an effortless "do everything" bike full of great features. That said, I'm thinking of adding something a little more raw and old school to the garage, perhaps a K5 GSXR, original crossplane R1, or even a 1098. Given I haven't ridden any of these before and will be buying mainly based on reviews and such, I'm interested in your thoughts as I'm wary of buying based on perception but then ending up with something I won't actually ride. Do these older bikes offer something that modern ones don't or is it mainly a case of rose-tinted glasses?

[@mudhustle]

I have a 2016 s1000r and and r1 and have had 2 gsxr 600, an 06 and 07. The r1 doesn't pick up speed like the s1000r but it sneaks up on you and never stops pulling. Seems just like a highway bike to me and the s1000r is more for destroying twisy turns and immediate power whenever you want it but then when you get to 160mph that's about it. Also the r1 just isnt as comfy. The gsxr are not as fast as those two bikes but still a tons of fun to ride. If you can buy them go ahead but I think you'll still like the bmw better in every aspect unless you want to go 180mph + all the time.

[@schmuppetify]

@@mudhustle thanks mate, great feedback. Kind of confirms what I’m thinking, I’ll buy an old bike based on lust but end up riding the new bike as it’s just better.

[@sk2283]

I think you need just a little more power than you’re going to use (if that makes sense!) just in case …. I feel 150hp is right for a road bike. But that’s me and I’m probably corrupted by BHP having had so many litre bikes over the last 10 years !

[@KovertMecha]

Hey, I’ve been watching your videos for good bit and maybe I missed it, but how can I get into testing motorcycles as an influencer. Riding is my passion, I also ride track and with my platforms combined I reach over 269 million views per month but how can I translate that into getting the gig. Thank you.

[@rogerkay8603]

Agree on the HP for streetbikes, my CP3 powered XSR900LC (Velocity Moto) is faster than I am and the triple is sweet and whines nicely at you in 3rd and 6th gear!

[@keithwaller4545]

Another excellent handling pre 2000s Yamaha YZF 750

[@joewright4195]

Top G 🎥

[@michaelhart5886]

Id buy an original 1996 green and purple zx7r if given a chance

[@jordanjoestar8839]

The GSXR-750 is the perfect street bike and if you disagree that's fine... But if so, you're wrong and I'm going to fight you.

[@stefanhansen5882]

I am a big fan, but do NOT understand your perspective on the ideal street bike. You mentioned a KTM 890, and said that you could have more fun on a smaller bike (I was thinking e.g. an SV650), but also that these smaller bikes stop being practical everyday road bikes. How in the world is a KTM 890 a more practical bike than e.g. an SV650 or maybe a Honda Transalp (which both score high on the Daily Rider Leaderboard)?

[@neevesybikes]

Hi there, thanks for your comment. I wouldn't say a KTM 890 Duke is more practical than an SV650. They're probably the same, although the KTM is more fun. A Honda Transalp is definitely more practical than a naked like the 890...

[@stefanhansen5882]

@@neevesybikes Thanks. I think what you said could easily be misunderstood. Or maybe it's just me. I appreciate the clarification.

[@Marchautowerks]

The answer is always street triple always

[@jimperry4420]

Neevsy, have you ever ridden the Gsxs750?

[@neevesybikes]

I have. They're good bikes. Revvy, decent handling and a lot of fun, but could do with just a bit more oomph.

[@terrynicholson9273]

I doubt that the Excel show will be bigger and better, it has been getting smaller and worse for the last 20 years.

[@radiocrash]

ZX7R

[@_Archambaud]

👍

[@zlippery1]

HONDA CBR600F3 :-)

[@nairbyad7188]

you need a haircut! lol

[@kemal.yetim.]

🎨✨️🎇🥇🎯🧿