Thanks for Asking: tyres, old PBs and trackday weapons

[@tonyciriello6872]

Love your throw back talk. At 66 years old I have never thrown away any motorcycle magazine since the early 70's and I subscribed to all I could find. (including many UK publications) In 1999 I was diagnosed with MS and now have problems with walking balance. No problems riding motorcycles because they do balance themselves. Thank God for motorcycles !! Keep the throw back talk going.

[@bertiesimmonds]

I use LOTS of mine as reference material for articles. Often more trust-worthy than the web!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Really interesting video once again Neevesy, love your honest style and approach, do please keep them coming!

[@jorgoshki]

Keep these videos coming Neevesy. Great joy👍

[@davidelizabeth4933]

Thanks, Neevesy! This Q&A video was fun! We greatly value your thoughts and opinions. We'll see you on the next one... ❤❤

[@shadowred1980]

Thank you for taking the time to answer peoples questions.

[@Livefast..]

Really enjoying these videos - thanks for doing them and keep em coming!

[@Livefast..]

BTW - sports bikes may have become so focused that they are no longer enjoyable on the road but they are still objects of desire for many of us. We can buy something from a showroom that in the hands of a top racer can put in lap times that aren’t hugely out of touch with the equivalent race bike. This simply isn’t possible with cars. Yes these bikes are getting rather ridiculously expensive in comparison to Supersports bikes from years gone by but that’s a reflection of the levels of technology that now goes into them. Colour TFT screens, 6 axis IMU’s and all of the things that they make possible, slipper clutches, quickshifters, blippers, electronically adjusted suspension. When you start looking at the list vs - analogue rev counter and speedo then it’s surprising that they don’t cost more. I really hope they don’t disappear altogether. Other types of bike might now be better on the road but a world without Supersports bikes would be a lesser place.

[@belly450]

Awesome and thank you for reading my question.....off to the classifieds now

[@stephenwilliams926]

I used to work alot in Holland in the early 90's. I used to give my old Performance Bike magazines to the Dutch lads I worked with. They could not get enough of them. I now read Practical Sportbikes.

[@MadChalet]

I really appreciate your openness, candor ... just plain down-to-earth delivery. It's like hanging out with a trusted friend. Cheers!

[@marktansell8578]

Good advice about getting some race tuition.....as they say " its not always about the horse but the jockey too "

[@aurimasbielskis890]

This is turning into my favorite TV series👍great job as usual Michael👌

[@branthurley2285]

Differentiating between what we want & what we need in a bike is key to avoiding disappointment. And yes, bike reviews are all about opinions. But some are clearer & more reliable in expressing opinions. Like MN😉.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Yes I bought motorcycle news as a child in a jumble sale in Belfast,, performance bike,, modified bikes all my life,, bloody Steve burns and the spondon monster ,, brilliant 👍👍👍👍 K6GSXR owner ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,

[@mrdoodle8748]

Love hearing your comments & opinions. of the various bikes that you have ridden over the years, could you list the bikes that you would regard as truly outstanding examples.

[@liamato1]

Loving these videos and recollections, it takes me back and like a lot of riders in their 50’s, I’ve gone through the changes from Sports bikes to now riding a 2019 Tiger 800 XRT. My question is what launch really stands out for you and it doesn’t necessarily have to be about just the bike, but the whole overall event.

[@grungysquash1]

As an old fart - it's hard to believe the performance of modern bikes. I absolutely love my 16 RR but I admit I'm now struggling last track day I twisted my back and couldn't do the last few sessions. I'd love another sports bike but I think I'm being forced into a more comfortable sitting position!

[@jeremythomas6980]

very enjoyable again, look forward to more.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Thanks for answering my question, Michael. Just hearing you mention it reminded me of I think it was the Hutchinson 100 at Brands when they rode the track the other way. I also remember going to a Scramble there I think it was Trophe De Nations. Thankfully I am a bit too young to remember Grass track there. I don't need to tell you how much we are all enjoying these videos. Enjoy the sun & bikes Ted

[@RikkyTang]

Enjoyed this a lot Michael cheers! Keep some juicy stories back for the book though 😁Looking forward to your thoughts on the M1000R... hopefully you'll get some track time

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

My first PB was the one with the 916 vs yzf750 group test - june 1995 Fond memories.

[@prep4evac]

As a rider and consumer of content, thanks again for your honesty. Maybe you have mentioned this before and I missed it, do you own any bikes and if so what? Also, if you could have a collection, what would that be? I guess an H2 would be in it.. 😊

[@nickmurray721]

Really appreciate your candour

[@barryvenison6803]

Top man .. thank you 🙏🏼

[@presstodelete1165]

Meeting Mat Oxley changed my life, not the man himself but the bike he rolled in on. It's a long and tangled story spread over a number of years but did have a minor effect on MCN deciding to run the competition you won.

[@bertiesimmonds]

I recall the GSR600 launch mate… Lots of us loved it, and you were chatting to us about the bike and what we thought of it. What I loved about launches was that we often disagreed but always stuck to our honestly held opinions. And that’s all we can do!

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Omg I've read many of your articles!

[@bertiesimmonds]

@@Google_Does_Evil_Now And you still can! In Classic Motorcycle Mechanics and Classic Racer magazines... I'm the editor (end of advert...) :-)

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@bertiesimmonds thank you for the reply. I'll look out for those. Best regards.

[@bertiesimmonds]

@@Google_Does_Evil_Now Will even send a cool, free T-shirt if you subscribe... CMM goes back 15 years plus - so it's amazing what is considered a 'classic' motorcycle according to the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club.)

[@markkennedy2521]

Fantastic honesty, as always Michael. Love the Q&A and all the snippets of info that come with it! Had Metz K3's on my HP4 for a trip to Scotland a number of years back and the shell grip/lesser, choppy surface in parts absolutely ate them😬 Have since got a 1290 superduke GT shod with Pirelli Agel GT's to start with but just found them expensive for what you get back from what is essentially a "Grand Tourer" motorbike? Anyway, she now has Michelin Pilot roads on and absolutely no complaints along with the same fun and smiles that the hefty priced tagged Metz and Pirelli brotherhood brought?? Keep up the fantastic work. Hope the drumming is still going strong too fella?

[@geraintjones5188]

Hi always great vids. Two questions. Firstly, do u think the tyre development has improved more or less in relation to the bikes they’ve been designed for over the years you’ve been racing ? And secondly. Do you think Metzler TD slicks would last 4 days at Almeria doing 1:46’s using a 2009 Blade

[@arai_sam]

Great video as usual. Interesting comments about the old mt09. I'm currently contemplating a 17-20 tracer 900gt for commuting duties and touring and keeping my old hornet for trackdays.. Or sell the hornet and have an s1000r only. Would love you hear your views having had one for a long term test bike.

[@warrenhoare2852]

Thanks for sharing these videos… really love your openness and honesty. Over the years I’ve purchased bikes based on your “warts n’ all” reviews, and I purchased the RS660, solely because of your view. It’s so much more fun than the litre bike I came down from👍

[@NudaMan]

What were you riding before? Just curious

[@warrenhoare2852]

@@NudaMan mt10

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@warrenhoare2852 please tell what you like about it.

[@NudaMan]

@@warrenhoare2852 damn that’s a huge swap lol I’m thinking of selling my 2003 R1 and picking up a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport 👌🏾

[@garyhutson6361]

Thanks for answering my tyre question. To many chanels are sponsored by tyre companies. so they say there brand.

[@marcolin2682]

Hi Micheal, greetings from Italy and thanks for your always honest opinions and great riding tips. I have only three years of experience riding a bike and when I'm riding on a twitsy road, on the flat parts and uphill I feel relaxed and I can really enjoy the bike. But when the road (the bends and the hairpins) go downhill I often still feel awkward and stiff...either I brake too early and I feel stuck or too late and I feel the weight of the bike pulling away. Do you have some suggestion on how to approach smoothly and safely the road downhill? Thanks!

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

He actually answered this question in a recent video. And I liked his answer. Made sense. Did it help you?

[@Faithinthedock]

Hi Michael. Thanks for your videos. Some great memories. Seems an age ago my group used to ride to the Spring Spectaculars up at Skegness at a pace that definitely wouldn't happen today. Anyway, a couple of questions if you don't mind. One would be if you couldn't test bikes and had to own any one bike of any era, what would it be? 2nd one, I bought a brand new C1 ZX9r back when the new R1 eclipsed it almost instantly. Do you think it would make more sense today? More daily ridable at moderate speed but still a 10 second 1/4 (excuse the Fast n Furious ref) and serious pace if you pushed it? And it wasn't very heavy after it's crash diet from the B models.. What do ya think?

[@evoalt2639]

As always, great Vid - thanks for sharing, some career! I’ve previously had Aprillia RS250, Street Triple R (15) and R6 (08). I tracked the RS250 a lot (with it’s obvious speed limitations), but now looking to get a track only bike due to carrying to much speed on the road (with inherent risks) and sold my last road bike. Question, for someone looking to get back into track days only, arguably a newbie given my only other experience was on RS250 and rest being road, would you recommend buying a £4-5k hack (old R6 as example), or spend £8k or so for something more modern, possibly quicker but has modern aids such as traction, wheelie control etc. to ‘help’ keep it upright? Cheers Neevesy!

[@keithhoggett7230]

I’m at Almeria, I assume that’s where your heading for the BMW launch…. Hope you have fun..

[@nielszwering2414]

Here’s one good question i’m planning an motorcycle trip. Been too the dolomites, germany black forest and Garda Lake in one trip. Where should i go next as a motorcycle rider?

[@527iceman]

Thanks Neevesy great video. I've a 22 Suzuki vstrom 1050xt and the front tyre is sketchy in the wet. Can you recommend good sports touring road tyres with all weather confidence for this bike please?

[@SB-Kiwi]

Great stuff. 👌

[@nickrider5220]

What is your favourite bike ridden or owned and which bike is a guilty pleasure ?

[@marv2820]

Some great roads around Mojacar for testing. Would be interested to know the routes. I like the ride across to Carboneras and the the ride up to Sorbas and up around Tabernas/Almeria circuit.

[@marv2820]

Not sure if you were among them but passed about 30 journalist on the beach just outside Carboneras with the M1000R doing individual camera shots behind a car. I

[@stephenedwards3397]

Thanks for this little Q&A, enjoyed it a lot. I see people are areading posting their Hornet reviews on YT, must be hellish feeling the need to get them out so quick. I would love to know your thoughts on the new Ducati senior designer's comments regarding his plans on basically making the brand a status symbol. It is yet anothet tick in the box for me t o move to Moto Guzzi and the V100 after all my years buying the Bologna product. Anyway enjoy Spain and the bikes.

[@petereeves1354]

My 5 mins of fame! Cheers. Back to the PB demise (& the last question on this vid). PB slated the new blade that spat Mc Guinness off at the TT, but MCN raved about it. PB also modded a 08 Blade that beat the new 'un too. Fast Bikes is still going, & the content, journalism & graphic design is nowhere near as good as PB. My Conspiracy theory that is was killed off to please Honda ... thanks again, keep the vids coming. Pete

[@neevesybikes]

Hi Pete, that’s an interesting theory, but if PB was still selling in big numbers it would’ve carried on. Manufacturers often get upset with us, it’s an occupational hazard! 😀

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

The internet made magazines redundant.

[@Diddy65]

Still remember Ronnie Smith wheeling Honda gold wing naked on PB video, R.I.P. RONNIE & GUS SCOTT. 🕊🕊

[@Final_Boss_Racing]

I’m over in the States can you think of any good schools/trainers over here? Thanks!! Small edit just finished your vid and I have the 17 Blade so I wanted to get your honest opinion bc I’m thinking of building into a track only bike and wanted to see what you would choose now?

[@nielszwering2414]

Nice vid once again, think about going racing for fun. But always a bit scared i total my Bike. What do u recommend buy a racebike? But would be too expensive for a few times racing. Always drawn to it but never actually did it.

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

Have you ever done a track day? I did my first track ride using the Ron Haslam Race School CBR600 and their race suit. They had a classroom session and we rode in a group of 3 for each instructor. After that I did several track days on my own road bike. I'd just ride to the circuit, ride round, ride home. But that first session and lesson on their bikes taught me a lot. Great starter. Is there something like this where you are?

[@nielszwering2414]

@@Google_Does_Evil_Now not an official one. Been on the track before once but the ring in Germany doesn’t really count I guess

[@Google_Does_Evil_Now]

@@nielszwering2414 you've been on the Nurburgring? That looks the scariest track day I've seen. Cars and bikes together. Is it still 1 biker a week dying there? They had crazy stats, but maybe on average they're ok because of numbers of riders? What is it you're looking for from the track riding? I wanted to get my knee down safely and to push the performance of my 1,000cc bike. I just thought it would be safer to do this on a track and there would be experienced people to give me instruction. Curious about what you want from it? :-)

[@nielszwering2414]

Haha yes, was a trilling experience the porsches are definitely the fasted but ver there most of the time anyway haha. I would like to experience more feeling and feedback from the bike witch i think will be better on the track then on de road due the obvious dangers on the road u are bizzy with during fast riding. I’m at a point that i want to learn more of the circuit techniques with riding position. I am a fast rider but want to be better in technique and rider form. I guess. Its easier to have the locked in feeling with the bike on the circuit because its an controlled environment and u can practice the same curves more often in an safer way.

[@nielszwering2414]

And thanks by the way for your reply 😀

[@riderramblings]

Erm, 600's kinder on tyres may be true but, I used to go through tyres like nobodies business (that was on the road in the early 1990s). Make sure you have a piggy bank just for tyres!

[@_Archambaud]

❤️

[@benrideout9583]

Another great video mate, Iv got a question about my new generation 2 s1000rr track bike which I pick up next week. It’s got the bmw RCK 2 software on the ecu. Apparently this gives you fantastic options regarding your electronics, throttle, engine breaking etc. This is my first time on a bmw as always had Japanese bikes to this point. Have you much experience with this software and if so what advice would you give to how I approach my track season next year with it. Cheers pal

[@neevesybikes]

Hi Ben. Yep, I raced with that software for years. Once it’s set up you don’t need to touch it too much. You just need to check it has all the right settings in it. Fortis Racing know those systems inside out and are worth checking out. 👍

[@benrideout9583]

@@neevesybikes great thanks mate 👍

[@joewright4195]

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