Why Do People Buy Sports Bikes For The Road?

Why do people buy sports bikes for the road? It doesn't make much sense given the variety of bikes we can choose from these days. In this video I set out to answer that question and give some advice on why its not the best idea to buy a super sport for the road.
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[@markymarknj]

That's another good video, Vinny; all I can say is AMEN! I once rode a Honda CBR 600 back in the early-mid 1990s. It wasn't for fun; it wasn't even my bike; I rode it to help a guy I worked with get it out of police impound. I forget WHY it was there, but he needed someone with a motorcycle license to pick up the bike, so I helped out. Man, what an UNCOMFORTABLE bike that was! It was also very twitchy on the throttle. I rode it well enough to get it back to the guy's house, but I never rode a sportbike again. That brief ride long ago was all it took to confirm that I wouldn't like to own or ride a sportbike. I think many guys buy them because they want to be cool, not because it's the best choice of motorcycle for them. That's not to say that I dislike them-not at all. In fact, they're wondrous marvels of technology, design, and manufacture. I dare say that the sportbikes of today are better than what Superbike and MotoGP racers RACED on a generation ago; they're that good! Freddie Spencer, Kenny Roberts, Mick Doohan, Eddie Lawson and those guys would've KILLED to race today's machinery. The best part is you can BUY one at your local dealer! When I think of Eddie Lawson racing on a bike with a 120 rear tire, I can only shake my head. The modern sportbike is, I think, beyond the skills, abilities, and capabilities of 90%-95% of the riders out there. To get anything approaching 100% out of today's sportbikes, one has to be a national or world class rider; one has to race in BSB, MotoAmerica, WSBK, or MotoGP. Sorry, but I'm not that good. I'm good enough to keep myself out of trouble while riding, but I know I'm not that good. There's a reason why they're on TV, and there's a reason why I watch them on TV-'nuff said... :)

[@roadblastmedia]

Haha great comment mate! Very well said!

[@crumblymal8479]

Many years ago now I had a FZR Genesis 1,000 and back then I found it was a comfortable ride and the pillion seat was a decent size luved the bike but nowadays they are much more cramped up and compact , even the pillion seats these days have gotten a lot smaller I know not why but there ya have it .Totally agree Vinnie ya just don't need em with the choice out there now and they do say sales are down on the sports bikes .Take a look at the new Norton offering their first bike of the production line is a sports bike at £40,000 quid what the hell is that about way to not make many sales 😁 good one mate 👍

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice mate the fzr is a beauty of a bike wouldve been alot of fun! Yeah some of those bikes are way over priced great to look at though!

[@rabfergy7155]

When I started out it was sports bikes having grown up in Ireland with the Dunlop brothers and the Dromara destroyers all road racing. Keeping it between the hedges. We only went on short runs. But all fun. If you have a bad back the sport position is easier on the back but worse on arms and neck. The club we started in 96 is still going and still predominantly sports bikes.

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice one mate! That sounds like it would have been alot of fun in those days! Awesome that its still going!

[@rabfergy7155]

@@roadblastmedia the early years on the 2 strokes trying to get more power. That was fun. I guess even now at 50 I still love the race bike, having jonny as 6 time world superbike champion and the road racing in Ireland and Isle of man TT keeps me interested. Just know I'm happy to watch but prefer riding at a different pace now . Not so much my ageing body more keeping my licence is priority. I tend to grip tank with knees and lay my weight on tank to ease my wrists, then twist the throttle and counter steer to drop the bike into corners and I still enjoy. Maybe bit to much and have to ease off before it gets to fast for my ageing reaction time. Keep er lit.

[@unhippy1]

I rode Sports bikes for the handling,i loved being able to just hiff it into a corner any which way and it would just swing thru it like it was on rails.....and at 5'6" the sports bikes don't have me folded up like a pocketknife and i found them almost as comfortable as a more all purpose orientated bike.

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice one mate too right on the handling and thats a good point! If its just as comfortable than normal then might aswell go for it!

[@dereksmith9473]

Hi Vinnie. Good to meet you today. I was the old fart looking at the CFMoto 700. Totally agree with your observations here and with riding roads like these it's great to have a comfortable perch to soak it all in. True, you can carve corners on a sports bike but little room for error when you cross a trail of cow shit half way around. Nice to see my riding roads on your vids. We'll catch up again soon, Cheers

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers mate! Well said, and it was great to meet you! Feel free to stop in to the shop anytime

[@johnmartin7158]

Went for a ride with the Waihi riders on Sunday. Very enjoyable day for me. The bending over on a sports bike would kill my already bad back.

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice one mate! Would have been some lovely roads out those ways!!

[@alltimechiller]

I swear you are the most sensible rider and KZbinr and whatever you talk about in your videos makes totally sense. This is your second video I’ve watched. I’m actually moving to New Zealand this year for my master’s degree and since I’m a rider myself I had a few bikes in my mind, KTM 390 Duke, KTM RC 390, and Kawasaki Vulcan 650. Since I’ve had bad back and neck issues,, I won’t be getting RC 390 or any other sports bike as you suggested. I want to get a motorbike for the daily commute. Can one ride a bike throughout the year taking weather conditions into consideration? Would love to ride with you one day. New subscriber here. Keep making such awesome videos.

[@roadblastmedia]

Thanks mate!! I ride all year but its not for the faint of heart in the winter!

[@birdman9102]

Great video vinnie, can’t wait to get down there and see Oamaru, you keep riding careful. Love you heaps Mama bird

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers Mum! Love ya ❤

[@greatkingrat]

My daily driver is an Enfield Interceptor and my weekend blat is a 2021 GSXS750 which is hilarious but still comfortable. I did a 10am - 6pm ride the other day on the GSXS750 and knees a bit sore but that was it…my old ZX6R is about 200kms before youre very sore all over, especially wrists.

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice mate! The GSXS is a great bike perfect blemd of power sportyness and comfort great price point too! Cheers for the comment

[@5ebra1]

Good video Vinny. You raise some good points. I bought my Himalayan because it was reasonably priced and comfy.

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers mate! Yeah same here love my himmy always alot of fun!

[@RVRCloset]

Good points mate! They sure are cool, but too many with those sports bikes think they are on a track when they are on the road, and they die like flies on them, just a matter of time driving like that..

[@roadblastmedia]

Yeah mate! It can get out of hand quite fast on bikes like these im very excited to get it on track but i make sure im never too stupid out in the gauntlet

[@rosslevitates]

Great consideration Vinnie. Hope you influence many many people…… There’s nothing quite so cool as a classic machine…be that Royal Enfield, Triumph, Kawasaki, BSA etc. A good way to attract the public view and admiration too!

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers mate and too right i miss those Royal Enfield 650s alot cant wait to get back on one!

[@clayfarnet970]

I’m seriously thinking about buying a beautiful 2004 k1200rs. The only thing I fear is other drivers not paying attention while driving. 👍👍👍

[@roadblastmedia]

That would be an awesome machine to own mate! Just make sure you hit the quieter back roads!

[@diamondheat9]

Never had pain in my wrist, neck, or knees on my zx6r. I am in more pain on my ninja 300. Naked bikes are in a better seating position but long fast rides will kick your ass because the wind will make you it's bitch. That isn't an issue with super sports. The R6 and Daytona are have some of the most aggressive riding positions so your perspective is a bit unfair. Gsxr and the zx6r are super comfortable for street riding.

[@roadblastmedia]

Man im going to need to get on a zx6r cheers for the insight mate my opinion is based off how the daytona is to other naked bikes ive ridden i thought all the 600 super sports were very similar but i was wrong thanks for letting me know! 😀

[@ericshepherd5672]

Hmm, well I come from the era of cafe racers, real cafe racers and yeah I am that old.. Clip on's, rear sets, rear shocks with one setting which was back braking hard.. However I was young, dumb and full of something and I toured on those bikes.. Finish work on a Friday night, scoff some tea and then cruise through the night to where ever I fancied, sometimes two up.. I didn't mind at all, that being said I'd not do it now.. BTW I was out having a wee putter about on those very same roads today.. Interested to see what bike shop you're in, Oamaru only has 4.. I've got my money on you starting at the new Yamaha place..

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice mate those would have been some awesome times to live through! And im going to be working at Colin Clyne motorcycles 😀

[@ericshepherd5672]

@@roadblastmedia Ah well it looks like I lost my money but it was a toss up between them and Andy.. They were great day but are just memories now.. Keep in mind that in 50 years from now some young fella will say to you that it must have been awesome to ride the bikes we have today, real bikes with proper engines that made noise like the ones they only see in museums.. I have my memories, make your own right now so you can look back and think they were great days, appreciate the moment, and enjoy every ride because it won't be long before it'll all be a thing of the past for you..

[@roadblastmedia]

@@ericshepherd5672 bloody well said mate! Great comment

[@Beanerds]

why did I buy my Kawasaki Z750r up in Darwin , rode the crap out of it for 9 years , easily hit 280+ kph , sadly It had to go because you tend to get faster and faster and a move to Perth . Happy with my de-restricted CFMoto NK650 at 72 hp , plenty fast enough and my 650 Interceptor is my cruzer , happy camper .

[@roadblastmedia]

Nice mate! Cant beat an old Kawi sports bike! Im so keen to get back on a 650

[@jasonjason7277]

no way are you getting 174mph out of a 105hp 750 pal

[@Beanerds]

@@jasonjason7277 what ever , you were not there pal

[@jasonjason7277]

@@Beanerds so the bike has a top speed of about 130 mph according to the manufacturer and on top of that has virtually no aerodynamics yet you took it up to 174mph. Ok pal of course you did. Did you tie yourself to the handlebars too. I can't see how else it would be humanly possible to hold on to a z750 at that speed.

[@DoomNedwob]

Great video mate 😁 Why do people buy a Lamborghini, Ferrari etc and then drive around town with everyone gawping at them? I get kids waving at me on my Classic 350, but without the 'he's got way too much money' envy/hate 😂 I'll give a sports bike a test ride one of these days, just for the experience, when I have a few more miles under my belt, but owning one is not remotely on my radar. Now a Continental GT as a companion to my Classic 350...😁 How do you spell your name by the way? Vinny or Vinnie, or some other way? Enjoy your track day when you get the chance and ride safe 😊

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers mate! Good point on that one! And i spell it as Vinny 😀

[@DoomNedwob]

@@roadblastmedia Ah cheers Vinny! Apologies for spelling it incorrectly previously 😊

[@roadblastmedia]

@@DoomNedwob no worries mate! I dont mind 😀

[@jameswayton2340]

Usefull vid thans. Only had my first motorcycle lesson the road yesterday. Its still very difficult for me to decide what i want. In the past i did road cycling and real competition on quite a high level. I could ride on those uncomfortable racing bikes for hours without feeling discomfort. But i'm really wondering if i truly want to go for a sport bike. Because in a way, it does sound stupid. BUT, they just look so freaking cool and i want one. BUT perhaps after riding on it for a year i get bored and it just sucks. You said after about 90 minutes your body starts to hurt. I'm not planning on making longer trips then 90 minutes so i wonder how uncomfortable a sports bike would be for me. Perhaps with my past experience and a cyclist (And i still work out a lot, core stability training etc that helps with things like this) its not that bad for me? I'm willing to trade in some discomfort but i have no idea how bad it is. I think i should just go to a store and at least sit on one of them to get an idea. I can imagine it being more comfortable then a racing road bike (Tour the france bike i mean). But it could also be a bit worse.

[@roadblastmedia]

@@jameswayton2340 heya mate! Yeah out of all motorcycles theyre the most uncomfortable on average but thats mainly the 600 class bikes. 300-400-650 are all reasonably comfortable for ling distance trips. 1000cc sportbikes are better than 600s but still pretty bad after a while. Go with what speaks to you and listen to your gut. Sport bikes are awesome but so are alot of other styles of bike too. Try ride and try as many different kinds as possible before making up your mind! Ive been through about 12 different bikes myself and ridden over 100 different bikes and have now found I prefer a more naked style of bike!

[@jameswayton2340]

@@roadblastmedia Hey thanks a lot for your reply that really helps. I had no idea that the smaller cc bikes are morecomfortable then 600 but 1000cc is better then 600cc? Do mind i'm super noob right now who's interest is just growing with every day passing, but i still have no clue about bikes haha. Meanwhile my Cousin told me that if i really want a sportbike i should probably not go higher then a 600. Doing that is already pushing it as a noob and having more power then that for a beginner is just plain stupid. But out of all the bikes i have seen its these sport bikes that i just fall in love with hard. So much that visually i don't want anything else. But i might regret that choice later.

[@roadblastmedia]

@@jameswayton2340 fair enough mate yeah even something like a yamaha R7, CFMOTO 450SR Honda CBR650 are great beginner bikes without being too slow and still give the sporty look, if you do want to go full out sportbike. Get a Daytona 675 or 765. Theyre fast as hell. But a little easier power curve to live with compared to a 600cc 4 cylinder. Not comfortable by any means but that doesnt matter when it looks so good!

[@jameswayton2340]

@@roadblastmedia Thanks a lot for the tips. I will note those down. Still have to get my licence first. Second lesson went well (In the netherlands) and four weeks from now i have my exam. And then later this year when prices will drop will look for a motorcycle. I'm probably alright with less comfort.

[@johnmartin7158]

I said MT09 a while ago did I not cobber. Remember I said if I was your age I would do that.

[@ruahinesrider]

Or a XSR 900 naked upright riding position bike be a great bike & the White,red,black colour one looks fantastic. Glad you had a great day on bike John.

[@roadblastmedia]

Too right you did mate! Good to hear from you John!

[@julianperry5141]

Just seen the new xsr900 in Bayride. Alot of bike for the money, go get one Vinnie

[@ruahinesrider]

@@julianperry5141 I suggested a XSR900 too & I see you can get the white,red,& black colour scheme & it is alot of bike for the money.

[@julianperry5141]

@@ruahinesrider it sure is.

[@broncosgjn]

So true bro.

[@roadblastmedia]

Cheers bro!

[@daintree2455]

But dude look at it!! That's why and they're fast and they're rowdy and bikers by definition are mad totally insane immature risk takers and I'm not saying that like it's a bad thing.

[@roadblastmedia]

Haha you know it mate its a stunning bike! But everytime i ride it i know it wants to be on the track rather than these dodgy country roads 😂

[@daintree2455]

@@roadblastmedia gotta have at least 1 in your life, I agree modern stripped back sports bikes are very uncomfortable especially for us older blokes. Not you dude Not you. But if you heading up the road on you roadie doing allright and a sports bike blasts past I'm afraid the madness kicks in and it's on. That's when you want a sports bike. Illogical juvenile response I know but we've all been there. 2 bikes like 2 yachts equals race. NB....Obviously I do not take part in such illegal irresponsible activities because I'm a mature law abiding senior citizen

[@roadblastmedia]

@@daintree2455 exactly mate! I think once i get it to the track i wont want to sell it 😂

[@ruahinesrider]

@@daintree2455 hahaha 😆😂🤣

[@norsehall309]

G'day Vinne, your dead right, cafe racer sports bike,s have a place but not a daily basis, track work and sunny day's along the coast, not in the streets or on tour across the country, yes theirs street appeal but l turn more heads with my chrome tank classic Royal Enfield Interceptor and that ride is a smooth and comfortable as any bike, and what's the hurry for anyways, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

[@roadblastmedia]

Too right mate! Great comment! Good to hear from ya!

[@JDGage]

But let’s face it, there’s nothing better than seeing a hot girl on a sport bike for the basic position it puts them in.

[@roadblastmedia]

😂

[@ruahinesrider]

Sports bike=saw arse,wrists,back.😂

[@roadblastmedia]

Haha hard out bro you gotta be about that life!

[@johnmartin7158]

Got my Merlin Edale Jacket now and Lanie decided on a Spidi Sinclair Lady Jacket Black. My Merlin is a bit weighty, but I like it. A ladies Merlin was a grand down to 500, but Lanie found it heavy so decided against it. If it was lighter she would have got it.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@johnmartin7158 Great jackets the Merlin's John.I like the Merlin Lichfield Urban Rider jacket & one day get one.It is great going on a group ride & enjoying watching, listening to the others bikes & the yarns too.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@ruahinesrider Their philosophy suited me, albeit that too far for me. But now and again is ok. And no one seems to be a speed freak by and large. The guy with the 350 meteor seemed pretty pleasant. In fact they all were.

[@ruahinesrider]

@@johnmartin7158 Sounds good John & sounds like you had a great day out.

[@corymathewson4237]

Hayabusa erry day bruvz. Very comfortable 😂

[@roadblastmedia]

Hard out man! The big superbikes are usually pretty comfy! I loved my ride on a busa found it super comfy and easy to ride as long as i controlled the power haha. The 600 class bikes suck though good fun but sore back for days 🤣

[@osamacuz]

why do people buy dirt bikes for the road?

[@roadblastmedia]

Well i guess that one makes more sense to be honest up right riding position and very approachable power aswell as being a boat load of fun at lower speeds 😀

[@markymarknj]

@@roadblastmedia the Himalayan is for all roads-or NO roads... :)

[@jasonjason7277]

id rather be on a dirt bike in bad weather than a sports bike.