Britain rides the wrong bikes...but we're learning

[STRAMASHER]

Originally Posted by ophic

Perhaps the Europeans are just soft?

Nah, they are hard as nails. Everytime I have had a riding lesson off them on their Transalps and Dommies (+Italian cop on BM)they are always cutting about in shorts and plimsoles (Green slacks and shirt for the Fascist).

Can we agree on them being, NUTS!?

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Sit back and await the onslaught from those who think their R6 is perfect for commuting into London and they've never had a sore ****, back or wrists in thier life.....

There won't be an onslaught, not from me anyway - I'm too lazy.

However, whilst you may have, overall, a point to make and it's something that I and many others have discussed for many years, much of what you say I find hard to understand, the criticisms you have made are entirely subjective, comfort for instance is an utterly personal thing. Whilst I have many a time wondered over the choices of bike people have made, the fact that you decided your buying decision was founded incorrectly doesn't by necessity mean that the same decision made by another is incorrect.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

The 600 sports bikes are designed to make peak power at high revs on the track, you don't use those revs on the road.

Really? Mine doesn't.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

They all give you a sore ar$e, wrists and a bad back,

Again, an utterly personal statement, I find the 600 more comfortable overall than the naked 1000. Find that unusual? Maybe but it's a personal thing.

I think perhaps you've been riding the wrong bike. I'm not sure the entire nation has made the same error.

All said nice, no offence or upset is intended, I just think maybe you've projected your change of heart over what is the 'right' bike, (if there is such a thing), to the buying habits of the rest of us.

I agree Ralph. I've often wondered why sportsbikes are so popular, when so few use them on track.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by shonadoll

I've often wondered why sportsbikes are so popular, when so few use them on track.

really?

I totally agree with Ralph - this is the reason I added bar risers to my nakid SV comfort is my priority

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

really?

Yes, really

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by shonadoll

Yes, really

but seriously, just because you don't use a bike on a track doesn't mean you're never going to enjoy it on the road does it?

[Stu]

[quote=the_lone_wolf;1790665]

quote]
I can just imagine TLW at home not actually speaking but holding up a placard with a picture and something funny on it for everything that he wants to say


Could someone please explain to me what is more fun about a supermoto on a twisty road than a sports bike.

Sid Squid, do you not agree that modern 600 sports bikes are more focussed and have the tendency to deliver power higher in their rev range and provide a more uncomfortable, wristy, perch than the fat old sofa you ride around on?

Originally Posted by carlos

Go to the Pod and tell any drag-bike racer that they're riding an unsuitable bike because they don't corner enough, they are mostly sportsbike based aren't they?

Any fool can ride fast in a straight line. I don't see where the fun is at drag strips. 1/4 mile of flat out riding for about 10 seconds,... wow whoopee-doo.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Stu

I can just imagine TLW at home not actually speaking but holding up a placard with a picture and something funny on it for everything that he wants to say

I'm mute, didn't you know

the "oh really" - "ya really" - "no way" meme has been around for ages, just made me chuckle that this time it developed by accident so i couldn;t resist the urge to post the next part of it

Originally Posted by Stu

Could someone please explain to me what is more fun about a supermoto on a twisty road than a sports bike.

mostly the geometry of the bike gives you massive confidence in the front tyre, on the track i've ridden into corners on the KTM and part way into them felt the rear wheel touch back down again, not realising it had lifted. the single cylinder engines have masses of torque low down to fire you between twisty corners with not much straight road between them. finally, the seating position, light weight and wide bars give you great leverage over the bike to make it turn quickly, and once you're leaned over the long travel (and usually high quality) suspension makes the bike ride smoothly over poor surfaces, which the twisty UK roads are usually made up of