Listen to this episode here: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fulltank/episodes/Ep-58-The-Moto-News-Yamaha-R1-Engine-Canned--Hondas-Crosswind-Assist-Tech--New-CTO-At-Norton-e2h2tm8
There is often a debate about whether a certain bike is too powerful for the road. I would like to take the argument further and suggest that most 140bhp + bikes are even too powerful for the track (racing professionals excluded). My reasoning is as follows. Recently Bridgestone did a S23 tyre launch at the Kyalami race circuit near Johannesburg South Africa. If you are not from that part of the world you wouldn't know that an internal combustion engine produces 18% less power due to the altitude of the track. The UK journalist I viewed, didn't seem to notice this dip in power while riding their favorite powerful track focused machines. If one doesn't notice an 18% drop in power, I can only conclude that those bikes have more power than non professional riders need or can use even on a track let alone a public road. I believe 140bhp bike with a chain drive is about the maximum managable by regular folk.
I'm with Rob on the sad future of motorcycles. The whole idea of having weird and wonderful ICE engine configuration and sound is on its last legs! Bikes for different purposes had different engines that had useful characteristics. Singles go to enduro bikes for torque and lightness V-twin for torque and character. Straight and fours for their power delivery and smoothness. Soon we will have electric motors that will be powerful in torque and power but zero character and sound.
I'm just wondering how many electric bikes you've ridden up to this point? I've driven a Livewire, a couple of zeros, Osset trials bikes and both of the Energica flagship models. The future is most definitely electric and each of these bikes does have distinct character regarding power delivery. Can't wait to get my leg over the Livewire Del Mar in a few weeks time. I'm sure people said the same of internal combustion engines when switching from horses to horsepower... it'll never have the same character as Dobbin... No. It'll be something new and unique. I absolutely loved the Energica Eva Ribelle BTW, so much so I'm expecting a delivery next month.
Superbikes are pleasure machines and have a fantastic therapeutic power!!!! Most people who criticise them never experienced them! I ride one every day and will do as long as can... All other bikes are far far inferior in the sensations and fellings they provoke in us...
There would be if more youngsters had been encouraged into the game and Ewan and Charley hadn’t played their part (think about it) in the push to kill sportsbike riding.
Crosswind Assist is a very niche use of technology but years ago, in Portugal, I saw a horrible motorcycle crash caused by very strong side gusts (Portugal is very windy). That could have been avoided, probably, with such technology.
It’s a good point that some of these tech safety features only become useful/handy when the shit really hits the fan. The other 99.9% of the time people probably feel like they don’t need them
@@motobob 100% with you. I personally think that all this new high-end tech is making bikes way too expensive for most and add to possible failure points (expensive maintenance). As with all in li9fe, we have to remain rational and have a good CBA. 🙂 I really enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.
I think the issue toward the Tech is simply comfort. The idea of the motorbike is freedom.... complete control. unfortunately, you add tech that controls the bike for you all of that goes away. for a solo rider this seems okay but if you're a group rider with others a lot of this tech doesn't seem viable. I like the idea of the Adaptive Cruise. not sure how i feel on the lane assist.
I think there are a lot of motorcycle buyers that are looking for an exciting luxury item rather than an utilitarian vehicle, just like before, so i think this relatively recent dumbing down of engines has more to do with regulations than market appeal
I stopped giggling over sport bikes in 2005. They got awkward and more expensive from there. And in 99 I think the 900 RR was probably $8k. And that was hard to come by. I wish they could just reissue the sport bikes of the 90s but at the same prices they were, at least! $20k for any bike is still stupid to me.
I think everyone is feeling "glum" about the demise of the R1 because it signifies we have hit crest "peak motorcycling" and now all downhill. Personally IMHO the original MT10 was the least affected by beaurocrat meddling & representative of the zenith of crossplane platform...😢
All I want on a bike is ABS and a slipper clutch. Don’t need cruise control, traction control, anti wheelie or quickshifter. Part of the experience of motorcycling is maintaining control of the power yourself.
@@motobob I was being facetious to the op's comment. Of course there is a place for something simple like an sv650 with nothing more than the minimum, but there is a place for 200bhp bikes with creature comforts like cruise control, lane hazard lights etc. I like my SV but I also like my H2 with insane levels of power.
Post 99 Ducati boring and repetitive . Love the MV SV and more so the H2 - both beautiful and innovative. I loved the Rnine t racer from BMW. From the 70s it would be the Le Mans Guzzi,z1 and Laverda Jota.
So, about Yamaha, don't they need a homologated bike to race superbikes? Are there any rumors about Yamaha making a V4? Well, let me start one: What could they have possibly told Quartararo to make him stay at Yamaha? What did they tell Jonny Rea to move to Yamaha? Why discontinue a beloved CP motor that is selling? Unless you have a replacement, ready to go. Is there any other engine configuration that Yamaha would take a chance on in Racing? And lets not forget, Yamaha already make a pretty hard core V4.
How much for the new Honda CBR600RR (£10.5k) with all the 1000rr-r sp breaks, electronics and suspension, £13-13.5k? To me that makes more sense than an R9 that's more super tourer than a super sport.
why sport bikes dont sell as well? Cost! and riders realized streets are not really race tracks and stressing your wrists to go to Starbucks not exactly a fun and one tiny spill and you got thousands of dollars of plastics to replace.I had sportbikes before but not now.Now prefer standard and cruiser bikes.
The 50 age bracket are the youngest too! Look at the audience present at bike shows these days, they look like they are at a furniture showroom. The decline has all been engineered.
Listen to this episode here: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fulltank/episodes/Ep-58-The-Moto-News-Yamaha-R1-Engine-Canned--Hondas-Crosswind-Assist-Tech--New-CTO-At-Norton-e2h2tm8
I have been riding since I was 6 and now that I'm 60, comfort is king.
I’m late thirties and I think I agree… 😅
Similar to OP here. My last superbike was a 2017 ZX10RR. Think I’ll be paying attention and grab a final year of something just to ride occasionally.
MV super velocchi 1000RR = Stunning .
Shame we almost certainly will never get to ride one!
There is often a debate about whether a certain bike is too powerful for the road. I would like to take the argument further and suggest that most 140bhp + bikes are even too powerful for the track (racing professionals excluded).
My reasoning is as follows. Recently Bridgestone did a S23 tyre launch at the Kyalami race circuit near Johannesburg South Africa. If you are not from that part of the world you wouldn't know that an internal combustion engine produces 18% less power due to the altitude of the track. The UK journalist I viewed, didn't seem to notice this dip in power while riding their favorite powerful track focused machines. If one doesn't notice an 18% drop in power, I can only conclude that those bikes have more power than non professional riders need or can use even on a track let alone a public road. I believe 140bhp bike with a chain drive is about the maximum managable by regular folk.
I'm with Rob on the sad future of motorcycles. The whole idea of having weird and wonderful ICE engine configuration and sound is on its last legs! Bikes for different purposes had different engines that had useful characteristics. Singles go to enduro bikes for torque and lightness V-twin for torque and character. Straight and fours for their power delivery and smoothness. Soon we will have electric motors that will be powerful in torque and power but zero character and sound.
I'm just wondering how many electric bikes you've ridden up to this point? I've driven a Livewire, a couple of zeros, Osset trials bikes and both of the Energica flagship models. The future is most definitely electric and each of these bikes does have distinct character regarding power delivery. Can't wait to get my leg over the Livewire Del Mar in a few weeks time. I'm sure people said the same of internal combustion engines when switching from horses to horsepower... it'll never have the same character as Dobbin... No. It'll be something new and unique. I absolutely loved the Energica Eva Ribelle BTW, so much so I'm expecting a delivery next month.
Absolutely love that bobber
Superbikes are pleasure machines and have a fantastic therapeutic power!!!! Most people who criticise them never experienced them! I ride one every day and will do as long as can... All other bikes are far far inferior in the sensations and fellings they provoke in us...
There just isn’t a true demand for 200HP, 200 MPH motorcycles.
There would be if more youngsters had been encouraged into the game and Ewan and Charley hadn’t played their part (think about it) in the push to kill sportsbike riding.
exactly streets are not tracks finally a realization...
Crosswind Assist is a very niche use of technology but years ago, in Portugal, I saw a horrible motorcycle crash caused by very strong side gusts (Portugal is very windy). That could have been avoided, probably, with such technology.
It’s a good point that some of these tech safety features only become useful/handy when the shit really hits the fan. The other 99.9% of the time people probably feel like they don’t need them
@@motobob 100% with you. I personally think that all this new high-end tech is making bikes way too expensive for most and add to possible failure points (expensive maintenance). As with all in li9fe, we have to remain rational and have a good CBA. 🙂 I really enjoy your videos. Keep them coming.
Best looking, Laverda 750 SFC, maybe.
I think the issue toward the Tech is simply comfort. The idea of the motorbike is freedom.... complete control. unfortunately, you add tech that controls the bike for you all of that goes away. for a solo rider this seems okay but if you're a group rider with others a lot of this tech doesn't seem viable. I like the idea of the Adaptive Cruise. not sure how i feel on the lane assist.
Can't wait to see what MV Agusta will bring under Pierer Mobility 😊
china
I think there are a lot of motorcycle buyers that are looking for an exciting luxury item rather than an utilitarian vehicle, just like before, so i think this relatively recent dumbing down of engines has more to do with regulations than market appeal
It’s euro 5/6 and crazy unaccounted insurance costs that is also driving the demand down
Maybe time for a R9 after the R7
Rumour has it that the R9 is coming after all... 2025
R9 will only put out 120ish hp, same as the old r6, what's going to replace the cp4?
I stopped giggling over sport bikes in 2005. They got awkward and more expensive from there. And in 99 I think the 900 RR was probably $8k. And that was hard to come by. I wish they could just reissue the sport bikes of the 90s but at the same prices they were, at least! $20k for any bike is still stupid to me.
I think everyone is feeling "glum" about the demise of the R1 because it signifies we have hit crest "peak motorcycling" and now all downhill. Personally IMHO the original MT10 was the least affected by beaurocrat meddling & representative of the zenith of crossplane platform...😢
the 90s had the 916, but the Bimota SB6 was also a looker...in my eyes
All I want on a bike is ABS and a slipper clutch. Don’t need cruise control, traction control, anti wheelie or quickshifter. Part of the experience of motorcycling is maintaining control of the power yourself.
Have you ridden 200hp bike ?
@@Ridingnz46 I’ll take a 100hp bike I can ride to full extent naturally than a 200hp I need rider assists all over it to make it manageable.
Abs and slipper clutch? Such luxuries. I don't even need that
Still a lot to be said for simple bikes. One of my faves is the Indian Scout - 100hp but very raw and simple for a current day motorcycle
@@motobob I was being facetious to the op's comment.
Of course there is a place for something simple like an sv650 with nothing more than the minimum, but there is a place for 200bhp bikes with creature comforts like cruise control, lane hazard lights etc.
I like my SV but I also like my H2 with insane levels of power.
The hate on commuter bikes is palpable 😅
Beautiful bike: Moto Guzzi California 1400...
Yes but not as cool as my Sportster XL1200L.
Post 99 Ducati boring and repetitive . Love the MV SV and more so the H2 - both beautiful and innovative. I loved the Rnine t racer from BMW. From the 70s it would be the Le Mans Guzzi,z1 and Laverda Jota.
I really want to see some aerodymic features like the mandello but working as Airbreakers.
E5+ emissions are the same as E5, it is only OBD self monitoring which is new?!
NO with a capitol “NO” when it comes to riders assist on a bike! I disliked (couldn’t stand it) on a car either … I’m not a fan.
So, about Yamaha, don't they need a homologated bike to race superbikes? Are there any rumors about Yamaha making a V4? Well, let me start one: What could they have possibly told Quartararo to make him stay at Yamaha? What did they tell Jonny Rea to move to Yamaha? Why discontinue a beloved CP motor that is selling? Unless you have a replacement, ready to go. Is there any other engine configuration that Yamaha would take a chance on in Racing? And lets not forget, Yamaha already make a pretty hard core V4.
Tech kills character. Air cooled with carburetors equal cool. Nothing sounds better than my Sportster XL1200L.
I dont know but my Vulcan 1500 with cobra pipes sounds orgasmic
How much for the new Honda CBR600RR (£10.5k) with all the 1000rr-r sp breaks, electronics and suspension, £13-13.5k? To me that makes more sense than an R9 that's more super tourer than a super sport.
Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition for me.
Is Norton like Bentley or Rolls Royce of motorcycle world, with hand made, craftsmanship?
why sport bikes dont sell as well? Cost! and riders realized streets are not really race tracks and stressing your wrists to go to Starbucks not exactly a fun and one tiny spill and you got thousands of dollars of plastics to replace.I had sportbikes before but not now.Now prefer standard and cruiser bikes.
Why drop 25k on a fast bike when I can drop 13 on a fast comfortable bike?
So if i have R1 now, would i be able to find spare parts from Yamaha for sometime ??
I believe manufacturers have to provide spares for 10 yrs after but at what cost consumers
Excessive. I don’t know about that. If you are a 6’5” 270lb Scot’s man maybe the rocket is just right for you?
Shame most bikers , wont own a norton as ££££££
Yup, motorcyclist are “aging out”. 👴
And apparently they are not being replaced by new young riders who want to ride crotch rockets. 🚀 Sad.
Totally agree, go to any bike meet & most of the people are 50+ including me.
The 50 age bracket are the youngest too! Look at the audience present at bike shows these days, they look like they are at a furniture showroom. The decline has all been engineered.
Ill be happy with a track focused r9.
honda rebel 1100 looks the best!
not really ugly tank,too much frame showing at head etc.Boring looking actually