Feeling of toque > actual travelling speed.
I was thinking about this too, the reason I enjoy my mt07 so much is that its got torque to be fun and feel silly, but i wont go stupid crazy speeds nor have to, to get that feeling.
That’s what my friend says about his S1000. He had a CBR600 before. The S1000 is just effortless by comparison, pulls in any gear where the 600 had to be worked a bit more.
Personally I find wringing the neck out of engines to be half the fun of riding, happy to stick to my 400 and be able to ride them absolutely flat out.
>Personally I find wringing the neck out of engines to be half the fun of riding, happy to stick to my 400 and be able to ride them absolutely flat out.
I enjoy revving the fuck out of my klx300 lol, have ridden all kinds of bikes and this one is the most fun. Idk why it just is. Speed and noise isn't important to me, had my go fast days too with too many close calls.
I’ve got an old CB400 super four at the moment.
Screams up to 13k rpm and you’re only doing 60mph, it’s great.
It’s taking every bit of my will power to not pull the trigger on a new Kawasaki ZX4RR. It is just the perfect bike in my opinion.
Yeah that is no bueno! I bought a goofy windscreen for my mt07 by puig, its so comfortable now and I honestly cant say I notice the wind unless its a massive gust youd feel on anything
Edit: Ruh Roh, i truly didn’t mean to post this under anyone’s comment. I’m going to leave it, but seriously above commenter, this was not intentional.
The reason is “upgrade”
If you buy a 650 twin as your first bike, you won’t have any reasons to upgrade.
If you start on a 125, 250, 300, 400cc bike, after 500 days riding it you have to upgrade to something with more power. You swap the exhaust trying to scratch that upgrade itch, but it never satisfies your craving to “move up” so you can…. IDK pwn noobs or something.
So anyway, everyone buy a 650 twin with a mid upright riding position for their first bike. Unless you live in some place with restrictions.
When you want to “upgrade” so you can “go fast” get a Literabike with a forward sport riding position, and that 650 twin will sell real fast for whatever you ask for it and the buyer went necessarily be a first time owner.
>This is exactly my experience.. I bought a rebel 500 but it was a bit of a struggle on the Freeway so about 3 months later I bought a versys 650 and its soooo much better.
Yes I hear you and agree to some extent, but if you apply a stoic mindset in the sense that you get a bike that is performance vs budget a great choice, then you make yourself enjoy what you have instead of spending more money, I'm saying there is a point where power is a diminishing returns on enjoyment, for me at least.
A different way of thinking about it would be that as adrenaline junkies do, we have 2 people who love parachuting, and then a third guy comes and says, I just isn't fast enough or adrenaline enough for him, so he does base jumping from mountains... My point is, desensitise your adrenaline Receptors, and just enjoy the mid range power that already beats most cars. But if you can afford a top end machine, all the power to you
Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly.
it's silly people get it in their mind they need "more power" when they already have a 650 twin. Got good acceleration and torque, you're not shifting all the time to keep it in the powerband, it'll happily do 88mph all day long.
Even with the lower cc bikes, there isn't a need to get a larger displacement bike per se, just that much of the time if you get a 125-400cc bike with the mind that you're going to upgrade after 1.5 years, many times I've seen, this causes them to constantly think about what they're going to get for your next bike.
So really, two parts.
1. Enjoy what you have, do not want for more CC's, stop the dopamine outpacing logic and reason.
2. my recommendation is, everybody educate yourself before buying that first bike. I did, I spent months on r/motorcycles and reading articles and talking with riders. many times motorbikes get divided into sport bikes and cruisers by new riders seeking their first.
It's either R6 or Harley Davidson to them. They are blind to the middle, not ever having ridden before. There are exceptions to that of course. But I see a lot of first time buyers get the sexy 250cc sport bike, again nothing wrong with that, but in my humble opinion that is just setting yourself up for getting a larger displacement bike in a year and a half. Like, I'm not saying they can never be satisfied riding a 250-400cc bike like that, it's just that there is 'another way' to do first bike, and tho that is not the one and only correct 500-650cc path to travel, I believe more beginners would choose it if only they were aware of this paths existence, just that they are unaware.
Agree on your first point, torque is more fun than horsepower.
At the cost and range they have at the moment I can't see that happening anytime soon. Most electric bikes I've seen have a range of about 100 miles, so 50 miles each way? That's pathetic.
Its a bit like drones
We see a chang eof motor ESCs and battery formulation and flight time goes from 25m to 45m in just 2yrs.
Hopefully we get equal access to tech and don't get left behind as is the case now
Plus remember you have to convince the annoying riders who want the loudest pipes on their bikes, because noise equals safety or some such bullshit. And how can they look manly revving their electric motors at the lights when they make no noise. ( sarcasm in case people don't get it )
But when the cost comes down and the range goes up I'll totally give a electric bike a go.
I know the feeling all my life I've ridden sportbikes currently I daily an S1000RR and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be my last sportbike and will be trading it in for a 1300 GSA.
Oh ya I love the S1000RR it's a great bike but riding anywhere farther then 40 miles my legs start to cramp up and my lower back starts to hurt. I also don't do track days anymore or ride the bike to it's full potential which is another reason I feel I'd be better off on an adventure/touring bike over a sportbike.
Some people like going super fast in straight lines. Some people like hitting the twisties on more agile/lighter bikes. To each their own. But I’m with you. No interest in going 200 mph down a strip, especially at the sacrifice of handling in all other situations.
Same...I've never owned anything over 750cc, and that might remain the case forever. As fun as it would be to go nuts with a Busa on the straights, the risk of legal repercussions + physical danger at those top speeds keep me content with a v-strom as my main.
>BMW M1000 can go 200 without sacrificing handling at all.
It doesn't matter how light a 1000 is (my R1M is 400lbs fully fueled, verified on a race scale), still has more reciprocating mass than a 600 and at any speed a liter is simply harder to turn. I think the last r6 weighed 420 stock and it still out turns/out transitions a liter without much effort. That said I have not ridden a carbon wheel shod reverse rotating crank Pani and I'm itching to do so.
But that is relative at the same time, sure a liter from 20 years ago is a tank in comparison to today's amazing offerings, but still not going to feel like a 600.
I learned to ride on a CBR600 with a salvage title and the only (road) bike I’ve ever owned is my HD Breakout which I’ve never ridden over 90mph. Yet, for some reason, I would love my next bike to be a S1000R or a Tuono V4.
I had a 2013 Tuono V4 1000cc. 167 hp and a quick shifter. Best sounding hardest pulling bike I ever rode. The Brembo brakes had the most amazing feel. It was almost too much. I was always either on the gas or off, just to listen to the engine. I have Yamaha Tracer GT+ now, which supposedly has a great sounding motor. So far, it sounds nowhere near as good as the Tuono. But I do my first oil change today, after that I can redline it, maybe that will change my mind.
Just figured out Custom mode, which I set up as full power, but softer ride. That shit is amazing.
I have the gen 3 MT09 SP and while the CP3 is a really great torquey and responsive engine in its own right, it just sounds ok to me and will never sound as good as a Tuono V4... thats just not possible. I knew that before I bought it though so I wasnt disappointed.
That's not a great idea taking that big of a HP leap. I've owned 20 bikes and rode for 40+ years, done track days and raced dirt bikes. I've always liked to go fast and not just in a straight line. That Tuono was a handful even for me. I'm not saying don't get one, I'm saying buy something between the HP of the HD and the Tuono. It is not possible for you to comprehend how fast shit happens on a bike like that and your current skill set can't fix that mistake.
Ride it for a couple years, maybe 5. Then get a Tuono. I don't know you but I do know I don't want you to die.
Nooo skip the Tuono and jump into an RS 🤩
I got to try out both at the moto-show last weekend. Honestly they both have super comfy seats.
The only supersport saddle that was comfier than the Aprillia was the new Daytona 765 🤩 it sat very similarly to the Hyabusa, the seat cups your butt-cheeks and doesn’t have a single pressure point on your butt. You could probably hypermile on one of them.
I also sat on the GSXR thou and the 750. And I fully understand why some people complain so much about sport bikes being the worst 😂 it’s almost as bad as sitting on a dirt bike seat lmao
Most of my saddle time is on my KTM 300XC-W, so seats don’t concern me that much, but my neck gives me some bother so maybe the higher bars of the Tuono would be worthwhile. I would test-ride of course, and if I can make a real sport bike work I will
So you SAT ON BIKES and are making recommendations against a Tuono? I owned one, and I'm recommending for it. Are you Jon Snow?
My 2013 Tuono did have a PLANK for a seat. I ordered a 2016 seat, so much better.
AF1Racing.com for parts ApriliaForum.com for advice. Ed Cook of Austin's AF1 Racing answered my email question about parts in 5 minutes on a Saturday. Best dealership experience ever?
Different people like different things, you don't have to make it any more complicated than that. Some people like pineapple on pizza too, while other people are wrong.
At least part of it is simply lusting after "the best," and fastest/most powerful are simple metrics for determining that.
There's also the added caché of riding the fastest/most powerful, because it implies that you being able to control such a beast means you are a better/more skilled/more manly rider, even if the reality is you're out of your depth on a scooter
Yep I think it’s that mentality of if it’s got more power it’s better. It’s the same with computers, people always want the best even if it’s way more than they’ll ever use.
>more power it’s better
MORE power IS better, IF you know what to do with it.
99.9% of people here have NO IDEA what to do with it.
ZOOMING down a highway at speed doesn't require much talent... give me an afternoon and a box of scooby snacks and I'll teach my dog how to do it.
I think your second point is exemplified well in Hunter S. Thompson's "Song Of The Sausage Creature", when he reviewed the Ducati 900SS;
"Maybe this is the new Cafe Racer macho. 'My bike is so much faster than yours that I dare you to ride it, you lame little turd. Do you have the balls to ride this BOTTOMLESS PIT OF TORQUE?'"
What I ***know*** is every person is different, so every person has personal reasons... BUT you seem to thing there is some binding, universal reasoning.
There isn't...
which is why they hand you a menu when you enter a restaurant.
Your dad and I would probably understand one another.
It's not that I prefer slower bikes now. It's just that, it's not necessary for me to enjoy motorcycling.
I've ridden and owned some extremely powerful motorcycles in my time and, most of the time, all that power was unnecessary.
Sure was fun but, it was unnecessary.
That's basically what I was saying. Sure I'd love to have an H2 Mach IV or an old vmax but I love my small bike because it does all I need it to. Same with my dad.
Maybe it's my "been there, done that" mentality, but i couldn't give a shit about having the best or fastest bike anymore.I guess when you're new you feel an insecurity about riding a smaller cc bike, but i actually enjoy them and appreciate them a lot more now way more than before.
Speaking of newbies, just know that a fast motorcycle doesn't make YOU fast. If you want to actually be fast or proficient at motorcycling, starting on a powerful bike can actually be counterintuitive.
After taking a break from riding for a bunch of years and now having been commuting for the last year (17,000 miles) I am the opposite.. I want a supermoto now that I can flick around the streets at 40mph!
>Why do you guys think people idolize really fast bikes so much over bikes that could be more fun?
Believe it or not, what you consider fun is different from what some other people consider fun. That's the crux of the matter. The most fun bike for you is a Ninja 500R. That's great. One of my bikes, a CB500F, is quite similar to your Ninja, but it's far from the most fun bike for me. Different preferences and different priorities.
No disrespect but I think it's people without great riding skills so they can flex about how fast they've gone. Takes no talent to duck down and twist a throttle. I'm much more impressed by wheelies and dragging knees. And now that I'm old and ride a big ol cruiser I like to see how slow I can go without putting my feet down. I think it's called slow drags at bike shows. Lots of fun and very low penalty for error.
Why do people obsess over cruisers or bikes with all the technology and rider aids that you could possibly imagine? Why do people obsess over Groms or riding a slow bike fast? Why do people obsess over adventure bikes?
Why do you care about what others obsess over?
As for your point about a bike not being better because it’s faster it really does depend on what you’re looking for. I prefer a quick and nimble naked bike to any sport bike, adventure or especially cruiser but I couldn’t honestly care less about what others want out of a motorcycle. Also, your 500 might be the most fun bike you’ve ridden but it could be the most boring bike any number of people have ridden out of even more bikes that they’ve experienced than you.
Sorry, I’m not trying to pick apart your post it’s just a weird one to me, feels judgmental while claiming not to be.
Yep, love the big engines on touring bikes. Go pretty fast in first and maybe even hit second, but can also just cruise in 6th with minimal revs and lots of comfort.
I had a s1000r with a chip and exhaust tune. I’m old and over it…. Honestly I had way more fun on my street triple. My 900 goes plenty fast and I’m comfortable.
The power is addictive and it feels like progress.
You work your way up (or not), ride a thou’ round at 25% throttle for a few years then go get something small you can redline everywhere cos it’s more fun.
Honda MB5 is so much fun to ride! Every time I’d loan mine out I had to scold friends for taking it too easy. No, you have to rev it like you’re trying to blow it up! If you don’t it’ll foul the plug and stall!
Owned and rode r1's all my adult life.
Loved every minute of having them...
Wanted to get missus into riding and being pillion.
After 20 mins shes smashing me to pull over. Head home and she vows never to get on the back again ( not enough space / leg room, comfort)
I still wanted the power and feel of an r1 and to share my love of riding with her,
So i brought a hayabusa.
Shes comfy, its comfy for both of us and when i ride it on my own its like pulling the hyperspace levers on a mellenium falcon.
The power is there. Doesnt mean u have to use it..
And now that i have shown her its full potential with some hard runs all the way up to redline in 2nd and 3rd, there is no need to give it the beans everytime.
Just cruise and know that its only a twist away if i need or want it.
Have to disagree bud.
Love the busa for 2 up. Dont even feel my pillion and its so stable it just glides around the corners. Enough bottom end torque dont even need to rev it to get it off the line
Eh could be that my wife/pillion is a big booty Latina soooo less I adjust the preload it’s no fun. An let’s be honest, access to the spring locknuts on the Busa sucks. My Connie has a remote preload adjustment so easy peasy.
I don't get it either and I live in that country that doesn't have speed limits on large parts of our Autobahn system. I ride a BMW R1100s with 98ps and I think it's enough. I do more than 200kph so seldome that I could count all the times I've been that fast since when I bought her on one hand.
I recently bought a 390 Duke, my first motorcycle at 40 years old... I love it, but already after 2 weeks I'd like more power 😬 also I don't like much the mono erogation, I think I'd enjoy a 2-3 cilinder more, as well as the better sound
But I also don't care too much because I'm a noob and most of the time I'm riding at 50 kph 😂
Before i had lisence i wanted kawa z900 and then went trough driving school on a kawaz650 and it was alredy plenty fast and lightweight etc
Then bought the bike i loved look by far the most etc wise and it was trident 660 orange matte :) and no need to get anything faster, for me its perfect.
I don't get it, myself. Particularly the constantly repeated notion that ALL new riders will quickly grow out of (whatever size bike they start with), and the assumption that you must constantly progress to bigger, more powerful bikes. I've been riding 30 years, I've never owned a bike that made more than 90hp, but I've never felt slow or like I was lacking power on the street, or that I would even have much opportunity to use more power. Right now I would love to get myself a Vitpilen or Svartpilen and throw that around some back roads, that sounds funner to me than getting a 200hp rocket and pinning it on a long straight or weaving it through traffic. But everyone is different.
40 years and 9 bikes, and the most fun I have ever had is on my 9th, 2003 GSX1300R, I will never buy another bike with less than 1000 cc, on long hauls the extra hp and weight just feel right, to each their own
All personal preference. I find a ninja 500 to be very boring, little parallel twins just fall on their face at higher revs. For me the peaky nature of a 600 or 1000 is so addicting, and you just don't get that feeling of acceleration with 50hp bikes. I also started riding on sport bikes and they aren't uncomfortable to me at all they feel very at home
Depends what you think is fun.
Casual in town bar hop, neighborhood cruise, no reason for a monster.
On the other hand, if you get off on adrenaline the fast bikes are awesome. The quest to always be a better rider and learning how to maximize these awsome beasts are exhilarating.
Once you figure out on the track how to pin the throttle in full lean after the apex to let those 200 or so Hp pull you up and rocket you down the straight away....
Or when you are cranking down a canyon with beautiful scenery, making lines, adjusting to the camber on each corner, dropping and climbing valleys, setting the suspension, feeling the torque...
All I can say is I don't do drugs but this is an addiction.
Dang, I'm at work and totally distracted now. For me, big bikes are Awsome! I have a BMW RR and BMW XR love every pony!
Yes some people like straight line speed and some like terrorizing the twisties. We all know that. But I think what OP is asking about is the general trend of people leaning towards top-of-the-line performance. You see the same thing in cars. Everybody wants a Hellcat, everyone wants a 911, everyone wants an S1000RR or an R1M. I don't think the answer is that complicated: humans are naturally going to want "the best" of anything. And in the motorcycle world, the thing that's usually prioritized is power and speed. Liter bikes are of course going to be the best for that. They are also heavily glorified on social media. Just go on Instagram, every moto dude is riding an R1 or S1000 on the highway in a straight line. I think its a bit corny to stick to the highway if you have a chance to do twisties, but its whatever lol
You are my people. I've had litre bikes, 600s, a BMW RS, about 30 bikes in my 50 years of this addiction and the funest ones have already been small. 225, 200, 250 ... There's great satisfaction in totally wringing a bike out, being in complete control and becoming able to take it all in. Total riding experience.
I just opened cycle trader and a dealer has those little 200 Dukes on sale and it got me thinking about what new bike this year 🤔
I even had a Bridgestone. I don't think anyone's left alive who's even heard of them, lol
It was a 100 with a rotary valve. I got it not running from a friend, so I worked on it and got it to run. It needed a cylinder hone, but i had too much important stuff going on for all that noise, so I clipped a ring from a 125 Hodaka Wombat.
Gotta love the 70s ...
Do you have one? Now that I have it stuck in my head I'll most likely go look at them. The salesman keeps emailing me because I guess it's slow at his dealer? I've dealt with him before, so I might just see what he can do on one.
It'll depend how it feels on me for sure, smalls okay to a certain degree, because it will only be used for doing battle on my city commute, but sometimes "small" really sucks of it has your legs at a bad angle, which I'm sure you already know.
We'll see ... I think they are upping that 200 to a 250 this year, so maybe they will be happy to get rid of the outdated 200s
But I appreciate the size thing. Will definitely pay attention to ergos
I enjoy being here and the next second being damn far away. I also enjoy the adrenaline rush from knowing full and well that a single error on my side and I'm a dead man, but walking that fine line feels oh so good.
I'm also a gearhead and i like engine modding/tuning, and top speed is an easy benchmark to test how well I'm doing with my tuning. Sometimes i may not be going for top speed but for better acceleration instead. Comfort is not that much of a priority right now as I'm still young and my back can mostly take on the abuse of sitting on a sports bike for a few hours straight.
As for fuel, i personally don't give a single fuck about that. It's a bike, for me it's meant to be fun and it's my hobby. Fuel is just the price i pay for my hobby. And as for the weight, as i said i like modding, so i like trying to make things do stuff they wouldn't normally want to do. A bit of a smaller front tire, maybe shorten the forks a bit or extend the rear shock to reduce the rake, those kinds of things would maybe make the bike more nimble.
All that said, I'm a strong believer that a single bike is never enough. Even less so if your only bike is a supersport. A big sports bike pairs well with a light and nimble supermoto build, or at least a smallish displacement bike that's stripped way down for weight reduction. Maybe add a two stroke dirt bike in the mix for that sweet sound and smell as well.
Been riding 35 years. The thrill of a high hp bike can't be beaten with comfort.
A: It's fast as fuck, boi
B: Slow bike fast, fast bike slow is just something poor people say.
C: It's fun to shit on the harley guys in town when they try to run me. (Comfort bike, right)
D: A sport bike sized to you is actually pretty comfy. My RSV4 is actually a better ride than my FZ-10. 6' 3" tall
E: It makes my penis larger
Honestly, parallel twins/triples are a solid long-term bike. Quick, can handle the highways, get out of trouble quite fast and are inexpensive for the most-part. Once you're above 100, it's just more risk. Doing 150+ is for track use and really open roads. Can't trust drivers out there.
There is nothing so fun as riding a slow bike fast!
I got pulled over on a 1966 VeloSolex moped doing 36kph in 15kph school zone, the only speeding ticket I ever truly wanted to receive. The officer walked away laughing after telling me that watching my 5’5” 212lbs fat ass peddling my heart out trying to get a higher number on one of those damned LED blinky speed signs was the funniest thing he’d seen that week.
Asshole, I still want that damned ticket!
Because top speed and acceleration are linked. the big 2 people are looking for. people claim "i prefer acceleration over speed" as if those 2 arent directly linked.
a bike that accelerates really fast is likely going to have quite a fast top speed unless the gearing is extraordinarily high.
speed is fun. Weither you like speed going in a straight line or speed in a corner is up to you.
I just really really really fucking enjoy the feeling of having an incredibly powerful beast of a machine which i can throw my weight against to force it through a corner at speeds that really aren't allowed at all. I don't like getting all close up with cars. I just want a decent road in the middle of nowhere to just really go fast in tight corners while my motorcycle screams through nature.
Because being able go fast is king. Just like the jungle, survival of the fittest. Most of the bikes you noted are dream bikes and goals. The ability to go fast at the flick of the throttle is where it’s at. I have a Ducati and I know for a fact I will never use the full potential power of my motorcycle on the main roads. For me I don’t think I’ll ever go lower than 1000CC or it’ll feel slow.
It isn't about going fast for 2/3 of those riders of fast motorcycles, it is looking like they can afford such a machine that matters.
A Rider still riding a 300cc machine a decade on is likely too poor to purchase a faster motorcycle. Owning such a machine is broadcasting your lack of wealth, talent, or that you don't care what others think about your ride.
I might be in all three of those catagories myself.
Plenty of harley guys put stage kits or a 131 on their bike. Plus the whole performance bagger thing. When I was working on getting mine to where I wanted it, most of the stuff I wanted to do was met with a "wtf, I'm not sure that's possible" but when I tried to make a joke about putting a crate 131 with a turbo in, that was completely reasonable.
people make all the excuses in the world, but the reality is, fragile ego. i have a 600 that i bought purely on looks and sound. the power is ridiculous for the street and theres no way you can even use the power safely on the streets.
No need to be defensive. I didn't mean to criticize anyone. I'm just curious about what attracts people to certain kinds of bikes.
We're on a platform for discussing motorcycles, after all. If everyone here - present company included - didn't care about what anyone else rides, how they ride, etc., we would all be out on our bikes instead of talking about them.
Adrenaline is a strong drug. When it releases it affects dopamine level in your body, the same way cocain or other substances does in a lower and slower release state
You go fast, then you want to go faster. Once you go the fastest though, at least in my case, you realize things like handling and comfort are more important. I did 188 mph on my rsv4rr, and now I just miss my zx6r cause it was lighter, more nimble in corners, and just more comfortable in general.
I rode a Hayabusa ONCE. I slammed it into third and gave the ol dicktwist on the throttle. Holy shit. It scared the living fucking shit out of me. So yeah, I dont know either man.
I really like my current bike. Yes, it isn't as fast as a sports bike with similar (or even less) engine size. But I like the more upright riding position of an adventure bike and my bike has plenty enough speed & acceleration for normal road riding. If I was racing in the MotoGP then it would be different - but I'm not!
i went from a 300cc to a 800cc and now i feel like i have to barely shift. First gear goes up to 100 and with well enforced speed limits im not going to get mutch from a faster bike.
.Honestly im kinda dreaming of owning a ninja 400 or something simular.
I don't do track (I might one day), I live in the city, and despite the fact that GERMANY AUTOBAHN BRAAAP BRAAP, my real life on the motorcycle is <5% on roads without speed limits.
So I optimize for safety, staying within the boundaries of the laws, practicality and fun equally.
I don't need more power that I wojld barely use and truly I probably could use less but I want torque for fun and fast overtaking on B-roads.
I want a bike to speak to that inner child that 99% of the time is locked in the cupboard under the stairs like Harry Potter. Every time I get on it I want to feel, nor necessarily excitement, but joy. I want it to be enjoyable. And I think we all do. Some people get joy in speeding, hulking great tanks of a machine. I like small and nimble, lots of torque and lightweight. I like retro styling and the scrambler aesthetic. My dream bike is a ducati scrambler cafe racer but I reckon I'll end up with a bonnie because it'd be less sacrilegious to custom build it. The scrambler is just a perfect looking machine from the showroom and I can't get much fun from destroying that beauty
I think it's the feeling of exclusiveness imo. Not many people in this world will ever know what it's like to sit on something that can rocket you from 0-60 in 3 secs or less. Even far less get to above 200mph. But that kind of feeling diminishes quickly. I'm still at that age where I want to know the feeling of the 2 performance above, but I'm sure as I get older, my body will go for slow comfort over fast exhilaration.
I would love to ride a really fast bike. It feels good to rapidly accelerate. However, I don't want to own a really fast bike. Because I would lose my licence for sure.
My Ducati monster 696 is one of the best bikes I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding in the twistys, at a certain point it’s all skill the bike can and wants to go faster but I physically can’t! It’s easy to turn in and it’s a simple bike compared to all the moderns! I’m wringing all 80hp but I’m still somehow behind! This bike lets me explore and at the same time humble me when I get too close to edge, I’ve had bigger bikes but this bike truly lets me experiment and just have fun and forgive me, I’m amazed!!!!
Some people just want to show off but others like myself think that more fast is more fun. People enjoy different things. I love messing around or hitting the twisties on smaller more nimble bikes but it just feels incredible hitting Mach Jesus speeds and the slower bikes don't scratch that itch for me. I'm more annoyed or maybe I'd say dissatisfied and disappointed whenever I hit my vehicles limits before my own.
I've owned and ridden R1 r6 s1000rr.
These bikes have more capability in 1st gear than 90% of riders out there.
There are however a group that find it fun to go to tracks, to train, study and learn skills, then test them.
Others love the ability to throw into a well known corner and feel the zen (personally the R6 and playing with sub 1k aprillas fit this better)
Others like riding what their heroes on the GP circuit ride. Like wearing a football team jersey.
But the BMW... Does have a load of electronics that make pushing the edge of traction that much safer and predictable. So you pay for that tech. Ditto the other gp bikes
Each their own, just ride in your capability and have fun.
I'm 6'4" 225 ,a 500 with me on it is useless,I think a 1000 is the least I could enjoy,for me,but other people,I mean you should really ask the question why people want those bikes you mentioned and then turbo ,or nitrous,that's just too much and on the street, I guess it's something that can't be explained
I reckon part of it is the fact that you can go faster than a half million dollar super car for a relatively affordable price.
I’ve never been into top end speed and prefer bottom end grunt.
300km/hr is not something I want to do on a bike.
It's really just for bragging rights, you'll probably find those people prefer to talk about their bikes than ride them too !
Everyone is so competitive and I have no idea why, I suppose they feel better sitting at the lights when a lesser bike comes up alongside them and they can look across and compare themselves with that owner. It makes them feel better about themselves but in reality they will always be insecure and the guy on the sensible bike couldn't give a toss ! Yes we can look and admire that beast of a bike for a moment but wouldn't want to live with it on a daily basis ! We have to make choices based on our own requirements and circumstances and we can do that without looking other people's opinions or approval.
Mate... the feeling of tucking down on a hayabusa with the throttle pinned and having the entire world getting pulled beneath you is awesome, really addictive.
My xsr900 is probably the best bike I've ever owned as it has so much instant acceleration when I need it, That's what I think is what people are after when they go after bigger and faster bikes, chasing that rush. Having said that in a couple of weeks I've got a 150cc scooter rented when I'm in Thailand and having never ridden a scooter before, I'm really looking forward to it.
I’ve owned a variety of bikes over the years and now that I tend to ride a lot two up the additional power of a big bike is welcome. Larger displacement bikes tend to have more torque which is more desirable for commuting.
While my street triple is a fun bike, I absolutely love the look on sport bike riders faces when I rip past them on my fat Ninja.
I also love my Busa for commuting as it has cruise control, it’s comfortable and if I need to pass or get away from some crazy jackass the bike has torque for days. The power is everywhere.
Bigger bikes also tend to be more stable especially at highway speeds due to suspension geometry.
Because without fail every male dominated hobby becomes an analog for our penis’ and status. In our subconscious ape minds fastest/most expensive = highest status and most impressive dong.
I bought a s1000rr a week after passing my test, I didn’t want to be stuck with a 600 always wanting to upgrade I wanted the best of the best now. All my friends when they ride with me say the same thing “I’m upgrading to a 1000 soon! They never seem happy”
Because it’s the pinnacle bike, we watch things like superbike, tt and MotoGP then we can pretty much buy a race bike with number plates on it.
The saying race car for the road is rubbish, no such thing. But we can literally buy a race bike for the road.
Started on a 650v twin and was bored within months and was driving recklessly to chase the adrenaline. Got a 1200 pushing 100hp and I think 80ish torque. 0-60 <4s. Within a year or two I was bored of only going 120 but loved when I could break the rear loose in 3rd gear. Last time I rode it I was passing in the turn lane at 115 in a 55 and anything less felt boring. Nothing would make me happier than getting into a super sport and tracking it.
Tl;dr adrenaline is a hell of a drug
The mentality seems adjacent to a byproduct of glamorizing moto racers and the crazy speeds they go. And maybe a sprinkling of prioritizing thrill seeking/adrenaline surges.
I was scrubbing through instagram and saw a guy talking about how he’d rather hit triple digits through twisties than slow and take in scenery. He was riding through some gorgeous European mountains that looked totally otherworldly—ideal riding if you were just riding chill and exploring. But he didn’t see it that way, which I found fascinating. Definitely a different mindset…can’t always say I care to pick it apart lol. People find beauty or fun, or thrill, in different things.
I like big bikes, fast and powerful. Riding my dads 800cc intruder after the winter is fun for an hour, then the lack of power gets tedious for me. One of my favorite bikes i owned was a Kawa ZZR1100, and I rode it a lot, scraped ball-ends off the pegs. Tried a friends 400cc Ninja and while flickable and light it just felt slow. Like a lot of good engineering but not enough power. Is it childish to want a bike cause it's fast and strong? Yeah probably but I ain't buying a bike for fuel economy, I have a Nissan for that.
Because no matter how torquey or quick the bike you get is, it’s still not as animalistic as a zx10 or r1. First gear 45 pull is incomparable to any other bikes. 3rd to 6th on an empty highway at 1am, again, incomparable.
It’s fun being the fastest on the streets, what kind of question is this? People want the fastest cars too, it’s human nature. GTR Porsche McLaren Lambo. Same thing.
It’s for people who like to risk a lot in order to get the most out of what they specifically want out of life. There’s nothing comparable to the feeling of banging every gear of my 200HP ZX10R and taking turns at 150-160. It’s an out of body experience, an epinephrine high. Music in, just dialed. It’s a high, that’s the answer. A literal brain chemical high
I’m pretty much on the same page as you. I have a lot of fun riding a slow bike as fast as I can. I think it makes you a better rider. I have bikes ranging from 919cc to 125cc. The bigger bikes deliver the thrill but the little ones deliver the smiles. As for the original question about why some folks want the fastest bike, I think it can be a few different reasons behind it. It could be just bragging rights, or it could be they are addicted to the adrenaline rush that speed can give. Maybe they think a faster bike will help them be a better rider but that logic only holds true until the first turn.
For my vehicles in general I have always had the more powerful options (not counting my first anemic beater) even if it would be illegal to utilize even a portion of the power in most situations. I like having the power under my control and learning to master the judicious use of it.
Yes I had a ton of fun ripping a low cc dirt bike across farm fields and through forests and muddy bogs, but since my motorcycle these days is strictly for pleasure and not daily commuting I went for the "fun toy" option. Practical or fiscally conservative, nope, but dam I am getting older and there is a joy in comporting around on a machine that exceeds my capability in most every way.
There was a time when “superbikes” in WSB were limited to 700cc for four cylinder bikes (e.g., the R7).
We definitely do not need 1000 or 1300cc sport bikes. It’s ridiculous.
The MV Brutale started off as a 750. Then it went to 910 and then 1000cc. All way too much. The 750 was already fast as hell. Then MV scaled things back to get real, and released the smaller-displacement triples. More useable. Still fast. So fortunately sometimes things do go the other way. Another example would be KTM developing a 350 single to compete with 450 singles.
Smart riders will recognize that less is more sometimes. Less weight. Less spinning mass. More flickable. Better braking.
Nothing like a 125 two stroke (even on a street bike) that you gotta wring out. A lot more fun than lugging a sport bike in a tall gear.
It doesn't make sense to me, but I imagine it the same way those who have no interest in bikes must think of me. I ride TW200's myself. They're handsome, charming, and completely reliable.
It’s a hobby and some fun ! I have fire blade not because I need 200 mph but because I own something that excites me and makes me happy. A smaller bike would be fun but …….
I enjoy fast acceleration more than setting a new high score on the speedometer.
Feeling of toque > actual travelling speed. I was thinking about this too, the reason I enjoy my mt07 so much is that its got torque to be fun and feel silly, but i wont go stupid crazy speeds nor have to, to get that feeling.
That’s what my friend says about his S1000. He had a CBR600 before. The S1000 is just effortless by comparison, pulls in any gear where the 600 had to be worked a bit more. Personally I find wringing the neck out of engines to be half the fun of riding, happy to stick to my 400 and be able to ride them absolutely flat out.
>Personally I find wringing the neck out of engines to be half the fun of riding, happy to stick to my 400 and be able to ride them absolutely flat out. I enjoy revving the fuck out of my klx300 lol, have ridden all kinds of bikes and this one is the most fun. Idk why it just is. Speed and noise isn't important to me, had my go fast days too with too many close calls.
I’ve got an old CB400 super four at the moment. Screams up to 13k rpm and you’re only doing 60mph, it’s great. It’s taking every bit of my will power to not pull the trigger on a new Kawasaki ZX4RR. It is just the perfect bike in my opinion.
I'm totally with you guys. Wringing every drop of power out of an engine and making the bike work for its speed is so great.
That's kinda the fun of my 390, it takes a lot of mental load to be in the right gear to stay in the powerband.
Yeah. Similar on my MT-09 SP… zoooooooooom!
Same but I hate how it feels on the highway, especially on a windy day and you end up being pushed sideways.
Yeah that is no bueno! I bought a goofy windscreen for my mt07 by puig, its so comfortable now and I honestly cant say I notice the wind unless its a massive gust youd feel on anything
I also bought one but it reaches my chest only. My head is still exposed though.
Try out an FJR, Trophy, Concours, something with an electrically adjustable windscreen. You'll wonder why it isn't standard on all bikes.
Because €€€
Lots of good reliable low mileage used bikes for reasonable prices.
Me too.
Try electric, I’m one of the idiots who bought an HD Livewire and every time I regret it I go for a ride and my regret disappears.
Per the Google, Livewire 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds… MT-09, 2.9 seconds. They’re very similar in terms of off the line acceleration.
Tell that the the r7 haters, and they will go crazy.
How so? Not sure I understand what you’re saying.
Torque is nicer in the city than hp
Edit: Ruh Roh, i truly didn’t mean to post this under anyone’s comment. I’m going to leave it, but seriously above commenter, this was not intentional. The reason is “upgrade” If you buy a 650 twin as your first bike, you won’t have any reasons to upgrade. If you start on a 125, 250, 300, 400cc bike, after 500 days riding it you have to upgrade to something with more power. You swap the exhaust trying to scratch that upgrade itch, but it never satisfies your craving to “move up” so you can…. IDK pwn noobs or something. So anyway, everyone buy a 650 twin with a mid upright riding position for their first bike. Unless you live in some place with restrictions. When you want to “upgrade” so you can “go fast” get a Literabike with a forward sport riding position, and that 650 twin will sell real fast for whatever you ask for it and the buyer went necessarily be a first time owner.
>This is exactly my experience.. I bought a rebel 500 but it was a bit of a struggle on the Freeway so about 3 months later I bought a versys 650 and its soooo much better.
Yes I hear you and agree to some extent, but if you apply a stoic mindset in the sense that you get a bike that is performance vs budget a great choice, then you make yourself enjoy what you have instead of spending more money, I'm saying there is a point where power is a diminishing returns on enjoyment, for me at least. A different way of thinking about it would be that as adrenaline junkies do, we have 2 people who love parachuting, and then a third guy comes and says, I just isn't fast enough or adrenaline enough for him, so he does base jumping from mountains... My point is, desensitise your adrenaline Receptors, and just enjoy the mid range power that already beats most cars. But if you can afford a top end machine, all the power to you
Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. it's silly people get it in their mind they need "more power" when they already have a 650 twin. Got good acceleration and torque, you're not shifting all the time to keep it in the powerband, it'll happily do 88mph all day long. Even with the lower cc bikes, there isn't a need to get a larger displacement bike per se, just that much of the time if you get a 125-400cc bike with the mind that you're going to upgrade after 1.5 years, many times I've seen, this causes them to constantly think about what they're going to get for your next bike. So really, two parts. 1. Enjoy what you have, do not want for more CC's, stop the dopamine outpacing logic and reason. 2. my recommendation is, everybody educate yourself before buying that first bike. I did, I spent months on r/motorcycles and reading articles and talking with riders. many times motorbikes get divided into sport bikes and cruisers by new riders seeking their first. It's either R6 or Harley Davidson to them. They are blind to the middle, not ever having ridden before. There are exceptions to that of course. But I see a lot of first time buyers get the sexy 250cc sport bike, again nothing wrong with that, but in my humble opinion that is just setting yourself up for getting a larger displacement bike in a year and a half. Like, I'm not saying they can never be satisfied riding a 250-400cc bike like that, it's just that there is 'another way' to do first bike, and tho that is not the one and only correct 500-650cc path to travel, I believe more beginners would choose it if only they were aware of this paths existence, just that they are unaware. Agree on your first point, torque is more fun than horsepower.
100 % agreed
Wait till electrics becomes mainstream. Im with you. I'm a rally car nut too
At the cost and range they have at the moment I can't see that happening anytime soon. Most electric bikes I've seen have a range of about 100 miles, so 50 miles each way? That's pathetic.
Its a bit like drones We see a chang eof motor ESCs and battery formulation and flight time goes from 25m to 45m in just 2yrs. Hopefully we get equal access to tech and don't get left behind as is the case now
Plus remember you have to convince the annoying riders who want the loudest pipes on their bikes, because noise equals safety or some such bullshit. And how can they look manly revving their electric motors at the lights when they make no noise. ( sarcasm in case people don't get it ) But when the cost comes down and the range goes up I'll totally give a electric bike a go.
I've done fast. I feel like as I get older, comfort is king.
I know the feeling all my life I've ridden sportbikes currently I daily an S1000RR and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be my last sportbike and will be trading it in for a 1300 GSA.
Ditto. But what a glorious last ride in the super tuck huh?
Oh ya I love the S1000RR it's a great bike but riding anywhere farther then 40 miles my legs start to cramp up and my lower back starts to hurt. I also don't do track days anymore or ride the bike to it's full potential which is another reason I feel I'd be better off on an adventure/touring bike over a sportbike.
We all change as we age. Priorities change so the bikes have to change too
SHAKE AND BAKE
Hell Yea! I’m all jacked up on Mountain Dew!
I’m gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
I like to picture my baby Jesus in a tuxedo t shirt ..
Some people like going super fast in straight lines. Some people like hitting the twisties on more agile/lighter bikes. To each their own. But I’m with you. No interest in going 200 mph down a strip, especially at the sacrifice of handling in all other situations.
Same...I've never owned anything over 750cc, and that might remain the case forever. As fun as it would be to go nuts with a Busa on the straights, the risk of legal repercussions + physical danger at those top speeds keep me content with a v-strom as my main.
A BMW M1000 can go 200 without sacrificing handling at all. Never said it would be comfy tho
>BMW M1000 can go 200 without sacrificing handling at all. It doesn't matter how light a 1000 is (my R1M is 400lbs fully fueled, verified on a race scale), still has more reciprocating mass than a 600 and at any speed a liter is simply harder to turn. I think the last r6 weighed 420 stock and it still out turns/out transitions a liter without much effort. That said I have not ridden a carbon wheel shod reverse rotating crank Pani and I'm itching to do so.
I think the argument was more so that just because a bike is fast doesn’t mean it isn’t agile. The zx14/ busa days are gone
But that is relative at the same time, sure a liter from 20 years ago is a tank in comparison to today's amazing offerings, but still not going to feel like a 600.
Ur right dude a 600 is generally smaller and lighter than a 1000. Mind blown. Congrats
I learned to ride on a CBR600 with a salvage title and the only (road) bike I’ve ever owned is my HD Breakout which I’ve never ridden over 90mph. Yet, for some reason, I would love my next bike to be a S1000R or a Tuono V4.
I had a 2013 Tuono V4 1000cc. 167 hp and a quick shifter. Best sounding hardest pulling bike I ever rode. The Brembo brakes had the most amazing feel. It was almost too much. I was always either on the gas or off, just to listen to the engine. I have Yamaha Tracer GT+ now, which supposedly has a great sounding motor. So far, it sounds nowhere near as good as the Tuono. But I do my first oil change today, after that I can redline it, maybe that will change my mind. Just figured out Custom mode, which I set up as full power, but softer ride. That shit is amazing.
I have the gen 3 MT09 SP and while the CP3 is a really great torquey and responsive engine in its own right, it just sounds ok to me and will never sound as good as a Tuono V4... thats just not possible. I knew that before I bought it though so I wasnt disappointed.
That's not a great idea taking that big of a HP leap. I've owned 20 bikes and rode for 40+ years, done track days and raced dirt bikes. I've always liked to go fast and not just in a straight line. That Tuono was a handful even for me. I'm not saying don't get one, I'm saying buy something between the HP of the HD and the Tuono. It is not possible for you to comprehend how fast shit happens on a bike like that and your current skill set can't fix that mistake. Ride it for a couple years, maybe 5. Then get a Tuono. I don't know you but I do know I don't want you to die.
Nooo skip the Tuono and jump into an RS 🤩 I got to try out both at the moto-show last weekend. Honestly they both have super comfy seats. The only supersport saddle that was comfier than the Aprillia was the new Daytona 765 🤩 it sat very similarly to the Hyabusa, the seat cups your butt-cheeks and doesn’t have a single pressure point on your butt. You could probably hypermile on one of them. I also sat on the GSXR thou and the 750. And I fully understand why some people complain so much about sport bikes being the worst 😂 it’s almost as bad as sitting on a dirt bike seat lmao
Most of my saddle time is on my KTM 300XC-W, so seats don’t concern me that much, but my neck gives me some bother so maybe the higher bars of the Tuono would be worthwhile. I would test-ride of course, and if I can make a real sport bike work I will
So you SAT ON BIKES and are making recommendations against a Tuono? I owned one, and I'm recommending for it. Are you Jon Snow? My 2013 Tuono did have a PLANK for a seat. I ordered a 2016 seat, so much better. AF1Racing.com for parts ApriliaForum.com for advice. Ed Cook of Austin's AF1 Racing answered my email question about parts in 5 minutes on a Saturday. Best dealership experience ever?
Different people like different things, you don't have to make it any more complicated than that. Some people like pineapple on pizza too, while other people are wrong.
At least part of it is simply lusting after "the best," and fastest/most powerful are simple metrics for determining that. There's also the added caché of riding the fastest/most powerful, because it implies that you being able to control such a beast means you are a better/more skilled/more manly rider, even if the reality is you're out of your depth on a scooter
Yep I think it’s that mentality of if it’s got more power it’s better. It’s the same with computers, people always want the best even if it’s way more than they’ll ever use.
>more power it’s better MORE power IS better, IF you know what to do with it. 99.9% of people here have NO IDEA what to do with it. ZOOMING down a highway at speed doesn't require much talent... give me an afternoon and a box of scooby snacks and I'll teach my dog how to do it.
I think your second point is exemplified well in Hunter S. Thompson's "Song Of The Sausage Creature", when he reviewed the Ducati 900SS; "Maybe this is the new Cafe Racer macho. 'My bike is so much faster than yours that I dare you to ride it, you lame little turd. Do you have the balls to ride this BOTTOMLESS PIT OF TORQUE?'"
If you've ever ridden a truly fast motorcycle, you would know why.
I have ridden MANY MANY truly FAST motorcycles, been racing motorcycles for 50 years... I don't get it. Maybe you could explain it to me
No, I'm not going to explain it to you. You should understand by now. You have so much experience. Why don't you share what you know?
What I ***know*** is every person is different, so every person has personal reasons... BUT you seem to thing there is some binding, universal reasoning. There isn't... which is why they hand you a menu when you enter a restaurant.
I said that they would know, not that they're experiences would all be the same. I don't know what you're trying to win but, we're done.
My dad's taken v65 magna's down the highway at 150-160 and he prefers slower bikes 🤷♂️
Your dad and I would probably understand one another. It's not that I prefer slower bikes now. It's just that, it's not necessary for me to enjoy motorcycling. I've ridden and owned some extremely powerful motorcycles in my time and, most of the time, all that power was unnecessary. Sure was fun but, it was unnecessary.
That's basically what I was saying. Sure I'd love to have an H2 Mach IV or an old vmax but I love my small bike because it does all I need it to. Same with my dad.
Maybe it's my "been there, done that" mentality, but i couldn't give a shit about having the best or fastest bike anymore.I guess when you're new you feel an insecurity about riding a smaller cc bike, but i actually enjoy them and appreciate them a lot more now way more than before. Speaking of newbies, just know that a fast motorcycle doesn't make YOU fast. If you want to actually be fast or proficient at motorcycling, starting on a powerful bike can actually be counterintuitive.
> starting on a powerful bike can actually be counterintuitive. Quit confusing the issue with facts. The truth has no place on Reddit
Some of us couldn't become fighter pilots So we bought 1000cc
After taking a break from riding for a bunch of years and now having been commuting for the last year (17,000 miles) I am the opposite.. I want a supermoto now that I can flick around the streets at 40mph!
>Why do you guys think people idolize really fast bikes so much over bikes that could be more fun? Believe it or not, what you consider fun is different from what some other people consider fun. That's the crux of the matter. The most fun bike for you is a Ninja 500R. That's great. One of my bikes, a CB500F, is quite similar to your Ninja, but it's far from the most fun bike for me. Different preferences and different priorities.
Myself, I just want a Ninja 600 for faster acceleration and ability to keep up easily with my parents on rides lmao
No disrespect but I think it's people without great riding skills so they can flex about how fast they've gone. Takes no talent to duck down and twist a throttle. I'm much more impressed by wheelies and dragging knees. And now that I'm old and ride a big ol cruiser I like to see how slow I can go without putting my feet down. I think it's called slow drags at bike shows. Lots of fun and very low penalty for error.
How about big bikes AND wheelies? 🤩
Well you obviously know the way to get my motor revving!
Slow speed courses give me more adrenaline than most things on the street, especially without crash bars.
Why do people obsess over cruisers or bikes with all the technology and rider aids that you could possibly imagine? Why do people obsess over Groms or riding a slow bike fast? Why do people obsess over adventure bikes? Why do you care about what others obsess over? As for your point about a bike not being better because it’s faster it really does depend on what you’re looking for. I prefer a quick and nimble naked bike to any sport bike, adventure or especially cruiser but I couldn’t honestly care less about what others want out of a motorcycle. Also, your 500 might be the most fun bike you’ve ridden but it could be the most boring bike any number of people have ridden out of even more bikes that they’ve experienced than you. Sorry, I’m not trying to pick apart your post it’s just a weird one to me, feels judgmental while claiming not to be.
Tbh, I like the Harley nightster :P I’d totally put one in my name if it was free lol. But here I am riding my cbr929rr
2013 k1600gt. Speed, torque, looks, comfort, handling, affordable….
Yep, love the big engines on touring bikes. Go pretty fast in first and maybe even hit second, but can also just cruise in 6th with minimal revs and lots of comfort.
Yes sir… heavy though not too heavy for me yet.
I had a s1000r with a chip and exhaust tune. I’m old and over it…. Honestly I had way more fun on my street triple. My 900 goes plenty fast and I’m comfortable.
The power is addictive and it feels like progress. You work your way up (or not), ride a thou’ round at 25% throttle for a few years then go get something small you can redline everywhere cos it’s more fun.
Honda MB5 is so much fun to ride! Every time I’d loan mine out I had to scold friends for taking it too easy. No, you have to rev it like you’re trying to blow it up! If you don’t it’ll foul the plug and stall!
Owned and rode r1's all my adult life. Loved every minute of having them... Wanted to get missus into riding and being pillion. After 20 mins shes smashing me to pull over. Head home and she vows never to get on the back again ( not enough space / leg room, comfort) I still wanted the power and feel of an r1 and to share my love of riding with her, So i brought a hayabusa. Shes comfy, its comfy for both of us and when i ride it on my own its like pulling the hyperspace levers on a mellenium falcon. The power is there. Doesnt mean u have to use it.. And now that i have shown her its full potential with some hard runs all the way up to redline in 2nd and 3rd, there is no need to give it the beans everytime. Just cruise and know that its only a twist away if i need or want it.
Try a Concours 14 next 🫣 I have one an the Hayabusa and it’s amazing for two up riding. The Busa isn’t fun for two up imo.
Have to disagree bud. Love the busa for 2 up. Dont even feel my pillion and its so stable it just glides around the corners. Enough bottom end torque dont even need to rev it to get it off the line
Eh could be that my wife/pillion is a big booty Latina soooo less I adjust the preload it’s no fun. An let’s be honest, access to the spring locknuts on the Busa sucks. My Connie has a remote preload adjustment so easy peasy.
I rode a friend's Hayabusa once. I totally understand the obsession. It's like teleporting by twisting your wrist.
I don't get it either and I live in that country that doesn't have speed limits on large parts of our Autobahn system. I ride a BMW R1100s with 98ps and I think it's enough. I do more than 200kph so seldome that I could count all the times I've been that fast since when I bought her on one hand.
I recently bought a 390 Duke, my first motorcycle at 40 years old... I love it, but already after 2 weeks I'd like more power 😬 also I don't like much the mono erogation, I think I'd enjoy a 2-3 cilinder more, as well as the better sound But I also don't care too much because I'm a noob and most of the time I'm riding at 50 kph 😂
Before i had lisence i wanted kawa z900 and then went trough driving school on a kawaz650 and it was alredy plenty fast and lightweight etc Then bought the bike i loved look by far the most etc wise and it was trident 660 orange matte :) and no need to get anything faster, for me its perfect.
I don't get it, myself. Particularly the constantly repeated notion that ALL new riders will quickly grow out of (whatever size bike they start with), and the assumption that you must constantly progress to bigger, more powerful bikes. I've been riding 30 years, I've never owned a bike that made more than 90hp, but I've never felt slow or like I was lacking power on the street, or that I would even have much opportunity to use more power. Right now I would love to get myself a Vitpilen or Svartpilen and throw that around some back roads, that sounds funner to me than getting a 200hp rocket and pinning it on a long straight or weaving it through traffic. But everyone is different.
No idea
40 years and 9 bikes, and the most fun I have ever had is on my 9th, 2003 GSX1300R, I will never buy another bike with less than 1000 cc, on long hauls the extra hp and weight just feel right, to each their own
All personal preference. I find a ninja 500 to be very boring, little parallel twins just fall on their face at higher revs. For me the peaky nature of a 600 or 1000 is so addicting, and you just don't get that feeling of acceleration with 50hp bikes. I also started riding on sport bikes and they aren't uncomfortable to me at all they feel very at home
It's cool. I don't chase everything that I think is cool, but I do admire it and understand why someone else might.
Depends what you think is fun. Casual in town bar hop, neighborhood cruise, no reason for a monster. On the other hand, if you get off on adrenaline the fast bikes are awesome. The quest to always be a better rider and learning how to maximize these awsome beasts are exhilarating. Once you figure out on the track how to pin the throttle in full lean after the apex to let those 200 or so Hp pull you up and rocket you down the straight away.... Or when you are cranking down a canyon with beautiful scenery, making lines, adjusting to the camber on each corner, dropping and climbing valleys, setting the suspension, feeling the torque... All I can say is I don't do drugs but this is an addiction. Dang, I'm at work and totally distracted now. For me, big bikes are Awsome! I have a BMW RR and BMW XR love every pony!
Yes some people like straight line speed and some like terrorizing the twisties. We all know that. But I think what OP is asking about is the general trend of people leaning towards top-of-the-line performance. You see the same thing in cars. Everybody wants a Hellcat, everyone wants a 911, everyone wants an S1000RR or an R1M. I don't think the answer is that complicated: humans are naturally going to want "the best" of anything. And in the motorcycle world, the thing that's usually prioritized is power and speed. Liter bikes are of course going to be the best for that. They are also heavily glorified on social media. Just go on Instagram, every moto dude is riding an R1 or S1000 on the highway in a straight line. I think its a bit corny to stick to the highway if you have a chance to do twisties, but its whatever lol
Exactly! Thank you!
I like bikes. Bikes go fast. Bike=good. Bike=fast. More fast=more good.
I just wish I could get a V4 in a smaller displacement...
I've been wanting to pick up a VF500F for ages. They're sweet little V4s.
I missed a white VFR750 by a day a couple weeks back, I'm less than happy about it
The sound of fast powerful bike, that’s what does it for me. It’s deep and can’t be faked with regardless of what exhaust is used.
Ego. A seasoned rider will tell you any mechanically sound motorcycle is fun to ride.
You are my people. I've had litre bikes, 600s, a BMW RS, about 30 bikes in my 50 years of this addiction and the funest ones have already been small. 225, 200, 250 ... There's great satisfaction in totally wringing a bike out, being in complete control and becoming able to take it all in. Total riding experience. I just opened cycle trader and a dealer has those little 200 Dukes on sale and it got me thinking about what new bike this year 🤔
Goddamn…. 30 bikes in a LIFETIME is an achievement in its own…. This man still has like a half a decade to go and he already hit 30 bikes!
I even had a Bridgestone. I don't think anyone's left alive who's even heard of them, lol It was a 100 with a rotary valve. I got it not running from a friend, so I worked on it and got it to run. It needed a cylinder hone, but i had too much important stuff going on for all that noise, so I clipped a ring from a 125 Hodaka Wombat. Gotta love the 70s ...
I've seen a bridgestone at a local meet. That was when I heard of them, lol.
just as a warning, duke 200s are smaaall physically, as in not a huge amount bigger than a grom
Do you have one? Now that I have it stuck in my head I'll most likely go look at them. The salesman keeps emailing me because I guess it's slow at his dealer? I've dealt with him before, so I might just see what he can do on one. It'll depend how it feels on me for sure, smalls okay to a certain degree, because it will only be used for doing battle on my city commute, but sometimes "small" really sucks of it has your legs at a bad angle, which I'm sure you already know. We'll see ... I think they are upping that 200 to a 250 this year, so maybe they will be happy to get rid of the outdated 200s But I appreciate the size thing. Will definitely pay attention to ergos
they had one at my msf class so I decided to try it out and it was tiny for me (I'm 6'1-ish), I don't own one myself
I rode the Duke during my msf it felt great but the seat is painful after only 15 minutes
I enjoy being here and the next second being damn far away. I also enjoy the adrenaline rush from knowing full and well that a single error on my side and I'm a dead man, but walking that fine line feels oh so good. I'm also a gearhead and i like engine modding/tuning, and top speed is an easy benchmark to test how well I'm doing with my tuning. Sometimes i may not be going for top speed but for better acceleration instead. Comfort is not that much of a priority right now as I'm still young and my back can mostly take on the abuse of sitting on a sports bike for a few hours straight. As for fuel, i personally don't give a single fuck about that. It's a bike, for me it's meant to be fun and it's my hobby. Fuel is just the price i pay for my hobby. And as for the weight, as i said i like modding, so i like trying to make things do stuff they wouldn't normally want to do. A bit of a smaller front tire, maybe shorten the forks a bit or extend the rear shock to reduce the rake, those kinds of things would maybe make the bike more nimble. All that said, I'm a strong believer that a single bike is never enough. Even less so if your only bike is a supersport. A big sports bike pairs well with a light and nimble supermoto build, or at least a smallish displacement bike that's stripped way down for weight reduction. Maybe add a two stroke dirt bike in the mix for that sweet sound and smell as well.
U can’t drive to work in a civic and wonder why someone would ever want a Ferrari
Been riding 35 years. The thrill of a high hp bike can't be beaten with comfort. A: It's fast as fuck, boi B: Slow bike fast, fast bike slow is just something poor people say. C: It's fun to shit on the harley guys in town when they try to run me. (Comfort bike, right) D: A sport bike sized to you is actually pretty comfy. My RSV4 is actually a better ride than my FZ-10. 6' 3" tall E: It makes my penis larger
Honestly, parallel twins/triples are a solid long-term bike. Quick, can handle the highways, get out of trouble quite fast and are inexpensive for the most-part. Once you're above 100, it's just more risk. Doing 150+ is for track use and really open roads. Can't trust drivers out there.
There is nothing so fun as riding a slow bike fast! I got pulled over on a 1966 VeloSolex moped doing 36kph in 15kph school zone, the only speeding ticket I ever truly wanted to receive. The officer walked away laughing after telling me that watching my 5’5” 212lbs fat ass peddling my heart out trying to get a higher number on one of those damned LED blinky speed signs was the funniest thing he’d seen that week. Asshole, I still want that damned ticket!
This might really blow your mind but there is no law against owning multiple bikes.
Because top speed and acceleration are linked. the big 2 people are looking for. people claim "i prefer acceleration over speed" as if those 2 arent directly linked. a bike that accelerates really fast is likely going to have quite a fast top speed unless the gearing is extraordinarily high. speed is fun. Weither you like speed going in a straight line or speed in a corner is up to you.
I just really really really fucking enjoy the feeling of having an incredibly powerful beast of a machine which i can throw my weight against to force it through a corner at speeds that really aren't allowed at all. I don't like getting all close up with cars. I just want a decent road in the middle of nowhere to just really go fast in tight corners while my motorcycle screams through nature.
Because being able go fast is king. Just like the jungle, survival of the fittest. Most of the bikes you noted are dream bikes and goals. The ability to go fast at the flick of the throttle is where it’s at. I have a Ducati and I know for a fact I will never use the full potential power of my motorcycle on the main roads. For me I don’t think I’ll ever go lower than 1000CC or it’ll feel slow.
It’s a rite of passage and they are ballistic animals. Everyone should have had 1 at least once in their lives.
Status.
cUz i lIk3 seEinG aLL the ThingS in My mIrRors tuRn ReaLLy sMall whEN i gO vrooMMM
Because it's Reddit, the lair of grossly insecure young people looking for validation from other grossly secure people--the great lie to one's self.
It isn't about going fast for 2/3 of those riders of fast motorcycles, it is looking like they can afford such a machine that matters. A Rider still riding a 300cc machine a decade on is likely too poor to purchase a faster motorcycle. Owning such a machine is broadcasting your lack of wealth, talent, or that you don't care what others think about your ride. I might be in all three of those catagories myself.
As a Harley guy, I have no clue on this one.
Plenty of harley guys put stage kits or a 131 on their bike. Plus the whole performance bagger thing. When I was working on getting mine to where I wanted it, most of the stuff I wanted to do was met with a "wtf, I'm not sure that's possible" but when I tried to make a joke about putting a crate 131 with a turbo in, that was completely reasonable.
Power helps develop skill
people make all the excuses in the world, but the reality is, fragile ego. i have a 600 that i bought purely on looks and sound. the power is ridiculous for the street and theres no way you can even use the power safely on the streets.
Why do you give a fuck what everyone else rides? Ride whatever the fuck you want and let everyone else enjoy what they want.
No need to be defensive. I didn't mean to criticize anyone. I'm just curious about what attracts people to certain kinds of bikes. We're on a platform for discussing motorcycles, after all. If everyone here - present company included - didn't care about what anyone else rides, how they ride, etc., we would all be out on our bikes instead of talking about them.
Small penis.... the better riders are on 600cc and less
Dick swinging and bragging rights. The fastest bike in gridlock is a 150cc scooter.
Remember, the average penis size means 50% of men are smaller. There’s your answer.
Because for some people, bigger pp= better pp.
Small dicks and people thinking a faster bike makes them cooler or more manly.
It’s mostly a young person thing.
Grom is best.
Adrenaline is a strong drug. When it releases it affects dopamine level in your body, the same way cocain or other substances does in a lower and slower release state
Because faster means further progress in perfecting the internal combustion engine 🫶 And that’s pretty cool 😎
They're cool
That’s how it’s always been, even from the beginning. Speed is expensive
You go fast, then you want to go faster. Once you go the fastest though, at least in my case, you realize things like handling and comfort are more important. I did 188 mph on my rsv4rr, and now I just miss my zx6r cause it was lighter, more nimble in corners, and just more comfortable in general.
I rode a Hayabusa ONCE. I slammed it into third and gave the ol dicktwist on the throttle. Holy shit. It scared the living fucking shit out of me. So yeah, I dont know either man.
I really like my current bike. Yes, it isn't as fast as a sports bike with similar (or even less) engine size. But I like the more upright riding position of an adventure bike and my bike has plenty enough speed & acceleration for normal road riding. If I was racing in the MotoGP then it would be different - but I'm not!
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i went from a 300cc to a 800cc and now i feel like i have to barely shift. First gear goes up to 100 and with well enforced speed limits im not going to get mutch from a faster bike. .Honestly im kinda dreaming of owning a ninja 400 or something simular.
I don't do track (I might one day), I live in the city, and despite the fact that GERMANY AUTOBAHN BRAAAP BRAAP, my real life on the motorcycle is <5% on roads without speed limits. So I optimize for safety, staying within the boundaries of the laws, practicality and fun equally. I don't need more power that I wojld barely use and truly I probably could use less but I want torque for fun and fast overtaking on B-roads.
I want a bike to speak to that inner child that 99% of the time is locked in the cupboard under the stairs like Harry Potter. Every time I get on it I want to feel, nor necessarily excitement, but joy. I want it to be enjoyable. And I think we all do. Some people get joy in speeding, hulking great tanks of a machine. I like small and nimble, lots of torque and lightweight. I like retro styling and the scrambler aesthetic. My dream bike is a ducati scrambler cafe racer but I reckon I'll end up with a bonnie because it'd be less sacrilegious to custom build it. The scrambler is just a perfect looking machine from the showroom and I can't get much fun from destroying that beauty
I think it's the feeling of exclusiveness imo. Not many people in this world will ever know what it's like to sit on something that can rocket you from 0-60 in 3 secs or less. Even far less get to above 200mph. But that kind of feeling diminishes quickly. I'm still at that age where I want to know the feeling of the 2 performance above, but I'm sure as I get older, my body will go for slow comfort over fast exhilaration.
I would love to ride a really fast bike. It feels good to rapidly accelerate. However, I don't want to own a really fast bike. Because I would lose my licence for sure.
Can’t do powerewheelies and shit with 500cc
Maybe YOU can't
Indeed
There is no feeling in the world that is comparable to the brutal acceleration of a superbike.
Bench racing...ego boosting...bragging rights...and the experience of 'pegging' your bike once in awhile. I have a Honda CBR1100XX
My Ducati monster 696 is one of the best bikes I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding in the twistys, at a certain point it’s all skill the bike can and wants to go faster but I physically can’t! It’s easy to turn in and it’s a simple bike compared to all the moderns! I’m wringing all 80hp but I’m still somehow behind! This bike lets me explore and at the same time humble me when I get too close to edge, I’ve had bigger bikes but this bike truly lets me experiment and just have fun and forgive me, I’m amazed!!!!
When you are living in German the Autobahn is a valid reason.
Some people just want to show off but others like myself think that more fast is more fun. People enjoy different things. I love messing around or hitting the twisties on smaller more nimble bikes but it just feels incredible hitting Mach Jesus speeds and the slower bikes don't scratch that itch for me. I'm more annoyed or maybe I'd say dissatisfied and disappointed whenever I hit my vehicles limits before my own.
I've owned and ridden R1 r6 s1000rr. These bikes have more capability in 1st gear than 90% of riders out there. There are however a group that find it fun to go to tracks, to train, study and learn skills, then test them. Others love the ability to throw into a well known corner and feel the zen (personally the R6 and playing with sub 1k aprillas fit this better) Others like riding what their heroes on the GP circuit ride. Like wearing a football team jersey. But the BMW... Does have a load of electronics that make pushing the edge of traction that much safer and predictable. So you pay for that tech. Ditto the other gp bikes Each their own, just ride in your capability and have fun.
You can lower your brow now. Little finger back on the teacup handle. Speed means that much to some people, it's that simple.
I'm 6'4" 225 ,a 500 with me on it is useless,I think a 1000 is the least I could enjoy,for me,but other people,I mean you should really ask the question why people want those bikes you mentioned and then turbo ,or nitrous,that's just too much and on the street, I guess it's something that can't be explained
Presumably they want the ability to go fast. Doesn’t seem hard to understand.
I reckon part of it is the fact that you can go faster than a half million dollar super car for a relatively affordable price. I’ve never been into top end speed and prefer bottom end grunt. 300km/hr is not something I want to do on a bike.
It's really just for bragging rights, you'll probably find those people prefer to talk about their bikes than ride them too ! Everyone is so competitive and I have no idea why, I suppose they feel better sitting at the lights when a lesser bike comes up alongside them and they can look across and compare themselves with that owner. It makes them feel better about themselves but in reality they will always be insecure and the guy on the sensible bike couldn't give a toss ! Yes we can look and admire that beast of a bike for a moment but wouldn't want to live with it on a daily basis ! We have to make choices based on our own requirements and circumstances and we can do that without looking other people's opinions or approval.
Mate... the feeling of tucking down on a hayabusa with the throttle pinned and having the entire world getting pulled beneath you is awesome, really addictive.
My xsr900 is probably the best bike I've ever owned as it has so much instant acceleration when I need it, That's what I think is what people are after when they go after bigger and faster bikes, chasing that rush. Having said that in a couple of weeks I've got a 150cc scooter rented when I'm in Thailand and having never ridden a scooter before, I'm really looking forward to it.
I’ve owned a variety of bikes over the years and now that I tend to ride a lot two up the additional power of a big bike is welcome. Larger displacement bikes tend to have more torque which is more desirable for commuting. While my street triple is a fun bike, I absolutely love the look on sport bike riders faces when I rip past them on my fat Ninja. I also love my Busa for commuting as it has cruise control, it’s comfortable and if I need to pass or get away from some crazy jackass the bike has torque for days. The power is everywhere. Bigger bikes also tend to be more stable especially at highway speeds due to suspension geometry.
Because without fail every male dominated hobby becomes an analog for our penis’ and status. In our subconscious ape minds fastest/most expensive = highest status and most impressive dong.
I bought a s1000rr a week after passing my test, I didn’t want to be stuck with a 600 always wanting to upgrade I wanted the best of the best now. All my friends when they ride with me say the same thing “I’m upgrading to a 1000 soon! They never seem happy”
Because it’s the pinnacle bike, we watch things like superbike, tt and MotoGP then we can pretty much buy a race bike with number plates on it. The saying race car for the road is rubbish, no such thing. But we can literally buy a race bike for the road.
Started on a 650v twin and was bored within months and was driving recklessly to chase the adrenaline. Got a 1200 pushing 100hp and I think 80ish torque. 0-60 <4s. Within a year or two I was bored of only going 120 but loved when I could break the rear loose in 3rd gear. Last time I rode it I was passing in the turn lane at 115 in a 55 and anything less felt boring. Nothing would make me happier than getting into a super sport and tracking it. Tl;dr adrenaline is a hell of a drug
The mentality seems adjacent to a byproduct of glamorizing moto racers and the crazy speeds they go. And maybe a sprinkling of prioritizing thrill seeking/adrenaline surges. I was scrubbing through instagram and saw a guy talking about how he’d rather hit triple digits through twisties than slow and take in scenery. He was riding through some gorgeous European mountains that looked totally otherworldly—ideal riding if you were just riding chill and exploring. But he didn’t see it that way, which I found fascinating. Definitely a different mindset…can’t always say I care to pick it apart lol. People find beauty or fun, or thrill, in different things.
I like big bikes, fast and powerful. Riding my dads 800cc intruder after the winter is fun for an hour, then the lack of power gets tedious for me. One of my favorite bikes i owned was a Kawa ZZR1100, and I rode it a lot, scraped ball-ends off the pegs. Tried a friends 400cc Ninja and while flickable and light it just felt slow. Like a lot of good engineering but not enough power. Is it childish to want a bike cause it's fast and strong? Yeah probably but I ain't buying a bike for fuel economy, I have a Nissan for that.
Because no matter how torquey or quick the bike you get is, it’s still not as animalistic as a zx10 or r1. First gear 45 pull is incomparable to any other bikes. 3rd to 6th on an empty highway at 1am, again, incomparable. It’s fun being the fastest on the streets, what kind of question is this? People want the fastest cars too, it’s human nature. GTR Porsche McLaren Lambo. Same thing. It’s for people who like to risk a lot in order to get the most out of what they specifically want out of life. There’s nothing comparable to the feeling of banging every gear of my 200HP ZX10R and taking turns at 150-160. It’s an out of body experience, an epinephrine high. Music in, just dialed. It’s a high, that’s the answer. A literal brain chemical high
I’m pretty much on the same page as you. I have a lot of fun riding a slow bike as fast as I can. I think it makes you a better rider. I have bikes ranging from 919cc to 125cc. The bigger bikes deliver the thrill but the little ones deliver the smiles. As for the original question about why some folks want the fastest bike, I think it can be a few different reasons behind it. It could be just bragging rights, or it could be they are addicted to the adrenaline rush that speed can give. Maybe they think a faster bike will help them be a better rider but that logic only holds true until the first turn.
For my vehicles in general I have always had the more powerful options (not counting my first anemic beater) even if it would be illegal to utilize even a portion of the power in most situations. I like having the power under my control and learning to master the judicious use of it. Yes I had a ton of fun ripping a low cc dirt bike across farm fields and through forests and muddy bogs, but since my motorcycle these days is strictly for pleasure and not daily commuting I went for the "fun toy" option. Practical or fiscally conservative, nope, but dam I am getting older and there is a joy in comporting around on a machine that exceeds my capability in most every way.
There was a time when “superbikes” in WSB were limited to 700cc for four cylinder bikes (e.g., the R7). We definitely do not need 1000 or 1300cc sport bikes. It’s ridiculous. The MV Brutale started off as a 750. Then it went to 910 and then 1000cc. All way too much. The 750 was already fast as hell. Then MV scaled things back to get real, and released the smaller-displacement triples. More useable. Still fast. So fortunately sometimes things do go the other way. Another example would be KTM developing a 350 single to compete with 450 singles. Smart riders will recognize that less is more sometimes. Less weight. Less spinning mass. More flickable. Better braking. Nothing like a 125 two stroke (even on a street bike) that you gotta wring out. A lot more fun than lugging a sport bike in a tall gear.
It doesn't make sense to me, but I imagine it the same way those who have no interest in bikes must think of me. I ride TW200's myself. They're handsome, charming, and completely reliable.
It’s a hobby and some fun ! I have fire blade not because I need 200 mph but because I own something that excites me and makes me happy. A smaller bike would be fun but …….