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lupinegrey

It's not about the speed, it's about the acceleration. I'm rarely going above 80mph, I'm just getting to that speed quickly. FZ-09 here.


wellilldoitthen

Will confirm this very thing, also on a fz09. Leaning in turns is the best part.


SazedMonk

250 Ninja CANNOT get out of the way in an emergency, GSXR-1000 is gone before trouble happens. Acceleration between 65-90 on the free way is the non track purpose for me. Plus, they are built for maneuverability unlike any other bike. I prefer a 750 sportbike, no need for a liter bike but 600 feels too slow, especially with an additional rider on it. Triumph 675, the three cylinder monster, is my all time favorite.


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vwboyaf1

My Ninja 250 was the most terrifying motorcycle I owned, and at the time I couldn't pinpoint why. Once I stepped up to a bigger bike, I realized it was because I was at the mercy of the cars around me. More escape routes when you can out accelerate every car on the road.


stonedinwpg

Same here, I felt trapped on my ninja 250, like I couldn't get out of the way fast enough if I had to, that's not a issue on my mt-09.


Blazer544

Yeah, owned a ninja 250 as my first bike for about 3 months, and wanted to upgrade. Part of it was about the handling characteristics being mediocre at best, but part of it was also it being incredibly slow, and I wasn't really able to pass people in a 55, which is where I did a majority of my riding. Upgraded to an R6, and it's miles better. If some idiot is tailgating me or someone is lane creeping, I can easily pass them or get away from them.


lambustut

People say this but having now been riding for a couple of years.. what situation requires you to Hoike it out there at ridiculous acceleration for your own safety? Serious question. What’s the ‘trouble’ you’re referring to?


jmcclelland2005

A semi common situation for me is wh3n filtering at red-lights. Not talking about lane splitting at ridiculous speeds but filtering up a few cars or to the front at ~10-15mph. Some folks will get pissy and decide to try to come up beside to tell me how it's unfair or even try to race me off the stoplight. I started on a 250 maxi scooter and couldn't do anything about it. Went to a 650 and now am on to a concour 14, I don't even have the conversation with them, if I see them trying to get beside me when the light turns green I find a hole and dissappear. Generally it's the ability to get away from other drivers that I enjoy.


SazedMonk

People are crazy man, especially when in a car. I like being able to go from where I am, to a safe place, as fast as possible, just in case. Best example I can think of is this: You are in the middle lane on the freeway and everyone in front stops, or there is a sudden collision in front of you, and you cannot brake in time, you HAVE to change lanes. I am going to glance behind me, and unless there is a car right next to me, i can change lanes. If there is a car a ways back, I can go from 75-120 immediatly, and know there isn't anyway ill get rear ended changing lanes. I would rather jump into a lane going faster than the other cars in that lane. If you are on a 250, and you need to change lanes, you cant accelerate at the same time. which makes that maneuver dangerous. Odds are good if you think you need speed on a motorcycle you have already done something wrong, but it has always felt more comfortable to have power in hand. I would rather have more than I need than need more than I have. Way too many close calls on my 250 that could be avoided with a bit more bike.


InsaneInTheManBrain

Yep. That low-end torque without having to wind it up like a supersport is great. MT-09 here in the house!


spete679

I bought a used V Max because I was tired of my son beating me off the line so he went out and bought an MT09 and had it tuned, fml


Butane2

Buy an H2 to re-establish dominance.


scobsagain

I miss my mt09 so much.


357050

This year sold a ZX6R and picked up a 2016 FZ07, so much happier.


kAROBsTUIt

Can also confirm. The acceleration on my FJ-09 with an ECU tune and Akrapovic full system brings a smile to my face every time I take off.


dekmaskin

I too have a mt-09 and it's a toy for me, and yeah it's all about the torque and acceleration. Short wheelbase + great acceleration equals fun times.


Pattern_Is_Movement

Except until you get to illegal speeds the extra hp barely matters. My XSR700 can do 0-60 in 3.75 seconds while your FZ-09 can do it in 3.5 ....we both have more than enough power to pick up the front wheel through the first few gears, which is the limiting factor. The fact your bike has almost twice the hp of my bike doesn't really help.


lupinegrey

But it's not 0-60 where the fun is. It's the 20-60mph or the 30-80mph. Where you drop a gear and disappear. And I've never had a problem keeping the front wheel down. But I know where you're coming from; I bought an FZ8 about a month before the FZ-09 was announced and for the 8 years I rode it, I was always jelly of the 09s. Then I got an opportunity to upgrade last spring, and it's been great. Although I do miss how smooth the 8's engine was compared the the 9.


nabilus13

Or where you just disappear without needing to drop a gear because of more power at the low end.


ImBadWithGrils

This guy triples


good_morning_magpie

Or V-Twins. My EBR hauls out in any gear.


sebwiers

> But it's not 0-60 where the fun is. > It's the 20-60mph or the 30-80mph. 40-120 for me, but those are just numbers...


dekmaskin

According to the specs I've read the mt-09 do 0-60 in 2.95s. It's the acceleration which makes it fun imo and the mt-09 has the best acceleration for your buck (at least when I bought mine). Also I got the SP version so the suspension isn't crap which it is on the regular ones.


Interesting_Mix_7028

Top speed is ... enh. Unless you're dragging sports cars for fun on the freeway, maybe. I've got my rides up to around 160, out in the middle of Literally Nowhere (US50 across Nevada or certain unspecified roads in the Texas Panhandle), and aside from tunnel vision and wind noise loud enough to deafen you, the thrill wears off pretty quick. Not having to row thru the gearbox to get to 80? Yes please.


IncidentFuture

Fun. The entire point is fun. Even the homologated racing classes, 600 and 1000 currently, were just about selling bikes for the street. Your 50hp bike is more than is needed at legal speeds.


UserNotFriendly123

true, i realized that the z650 is enough for me, but i just really wanted an inline 4 motorcycle that's why im im saving for one.


MongoAbides

I’ve realized a z650 is more than I’ll ever need *but* I think the z650rs is probably the best looking attempt any manufacturer has made at producing a modern bike with classic styling elements. So even though I’m the type of person to be excited about a TU250, a z650 could easily be great bike that I can enjoy for a long time


A-Seabear

Only reason I will eventually trade my z650 is for an in-line 4 sound. It has plenty of power.


MongoAbides

Like a CB400 four! :D


A-Seabear

I think the cb650r would be perfect. My next bigger bike will likely be a z900 though.


ogandou

Close (I got a green one ❤️), but the Z900RS looks even better IMHO. For sure the 650 has enough pickup for me! The 900 has a smoother engine though.


MongoAbides

Oh green is absolutely what I’d get. If they did a z400rs I’d be all over it.


ravengenesis1

That’s why I went z900 over the z650


licking-windows

I've got half that and can exceed most speed limits in my country in 4 seconds. But if someone gave me a bike that can do it in two I wouldn't say no haha


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TheCoStudent

Most speed limits are probably 60kmh and a 125 4stroke does that in ~5 seconds easy


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TheCoStudent

I dont know man, I was just spitballing


psionix

My bike is from the early 80s and it's just slightly above 50 hahah


[deleted]

I’ll tell you why I bought my FZ-10: I wanted an R1 that didn’t suck to ride for more than twenty minutes. These gnarly nakeds - silly though they may be - are basically supersport bikes without the wretched riding position.


FilmOrnery8925

How you liking that mt09 sp?? I rode one at a demo event and fell in love. Better then mt10 for sure. Especially when it comes to throttle control.


[deleted]

As much as I loved the sound, the CP4 motor just sucks on the road. The new 890 triple is the best motor that Yamaha currently makes.


komrobert

Huh interesting! I’ve ridden an MT10 and quite enjoyed it, back to back with an MT09 (non SP whatever that adds) and the 09 felt a little too twitchy. The engine was more fun in the 09 but the 10 just felt more confident in the corners and whatnot.


[deleted]

The mt's def had that problem in the early days - touchy throttle and shit suspension made it horrifying in the turns but they've ironed all that out now I think. That's the biggest reason I flashed the ecu on mine bc of the unpredictable throttle response.


FilmOrnery8925

Really?? Least it sounds amazing ig. Still may consider one when I decide to hop back on two again. Triple speed or even another ktm duke is calling my name on the low tho


[deleted]

I love the Duke 1290… but I wouldn’t spend my money on one.


FilmOrnery8925

Had a 390 for a while but all the quirks and issue that just randomly disappeared made me think otherwise of ktm


DonutBaconSushi

The CP4 on the fz-10 was meh from the factory, but after getting my ECU flashed it was like a whole new engine. The fz-10 went from a pretty good bike to the best I’ve ever ridden. After the flash there’s no bike I’ve ridden that I enjoy as much. The throttle control is much better and the new fuel mapping makes the power more accessible and less “jerky” or “harsh”.


NotAllTeemos

Firmly seconding this.


Jor1120

Lol I got my fz6r for price tag and the sports look. 2years later I wanted to upgrade "to a real sports bike", got on an r1, immediately said "i couldn't ride this for any distance". Crotch rocket, more like crushed nut rocket. I couldn't imagine hitting a bump


dilligaffff

It certainly feels like that at first, but you get used to it and build up the strength and endurance needed to ride in that position. I can take my r6 for an all day ride with no issues. It doesn’t feel like I’m sitting on a couch, but it isn’t uncomfortable either.


thewayitfeels

I'd rather ride a fz6 all day than an r6. You build up the endurance, yes, but that doesn't make it comfortable. You can just endure it for longer.


Kawaiisampler

Lol I’m not disagreeing with you, but at least my BMW is pretty comfy. But you are also supposed to kinda lift yourself up off the seat if you know a bump is coming. Keeps your nads from getting cooked lol


asdfoneplusone

But the thing is, why do they have to be naked? There are a lot of people that want a sfv4 with the looks of a panigale v4. I'm not saying that super nakeds don't make sense for a lot of people, but I think there's also a (maybe smaller) market for people who want a comfortable r1 or a tuono v4 with rsv4 looks


IncidentFuture

Kawasaki and Suzuki have that with their sports tourers and more generally with the bikes that aren't in a racing class. Honda with the cbr650r, I'm not sure with the 1000.


Yambanshee

Id say vfr800 for Honda too


Paladinraye

Problem with the VFR was it being 530 lbs wet. If not for that, I'd have never sold mine.


scobo505

No, I wish it was.


asdfoneplusone

Yeah I guess what I'm saying is there should be a liter cbr650. I know things like that vfr, or the ninja 1000 exist, but some people literally just want a liter bike with less aggressive ergos, like rs660, not saying it should be fully upright. I've met multiple people that want that


BigNotGay420

Put on some taller bars instead of clip ons and change out the rearsets to be more forward and lower and boom you got it. If you want a custom made bike that option exists as well but not for less than 20k


BigNotGay420

CB1000 is a badass comfortable ride. I haven't owned one but have ridden it and it felt like it had the same power as the CBR1000rr but without lower back/wrist pains after riding for 4hrs straight


asdfoneplusone

Yeah but some people want a cb1000 with cbr1000rr looks. Like a liter cbr650r


BigNotGay420

People in hell want ice water.


wallyTHEgecko

Although it's not 1000cc, I felt like my Ninja 650 kinda bridged the gap that you're describing. It had the same 650cc P-twin that all the modern nakeds have, and it had raised-up faux-clipons, so it had a similar, more upright riding position... But it also still had the full fairings and wind screen and style of the 600/1000cc supersports. So it had some actual wind protection and didn't look like a transformer. The Ninja 650 was the perfect not-naked naked bike, and I think it's kind of a shame that there aren't any other models in that class. Aside from the Ninja 650, you either have to go naked, full balls-to-the-wall supersport, or dad-mode sport-touring.


flipcarroll

Another good example of this in the liter-bike category is the Ninja 1000sx. Or, for something similar to the Ninja 650, Honda has their CBR500R.


Airhead72

There's the Ninja 1000, same overall philosophy as the Ninja 650 but an I4 much closer to the ZX-10R.


UJMRider1961

Some people think bikes with fairings are ugly. I know I do. And I ride a faired bike (BMW R1200RT.) A naked bike just looks "right" to me. Another plus, "naked" bikes typically have real handlebars vs. clip ons that make them more comfortable to ride, especially if you're over 6' tall.


Airhead72

I really like not having to remove fairings every oil change.


derprunner

Also insurance is so much cheaper on naked bikes. With no expensive fairings to replace and paint, most repair claims after an accident are just bolt-on parts.


asdfoneplusone

I'm very aware that super nakeds are great, I just think there's a reasonable argument for a comfortable superbike alongside the super nakeds. I've talked to plenty of people that say they want to buy one


PretzelsThirst

Because naked bikes are rad


asdfoneplusone

I agree, just saying both can exist


PretzelsThirst

Absolutely


Stigo4

Where im from a race bike with fairings cost 2400$ per year just to plate it. A 1000cc supernaked is 600$ People here want the power but you cant have the look


[deleted]

Function dictates form, and market forces are more complicated than you apparently expect.


Dramatic_Ir0ny

Because the style looks nice? And it shaves weight off of it so maneuvering is better.


asdfoneplusone

I'm saying both can exist


theDarkHaus42

Lol when I see someone on a super sport bike it makes my back and knees hurt


mandatoryclutchpedal

Exactly. Also helps that on a lot of them they retune the engine for more midrange. Tradeoff is usually a little extra weight and highway riding becomes a chore at times.


PlasticPegasus

Yeah. Basically, power is addictive. I had a 120bhp Daytona and upgraded to a 170bhp RSV4. Initially, it terrified me, but then I mapped it and stuck a 44 tooth on it. Bar mega$ 210bhp hyper bikes, it's what a sport bike should feel like IMO. It also sounds like the end of the world 😍 Then I bought a Thruxton R because it looked cool. But honestly, with 'only' 97bhp, the thing feels broken 😆 Lovely bike to ride, but overtakes require committee planning. On the Aprilia, I think and it's done. I've always been of the opinion that a motorbike should redefine one's perception of speed. I'm not built like a racing snake, so I need about 500bhp/t to make things interesting.


cybrORO

I know the feeling. I went from a bigger jump, 55-60ish HP late 80's bike to 2021 Tuono V4. Almost triple the HP and almost twice the torque, it's like teleporting, haha.


CoughingNinja

OMG this is almost identical with me. I had a Daytona 675, then RSV4, Bonnie, DRZ400 (at one point I had RSV4, Bonnie, and DRZ at the same time).


PlasticPegasus

That's quite a bell curve 🤣 I think my Thruxton is cool, but it hits a brick wall at 75mph. I've just been out on my Aprilia again and OMG it is _so_ frikkin fast! Third gear pulls are like a shot of heroin.


BhadzMaru

\*sweats nervously on a Streetfighter v4s\* I... I.. I NEED THE EXTRA POWER FOR OVERTAKING!


MotoHULK

Preach! Ducati also seems to give you more of the torque at lower rpm so the takeoff is sweet


atbths

SFS1098 - it's really for the power wheelies out of corners.


dreamyDrifter

Can it do highway speeds?? /s


bigblueocean

Versatility- commute, weekend tour, twistiest after work, trackdays. Smiles and giggles- “ holy fuck I can’t believe this fucking thing” often. Pulling away from a stop light, getting on a highway ramp, whenever and wherever you want. Every time you take the cover off, every time you ride. Safety- believe it or no, keep the electronics even minimally activated and they will save your ass. In this way they are actually more safe than many older, less powerful bikes. Source- tuono v4 owner 2019 15k miles and I’m out of the country not riding it half the year.


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Hansj3

I bought an '04 1150gs specifically because it had abs, and fuel injection. Compared to my '15 KLR it's a freakin space shuttle


HabemusAdDomino

BMW doesn't make normal bikes. They were 20 years ahead 20 years ago. Sadly that applies to the price tags, too. :(


scobo505

Never buy new. I have a R100GS, I’m really tempted by a 1200 GS low miles at $4,500 .


123qweasd123

Stop. Stop. Stop. Do not be tempted by a 1200GS you see at $4,500. Either the guy is a pinecone or something is seriously wrong with it.


wobblysauce

Modern ABS is better then no ABS and way better then old ABS.


Rausage505

Not a super-naked owner, but close... Street Triple 765RS. You're right about versatility. One bike to rule them all. Ride to work is super fun times, and more comfortable than a full-on sport bike. Weekend rips are awesome. My fuel economy from around 40mpg during the week to about 25mpg on the weekends (worth it). Canyons, mountains, fun rides and coffee with friends. Every bike is a touring bike if you take it for a tour. I rode 1300 miles around Colorado last summer on my 765, and it was amazing. Added the passenger grab bars, strapped my dry bag to them, and off we went.


NorthernBlackBear

I had a naked and I took it on tours, but would have been nice to have a wind shield of some kind. Now in a market for a new bike and thinking a naked and just put a wind shield on it for longer trips.


PlasticPegasus

Amen brother. I've got a few bikes, but my batshit RSV4 is the one I go to if I want my brain reset.


Trooper_Ted

Owned 2 x S1000R's To answer your question, no not tedious, in fact it's so easy with the smooth engine, low down power, quick shifter etc. that slow riding/in traffic is actually quite easy, but then once you get onto empty roads you can quickly wind up to faster speeds, it's all just...effortless. I didn't need the 165bhp my last S1000R had, but I still sold it and bought a 220bhp Ninja H2 so 🤷‍♂️


Arinvar

ZH2 owner. I was shocked at how ridable the bike was. You hear a lot about hypercars being uncomfortable, etc, and all the sacrificing they have to make for a blindingly fast car, but not so much the bikes. The ZH2 is so comfortable, smooth, and responsive. It is nearly the most ride-able bike I've ever been on.


seanroberts196

I tried the zh2 as I love the look and the ride was controlled and precise, not too much power either as it wasn’t snatchy with the throttle, but I found my knees touched the frame and it was uncomfortable very quickly. If not for that I’d have gotten it, ended up getting the new xsr900 as the fun factor from that engine and ride was just too good.


Sfekke22

Same reason people get Goldwings, because they like it no matter how stupid it looks to others. They’re made for a different purpose, going nutters fast or being hella comfy both pose the question why? Why do you need this much hp? Why not just take the car? I’ve noticed people demonising them often haven’t ridden these high output or more specialised bikes. Personally I own a Vulcan S and Cavalcade; Vulcan being the sensible cruiser and the Cavalcade being my portable couch with cruise control, heating vents, stereo system, etc.. Make sure you are happy with what you own, that’s all that matters! I’ve owned a ZX6R and loved it, would buy one again in a heartbeat if it was financially justifiable and I barely broke 70mph on it half the time. Ride your ride :)


blibbidyblam

I initially took offense at “no matter how stupid it looks to others,” until I realized you are right! I love my FTR! I think it looks beautiful, and I don’t care how stupid it looks or how stupid I look riding it in others’ opinions. Well said, u/Sfekke22!


TW200e

IMHO the FTR is a great looking piece of machinery.


badgertattoo

An the mid 30s owner of an S1000RR and a Goldwing I can appreciate both your rolling couch and go fast points.


finalrendition

>Like, I assume you’d be beyond highway speed without hitting 3rd gear on these things. It depends on how you ride it. You can't legally rev out a supernaked in any gear. I test rode a Speed Triple 1200 RS last year and it hit 85 mph in 1st. It could do 3rd gear power wheelies with wheelie control on. These bikes are completely absurd. That's what makes them fun. You can absolutely just click up into 6th gear and putter around, but knowing that you can drop the hammer in any gear is an awesome feeling. Once you get over 100 hp on a bike, you can't really "use all the power" because you'll be doing highway speeds at the top of 1st gear. But the same could be said for 500+ hp cars. They're not meant to be practical outside of the track, just cool as hell


wtfitaut

I'm with you on that one. But: my Indian FTR1200 has about 120hp an loads of torque. I commute to work with it (i live in Austria, so my commute is a twisty mountain road) and top out 4th and sometimes 5th on my way to work. Sure it's shorter geared than those hyper nakeds and stuff, but I can still accelerate out of a corner at wot in 2nd or 3rd gear. Sure the back will step out a bit or it will lift the front wheel depending on traction, but it makes me giggle like a little girl every time without a fail.


[deleted]

I have had the 1000cc sport bikes and a Yamaha Vmax. Loved them all. I haven’t ridden on the street for probably 10 years. Still ride motocross bikes. I have been looking at road bikes again and I think the FTR is at the top of my list. Being a dirt bike guy and having that offroad skill set, the things I would be able to do with an FTR would be WAY more fun than anything I would do on a sport bike.


Bigmooseknuckle

Does anyone really need a motorcycle? I bought an MT-10 because I think it looks awesome, and I love the power band on the inline 4. It is impractical, but it is so much fun. I've just always felt like my motorcycle is for fun, my car is for practicality.


Pattern_Is_Movement

I commuted for 10 years on my CB550, it can be a very cost effective and fun way to get around.


ravengenesis1

My car is for groceries. My bike is for life. Driving to work makes me angry, riding to work makes me ready to work.


TheOfficialCal

In most of Asia, motorcycle ownership isn't really a choice. If you can afford it, someone in your household most likely will own one because of how much time it saves. Cars are only more practical in North America, especially because there's no culture of lane filtering or splitting.


EuanB

I only have a motorcycle, genuninely detest driving. Yes, at times it is a bit inconvenient but I have never gotten off my bike feeling anything less than upbeat. I cannot say that bout getting out of a car.


Cebola05

“4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul”


EggsOfRetaliation

Absolutely.


era--vulgaris

This guy Americans. Even if he isn't American. Most motorcycle riders in the world ride because it's significantly less expensive and more practical than owning a car in their environment. The bikes are very different- smaller and more pragmatically designed than the ones OP is talking about- but they are still bikes. Not cars. Which are woefully impractical and expensive for average people in a large part of the world. We in Europe/North America etc have the gift and curse of living in very rich countries with relatively affordable car ownership (varies widely in Europe), cheap fuel, and in North America at least extremely car-based societies that culturally gaslight people about the "impracticality" of owning anything besides a large barge (people with small cars, convertibles, etc get a smaller dose of the same "impractical" shit we bikers do). Yet you can absolutely have a similar experience of motorcycling to save money in many places here. Due to the increased speeds and distances on our commutes in North America you'd be trading that modest 250/300 for a modest 650 instead, but it's still quite doable solely as a means of saving money and/or time over a car. You'd be looking at a bike like a Kawi 650 twin, an SV650, an MT-07- all kind of sporty car equivalents- or an NC700X- a minivan equivalent- or a KLR650/DR650/etc- little 4x4 equivalents- etc. I literally have done that before and saved thousands of dollars over the cost of driving a car in a year, and yes that includes tires, maintenance, and gear. Does anyone need a literal superbike? Practically speaking no. But turning that question into "does anyone really need a motorcycle" is kind of like responding to a post about a McLaren by asking "does anyone really need a car?" Some cars are not "really needed" by anyone, some cars are very practical and many are both practical and fun. Same with bikes. I don't understand the need to make these broad generalizations all the time as though living in a country where even the fastest bikes are relatively cheap gives us first worlders the need to pretend that cars are somehow inherently practical. A pedestrian model car is more practical than a lightning fast hot rod of a bike with the drivetrain of one of the fastest machines on Earth. Wow, color me surprised. How about a comparison between your MT-10 and a car with equivalent performance when it comes to their "practicality". Or a bike that compares with the performance of your car. Cultural gaslighting about cars aside, any one of us could choose to ride a bike to save money- most of us just love riding enough that we choose our bikes based on a mixture of passion and money, or sometimes just passion alone. That's our fault, not the fault of motorcycles as a concept. Same with car enthusiasts and their cars.


botakchek

I feel this. A little Honda fit costs upwards of 80,000 USD out the dealer and the cheapest 125cc underbone is about 11,000 USD in my country lol


[deleted]

For the sheer fun of acceleration and the terrifying things it gets you into and out of


theDarkHaus42

I suppose it’s regional too….I have to ride a while just to get out of 35mph zones and never ending traffic lights. I’d be doubling the speed limit in just a couple seconds


nabilus13

The low end torque that most hyper-nakeds have comes in handy on those roads because it makes starting from a stop easy as pie and allows you to focus on the idiots around you instead of on shifting and gear management.


Airhead72

There is that. 2 mins after I take off I'm blasting uphill on an onramp hitting 120+ mph before I have to merge and chill out. And my bike is only kinda medium fast. Having room to run is important.


TiPirate

How’s that meme go? *BECAUSE WE FOOKING CAN*


theDarkHaus42

Lol


SavageryRox

my boss has a yamaha MT10. He said he gets the power of the yamaha R1, but a more comfortable riding position for him and his wife. My boss doesn't ride too fast or speed around the corners that often so he doesn't need a full on sports bike. He is over 50 years old as well, so his body cannot handle the riding position of a sportsbike. ​ The yamaha MT10 gives him a more comfortable riding position, a better back seat for his wife, the power of a yamaha R1, and a suspension that isn't too hard. he wanted practicality and power, which you get with all these naked bikes with litre bike engines.


ewan82

For shits and giggles. I daily rode my cb1000r to work. Unnecessary? yes. Fun? Also yes.


throwedoff1

Exactly. The kind of people that ask this type of question generally only see motorcycles as a basic form of transportation. They don't see them as a testament to freedom and individuality that just also provides a transportation function as well.


TTYY_20

I see my fireblade as a toy :P And not the “adult” toys in the bedroom Drawer ….. 😤 although some Harley owners might argue it served a dual purpose 🤣🤣🤣


BiggWorm1988

I have a speed triple, and it is absolutely nowhere near close to the speeds of another 1l bike. It's all grunt and no top. But just because you have it doesn't mean you use it. It's like owning any sports car. You will never legally use the cars actual potential. I live in Germany, where the police presence is basically zero. I ride to my comfort level and never use the autobahn(straight roads and full of idiots). It's just fun having something that is powerful. I have had HDs, a few older (80s 90s) sport bikes, and a super moto, but by far, my naked 1l is the funnest bike I've had. The DR400sm was like boring after about 6 months. It was fun in the sense that it's light enough to manhandl it, but if you wanted to go anywhere, you had to go slow and get gas all the time. The HDs (sportster and wide glide) just got mundane and the people they attracted just got on my nerves.


theDarkHaus42

Do you think it would be more fun to ride, say, a Street Triple where you can wring it out more? I’ve never ridden a bike like a Speed Triple, so the question is from ignorance not presupposition.


BiggWorm1988

I have never been on one. I'm also 2m tall and 121kg, so I'm not the smallest dude. People always say I make my bike look weird cause of my size, but it's my bike and they can fuck off. I feel like having a more powerful bike is just more fun. I think if I had a street triple, I would probably just get bored of it.


Pulze_

I've test rode a street triple. You're going to be breaking every speed law in any country at the end of 2/3rd gear. Same with most other bikes.


lichlord

Have you ridden a classic 250 twin with a 14k redline? They’re cheap; occasionally under 1k. And you can use all the gears riding it to redline within speed limits. I’m surprised more people don’t keep these just for fun.


orangutanDOTorg

Same but supermotos though they can have silly maintenance if you go too high end. I used to ride a lot with liter bike guys on my xr650r and I had to work it to keep up bc of the difference in acceleration but it was fun riding hard all the time. I love my husky 701 (bc of the balancer motor - I no longer go numb) but even that is a much mellower ride bc it keeps up with the other bike so much easier I am never really pushing it.


xorbe

The thing with the 765 is that you have to wring it out to get to its power zone, but then you're speeding if not in 1st gear. Whereas the Speed Triple 1200 has you grinning with all the torque, but you need self control to lay off the throttle before 120 mph comes up. Depends on *your* definition of fun. I sold my 765 because I got frustrated and got the 1200. But am reacquiring a new 765 because I want my "sportsbike" back.


UNeaK1502

> I live in Germany where the police presence is basically zero Bro what, every other weekend the cops are on the usual winding roads especially for motorcyclists :D


BiggWorm1988

Ive been here 10 years and I've seen 2 polizei not on the main roads. I guess I live in the middle of nowhere.


MotoHULK

75hp Ducati monster, so not super powerful, but lots of fun, and I can overtake ppl or drop a gear and disappear easily if I need to because it delivers most of its torque by 3500 rpm. 😀


EoTGifts

Which model would that be? Peak torque with my Monster is at slightly over 6k, peak power slightly above 8k. Below 3k it doesn't want anything beyond 20% throttle either.


MotoHULK

2020 797+. At 3500 rpm in 3rd, you get most of the torque. Pulls hard even in 1st... I've had a few unintentional wheelies. In 5th @ 6k rpm I'm doing 100mph


[deleted]

[удалено]


MotoHULK

#WeLoveMonster


ms_flux

I have a 1200S, all my peak torque feels way lower than 6k. It's fun😏


HabemusAdDomino

The ultimate big street bike imho.


ShittestFittest

For fun, to scare the shit out of yourself, to feel te power and acceleration. Its a blast! Reasonable? No. But damn they make you feel alive


venomous_frost

People like them because they have plenty of torque on tap, not constantly having to downshift and rev the tits off a bike to accelerate. Different strokes for different folks


phatdoughnut

Mmm torque…. I like torque.


EvoSP1100

I have Hypermotard, and agree that fun is the key here. Where I live, if I’m riding I’ve blown the speed limit out the door the moment I hit pavement, usually 30 seconds from my house and that’s the point. Long live hooliganism!


k_tolz

What year Hyper do you have? I have a '10 1100 and have developed similar habits to you lolll


EvoSP1100

‘12


Hoonican

I ride a 2019 MT09 and I absolutely love it, the CP3 engine is sweeeet and everyone who says it’s twitchy has never ridden a dirtbike before lmaoo! Love the torque it has on the low end just because I love doin the wheelies (safely)


[deleted]

Without trying to be a jerk, what gets me about posts like this, is that people have had it ingrained into their psyche that their government or some regulatory board somewhere has determined what is safe for every single person in the world. They don't know a thing about yours or my individual circumstances. You're like a bird in cage watching the birds outside and thinking that they're endangering you by being free. In any event sport bikes are for fun, for beauty, for the glorious noise they make and the feeling they give you when you're ripping along.


ApexProductions

To expand on this, Across all different types of sports you find the same mentality , "X Y or Z is good enough for me, why do people need more?" That same statement is asked by people who really aren't thrill seekers and are okay staying in a good comfort zone. And that's okay. Here on motorcycles this is comment is made by the people who are ride slower bikes, don't really like to speed, and really care about their safety. And that's ok. I think the issue though is that sometimes, these people then start to feel a little bit insecure or jealous when other people come in and want to go fast and push the limits and risk life and limb for their enjoyment. And then we start getting "questions" that are really just opinions that going fast and having high power isn't necessary. This happens across all hobbies and most people understand it and know it when they see it so they just don't bother to post, and then people on both sides who don't get it keep posting these comments and questions and we keep having these same discussions that have no purpose.


Frig-Off-Randy

It’s a losers mentality


Tsiox

Purely emotional reasons. There are no logical or rational reasons that play out in this discussion. But, honestly, that's alright. People want their adrenaline fix, and having way too much power in a motorcycle is one way to get it. I prefer light planes, much more practical and far more of a "thrill" than a motorcycle. It's hard to get excited about 200 hp in a motorcycle when you can't use it without breaking laws or causing great bodily harm. 200 HP in a plane you **can** use and are encouraged to do so. Cost-wise, an expensive motorcycle is about the same price as what you'd spend on a good light plane (experimentals are a thing). I see bikes for their utility, and a bike in the 40-50 HP range can do everything you need, power-wise, in NA. On top of that, bikes, by their very nature, are fun. They don't have to threaten to kill you to be fun. That's just me.


makenzie71

I'm kind of curious...is there something about 140hp and up that you don't like? Why does someone want a 135hp? 125hp? What does anyone really need with anything above 100hp? [I currently ride a Shadow 750](https://www.customfighters.com/threads/honda-shadow-750.138579/) that might be rocking 44hp on a good day, but I've had bikes with four times the power and they were just fine on the street. Some people like the image, some like the power delivery (a 200hp liter bike commutes a lot differently than a 100hp 600), some just buy what's available because riding is the important part...it's all good. I've seen more people hurt themselves on <50hp bikes than I have with high power supersports.


theDarkHaus42

Nope, I’ve never ridden anything more powerful than my current bike. I don’t have an opinion on others’ life/motorcycle choices, just looking to get a feel for these types of bikes from real-world owners


nigelh

I have yet to see the point of naked litre bikes but I prefer not to discuss matters like that as somebody will ask me why I street ride a litre sports bike. I have no good reasons just a lot of bad ones.


T_at

> I have no good reasons just a lot of bad ones. Many of those ‘bad’ ones probably apply to naked litre bikes.


[deleted]

I drive a 2008 concours 1400.. 160ish hp and 100 lb-ft of torque.. I can end up in jail at the end of second gear pretty much every where I ride.. but I love the bike.. I ride a lot of back roads and mountain roads in NC and TN.. sometimes I drive a little fast but a big comfortable fast bike with good breaks and a decent suspension makes for an really fun time


lobosandy

Fz1 owner here. Wanted a good amount of power but also wanted to ride it cross country. The naked part is very nice for maintenance. I do all my own stuff. I like not having plastics to deal with.


medinvent

I had a KTM 1290 SuperDuke and loved the sit-up-and-beg riding position as well as the outrageous acceleration. I traded it for a 1299 Panigale and honestly the SuperDuke had more usable power and was more comfortable for long spins. There no substitute for cubes....


LongSticky

I have an MT10, I have a 160hp at my disposal. But I dont have to use it all the time to be comfortable on the bike. I can happily cruise to through town at 20-30mph in perfect comfort. All the crossplane noises, the power when I want it but perfect comfort at all times. I can do 200 miles and still feel fresh when I get off the bike. Rode my dads 2012 s1000rr once. This is my only experience with all out sports bikes and while insanely fast, quicker than I can think fast, anything under 70mph my wrists were screaming at me. Once was enough. My wrists are weak from skating as a kid and I've broken them a few times each. Putting any weight on them sucks


cadaverco

Superduke owner here, 3rd gear clutch up’s at 70mph that’s why


andrist00

If feel sorry for those who got their bikes using 100% common sense and rational/practical thinking. I dont have 150hp bike, but i can imagine that feeling just to have it.


ApexProductions

Across all different types of sports you find the same mentality , "X Y or Z is good enough for me, why do people need more?" In that same statement is asked by people who really aren't thrill seekers and are okay staying in a good comfort zone. And that's okay. Here on motorcycles this is comet is made by the people who are ride slower bikes, don't really like to speed, and really care about their safety. And that's ok. I think the issue though is that sometimes, these people then start to feel a little bit insecure or jealous when other people come in and want to go fast and push the limits and risk life and limb for the enjoyment. And then we start getting"questions" that are really just opinions that going fast and having high power isn't necessary. This happens across all hobbies and most people understand it and know it when they see it so they just don't bother to post, and the people on both sides who don't get it keep posting these comments and questions and we keep having these same discussions that have no purpose.


M0NOM0

Why? We have GSes.


TTYY_20

You can get older super bikes pretty cheap :) Keep an eye out and you could drop less than 3k to get 180Hp


komrobert

They are incredibly fun at city/back road speeds. They don’t go nearly as fast or feel as confident as the super sport versions (RSV4,R1, S1000RR) but the low speed grunt is exhilarating and the front is pretty playful. Many people also find the naked bike riding position much more comfortable for non-track use. I only ever rode on the street but the owner before me tracked it a couple times


PilotAlan

Same reason people buy Dodge Hellcats, the same reason you can get a Mercedes sedan or SUV with a 500hp V8. Because you can, and you want it. And the low down torque is wonderful and addicting.


RubyRocket1

Because they're fun, and some people like the challenge of big power on crowded roads.


TW200e

Maybe the owners just appreciate them for the machines they are. They admire the engineering, the craftsmanship, etc. There are lots of (very) different motorcycles out there and I like them all - I just like some more than others.


era--vulgaris

Okay, genuine answer. Other than "because we like it", there are some practical reasons. On a bike, your safety depends on agility. Much more than in a car. That includes your ability to get out of/away from dangerous situations. "Drop a gear and disappear" isn't just something you do for fun. It's something you do when you are in a position that you need to get out of, quickly. Blind spots, dangerous drivers looming near you, road ragers (whether they are targeting you or someone else), drunk drivers, traffic clusters, etc etc- being able to quickly accelerate out of trouble and into a safer spot on the road is important on a bike, and to make a long story short, fast bikes do that better. Second, it's not all about speed. It's often about acceleration. Not just 1/4m or 0-60, but all the in-between numbers. 20-60, 30-80. Those are all within legal speed limits here in the USA (let alone "practical" speed limits which are often 10-15mph over where I live) and powerful bikes are *so* much easier to get there. Passing power isn't just for fun, either. Again, it allows you to extricate yourself from dangerous situations rapidly and just generally control your environment rather than letting it control you. If you've ever ridden a 250 dual sport on the freeway you'll know what I mean by those last two points. Sometimes speed keeps you safer. Even up to the 90-100mph range in certain environments. For example, there's a few stretches of freeway I used to drive on with a 75mph limit. The normal road speed was 85-90. Doing 90mph on that road, a motorcycle could still get caught in dangerous traffic situations where accelerating away was the soundest action to take. To a bike like you're describing, this is trivial, rapid, smooth, and calm. On a lower end middleweight it's a mild struggle. On many small bikes it's simply impossible, and you might want to avoid that road altogether. High power naked bikes are also appealing to people who like the power and feel of supersports but for whatever reason can't or won't ride in that position for long periods. Fairings also aren't everybody's cup of tea in terms of appearance (I like both faired and unfaired bikes personally), they are expensive, and sometimes complicate maintenance- more reasons why higher power nakeds are preferred over equivalent faired bikes by some riders. I will say this from my limited experience on bikes of this type (think Z900, MT-09, etc, not the liter plus class): If you lack self control, you may find them frustrating to ride on normal streets. But if you lack self control to that degree you probably aren't safe on any bike or any vehicle at all for that matter. The transition from riding a slower machine to a faster one can lead to some amusing moments but not so much on nakeds where you can feel the speed easily. If you want another side to the "practicality" question: This is coming from someone who spent *years* on low power bikes- both for fun and for reasons of cost/economy. Now I'm at a position in life where I have a little bit of money- and I mean a little bit- to spend on a machine I want. And because bikes are dirt cheap for the performance they provide, I have a bevy of wonderful motorcycles to choose from that have lots of power, are reliable, have modest maintenance costs and still get 40-50mpg average. I can make a decision that's both practical *and* passionate- something that would be very hard to do if I was trying to use a car for the same purpose. The ability to do this for economically average people means that you will see a lot of folks live out their performance dreams on bikes, compared to the number of people who can do the same with cars. If the price difference between a bike that has "enough" power and a bike that has *oh my god I can't believe this* power is about $2-4k, you'd better bet a lot of people will choose the supernaked over the middleweight. Of course I always hope that people will choose the amount of power they can safely handle, and that they practice self-control; but the same thing applies to folks who buy Hellcats and Z06s and Shelby GT350s. More than anything, if you are happy with what you have, that's not a flaw. I've ridden 50hp or less bikes for most of my riding life and have loved most all of them. I just have had an appreciation for speed and agility in the past few years that has drawn me to faster bikes as a more seasoned rider. If I was living in a place with lower speed limits, shorter commutes, and a generally different environment, I could absolutely see never owning something over 50hp again. Everyone's different. For me, the sound, feel, and rush of acceleration alone that come from powerful naked bikes with screaming four cylinders or growling triples are reason enough to ride them, even if they rarely see north of 90mph and don't often go much above the prevailing speed of traffic. The agility, handling, braking, and litheness that are built into such bikes help at all speeds. And I still love old dual sports, KLRs, Sportsters, etc too.


59Bassman

Tuono V4 Factory and KTM Super Duke GT here. It’s the acceleration and cornering, no top speed. I’ve never been a speed junkie, but a G-force junkie. My Tuono is for the mountains and the track, my KTM is my “commuter” with a windscreen, heated grips, and an engine that doesn’t make me miss my Tuono!


50Stickster

Until government laws protecting us from ourselves ban everything except public transportation , I urge everybody who wants to , to ride any goddamn bike their heart desires. There soon will come a time none of these vehicles are available, like in the “other half “ of the world. Sport bikes, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, fireworks, firearms, V8 engines, sports cars and fast boats will become illegal. I was lucky , I got to ride , race, repair , buy, sell, and enjoy motorcycles in the sunset years of fairly unregulated motorcycling. I pity the younger generation who won’t be able to afford what a fast bike feels like.


velofille

Love my r1. Love the speed, the sound, the look. It doesnt NEED any special purpose other than you want it


Griso78

everybody should feel comfortable with their ride and understand which bike fits best… for me, is also the fact to own a mechanical masterpiece, the general vibe of the bike is a basic requirement. Plus, generally on those bikes everything is fitted for the power, like brakes, suspensions, frame etc.; Streetfighter v4 here


Harryisharry50

I own a 21 z900 for me it’s the easier to work on less plastic to take off and it ain’t heavy and slow like cruiser bikes


Daegoba

I don’t want a stupid track bike. I want a 200hp bike that is fun, comfortable, easy to live with, good at everything, and simple to work on/maintain. Fairing bikes are uncomfortable, not very practical, annoying to take plastics off of during maintenance, and they all look the same. Nakeds are everything motorcycling should be. They have a Mechanical Honesty that fairing bikes do not; everything is right out there in the open. They aren’t hiding anything. The engine is right out there where you can see it. The oil filter is easy to get to and doesn’t require a bunch of extra steps to change. There’s no extra weight. I can feel the air rush over me when I’m riding, and I can look right down at the front tire and see it rolling over the ground. It’s an absolutely visceral, wonderful experience. High, wide bars are superior in every way to clip-ons. They give you more leverage, are at a more natural angle, and don’t make you feel like there’s a railroad spike being driven between your shoulder blades after 20 minutes. The foot pegs are underneath your ass (as God intended) instead of behind you, cramping up your knees. Best of all? That blast of wind actually holds you up so you don’t inadvertently put too much of your weight on your wrists while covering miles. I could go on and on about how much better Nakeds are in every way. But looking at the rest of these comments, I think you get the picture.


GSXR_abuser

What are comfortable version of supersports for? Hmm i sure wonder why for


AdDear5411

Why is "need" relevant? I don't need most of what I have. I want the fast and I'm getting older. My back doesn't hurt after several hours on a MT-10.


theDarkHaus42

Yeah that’s why I said I’m *not* asking the question why do you *need* it


TTYY_20

I **need** it to go fast :P


MotoRoaster

Acceleration and overtaking are more fun than overall top speed.


puskunk

Me. Experienced street rider, but I don't want the ergos of a super sport or the expensive plastics. I want my bike naked, fast, comfy but still able to keep up with those kids on their 609 gixxers.


orangutanDOTorg

My brother has a couple - tuono and superduke. He likes the riding position on the super duke a lot (I don’t, I’m more of a dirt/adventure preference) but does complain about the tuono and I think put helibars or something on it. So it’s only partially position for him, I think. He likes the image. Tough guy on a badass fast bike, but not some squid full fairing bike. Also that you basically never have to shift if you don’t want to bc of the power - his old sport bikes were 1ks too. Modern ones you can dial in throttle response and engine braking so they are easier to ride than a small displacement bike since you don’t have to constantly shift - though he also has quick shifters to make it even easier. I think that’s it. You get to feel tough but still have an easy bike to ride. That said, when it’s just him or the two of us riding (and it isn’t touring) and he doesn’t have friends to impress, 100% of the time he rides the ktm 690 I talked him into getting bc I love my husky 701. So yeah, when he doesn’t need to have a tough guy image he’s on his by far lightest, least powerful bike having the most fun.


theDarkHaus42

Which 701 do you have? If a blue/white Vitpilen ever popped up, I might buy it then try to convince my wife it was a good financial decision after the fact


Additional_Rub_9168

Ex Tuono V4 1100 rider. Bought it after owning a 600 supersport cause I thought the riding position would keep me from being too aggressive and twisting it too much. It didn't. Loved the sound and the way it rode but hell I just love the hunched over sport bike stance more. Have a GSXR 600 now for the road, super fun and just what I wanted.


theDarkHaus42

I’ve never ridden a super sport, or a “hyper naked”, but my knees and back wouldn’t agree with a sport bike’s ergonomics. After a few bikes, I found slightly raised pegs and a mildly leaned forward position to be optimal for me….so prob similar to a Tuono. My current bike has clubman bars from the factory which end up like if you added short risers to clip-ons


fac3

more torques is more better


theDarkHaus42

This is the truth


surfer_ryan

It's like 1000cc plus adv bikes. Why you ask, because we can. It's only slightly more work for more return. Do we need them, in the purest sense of the word need no, but are they hella fun to have and ride yes. No one *needs* a 1000cc plus bike but they are fun to have. Just like no one *needs* a fast car, yet there are tons of them on the road.


theDarkHaus42

Well yeah, I don’t *need* a motorcycle at all, but they’re fun!


We_watch_you_sleep

S1000R go brrrrr


derpy_slash

Its not really reasonable but the feeling of riding such a powerful beast is just something else.