Small sportbike rant

[Jonger]

I can't for the life of me figure out why someone would want a sportbike unless they go to a track. The riding position is unnatural and uncomfortable and the bikes made to go like 2X faster then the highest posted speed limit. Why would you pay for a machine that you can't really enjoy without risking having your license pulled every time you use it.

Whenever I see a Sportbike the first thing that pops into my head is "Speed Demon". So yesterday I was riding my M50 along and a GSXr 1000 whatever passes me and he waves. I waved back and immediately wondered why he wanted to be sitting in the awkward riding position bike while crusing at low speeds. Anyhow.... So I get on the expressway 10 minutes later and I see flashing lights up ahead. It was him pulled over on the side of the road with a cop writing him a ticket.. I cruised by at 70mph, the posted speed limit.

Unless going to a track I just can't understand what value they serve, beyond "Looking Cool".

Flame away Sportbikers...


**Sportbike riders that follow the laws and enjoy there bikes are not what I'm refering to**

[MagnumForce]

I see nothing wrong with a little ranting. As to why one would want a sportbike, it could be a matter of preference, whether it's the style or (I'm afraid to say) performance characteristics. Different riders have their own reasons for choosing a sportbike.

My CBR600F4i is advertised as a sportbike that is equally home on the streets as well as on the track. The handlebars are mounted slightly above the triple tree, putting my back at a more upright position compared to the "R" bikes. The 'banana' seat makes for a more comfortable ride as well. Still, after a while of riding the F4i, the M50 is so damn comfortable that it feels like a lazy boy.

IMO, any retard on any bike can twist the throttle. Show me what you can do in the twisty stuff. That's where sportbikes excel!

[Shea]

If you ever rode a sport bike, you may understand what is so great about them. They are smoother than any cruiser I have ever ridden, take turns with little effort, have more than enough power in most cases, and give you a rush to ride.

It's all in preferance. Some people look at cruisers and think "Why would I want to ride that thing. No horsepower and handles like a turd"

As for riding position, finding a bike that fits you well is important. Some sport bikes I sit on I am crouched very low, others I am just high enough that I am not puting pressure on my wrists.

That said, this is why I prefer street fighters/naked sport bikes. These bikes are basicly just upright positioned sport bike. It's alot like a sport touring bike, but without a fairing.

[GSXR_Drew]

They are fun...and the riding position is not as uncomfortable as you think. I have an M109R now and at 70 mph, I wish I was on a sportbike...why? Because at 70mph on a sportbike. it feels like you are doing 35 on a cruiser. The wind protection is a 1000 times better than on a cruiser.

[Jonger]

Cornering is probably the only advantage I see. What do you need more horsepower for? Racing is illegal, speeding is illegal, spinning the tires is illegal, abrupt accelerations is reckless driving and illegal. Wind protection is better on a sportbike, but not a cruiser with a good windshield and leather tight pants.... or allot. Remember going over 70 is......... illegal.

Just to note, I have ridden several hundred miles on a sportbike.

Originally Posted by Shea

If you ever rode a sport bike, you may understand what is so great about them. They are smoother than any cruiser I have ever ridden, take turns with little effort, have more than enough power in most cases, and give you a rush to ride.

It's all in preferance. Some people look at cruisers and think "Why would I want to ride that thing. No horsepower and handles like a turd"

As for riding position, finding a bike that fits you well is important. Some sport bikes I sit on I am crouched very low, others I am just high enough that I am not puting pressure on my wrists.

That said, this is why I prefer street fighters/naked sport bikes. These bikes are basicly just upright positioned sport bike. It's alot like a sport touring bike, but without a fairing.

[CManT1914]

I like the handling. I love leaning the bike over real far, something I never could acheive with the cruisers I've ridden. And yes, I love the power. Illegal it may be, but even on your cruiser I bet you've gotten it up there pretty quick a time or two.

Oh yea, they're sexy as hell! (and chicks love 'em, uh-oh, that's my poser side showing! )

[Jonger]

Thank you.

I have nothing against the riders. Its just that it seems tough to take that riding the way its meant to be riding could result in a loss of your license.

I used to have several snowmobiles and quads. The problem I had was that for the most part I had to break the law just to use them. It seemed like everytime they were out someone had to complain about me riding and the cops would come. Couldnt ride that thing anywhere without breaking the law. I got the street bike to avoid this problem. I don't have to break the law at all to use my bikes abilities enough to have fun. Yes, I have gotten in up to a 100mph.... but that was a rarity.

I just wondered after seeing all these Sportbike riders getting tickets along side close friends who complain about the same thing.

Originally Posted by CManT1914

I like the handling. I love leaning the bike over real far, something I never could acheive with the cruisers I've ridden. And yes, I love the power. Illegal it may be, but even on your cruiser I bet you've gotten it up there pretty quick a time or two.

Oh yea, they're sexy as hell! (and chicks love 'em, uh-oh, that's my poser side showing! )

[CManT1914]

Also remember, a good portion of these "sprto-bike riders" you see are little more than glorified squids. They're the ones that give us bad names, lol.

I definitely agree that it's near impossible (and WAY beyond legal) to use my bike to it's potential on the street. If I wind out first gear, I'm already going over the posted speed limit for ANYWHERE that I know of in the whole country, lol. But that's why I love back roads.

[Jonger]

Just remember: Sportbikes + points = Big Insurance Bill

Originally Posted by CManT1914

Also remember, a good portion of these "sprto-bike riders" you see are little more than glorified squids. They're the ones that give us bad names, lol.

I definitely agree that it's near impossible (and WAY beyond legal) to use my bike to it's potential on the street. If I wind out first gear, I'm already going over the posted speed limit for ANYWHERE that I know of in the whole country, lol. But that's why I love back roads.

[St0nkingByte]

You know what most people call a sportbike is really a race replica bike. You should probably distinguish between the race replicas, sport touring, and standards. Though from the cruiser guy perspective they're all probably the same

Somewhere else I read a quote, a bunch of cruiser guys with loud pipes asked a guy on a sport tourer, 'hey how do you know that thing is runnin?' Implying it was wimpy because it wasn't loud, he says 'because I'm going so fast!'

[ELGOLD C50T]

I think there is advantages and disadvantages to both and it is a matter of preference. Today I took out my uncle's V-Strom 650 and found it to be a very exhilirating ride compared to my C50T. It handles like a toy, is incredibly smooth and confidence inspiring when compared to the heavier cruiser. Both are great machines and that is why I suppose they do so very well in the marketplace. I'm sure that sport bikes are a blast to ride and when operated safely and responsibly are a great thrill to be in control of.

[robertc729]

I have nothing against sport bikes or sportbiker riders. When I bought my C50, I sat on a Ducati and it was very uncomfortable, today I was out riding with my uncle, we stopped in at a Kawasaki dealer cause he's looking to upgrade to a 1500, while there I sat on a Ninja and the feel was alot different, I suppose if I were to find one that felt more comfortable, it would make me consider getting a sport bike.

[Trapper]

Why do people drive GMC Yukons, Hummer (1, 2, & 3) , etc. Those all have no practical use on the road either.

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by Trapper

Why do people drive GMC Yukons, Hummer (1, 2, & 3) , etc. Those all have no practical use on the road either.

+1
To each his own.
It would be an ugly world if we all rode the same kind of bike.


.

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by Trapper

Why do people drive GMC Yukons, Hummer (1, 2, & 3) , etc. Those all have no practical use on the road either.

Only to feel to more secure in a bigger vehicle.

[Scott58]

I'd like to get one of those Kaw 250's. Looks like a good time.

[hammersfan]

Well to be honest, when I'm cruising on the highway at about 130 KM with the wind trying to remove me from the seat I sometimes (often ) wish I were on a sport bike or maybe a sport tourer.

[jpwM50]

Originally Posted by Scott58

I'd like to get one of those Kaw 250's. Looks like a good time.

They are a blast to ride without all the horsepower issues but still have all the handling and fun factor.
(I had the European spec ZZR250 with full aluminum frame and upgraded engine specs for more power than the US version)

[Shea]

Originally Posted by Scott58

I'd like to get one of those Kaw 250's. Looks like a good time.

The 250s are almost too under powered for someone who has any clue how to ride. On the other hand, my first bike was an Ex500. Now THAT bike was a blast and took me a little longer to get used to the power. That thing would mop up 250 Ninjas, both in cornering and straight aways. Bike weighed about 400lbs wet too. Great gas milage and I even rode 2 up a couple times on it. Of course, I was 160lbs at the time. I am 215-220lbs right now and would not even think of it on an Ex500 now.

[jkulysses]

I would like to get a naked sport bike as a second bike one of these days. There are tons of twisties in my area too so it would be a blast. Plus most of the cops around here have sport bikes and don't mess with you as long as you do your thing outside of town on the back roads.