I'll never go back to a straight "R" bike.

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I'll never go back to a straight "R" bike.

I went from a ZX6R to my SV1Ks, which, while a sportbike, isn't a repliracer. It's more comfortable in the saddle and my friends on their hyperbikes routinely get annoyed when I'm not making enough "comfort" stops for them.

There are plenty of non-repliracer bikes out there that are just as powerful and fun to ride, but with better ergonomics, than their more aggressive counterparts. And usually cheaper on the insurance, as well. 

I remember sitting on a GSX750R once and I mentioned to the sales rep, "It's a little uncomfortable." He asked what I meant and I explained how the seat and the ergonomics didn't promise a comfortable ride sitting in traffic or on a long trip.

He told me, "This is a race bike. It's not supposed to be comfortable. Hell, if you're not supposed to be sitting on it."

That one answer changed my view of sportbikes forever. 

Originally shared by Tony Juliano

"Sportbikes Are Terrible" - Couldn't agree with this article more...

http://goo.gl/ja7AY1

#sportbike #motorcycle #motorcycle.com

Comments

Will Munck said…
Preach it brother...that was a lesson l learned with cars back when I was a teenager. I would get my car all "race prepped" with a suspension so tight you could feel an ant if you drove over it.
Then I would come to find how miserable it is to have to drive a car like that to work everyday.
July 21, 2015 at 3:48 PM
Wallace Roberts said…
Meh.  My wife & I toured on our Gixer1k models, cranking out 900 mile days while having plenty of fun.  It's all in your approach.  My right knee will no longer bend enough to ride a sportbike, but when it could, I could ride one as far as I could ride anything, including a 'Wing.  You have to cycle (pun intended) through several riding positions, such as the flying superman while droning on the interstate, but we enjoyed them thoroughly.  My wife went from west to east coast & back twice on her Gixer1k.
July 21, 2015 at 3:48 PM
Adam Jaroszuk said…
I've never owned a modern repli-racer.

The closest I came to that was a D4 ZZR-1100 (ZX-1100). It wasn't so bad on the comfort but after my accident I couldn't stand the chin poke position even if it wasn't as bad as a sports bike.

I have a 1250 Bandit now and find it much better in that regard... I've done more touring on this bike than any other and the only complaint I have is the seat needs work... which is about to get sorted anyway
July 21, 2015 at 4:04 PM
david-americo rojas-coppa said…
I agree 100% for the exact reasons you gave about comfort and insurance. i have my sv650N set up for touring and its perfect just the way it sits.  i can still keep up with my buddies on their gsxr 600s but i can keep going.
July 21, 2015 at 4:12 PM
Douglas McMillan said…
I've moved from sport touring to cruisers not for my comfort, for my passenger's. Well, that and I'm old now :(.

I did always find my sport touring (EX500) pretty comfy solo, but something a bit longer would have been better.
July 21, 2015 at 4:13 PM
Dan Michael said…
Exactly why I chose the S1000R over the RR. And probably why the 'Sports Adventure' category is becoming so popular.
July 21, 2015 at 4:33 PM
Nolan L said…
Street Triple R.... Because it can do everything. Almost.
July 21, 2015 at 6:21 PM
Jason ON said…
So can my SV1000s. ;P
July 21, 2015 at 6:57 PM
Kyong Kim said…
Whatever floats your boat as long as it's two wheels. I've done 500+ miles, stopping just for gas, on my R1 and felt fresh as a daisy. But the one thing I do agree with strongly is people don't do enough of their own research before picking a bike. What's the purpose, will you be racing it, weekend romper, you like to tour and cruise or do long trips alot? Get whatever fits your needs and style, not whatever your buddy said is 'the sickest bike.'
July 21, 2015 at 7:38 PM
Jason ON said…
Kyong Kim, do you mind if I ask what size you are? Most of the hyperbikes are made for smaller guys, not people my size.
July 21, 2015 at 10:35 PM
Kyong Kim said…
Jason ON I'm 5'11", 180-200 depending on the time of year. Lol.
July 22, 2015 at 8:16 AM
Jason ON said…
So, talk and skinny. And you're comfortable on your R1 for hundreds of miles at a time?
July 22, 2015 at 9:04 AM
Kyong Kim said…
Jason ON yep. This is on my semi street, semi track R1 too, so the only 'creature comfort' I have installed is a gel padding in my seat. If I had my druthers I'd take a nice Goldwing on long rides but I guess I'm just accustomed to the ergonomics of my sportbikes. But it does take some preparation if you don't want to be sore all over. Personally I live off KT tape and it does help reduce arm pump/wrist fatigue and back fatigue. Also padded shorts under my jeans or riding leathers makes a big difference. Admittedly tho, as I get older the more appealing a nice FZ09 is looking, but I'll always have a rice rocket also.
July 22, 2015 at 9:45 AM
Wallace Roberts said…
I'm same size as Kyong Kim, & I'm here to tell you, 5'11" & 200 lbs is not skinny.  :-)  Both my wife's Gixer1k & mine were bone stock, including the seats.  BTW, I found the 2003 Gixer1k's stock seat marvelous.  Never felt the need to replace it.
July 22, 2015 at 4:44 PM
Michael Meyer said…
RIDING any style of motorcycle is always better then DRIVING a cage.
from my teens to mid 30's I made my motorcycles into roadracer or cafe racer. I ran ARRA and AFM club race's and rode mostly in turnbul canyon, GMR, Angeles crest, Lake hughs, Ojia, Santa Monica Mountains. so A sport bike was more comfortable. then as life got on I like riding fast but was tiered of buying chains and sprockets so shaft drive made more sense. You can ride any bike fast from a Gold Wing to a Ninja 250. whatever makes you comfortable is what counts most. if you want to cover ground for long distances  the goldwing side is much better even though I have ridden a honda MB50 to laguna Seca from LA before. And have chased down sport bikes on my FJR.
July 22, 2015 at 5:52 PM
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