Thanks for asking: BMW's Telelever. Is an old superbike quicker than a BMW M1000XR? GSX-R1000 tyres? 

Bit late to the party here but here we go…I’d love to see a race between a modern super naked and a 2000’s superbike! And bet on the superbike winning easily simply because of the work the fairing does above 100mph. Was surprised the greatest roadtester there is (Obviously Neevsey yer cheeky so and so) didn’t mention the fairing. Thanks for another great video 😊🏆

In grad school the vehicle dynamicist inside joke was that people commonly referred to the damper as “the shock” when ironically the damper only increases the transfer function / shock loads to the system. The spring absorbs the impulse loads and the damper mediates the energy dissipation. No linkage velocity, no damping. For maximum shock mitigation you want an underdamped system and a rapid transition from a pitch response to a vertical ride response…. this is the design rubric for all road going production vehicles. Thomas Gillespie’s Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics is a great primer. Not sure how this is relevant but 2 cents…

I have an MT09 gen 2. I've put sintered pads on and swapped to Steel braided lines. The Brakelines actually did improve the feel quite a lot. So do both of them and you will get them as good as can be for not alot of money. :)

The telelever does not reduce the weight transfer, it is just transmitted directy to the lower forks and not through the headstock.

Thanks very much Neevesy. I am looking at replacing my tyres soon as they are standard tyres still. Will be looking at sports touring tyres. Thanks again 🫡

Nice once Neevesy, a good and useful watch with plenty of crossover

Top man....thanks for all the info...

Quality as always, thanks for sharing 🙂🏍️👍🏻

Excellent as always.

Great as always. One of my highlights of the week! 👌🏻

Great videos. 👍

Great entertainment, as always. Thanks, MN.

Quality content as always mate, such a great variety of questions which makes it a great watch / tutorial . Take it easy mate 👍🏽😎

Could listen to this all day long. Thank you so much.

Thank you for doing the q&a's. :)

Another interesting Vid Neevsy. Ive just sold my Ducati Supersport and gone to a BMW1250GS. I'm glad to hear you say dont worry about tyre temp, as I noticed the 1250GS Michelin Anakee dual port tyres were cold (luke warm at best) after a spirited ride compared to the Pirelli Rosso3's on the Duc which were hot (very hot at the rear). The GS feels perfectly stable so I'm just not gonna worry now.

Great content as always! Regarding that question about testing an old Superbike vs the modern super touring bikes like the XR, I think it’s a fantastic idea. It reminds of me the comparison Revzilla did with the Panigale V4s vs the old GSXR 1000, where the GSXR actually outperformed the brand new Panigale 🙂

SUPERB !

explanations are to point!!...

Another excellent video chap, keep it up :) I've been enjoying my KTM 390 Adventure as a winter bike! Reliable so far (had it for several months so only about 2000 miles in the clock), lightweight, fun to thrash and economical when bimbling about (over 80mpg UK). I've fitted a barn door windscreen, heated grips and I'm loving it!

Great video as always, Neevesy. Our last friend with the practical 2nd bike. Something like a vfr1200f would be an option maybe? Sad loss to the Honda range, which hasn’t been replaced by anything of note. Cheers.

Excellent content as usual,and really appreciate your insight. In your many years of doing manufactures launch’s what was the best road launch which country and road and what was the duration a morning or whole day and finally what was the bike. Thank you and please keep those videos coming

Thank for answering the question, and for taking the time to answer every question (no rush, lovely). I would probably go for the Honda 500r or the MT07 as they are more available at the used market. But I will keep an eye in the triumphs as I didn’t consider them at the beginning. You did just confirm my previous idea that the Honda 650r would be the best option 😂

Great vid again 👌 One question, how come no one mentions the Honda NC750 range, these are great bikes, which are great fun, and super practical (the Frunk is such a good idea) And with the right tyres good fun too Yes I have one❤

@neevesy: I only go to track days where there are 3 groups / 20 minutes each hours. What you say is right, there has to be some sort of reasonable groups for track days.

Morning neevesy love a q and a first thing.

Love watching all your videos, think I'm almost through the full back catalogue. I remember the first MCN video I saw on RU-vid was the then at the time new R1 (the one prior to the current shape) and wanting to get into bikes, so thank you! I'm thinking about getting a sports bike - I currently ride a BMW F900XR which is great but I've always wanted to scratch that sports bike itch. I really like the look of the Ducati V2 Panigale, would this be too much as a first sports bike?

Great video Michael. You are nearly always on your travels, which must be exciting. I went to southern Morocco last year, one week after the earthquake. It was a long time in the planning so we decided to go. Bottom line is that we were the only tourists there, riding around from Marrakesh to Merzouga and back through Ouzoud. This gave the trip a very surreal experience. Can you please tell us of a trip you had that was unusual, bizarre or surreal? Thanks. Garrett

Hi neevesy, this is my favourite channel! Love the vids something I’ve always wondered and would be a good mcn article… how far back would we have to go back in time to find a gp bike as “slow” as a modern panigale or m1000rr. Eg Rossi’s Honda (2002??lap time round Jerez and try matching a bike that could match it now basically gp bike vs road bike how old do we need to look? Thanks

Thanks for another interesting QnA video Neevesy! I'm really looking forward to your verdits for the new middle weight sports bikes. Personnally I'm thinking about upgrading from 390 Duke to my first sports bike, and I'm torn between R7 and ZX4RR. And now there are two new options from Triumph and Suzuki added to the mix. I have not done track days on bikes yet, but I do about 3-5 times track day a year with my car. So most of my rides are on public roads, and I plan to have some trips on bikes. I would love to hear your opinion.

For the last question about a winter bike. Old Ex Police R1200RT. Shaft drive, great wind protection. Handles like a dream (see any of the police rodeo videos). Comes with ABS, heated grips, can be fitted with heated seat. Cheap... Also comes with excellent crash protection. Also comes with lower final drive ration than a regular RT so is quicker. Tops out at about 138-140mph which is pretty reasonable.

Thanks for your answer Neevesy! Great video as always! FYI the 23 xsr does have lean sensitive ABS

I think the GSA rider was comparing the tele-lever on that bike with 21" wheels to the RT with 17" wheels. My RT was chewing up front tyers BattleAx R31 until I replaced the worn BMW shocks with YSS units (70,000kms) and upped the tyre pressures to F42 R46. I also replaced the needle rollers etc in the Tele lever system. And adjusted the Rebound. 21" wheels will take a lot to heat up. Graeme NZ

Hello I ofc keep on watching all the vids, please keep em coming. What is your take on the airbag vests/systems, do you wear them? Which one would you recommend as over or under the clothing? Looking one for track and street use all the time to be worn with leather suits or textile jackets. Really curious on your take.

5:47 is it only me ? His advice to someone who was anxious about grip on a GS (Telelever) was to take a sharper (V) rather than a long curving the corner ! *Wouldnt the resulting steeper lean angle, cause the rider even more stress and anxiety ?* (other than that .. I love Neevsy content ❤)

Best motorcycle content on RU-vid? …. Could be!

Top g🎉

Hello Neevesy! Thanks for all your tips and advices! I have a street triple rs 2020. I have relatively new diablo rosso II tires which come with the bike when I bought it. As I understand these tires are made mainly for the road. I intend to ride on track this summer and I wonder if these tires will be fine on track. Of course it depends on how I ride. I would say I am an intermediate rider who could drag knee in some corners. I know knee drag doesn’t say much about how fast I ride, but just wanted to give something about my riding skills.

That last question, winter hack type, Suzuki SV650s no doubt about it..... such a brilliant bike, early ones cheap as chips....

Hello again Michael. On your podcast, could you talk about older review bikes that you may or may not want to own in today’s world such as your reviews on the 1098 & 848 Streetfighters etc. how would those bikes stand up to todays world, and are bikes such as these still relevant to own or are they past it? I ask as I recently bought a 2015 1200s monster and absolutely love the thing. Just so fast on the road and so cheap at £6500. Hope you see and read this. Thank you 🙏 🙌

I bought an S1000RR last year which relegated my 2016 Street Triple 675R to being a commuter and winter hack. I'm so glad I kept it instead of trading in as it is brilliant in town and so easy to ride due to the triple torque and the riding position. The S1000RR is awesome, better on the motorway but wristy in traffic jams.

Hey Neevesy. Love the channel and hearing you answer everyone's questions. Track bike selection question for you. I'm 35, 6', 185 lbs. I am pretty consistently in the mid-pack of the intermediate group. I am athletic, but flexibility has always been a struggle for me. Only started track riding 3 years ago, doing between 6-12 track days a year. I have quite a few old injuries and have issues both with my right hip with regards to peg position, and my back and neck when it comes to getting into the tuck. I've tried all kinds of changes to aftermarket clip-ons, rear-sets, and seat/seat-pan without relief. Should I continue to suck it up with sportbike ergos and try to improve my flexibility, or should I give up and go for a naked bike as a track bike? I should add that I have no intention of ever racing. I like to track ride for fun and to continue to build my skills, but it would be nice to get the bump to advanced at some point.

Evening Neevesy, love the content and has made me think about the tyre choice I make, I’m lucky enough to have two bikes one of which is a 94 zxr750 and living on the Isle of Man it’s my “fun bike” but it’s on Pirelli angle ST’s so the question I now have is should I put it on sportier tyres or is the sport touring a good choice for all round fun?? Many Thanks

I have a laser temperature (infrared?) I use with my barbecue. It has a trigger (like a pistol) and a laser pointer and it provides I assume pretty accurate data. I'll check on some of my motorcycles to see if I can ascertain much from the readings.

Evening Neeves , love your content , learning every time you upload, I ride a Z900 for my long rides and carbureted 110 cc scooter for my daily , I do have a car but I don’t like cars for one person transportation. They are people carriers and they will always remain so. My question is why FI , my carbureted one works and I can repair it myself but the FI is a lotta man hours and money spent. Side question , on MCN and this channel, why do you wear only alpine stars ?

Telelever feel, the front tire will heat up less on a TL front end because the braking dive and loading of the diving bike is not transfered to the front wheel. Only the corner forces are on the front wheel with a TL front end. If your sliding the rear with a GSA on pavement, your are actually putting less load on the front wheel and it will see less forces and generate less heat s a result. But, on the street, you just dont generate that much heat anyway so whats in your mind is just that, something to worry about in your imagination. Proper riding technique on the street on a GSA is, you should not be sliding the rear wheel but riding a GSA using a technique that allows you to do hard braking square off or V THE corner then accelerate out of the corner using that excellent torque of the GS. Because the GS has only a 170 rear tire and a dual purpose one at that, you need to be careful to not overload the traction of the 170 rear but it sounds like you are trying to ride the GS LIKE A multistrada with a 190 rear tire. MAYBE YOU NEED A multistrada to match your style, or change your style.

It's not a myth about tyre pressure for the roads got many miles of experience on roads yes increase pressure in cold condition and lower a bit for summer riding.

If you're braking at 0.5G with a funny front end, you will have the same forces going into the rubber contact patch as with a normal bike at 0.5G. Assuming equal weight and speed.

Maybe the advice to the 'Harley' guy trying to heat up his front tyres (and losing the back end) is 'get off the road and onto the track', you're not supposed to be riding like that on the road...?

Hi Neevsey, thanks for all the videos, I enjoy your insight and helpign to make biking safer for us all regardless of skill levels. I am wondering if you can tell us what the Supertech R10 helmet is like in regards to fit compared to an Arai? I have an RX7V and a Quantic, these fit me well, as much as I'd like to have an R10, I am concerned as I cannot try it on for fit im a little worried about the fit not being correct. You are the only person I've seen with a R10. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

On the topic of "winter hacks." The amount of salt on UK roads will make most bikes look very used unless you are relentless with cleaning. I bought a C125 Supercub on PCP for 50 quid a month. It does 60 with a tail wind and is generally quite slow. However, it provides all you need in winter and does 100 mpg for a fiver. It's dead easy to service, too and cleans up well. I've been down dirt tracks and through deep water, and it just carries on! It's such a refreshing change to my Suzuki GSX-S1000. Having so little power makes you think better on the road so you're not rusty come the spring.

Hi Neevesy, great content as always. I’m a sports bike rider through and through, never own anything other than sports bikes. Currently on my 3rd rsv4. I do a lot of “spirited” road riding but also do alot of 300+ mile day rides and also a few multi day trips every year with the option of a few bigger Euro trips in future. Torn between selling my Rsv4 for a Tuono for best of both worlds or trying to keep my Rsv4 and buy an 890SMT. Do you think it’s worth paying 2 tax/insurances etc or will the tuono tick all boxes? Thanks, keep up the great content.

Hello Neevsey, cheers for the awesome content. Question: I started doing track days last year. Had a great time and am moving up to inters this year. I'm confident on the brakes l, But I'm a proper fanny getting on the power out of a corner. Fyi I'm riding a 636. I know exit speed can be addressed by taking a different line and getting the bike stood up sooner. But I still feel like I'm not using much of the available grip and I'm scared to find where the limit is. Any tips for me. Thanks.

Hi, love your "thanks for asking series"! I ride through the winters and airing down tires (by 10-15%) for me was a game changer in temperatures below 6 Celsius... Now I don't even air up for the main season. Went through multiple Corsa 2, S22 and ContiAttack 2 sets (I do some track riding), tipping into corners is a bit more sluggish, but I see no other downsides for the extra grip I get. Said tires feel great even in -5/-7 Celsius when commuting. Learnt this "trick" offroading 4x4s where airing down is massively important. Am I in the wrong? Am I missing something?

One thing you did not talk about in your discussion on super nakedes and something that is lacking in all journalism is the cost of ownership. The Japanese nakedes are much cheaper to service and have much longer service intervals. Such as valve adjustments . Many people sell off their Ducatis and Aprilias at their first major service intervals just to avoid a big bill. Not sow with the Japanese like MT10s and GSXS models.

Great vid & interesting as ever. Out of interest what do the Europeans do differently to the Japanese when setting up their respective ABS systems? Is it hardware, software or both?

Just a query about LAMS for NZ and AUS.I went through the A2 to A1 training in France and had a Ducati Scrambler 800 restricted and could have had my current Trident too with a restriction. The problem for LAMs Trident in NZ is that it seems it can't be de-restricted when you get your full licence. This seems a bit excessive if it is correct as you would have to trade your familiar bike in rather than de-restrict something you know well?

Jees, my tires normally warm up to such an extend on the road that I get 0.2 bar more pressure now in spring and 0.5 bar in summmer than what i need...... And that with Michelin Pilot Road 6 CT's......think i'm running too spirited. Might add that I had old version tires and compared to the new ones, the older version was a bit better to the feeling and grip......But that''s a one case observation, not a complete reality....

I wouldn't be suggesting to get rid of the ABS on a road bike!!😖 It's a big safety issue.

Hi Neevesy, really enjoying your videos. Another question about tyres. On cornering my (new to me R1250RS) bike seems lean nicely until a certain point where it then seems to drop really quickly, like it's going to fall on it side mid corner. This scares the life out of me as it's so sudden. Is this a tyre issue (squared off) or just potentially a characteristic of the bike. I'm a reasonably experienced rider so this has really surprised me. Thanks!!

Had a R1100S. Didn't like telelever as it lacked feel and feedback. Didn't like the engine either.😊

i don't really get the hubbub about closing speed on track.. i've been riding my ninja250 race bike around the same track as 1000s for a few months now, and while it's a bit of a spook getting passed at double my top speed on the straights, as long as my line is predictable i always feel safe. conversely, i hate getting held up by novices on 1000s and 600s in the corners when i'm on my 250, which is an order of magnitude slower than even an R7. it just doesn't happen in A group, where surrounded by experienced riders i feel quite safe.

Dear Sir! I bought 2003 cbr954rr that I'll be riding on the Road only. I saw your picture when you just started in MCN with the cbr with you in the picture. My question is this bike to keep and how good is it? Thank you for your advice, I learned allot from you, thank you very much

Hi Neevesy, question re. the brakes / ABS, why do you think the Japanese OEMs struggle with this? Do the engineers at press launches know this? in my understanding, the main ABS system suppliers are the same between European and japanese premium bikes, i.e. mainly german suppliers, Bosch, Conitinental and TRW/ZF. So it is curious that the japanese motorcycles are still suffering while the European rivals are not. Do you think it is bad target setting or poor supplier performance?

A lot of the reviews of the 2015 R1 are about the quality of the brakes, specifically about ABS intrusion, brake fade and lack of power. I'm recently getting into track days and looking for a track bike. As a middle of the pack inters rider, is this something that would affect me and I would notice? or is this only something that fast group riders who are probably much harder on the brakes would notice? Quite aware I'm probably no where near the level of what this bike can do.

Hello Sir. Is it possible to give me an answer about the cbr954rr 2003 that I bought. The bike is in good stand and have only 28k. I have no experience with superbikes is this a bike to keep? Thank you.

WHats your opinion on Yamaha axing the R1 due to the new Euro5 emissions regs for 2025

BMW stole the telelever from a design by Nigel Hill due to the fact he could not afford to patent it, they bought a bike with it fitted and copied it. Nigel sadly passed away last December and all he was offered by them was a bike with his invention on it, he made front and rear frames for Saxon Racing so will people please remember it was invented by an Englishman and stolen by the Germans.

Heating up road going tyres on civi street is a joke. You are not taking part in MotoGP.