Wot the actual feck?

[nigel s]

phew.

[Brockett]

The thing about modern bikes with high horsepower is this. That power is almost never available.
It's not a con' it's just physics. The power that can be safely transmitted to the rear wheel is limited by the grip of the tyre. So when the throttle is tapped the traction control system will only allow power to be applied until it detects loss of grip. in reality a bike could have 300 hp and still not accelerate any faster up to 70mph. The advertised HP figures are generated at high revs and almost nobody will get anywhere near max power while riding on the road.  Maybe on the Dyno and maybe on a race track. 90BHP is probably more than most riders will ever need and may well be the maximum the traction control will allow anyway. 

[nigel s]

I remember  a test of that years hot sports  bikes in bike mag.
They used a data logger on the track and found out ofthe seven  bikes and  riders only one got to full throttle  for maybe 1 second.??????
And he was a bsb racer.On a track.Doing 180????

[The Doctor 46]

I've opened the throttle fully on every bike I've ever owned at some time just to see what it can do but I admit to not doing it that often. Even the 650 V'Strom dosen't need to be revved to maximum throttle to achieve good progress on the road. I would rather have a quick comfortable ride than a manic fast one. 

[nigel s]

Quite agree Doc.

A little more of the development budget spent on making a real world usable bike and a little less on the willy waving would be a good thing.
And it "might" even be affordable 

Ho Hum

[crump]

While we're whinging about  modern bikes, I really like the look of the 800 Vstrom RE but why can't we have a base model (for less money obvs). Its got about 80bhp ffs, it doesn't need traction control, rider modes or quickshifters, I'd rather have centrestand and heated grips as standard.
#grumpyoldbastard.

[nigel s]

Almost hate to say it but Royal Enfield may be showing the way.
Perfectly usable bikes that are reliable,at least the 650 models  seem to be so far, and fun to ride.
And dirt cheap to buy and run,screw and locknut valves go a long way to this.
Hope the strom 650 doesn't drop off the lists 'cos it is one of the few that still do old school .
But if the 800 takes up that slack at a lower price ...all good.
Time will tell.
But I should say CJ Balls are selling the new model 1050 std demonstrators for £9000.
So prices are going to drop ,it is a Suzuki thing they are thankfully known for.

[nigel s]

Talking of Royal Enfield , ran into this the other day at the bike park in Norwich.
A  brand  new Meteor 650
Not my thing but looks good in the flesh.