Why Sport Touring Bikes Suck! (Get This Instead...)

Yammie Noob
28 Jul 202113:09
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script critiques sport touring motorcycles as outdated, suggesting they are heavy, slow, and lack the sportiness of their namesake. The narrator, a reformed sport touring enthusiast, argues that modern motorcycles like adventure bikes or even naked bikes better fulfill the dual-purpose riding needs. He highlights the Aprilia RS660 and Kawasaki H2 SX as alternatives for those seeking sporty performance with comfort, advocating for the retirement of the sport touring category.

Takeaways
  • 🏍️ The speaker criticizes sport touring motorcycles as being outdated and less practical compared to other options.
  • 🤔 He reflects on his own perspective as a 'reformed sport touring dad', showing a personal shift in opinion.
  • 🛣️ The script defines sport touring motorcycles as fully-faired bikes with engines from sport bikes, taller handlebars, passenger accommodations, and advanced technology.
  • 📚 A brief history of sport touring motorcycles is provided, highlighting the evolution from the 1977 BMW R100RS to modern models.
  • 🛠️ Maintenance and ease of use were key selling points in early sport touring bikes, such as the BMW boxer models.
  • 💸 The script mentions the high cost of modern sport touring motorcycles and their heavy weight, which affects performance.
  • 🔧 It points out that modern sport touring bikes lack the sportiness and agility of pure sport bikes while being too heavy for comfortable daily use.
  • 🌎 The speaker suggests that adventure bikes are a better alternative for those seeking a balance of comfort and sporty performance.
  • 🏞️ Adventure bikes offer wind protection, comfort, and technology similar to sport touring motorcycles but with better performance and versatility.
  • 💡 The script also recommends considering naked bikes as a cost-effective and practical option for sport touring.
  • 👎 The final recommendation is to avoid sport touring motorcycles and consider other types of motorcycles that better meet the needs of riders looking for a sporty yet comfortable ride.
Q & A

  • What is the speaker's opinion on sport touring motorcycles?

    -The speaker believes that sport touring motorcycles are outdated and not as practical as they once were, referring to them as 'nerds on their dorky steeds'.

  • What are the characteristics of a sport touring motorcycle according to the script?

    -A sport touring motorcycle is a fully fared motorcycle with an engine derived from a sport bike, taller clip-ons or handlebars, a lower seat for passenger accommodation, luggage capacity, and advanced technology such as cruise control, traction control, and wheelie control.

  • What was the first motorcycle considered a sport tour according to the script?

    -The first motorcycle considered a sport tour was the 1977 BMW R100RS, which was an air-cooled boxer motorcycle with 70 horsepower and 56 foot-pounds of torque.

  • Why did Honda's CB 1100X not succeed as a sport touring motorcycle?

    -The CB 1100X, despite being a flagship superbike, did not succeed as a sport touring motorcycle due to its complex engine and six carbs, which made maintenance difficult and led to its discontinuation in 1982.

  • What was the impact of the V45 Interceptor on the sport touring motorcycle category?

    -The V45 Interceptor redefined what a sport touring bike could be by incorporating race bike technology, more wind protection, and comfort, making it competitive with other sport bikes of the time.

  • Why does the speaker suggest that the term 'sport touring' has lost its meaning?

    -The speaker suggests that 'sport touring' has become a catch-all term for any motorcycle that is comfortable and sporty, and it no longer specifically refers to motorcycles that are truly designed for both sport and touring purposes.

  • What alternative does the speaker recommend for those interested in the sport touring lifestyle?

    -The speaker recommends adventure bikes as a better alternative for those interested in the sport touring lifestyle, as they offer wind protection, comfort, and technology at a similar price point.

  • What is special about the Aprilia RS660 mentioned in the script?

    -The Aprilia RS660 is a sport bike with a 660cc parallel twin engine producing 100 horsepower and 50 foot-pounds of torque. It is noted for being comfortable for long rides and has features like adjustable suspension and rider modes.

  • What are the main drawbacks of modern sport touring motorcycles according to the script?

    -The main drawbacks of modern sport touring motorcycles are their weight, slow performance compared to other motorcycle styles, and the lack of true sportiness despite their sporty appearance.

  • Why does the speaker suggest that manufacturers should drop the 'sport' pretense from heavy fully-fared bikes?

    -The speaker suggests that manufacturers should focus on making heavy fully-fared bikes the best touring bikes they can be, without the pretense of sport, allowing other motorcycles better suited for dual-purpose riding to take center stage.

  • What is the speaker's view on the Kawasaki H2 SX Plus SE?

    -The speaker views the Kawasaki H2 SX Plus SE as a one-of-a-kind ride with a supercharged engine producing 228 horsepower and 105 foot-pounds of torque. It is described as not for the faint of heart due to its powerful performance.

Outlines
00:00
🏍️ The Decline of Sport Touring Motorcycles

The first paragraph introduces the topic of sport touring motorcycles and the speaker's personal disdain for them. It acknowledges the appeal of sport bikes for their flashy appearance but criticizes the impracticality of sport touring motorcycles in the current market. The speaker, a reformed sport touring enthusiast, argues that these bikes are obsolete due to advancements in motorcycle technology and design. The paragraph also provides a definition of sport touring motorcycles, including their features and typical power output. It concludes with a brief history lesson, tracing the origins of sport touring motorcycles back to the 1977 BMW R100RS and discussing the evolution of the category through the decades.

05:03
🚴‍♂️ Modern Sport Touring Motorcycles vs. Adventure Bikes

The second paragraph compares modern sport touring motorcycles with adventure bikes, suggesting that the latter are a more practical and versatile alternative. It provides a detailed look at the specifications and drawbacks of popular sport touring models such as the BMW R1250RT and the Yamaha FJR 1300ES, highlighting their weight and high price points. The speaker then recommends adventure bikes as a better option for those seeking a balance of comfort, performance, and technology. The KTM Super Adventure S is presented as an example, with its impressive power, lighter weight, and advanced features. The paragraph also touches on the versatility of adventure bikes for long-distance travel and their potential for off-road use.

10:04
🛍️ Alternatives to Sport Touring Motorcycles

The third paragraph offers additional alternatives to sport touring motorcycles, including the Aprilia RS660 and the Kawasaki H2 SX, which are sportier options with more aggressive performance and styling. The RS660 is praised for its balance of sportiness and comfort, making it suitable for long rides, while the H2 SX is described as a powerful and unique motorcycle with a supercharger. The paragraph also suggests considering naked bikes as a cost-effective and customizable option for those who want a sporty ride without the full fairings. The speaker concludes by advocating for the retirement of the term 'sport touring' due to its loss of meaning and suggests that manufacturers should focus on refining touring motorcycles while allowing other categories to excel in dual-purpose riding.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Sport Touring Motorcycles
Sport touring motorcycles are fully fared motorcycles designed to combine the performance of a sport bike with the comfort and amenities for long-distance travel. They typically feature engines derived from sport bikes, taller handlebars, lower seats, and advanced technology such as cruise control and traction control. In the video, the speaker argues that these bikes are somewhat obsolete due to the availability of other motorcycle types that better fulfill the dual role of sportiness and comfort.
💡Nerds on Steeds
This phrase is a playful way to describe enthusiasts of sport touring motorcycles, suggesting that they may be overly enthusiastic or 'nerdy' about their choice of motorcycle. It's used in the script to express the speaker's disdain for the sport touring category, viewing them as less cool or desirable compared to other types of motorcycles.
💡Obsolescence
Obsolescence refers to something that has become outdated or no longer useful due to the introduction of something better or more efficient. In the context of the video, the speaker finds sport touring motorcycles obsolete because other motorcycle types now offer a better blend of sporty performance and comfort for long rides.
💡BMW R100RS
The BMW R100RS is a motorcycle model from 1977 that is considered one of the first true sport touring bikes. It combined a sporty engine with a full fairing and other features for long-distance comfort. The script mentions this model as the beginning of the sport touring category and its influence on subsequent models.
💡Honda CB 1100X
The Honda CB 1100X was an early attempt at a sport touring motorcycle, featuring a front fairing and factory bags. However, its complex engine and maintenance requirements made it less practical for long-distance touring. The script uses this example to illustrate the evolution of sport touring motorcycles and the shift towards more user-friendly designs.
💡V45 Interceptor
The V45 Interceptor is a motorcycle from Honda that redefined the sport touring category by incorporating race bike technology with comfort and wind protection. It's mentioned in the script as an example of how sport touring motorcycles evolved to offer a sporty yet comfortable riding experience.
💡Concourse and Hayabusa
The Concourse and Hayabusa are examples of sport touring motorcycles from Japan that were designed for high-speed performance and comfort. The script mentions these bikes as part of the split in the sport touring category, where Japanese manufacturers focused on performance while German manufacturers made larger, more luxurious models.
💡Adventure Bikes
Adventure bikes are motorcycles designed for long-distance travel and off-road capability, often featuring large fuel tanks, high windscreens, and comfortable ergonomics. In the video, the speaker suggests that adventure bikes have replaced sport touring motorcycles as the better option for those seeking a sporty yet comfortable ride for long distances.
💡RS660
The Aprilia RS660 is a middleweight sport bike that offers a balance of performance and comfort, making it suitable for both sporty riding and longer tours. The script highlights the RS660 as an alternative to traditional sport touring motorcycles, emphasizing its sporty performance and the potential for comfortable long-distance travel with the addition of accessories.
💡Kawasaki H2 SX
The Kawasaki H2 SX is a high-performance sport touring motorcycle known for its supercharged engine and powerful performance. The script uses this bike as an example of a modern sport touring motorcycle that offers extreme power and comfort, although it may not be suitable for all riders due to its intense performance capabilities.
💡Naked Bikes
Naked bikes are motorcycles without full fairings, offering a more stripped-down and often lighter alternative to fully faired sport or sport touring bikes. The script suggests that naked bikes can be a more practical and cost-effective option for those seeking a sporty ride with the potential for long-distance comfort by simply adding luggage and a windscreen.
Highlights

The speaker criticizes sport touring motorcycles as being obsolete and out of place in the current motorcycle market.

Sport touring motorcycles are defined as fully fared bikes with engines derived from sport bikes, taller handlebars, and luggage capacity.

The 1977 BMW R100RS is considered the first sport touring motorcycle fitting the modern definition.

Honda's CB 1100X was an early attempt at a sport touring motorcycle but had maintenance issues due to its complex engine.

The V45 Interceptor redefined the sport touring category by combining race bike technology with comfort.

In the 90s and early 2000s, there was a split in sport touring motorcycles with Germany focusing on large motorcycles and Japan on high-performance models.

Smaller displacement sport touring bikes like the VFR 800 have become less common, with the Ducati Super Sport being one of the few remaining options.

The Aprilia RS660 is highlighted as a sporty yet comfortable motorcycle, suitable for long rides and daily use.

The Kawasaki H2 SX Plus SE is described as a unique ride with a supercharged engine producing 228 horsepower.

Adventure bikes are suggested as a better alternative to sport touring motorcycles for those seeking a balance of comfort and performance.

The KTM Super Adventure S is presented as a capable adventure bike with a powerful engine, lightweight design, and advanced technology.

Naked bikes are recommended for those wanting a sporty look with the practicality of a touring motorcycle.

The speaker argues that the term 'sport touring' has lost its meaning and should be retired in favor of more specific categories.

Modern sport touring motorcycles are criticized for being heavy, slow, and lacking the sportiness of other motorcycle styles.

Manufacturers are advised to focus on making the best touring bikes and let other motorcycles take the lead in dual-purpose riding.

The video concludes with a humorous suggestion to avoid buying a sport touring motorcycle and a tease for the next video.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Beginner Motorcycle Tier List 2023

The 9 Best Beginner Adventure Motorcycles: Best Entry-Level ADV Bikes for New Riders (2023 Edition)

Advanced Rider Motorcycle Tier List

Which Sportbike Style is BEST for Street Riders? (Squids Only)

REAL MADRID GYM ROUTINE REVIEW

Best Beginner Motorcycles! Ninja 400 vs Meteor 350 vs CRF300L vs Sondors Metacycle vs G310GS | CTXP

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Sport TouringMotorcycle ReviewRiding ComfortPerformance BikesAdventure BikesVintage MotorcyclesBMW R100RSHonda CB 1100XNaked BikesMotorcycle TechRider Ergonomics