Well, according to this article, they are not! Who da thunk it?

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...andling-bikes/

 

I read the whole story and it is BS. What is great handling? Thos eupright bkes are probably easier to ride around town and turn in tight circles. And the supermoto can drift around corners. It all goes back to the same old question...what do you want out of your bike? A fireblade is much faster thatn those bikes, and it can negotiate turns at those speeds much better. They are all just designed for different purposes IMHO.

 

Lots of compromises involved between handling, grip (not the same thing) and riding position. Suspension complements handling, but again, is something different. Grip and handling are often mutually incompatible. A lot of sportsbikes don't handle well but can be pushed around corners by a skilled rider. A lot of non-sports bikes will outpace true sports bikes through a really twisty road.

An upright riding position gives better control, but doesn't necessarily mean better handling. A lot of track bikes are unstable at high speed in a straight line with stability being sacrificed for sharper turn-in, and then sharp turn-in in turn being sacrificed for more grip by lowering tyre pressures.

One of the most successful race bikes ever was the Honda 250cc 6 cylinder ridden by Mike Hailwood. Hailwood said many times that it was the worst handling bike he'd ever ridden.


A fireblade is clumsy in slow or tight turns. The 'blade only comes into its own at speeds which are suicidal on the road.

Rob

 

I really like the KTM 950

 

Of course you would say that. Remember the song "safety dance"? That is your theme song now

My point is that they are comparing apples to oranges to double cheeseburgers in that article. It doesn't make sense to me.

 

the ktms are no surprise.... a super moto bike with power could out handle any sports bike any day.

 

I agree, but it is a different type of "handling", with a different purpose. The article is nonsense.

I would love to have one of those KTM's!

 

yea, when i think of "handling' i think of making tight turns, very maneaverable, quick steering response..... Just look at a sport bike race track..... then look at a supermoto track..... I know like 5 guys with the 950 adv bike.... one guy has the super duke...