Sports Bikes - too powerful for normal road use?

[cgblueman]

What do we think, for example the Hayabusa, Ninja etc are they too powerful for normal road use? Is it safe? Is there any point owning such a powerful bike if you can never open it up fully? Would love to hear all your thoughts/personal experiences

[Robell]

I haven't ridden any of the bigger sportsbikes, but my Triumph Sprint is rated at 123 bhp, plenty powerful enough for me.

It's very rare to have the power full-on on that, tho I can't say it's never happened.

Personally I think 150+bhp is too much, there's certainly a train of thought that says you'll have more fun thrashing a little 'un, than pottering around on tickover on a big 'un, but I'd defend anyones choice to have one, if they wanted.

I think the French are the only ones to have a 100bhp limit and I don't believe their accident stats are any better than ours.

[scoot]

Good comments there Rob 
Last year when out on CBR was on motorway doing 140 so sold bike as I need my license.
The 250 does all I need and more.
Scoot

[cgblueman]

You raise a good point and maybe its true thrashin a smaller bike is more fun, would be a shame having so much power and not using it to its potential. Or using it and losing your license or worse! My wifes cousin has a Kawasaki Ninja and its great, beautiful bike in every sense, fast as hell undoubtedly, but its just too much for the city in my opinion. Not impossible to ride in city of course but needs great care! Not actually ridden it myself but have been a pillion and loved it! 

[Robell]

Ah, now that's why I have the Inazuma. It's  a great little town bike, agile, good on fuel etc

But if I want to got to Europe, 2-up for a week, the Sprint does it a touch more easily

Both bikes could do either job but, it's nice to have the choice.

[PW]

There are many good bikes that qualify as learner approved (150kw/tonne) in our scheme now that a rider could quite easily stay on a restricted licence. Especially if all you're doing is commuting or day trips. I see no point in buying a rocket.

[scoot]

Like Rob says if you are going touring about the 250 is a bit small with 2up and luggage, but my touring days are over just need to get out and about in the Yorkshire wolds.
The 250 will do 60mph 70mph on motorways anything over well nicked if unlucky.
My 750 Honda Spirit is up for sale when sold will tart up Moist.
Scoot 

[ian55]

Most days I cannot do a legal 50+ unless I take a detour to the city bypass ... even on weekends most of the time my speed is no more than 60 preferring to ride  the single carriageway routes rather than main dual carriage way/motorway  ... or maybe its just because black bikes are allegedly not as fast as red bikes 

I had considered a Gladius that is comparable in physical dimensions to the Inazuma -  though three times the power ... and not that much more expensive ....  but much thirstier - in reality I have little need for all that extra horsepower

Should I ever feel the urge to do some long distance touring the local Suzuki and Harley dealers provide a good selection of hire bikes - and if I want to ride really really fast a safe option for both my license and wellbeing is a trackday when I can hire a sports bike

Each day I like my Inazuma a little more 

[cgblueman]

All raising some good points! So Inazuma all the way you cant beat its efficiency and will probably keep your license longer.

Ian55 mentioned the Gladius, I have been on it and its a great bike. I think your right about comparable dimensions, but economy wise I think for its category it does well. Not as well as Inazuma obviously but hey!

[scoot]

Nice reading Ian I must agree but go over the speed limit you risk a fine and points FACT,This is why I love Moist at least I live to ride another day, and KEEP my licence ....... your chice.
Scoot