have we immunity from the BHP infection?

[boxerscott]

Noted with some incredulity over the last decade the rapid rise in BHP for the superbikes and the modern day sports tourer (the ones with ally panniers) and interestingly all of a sudden (it seems) the manufacturers have cut these engines in half and offered us the same bike with more realistic power and less electronic aides and at significantly lower prices.

Have they suddenly realised that these 220bhp missiles are irrelevant in every department other than in the hands of a race team?

Chris

[templen]

Noted with some incredulity over the last decade the rapid rise in BHP for the superbikes and the modern day sports tourer (the ones with ally panniers) and interestingly all of a sudden (it seems) the manufacturers have cut these engines in half and offered us the same bike with more realistic power and less electronic aides and at significantly lower prices.

Have they suddenly realised that these 220bhp missiles are irrelevant in every department other than in the hands of a race team?

Chris

It's an age thing Chris. I firmly believe that.

The modern manufacturers have realised that their target audience (pension age 55+) have fat wallets, larger girths and zilch appetite for 220bhp crotch rockets. A shame really as that's what pushes innovation.

[popsky]

I’ve always believed 100 bhp or thereabouts is perfect for a road bike.
My 12s is approximately 110 at the rear wheel and perfect with no riding aides needed, one of my best bikes which was 100 exactly was a 1990 ZXR750 L1, there’s was nothing on the road at that point better imho. It did struggle on the Autoroute from the Bol’dor in 93, my mates had ZX9 well tuned and possible of 170mph whereas my 7 was flat out at 150

[dave the german]

Only 150 Phil? I bet you felt totally inadequate!!

[popsky]

I did when a french gsxr11 went past my mates zx9’s at 185

[SP250]

And here's me having to slipstream R1's, Gixxer's and Blades coming round the last right hander at the 'Ring just to be able to drag the R11S up to 140+ before they pulled away on the long straight before the cafe. That's when I bought a Gixxer 1000 myself, much less work to go faster. But, still got the R11S as it was, and still is as Phil says 100bhp all the bike anyone really needs in the real world.

[boxerscott]

It's an age thing Chris. I firmly believe that.

The modern manufacturers have realised that their target audience (pension age 55+) have fat wallets, larger girths and zilch appetite for 220bhp crotch rockets. A shame really as that's what pushes innovation.

I think the age thing sums it up, The larger girth is responsible for many an issue! 100bhp and 34" waist are my limits. :

[popsky]

I wonder if the half engine thing is a precursor to a hybrid as Kawasaki are working on a twin/electric motorcycle

[popsky]

An electric motorcycle would make for an interesting Boxertrix ride out, upto 40 bikes jostling for a charger that will take 1/2 hr at least per bike, we would only manage a stop for coffee then all have to return to the hotel

[dave the german]

Not sure I'm looking forward to the day Phil. Just ordered a new bike for next year (probably be my last), and it will probably be after my lifetime when petrol is finally banned

[popsky]

Your right on the petrol timescale but the shear cost will most likely be prohibitive unless your a Yorkshire man who live in Scotland

[popsky]

What have you got arriving Dave???

[Blackal]

An electric motorcycle would make for an interesting Boxertrix ride out, upto 40 bikes jostling for a charger that will take 1/2 hr at least per bike, we would only manage a stop for coffee then all have to return to the hotel

Has an advantage in that it should be impossible to fill up with the wrong kind of electricity..............

[popsky]

An electric motorcycle would make for an interesting Boxertrix ride out, upto 40 bikes jostling for a charger that will take 1/2 hr at least per bike, we would only manage a stop for coffee then all have to return to the hotel

Has an advantage in that it should be impossible to fill up with the wrong kind of electricity..............

All depends if it’s AC/DC

[dave the german]

What have you got arriving Dave???

R18 - it's an age thing. Will I still be able to come on Boxertrix weekends?