Sports bikes split ranks

A Government think tank report which includes references to sports bikes attracting the “wrong sort of rider” to motorcycling has stirred up strong feelings among motorcyclenews.com users from across the UK.

Janet the jet says sports bikes are much less likely to be used for commuting or touring. “There is no part of the sports bike scene that greatly aids in beating congestion or reducing pollution, etc etc.”

And snave adds: “Many sports bike riders are useless roadusers – weekend warriors who think 20mph in traffic in the company Mondeo prepares them for the power-to-weigh ratio and performance of motorcycles even professional racers cannot keep the throttle open on.

“50 miles a week on a GSX-R and a chat with the ‘boys’ does NOT make you a motorcyclist – it makes you a liability.”

Leeway follows up with: “There can be little doubt that sports bikes attract the thug element within our ranks.”

But Alistrairlj hits back saying: “I know a substantial number of sports bike riders and I can’t think of a single one who falls into the ‘thug’ category… “this is a massive generalisation that is tantamount to a witch hunt.”

And Trumpetman21 says: “If MAG and BMF are rolling over and being tickled by Tony Bliar (sic), what hope for the rest of us?”

Read more of the debate or contribute to it. CLICK HERE