Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but paid users have great benefits. Paid member benefits:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2024 SX, MX, and SMX series (regularly $30).
And I still slightly disagree in the sense you can't go wrong. Yes, every one of these bikes are quite good in their own right but as I've seen many times before, people still get ones that don't suit them and it hampers/makes them struggle for months. By example, I have a close riding buddy who spent ten years jumping back and forth between Honda and Yamahas each year. He could never find what he was chasing and after a few big crashes and frustrations with his bikes, he considered quitting. After listening to me bug him for three years to try a Kawasaki because I thought it would suite his style, he's now back in love with moto and has found "his bike".
Yes, it's not going to be that gnarly of a moment for all guys but I personally believe there's bikes that suite riders more than others and if they find that right one, it can make their entire riding experience more enjoyable. Ultimately, that's what I think Shootouts share the most when it comes to how we break down and share the opinion of each rider, I want the end user to find that bike that is right for them.
For the short bus riders here... joking. Myth busted.
The Shop
A true, unbiased assessment can only be done if you don't take advertising money and you are not given the bikes. (Consumer Reports comes to mind.) I know you guys don't have the budget (other media outlets don't either) but this is truly the only way to give a comparison. In fact, none of the manufacturers should be allowed to assist with set-up. The consumer doesn't have that luxury, why should the media? Buy the bikes at a random dealer, outside SoCal, and set them up yourself. (Because each OEM wants to put their very best foot forward this isn't possible.)
Speaking of which, if this was truly comprehensive, why isn't TM, Beta, Gas Gas, etc included in these shootouts?
No motorcycle media publication with paid advertising can keep sales and content truly separate.
Don't get your feathers ruffled Michael. While you might not agree with my opinion, it - like every shootout, is just an opinion and not fact. Just something to think about.
Here's another opinion: I don't want to know your favorite...I want to know about each bike and its features. Like boots, helmets, knee braces, etc...everybody has a different "favorite". Just because you have a bigger audience, doesn't make your opinion more or less valid than the average consumer. What was your favorite? I bet I can guess and I bet it's not my favorite. That's my point.
To end on a positive note...I was impressed with your VO. You didn't sound rushed and your cadence and delivery was smooth and natural. This is a step in the right direction.
Now let's talk about you wearing flip flops on camera.
Well by the fact that Gas Gas and Beta don't have motocross models...and TM refuses to participate soooo...
I appreciate the feedback on the video side, I'm trying to slow my roll on those.
One last thing, if advertising dollars ever made a difference in my shootout, you know where Suzuki would've finished there for a couple years...you saw their spend when you worked here.
After the last handful of years of hearing KTM owners talk down on jap bikes like harley riders do, its nice to have it turn around.
Its hypocritical, but not everyone can be perfect.
Kawasaki always seemed to fit a bigger rider so I have always felt more comfortable on one.
I started riding kawasaki because always year after year gave more support to amateur riders. Some of the other brands would jump up their amateur payouts but then reduce them
Maybe you were riding with bent bars.
Food for thought using your example...you think your buddy would like the new Yamaha...or more specifically...the new Kawi. I feel your style of conducting these shootouts is more conducive to providing data and then you ruin it by interjecting opinion.
Give consumers the flexibility to make their own opinion base on the data you provide. The information shouldn't be sullied by opinion. Take that concept of helping your buddy and apply that to Shootouts. Only tell us the strengths and weaknesses of each bike.
Leave the opinion out, because if your buddy didn't listen to you, he might have bought a Honda last year or a Yamaha this year and still hate riding.
To support your point and further bolster mine; I had a buddy who only likes yellow. Was in the market for a new bike and I suggested he look outside his comfort zone because the yellow bikes are falling behind. He entertained the idea and at the end of the day, bought LAST YEAR's yellow bike and is pretty darn happy with it. The bike that got last place in everyone's shootout. Again, using the data, he determined this bike fit HIS needs not the needs based on opinion.
Lean heavy on the data and less on opinion. You guys make great efforts to showcase the data from LitPro, dynos, and stats. Knowing the winner only validates their purchase, allows people to puff up their chest in brand loyalty, or slam another brand because they didn't get top honors (oh how the mighty have fallen syndrome).
Now...how about those flip flops
What specifically does Alta need to do to get into these shootouts? You mentioned Gas Gas, Beta, and TM, but Alta has motocross models and wants to participate. I'd love to see the LitPro data alone.
Strengths and weaknesses of each bike are still opinion based. What I see as a strength can be seen as a weakness by another rider. Ultimately our Shootout leaves more than just my opinion so riders can find someone they relate to.
"Leave the opinion out, because if your buddy didn't listen to you, he might have bought a Honda last year or a Yamaha this year and still hate riding."
This doesn't make much sense to me, opinion helped him make the right choice, not the wrong choice.
Bikes are developed around test riders opinion, not as much by data...
Pit Row
I would like a bike with similar handling with e-start.
ML, what bike did you think turned similar to the RM?
Post a reply to: 2019 450 Shootout - Updated