Riding the Ultimate Sportbike

RIDING THE ULTIMATE SPORTBIKE

HOT STREETBIKES ARE regularly tested on the track, so why not test a hot racebike on the street? That’s exactly what England’s Motor Cycle News did recently, borrowing a Harris-Yamaha YZR500 grand prix motorcycle from the Padgett’s team.

MCN made the motorcycle road-legal by fitting a minimum of lights, a horn and street tires. Testers report that the YZR was surprisingly manageable around town, not fouling the plugs or overheating during extended low-speed riding. Most of the engine’s performance is in its upperrpm range, but low-end power is more than adequate for street riding, says MCN.

Also better than expected was the riding position; low bars mean a rider’s wrists are stressed, but the seat is wider than those found on some sportbikes and the footpeg position is lower than that of several repliracers. -Robert Hough