I used to have a 2002 Yamaha R1 which made 150 hp. Very nice on the road. No need for 200+ hp.

That's just a lazy excuse. Going into heavy terrain with a 450 MX bike will never be safe. KTM is concerned with the competition. KTM went deep into enemy lines and couldn't keep up with the manufacturers armsrace. Especially BMW, Ducati and Aprilia raised the bar again in the euro sportsbike market.

The reason Stefan Pierer has given on multiple occasions is that sport bikes with clip on bars are not safe for the street. They had the RC8 years ago and it didn’t sell well largely because it lacked horsepower. It handled really well. But superbikes are bought on the spec sheet. I do agree that an aggressive riding position encourages knee dragging on the street, which is not safe. I’ve done it and don’t recommend it. However, a 185 hp hooligan bike that’ll do 120 mph wheelies is hardly safe. He may have other reasons

@@ExpatonTwoWheels no, i'd say the problem is different. when i was in riding school not that long ago the other trainee said his dad won't let him get a supersport because of the riding position would make him look at the ground too much. as soon as i got to ride my gixxer thaw i came to the conclusion that his dad was spot on! to the point that i really need to pay attention what kind of helmet i buy. if the brow is too low it's good for safety but i won't see a thing ahead. and my bike has regular flat bars on installed by the last owner. it's more of a gixxus stance.

My Favorit Sportbike is my 96 Fireblade, it’s light and has 128 hp, all I ever wanted on the street.

@@skycaptain224 My friend had one of those and I rode it. Very nice