So. Does the "one bike does all" holy grail exist? What would your pick be?

[Elipten_imp]

Be real gents no such thing exists and as ferret says it depends on your needs. It is like asking for one gun to do it all, or one dress for a woman, or one pair of shoes. No such thing exists. For sure the large bikes are not it like the Goldwing for the 1600 BMW.


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[StackMan_imp]

I like to get in the dirt once in a while so I have to say no, a duel sport is just not a good enough road bike to pull off a one bike fits all. the Kawasaki 650 is probably the closest but a little to tall for my 5"7" frame.
The CB1100 is my road choice and the Yamaha XT225 to keep my happy if I need some dirt and pavement

[thessler3_imp]

Hey FlynBullDog, I was not implying that my GT750 is an ideal bike in today's world. Rather, the GT750 was a great bike for its time and put a big smile on my face when I bought it. It still sits in my garage and I still like the riding position, smooth engine, wide powerband and sound of the bike. The CB1100 hits some of the same buttons. Comfortable, simple, wide power band, etc. Wish more bikes were like it.

I do not like the stepped seats, low gearing, underseat exhausts, etcetera from many of today's sport bikes. Most rear seats are so short and high they are unusable.

My ideal bike would be similar to the CB1100 but with adjustable suspension, small fairing, removable sidecases and make it a bit lighter too. Wishful thinking but no bikes actually fit the bill. Ninja 1000 and FZ1 are close but have those stepped seats I don't like. I rented a CBF1000F with sidecases in Europe for a trip through the Alps. Great bike and I would buy one if they were imported.

[Cormanus]

Hey FlynBullDog, I was not implying that my GT750 is an ideal bike in today's world. Rather, the GT750 was a great bike for its time and put a big smile on my face when I bought it. It still sits in my garage and I still like the riding position, smooth engine, wide powerband and sound of the bike. The CB1100 hits some of the same buttons. Comfortable, simple, wide power band, etc. Wish more bikes were like it.

I do not like the stepped seats, low gearing, underseat exhausts, etcetera from many of today's sport bikes. Most rear seats are so short and high they are unusable.

My ideal bike would be similar to the CB1100 but with adjustable suspension, small fairing, removable sidecases and make it a bit lighter too. Wishful thinking but no bikes actually fit the bill. Ninja 1000 and FZ1 are close but have those stepped seats I don't like. I rented a CBF1000F with sidecases in Europe for a trip through the Alps. Great bike and I would buy one if they were imported.

One of these? http://www.tesztmotor.hu/images/stories/...010_12.jpg

I found this in a Hungarian magazine.

[the Ferret]

Hey FlynBullDog, I was not implying that my GT750 is an ideal bike in today's world. Rather, the GT750 was a great bike for its time and put a big smile on my face when I bought it. It still sits in my garage and I still like the riding position, smooth engine, wide powerband and sound of the bike. The CB1100 hits some of the same buttons. Comfortable, simple, wide power band, etc. Wish more bikes were like it.

I do not like the stepped seats, low gearing, underseat exhausts, etcetera from many of today's sport bikes. Most rear seats are so short and high they are unusable.

My ideal bike would be similar to the CB1100 but with adjustable suspension, small fairing, removable sidecases and make it a bit lighter too. Wishful thinking but no bikes actually fit the bill. Ninja 1000 and FZ1 are close but have those stepped seats I don't like. I rented a CBF1000F with sidecases in Europe for a trip through the Alps. Great bike and I would buy one if they were imported.

One of these? http://www.tesztmotor.hu/images/stories/...010_12.jpg

I found this in a Hungarian magazine.

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.

[Mike Bee_imp]

My BMW K1600 comes very close. It's smooth & comfortable, fast, handles very well, gets good gas mileage, has a 7 gallon tank and has plenty of luggage that will hold a large helmet. It's a stunning motorcycle. The only downside is the cost of admission.

The price and the weight are both kinda not-so-great. Otherwise, it's an awesome bike. If I remove "going offroad" from my "one bike" criteria, the K1600GT is near the top of the list. Again, it's price kind of hurts it there, though, since the new FJR1300ES competes quite well for thousands less. I would have a hard time paying $28k for a bike when I can pay $10k less for a bike that delivers 9/10's the goods. But if money is no object, than this part of the equation obviously goes out the window.

The price and the weight are both kinda not-so-great. Otherwise, it's an awesome bike. If I remove "going offroad" from my "one bike" criteria, the K1600GT is near the top of the list. Again, it's price kind of hurts it there, though, since the new FJR1300ES competes quite well for thousands less. I would have a hard time paying $28k for a bike when I can pay $10k less for a bike that delivers 9/10's the goods. But if money is no object, than this part of the equation obviously goes out the window.
I too like Yamaha's new ES model. But I believe the price disparity is closer to $17K vs. $22K for the BMW GT. As far as the weight issue goes, my K1600GTL handles more lightly than my CB1100 does. The Beemer gets a more powerful 6-cylinder engine (you should hear it) and a more advanced suspension system. While both bikes are similar, you get what you're willing to pay for. I love my K1600GTL.

~ The Bee

[the Ferret]

Hey FlynBullDog, I was not implying that my GT750 is an ideal bike in today's world. Rather, the GT750 was a great bike for its time and put a big smile on my face when I bought it. It still sits in my garage and I still like the riding position, smooth engine, wide powerband and sound of the bike. The CB1100 hits some of the same buttons. Comfortable, simple, wide power band, etc. Wish more bikes were like it.

I do not like the stepped seats, low gearing, underseat exhausts, etcetera from many of today's sport bikes. Most rear seats are so short and high they are unusable.

My ideal bike would be similar to the CB1100 but with adjustable suspension, small fairing, removable sidecases and make it a bit lighter too. Wishful thinking but no bikes actually fit the bill. Ninja 1000 and FZ1 are close but have those stepped seats I don't like. I rented a CBF1000F with sidecases in Europe for a trip through the Alps. Great bike and I would buy one if they were imported.

One of these? http://www.tesztmotor.hu/images/stories/...010_12.jpg

I found this in a Hungarian magazine.

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.
Huh... Was just looking again at that European CB1100F again to see just how modern looking it was, and suddenly realized there is a girl standing in the right hand side of the picture. Didn't see her the first time. Honestly! I must be a true motorcycle enthusiast lol

[thessler3_imp]

Not sure how you could miss that Hungarian lady Ferret.

Yes, the picture is similar to the CBF1000F I rented in Landshut Germany for a week in the alps. The one I rented was fitted with 3 removable Givi cases. I liked the bike a lot and would buy one if imported to the US. The windscreen is adjustable in 3 positions and I found it just the right size for the very cold alpine passes. The motor is water cooled but has power characteristics very similar to the CB1100. I would guess maybe 100HP. Good handling, good brakes (ABS), good gearbox, nice riding position.

[Tortuga_imp]

Hey FlynBullDog, I was not implying that my GT750 is an ideal bike in today's world. Rather, the GT750 was a great bike for its time and put a big smile on my face when I bought it. It still sits in my garage and I still like the riding position, smooth engine, wide powerband and sound of the bike. The CB1100 hits some of the same buttons. Comfortable, simple, wide power band, etc. Wish more bikes were like it.

I do not like the stepped seats, low gearing, underseat exhausts, etcetera from many of today's sport bikes. Most rear seats are so short and high they are unusable.

My ideal bike would be similar to the CB1100 but with adjustable suspension, small fairing, removable sidecases and make it a bit lighter too. Wishful thinking but no bikes actually fit the bill. Ninja 1000 and FZ1 are close but have those stepped seats I don't like. I rented a CBF1000F with sidecases in Europe for a trip through the Alps. Great bike and I would buy one if they were imported.

One of these? http://www.tesztmotor.hu/images/stories/...010_12.jpg

I found this in a Hungarian magazine.

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.
Huh... Was just looking again at that European CB1100F again to see just how modern looking it was, and suddenly realized there is a girl standing in the right hand side of the picture. Didn't see her the first time. Honestly! I must be a true motorcycle enthusiast lol

Probably a very competent motorcycle, but too "modern" looking for me personally.... unless "OUR" CB 1100s were not available... then I would consider something like that.
Huh... Was just looking again at that European CB1100F again to see just how modern looking it was, and suddenly realized there is a girl standing in the right hand side of the picture. Didn't see her the first time. Honestly! I must be a true motorcycle enthusiast lol
Or you've got cataracts?

[thessler3_imp]

Mike Bee - There is nothing smoother than a six. I have ridden a Honda CBX quite a bit and it is very smooth too. I own a Gold Wing which is a boxer six of course. Runs great, reliable, faster than you might expect but 900 pounds. Too big and heavy for an everyday bike on the backroads I ride on. I keep it to keep the lovely wife happy - it is the only bike she will ride on.