03-30-2014, 11:22 PM
Good topic! I am sitting here reminiscing about all the bikes I have owned - more than 30 from US, Europe & Japan. Of all the bikes I have owned the three that put the biggest smile on my face: '73 Ducati 750GT, '95 Ducati Monster and 2001 Triumph Speed Triple. Of course these bikes are out of date now, but the characteristics that made them loveable are still valid. All were reasonably light, handled great, had torque laden power bands, minimal vibration, comfortable riding position, simple to work on and all made great sounds.
I also had a '76 BMW R90S that was a great all-around sport tourer. All of today's so called sport tourers are too big, too tall or two complicated to match up to the R90S. BMW should wise up and make a retro R90S. Take an RnineT, add a decent seat, side cases and mini-fairing and you have it. Oh, put mag wheels on it. I am tired of truing spoked wheels.
I still have the Ducati 750GT, but it is no longer an everyday rider and reminds me that brakes, electronics, tires, fueling, etcetera have improved greatly since 1973. Still sounds and handles great though.
I also had a '76 BMW R90S that was a great all-around sport tourer. All of today's so called sport tourers are too big, too tall or two complicated to match up to the R90S. BMW should wise up and make a retro R90S. Take an RnineT, add a decent seat, side cases and mini-fairing and you have it. Oh, put mag wheels on it. I am tired of truing spoked wheels.
I still have the Ducati 750GT, but it is no longer an everyday rider and reminds me that brakes, electronics, tires, fueling, etcetera have improved greatly since 1973. Still sounds and handles great though.