10-23-2014, 12:04 AM
Alright, so I own two bikes, the CB1100 and a 1978 Honda XL175. The 175 is not a regular use bike. I drag it out every so often to run some gas through it. With a low top speed and replacement parts getting more scarce, I just can't use it much.
So, the CB serves as my weekend toy for pleasure rides. It's a fine bike, but I do miss having something light and nimble. Also, I enjoy a dirt road every so often. My last bike, a V-strom 650 checked off all the boxes of a somewhat nimble, dirt road capable bike that also worked well loaded down with luggage on a trip. Problem is, such a versatile bike tends to not excel in any one area. That, in turn, can make for a somewhat vanilla experience if you are after a bike that really tugs at your emotions. Some folks are in it for where the motorcycle takes you, which is fine, but I need something more.
The CB does satisfy my retro tooth, and I love the powerplant, but that's where it ends. It got me to thinking, is there any bike that really is the total package between performance, functional, and emotion? For me, I can't think of a single bike. Each person will answer this question differently, but I think it could be an interesting discussion. What say you all?
So, the CB serves as my weekend toy for pleasure rides. It's a fine bike, but I do miss having something light and nimble. Also, I enjoy a dirt road every so often. My last bike, a V-strom 650 checked off all the boxes of a somewhat nimble, dirt road capable bike that also worked well loaded down with luggage on a trip. Problem is, such a versatile bike tends to not excel in any one area. That, in turn, can make for a somewhat vanilla experience if you are after a bike that really tugs at your emotions. Some folks are in it for where the motorcycle takes you, which is fine, but I need something more.
The CB does satisfy my retro tooth, and I love the powerplant, but that's where it ends. It got me to thinking, is there any bike that really is the total package between performance, functional, and emotion? For me, I can't think of a single bike. Each person will answer this question differently, but I think it could be an interesting discussion. What say you all?