04-03-2018, 06:21 AM
mickey, all motorcycles have their own individual character, or as you and W/R would say, individual characteristics. To me, the same holds true for people, as well as motorcycles.
In the broadest sense, motorcyclists usually tend to apply that term only to the most obvious traits, such as the sound and feel of a booming L-Twin or V-Twin. When most people talk about a Ducati having character and a Honda lacking the same, they're nearly always fawning over the distinctive sound and feel of that big L-Twin (with Termignonis, natch), vs the smoother, much less dramatic sound and feel of an I4 with a stock exhaust.
The former is simply far more obvious and in-your-face than the latter. One can't help but notice the much louder sound and far more visceral feel of a piped L-Twin. The Honda is typically much less obtrusive, similar to a car. So, the Ducati receives the "character" praise.
Still, character comes in other forms. A lack of reliability is a character trait—Ducati "character," as you always say. So is dependability. Like you, I value turn-key reliability, polished competence, and sundial predictability over all other characteristics, so I find the CB1100's solid, consistent character to be the most satisfying.
I just rode the XSR again this morning, duplicating the ride I did yesterday on the CB. The two bikes certainly have different strengths and weaknesses, and they're all in perfect accord with each bike's overall character. Oddly, or at least unexpectedly, to most people, I find the CB to have more character. With the CB I sense a stronger, more well-defined presence, a clearer purpose for being.
In the broadest sense, motorcyclists usually tend to apply that term only to the most obvious traits, such as the sound and feel of a booming L-Twin or V-Twin. When most people talk about a Ducati having character and a Honda lacking the same, they're nearly always fawning over the distinctive sound and feel of that big L-Twin (with Termignonis, natch), vs the smoother, much less dramatic sound and feel of an I4 with a stock exhaust.
The former is simply far more obvious and in-your-face than the latter. One can't help but notice the much louder sound and far more visceral feel of a piped L-Twin. The Honda is typically much less obtrusive, similar to a car. So, the Ducati receives the "character" praise.
Still, character comes in other forms. A lack of reliability is a character trait—Ducati "character," as you always say. So is dependability. Like you, I value turn-key reliability, polished competence, and sundial predictability over all other characteristics, so I find the CB1100's solid, consistent character to be the most satisfying.
I just rode the XSR again this morning, duplicating the ride I did yesterday on the CB. The two bikes certainly have different strengths and weaknesses, and they're all in perfect accord with each bike's overall character. Oddly, or at least unexpectedly, to most people, I find the CB to have more character. With the CB I sense a stronger, more well-defined presence, a clearer purpose for being.