03-30-2014, 02:07 AM
This is an excellent topic. I agree with Red Mist's thoughts, but will add some of my own: Modest size - under 525 lbs with cases on, Low vibration level, broad power band with > 75HP, great brakes, good handling, reliable and durable, some wind protection, decent range and gas mileage, compliant adjustable suspension, comfy seat, easy to maintain, reasonably upright seating position, pegs not too high, removable side cases that are not too wide, nice sounding engine, shaft or belt drive, slick shifting, plenty of good dealers nationwide.
Of all the bikes I have owned, the '76 R90S comes closest, but lacked the good engine sounds and slick shifting and also was not particularly smooth or reliable by today's standards. I wish the new RnineT was closer to a replacement for the R90S and had a decent seat and removable bags.
The Triumph Speed Triples I owned had great power bands for the street and have nice exhaust sounds. Current models are uglier and buzzy in right hand grip. Still a good street bike but no luggage.
My VFR800 was a bit of a disappointment. Linked brakes, non-adjustable suspension, bars too low, even with Helibars, pegs too high, hard to work on, slow turn-in, lacked low-end torque, a bit heavy for an 800. Optional side cases were very nice. V4 motor was smooth and made nice sounds. New VFR does not appear to be a big improvement.
My KTM Superduke handled the best of all, great brakes, great power band, nice sound, reliable, light weight. Excellent suspension components but a bit too stiff. Ugly overall, awful seat, too much vibes in the bars. A great bike for the Cherohala Skyway.
All 3 Ducatis were fun to ride, durable and surprisingly trouble free. The V-twin motors are better in the models tuned for modest horsepower and low-end torque. I wish Ducati would try to make practical bikes again. New Multistradas perform great but are too tall for my tastes and a bit on the ugly side, but that is a personal taste.
The Tuono V2 had a good Rotax motor but suspension was too stiff and seat was awful. Perfect handlebar height and width. Tuono V4 has great handling, good brakes, fantastic sound and power up the wazoo but is uncomfortable. Awful seat, adjustable suspension but too stiff. Poor choices for paint colors, poor dealer network. A great bike for me when I was 26, not 66.
All I4's I have owned have been good overall bikes but a bit buzzy and a bit heavy. I prefer the sound of V motors over Inline motors.
So, my perfect bike will have a V4 or triple motor tuned for mid-range, a comfortable seat (Moto Guzzi Ambassador seat), BMW or Honda luggage, Honda reliability, Harley dealer network & warranty support, handle and brake like the Superduke, compliant, adjustable suspension like K1300S, a small fairing like a FZ-1, shaft or belt drive, Harley Sportster gas mileage and weigh under 525 lbs.
Perhaps all this is too much to ask for in one bike, but that does not keep me from wanting it all. After all, that R90S was pretty close. Add a V motor or a triple and you have it. BMW was also close with the K75, but never tried to make that bike sporty enough for my tastes.
Sorry for the long post, but I have been searching for the perfect bike for almost 50 years, even though it does not really exist. That is what day dreaming is all about.
By the way, I have attended a couple of recent events where Henry Winkler gave autographs and sold memorabilia. He never was, nor ever will be a motorcycle rider let alone an enthusiast. He is polite and a good speaker but a bit wimpy and a bit out of shape. It is hard to imagine he was anything like the Fonz.
If you want a rich, famous real motorcyclist then Jay Leno is the man.
Of all the bikes I have owned, the '76 R90S comes closest, but lacked the good engine sounds and slick shifting and also was not particularly smooth or reliable by today's standards. I wish the new RnineT was closer to a replacement for the R90S and had a decent seat and removable bags.
The Triumph Speed Triples I owned had great power bands for the street and have nice exhaust sounds. Current models are uglier and buzzy in right hand grip. Still a good street bike but no luggage.
My VFR800 was a bit of a disappointment. Linked brakes, non-adjustable suspension, bars too low, even with Helibars, pegs too high, hard to work on, slow turn-in, lacked low-end torque, a bit heavy for an 800. Optional side cases were very nice. V4 motor was smooth and made nice sounds. New VFR does not appear to be a big improvement.
My KTM Superduke handled the best of all, great brakes, great power band, nice sound, reliable, light weight. Excellent suspension components but a bit too stiff. Ugly overall, awful seat, too much vibes in the bars. A great bike for the Cherohala Skyway.
All 3 Ducatis were fun to ride, durable and surprisingly trouble free. The V-twin motors are better in the models tuned for modest horsepower and low-end torque. I wish Ducati would try to make practical bikes again. New Multistradas perform great but are too tall for my tastes and a bit on the ugly side, but that is a personal taste.
The Tuono V2 had a good Rotax motor but suspension was too stiff and seat was awful. Perfect handlebar height and width. Tuono V4 has great handling, good brakes, fantastic sound and power up the wazoo but is uncomfortable. Awful seat, adjustable suspension but too stiff. Poor choices for paint colors, poor dealer network. A great bike for me when I was 26, not 66.
All I4's I have owned have been good overall bikes but a bit buzzy and a bit heavy. I prefer the sound of V motors over Inline motors.
So, my perfect bike will have a V4 or triple motor tuned for mid-range, a comfortable seat (Moto Guzzi Ambassador seat), BMW or Honda luggage, Honda reliability, Harley dealer network & warranty support, handle and brake like the Superduke, compliant, adjustable suspension like K1300S, a small fairing like a FZ-1, shaft or belt drive, Harley Sportster gas mileage and weigh under 525 lbs.
Perhaps all this is too much to ask for in one bike, but that does not keep me from wanting it all. After all, that R90S was pretty close. Add a V motor or a triple and you have it. BMW was also close with the K75, but never tried to make that bike sporty enough for my tastes.
Sorry for the long post, but I have been searching for the perfect bike for almost 50 years, even though it does not really exist. That is what day dreaming is all about.
By the way, I have attended a couple of recent events where Henry Winkler gave autographs and sold memorabilia. He never was, nor ever will be a motorcycle rider let alone an enthusiast. He is polite and a good speaker but a bit wimpy and a bit out of shape. It is hard to imagine he was anything like the Fonz.
If you want a rich, famous real motorcyclist then Jay Leno is the man.