04-08-2015, 11:55 AM
Reliability is number one on my list when looking for a bike. I use motorcycles for daily transportation and I don't have the time, resources or patience to be repairing stuff beyond the normal consumables (i.e. tires, oil, brake pads...)
I started out on reliable Japanese bikes. In my naive youth, I wandered into the world of American and British made bikes, looking to increase my "cool factor" (note : this was in the early 80s). I was horrified at the difference in reliability. I went from never having been stranded on the side of the road, to that being a regular (and embarrasing) occurrence. I happily returned to the world of ultra reliable, but less cool Japanese bikes. No regrets.
I started out on reliable Japanese bikes. In my naive youth, I wandered into the world of American and British made bikes, looking to increase my "cool factor" (note : this was in the early 80s). I was horrified at the difference in reliability. I went from never having been stranded on the side of the road, to that being a regular (and embarrasing) occurrence. I happily returned to the world of ultra reliable, but less cool Japanese bikes. No regrets.