So. Does the "one bike does all" holy grail exist? What would your pick be?

[Capo]

In reality, Henry Winkler didn't even know how to ride a motorcycle!

[calamarichris_imp]

I wonder how they got this shot then?

[davidsargee_imp]

In reality, Henry Winkler didn't even know how to ride a motorcycle!

I was just wondering about that, I think I read somewhere that he either was afraid of them, or didn't like them, or both..............

I wonder how they got this shot then?

Stunt double

[calamarichris_imp]

Huh... turns out he wasn't cool at all, just an actor. ([url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/15/henry-winkler-on-the-fonz_n_3447555.html]Click to shatter another of your cherished childhood illusions.)

[the Ferret]

Trivia from his bio

As a guest on The New Paul O'Grady Show (2004) (Nov. 18, 2009), Winkler confessed that he could not ride a motorcycle. Despite his image as an inveterate biker on the hit sitcom Happy Days (1974), Winkler never actually rode the bike on the series. During his one and only attempt at mastering the machine, Winkler took a tumble and stayed away from motorcycles after that nasty experience.

His first ride on the "Happy Days" motorcycle resulted in him crashing into the sound-van and then onwards the bike was put onto a board-on-wheels that was pulled along.

The motorcycle he rode on Happy Days (1974) was the same motorcycle Steve McQueen rode in the famous motorcycle scene at the end of The Great Escape (1963).

[Scoobynut_imp]

From the Holy Grail of do-it-all bikes to the Fonz...Oh my, how did we get here? I blame the long, loooooong, winter.

[calamarichris_imp]

Trivia from his bio

As a guest on The New Paul O'Grady Show (2004) (Nov. 18, 2009), Winkler confessed that he could not ride a motorcycle. Despite his image as an inveterate biker on the hit sitcom Happy Days (1974), Winkler never actually rode the bike on the series. During his one and only attempt at mastering the machine, Winkler took a tumble and stayed away from motorcycles after that nasty experience.

His first ride on the "Happy Days" motorcycle resulted in him crashing into the sound-van and then onwards the bike was put onto a board-on-wheels that was pulled along.

The motorcycle he rode on Happy Days (1974) was the same motorcycle Steve McQueen rode in the famous motorcycle scene at the end of The Great Escape (1963).

Poor motorcycle. From the King of Cool running from the nazis, to that wormy little poser Fonzie. (Heck, hearing Winkler's real voice, I bet Pottsie could take him.)


Got this poster up in my garage.

[Red Mist_imp]

I have heard nothing but good about the vfr 800.

I have heard bad. VTEC bad, comes on hard suddenly like a turbocharger mid-corner. New one is supposed to be better, and a little lighter. I had four of the earlier VF and VFRs and they were great. Once it became an 800 touring bike I crossed it off my list and never owned another Honda V4. It used to be a sport/racebike but morphed into a touring bike.

The KLR crowd might suggest that their bike might be the one. As an
owner, I'd have to disagree. The big single just can't cut it on the hwy.
I've never owned a BMW GS1200 Adventure, but I've read about them,
seen them in movies, and have a friend who owns one. I bet that
bike would be the 'one ' you'd want for the one bike garage.

Agree, have owned a few KLRs. Too anemic to really take on a long ride with any authority in traffic, not bad on a fire road, suspension sucks. F700GS, well, no comparison at all. The 1200 is heavy, very heavy.

Do everything bikes exist. They're just not that exciting. The NT700 and NC700X are good examples. Very capable bikes that are flexible, just no "personality."

Problem with those bikes is they really have low-grade suspension and brakes. Not much in the way of motor either. They are commuter bikes or for entry or near-entry level riders.

One bike that can do it all MUST have excellent suspension and brakes and a good, flexible engine with a broad, usable power band.

Do it all bike, needs 80-120 HP at the rear wheel. Should be between 450-550 pounds, with high-quality, adjustable suspension for preload, compression, and rebound damping at both ends. Riding position should be reasonable. Fuel tank capacity range should be around 175-200 miles to fumes. Some adventure bikes fit the bill (F700/800GS), some naked bikes as well (CB1000, R Nine T, and FZ8 come to mind), some sport-tourers even (VFR800).

The R1200GS weighs 15 lbs. LESS than the CB1100.

I have heard nothing but good about the vfr 800.

I have heard bad. VTEC bad, comes on hard suddenly like a turbocharger mid-corner. New one is supposed to be better, and a little lighter. I had four of the earlier VF and VFRs and they were great. Once it became an 800 touring bike I crossed it off my list and never owned another Honda V4. It used to be a sport/racebike but morphed into a touring bike.

The KLR crowd might suggest that their bike might be the one. As an
owner, I'd have to disagree. The big single just can't cut it on the hwy.
I've never owned a BMW GS1200 Adventure, but I've read about them,
seen them in movies, and have a friend who owns one. I bet that
bike would be the 'one ' you'd want for the one bike garage.

Agree, have owned a few KLRs. Too anemic to really take on a long ride with any authority in traffic, not bad on a fire road, suspension sucks. F700GS, well, no comparison at all. The 1200 is heavy, very heavy.

Do everything bikes exist. They're just not that exciting. The NT700 and NC700X are good examples. Very capable bikes that are flexible, just no "personality."

Problem with those bikes is they really have low-grade suspension and brakes. Not much in the way of motor either. They are commuter bikes or for entry or near-entry level riders.

One bike that can do it all MUST have excellent suspension and brakes and a good, flexible engine with a broad, usable power band.

Do it all bike, needs 80-120 HP at the rear wheel. Should be between 450-550 pounds, with high-quality, adjustable suspension for preload, compression, and rebound damping at both ends. Riding position should be reasonable. Fuel tank capacity range should be around 175-200 miles to fumes. Some adventure bikes fit the bill (F700/800GS), some naked bikes as well (CB1000, R Nine T, and FZ8 come to mind), some sport-tourers even (VFR800).

The R1200GS you commented on meets every one of your criteria (which I agree with, but would expand to include good wind protection, cruise control, and shaft drive). The R1200GS Adventure even more so. It has cruise control, excellent wind protection, heated grips, excellent load carrying capacity, a huge gas tank, and can go way, way off-road. IMO, the R1200GS Adventure is the DEFINITIVE "do everything" bike. Especially in 2014. I am well aware of the "problems" BMW bikes have had over the past few years (most revolving around the new K bike). Just about every one of the issues has been resolved, and the BMW's carry a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, so you're protected a lot longer than most other brands. Granted, the seat height of the R1200GS is a bit high, so the height-challenged probably would not like this bike all that much, but I know that people barely over 5' tall own them and ride them at the stock height and love them. The Ducati Multistrada is also a contender here, depending on whether you more highly favor being able to go off-road, or go fast (although it has no cruise control, there is an aftermarket solution). As is the Super Tenere (which is now available with cruise control).

Other than the BMW R1200RT (which is more of luxury tourer), no current sport-tourers meet all of your criteria (they all go over your weight restriction by at least 100lbs) (FJR is 637 lbs, Concours 14 is 688, K1600GT is 732). I wouldn't call the VFR800 a sport-tourer (it has to come with panniers to get that designation, in my opinion), however, once you put the panniers on it, it's coming perilously close to the upper limit of your weight restriction (it's 529lbs without bags).

The R1200GS weighs 15 lbs. LESS than the CB1100.

The R1200GS you commented on meets every one of your criteria (which I agree with, but would expand to include good wind protection, cruise control, and shaft drive). The R1200GS Adventure even more so. It has cruise control, excellent wind protection, heated grips, excellent load carrying capacity, a huge gas tank, and can go way, way off-road. IMO, the R1200GS Adventure is the DEFINITIVE "do everything" bike. Especially in 2014. I am well aware of the "problems" BMW bikes have had over the past few years (most revolving around the new K bike). Just about every one of the issues has been resolved, and the BMW's carry a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, so you're protected a lot longer than most other brands. Granted, the seat height of the R1200GS is a bit high, so the height-challenged probably would not like this bike all that much, but I know that people barely over 5' tall own them and ride them at the stock height and love them. The Ducati Multistrada is also a contender here, depending on whether you more highly favor being able to go off-road, or go fast (although it has no cruise control, there is an aftermarket solution). As is the Super Tenere (which is now available with cruise control).

Other than the BMW R1200RT (which is more of luxury tourer), no current sport-tourers meet all of your criteria (they all go over your weight restriction by at least 100lbs) (FJR is 637 lbs, Concours 14 is 688, K1600GT is 732). I wouldn't call the VFR800 a sport-tourer (it has to come with panniers to get that designation, in my opinion), however, once you put the panniers on it, it's coming perilously close to the upper limit of your weight restriction (it's 529lbs without bags). The 1200GS can go way, way off road, but it can't do what the F800GS can do, way, way, way off road.

Actually neither of those bikes can go anywhere near what I consider "way" off-road. We need a bike that weighs about 200 pounds for that. The last great dirt bike I rode was the Yamaha WR250, early 1990's, a two-stroke. The new WR250R or even the WR250X can easily leave any BMW or other adventure bike far, far behind...as can a venerable Suzuki DR650.

Even an expert cannot really ride the 1200GS the way we see it being done in the ads, and the F700/800GS series are pretty capable, but even those are really pork when the going gets rough.

However I do agree that even though the 1200GS falls a bit outside my personal criteria, it makes a hell of an all-rounder. Ironically, though, the only area in which it exceeds the F800GS Adventure is on the superslab, where effortless cruising speeds near or even above triple digits are possible.

The 800GS Adventure can certainly zip right along at 80-90 if one desires, and the 700GS can do the same and is lower and lighter yet.

Either of those fit the bill for the "ONE" bike, which by necessity cannot really excel in any one given category, but must needs be quite good in all of them

As far as the weight of the 1200GS compared to the CB1100, as was pointed out, by the time you get it outfitted it'll be the same or more, but...the GS has drastically better suspension and handling. It would not be my choice but neither would the CB1100. The CB1100 in fact is not even close or even on the list of my possible "one and only" bikes.

[thessler3_imp]

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.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

I've always wondered how much Leno rides. He certainly is an avid collector but does he USE his stuff much?

Leno seems like a super nice fellow. I'd be very disappointed if he wasn't the gentleman I think he is. I just like the fellow.