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

[Ack-CB11_imp]

I had the "Holy Grail" do all bike. 2006 BMW HP2, only 225 in the US. Loved it and sold it, sorry to say. Fun bike, 400lbs 110hp

[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/DSCI0031.jpg.html]

[Red Mist_imp]

I had the "Holy Grail" do all bike. 2006 BMW HP2, only 225 in the US. Loved it and sold it, sorry to say. Fun bike, 400lbs 110hp

[url=http://s303.photobucket.com/user/ACKCR500/media/DSCI0031.jpg.html]

Saw one of those the other day.

[thessler3_imp]

I am enjoying this topic and want to add a few more words. I am sitting here reminiscing about all the bikes I have owned - more than 30 from US, Europe & Japan. Of all the bikes I have owned the three that put the biggest smile on my face: '73 Ducati 750GT, '95 Ducati Monster and 2001 Triumph Speed Triple. Of course these bikes are out of date now, but the characteristics that made them loveable are still valid. All were reasonably light, handled great, had torque laden power bands, minimal vibration, comfortable riding position, simple to work on and all made great sounds.

I still have the Ducati 750GT, but it is no longer an everyday rider and reminds me that brakes, electronics, tires, fueling, etcetera have improved greatly since 1973. Still sounds and handles great though.

[Damfino_imp]

I am enjoying this topic and want to add a few more words. I am sitting here reminiscing about all the bikes I have owned - more than 30 from US, Europe & Japan. Of all the bikes I have owned the three that put the biggest smile on my face: '73 Ducati 750GT, '95 Ducati Monster and 2001 Triumph Speed Triple. Of course these bikes are out of date now, but the characteristics that made them loveable are still valid. All were reasonably light, handled great, had torque laden power bands, minimal vibration, comfortable riding position, simple to work on and all made great sounds.

I still have the Ducati 750GT, but it is no longer an everyday rider and reminds me that brakes, electronics, tires, fueling, etcetera have improved greatly since 1973. Still sounds and handles great though.

It would put a big smile on my face to ride that too!!

[dBuster_imp]

My wholy grail... One that runs without issues after storage. Wouldn't mind a triumph though

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[Mike Bee_imp]

My BMW K1600 comes very close. It's smooth & comfortable, fast, handles very well, gets good gas mileage, has a 7 gallon tank and has plenty of luggage that will hold a large helmet. It's a stunning motorcycle. The only downside is the cost of admission.

[thessler3_imp]

Hey Damfino that pic is of a 1974 750GT. Mine is a '73 with stainless fenders and fiberglass tank.

I think that that "ride" you were wishing for is about a 1954 model that would now be 60 years old. She does look good though.
Those BMW sixes are really smooth. They are a bit bigger than I would like and costly enough to buy two bikes. I wish they would build about a 900CC version - even if just 3 cylinders. Even though I am a big guy, I like medium size bikes.

[AzBob_imp]

My BMW K1600 comes very close. It's smooth & comfortable, fast, handles very well, gets good gas mileage, has a 7 gallon tank and has plenty of luggage that will hold a large helmet. It's a stunning motorcycle. The only downside is the cost of admission.

The price and the weight are both kinda not-so-great. Otherwise, it's an awesome bike. If I remove "going offroad" from my "one bike" criteria, the K1600GT is near the top of the list. Again, it's price kind of hurts it there, though, since the new FJR1300ES competes quite well for thousands less. I would have a hard time paying $28k for a bike when I can pay $10k less for a bike that delivers 9/10's the goods. But if money is no object, than this part of the equation obviously goes out the window.

[Flynbulldog_imp]

There are many many bikes mentioned here as someones idea of a great all-rounder that just wouldn't do it for me. Some are too big and heavy, some too limited in use, others just weren't that great in my experience.

I also have a 73 GT750 duc and I love it but honestly it wouldn't make the top of any of my lists (no offense to you thessler3 )... The bike that does come very close to the top of the list for all time fun bikes to ride is the CB1100!

I don't know why it pushes all of my buttons but I just love the new CB and have a great time riding it. Is it a perfect all-rounder? no, not even close, but it sure is a lot of fun to ride.

But in the end the obvious conclusion is that there is no perfect all rounder for every rider. we all have different ideas about bikes, handling, style, and performance so each of us has to find our own way.
I'm very comfortable in knowing what is best for me but not so much for others. good luck.

[the Ferret]

I think it also depends on what "ALL" means to the individual making the decision.

I don't do dirt anymore, so having a bike capable of doing dirt means nothing to me. I do tour so the bike has to be reasonably proficient at freeway work. I do day rides, half day rides and errand running so my all arounder has to also be light enough and docile enough for country two lane riding and city one lane duty as well. Plus it has to be comfortable ergo wise, smooth and somewhat efficient with gas, and reasonable to insure.

The CB 1100 comes pretty close to checking all the boxes. If touring wasn't on the list it would be my clear choice. The FZ I mentioned in an earlier post tours better than the CB, has better service intervals, more motor and better brakes, plus it's lighter weight and has a bigger fuel tank.

If dirt was also in my criteria, neither the FZ or CB would be at the top, then I might consider a 650 Wee Stom, 650 Versys , or Tiger 800, but then they would all be weak in the touring category.

Perfect all around motorcycle? Not yet for me.