Your favorite motorcycles

[Ole]

Agreed, fantastic pictures Ole. And what a ride! And that bear! It looks as though you and the VTX have him bluffed, but I'm damn sure if I saw that critter I'd be on the gas and not look back for a loooong time. The thought of hitting one of those on a bike makes me break out in hysterical laughter. I guess if you survived the collision you wouldn't go back and check on the bear.

My 2000 W650 is the light of my life and the fire of my loins. I'm sad Kawasaki only imported them here for two years, and I wish they'd consider importing the W800.
Kick and electric start, bevel-shaft driven cam (much quieter than a camchain, but also finicky), higher finish than the new Bonneville, and the exhaust system is dual-walled so the pipes stay chrome. I've had a lot of bikes and each one has it's faults and virtues, but the W650 is the sweetest bike I've ever ridden.

They are a lovely bike. I have put about 1600kms on a W400 and own a '61 Bonneville (Sky Blue on silver - pre unit), so you can see my attachment to that look. The W600 and W800 have been good sellers here in Oz and are still selling well. My nephew just bought a nice red example, new. Not so the CB, now discontinued here with no '14 models being considered.

Cheers

THAT was one pissed off grizzly. I saw dozens of bears on that trip but it was 10,000 miles. I was between Tok and Beaver Creek Alaska. There was this wide cleared swath through the bush. A natural gas pipeline. I saw this old bear working down the clearing to the highway. He was an old male my pics dont show it but he was battle-scarred.
anyway

It took him a good half hour to hit the highway. He turned left and just kept watching me from the ditch. I was idling the bike and walking it with him? After about a minute of this nonsense he stated OK enough of this cuss cheesehead. His ears went flat and he started clomping his jaws I could hear his teeth making clicking sounds. I put the cam away when he was about 15 feet from me and he was a coming all pissed. In my mirrors I saw him cross the road and went on his merry way,,,

All this was happening with my low fuel light on. Funny thing was, about 4 to 5 miles down the road, I RAN OUT OF FUEL. Can you imagine running out of fuel when he was a coming with his jaws clenched and ears flat?
uffda
I had a spare gallon of fuel on the bike and used it three times on this wander

 

[Cormanus]

Didn't know kaw made a W 400. Does it look like the larger ones?

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=W400&...3&ie=UTF-8

 

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Didn't know kaw made a W 400. Does it look like the larger ones?

The following is a "review". Grey import only available in Oz. My original intention was to cafe it but, after serious negotiation with the "Home Office", bless her, I ditched it and bought the CB.

Quote

Kawasaki’s W650 missed out by a whisker from being included in the Learner Approved Motorcycle scheme. It’s a shame because in some ways, with its torquey long-stroke engine, it’s better for learners than the 400 version.
By changing the crankshaft and conrods, Kawasaki converted the 650’s 72 x 83mm bore and stroke to an engine with the same bore but a stroke of just 49mm. Torque dropped from a respectable 57.2Nm (42.2ft-lb) at 5600rpm to a still healthy but lower 29Nm (21.4ft-lb) at 6000rpm.

Surprisingly, you can’t feel much loss of a change in performance when you ride the smaller-engined bike. This is largely because the gearbox ratios have also been changed to lower the gearing overall. The 400 will stay with the 650 up to the legal speed limit but will run out of legs earlier.

The W400, though, isn’t about performance. Kawasaki started making vertical twins in 1967 (earlier, if you include the Meguro versions which Kawasaki acquired). Think about this: Kawasaki has been making vertical twins for longer than Ducati has been making V-twins. The company has a proud heritage and this is reflected in the styling of the W400. Yes, it resembles the look of earlier British vertical twins, but it’s very much its own bike.

With near-identical chassis specifications to the 650 (the seat height on the 400 is slightly lower), the 400 shares the 650s attributes of small dimensions and nimble handling. The upright riding position makes it easy to ride around town and it would be fine for shorter-distance touring. Fuel consumption will range between 20 and 24km/l depending on your throttle use. A tank capacity of 14 litres gives it a range of around 280km.

While production of the W650 started in 1999, the W400 wasn’t introduced in Japan until 2006. The W400s now available in Australia are grey imports – second-hand from Japan but generally with very low kilometres. Our oriental brothers love modifying ‘classic’ bikes and you’ll have a variety of styles from which to select.

Our W400 testbike came from Sumoto in North Melbourne (Vic) and prices there range from $9000 – $10,000. There’s a lot of competition in this bracket from LAMS bikes which are both new and faster, but nothing else available - other than perhaps the Enfield Bullet - has the classic style and class of the W400. Ride with pride.

Cheers

 

[the Ferret]

Huh, very cool. Thanks for the links and descriptions fellas.

 

[the Ferret]

Bringing this to the top so maybe others can contribute.....

But let me add this, in post number 1, I said it was too early to tell if the CB 1100 was going to make my favorites list. I think when you like a particular motorcycle enough to buy 2 of them (like the 01 and 04 FZ-s on my list and a couple others who have bought 2 VTX 1300s) that the bike probably qualifies as a personal favorite, and I believe it does for me, now that I've bought another CB1100. Although basically having the same heart, the 13 and 14 are so different, they may end of occupying two different spots on my list. One may end up ranking higher than the other ( whereas the FZ-1s share the same spot since they were identical other than year). But which will rank higher, the sporty original, or the refined replacement?

As a self professed ( and my wife would say obsessed) motorcycle nut, life is interesting, that's for sure.

 

[thessler3_imp]

Good topic! 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 also had a '76 BMW R90S that was a great all-around sport tourer. All of today's so called sport tourers are too big, too tall or two complicated to match up to the R90S. BMW should wise up and make a retro R90S. Take an RnineT, add a decent seat, side cases and mini-fairing and you have it. Oh, put mag wheels on it. I am tired of truing spoked wheels.

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.

 

[StackMan_imp]

Fun reading all your experiences and different ways of looking at what makes a favorite. I started pretty young on a Honda 50, then a 70 but when I got the XR75 I really started to love riding. I had a buddy down the street that had the same bike and we were constantly racing each other (he usually won) didn't matter how bad the whether was either, the muddier the better. I swear I rode that bike every day for 3 or 4 years. later I got myself around town, to and from collage on a CB100 and a little 50cc road bike (cant remember the model but it would turn 10k rpm and do 54mph and get 100mpg) Trail 90, Kawasaki 238 green streak, and a 650 nighthawk.
Fun remembering...

 

[Copiche_imp]

MV Agusta F3 675 . Sex on wheels.

 

[Elipten_imp]

Yea but hard to get parts in a few years!


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[the Ferret]

I only have 288 miles on my 14 DLX but unless something catastrophic happens it will be #1 among my favorite bikes, moving ahead of the 77 Kawasaki KZ1000B, which will place above the 13 CB 1100 which will be number 3 on my list. In fourth will be the two FZ-1s. I think the Honda ST 1300 has come up on the list to place ahead of the GS850G Suzuki, followed by the GS1100E Suzuki. Number 8 would be the GT 750 Suzuki, I think my BSA Rocket 3 will make # 9 on my list, just because it was the fastest british bike available when it came out, it had an awesome sound, and it's 3 cylinder engine was unique at the time, as were it's exhaust. I think final placing on my personal top 10 would be... Uhhh...can't make up my mind between my 750 Nighthawk, my 305 Honda Scrambler, my 73 TX 650 Yamaha or my 2003 Triumph Bonneville. Will have to ponder that awhile. I did buy (3) 650 Yamahas over the years. The only bike I have bought 3 of, but the Bonnie was a much much better motorcycle.The 750 Nighthawk was a reliable as an anvil workhorse but needed more hp and better brakes (just like the Bonneville). The 305 Scrambler was my first big bike and opened up the world to me. I guess if one were to ask of those 4 bikes, which one would I like to walk out and see in my garage right now, it would be the 305 Scrambler, so the venerable Honda CL 77 takes the last spot in my personal top 10 favorite motorcycles that I have owned.

 

[redbirds_imp]

I only have 288 miles on my 14 DLX but unless something catastrophic happens it will be #1 among my favorite bikes, moving ahead of the 77 Kawasaki KZ1000B, which will place above the 13 CB 1100 which will be number 3 on my list. In fourth will be the two FZ-1s. I think the Honda ST 1300 has come up on the list to place ahead of the GS850G Suzuki, followed by the GS1100E Suzuki. Number 8 would be the GT 750 Suzuki, I think my BSA Rocket 3 will make # 9 on my list, just because it was the fastest british bike available when it came out, it had an awesome sound, and it's 3 cylinder engine was unique at the time, as were it's exhaust. I think final placing on my personal top 10 would be... Uhhh...can't make up my mind between my 750 Nighthawk, my 305 Honda Scrambler, my 73 TX 650 Yamaha or my 2003 Triumph Bonneville. Will have to ponder that awhile. I did buy (3) 650 Yamahas over the years. The only bike I have bought 3 of, but the Bonnie was a much much better motorcycle.The 750 Nighthawk was a reliable as an anvil workhorse but needed more hp and better brakes (just like the Bonneville). The 305 Scrambler was my first big bike and opened up the world to me. I guess if one were to ask of those 4 bikes, which one would I like to walk out and see in my garage right now, it would be the 305 Scrambler, so the venerable Honda CL 77 takes the last spot in my personal top 10 favorite motorcycles that I have owned.

That new ride must be something special Ferret. Have to admit that the more I look at the '14 DLX the more I like it. I may have to get one but I'll keep the '13. It's a sweetheart.

 

[the Ferret]

redbirds.. for me the 14 DLX is the entire package! Great looks, terrific power, sharp handling, excellent ergos, comfort, good range, nice amenities, a slick shifting trans with overdrive, the awesome brakes with ABS topped off with typical Honda fit & finish ... For me it just could not have been a better choice. I am so happy with this motorcycle. I liked my 13..a lot..but this is IT for me.

 

[avsbezzy_imp]

redbirds.. for me the 14 DLX is the entire package! Great looks, terrific power, sharp handling, excellent ergos, comfort, good range, nice amenities, a slick shifting trans with overdrive, the awesome brakes with ABS topped off with typical Honda fit & finish ... For me it just could not have been a better choice. I am so happy with this motorcycle. I liked my 13..a lot..but this is IT for me.

100% agreed, 423 miles on mine, I predict a long relationship between us two. I love the simplicity and sophistication of it all. This is IT for me too.

 

[ride4now_imp]

I'm enjoying reading about all the miles you guys are racking up... and seeing the pictures. Alas, I haven't even crossed 100 yet. And the next few weekends look 'taken' so maybe in May. However, I 'think' I will end up ranking all my bikes like this...at least from what I know right now.

1. '14 Honda CB 1100 DLX
2. '04 Harley Superglide (but still very close to #1)
3. '70 Kawsasaki H1 500. (I wish I still had this bike)
4. '09 Kawasaki KLR650
5. '71 Yamaha CT175
6. '13 Honda CB1100
7. '77 Yamaha DT250
8. '75 Kawasaki KZ400
9. '03 Harley 883 Sportster

:biker:

 

[tomas_imp]

Many of us have had multiple if not many motorcycles. It's only natural that some of those bikes would be your favorites.

As far as street bikes go, I have had 6 Harleys, 9 Hondas, 3 Suzukis, 1 Kawasaki, 7 Yamahas, 1 Triumph and 1 BSA ( plus a bunch of dirt bikes...mostly Yamahas)

There are several that stand out in my mind:

77 KZ 1000 B Kawasaki (probably my all time favorite, big, powerful, smooth, beautifully proportioned, ...and much like the CB 1100)
04 and 01 FZ-1 Yamahas (like the bike so much I bought 2 of them..awesome power, brakes and handling, big tank, 6 speed, great solo sport tourer with soft luggage and a tank bag)
81 GS 850 G Suzuki (nice mid size shafty, very comfortable and large fuel capacity)
83 GS 1100 E Suzuki ( brute of a motorcycle for its time)
76 GT 750 Suzuki ( really nice tourer with a Windjammer 3 Fairing, Bates trunk and Eclipse tank bag...and I loved that 2 stroke 3 cylinder burble at idle and wail while accelerating.)

These have been my all time favs. One thing that stands out to me, is they all my favs have inline motors and are mostly liter bikes. I've had singles, twins..both v's and parallel, triples, and fours both inlines and V's.... 2 strokes and 4 strokes, air cooled, and liquid cooled, automatics, 3 speeds 4 speeds,5 speeds, and 6 speeds, electric start and kick start, chain drive, belt drive and shaft drives, carbureted and fuel injected, and I just keep coming back to those big 4 stroke inline 4 liter bikes.

Honorable mentions:

06 Honda ST 1300 ( Simply awesome for long distance travel, but a pia around town where its weight and bulk become a liability)

2000 Honda 750 Nighthawk ( great very low maintenance all arounder with hydraulic valves. Easy to work on when you had to, no epa crap. On the downside it was small, and lacked power and brakes ... Things the CB 11 address)

Havent had the CB 11 long enough to see if it will make the list of all time favs but it certainly has the credentials to do so. Wish it held more gas, but thats a small matter, at 63, I can only ride so far these days anyway before I need to get off and straighten achy parts.

So, of all the bikes you've owned, which have been your favs? And why?

Like you also Ferret I've own many motorcycles in my 40+ years of riding. But my top three street bikes if I had to pick would be,

1} 2007 Ducati St4s, gray with orange rims.
2} 1985 V-max, purple
3} 1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon

I enjoyed these bikes a lot, wish I still had them.

 

[the Ferret]

Bringing this back up to go with the thread on disappointing bikes that recently made it to the front page. Both threads are fun reads and we have a lot of new members that can add to them.

I only have 288 miles on my 14 DLX but unless something catastrophic happens it will be #1 among my favorite bikes, moving ahead of the 77 Kawasaki KZ1000B, which will place above the 13 CB 1100 which will be number 3 on my list. In fourth will be the two FZ-1s. I think the Honda ST 1300 has come up on the list to place ahead of the GS850G Suzuki, followed by the GS1100E Suzuki. Number 8 would be the GT 750 Suzuki, I think my BSA Rocket 3 will make # 9 on my list, just because it was the fastest british bike available when it came out, it had an awesome sound, and it's 3 cylinder engine was unique at the time, as were it's exhaust. I think final placing on my personal top 10 would be... Uhhh...can't make up my mind between my 750 Nighthawk, my 305 Honda Scrambler, my 73 TX 650 Yamaha or my 2003 Triumph Bonneville. Will have to ponder that awhile. I did buy (3) 650 Yamahas over the years. The only bike I have bought 3 of, but the Bonnie was a much much better motorcycle.The 750 Nighthawk was a reliable as an anvil workhorse but needed more hp and better brakes (just like the Bonneville). The 305 Scrambler was my first big bike and opened up the world to me. I guess if one were to ask of those 4 bikes, which one would I like to walk out and see in my garage right now, it would be the 305 Scrambler, so the venerable Honda CL 77 takes the last spot in my personal top 10 favorite motorcycles that I have owned.

On a side note my 14 dlx which had less than 300 miles on it when I wrote the above post, now has over 18,000 miles on it and indeed tops my list. And my ST 1300 has really come up on the list to at least 4th. When I wrote this originally I had 34,000 miles on it and now it has 67,000 miles and we've spent a lot of time together since I retired incl a trip to Cali and back. I like the bike a lot and have considered buying another as backup. If I were 10 years younger I probably would, but at a soon to be 66, my next bike will be smaller and lighter. Thinking SV650 variant, or FZ09 variant or Versys 650????

Not getting rid of my CB1100 though. She's a keeper.

 

[4 Paws_imp]

Loved them all and puts lots of miles on most. Only two I miss are the ST1100 - rock solid dependable and go anywhere anytime; and my Triumph T100, underpowered good looking classic. Only regretted selling it after getting into sidecars and realizing the potential that Triumph had.

Learned to ride on a 68 CL350 I bought for $375 in 1971 when I moved to NC as a senior in high school. Wow! Total freedom - lived in the country near nothing and rode the tires off that beast. Farm roads, fire roads, trails and endless miles of countryside.

Bought bigger bikes as the years passed and kept riding. Never lost the love of motorcycling. Never ever felt the same about a car and don't miss any of them, can barely remember most but can reminisce for hours about the motorcycles and rides we took.

Back to Honda again for the rock solid no surprises engineering.

 

[gbpack89_imp]

Terrible picture I know but my favorite bike was my '74 CB550 Four. Had her when I was17 (2007) and it was the coolest bike ever in my opinion. Rode it everywhere! Even at 6'4 and 195lbs it was fast! Flat out and laying on the tank I could hit 125mph. I'm sure I looked silly on it but I didn't care it was fun

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[paul kellam_imp]

3hp jc penneys minibike
honda trail 70
kawasaki KH400 triple
kawasaki 750 twin
honda cb750c
honda cb900c
honda cb900 c (had 2)
honda cb 1100
out of all of them the quickest was the KH 400 triple (2 stroke) wheelie machine

 

[redbirds_imp]

Terrible picture I know but my favorite bike was my '74 CB550 Four. Had her when I was17 (2007) and it was the coolest bike ever in my opinion. Rode it everywhere! Even at 6'4 and 195lbs it was fast! Flat out and laying on the tank I could hit 125mph. I'm sure I looked silly on it but I didn't care it was fun

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First memory I have of Honda's down sized 4cyl's is this cover shot on Cycle of then 15 year old Bo Derek. She and the bike are a "Ten".
http://forums.cycleworld.com/showthread....0&page=407