Author Topic: Which bike would you buy ? (Read 9806 times)

1 Thump · **on:** August 29, 2010, 10:59:34 pm

1. If money was not an issue , and you had to buy ONE brand new in-production bike, which one would you buy? And why ?

2. Same question, but with a price limit of a) 10k b) 15k c) 20k d) 25k e) >25k

r80rt · **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2010, 11:06:06 pm

C5 military.

Rick O'Shea · **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2010, 11:52:18 pm

I would buy the most expensive Harley Davidson made, sell it and buy 5 or 6 RE's to play with

.Just playing, probably a Triumph T100: I just like the British Bikes.

ScooterBob · **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:12:33 am

MAN! - What a tough question ..... The "short list" would be, in no particular order:

New Norton
New Triumph Bonneville or Thruxton
New C5 with the ScooterBob bling-job!

I aspire to the likes of Aprilia and Ducati ..... but you can't REALLY ride those bikes. I'm beyond "The Need for Speed" .... I just like to ride and have a useful tool on two wheels. Not a lot of new stuff trips my trigger. It's all to "specialised" - like the new Victory "Jack Pin Eight Hammer Ball" or what EVER they call 'em .... total styling crap, IMHO. "Factory" and "Custom" are two words that SHOULD be mutually exclusive of each other - except for the biker whose only tool is a credit card ..... sheesh!

I have an old V92C Victrola that I really like - It looks a lot like a motorcycle should - not a weed-inspired tattoo artists rendering on the milk-white inner thigh of a fat chick ..... Sorry, Arlen - I know they pay you well for that gig .... ! Anyhoo - There we go - pretty much "traditional" motorcycles .....

UncleErnie · **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:24:19 am

Has to be new... That's tough because I don't really want any new bikes.
Kawasaki is bring a W800 that looks good. Either that or a Guzzi V7.

Now if my genie said I get one VINTAGE bike -
BMW R59S

Rick O'Shea · **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:33:43 am

Yea, that Norton would be cool.

jdrouin · **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2010, 02:58:52 am

This is a tough one because, of the modern bikes I do actually like, they're all on the low end of the price scale. I really had to look around to pick things for 2c-e.

1. BMW R1200 GS Adventure

2. a) H-D Sportster 1200 Low

b) BMW F800ST

c) H-D FLHRC Road King Classic

d) H-D FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited

e) MV Agusta F4-1000 Senna

scoTTy · **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:05:18 am

well the Triumph Thunderbird comes to mind.. but at 6'2" and the seat being 27 1/2 inches off the ground I fear my knees would be in my armpits..

the new go fast BMW is sweet.. but even the guys that tested it are a little skeered of it , and at 62,,, I might not make it to 63 on one of them

I really liked my olde BMW 89 to 91 .. fit me well.. but that was then and this is now ...my legs are a litlle stiff

so lets see... gold wing.. naa.. too big..

Harley... considered a fatboy.. but my wife who rides a Harley said she thought I was too cool for a Harley..

I do need another big bike though...

hmmm..

clamp · **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:25:46 am

Kawasaki V 2200, oh no no maybe a big Honda, -what is it a VTX?

Actually can I not have a bike and have the money instead. I would buy a new truck --thank you.

Matthew Harris · **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:30:00 am

a brand new Triumph T100 Bonnie, the black one with the white stripe on the gas tank, and with it a Cozy sidecar. then my wife could go riding around with me.

the RE is just for ME ME ME. oops, sounding kinda selfish there. its just that my wife thinks that a chair on the Bullet wont go very fast. I mean, whats the point of going fast, the important part is looking good going, right?

Anon · **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:25:13 am

Pretty easy for me - first choice is a tie between a C5 or an Ural sT. Next on the list would be between a T120 Bonneville, Triumph Scrambler, or a Moto Guzzi V7. Not really anything else out there I'm interested in.

Eamon

1 Thump · **Reply #11 on:** August 30, 2010, 06:46:49 am

MV Augusta Brutalle

BMW R 1200 R

ScooterBob · **Reply #12 on:** August 30, 2010, 02:31:49 pm

Oh! - Thanks for that, guys!! I TOTALLY spaced the Ural GearUp and the new V7 Sport from Moto Guzzi! They are "Top Tenners" on my list as well .......

Ragmas · **Reply #13 on:** August 30, 2010, 02:43:37 pm

Paint it black and put a tractor seat on it and this is what I would buy.

http://www.hdtusa.com/vehicle-m1030-m2.php

I'm just a sucker fopr military usefullness.

Sam

TheFatMan · **Reply #14 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:06:56 pm

I'm a surgeon. I had been off of a bike for 20+ years with school, more school, residency then kids, I just didn't have the time, and a car was just more practical. I had the choice of a number of bikes to "get back into it" and I bought a C5 military for a bunch of reasons.:
It's light and handles light, I didn't want a half ton cruiser when getting back on the horse.
It is just underpowered enough that I wouldn't be tempted to do something stupid.
It has enough power that I'm not an impediment to traffic.
I LOVE the styling
It just put a smile on my face
All that said, the Triumph Thruxton is very cool, and I almost (almost) went that way, and where I live, winter is long and summer is quite short... I gave some thought to a Ural sidecar rig, but I'd never driven one and didn't know if it would be as much fun as two wheels. In the end, I'm quite happy with my C5. It now has just over 600 miles (in a month) and is breaking in quite nicely.

ScooterBob · **Reply #15 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:26:40 pm

Quote from: Ragmas on August 30, 2010, 02:43:37 pm

Paint it black and put a tractor seat on it and this is what I would buy.

http://www.hdtusa.com/vehicle-m1030-m2.php

I'm just a sucker fopr military usefullness.

Sam

Gawd A-Mighty! I WANT me one of THEM!! Mean, green and DIESEL!! I give that a BIG "HAIL YEAH!"

Cabo Cruz · **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2010, 03:28:05 pm

Br. Man, that was a very good summary of reasons for buying a Royal Enfield. Among the points I make to those who ask me about the Bullet (I have a 2004 Iron Barrel Sixty-5) are: 1) the Bullet is a very forgiving bike and 2) it makes me a better rider than I am. I believe these two points go along with the ones in your previous post.

Enjoy your C5 Military in good health!

singhg5 · **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2010, 04:06:18 pm

New Triumph Bonneville
New Norton Commando
New Moto Guzzi V7 classic
New Ducati sport classic
- that will do for now

jdrouin · **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2010, 04:18:29 pm

I'd seriously look at a 2WD Ural as my Winter and errands "car," with the Bullet for the rest of the year round.

t120rbullet · **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

Anon · **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:06:02 pm

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

I'm not even close to being able to afford another bike right now, but I really like those!

Eamon

ScooterBob · **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2010, 05:14:35 pm

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

That almost SHOULD be a better bike than the original BMW airheads ....... I'd sure ride one .......

1 Thump · **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2010, 08:33:15 pm

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

That is one sweet bike.

baird4444 · **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2010, 11:29:37 pm

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

is it yours yet or just on this side of the water?
and...
have you told the wife yet??

luoma · **Reply #24 on:** August 31, 2010, 12:08:54 am

Beleive it or not, it's a brand new 1948 reproduction 84ci flathead

luoma · **Reply #25 on:** August 31, 2010, 12:13:08 am

Sorry, can't figure out hoe to attach a photo

t120rbullet · **Reply #26 on:** August 31, 2010, 12:55:07 am

Quote from: baird4444 on August 30, 2010, 11:29:37 pm

is it yours yet or just on this side of the water?
and...
have you told the wife yet??

It's in between Indianapolis and here on an Old Dominion truck. Should be here tomorrow.

No the wife doesn't know yet but tomorrow is her birthday. A perfect day to tell her what I got myself for her birthday.
On another note, a friend of mine picked up a box stock 1970 RE Interceptor and wants to swap me for my hot rod Triumph. Might be a "moving" month for my garage.
Only problem is I don't have a bike to ride to the Rally on the River in a few weeks. Everything I have is either too new, too old or too broke including my pickup truck.
Should have kept the Harley for 1 more year.
CJ

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **Reply #27 on:** August 31, 2010, 02:34:29 am

First white one in CA. came into Ski's shop.

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **Reply #28 on:** August 31, 2010, 02:46:00 am

First one crashed. Rider suffered a broken collarbone. Bike slid, ripped off mirror, fairing etc and was still driveable. Tough bike.

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **Reply #29 on:** August 31, 2010, 02:49:59 am

New Kawasaki W800

prof_stack · **Reply #30 on:** August 31, 2010, 06:39:42 am

How about a new Yamaha SR400?

Watch this video: (it's for real)
http://www.diginfo.tv/2010/04/08/10-0048-r-en.php

I had the '78 SR500 from '78 to '86. I love the styling.

But I have to say that I prefer the C5 styling now.

baird4444 · **Reply #31 on:** August 31, 2010, 01:08:43 pm

" Only problem is I don't have a bike to ride to the Rally on the River in a few weeks. Everything I have is either too new, too old or too broke including my pickup truck.
Should have kept the Harley for 1 more year.
CJ "

so what's up with the G-spot?
I thought they got you the harness and all is good.
The trade fer the 1970 RE sounds right up your alley! we are going
to need pics of this.

single · **Reply #32 on:** August 31, 2010, 01:46:44 pm

Some Harley 1200cc Sportster type thingy.Whatever was on the floor that did not quite make me feel like a monkey on an elephant.If this is a dream kinda thing,I would load all the new bikes I could get on my car hauler and call it a day.After the Harley I'd get a Victory.America first.Then the Thruxton,Moto Guzzi,BMW,Enfield.Be kinda fun.

ScooterBob · **Reply #33 on:** August 31, 2010, 04:13:34 pm

Quote from: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 31, 2010, 02:49:59 am

New Kawasaki W800

Hmmm - I OBVIOUSLY need to get out more ..... I haven't seen one of those - but BOY! - Do I like the looks of it! Very "traditional" styling - and you know you could whip it like a red-headed step child and it'd still be all good ...... and it's GREEN!

ScooterBob · **Reply #34 on:** August 31, 2010, 04:17:41 pm

Quote from: prof_stack on August 31, 2010, 06:39:42 am

How about a new Yamaha SR400?

Watch this video: (it's for real)
http://www.diginfo.tv/2010/04/08/10-0048-r-en.php

I had the '78 SR500 from '78 to '86. I love the styling.

But I have to say that I prefer the C5 styling now.

DANG! That little SR400 Yamaha is ANOTHER one that looks good to me ..... I wonder if that will magically appear in the USA? Cool .......

Anon · **Reply #35 on:** August 31, 2010, 08:00:28 pm

Is Kawasaki really going to do the W800 in the USA? Looks pretty cool, as does that SR400.

I was thinking the other day how it would be cool if Suzuki dropped the 650 single from their S40 (Savage) into the TU250 chassis.

Eamon

StephenCB · **Reply #36 on:** August 31, 2010, 08:54:42 pm

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

That looks NIIICE!

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · **Reply #37 on:** August 31, 2010, 11:24:54 pm

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/august/aug2710-kawasaki-w800-is-real/

r80rt · **Reply #38 on:** September 01, 2010, 12:28:00 am

Quote from: t120rbullet on August 30, 2010, 04:47:42 pm

Ahhhhhhhhhh, the only maroon sT in the US.

I love it, my birthday is coming up, wanna get me one too?

1Blackwolf1 · **Reply #39 on:** September 01, 2010, 01:21:40 am

Quote from: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on August 31, 2010, 11:24:54 pm

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/august/aug2710-kawasaki-w800-is-real/

Now that's nice. Liked the W650, really like this one. How many clams for this baby I wonder.

1 Thump · **Reply #40 on:** September 03, 2010, 08:09:37 pm

Consider this one : Chrysler Tomahawk

Its a concept bike that Chrysler built with a V10 dodge viper engine. This thing hauls a** .

http://cad.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=27140

boggy · **Reply #41 on:** September 03, 2010, 10:15:42 pm

Man I would be tickled if they brought that W800 to the U.S. I think the W650 was here for a year or two??? I can't find any used ones. The TU250 is just TOO dang small.

Funny... I love most bikes. I really do love sport bikes too. But when I think about purchasing a new bike, I always stray towards anything retro. I like the Bonnie, but not enough to buy for some reason. That W800 looks just about right though.

But, it clashes with my goal of being the first guy in the US to nab that RE Cafe that was shown in India last year. Good gravy, I think they scanned my brain when designing that baby. ScooterBob... is it too soon to place my order?

roberte · **Reply #42 on:** September 03, 2010, 10:26:39 pm

Vintage Indian.....or one of the new ones.

ScooterBob · **Reply #43 on:** September 04, 2010, 12:42:06 am

Quote from: boggy on September 03, 2010, 10:15:42 pm

But, it clashes with my goal of being the first guy in the US to nab that RE Cafe that was shown in India last year. Good gravy, I think they scanned my brain when designing that baby. ScooterBob... is it too soon to place my order?

I dunno - I thought I was going to be the first for THAT one ..... Hahaha! It's SO hard to "read" the Factory guys ..... They come up with GREAT ideas - then get buried in some sh!t storm (new parts supplies, vendors ducking out, the rainy season, the gearbox thing .... ) and the great idea gets delayed and delayed ...... I'm SURE that if it gets done and they ARE going to bring it here that the news will spread like warm peanut butter! Keep your fingers crossed!

r80rt · **Reply #44 on:** September 04, 2010, 12:55:58 am

You know the Brough Superior SS100 is being reproduced don't you?

prof_stack · **Reply #45 on:** September 04, 2010, 12:59:14 am

Quote from: r80rt on September 04, 2010, 12:55:58 am

You know the Brough Superior SS100 is being reproduced don't you?

Reproduced or re-produced?

r80rt · **Reply #46 on:** September 04, 2010, 01:01:25 am

boggy · **Reply #47 on:** September 04, 2010, 05:12:14 pm

Look, I've already made an ass of myself by declaring to my wife that I was buying that cafe racer in 2012. Those guys in India better not blow it for me. Ok ScooterBob... you get it on weekends, and every other Friday. I get it on weekdays.

singhg5: I like your picks.
jdrouin: Really like the F800 style, but I prefer the S to the ST. Only sold 2 years in the states and I let a beautiful one slip through my fingers.

My list might look different. I hope I don't come off as too "youthful."

1. If money was not an issue , and you had to buy ONE brand new in-production bike, which one would you buy? And why ?

Ducati Hypermotard 796. It's ugly, sure... but I think it would make the best Boston commuter. Our best roads rival some trials trails out there. Tall, upright. Nimble. Power up and down, but not too much. Oh... and the perfect amount of hooligan. I'm really into the Motards... even though that is the worst name for anything, ever.

2. Same question, but with a price limit of a) 10k b) 15k c) 20k d) 25k e) >25k

a.) AVL or EFI Bullet with Continental or Scrambler kit.
b.) Honda 600RR with ABS.
c.) New Norton Commando
d.) Aprilia RSV4
e.) Any machine from Deus or Wrenchmonkeys (do those count?).

I could interchange a few dozen different bikes anywhere in there, but this list might give an idea of my diverse interests. I would totally ride a Honda Monkey or Gorilla too without hesitation.