Have you ever owned your dream-bike?

[SIR REAL ED]

The sure are peppy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b9ReafP9U0

From the audio, I'd guess he is not exceeding 7-8,000 rpm.  11,000 rpm is available.  That guy is leaving a lot of horsepower unused!!!

Stock gearing on my RXV allowed 98 mph at 11,000 rpm.  it would easily wheelie in fourth at 40 mph under partial throttle.  First, eecond, and third gear were BE CAREFUL gears!

I went up 2 teeth on the countershaft sprocket and down 11 teeth on the rear wheel sprocket.  IIRC, it was then geared for 135 mph at 11,000 rpm.  It still wheelied so easily in first gear as to make first gear almost unusable. 

If I let anyone ride I always said "First thing: cover the rear brake, and don't give it any gas until you get in second gear!  Yes, I am serious!!"

[Turin]

I remember Greg Field saying that the RXV/SXV were serious bikes and not for amateurs. Certainly a dream bike to me!

[Denis]

I still own an '87 1000 SPII that I bought new in 1990 after sitting on the showroom floor for those three years and me looking at it and wanting it for most of that time.
And in 1993 I bought a '74 Eldorado that I still own.
Other bikes have come and gone and some others have come and stayed, but I suppose the SP II and the Eldorado are near and dear to my heart. They are old friends.

[Bad Two Stroke]

Most of my bikes need something or everything when I get them. I think that means something significant. Sometimes it can take a very long and difficult time to get them right. They don't always stay right, but when they are right it's pretty satisfying. Then I start again. Still want that Laverda, or maybe an 850T, 350four, finish my DT250, should have kept that RZ, 69 H1, 441 Victor??

[s1120]

Ive never had my "dream" bike..  As a kid bopping around on my Z50A Minitrail, I lusted over the ST90. That was the bike to have. Once I got older I really wanted a Suzuki TS185. A friend of my dads owned a Suzuki dealer, and I was saving money for it, but then other things in life pushed it aside . Started riding street bikes in my mid 20's with a GS400, and lusted over the GS1100ES!! It was the one for me! Well after moving up to a GS650 I saw my first Ducuti. My local dealer had a left over 750 sport on the floor. I had most of the money saved, and had my 650 on consignment...  The 750 sold before the GS did. After that the beltdirve 900ss came out, and also I had a chance to ride a 1000S, and also a sweet K75S..  3 new bikes to dream for. Shortly after life changed. Bought some land, built a house, had some kids, and was even bikeless for about 10 years. No real "dream bike" now..  I like my cali stone..  and would still like to get a 1000S [not likely because of raising values] K75S, [getting old, but might still ] or a 900SS.[not likely to enjoy this due to my size, and age..]
  All in all im still happy with my Biking history. I didnt have my dream bikes, but I have had some real good, nice bikes, that I have spent a lot of enjoyable hours/miles on. No regrets.

[SIR REAL ED]

I remember Greg Field saying that the RXV/SXV were serious bikes and not for amateurs. Certainly a dream bike to me!

They are race bikes, similar to a CR450F, KX450F, etc.  The pistons don't have oil control rings so they have a healthy appetitive for oil.

They came with a weird throttle stop that only allowed the throttle to be 1/8th open.  IIRC 40mm throttle bodies, and you could not drop a 8mm ball bearing thru the injector wide open.

Due to some marvelous bureaucratic mix-ups, they were able to be titled and licensed for street use.  It took a couple years for the EPA & NHTSA to catch up with the F-up!  The Feds were not happy!

In 2012, you could buy a leftover 2007, for half of what it sold for in 2007, and you got a second parts? bike at no additional cost!!!! 

The conventional wisdom in 2012 was:  "Don't start a new 2007 RXV/SXV.  Pull the engine & send it to Alan Noland (or the other gurus, depending on where you live) for a full rebuild & re-seal with non-oil soluble sealant!"  After running the bike for about 5 minutes (I could not resist) and finding out the even at 1/10th throttle it would still wheelie in fourth gear, I pulled the engine and sent it to Alan.  Of course there were broken bolts in the gearbox and the valve clearances were out of spec.  At that point Alan had rebuilt over 300 new engines and said:  "Out of the eight valves in the motor, the most I have ever seen with correct clearances from the factory was one engine with three valves in spec."

I suspect that even if the bikes were assembled properly at the factory, that emissions regulations would have killed them in the US in short order.  At least as far as being street legal.

I would not hesitate to buy another now that the knowledge is available to set them up properly.  I would imagine anything you can find now is either set up right or a pile of unassembled parts.

That engine could have been a world beater but instead is now the stuff of legends.  Brings to mind the British bike industry at some points in their history.

[larrys]

Have owned over 40 bikes in 50 years. The ones I own now were my dream bikes when I bought them. All keepers.
Larry

[Calculon]

I signed up for the riders course, but realized I needed to get my permit first, so I had to reschedule the course.  During the hiatus, I found Guzzi and developed an unhealthy infatuation.  During this time a red Nevada popped up on CycleTrader a few hours from me and I wanted it so bad.  I exchanged a few emails with the seller about coming to see it, but they valuing it way above what others were and it soon disappeared.  I presumed it sold, but found out later it was more likely repo'd.

Four years later when I sold my starter bike I went ton eBay to see if there was any Guzzis selling for a reasonable price and found the Nevada for sale, and it was a hour from my house.  I'm pretty sure it was the same Nevada as it had the same goofy looking saddle bags.  It was almost like it was pre-ordained for me to have it.  I put in a low bid and won as I was the one, so I got the bike I craved for more than any other, but I'm not sure I'd call it my dream bike.   

[Alfa_Sam]

Still do!

[Sprouty115]

Still do!

This forum needs a "like" button!

[faffi]

This forum needs a "like" button!

Yup!

[Huzo]

Yup!

Well…
Luap DID ask.

[faffi]

And I have replied to him

[Scout63]

I can’t come up with a dream bike.  They are like dogs - I can find something to love in them all.  However, my current project is always the one I love the most. I have this idea of it as a finished bike both visually and auditory in my head as it takes shape. Right now it’s the ‘73 v7 Sport on the lift.   Behind the current bike the next few projects are lurking in my mind ready to take the first position.  Right now my ‘77 Jota and ‘82 (Laverda) Montjuic are waiting patiently in boxes and tubs for their turns. I envy those of you that can find a bike and ride it mile after mile.

[Nolan]

Making a distinction between 'Dream Bike' and otherwise desirable motorcycles, I own mine. All the backstory is posted on my site, but I fell harder for the CX-100 than anything I'd seen before. Or since. Coming in a close second is the 1100 Sport carb which I also have, after 13-years of waiting.





Friends laugh at my hundreds of moto crushes - almost every bike I write about. Reading through the comments here I find myself agreeing with most of them. Different bikes rise to importance through one's riding career for different and varying reasons. So, although I'm happy to own the motorcycles I (literally) dreamed of, neither the CX or the 1100 Spot are the best Moto Guzzis I've ridden. Well, not yet anyway. Still on list: V1000 G5 (have all the parts!) and the first issue 85/86 Ninja 1000R.               

[Shorty]

I guess I've owned a few of other people's dream bikes, but they were nothing I'd want to own again, other than to resell. V7 Sport, LM III, Ducati GT 750, Norton, Matchless, Cotton. A few choppers. Probably a good thing I never had the money for a Crocker, my kicking leg is a mess. I would still like an upgraded Eldo, or a simple Police FLH with solo seat. Most new bikes just don't blow my skirt up. That's why my last several bikes have been modern retro style bikes.

[Bulldog9]

Absolutely YES, and I still own it!

When I was in High School (79-82) We were allowed to leave school and walk into town during lunch. Right down the street was a Yamaha Dealer, and I was smitten with the XS Series of bikes. They had a 400, 650 (British Twin style), 750 Triple and the monster 1100. I was smitten with them all, but the 1100 was what I dreamt about, drew, and hoped one day to own.  Fast forward to 1986, I had graduated college, was in my first job, and one day while looking through the pennysaver (remember those days?) I saw an ad for a 1979 Yamaha XS1100 SF.  The original owner bought it in 1979, and loved it, but the power and tricky chassis dynamics made him afraid of the bike, so he only put 800 miles on it. It stayed in his garage and he waxed and polished it to perfection.

I bought it for $2500, loaded it in the back of my buddies van and rode it exclusively for the next 10 years, putting over 125K miles on it. In 1996, I started to get worried about replacement parts, got tired of keeping the chrome clean and decided to take it off the road, take off all my mods and accessories, and restore it to showroom state and it became a fixture/furniture in my office.

I replaced it with a C10 Concours, then an FJR. In 2004, I decided I missed it, rolled it outside, dumped in fresh gas, and she fired right up. I rode it on day and short trips until 2012 when I again put it in stasis until I retired from the Army. It is tucked away in a garage in Virginia with a 1978 XS750. I can't wait to get the bike on the road and compare it side by side with the Great Guzzi Convertor, the GRiSO.

It is probably the ONLY Dream Bike I ever owned, and other than the Griso, is the only one that has a permanent hook in me...........

Pics from over the years....

As she sits now. This was taken just before setting up for long term storage




On it's final ride in 2012




2003 next to by buddies FZ6




1996 with my old Saab




One of my long distance rides. This was Niagara NY, maybe 1990. Hard to believe I rode 120K + miles on a motorcycle with a 4 gallon tank and got at best 35MPG. I remember on a few Iron Butts stopping every hour for Fuel. Garbage bags in throw over leather saddlebags and a bag strapped to the seat and a sleeping bag on the rear fender!?!? I loved that Rifle Fairing and I could only run those massive Driving lights when absolutely necessary, it would drain and cook the battery.

[faffi]

I have also always had a soft spot for the XS1100, although I prefer the standard Euro version with its bigger 24 litre tank and UJM styling.

[SIR REAL ED]

Yep.  The XS Eleven as it was known over here was a very solid machine.  My two older brothers owned one each.  One was a 1978 standard, the other was a 1979 Special.

[Bulldog9]

Yep.  The XS Eleven as it was known over here was a very solid machine.  My two older brothers owned one each.  One was a 1978 standard, the other was a 1979 Special.

The only MC I have ever given a name to.... It was and IS "Visitation"  The Benefit of owing a Guzzi is that THEY named my bikes for me...... 

I can't wait to ride it again.............

[SIR REAL ED]

The only MC I have ever given a name to.... It was and IS "Visitation"  The Benefit of owing a Guzzi is that THEY named my bikes for me...... 

I can't wait to ride it again.............

I suspect when you get it out of storage and ride it, you'll find it's not just a dream bike, but a Time Travelling Machine!

[Bulldog9]

I have also always had a soft spot for the XS1100, although I prefer the standard Euro version with its bigger 24 litre tank and UJM styling.

Having the same sickness many of you are afflicted with, I had 4 XS11's at one point, and one of them was the SG  "Standard" with the larger tank. It just didn't 'feel' as right as my SF.

I had this for a couple of years




Looked and looked for pictures of my bike with this equipment on it but can't find. I at one point had my XS set up like this, was my first "Sport Touring"




This was a monster. Had a Weisco (???) Big bore kit, Kirker 4 in 1, custom jetted carbs, and all kinds of frame and suspension bracing. Kind of a Griso........ Was an amazing bike for the time.

[TN Mark]

I’m fortunate to have owned my Dream Bike 4 times;
1. In 1999 I bought a black Bassa. To me, that was the perfect motorcycle. I loved it. Two years later and, sadly, I totaled it.

2. I replaced the all black 1999 Bassa with a blue/silver 2000 Bassa. All was right with the world once again.

3. In March of 2013 I bought a new 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour. Love, love, love this bike. It still looks like new and runs much better than new with the ‘low hanging fruit’ of cams, intake, exhaust and dyno tuning. It’s still in my garage and is still a Dream Bike at 98K miles.

4. In late 2022 I bought a used Victory Hard-Ball. I spent much of 2023 adding accessories, changing the spoked wheels to mag wheels, added cams, direct ECU tuning, intake and exhaust mods, heated grips, heated seat etc. Oh yea, it’s also a Dream Bike.

     My biggest dilemma with my two Victory Dream Bikes is deciding which one goes out when. They are most certainly my Dream Bikes. I have no desire whatsoever to consider anything else. Except, maybe, one day adding a Victory Boardwalk to the Dream Bike Stable.

[Sprouty115]

I’m fortunate to have owned my Dream Bike 4 times;
1. In 1999 I bought a black Bassa. To me, that was the perfect motorcycle. I loved it. Two years later and, sadly, I totaled it.

2. I replaced the all black 1999 Bassa with a blue/silver 2000 Bassa. All was right with the world once again.

3. In March of 2013 I bought a new 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour. Love, love, love this bike. It still looks like new and runs much better than new with the ‘low hanging fruit’ of cams, intake, exhaust and dyno tuning. It’s still in my garage and is still a Dream Bike at 98K miles.

4. In late 2022 I bought a used Victory Hard-Ball. I spent much of 2023 adding accessories, changing the spoked wheels to mag wheels, added cams, direct ECU tuning, intake and exhaust mods, heated grips, heated seat etc. Oh yea, it’s also a Dream Bike.

     My biggest dilemma with my two Victory Dream Bikes is deciding which one goes out when. They are most certainly my Dream Bikes. I have no desire whatsoever to consider anything else. Except, maybe, one day adding a Victory Boardwalk to the Dream Bike Stable.

No pics?

[SIR REAL ED]

Having the same sickness many of you are afflicted with, I had 4 XS11's at one point, and one of them was the SG  "Standard" with the larger tank. It just didn't 'feel' as right as my SF.

I had this for a couple of years

Back in the day I first owned a 78 XS750 Special and later a 78 XS750 standard.  My two older brothers and I all agreed (for once) as far as the 750's and 1100's went, the Specials just "felt better" overall.  Better seats and peg positions perhaps?

I replaced the "buckhorn" handlebars on my 750 special with more standard bend handlebars.  It was more comfortable and IMO, cleaned up the looks of the bike even more.

I always like the looks of the multi-toned silver XS11 more than the other colors Yamaha offered.

[tris]

Generally it's whatever bike I own at the time, but I do have a soft spot for my Black Breva 1100 now replaced by the Roamer

A True "Gentleman's Express" IMO and it only went as short legs and age made it a handful, and the realisation I could very easily loose my licence if I kept doing what I was at the time!