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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: willowstreetguzziguy on June 03, 2021, 08:07:59 AM
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Which are your Top 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes you’ve owned, followed by a few words why.
#1 2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport: It presses ALL my buttons like no other bike can.
#2 1975 BMW R90S: Exciting bike. I loved it but it didn’t love me back.
#3 1975 Suzuki GT550: Super tourer & all around enjoyable 2-stroke.
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K1200RS, by a wide margin. Smooth as an electric motor, rock solid at elevated speeds, and zero maintenance over 130,000 miles aside from fluids and tires.
R1200RT. Supremely comfortable for my 6’6” frame and does everything I could ever want in a motorbike.
CB1100 DLX. One fine jewel of a motorcycle. Well engineered, reliable as a hammer, smooth and torquey, and drop-dead gorgeous (if you like retro’s).
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Easy for me as I have only owned three that I have had on the road.
77 Suzuki GS400 - Great learning bike. Good commuter.
850 T-3 - What a great all around ride!
Norge 8V - Great handling for a big sport tourer. Eats miles for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Looks good too.
GliderJohn
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Honda CB175. A jewel of a bike, literally. Mine was red-black-white and simply beautiful. Also introduced me to freedom on the road.
Yamaha TW200. A few cc's short on displacement, it's light weight and versatility was amazing... I will own another someday.
Moto Guzzi Y2K Jackal. A stone-axe reliable, other than a transmission rebuild at about 80,000 miles(!), still utterly dependable at 125,000 miles.
I know this is a top-three list, but special mention to:
Moto Morini 500 Sport. Not the best bike I've ever owned for a lot of reasons, it means a lot to me having owned it for almost 40 years.
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1973 Honda CB100 - Great starter bike for Barb and for me to buzz around town on. Stupid simple to work on...nothing fancy. I got it in pieces and learned a lot about motorcycles by re-building it. I'd still have it if it had electric start.
2007 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 - Light weight, easy to ride, lots of low end grunt, a real beauty (pearl white, chrome), could have used better brakes. (Only single front brake).
2017 Moto Guzzi California 1400 - Great looking, great riding, checks all the boxes for me. MG finally got the bugs out of that model.
Be well, stay well,
DougG
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#1 My current 2VPC Norge. Rugged simplicity, comfort, history.
(https://i.ibb.co/YZJ31M8/BB2112-A3-4-EC0-47-F4-BAAF-03679-BB6-AC4-A.png) (https://ibb.co/YZJ31M8)
#2 Honda SL70. Could not believe that I actually had one as a 14 year old kid.
(https://i.ibb.co/hXKmg5S/36-DB0572-8-A37-4-E56-A113-DD2-FF30-A1-B26.png) (https://ibb.co/hXKmg5S)
#3 Triumph Sprint ST 1050. Just a do everything, strong, comfortable rock of Gibraltar.
(https://i.ibb.co/tqKz93P/9978-C3-CD-E2-DC-46-B6-BBED-D10-DD1-B5-A8-E3.png) (https://ibb.co/tqKz93P)
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Currently this T7 Yamahammer is the one I'm diggin' the most. 700CC's 400 lbs. ABS, and loads of versatility and all the aftermarket Gee-gaws you could ever need. This thing steers like a trials bike and will run 90mph with no problem.
(https://i.ibb.co/5kBPh1s/7T.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5kBPh1s)
But I'll always enjoy this old bike. We've been friends too long :grin:
(https://i.ibb.co/gzkPfTd/LeMans.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gzkPfTd)
And I've had so much fun on trials bikes over the years, Buls, Fantics, GAS GAS's although I don't own one now.
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Husqvarna 701 Enduro - the best combination of versatility and fun I've ever had. It's a supremely competent large dirt bike (even with passenger), and a shockingly nimble street bike, and capable of strapping on luggage and going the distance.
My Stelvio - fabulous distance tourer, super comfortable, street performance above expectations - and capable on dirt roads.
V11 Scura - this bike re-ignited my passion for street riding, and has been a (mostly) fun project to wrench on.
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(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ducati/i-tJGR72s/0/18eff4fa/M/IMG_0052-M.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Ducati/i-tJGR72s/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Buell/i-kBWFGzw/0/848eb2fd/M/IMG_1508-M.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Buell/i-kBWFGzw/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Foto/i-vLXrspm/0/26c15bef/M/IMG_0106-M.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Foto/i-vLXrspm/A)
1 modern sophistication
2 torque
3 aesthetics
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Of the 34 bikes I have owned and ridden over my 54 year riding career, but these three seem to stand out... :wink: :cool: :boozing:
1. 1965 Yamaha YG1-K, 80cc Rotary Jet - My very FIRST motorcycle at age 14 - and everyone remembers their FIRST motorcycle as well as their first love... :wink: :thumb: :cool:
2. 1975 BMW R75/6 750cc twin - My first Beemer and the bike that back in 1982 took me safely around the USA (22 states), and Canada for six months. I logged >50,000 mile I that bike before it was totaled in a freak accident. :thumb:
3. 1988 Harley-Davidson FLH-S, Electra Glide Sport, Big Twin, 1340cc - My first Harley, as I always wanted one when I was younger. Lots of fond memories and trips on that big tractor... :thumb: :boozing: :cool:
NOTE: Photos below NOT my bikes, but similar models...
(https://i.ibb.co/k1hTqTN/Screen-Shot-2021-06-03-at-8-07-49-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/k1hTqTN)
(https://i.ibb.co/CPLbZ9M/Screen-Shot-2021-06-03-at-8-11-56-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/CPLbZ9M)
(https://i.ibb.co/BsbRZHS/Screen-Shot-2021-06-03-at-8-10-27-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/BsbRZHS)
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1) '69 Moto Guzzi 750 Ambassador. Purchased in '97 with 36k miles on it, now has 111,000 miles on it. Dead reliable in all of that time and miles. Currently "mothballed" awaiting "recommissioning".
2) '76 Moto Guzzi V1000 I-Convert. Didn't really want it, but it was too cheap to refuse. Spent more than it's worth making it presentable and roadworthy again. Dependable other than when the hex piece rounded off and stranded me in Punxsutawney, PA. Only 20k miles over the last few years, but it's become my new favorite.
3) To be determined. Maybe the Morini, Pantah or V50 III?
Honorable mention: "Barney", the Ambassador I built from parts that I collected. Owned it twice, made $$ off it's sale each time. Now owned by a great guy who appreciates it like it should be. https://www.thisoldtractor.com/projects_barney_blog.html
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(https://i.ibb.co/MGr5jBt/BE860037-419-D-4785-B44-C-2-B40-DB969975.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MGr5jBt)
(https://i.ibb.co/8r1Dnkw/B26-A5-F62-CBEC-4-DF6-85-DE-5-CAC2-EF477-EF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8r1Dnkw)
(https://i.ibb.co/VHJ2SM5/BE62-A071-BE43-4620-9992-8-B8-EFF0-BC90-D.png) (https://ibb.co/VHJ2SM5)
Of course two didn’t actually belong to me but that wasn’t a pre-requisition. I really have enjoyed owning and riding the MG’s the past 10+ years and one may some day in the future be in my list 👍
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Sachs/DKW 125 Enduro
(https://i.ibb.co/80V4ckN/retro-IMG-0055.jpg) (https://ibb.co/80V4ckN)
Honda Hawk GT
(https://i.ibb.co/Db7jqCM/hawk-gt.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Db7jqCM)
Guzzi V85TT (current bike - loving it)
(https://i.ibb.co/m43NTvV/givi7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/m43NTvV)
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1) 1971 Moto Guzzi Ambassador. My first Guzzi. (of several) I owned Yamaha Dual Sports and Triumph Bonnies before that. That Guzzi took me further, more reliably and in more comfort than any other bike before that.
(https://i.ibb.co/ChDddN4/Copy-of-ambo.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ChDddN4)
2)BMW K75. In my view, best damn BMW ever created. Quality built, smooth, easy routine maintenance. I would still have one if it fit me ergonomically. file photo: (https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.scgpix.com%2Flistimg%2Fimg1_0317%2F21%2Fimg_lSpNAL4f3j7AbiW.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
3) Yamaha XT series bikes. I owned several of each cc offering. Reliable, lightweight ('cept the 600cc behemoth). The Serow is damn near unstoppable off road. Again, if I still ventured offroad, I'd have one. file photo: (https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cyclechaos.com%2Fimages%2Fthumb%2Fe%2Fe1%2FXt225_mod1.jpg%2F300px-Xt225_mod1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
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#1 my 1971 Ambassador - my first motorcycle and I enjoy riding it the most
#2 my 2001 California Special - my 2nd motorcycle that I didn't mean to buy, it's big and easy to ride.
#3 I haven't bought yet, maybe an Indian Scout or a Zero
-AJ
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'71 Norton. Owned since new. Comes closest to feeling one with a machine. Two time best of show at the National Norton rallies. Always ridden, never trailered.
(https://i.ibb.co/09yJFh2/image.gif) (https://ibb.co/09yJFh2)
'76 Guzzi LeMans. Owned since 1978. Virtually bulletproof. Thrashed at dozens of track days and never misses a beat. Amazing motorcycle.
(https://i.ibb.co/7ynDz6W/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7ynDz6W)
Toss up for third between my 2008 KLR and 2004 Goldwing. The KLR is fun to ride and maybe one of the most comfortable bikes I have owned. Loses points for limited power. The Goldwing has never let me down in 85k miles only requiring tires and fluids. Its taken my wife and I though all 48 states and the provinces of Canada bordering the US.
Pete
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1. The 2004 Breva 750 that I just sold a few weeks ago - I rode it for 17 years and developed greatly as a rider on it, had a stack of good times and adventures. Of course I have replaced it with another 2004 Breva. As you do.
2. The SRX600 registration EUG049 (New South Wales) that I did my first tours on, and was my first big road bike. Owner from 1996 to 2001, when it was sold for peanuts, as the engine was a lemon - previous owner was an idiot.
3. Yamaha TY175 - one of the silliest decisions ever was to sell that bike. Owner in the early to mid 90s, I did 5 trials on it, mucked about in the bush, and generally had a good time. It never let me down and was just the sweetest little trials bike ever. Stupidly sold because I thought I needed a better bike. What I needed was 10 x more practice and hard work on my trials riding.
Honorable mention must go to the old bashed up Kawasaki G4-TR "Trail Boss" that was my first bike. We had a KV75 but actually it never was going properly before I got the G4. Missmatched mudgaurds. No seat foam, replaced by Dad with jointex foam strip and gaffer tape. . The kickstart didn't work, so every start was Hailwood style! The places I rode that bike; Hungry Creek, Jillaby, Dubbo Valley, Bulls Hill Quarry and Mooney Mooney. Riding gear was BHP boots, jeans, All Blacks jersey and a Nava open face. Some no name gloves. THAT was the bike that lit the fire of passion for bikes. Wish I had one like it now.
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Currently this T7 Yamahammer is the one I'm diggin' the most. 700CC's 400 lbs. ABS, and loads of versatility and all the aftermarket Gee-gaws you could ever need. This thing steers like a trials bike and will run 90mph with no problem.
(https://i.ibb.co/5kBPh1s/7T.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5kBPh1s)
But I'll always enjoy this old bike. We've been friends too long :grin:
(https://i.ibb.co/gzkPfTd/LeMans.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gzkPfTd)
And I've had so much fun on trials bikes over the years, Buls, Fantics, GAS GAS's although I don't own one now.
congrats on your new ride. You and Darren have the same
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1. 2012 Yamaha Raider.
- Raw, unadulterated torque. 101hp, 127ft-lbs. Who cares that she weighs 750 lbs?!?
2. 1985 Honda 650 Nighthawk.
- Was my bike in Highschool, so she has sentimental value. I actually restored a non-running '83 650 two years ago. Very fun project, but my memories of how incredibly fast she was differed greatly from reality. Amazing what riding 30 year newer technology will do to your perspective.
3. 2002 Honda Magna.
- A light bike with a sport bike V4 engine and IMHO very cool cruiser styling? Awesome.
But I get bored so I buy/sell bikes rather often. The Raider is the only one I still have of the three. I'm thinking my 2015 Guzzi V7 might have some staying power as well.
(https://i.ibb.co/QPwCx6C/Raider.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QPwCx6C)
(https://i.ibb.co/56scgzH/Nighthawk.jpg) (https://ibb.co/56scgzH)
(https://i.ibb.co/df1xRPr/Magna.jpg) (https://ibb.co/df1xRPr)
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This is tough but you gotta draw the line somewhere. In no particular order because they are different bikes for different tasks.
1. 1991 Ducati 900 SS. (first year)
2. 1999 Suzuki DR 350 SE (last year)
3. 2002 Suzuki DL 1000 VStrom (first year)
The love child of that threesome is my 2020 V 85 tt. Not enough 'Miles into Memories' yet but I think it will surely earn it's place.
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HONDA S90 (OR IS IT 90S?)
YAMAHA 650 SpecialII
YAMAHA V-Star 1300
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1. Victory Cross Country Tour - 2012 in gloss pearl white; hands down the GOAT of any bike I’ve owned since I first swung a leg over one well over 50 years ago. It’s design, execution and attention to detail still brings a smile of contentment to my face after 84K miles. This model was clearly designed by riders, not a committee of engineers. Easy as can be to work on and 100% reliable 100% of the time. Nothing but routine maintenance.
2. Honda Valkyrie Interstate - my first was a 2000 blue/silver model. Loved it. Well designed, powerful and all day comfortable. I missed it so much after selling it I bought another one a couple years later. That time a green/silver 1999 model. If these had a 6th gear, I’d likely still have one.
3. Moto Guzzi Convert - a 1977 silver one with a Vetter fairing was my first ‘real motorcycle’ when I was in High School. It was lovely to me enough that in subsequent years (decades) I went on to own two other Converts. The three Converts very narrowly edged out the two Moto Guzzi Bassa’s for the #3 spot.
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This is kinda hard as they all had good features and some not so hot ones.
1. 2016 Moto Guzzi Audace - Fast, comfortable and good high speed handling.
2. 2019 Moto Guzzi Vlll Special - Great all around town and local riding. I have had it for only just under a year but the more I ride it the more I like it. Reminds me of my R90/6.
3. 1976 R90/6 - Similar to my 1970 R75/5 but with more power, lighter flywheel, disc brake and one more gear. Very dependable with not a single problem in the 40,000 mi I had it. It is still running around town.
kk
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1972 R5 Yamaha, 1973 XS650, (tied with my GS1100 Suzuki), and another tie between my V65 and Cal 2.
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I'll play!
In chronological order for me:
1. 1983 Honda CR 480, carried me to my first MotoX race wins and was just a beast of a bike for the time.
2. 2003 KTM 200 E/XC, I call her "Precious" she is so gooood to me! Single track assault weapon, with enough personality and uniqueness to be used for about anything. I even raced a Moto on it. Still have her.
3. 2014 Moto Guzzi Stelvio, did a buy and ride on this having never had a Guzzi before. By the time the break in service was done and I rode it home I knew we were going to get along very well. Always puts a smile on my face when I ride it, even if it's just around the block. As long as I am able I will have this bike in my stable.
Honorable mention, it was my Dad's at the time I got my license. 1974 Yamaha RD350, so much fun to ride! The sound of that 2 stroke twin and the smiles it put on my face.....priceless!
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congrats on your new ride. You and Darren have the same
I just want to be like Darren :thumb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFx-5PGLgb4
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*Edited with Pictures & Commentary
I've owned 17 Street bikes since High School, and still own 6. I miss a few, and only regret selling the VMAX. This is why I keep what I have. But in my mind if we are talking MY personal greatest that I think about when not riding, or wouldnt want to be without it would be these.
1. 1979 Yamaha XS1100SF - When I was in High school (78-81), there was a Honda/Yamaha Dealer down the street from my high school, and we could leave campus during lunch. I'd go down every week or so and drool. The XS Specials really caught my eye. The Standards had the squared off tanks and square headlight, but the Specials had beautiful lines, teardrop tank, round headlight, etc. I only aspired to the 400 & 650/750's the 1100 had a reputation of being King Kong in a Tux and too much for a little 120lb runt. I dreamed of owning one. I started on a Suzuki 2 stroke 500 that was too intense, traded it for a nice CB350, then a sweet little Kawasaki LTD 454. Then one day my Junior year of college (84), I saw a guy rolling a beautiful Yamaha XS out to the curb with a forsale sign. 2 hours later it was mine. He bought it new in 79, had it painted Pearl White but was too much power for him so he just waxed it and looked at it, and wife said it was time to go. It had 800 miles on it. I rode that bike everywhere from 84 till 96, cross country 5 Iron Buts, Sturgis, you name it. At 132K miles I retired it from daily and long distance trips, did a total strip down clean/polish and elevated her to Garage Queen and special rides. No other bike had gotten under my skin and stayed. Here she is on my last ride before I put her in long term storage in 2012 (Army life and moving is a PAIN). A Handful until you learned how to use the springboard effect of the frame and chassis flex.... Can't wait to bring her back to life when I retire.
(https://i.ibb.co/N3HKf9c/20140711-160916983-i-OS.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N3HKf9c)
2. 2007 MG GRiSO 1100 - After wandering for several years on a C10 Concours, a brief dalliance with an Rt1100, FZ1 (which I wrecked) and 8 years on an FJR, my love for riding waned. Until I rode 100 meters on this GRiSO in 2015..... Reignited my love and passion for riding..... The bike hits and connects at all levels, though I thought it was odd looking the first 6 months. Can't wait to compare it side by side with my old XS and see who speaks the loudest....
(https://i.ibb.co/Mc5pRmH/IMG-20190901-145152164-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Mc5pRmH)
3. 1976 MG Convert - This is my 'most recent' bike, and totally different, which is why it is in the top 3. Not fast, not super nimble, or comfortable, or great at anything but has such charm. The first bike I have ever had that says SLOW DOWN enjoy the experience. When I get back from the land of fun and games next year, I am going to paint it, likely a grey metallic with subdued American Flags on the sides of the DB Saddle Bags, and a tribute to all the Units I have served in with the Unit logos lined across the bottom of the bags and a 2 tone silver/dark grey pinstripe.
(https://i.ibb.co/8j2qWvp/IMG-20200513-144248928-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8j2qWvp)
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1. 1990 Honda CB-1. Three words: Gear driven cams. Also sweet handling.
2. 2009 BMW 650 X-Country: Nobody makes anything close anymore.
3. 2007 Triumph Speed Triple: The triple howl, the suspension, the brakes, did I mention the triple howl?
I'd put my V9 Bobber on the list, but too many problems at this point and not enough miles.
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Yamaha GT80E. Questionable attributes as a motorcycle, but it lit the passion and I rode the snot out of it.
Guzzi G5- so many miles, so many adventures. Dead reliable.
Third is a hard choice- I've been lucky to have some great bikes. My R90S or my V11sport...hard to say.
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Moto Guzzi Daytona RS - dream bike.
Ducati 907ie (Paso) - does everything well and handles telepathically.
Moto Guzzi 850 T-3 - What I learned on
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As much as I dearly love my current main ride, a 2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport, an outstanding motorcycle and so satisfying to ride, the three really great bikes that I’ve had are, in order of when I had them:
1) 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T. This was my first proper motorbike. I was very young, irresponsible, and pretty clueless when I had her as a young goofball rock-n-rolling in San Francisco and putting that poor T through the ringer. She was outdoors all the time, rain or shine, and I had little skills nor kept up on much and low sided her a few times. I did change the oil and checked the valves every 3k though! She was a really good, fun, and undefeatable machine, and because of her, the fun and impression she left on me—after having many other pretty good bikes—when I went back to riding after many years of a domestically induced absence— I went back to Guzzi.
2) 1961 Triumph Bonneville 650. A clean pre-unit twin that I got for a song from a local kid that was selling it for his family. Stock, clean, what the later T120 attempts to emulate. This was a pre-unit motor with factory magneto ignition, original white and blue tank and everything original with the 6-pack rack on the tank. What a sweetheart, and what a fool I was for letting her go.
3) 1987 Harley Davidson FXRS-SP. This was a sporty version of the FXR, it had beefier fork tubes, dual discs in front, and taller suspension. My one and only new bike purchase. Totally reliable, beautiful components and workmanship, and a great versatile workhorse bike. I rode her everyday, from commuting to scraping her pegs up on hwy 2 Angeles Crest. This was the last bike I had before I got back in to it a few years ago with my V11 Sport.
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1970 CB450 Honda. Rode it anywhere and everywhere.
2015 Moto Guzzi V7. Does exactly what a small standard should with a unique style and sound. Perfect.
1984 H-D Evo Softtail. The first year 4 speed chain drive. I put 10's of thousands on miles on that bike and other than oil in never needed a thing-and that was just changes, not "if it doesn't leak oil it doesn't have oil." The EVO motor was and still is a great ride IMO. One of these days I'll grab a Sportster just to have that motor again. It's got character. Every year at demo days I ride a new Sporty and say "I gotta get one of these again", but I know it would mostly sit as my V7 and Jackal really cover the bases for now and pending our move to the southwest I'll most likely need some sort of dual sport.
More money and a bigger garage would help, mind.
Honorable mention? Triumph Rocket III. Piped and mapped to 148 rear wheel hp and the same for torque on the DynoJet machine-simply a singular experience. 14,000 miles in the one year I owned it.
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(1) The Mighty Scura. Fast (for a Guzzi) and a really good dancer for a fat girl. :smiley:
(2) 98 Centauro. See above.
(3) The AeroLario. It will be my "wind up" bike, and normally gets the nod when I open the Guzzi Garage door.
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In no particular order:
81 Kawasaki 250 CSR = first bike; little pretend cruiser; great to learn on; wife and i rode it all around.
92 HD 1200 Sportster = you never forget your first Harley; seat was awful so bought an early Corbin; so cool; up to 59.5 mph was smooth;
1400 California Custom = this edged out the V85 simply for being so cool and unique; outside of our little world, no one had a clue what it was; so powerful and competent and a much better handler than any cruiser i had before, and beautiful - still in my heart and my avatar on this site.
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Honorable mention: :wink: :thumb: :bow: :cool: :boozing:
* 1971 Yamaha RT1-B 360 Enduro
* 1978 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans
* 1975 Norton 850 Commando Interstate MK III
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There've only been, what, ten? And I still own five of them. So the three I've had the most fun with:
Honda 500/4. Rode the ass off her. My sole summer transport for 10 years in Manhattan starting 1972. Touring, commuting, playing Kenny Roberts on midnite laps of Central Park. Dressed her full Dunstall with Ceriani forks and Lester mags and Kerker after the Dunstall pipes rotted. I learned a lot about wrenching/tuning, and also not to date women who wouldn't pillion.
850T. A 40-year marriage. Sweet and reliable in sickness and health, east coast, west coast and Rocky Mountains. Still my favorite ride.
'70 TR6R. Rescue pet. The high school crush, finally attained. Not a showpiece, and a blast to ride. Except no brakes to speak of, especially downhill in high country.
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Reading the comments so far, it looks like the question has been mostly interpreted as the three greatest bikes that you have owned. So:
1982 GS1000E. A wolf in sheeps clothing, this was my one and only plus 1 liter bike. I remember being blown away by it's sweet handling and arm wrenching acceleration even at highway speeds. A stone reliable and oh so tractable engine. Long distance touring or around town, it was a blast. This pic is not my bike, but is the same model and colour:
(https://i.ibb.co/dcqZqyb/suzuki-gsx1100-E-82-02.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dcqZqyb)
I had several great small/midsize bikes (CB350, RD200, RD400, CB400F, GS550) but my slight preference, just because the first day I had it I accidentally wheelied it on my residential street just by holding the throttle full open until it hit about 6,000 RPM, this was my purple '74 RD350. Such a surprise and joy as a young man, I remember thinking as the front wheel lifted : "Oh yeah!". Again pic is not my bike but identical.
(https://i.ibb.co/G9yRRfM/1974-yamaha-rd350-up-for-grabs.jpg) (https://ibb.co/G9yRRfM)
upload images (https://imgbb.com/)
The 1970 Honda Z50A was my introduction to two wheel motoring. No rear suspension and basically the same engine as 50 million Honda Cubs. You can't argue with that kind of success. My older brother showed me the basics- change oil and spark plug, clean and oil the foam air filter and check the timing. I putt putted up and down the paths in the woods through the cool forest behind my brother's place, riding through wet mud and into the hot sandy areas, where I spun it around doing mini rooster tails. Such a cool little bike with the Honda wing on the tank, just like it's big brothers. With no clutch, a perfect motorcycle for a beginner. They now sell for silly money, so a lot of other people must have fallen in love with this cute little critter. Good thing that Soichiro Honda was an engineer and not a heroin dealer, because I was hooked on bikes forever with this jewel. Not my pic, but the exact same model.
(https://i.ibb.co/nRJCyjw/Honda-Z50-A-1970.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nRJCyjw)
Why no Guzzi's? I purchased my first Guzzi a year ago and I haven't finished the project yet. If this question gets asked again next year, one of these bikes may get displaced.
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best so far out of 40 years running bikes and 25 motorcycles :
1 1972 V7sport , took me anywhere , from long travels to track day. owned since 1981
it broke down on a regular basis, but hey... it had a really hard life.
2 1976 morini 350 sport, it was thrashed for years, if you are not near the rev limiter you are not going anywhere...
owned since 1983, remarkably reliable considering it lived near, or over its redline all those years.
3 guzzi le mans 2, a true gentlemans express, show it a highway, and see the miles pass without any apparent efford.
cruising speed is only limited by rider stamina.
honourable mention for the cagiva 900 elefant.
great bike, best cycle parts i ever had on a bike, absolutely amazing you can cruise gravel roads at 120 km/hour
would be in the top three, but let down by crappy access to the engine for maintenance, making maintenance a nightmare. ( and it needs lots of it)
a less honourable mention ,
my 1972 norton 750 commando ( bought in 1984). a riding handgrenade , had it as daily transport for years, i spent more time working on it than riding.
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While these might not make the "Greatest Bikes of all Times" list these are three of the most favorite bikes I've owned.
First is a 67 Norton P-11. To this day I think I had more fun riding this bike than any since. Love the right side, 4-speed shifting. One up and three down. But I was young and didn't know enough to keep it running well. Only had it 2 years.
(https://i.ibb.co/zF9WBrb/Bikes-11-24-11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zF9WBrb)
Next was my 96 1100 Sport. I owned it over 20 years and put 120,000 miles on it. Did a lot of touring on it, but also sport riding. The sport bike riders I used to ride with would always ask me how the hell do you get that thing to go so fast?
(https://i.ibb.co/M2wyBBK/Bikes-11-24-11-013.jpg) (https://ibb.co/M2wyBBK)
Third is an 04 Triumph Tiger. Only bike I ever had with more than 2 cylinders. A lot of very comfortable touring on this bike but when I mixed it up with my sport bike friends they couldn't believe the handling capabilities. Sold it with 111,000 miles and still running strong.
(https://i.ibb.co/c6047qf/Bikes-11-24-11-003.jpg) (https://ibb.co/c6047qf)
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A really good thread, funny though.
You made me ponder the difference between ..
Favourite bike
Best bike
Most memorable bike
Most desirable bike.
Favourite..Current ‘07 Norge Has more of my life encapsulated within than the others.
Best bike Triumph Sprint ST 1050. Absolute reliability and confidence inspiring to live with.
Most memorable Honda SL70. Excitement and happiness beyond description..(14 years old..)
Most desirable MV Agusta F4. A show off’s weapon to make others envious..(hardly a good reason to own one..)
If the shed was on fire and I only had time to push one out..? Norge, slam dunk.
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A really good thread, funny though.
You made me ponder the difference between ..
Favourite bike
Best bike
Most memorable bike
Most desirable bike.
Favourite..Current ‘07 Norge Has more of my life encapsulated within than the others.
Best bike Triumph Sprint ST 1060 Absolute reliability and confidence inspiring to live with.
Most memorable Honda SL70. Excitement and happiness beyond description..(14 years old..)
Most desirable MV Agusta F4. A show off’s weapon to make others envious..(hardly a good reason to own one..)
If the shed was on fire and I only had time to push one out..? Norge, slam dunk.
Good post Huzo. And I currently have a 2012 Norge with 73,000 miles on it. It's been a great bike. An excellent mix of touring and sport riding. But I've listed it for sale because I want something lighter. I'm 68 years old and I'm not getting any stronger as I'm getting older. Been looking for an 08-09 Triumph Sprint ST 1050 because they are 100 lbs lighter than the Norge. And the 08-09 went to a steel gas tank vs the plastic tank.
Agree with the F4 as most desirable. Would love to ride one, but not own one. I have a friend with one. Money pit.
I also have an 02 Cali Special Sport that I love riding. But I'm not sure it would be a good long distance tourer like the Norge. It might. I'll have to try to see.
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If the shed was on fire and I only had time to push one out..? Norge, slam dunk.
The diviner of truth and decision matrix right there.
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https://ibb.co/dcqZqyb
Yes, yes, my 1st truly fast bike, warp factor 10. Traded a boat for it, both worth around 3500 bucks at the time. Had 4K on it. Bullet proof, faster than sh.....
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Tough choices.
1. 71 R75/5. Not sexy but so competent and easy to ride anywhere.
2. 78 SR500. Makes a twisty road three feet wider.
3. 82 CBX. The one bike I’m sorry I sold.
These three perform so much better than their stats suggest.
The Commando would have made it if it hadn’t developed yet another oil drip this week.
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Of the 35 or more bikes I’ve owned in the last 19 years.
1) Hands down, number one with a bullet is 2007 KTM 950 Supermoto - did everything and more very well for over 40k miles
2) First large bike I ever owned, 2003 Guzzi Stone Touring
3) Ducati GT1000
(https://i.ibb.co/pfKwJJN/0-FF6-E134-D92-B-48-C7-97-B2-232-A39-EB5396.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pfKwJJN)
(https://i.ibb.co/T2rzYmq/2-A6-FA1-BE-D071-415-F-BF65-F348-BAECB1-FF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/T2rzYmq)
(https://i.ibb.co/wMb5LNF/EAE255-FF-46-A1-4-C33-87-EB-2-AB9-D8208-BCF.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wMb5LNF)
upload pic (https://imgbb.com/)
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I guess I will have to base this on which bikes I wish I still had.
1985 Honda Shadow 700. If Honda would make a modern retro of it I would have to buy it.
2008 KLR 650 because I bought it off a medical doctor who threw thousands of dollars at it and it was an amazing riding experience experience with top of the line suspension. I would never spend the money to build one out like he did.
2014 Triumph Trophy SE. An amazing ride with the electronic suspension and nimble handling. Traded for a road King when I should have traded my Road Glide Ultra for a Road King Special.
I enjoyed all of the bikes I owned over the years and the 3 in my garage today are not going anywhere.
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Again...over the years, some very tough choices...
MORE honorable mentions: :thumb: :bow: :cool: :boozing: :smiley: :smiley:
* 1977 Yamaha RD400 - The first bike I rode for a weekend overnight trip in the Adirondack mountains
* 1993 Triumph Trident 900 - The bike I rode in Germany for 2 years in 2004-2005
* 1978 BMW R100RS "Motorport Edition" - The last airhead Beemer I owned
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For me it is:
1974 Honda XL350. I only had that bike for about 6 or 8 months in 1980 and sold it to help fund my college.
Fast forward to modern times.
2006 Kawasaki KLR 650. I bought this in 2008 when I got back into moto riding after a 24 year hiatus. It did everything I wanted except it was not good at 2 up riding.
2008 Moto Guzzi Norge. I bought this in 2010. I still have it. 42,000 miles and I am not tired of it at all.
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I wonder , is it more about the memories made on a motorbike that makes it the greatest than how competent it really was ?
Have had two /5 beemers , an R75 back when it was almost new , then later an R60 when it wasn't so new . Both were fun and reliable in that airhead way , the R75 was set up as a touring bike and carried the wife and me all over the middle part of the US , so the memories of the bike are really nice . Was it a truly great motorbike , dunno . Then there was an '84 R100RT that would run all day long at supra-legal speeds and was very comfortable , it took me to 40 states , and only towards the end with huge mileage did it start acting up . Was it better than the Guzzi in the shed now , well , the Guzzi handles way better and has better brakes and that 90 degree rumble , so ...
Then there were a couple of Meriden Triumphs , at times all of the trouble those things could be are forgotten and they are the greatest motorbike s
Dusty
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I see some people have snuck in more than three bikes by using the "honorably mention" loophole.
So my honorable mention is the 1985 Yamaha FJ100, which earned the nickname "Velvet Sledgehammer". At the time, it was about the fastest thing on the road and was one of the first sport-touring motorcycles with the emphasis on sport. That thing would never stop pulling... I sold it to save my life because I was addicted to speed. That's when I found out it was more fun to ride a slow bike fast and got my first BMW, and R100CS.
As a potential criteria for the lists... I still occasionally look for FJs on Craigslist and am tempted when I see a clean, low-mile example, but I don't look at airhead BMWs anymore.
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I see some people have snuck in more than three bikes by using the "honorably mention" loophole.
So my honorable mention is the 1985 Yamaha FJ100, which earned the nickname "Velvet Sledgehammer". At the time, it was about the fastest thing on the road and was one of the first sport-touring motorcycles with the emphasis on sport. That thing would never stop pulling... I sold it to save my life because I was addicted to speed. That's when I found out it was more fun to ride a slow bike fast and got my first BMW, and R100CS.
As a potential criteria for the lists... I still occasionally look for FJs on Craigslist and am tempted when I see a clean, low-mile example, but I don't look at airhead BMWs anymore.
C'mon now..."The Honorable Mention" loophole!! :laugh: :grin: :wink: :grin: :laugh: Tough to decide on 3 when you have owned and ridden 34... :wink: :wink:
A good friend in Oregon rides a Yamaha FJ1100, which he has had for years. He would agree with everything you said about that bike... :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/hchNwT4/Screen-Shot-2021-06-05-at-7-38-21-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/hchNwT4)
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I wonder , is it more about the memories made on a motorbike that makes it the greatest than how competent it really was ?
Well wonder no more Dusty.
That’s exactly what it is.
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My list would have been quite a bit different if I had gone by memories more than which was or is the best bike I have owned. I also remember my Yamaha 80 as being one of the most memorable. It was my first bike which I rode for a total of 17,000 mi. I recent purchased a similar bike, a 125 which I totally rebuilt to relive my past. All I can say is what a piece of crap. I sold it shortly after getting it on the road. Newer is better beyond a doubt. However my R90/6 fills both boxes. Lot of fine memories and was pretty darn good bike.
kk
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I have had a lot of bikes over the past 42 years and at first thought I'd need to go back and consider the many that are gone. But no. If I thought a bike was "great", I kept it.
So I only needed to consider the ones currently in my garage (eight, if you include a Ural as a "bike").
#1 Greatest - 1994 K75RT. Not only superb engineering and build quality and stone-axe reliable, but it was always my winter bike. Kept me warm and comfortable, but more importantly NEVER tried to put me in the ditch when I rode it to work in very shaky, icy conditions where I had no business being on a bike at all. They can pry that from my cold, dead hands.
#2 Emotional Favorite - 2017 Road King. It is so gorgeous and so comfortable. Replaced my 2007 Road King, and is in every way better. Gobs of torque and just plain sweet. Totally stock but for the seat.
#3 Just Plain Superior - 2015 R1200RT. I just picked it up the end of April, and I've never been on a motorcycle I liked more. Superb handling, best brakes I've ever felt, great gas mileage, electronic everything. Maybe some day I'll actually take a trip on it, because that's what it was made to do.
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I wonder , is it more about the memories made on a motorbike that makes it the greatest than how competent it really was ?
The memories are all that matter. GOAT is impossible to determine -- GOAT for whom and for what? Fastest around a track? Most gorgeous? Most versatile? Most innovative? Most over-engineered showpiece? Valentino Rossi has a way different GOAT than you do.
Probable that the Meriden Triumph twins, over the course of their history beginning in the Depression years, collected more trophies in more different disciplines than any other bike in history. By today's standards they're underpowered and underbraked precious nostalgia fetishes. But GOAT? For me, yes, based on memories alone.
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1978 Honda CR125 dirtbike: Because it ran great and was my first real bike. Discovered what the 2-stroke power band was when it shot out from under my 17 (edit corrected age)year old butt. (stock photo)
1985 BMW K100RT: Fastest top Speed and longest legged bike I ever owned. A real Continent Crosser. (That is actually me)
Yamaha XT600: Easiest to ride, Toughest and most dependable bike I ever had even if not fast. (stock photo)
(https://i.ibb.co/C5pqyHh/cr125.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C5pqyHh)
(https://i.ibb.co/N3H08tF/206677-11735625081-5976-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N3H08tF)
(https://i.ibb.co/N25WCTr/xt600E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N25WCTr)
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and Ill take one honorable mention in my dearly departed R75/5 which was worn out and tired, but still just felt the coolest of all to ride. (actual photo)
(https://i.ibb.co/ncdYRxR/121567871-10164217435430082-7274064738805987077-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ncdYRxR)
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1. 2011 Triumph Rocket iii Touring. Fast, comfortable, and always puts a smile on my face.
First and only bike I ever bought new.
2. 1977 Yamaha XS750/2D - put over 50K on that one. Went everywhere on it, 'cuz I didn't
own a car at that point. Rode it in snow, rain, winter, summer, etc.... I loved that bike! :-)
3. 1978(?) Suzuki GS550. One bike I still wish I had. It wasn't the most powerful thing on wheels,
but it handled great, was reliable, comfortable, and easy to work on. I traded it for a '78
SR500 which I still have.
I just acquired a BMW K75S, and the jury is still out on that one. It could become a favorite.
-Stretch
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Greatest that I owned:
1973 900 Kawasaki Z1. No explanation needed.
1998 Centauro. Awesome 'hooligan' bike. Sort of 'unrefined' in a good way.
2004 EV. I like it for just eating up miles. Too bad they put such a tiny gas tank on it.
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My three:
83 SP1000: my first Guzzi allowed my first long-distance travels
1978 T3: Still have it and it's the best feeling Guzzi I've had
2005 Yamaha FZ1: still have it too. That 5-valve motor still gets me
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My most well remembered is the '89 Cali III that I bought kind of unexpectedly from a local seller's shed. 40 some thousand miles later it was regrettably sold and I've been searching for its replacement ever since. The search has included a very nice and well done '90 full fairing Cali III that I thought was going to be "the one" but wasn't due to its tendency to run poorly in heavy rain (Was it the fairing channeling water to where it shouldn't be? Maybe, because my unfaired '89 never had rain issues until I put a H&H on it) and the issues with fairing bikes and our heavy Midwest crosswinds (Who knew, right? On my only trip to Cedar Vale, that last easterly leg had me fighting to stay in my lane). Quota, Jackal and a beautiful '06 35th anniversary Dyna Superglide that I couldn't make a silk purse. All hopefuls but not able to fill the bill.
So now, i am surprised to read all the way down to Wayne's post that an EV was a contender, after lurking on WG and reading many anecdotes of how well their EVs have treated them with many enjoyable miles logged. I think an EV is in my future to fill the hole left by the '89 Cali III. Meanwhile, I grow older....
Health, Steve
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Missed F-Fred's FZ1 comment and have to agree, another case of "they don't make 'em like that anymore". Great bike.
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#1 - 98 EV. I put 87,XXX trouble free miles on it, many of them dragging a camper. The last 30K or so on a salvage title after totaling it in 2003 on the way to Italy, Tx. Still ran and rode great when I sold it.
#2 - 1973 Eldo - Should have never sold it. I put almost 60K miles on that old girl before I got the EV. Then, I rarely rode it and ended up selling it to pay bills.
#3 - 1980 Honda CB650 custom. My main ride until I switched to Guzzi's. The thing was bullet proof.
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1. My old btdt hammered V7 Sport. Whenever I see a perfect V7 Sport, it makes me sad to think about the prison it must live in while my bike runs wild and free. It is the end of my ruler. It is MY bike.
2. My old 1974 HD FLH. If my V7 Sport is my favorite sports car, my shovel is the pickup truck that does everything else.
3. My best friend's 1987 Ducati F1B. It isn't mine yet, but...
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My 1974 Honda CB750 was my first bike and was the "greatest" of all because it introduced me to the wonderful world of motorcycles and was heaven on wheels for a 19 year old back then.
The 1973 V7 Sport introduced me to the great Moto Guzzi marquee and started a passion for the bikes that is still raging unabated.
My 69 Harley FLH introduced me to the interesting and fun world of classic Harleys. The 69 is still my sentimental favorite.
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I'm sort of impressed at the number of people who agree with me about the mid-'70s T-series Tontis. Long may they roll.
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I'm sort of impressed at the number of people who agree with me about the mid-'70s T-series Tontis. Long may they roll.
I hope so since I’m about to ride one for the first time when my G5 is done. If it’s anything like the V50 I won’t be disappointed.
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Currently this T7 Yamahammer is the one I'm diggin' the most.
Looks and sounds good. But I wish I knew what a “T7 Yamahammer” actual is...
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Looks and sounds good. But I wish I knew what a “T7 Yamahammer” actual is...
Yamaha Tenere 700:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700 (https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700)
(https://www.roadrunner.travel/images/articles/heading/7489.jpg)
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1983 Yamaha xt175 enduro... So many memories in the woods with my brothers, mud holes, sand hills, trails, logging roads, and that 2 stroke smell.....
1980 FT500 Ascot, the bike I regret selling the most. Sold in 92, over 50k when I finally sold it.
2006 Breva 1100, have owned this one longer and more miles than any other bike.
I don't think I have ever owned a bike that was bad, or didn't like, but some just seem to fit me better.
I would absolutely own these all over again, without question.
Have been thinking hard about a new XL650L dual purpose bike, If it just had a kick starter as a backup....
Old Head
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NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR. While I have had some great bikes, in my 59 years of riding. Old bikes are just what they are, old. New Retro bikes are the best of both worlds, like new Triumphs, Royal Enfield, R nine T’s and so forth. I will give you my current favorites. MG V 85 tt, R nine T, KTM 390 Adventure.
Honorable mention, R 1100RS, R 1200S, R 1200 RS, RC 51, Aprilia Tuano, 125 Puch MX, 1969 Ossa MX.and many more including a great 1100 Sport.
(https://i.ibb.co/CzR43bY/FA27-E09-F-CB87-4-DC3-94-ED-B3016-CB67-E03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CzR43bY)
(https://i.ibb.co/SKMTyzV/DC9-F65-D3-B48-C-4-DF7-A5-A6-49-FB74-CAEF88.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SKMTyzV)
(https://i.ibb.co/PNXFGqB/249469-B4-3141-4209-8644-44-E1179-B86-CA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PNXFGqB)
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Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .
Dusty
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Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .
Dusty
United Associated Press..?
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United Associated Press..?
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena :laugh:
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Unidentified Aerial Phenomena :laugh:
Will the latest generation sport bikes do the ... looking for a slang term for FTL travel ..."megatonne"? Maxitonne? Oh , I've got it , the unbelieveatonne :laugh:
Sorry , I can't take it anymore anymore anymore :shocked: Gork and his wife Glerka who live across the street have given me permission to out them, since they are firing up their 2019 model galaxy cruiser in 20 minutes and leaving for their home planet Gesundheidt in the Blurkas nebula . Will miss them , Glerka made an excellent 17 cheese lasagna using cheese from their home planet . They have promised to say hi to the Conehead family .
Dusty
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My goodness, someone really has an axe to grind. :police:
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My goodness, someone really has an axe to grind. :police:
Sounds to me like Dusty might need a long and uninterrupted "ROAD TRIP" in................. ................... ................"The Flyer Camper!!" :laugh: :grin: :wink: :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:
(https://i.ibb.co/RSWcDxf/IMG-3117.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RSWcDxf)
(https://i.ibb.co/hycXT4r/IMG-3116.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hycXT4r)
(https://i.ibb.co/1rTB6Cp/IMG-3115.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1rTB6Cp)
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A Yamaha 100 twin jet 2 stroke street bike - my first bike.
A Yamaha XS650 - my first big bike back when 650 was considered big.
My current V9 Roamer - my first Guzzi.
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Its all about the memories. My SRX600 was a bit of a dog, but there are some awesome memories associated with it. My first road trip. Going to the Phillip Island GP in 1998. Riding around Scotland for the first time. Laps of Bathust. Doing the ton between Orange and Parkes for the first time...
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1963 Sears Allstate scooter that put the bug in me, my dad had no idea what he created :boozing:
1969- SL100 that I did anything and everything for 3 years for money to buy it.$480 and they threw in a helmet.
1992 HD FXRS-SP Finest riding and handling bike Harley ever built back then, stop making them in 93.wish I could find another that wasn't all switch around. Saw 2 in the wild and a member here said he had a 87, so did I before the 92, really miss that one.
Honorable mention.
2008 1200 Sport
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Well then, here’s a different way to ask the question.
Of all the bikes you’ve ever owned, if you could have any ONE back for the rest of your time..?
Which ONE... :popcorn:
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The T-3 would be the keeper.
GliderJohn
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Norge.
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1980 Ducati 900SS
1991 Ducati 900SS
1975 Moto Guzzi 850T now a 750S Tribute bike
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Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .
Dusty
Dusty,
You don't need a BSA, or a NSU, or a DKW, or a BMW, or a SWM, only a UAP, or a late model, used UFO will get where you want to go!
Talk about a real conundrum.......
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Based on what I've owned, it would depend on where I live, and my physical state.
For now, almost any trials bike, 1972 Suzuki TS 185, and probably a DR 650. That's for riding. For tinkering and garage ogling, the list gets a lot longer.
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As was mentioned before, it sure is telling how many Tonti frame bikes are at the top of people’s lists and memories.
To answer Huzo’s question, if I could bring back one from the past it would be my old Harley FXRS-SP. That answer is qualified by the fact that I currently have an 850-T3 that is close to my old fave 850-T, plus I have yet to posses my bucket list bikes of a Griso, a cool loop frame, a Norton Commando, Ducati 900SS, or slab side Shovelhead, so I can’t draw from those. However, if the T3 was not at home it would be the 850-T! For as cool and unique as the old pre-unit Bonneville was, those bikes are just too buzzy at highway cruising speeds.
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Yamaha Tenere 700:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700 (https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700)
(https://www.roadrunner.travel/images/articles/heading/7489.jpg)
Thanks! that IS a nice looking bike
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Thanks! that IS a nice looking bike
I need to ride one. Supposedly that's a fine motor too.
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Well then, here’s a different way to ask the question.
Of all the bikes you’ve ever owned, if you could have any ONE back for the rest of your time..?
Which ONE... :popcorn:
If you mean I could only own one bike, I refuse to go there. If you mean getting only one back that I sold, it would be the CBX.
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If I could just have ONE bike, it would have to be the most versatile, and therefore, the Husqvarna 701 Enduro is the easy winner for me. I would not want to give up riding dirty, rocky, technical single-track, and the 701 Enduro is also a damn fine sport bike that could go long-haul if I invested in a different seat. I think the 700 Tenere is similar, though biased a bit more toward street and less toward dirt.
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First bike 1972 Honda xl250 Mosport,the grandfather of ALL modern 4 valve dirt bikes!!! 1974 Norton Commando Roadster,first big street bike rode it to Tahoe in 1978,stayed for 5 years,heaven on earth!!! 1976 Convert,first Guzzi and the last Guzzi I ever wanted,but she purred her way into my heart!!! Honorable mention 2008 Norge,does everything well,arrest me red color,nuff said…
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Probably my 1000S, comfortable to ride long distance and has been an incredibly trouble free bike. In 25 years of ownership the only thing that has gone wrong is the Ducati voltage regulator and the final drive large seal and both of those things went bad soon after I bought the bike.
The CX has been my workhorse though it has been a difficult relationship.
And the 68 Norton, another difficult relationship but I just like the bike.
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Ok I'll play
In no particular order
T100C triumph 1970 - bought this almost 20 years ago, my go-to city transport, such good ergos, bulletproof once you learn what to live with and what to fix. No electric start so flat batteries aren't a problem. Any pillion just smiles when they're on the back of it. And probably the best looking triumph ever built. nice
2006/2009 Cali Vintage - yeah, I've had two of these and have since turned them into one 'perfect' bike. I have done upwards of 100k between the two of them and what can I say, the only bike I've ever done a 4 hour trip on and been disappointed that my journey wasn't twice as long upon arrival. Thank you guzzi for putting such a sweet yet characterful engine into such a good touring package... Oh, and perfect for a pillion too
2006 Ducati 848 - track days on a bike this beautiful?!!! Oh yes, thank you ducati!!!
Oh and an honorable mention to my big brothers vespa which was the first thing I ever rode
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I started riding in 1964. Never been a time when there hasn't been at least one bike in the garage and seven at one time. Over 50 have come and gone. Today there is still a EV in the garage and has been since 1999. A 2017 V7III and a V85 share the homes also. The only one from the past I really wish was still here (sold because it was just too tall) is the 2008 1050 Tiger. I guess the three current bikes are the top and are the three I would buy again. After 17000 miles the V85 just might have beaten the other two out for first place.
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I had a 1996 Kawasaki Concourse, based on purchase price, dependable and cheap to maintain I covered a lot of country on that over six years, best bang for the buck motorcycle I have owned by far, number two KLR 650 for the same reasons; cheap to purchase and run and they have taken me to the Arctic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and all across the western USA and Canada, my 72 Eldorado for introducing me to Moto Guzzi and Italian bikes in general plus it’s the best all around vintage bike I have owned.
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(https://i.ibb.co/t2xX07D/4206.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t2xX07D)
1996 Honda VFR750. Surprising nobody has mentioned a VFR yet. The old ones with the gear-driven cams were kind of legendary all-around bikes. I had several different VFRs and liked this Gen4 one the most of all. With a Staintune exhaust, sounded almost as good as a Guzzi.
(https://i.ibb.co/KFbbmXv/2536.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KFbbmXv)
1976 R75/6. Not really great at anything in particular, but outstanding when taken as a whole: just very well-made, well-thought-out, and satisfying to ride and work on. Regret letting go of it.
(https://i.ibb.co/yWLBhKN/5164.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yWLBhKN)
2017 BMW R1200RT. My current main ride. Not the prettiest thing on two wheels, but the most all-around capable bike I have ever owned. Supremely comfortable yet can flat-out fly on twisty a back road. Of all the bikes I've ever owned, this is by any practical measure the "one bike to rule them all." Not really enthused with the "digital dash" of the newest RTs, so I guess I will keep riding this one till the wheels fall off.
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My 1975 Honda CB500-T was may first bike, I started to ride on it. As a 20 year old beginner rider, I rode it for 15 yrs.
My 2010 MG Calvin which got me back into riding. After raising a family. It introduced me to the big twin. (Last of the Tonti's )
My 2004 V11 Coppa Italia , which always put's a smile on my face. ( Spine Frame )
...........Now I would like to "find" a new V7
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I've had a lot of bikes in 51 years of ridding but the most outstanding would be :
A Suzuki LS650 has to be the best all-around bike for ridding single on. They have enough of everything to do anything and the 650 single has a great FUN FACTOR built into it. They are also about the simplest machine ever made too. I've got one I'm keeping for my "Old Man" bike , at 380 pounds and a 28" seat ... anybody who even remotely could be ridding can ride one of these . Belt drive too ! :thumb:
But , the wonderful little LS650 doesn't have the seat room to ride 2 full grown people on for a long ride.
So , things have to get complicated :
(https://i.ibb.co/26cznxc/Hard-Bags2mp.jpg) (https://ibb.co/26cznxc)
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I've owned "only" 7 motorbikes so not sure there are 3 greatest of all time.
My greatest of all time never sell while I can ride bike is the '47 Ariel. Been riding it for 18 years on many adventures from 0 to almost 10,000'. It is a slow bike I can ride fast.
(https://i.ibb.co/vhfPQ0g/10-July2005-INOA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vhfPQ0g) (https://i.ibb.co/1vGV6LV/IMG-5255.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1vGV6LV) (https://i.ibb.co/7kT6HJc/SSept2016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7kT6HJc)
Next is the LMIII which I've been riding 13 years. It's tough, easy to maintain, it eats miles and is much easier to camp with after adding Givi paniers. Good adventures on it too. But it is a fast bike I ride slow. And heavy. And the stormtrooper chin fairing is weird.
(https://i.ibb.co/t8dkLCr/IMG-0399.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t8dkLCr)
3rd is tied between the Monza and the Slicer. The Monza is light and nimble, looks great and, with the V65 engine, pretty darn quick. Potential hooligan. It's a little less comfortable on long rides than the LMIII and Ariel.
The slicer has taught me lots of mechanical lessons, is really interesting to look at and to ride (maybe too interesting). Unfortunately I'm still sorting it out so it's not yet totally happy mechanically. It will get there...
(https://i.ibb.co/Q9G8KjZ/IMG-6694.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q9G8KjZ) (https://i.ibb.co/jMx3WHV/20210310-172932.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jMx3WHV)