here are the specs of one (or more) of the bikes I would build if.....

[SIR REAL ED]

if you had unlimited resources at your disposal, what bike or bikes would you design or have built for you to ride or keep as a living room/garage queen?

Get as specific as possible. 

New components and design? or merging components from existing motorcycles?

[SIR REAL ED]

One of the bikes I would build would be stealing a page from Alan Millyard.  A three cylinder bike based on a 1976-1979 Yamaha RD 400.  I doubt I would be satisfied with the bike as a daily rider, but it would be a fun project.

Another would be a fairly new off road model, with an older air cooled two stroke or four stroke engine.  Modern suspension shortened to 8" of travel to suit my short legs and low speed riding.


The most-likely-to-happen-build-given-my-limited-resources, (probably a couple years out) is a four stoke street single.  Possibly an MZ 660 chassis, much better suspension, much lighter wheels, and a DR650 engine for simplicity.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

XT500/XT600E mixed. This one is actually doable on a budget.





With unlimited funds, I'd have a "super sized" Morini 3 1/2 Sport built. 750 cc, sticking as closely as possibly to the original Lambertini design, including Heron heads. Then a supersized 500 Sport - 1000 cc. 

[Huzo]

I’d like a mix of this.
Named the 1200 Nortian…

Slimline Norton featherbed frame with a late model Indian 1200 motor.
Akropovic or Termignoni exhaust system with Titanium mandrel bent headers.
Belt final drive (BMW F800 style).
Wire wheels.
John Williams aluminium tank/seat/side panels.
Ohlins front and rear suspension.
Decent sculpted seat that you can actually sit on for a long time.
Pivoting footpegs.
Nice traditional clocks..(not digital).
Full Brembo brake system with triple discs.
Full Japanese electrics.

Excuse me, I have to duck off for a minute…

[faffi]

A very, VERY difficult question there!

I think I would have used my V9 Roamer as a starting point. The first edition with 55PS has enough power for my needs, no need to tune it, although I would want it perfectly balanced to eliminate all vibrations. I'd also want't the spark plugs to be accessible without having to remove any covers, and fit hydraulic valve lash adjusters. Most importantly, regarding the engine, it must have perfectly smooth and instant throttle response from idle on, regardless of gear and load.

I'd keep the shaft drive, of course, but I would have a 4.00x18 rear rim with a 140/70ZR18 to compliment the 2.50x19 front rim, that would carry a 110/80ZR19. And reduce the number of wheel spokes to five, styled like the first generation Yamaha cast wheels from the 70s. Brakes are fine, but let me turn off ABS. Give me 7 inches of compliant and controlled suspension travel front and rear, adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping. Style it like the 1000S, but keep the stock handlebars and fit instruments off the Z900RS. Now get the weight down to 400 * lbs with its 24 liter fuel tank full, and I would be very happy

* 140 lbs less than the 1000S and 75 lbs less than the Roamer 



However, there are lots of other specials I'd love to have, like a V4 850 Suzuki based on the Suzuki GS425, then upgraded with proper suspension and brakes and fuel injection. And a 650 inline 3 based on the same bike. But mostly out of curiosity, not something I would like to own "forever". And for display I could have a CB1100RB. And a 1978 CBX in silver. And a 1979 CB900F in blue on blue. And a 750 S3. And a....

[rschrum]

572 Hemi powered trike, for my old age.

[Turin]

Unlimited resources? The famous Moto Guzzi V8 of to park in the house, and an updated one to ride. Make the updated bike with a modern 1200 with fuel injection and a six speed with styling to compliment the original without being retro.

[Canuck750]

If I could build my dream bike it would be 450 lbs or less, excellent fairing and power adjustable windshield, comfortable ergonomics for my +60 body, comfortable passenger seating and high quality detachable hard luggage, heated seat and grips, 120 - 160 hp, water cooled, 19” front wheel, 17 or 18” rear wheel, 6” or more suspension travel, ABS and dynamic traction control, good gravel road stability….. I want a sport bike / grand tourer / KLR 650 all in one!

[inditx]

Wow, great topic SIR REAL ED but hard to quantify for my fickle tastes as they seem to be ever changing.
Be that as it may, here goes;

TORQUE!
LOW WEIGHT
NOT TOP HEAVY
REASONABLE SEAT HEIGHT
NEUTRAL UPRIGHT RIDING POSITION
CAST WHEELS/TUBELESS TIRES
GREAT BRAKES
ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION THAT LAST 10’S OF THOUSANDS OF MILES
CRUISE CONTROL
REAL FUEL GUAGE
AMBIENT TEMP
CLOCK
EASY TO READ CLUSTER IN ANY LIGHT OR DARK
EXCELLENT LIGHTING ALL ROUND
AUTO SHUT OFF TURN SIGNALS
EASY AIR FILTER ACCESS
DECENT GROUND CLEARANCE
ADJUSTABLE PEGS OR SMALL FLOORBOARDS, FRONT AND REAR
POP OFF WINDSHIELD OR FAIRING
EASY OFF SIDE AND TOP BAGS
NICE PASSENGER ACCOMODATIONS
BELT OR SHAFT DRIVE
NARROW IN THE SADDLE
EXC. MPG
NO VALVE ADJUSTMENTS
EFI
PADDLE SHIFT
HANDLES TOURING, TWISTIES AND OCCASIONAL GRAVEL AND HARD PACK DIRT

Sorry, that’s all I can think of for now
inditx

[SIR REAL ED]

Wow, great topic SIR REAL ED but hard to quantify for my fickle tastes as they seem to be ever changing.

....
Sorry, that’s all I can think of for now
inditx

That would be part of the fun of unlimited resources.

I suspect for me it would be two simultaneous builds taking 6 months to a year each.  Probably over the course of 6 years for a total of 8-12 bikes.

perhaps also simultaneously, a 5-10 year crazy project.  that would of course be subject to constantly changing whims.....

Hard for me to believe that the kind of personality that would undertake "custom" builds, would only build one custom do-it-all bike.

if one did that, what would be the fun in having unlimited resources.

I seem to remember Peter Egan musing that 5 motorcycles is the optimum number to own at any one time.

[Huzo]

Seems to me that the main dot points that need to be ticked off when assessing the desireability of a bike are…
Wheels…(wire)
Pipes…(curves and lines that suit the stance of the bike)

Overall visual balance…(flat seat cafe racers and bobbers need not apply)

A home built appearance without looking “amateur”…(Once saw a Vincent with belt primary and secondary drives in a Featherbed frame with sublime engineering accents, the Kaffemaschine stuff is supberbly crafted yet ugly as sin)

Can you actually ride the thing somewhere significant…(If it can’t be ridden somewhere decent, it’s not a “bike”. Just like guys who build planes that are not for flight, if it does not and never has flown, it’s not an AIRplane)

A build can look raw, but purposefully serious…(Best examples are well raced 80’s Superbikes).

[SIR REAL ED]

Huzo,

To me, it would be MORE fun to pursue pure function (to be uniquely defined by each end user of course) first.  Appearance need not be considered.

Once the bike is working as desired, then decide how much performance/function one is willing to sacrifice in order to obtain an acceptable or desirable appearance.

As we are all well aware, custom that pursue appearance and forsake function are as old as motorcycles themselves.

[Huzo]

Huzo,

To me, it would be MORE fun to pursue pure function (to be uniquely defined by each end user of course) first.  Appearance need not be considered.

Once the bike is working as desired, then decide how much performance/function one is willing to sacrifice in order to obtain an acceptable or desirable appearance.

As we are all well aware, custom that pursue appearance and forsake function are as old as motorcycles themselves.

Yeah mate.
Most guys do a “dry build” first so they can ascertain what needs to be added or subtracted.
I think SRE, that it needs to be acknowledged, that intrinsic beauty is not added on as an overlay to functionality.
A ground up build needs to be beautiful to the creator, because to look beautiful, IS one of it’s functions.
When I built this












I dry built it first then took it out to our local airport and ran it around for a long time to sort out the bugs.
Then tore it down, and started the detailing…(Also added twin front discs)
But I totally accept your assertion/s….(As usual….. )

[SIR REAL ED]

speaking of custom motorcycles, I remember getting really excited by the prospect of buying one of these, sub 300 pound, 950cc V-Twin.

https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1686799149109256192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1686806493364895758%7Ctwgr%5Ee258984889822ccbd91e7bd197b54813fa6976e6%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Faaronwalker%2F2023%2F08%2F02%2Ftucker-on-twitter-episode-12-part-1-devon-archer-n2385928

https://thekneeslider.com/us-highland-build-to-order-motorcycle-manufacturing-in-tulsa-oklahoma/

[inditx]

speaking of custom motorcycles, I remember getting really excited by the prospect of buying one of these, sub 300 pound, 950cc V-Twin.

https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1686799149109256192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1686806493364895758%7Ctwgr%5Ee258984889822ccbd91e7bd197b54813fa6976e6%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitchy.com%2Faaronwalker%2F2023%2F08%2F02%2Ftucker-on-twitter-episode-12-part-1-devon-archer-n2385928

https://thekneeslider.com/us-highland-build-to-order-motorcycle-manufacturing-in-tulsa-oklahoma/

YES on the highland, too bad it/they didn’t work out.
inditx

[SIR REAL ED]

When I built this

That is a great platform to start from.  One of the all time great gas tank shapes.

Reminds me a bit of the first generation Suzuki SV650's.  At first glance I thought:  "Modern day Norton Commando!"

Oooh, another good project. 
First generation SV650, with second generation Fuel Injection, replace cylinders and heads with air cooled components..... wire wheels.....

One of the reasons I like the MZ 660's is there is just a bit of late 60's/early 70's BSA/Triumph factory road racer look, hidden beneath the "What the Heck is that?" look.

The lack of a familiar look is also a bit appealing to me.

[Huzo]

That is a great platform to start from.  One of the all time great gas tank shapes.

Reminds me a bit of the first generation Suzuki SV650's.  At first glance I thought:  "Modern day Norton Commando!"

Oooh, another good project. 
First generation SV650, with second generation Fuel Injection, replace cylinders and heads with air cooled components..... wire wheels.....

One of the reasons I like the MZ 660's is there is just a bit of late 60's/early 70's BSA/Triumph factory road racer look, hidden beneath the "What the Heck is that?" look.

The lack of a familiar look is also a bit appealing to me.

Funny thing is, I actually built the tank from scratch, but it’s a fibreglass cover over a steel cell.
Long story, but it couldn’t do anything but fit me perfectly.
Same with the seat.
Clearly it’s a tip of the hat to the Rob North Tridents of yesteryear, but that helps draw the eye.
If you put an original Rob North unit next to it, you’d see how the home built one is smaller.

Jeez, now you’ve got me thinking…..
I’ve got one of these in the corner


ifa riverton

Used but unmarked.
Hmmmm…

[SIR REAL ED]

Funny thing is, I actually built the tank from scratch, but it’s a fibreglass cover over a steel cell.
Long story, but it couldn’t do anything but fit me perfectly.
Same with the seat.
Clearly it’s a tip of the hat to the Rob North Tridents of yesteryear, but that helps draw the eye.
If you put an original Rob North unit next to it, you’d see how the home built one is smaller.

Jeez, now you’ve got me thinking…..
I’ve got one of these in the corner


ifa riverton

Used but unmarked.
Hmmmm…

Rob North Tridents!  That's the definitive term I was looking for.  Oddly enough, some of the best looking "gas tanks" are covers over ugly functional real gas tanks.

Frames that are a straight line from steering stem to swingarm pivot always look "right" to me.  FJ1200, FZ600, SRX600, etc.  All three had nicely matching gas tanks reminiscent of the Rob North Tridents.

Then again, I think the first generation SV650 has the best looking OEM frame ever built.

IMO, lose the fairing on the SV650S model (I always hated the look of the first generation fairing), round stock naked SV headlight, or even better a round 8" headlight from a Seca 650, XV920RH, GS1150........  I think wire wheels might be a step too far on the SV.  I can't quite visualize it though.

When I get a chance I'll post pics of my old SV with the Yamaha RZ350 replica fairing, and the Biggest GSXR1000 OEM muffler they ever made!

[SIR REAL ED]

While looking for a picture for Huzo I found:

[inditx]

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I was looking for *something to do* which has gotten me in trouble.. and almost pulled the trigger to start a NorVin project.  Fortunately I had an attack of common sense and restored an antique airplane instead. 

[LowRyter]

I was looking for *something to do* which has gotten me in trouble.. and almost pulled the trigger to start a NorVin project.  Fortunately I had an attack of common sense and restored an antique airplane instead. 

One of my geezer (ex)club guys has one.  His man ride is the Indian  Street Tracker.

So far as the  Norvin, he admits that he can't start is anymore.  Sez it has Rolle Free cams in it too.   I haven't seen it 5+ years since the "club" hasn't done any shows after the promoter packed out of town after the fair board upped the rent.  The Norvin is beaut, I'll have to find a photo.  I'd get a roller starter.

He's also got his BSA Lightning that he bought new.  It looks like new, he mentioned it was restored.  He used to have an MV4 1000.

[SIR REAL ED]

Tip of the hat to Charlie.....

Two of the all time great looking gas tanks!

[twowheeladdict]

In order of priority:

1. At least 6 inches of finely tuned fully adjustable suspension front and rear.
2. Flat wide seat that I could slide around on and adjust during the ride.
3. 50 HP at the rear wheel and a 90 degree air cooled twin that makes its torque low in the RPM range.
4. Comfortable footpeg and handgrip position for all day riding comfort.
5. Electronic Cruise Control.
6. The ability to go from a roadster to a full on touring bike with bolt on accessories.
7. Tubeless wheels of modern sport touring dimensions.
8. At least 250 miles of range before needing to start looking for fuel.
9. Plenty of spare amps to run whatever accessories I desire.
10. Shaft or Belt drive.
11. Long service intervals or hydraulic valve lash adjusters.
12. 6 speed transmission with low 1st gear and overdrive 6th gear.
13. Look aesthetically pleasing to me. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

The Norvin is beaut,

Yeah, one of the prettiest engines (to my eyes) ever in a good handling chassis.. what's not to like? 

[huub]

a aprilia svx with a bulletproof engine.
i dont mind 10 Hp less , as long as it is reliable

for those who have never seen a svx 550, a twin cylinder supermoto , with a high revving v-twin.
70 HP , 122 kilo.
it was a pretty single minded competition machine with maintenance schedule to match
a absolute hoot to ride , just completely impractical because of the maintenance
( every 15 hour oil change , every 90 hour pistons )
with my current use i would be changing every three weeks:-)
i cant think of another lightweight supermoto twin on the market.

[SIR REAL ED]

a aprilia svx with a bulletproof engine.
i dont mind 10 Hp less , as long as it is reliable

for those who have never seen a svx 550, a twin cylinder supermoto , with a high revving v-twin.
70 HP , 122 kilo.
it was a pretty single minded competition machine with maintenance schedule to match
a absolute hoot to ride , just completely impractical because of the maintenance
( every 15 hour oil change , every 90 hour pistons )
with my current use i would be changing every three weeks:-)
i cant think of another lightweight supermoto twin on the market.

Amen.  I owned an RXV550. 

What a beast.  Stock gearing was 98 mph at 11,000 rpm.  Partial throttle wheelies at 40 mph in fourth gear happened accidentally.  I added two teeth to the countershaft sprocket, and subtracted 12 from the rear wheel sprocket.  Even then it wheelied so easily in first as to make first gear virtually unusable. 

Once you get Allen Noland to tear down and rebuild the engine (correcting the factory F-ups) they are inherently reliable.    To prove the point, Alan rode his SXV450 from MD to CA and back.  He claims the engine would hold 11,000 rpm+ for hours on end.  IIRC, the SRX450 had a redline of 13,000.  An after market manufacturers had a 5 gallon gas tank to fit.

Factory recommended maintenance schedule was horribly pessimistic.  Especially in regards to piston and ring replacement.  They did burn oil, IIRC, you could expect 100ml of oil to disaapear every 200 miles.  With very few design changes (add an oil control ring to the pistons) and better quality control, it could have been a world beater engine.  I think Aprilia bypassing the EPA and NHTSA contributed greatly to the death of the bike.

Aprilia forgot to stamp the manufacturer's statement of origin with the magic words "OFF HIGHWAY USE ONLY."  When they got caught after a couple years of people getting title and registrations for them, Aprilia was in big trouble,

The AF1 forum segment dedicated to the RXV/SXV has a half dozen of the sharpest technical motorcycle minds I have ever encountered.  Anyone considering buying one should talk to Allen and consult the forum.

https://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?231210-Official-opening-Noland-Trans-World-Cycle

https://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?50-2006-2011-Aprilia-RXV-SXV-MXV-4-5-5-5-V-Twins

My buddy still owns his SXV450.  He loves it!  Great twisty road bike.  But putting a 180 section rear tire on a 300 lb wet bike was another Aprilia F-up.  IIRC, even the racers switched them out to 150's or 160's.

Another buddy owned an SXV550.  While out on a ride, we swapped bikes.  After he got off my DR650 (350 lbs wet) he declared "Man is that bike heavy!"