Author Topic: If you could keep only one  (Read 3375 times)

Offline faffi

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If you could keep only one
« on: October 30, 2025, 01:39:22 PM »
Of all the bikes you have owned, which one would you pick if it was going to be your only motorcycle for the next decade? Let's pretend all of them where brand new at the beginning of the decade.

Current bikes:
2018 V9 Roamer
1982 XV750/1100 mongrel
1990 XT600Z
2001 NT650V in bits

Offline cliffrod

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2025, 01:51:43 PM »
No contest.  My 1973 V7 Sport is my forever bike.  Always has been and it’s hard to imagine not having it, just like it is, until I die.

Our 1974 FLH is a close second because that’s the bike my wife and I can enjoy together.  But the CX100 is pretty special….
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
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Offline Huzo

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2025, 02:23:37 PM »
My ‘07 Norge.


Online michaell32

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2025, 02:26:34 PM »
My dr650. I can go on any paved or unpaved road without any worry.
2003 California EV
2018 Suzuki DR650
78 Honda GL1000

Offline RinkRat II

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2025, 02:43:44 PM »




   Easy, I've owned my K75s since new, fits me well and trouble free.  :bike-037:

   Paul B  :boozing:
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Online bacongrease

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2025, 03:18:54 PM »
  1990 HD FXRS.

  Close second.....04 Stone.
« Last Edit: November 02, 2025, 06:29:24 PM by bacongrease »

Offline MikeP996

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2025, 03:29:24 PM »
My '21 V7 850 Special! :)
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special (UK)
1976 Honda CB400F (UK)
2017 BMW R1200RS (TX)
'73 Norton Commando (Mexico
2015 BMW R9T (Mexico)
(Wife's bikes:
2015 Ducati Diavel (TX)
2019 Honda Africa Twin  (Mexico)
2021 Honda NC750  (UK)

Online Rebochi

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2025, 03:45:50 PM »
Of all the bikes you have owned, which one would you pick if it was going to be your only motorcycle for the next decade? Let's pretend all of them where brand new at the beginning of the decade.

    I recently made that decision and kept my 08 1200S / 2013 Griso Frankenstein bike .
1200 Sport

Offline turboguzzi

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2025, 04:15:15 PM »
My 1986 GSXR750, sadly he is RIP

Online bad Chad

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2025, 04:38:59 PM »
That's a tough question faffi!   I have enjoyed so many.  Emotions, and the rose colored glasses of hindsight have a big effect my thinking.
I really have nothing but great memories of tooling around as a young punk on a 78 Suzuki GS1000.  That bike really could do everything I asked of it back in the day, and I think it would still be fantastic if it was a new bike.  But I also really dig my 25 V85tt, and really great bike in so many ways.   But nostalgia is powerful, I think I would go with  the big GS1000!
2025 V85TT
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2016 CSC 250TT

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2025, 04:53:28 PM »
It would have to be 2, I need my sidecar rig for when I get old & can't walk. But the "1" would have to be my baby of 50,000mi going to rallies.
1984 White LM3 with Sport 1100 (95) stuff on it, front end & wheels with a custom swingarm made by Ed in CA- Problem is it's a progect from 07 crash.
No $ means it sits. Got a new Jackal block that was stripped when new by mfg, have sensors & all covers to make my LM fuel inj., guts go right in.

Enjoy your dreams I lived most mine especially Guzzi ones.
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Online bad Chad

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2025, 04:55:59 PM »
Oh, I would love to have a LeMans III with all the up grades that could be done.  To me, that is the sexiest, most cool motorcycle ever made!
2025 V85TT
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2016 CSC 250TT

Online inditx

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2025, 04:57:34 PM »
Still looking lol
inditx
inditx

This is the day.....

Online n3303j

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2025, 07:27:00 PM »
'77 T3. It just feels best.

But the Ural will probably be my last.
As close to a mobility scooter as I want to get.
'98 MG V11 EV
'96 URAL SPORTSMAN
'77 MG 850T3 FB

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2025, 08:42:38 PM »
Oh, I would love to have a LeMans III with all the up grades that could be done.  To me, that is the sexiest, most cool motorcycle ever made!
Insurance paid me all but $200 less than I paid for it new, then I bought it back for $600. Not a normal title but I can use it. One reason I'm selling the 700's, I'd like to ride it before I die. Cal2 needs a drivetrain replacement, lasted 80Kmi since last done. It's also also a keeper w/Kurts sidecar on it, only so many of those. EV is my favorite for turn key & go. At 350,000 Guzzi miles ain't going to catch Karl's million
« Last Edit: October 30, 2025, 08:45:25 PM by guzzisteve »
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Online snobear

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #15 on: October 30, 2025, 09:04:39 PM »
It would have to be my DR650 at this point, it simply does everything without issue.
1980 1000SP
2022 V85
2010 DR 650
I do these things not to escape life but so life does not
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Online AJ Huff

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #16 on: October 30, 2025, 10:02:44 PM »
My Road King because I don't have to drive 500 miles for service on it.

-AJ
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Offline MikeP996

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #17 on: October 31, 2025, 04:30:29 AM »
Re old memories/bikes...I rode my Kawasaki 125cc two stroke across the USA when I was young.  Great memories to have...but I sure don't wish I still had it. ;)  There is no old motorcycle that I wish I had kept or would buy.  Not true of cars but as far as motos there are none that I miss.
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special (UK)
1976 Honda CB400F (UK)
2017 BMW R1200RS (TX)
'73 Norton Commando (Mexico
2015 BMW R9T (Mexico)
(Wife's bikes:
2015 Ducati Diavel (TX)
2019 Honda Africa Twin  (Mexico)
2021 Honda NC750  (UK)

Offline JoeB

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #18 on: October 31, 2025, 05:33:11 AM »
Timely topic as I planned to be down to one by now. The 2000 Suzi 400 drz would get the nod as it easily handles anything I am doing now. Getting up there and I appreciate its weight. Maintenance is easy and I still get satisfaction from turning a wrench or two now and then.
I was thinking strongly of selling the EV as I wasn't putting any miles on it the last few years. Felt it was getting too heavy and not being able to firmly plant my feet started to bother me. On a whim took the faring and top box off, and replaced the seat Mr. Maund did with a stock one. That lowered my stance over an inch or so and seemed to handle lighter.  World of difference for me.
Like to keep the tank full and have a gas station about 5 miles away. Ended up riding all afternoon. It ran sweet and I wondered what in the heck am I thinking.
Started working out again and hope to have enough confidence next spring to really enjoy it.
I know my marathon days are done but I am looking forward to some decent day trips now.
« Last Edit: October 31, 2025, 05:37:12 AM by JoeB »
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Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #19 on: October 31, 2025, 05:53:39 AM »

One?

I have yet to find the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles.

Too many variables.
2019 Beta EVO 250
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
1994, 2001, & 2002 MZ Skorpions

Offline MerleLowe

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #20 on: October 31, 2025, 07:18:41 AM »
I'd keep my 2022 V85TT.  Comfortable enough to tour on, characterful enough to make me want to keep it.  Can cross the country on it or just across town to get groceries.  Easy maintenance, sounds great, good fuel economy.  Can ride a BDR on it and Appalachian twisties (even on the same day). 

The other 7 bikes in the garage have a narrower range of applications.

Offline tommy2cyl

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #21 on: October 31, 2025, 08:20:20 AM »
Always an interesting question and is ever changing based on age and where you are on life"s riding curve.   My three bikes are currently 2020 V 85, 2024 Triumph 400 X and 2025 CF Moto 450 Ibex.   I am 73 and healthy and active and still working part time in my profession, so very fortunate.  I have made the conscious decision with my last two purchases to go smaller and lighter.   What I currently have are the last I will own, and if I had to choose one
it would be the CF Moto.  While it is still early days and only 3 K miles, the bike really fills my "what a motorcycle needs to do" list.   I now ride primarily
secondary, county and gravel roads.  Long hauls on the interstate no longer has any allure.  The CF is nimble and capable on gravel, very flickable in the
twisties,  can cruise on the slab at 75 mph when needed, and can wick up to 85 mph no problem.   Very easy to move around the garage.   The spec sheet on the bike is amazing for $6,500.00. I found my Unicorn bike.   Like I said, I have only had it since March so long term reliability is an unknown.  Of course, the same can be said for me.   :thumb:

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #22 on: October 31, 2025, 08:28:40 AM »
Of all the bikes you have owned, which one would you pick if it was going to be your only motorcycle for the next decade? Let's pretend all of them where brand new at the beginning of the decade.

The new Kawasaki KLE 500 is the best compromise bike for the riding I enjoy.
2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
2021 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
2015 Yamaha SR400
2009 Harley Davidson Softail Custom

Online Stretch

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #23 on: October 31, 2025, 08:44:16 AM »
Probably my KLR650.

                   -Stretch
1967? Change Jiang M1M
1978 Yamaha SR500
1971 BMW R75/5
1987 BMW K75S
2011 Kawasaki KLR650
2011 Triumph Rocket III Touring
2015 Triumph Trophy
2017 Moto Guzzi 1400 California Touring

Offline MikeP996

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #24 on: October 31, 2025, 08:49:40 AM »
I said I wouldn't want any past bikes back and that's still true but I was rather fond of my Ducati 996...;)
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 850 Special (UK)
1976 Honda CB400F (UK)
2017 BMW R1200RS (TX)
'73 Norton Commando (Mexico
2015 BMW R9T (Mexico)
(Wife's bikes:
2015 Ducati Diavel (TX)
2019 Honda Africa Twin  (Mexico)
2021 Honda NC750  (UK)

Offline YellowDuck

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #25 on: October 31, 2025, 09:28:54 AM »
Ugh what a question.

I have owned the 2006 Ducati Sport 1000 since new and have never fallen out of love with it in almost 20 years so I guess it would be that one.  But it's kind of a toxic relationship TBH.  The V7 850 is a lot more suitable for the type of riding I actually do, and will likely do in the future.

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #26 on: October 31, 2025, 09:53:48 AM »
The one I have had since 1997 - my '69 Ambassador. Currently at 111,000 miles.



Charlie

Online PeteS

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #27 on: October 31, 2025, 10:11:28 AM »
If you asked me two years ago it would have been my ‘76 LeMans but now its the V85tt. Go anywhere, do anything and I can ride it all day long day after day. Something I can’t do on the LeMans anymore.


Pete

Offline kidsmoke

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #28 on: October 31, 2025, 11:50:18 AM »
Ugh what a question.

I have owned the 2006 Ducati Sport 1000 since new and have never fallen out of love with it in almost 20 years so I guess it would be that one.  But it's kind of a toxic relationship TBH.  The V7 850 is a lot more suitable for the type of riding I actually do, and will likely do in the future.

IMHO, the perfect LOOKING bike. Never ridden one, but they take my breath away. Local guy has one that's got lots of custom bits without taking away from the stock feel. Strikes the perfect balance between sport/std/naked/cafe whatever.

What's the toxic part?
'79 G5      (Gina)
'93 1000S (Monica)
'00 Jackal  (Claudia)
'09 GRiSO  (Perla)

Online Tkelly

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Re: If you could keep only one
« Reply #29 on: October 31, 2025, 11:55:13 AM »
Since I just bought a really nice Roamer the SP,T3 ,and Stelvio would have to go but I love them all.Anyone interested,all are good runners with high miles?My wife want them all gone.

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