If you could keep only one

[JJ]

Very tough call!   Of the 35 motorcycles owned / ridden over the past 58 years, I would say this one stands out

1983 BMW R80RT - purchased brand new from Motorcycle City in Scottsdale, AZ (now long gone...). 

I put >50,000 trouble free miles on that bike, other than 1 clutch cable, tires, and batteries, and for a time, it was my only means of transportation.

Photo below is NOT my bike, but similar. 





Eventually, I traded it in for a gently used 1989 Harley-Davidson FLH-S (Electra Glide Sport), which was my FIRST Harley.

[jbhotchkiss]

99 Bassa; Pearl White. Gorgeous, comfortable, easy to maintain, plenty of power, great handling and brakes. Why oh why did I ever let her go?

[Moparnut72]

I would have probably said my R90/6. Good all around trouble free bike. But I bought a '26 V7 850 at the beginning of the month so I only have just short of 900 miles on it. It is easily in the short time I have had it that it is the best bike I have ever owned. Handling is quite good, power is amazing and the suspension works well for me to say nothing about how fantastic it looks, one of those bikes when you walk away you have to turn around for another look. I would have liked to say my Audace but the low gear low speed fueling was just awful. Beetle did not have a map he could trust at the time. It was a fantastic looker but I wasn't confident on it at walking speeds.
kk

[Scott Carpenter]

Easy - my 2025 V7 Sport 850. It does, and will do, everything I want until I am too old to ride it, is fun, looks great, sounds great, and although I have ridden it not longer than 150 miles in a day has all the makings of a multi week touring bike as I have fitted hard luggage and a screen. With the weather turning horrible I guess it will have a proper touring test next year. Plenty of shorter rides between now and then.

For reference, since I passed my test in 1996 I have had;

SRX600 - really fun but mine was a poor example mistreated by earlier owners
SZR660 - fun on the twistys but not great for touring
Breva750 x 2 - had one of these 2004 to 2022 and loved it, it was a contender to be bike kept forever. Did everything I needed with style comfort and elan.

And before the road? My TY175 was very much loved. A smile every time. I'd still love to be able to compete in "old geezer easy trials" on one.

[blackcat]

The 93-1000S, it's been the least problematic bike I've ever owned.

[Perazzimx14]

Well I guess if I can only have one bike and it has to last 10 years it would require the following

Neutral seating position
Open comfortable ergos
LT suspension
Good brakes
Good suspension
Good handling with the ability eat up miles of slab or spirited riding in twisties with the ability to do a bit of off-pavement
100+ HP
Lot of electrical capacity
heated grips and seats
Electronic cruise control
Sizable panniers and top case
Modular seats
Extended fuel range
Good wind protection
Good selection of aftermarket items
Good dealers network and support
Long term factory warranty

The list of wants, needs and desires pretty much has narrowed down my choices to what I am currently riding 

[faffi]

I had not really put any thought into my own choice when I posted the question, but going through the list of bike's I have owned, I was surprised how many I took to the final. After a lot of thought, I whittled these down to the podium, a podium that surprised even me: 1979 Kawasaki KZ400G Custom (actually a standard bike with cast wheels instead of wire wheels), 1990 Yamaha XT600Z Ténéré and my current 2017 V9 Roamer.

No bike have been easier to maintain, and no bike have had such a perfect combination of nimbleness and utter stability like the Kawa 400. It's also fairly comfortable. What holds it back is lack of power and substantial engine vibrations.

My Guzzi's best feature is that it is fun to ride slowly plus the engine that has plenty of power without being overly fast. The shaft final drive is also very nice. What speak against it is a seat about as comfy as a 2x4'', and a riding position that is a strain into a headwind.

That leaves the Yamaha 600. It is not as quick to service as the other two, but it is the most versatile by some margin, is nearly as light as the Kawa 400, has a fuel tank capacity more than 50% larger than the other two, has the best suspension, the best riding position and parts are readily available. Hence that bike would be my pick.

[gsf12man]

It could use slightly more sophisticated brakes and front suspension, but I'm ridiculously happy with my 2014 DL650 V-Strom, so it will get the nod, at least until I take delivery of a 1050 ’strom come spring...

[turboguzzi]

BTW, can I add two that i have, but would gladly be without? regretfully cant even get rid of them!

my 1989 GSXR1100, a non dancing elephant, havent ridden it for maybe ten years, good only for blasting in a straight line down the autostrada
my 1980 KZ750E, a totally tasteless motorcycle from the worse period of UJMs, ride it some times

I'd need to be paying people to get rid of them, and even then, not many candidates

[bronzestar1]

It would have to be this one (2007 Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta):



Out of all the bikes I've owned over the last 40 years, this Monster was the best combination of handling, power, comfort, and sound (shortened Termis, dry clutch, full-floating front rotors, Desmo valves, etc)...

[DoubleGuzzi]

If it wasn't for the complexities of Desmo valves, I'd have chosen a fuel injected Monster 900 - power, physical size, character etc.

I really thought the 900 Street Twin was going to be my final 'big' bike but I should've spent the extra cash and bought the next model year, with more power. As much as I really liked it, I always felt it just a bit lacking in something intangible. The needlessly heavy throttle spring on a RBW bike was crazy, though could've been mitigated somewhat by having cruise control.

Switching my (temperamental starting) 600 Monster for the 750 Breva, as my colder seasons bike, was both the best and worse thing to do! It rekindled my interest in Guzzis. The Breva is just the easiest bike to live with, even with its little foibles - it feels better overall than the Street Twin did and possibly even my V7III Carbon Shine!  If the clutch action was just a tad lighter and more positive/predictable and had electronic cruise control (ain't gonna happen), then I would live out my days with it. I'd need to replace/refurbish the fuel tank though.

I'd be torn between a 65BHP 900 Triumph Street Twin and the black engine 2009 750 Breva, as my only bike.
Realistically, as I get older & weaker, a lowered Triumph Speed 400 would be more likely, 'purchased' from my missus. The V50II won't last forever; anyway a V50III/V65 would be a better option.

[SIR REAL ED]

The new Kawasaki KLE 500 is the best compromise bike for the riding I enjoy.

The KLE 500 & the CF Moto IBEX 450 are the most tempting to me of the new models I have seen.

[SIR REAL ED]

That leaves the Yamaha 600. It is not as quick to service as the other two, but it is the most versatile by some margin, is nearly as light as the Kawa 400, has a fuel tank capacity more than 50% larger than the other two, has the best suspension, the best riding position and parts are readily available. Hence that bike would be my pick.

Is that the electric start model?  Only sold here from 1990-1992, IIRC.  As rare as hen's teeth.

Pictures please!!

[2WheelsUp]

My Lemans I bought new in 1978 and foolishly sold 20 years later. Fortunately, a few years ago I was able to find/build another.

[faffi]

Is that the electric start model?  Only sold here from 1990-1992, IIRC.  As rare as hen's teeth.

Pictures please!!

It is electric leg only, unlike the 1987 model I had that also had a kick start, which is a feature I really like. However, the 1987 had serious overheating issues that were solved on the 1988 and later versions, plus there were several improvements made to the engine that are well worth losing the kicker for.

I could not find pictures of my 1990, but this is how it would have looked the day it was made

[Gliderjohn]

Been riding for 45 years and only owned three bikes including two Guzzis. Due to downsizing had to sell either the Norge or the T-3 so of course I sold the Norge. T-3 forever!



GliderJohn

[SIR REAL ED]

It is electric leg only, unlike the 1987 model I had that also had a kick start, which is a feature I really like. However, the 1987 had serious overheating issues that were solved on the 1988 and later versions, plus there were several improvements made to the engine that are well worth losing the kicker for.

I could not find pictures of my 1990, but this is how it would have looked the day it was made

Nice.  It never made it to the shores of the US. 

I remember reading in the MZ forum that the electric start versions of the XT600 much improved.  IIRC, switching to electric start allowed Yamaha to change some internal gear ratios and adopt a more robust design.

One of the neat versions of an MZ Skorpion project, is to graft an XT600 air-cooled cylinder and head onto the lower end of the Yamaha 660cc engine.  IIRC, the electric start version of the XT600 has the same internal oil line as the MZ engine.  The air cooled version requires the addition of an external oil line to feed the camshaft.

While the electric start XT600E was rare over here, Yamaha made a Grizzly 600 air-cooled ATV and the parts for that are much more common.  A friend in New Jersey did the mod and likes it.  The bike looks much better with no radiator.

Still a dry sump engine with a funky carb and a half though...

The US version 1990-1992:

[faffi]

The XT600E use basically the same engine as the latest version of the XT600E, but with a few extra improvements I no longer recall. The bike itself (XT600E) is a serious downgrade on the original XT600 from 1984; much heavier, steel instead of aluminium wheel rims, less wheel travel with simpler suspension units etc. It was more a scrambler, while the original was a decent desert bike.

The MZ660 is the same you find in the original XT660 - the second generation XT660 had a new engine - and it is based on the XT600. I would expect the top end from the XT600E is the one to use, because the cylinder/top end bolts changed in dimensions and number for the 1988 XT600Z onwards to prevent top end leaks.

[bigbikerrick]

In my case ,it would have to be my EV with the DMC sidecar. That bike can do it all, is easy to service, cheap to keep, and comfortable. It can also haul home a cart full of groceries.
Rick.

[Tom]

Hard question for me.  Still have almost all my bikes in the fleet collection. (33+)  Only ones not here are my Cal 1400T and the SP1000 in Phoenix.  Sold a Jackal, V11 Sport, Eldorado, Suzuki T500, GT750, GS750, GS1100, Honda Chopper, XL350, Kawasaki KE175.

Maybe one of my Daytonas.

[DC950]

my 15 Stelvio.  Most capable bike I've owned.

Unfortunately for it, I have 3 other bikes with license plates and they all do something better than the Stelvio so it just doesn't get ridden that much.

[Vecchio Lupo]

Funny because Im in the middle of this right now. I've been a Guzzi guy since the early 80s. I currently own 5 bikes in total and Im paring down to 2 (one is a 70s Honda mini bike, so not really the one) , the other keeper will be my 1998 Buell S3T. 

Even if I sell both my Guzzi Big twins for now...I will buy another in a year or so....,Maybe another V11 LeMans (Im short so it doesn't bother me).

[Clifton]

For years I've answered the question "what one past bike now (if it could be new) would you want as your only motorcycle" and the answer has always been my 1991 R100GS. I rode that bike everywhere from dirt/gravel roads, potholed highways, endless twisties, Interstates, and everywhere from Maryland to Utah. It was easy to pack, held plenty of gas, no chain to maintain, good wind protection but not so much it didn't feel like a motorcycle, and all day comfortable.




Today my V85TT is almost exactly that same motorcycle only improved with ABS, cruise control, LED lighting, and top load panniers. About the only thing I can think it doesn't have is the single sided swing-arm allowing 4 minute rear wheel removal.

[guzzisteve]

BMW took a nice bike & turned it into a big turd, early ones are sweet bike. Once you get rid of all the EPA crap & install pumper DelOrto's

[Rons]

My choice (if I could also be like new with 25 YO joints) would be my 1994 Ducati 900 CR. Those carbureted 900s have perfect power for the street, handle well, and awesome brakes. After 30 years and 33K miles, I sold it to a friend. I need something that puts less weight on my wrists and knees now.

[bronzestar1]

"...I need something that puts less weight on my wrists and knees now.

Yup, I know that feeling entirely too well.  I had an MV Agusta F4 750, a bucket list bike for me and arguably one of the most beautiful bikes ever made.  BUT, it was too uncomfortable for me to ride, with the clip-ons below the top triple clamp, high foot pegs, leaning forward, etc.  Right now I also have a '24 Triumph Scrambler 400X, and I was thinking of getting a Thruxton 400 when they come to the States next year.  But that bike will also have clip-ons, albeit not below the triple clamp, but considerably lower than the handlebar on the Scrambler, so more weight on the wrists and leaning forward.  It sucks getting old, but at least we're still riding!


 

[Tusayan]

For years I've answered the question "what one past bike now (if it could be new) would you want as your only motorcycle" and the answer has always been my 1991 R100GS.

I have nine bikes accumulated carefully as a collection since 1987, having started riding in 1974, and the thought of thinning down to one is too horrible to contemplate  The most recently acquired is a ‘92 R100GS, to go along with the ‘90 version that I’ve been riding in Europe since 2006.  The early paralever GSs really are the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles which is why I have two of them, one on each continent.  So if practicality and two-up touring is a requirement as well as twisty road fun, one of those would have to be the one I’d keep.

My V85TT is faster but is generally less pleasant to ride and own than the ‘92 GS so it would go in this dire circumstance.  I’d like to have an RGS or SFC 1000 Laverda and with a like-new R100GS now in the garage at home, if I ever find the right one of those the V85TT would go to make room.  I don’t want to own 10 bikes.

In reality the other bikes ranging from Daytona RS and 996 to Bevel and 90’s version SS Ducatis aren’t going anywhere until I literally can’t ride them, and once I retire I’ll spend more time riding and maintaining them, not less.  And I’ll re-restore the 100K mile CX100 that I restored with 40K miles in 1990. Screw this one bike idea.

[Clifton]

..... The most recently acquired is a ‘92 R100GS, to go along with the ‘90 version that I’ve been riding in Europe since 2006.  The early paralever GS’s really are the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles which is why I have two of them, one on each continent.  So if any kind of practicality is a requirement, one of those would have to be the one I’d keep.

My V85TT is faster but is generally less pleasant to ride and own than the ‘92 GS so it would go in this dire circumstance.....


In reality the other bikes ranging from Daytona RS and 996 to Bevel and 90’s version SS Ducatis aren’t going anywhere until I literally can’t ride them, and once I retire I’ll spend more time riding and maintaining them, not less.  Screw this one bike idea.

While I've owned many motorcycles from Goldwings, 916 Ducati, XT250, GS's, RS's, to various Harleys, and still do, if it comes down to choosing only one I would want one very versatile and reliable.

Curious what makes a V85TT less pleasant for you to ride than a 92 GS?

Yeah I'll keep multiple motorcycles, at least for a while longer, because I enjoy them all. Motorcycles are like golf clubs they all do different things.

[Tusayan]

Curious what makes a V85TT less pleasant for you to ride than a 92 GS?

Super long wheelbase makes it handle like a bevel drive Ducati, pretty stable and not a bad thing on some roads but not maneuverable or neutral steering like the R100GS.  Lack of torque is annoying, even if it makes considerably more top end.  Throttle spring is too heavy and annoying from the factory.  Plastic ‘everything’ makes the V85TT less durable for the long term or for resale value, along with generally lower detail quality. All the gee-gaws like the cruise control need refinement or better yet elimination.  Two Allen keys and dealer only service light reset does not compare with a factory BMW toolkit that allows service of just about everything.  Not nearly as comfortable for a passenger due to passenger foot peg vibration and much worse seat - I frequently ride both these bikes with a petite passenger.  My wife says even the Ducati ST4 is more comfortable and hasn’t warmed to the V85TT after several long trips on it, she calls it a day ride bike.

[Clifton]

OK good feedback.
Comparing with my R100R I agree it makes less torque down low maybe closer to an R80 in that regard, but sure is nice around 4,000.

Only had Barb on my V85 a few times and on shorter rides otherwise I never carry passengers, as can be seen on my GS image. :)

The R100R steers a bit quicker with its 18" front but I'm surprised to hear your R100GS with 21" does and I thought WB should be fairly close?

No question that BMW's 1970's-1990's airhead were built with a little less plastic than modern bikes and came with great tool kits, heck the manuals even illustrated how to adjust valve clearance!

I love having cruise on  the V85 and mine works and flawlessly, holds set speed, has resume and incremental + - . Wish My R100 had it.

I've heard some say the stock throttle spring is too strong but the heated grip set (which mine has) replaces it with a lighter one.