Anything you want, what bike would you get?

[canuck750]

I would really like to have one of these 500cc beauties




Or this beautiful little MV

[Hymes Inc.]

I'm pretty boring I guess. 1980 Yamaha XS1100 if I could have other bikes also.
But if I could only have one motorcycle I would probably go for a Yamaha DT400.

[jas67]

I'm really happy with the machines I have, if only work didn't get in the way

 :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1:

OK, money's not object?   Dream bike(s)?

Vintage:
Ducati 750SS or 900SS, 750 Sport, or 750GT or ALL of 'em!
Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, 750S, or 1000S or ALL of 'em
A nice vintage Eldo, fully restored by Charlie Mullendore.
Indian Four
BMW R69S, or even an R60/2

As for modern bikes, I'm pretty happy with what I have.   If money was no objection, that would mean that I was independently wealthy, and wouldn't have to work for  a living, and thus, have more time to ride.   Oh, and that would also give me money for parts and maintenance (someone else doing the labor).

If that was the case, I'd add a few bikes to my "modern" bike fleet:

R Nine T because they're cool
One of the new Nortons, because they're also cool
899 Panigale for the track days I'd have time to do if I didn't have to work.
Motus MST-R for touring.

[Dean Rose]

I'd like to have one of those Eldos that Moe at Cycle Garden does.


Dean

[jbell]

ain't gonna lie - I've always wanted a modern version of a board track bike:

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5227056496.html

Okay, now what?   

[jbell]

I'd go for an Ariel Red Hunter twin port like one of our members has, and at the other end of the spectrum, a Morbidelli V8, a bike Guzzi should make IMO.

http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/pictures/ariel-red-hunter-twinport/#.Vg6GBrsQXIU

Best,
Peter

Peter, thanks for the link.  I once owned a very old 350 NH and a project '56-'57 VH.  Of course, selling them are big regrets..........no w, along with my Eldorado.     Was never aware of the twin port, very interesting.  Would love another VH in my life. (with fluted tank).....Jack.

[wymple]

Wait , maybe the looper that Ann Margret rode 

  Dusty

As long as she comes with it.....

Other than that, too many choices that are different purpose.

[Triple Jim]

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5227056496.html

Since I'm not up on V-twins, what is that engine?  Harley-like, but with a single large pushrod tube.  Or is it a bevel drive?

[jas67]

Pretty sure that is a Yamaha engine Jim .

  Dusty

Are the other pushrod tubes on the other side?

[Triple Jim]

Thanks Dusty.  Less exotic than I was imagining, but nontheless thanks.   

[wymple]

XV1600 Yamaha Road Star Warrior

[Triple Jim]

It has to do with the "I'll take the blue one" attitude of the average motorcycle buyer.

[oldbike54]

It has to do with the "I'll take the blue one" attitude of the average motorcycle buyer.

 Surprised you remembered that  Really , having ridden one of these , the tractor like torque curve is kind of fun , although just about the time one thinks the engine should be coming to life , they kind of sign off . Weird how the old Virago 1100s combined low end and some high RPM performance , that Yamaha would get away from that .

  Dusty

[vstevens]

Vincent black shadow

The history, mystique and beauty draw me like the proverbial moth to flame
 

[Delta425]

Britten.

[Denis]

Mmm, I couldn't go with one, but if money was no object it wouldn't matter.
In no particular order:
1929-1/2 Henderson Deluxe
1929-1/2 Excelsior
1939 Indian Chief
Moto Guzzi V-8
Falcone Sport
My first bike back ('74 850-T)
MV Agusta America

[Testarossa]

If money were no object, I'd have a collection. What I have now (the T, the sTrumpet and the 50cc scoot) plus maybe a Duc 750 and a Vincent.

But if I had to consolidate on one bike (and that may be the case soon) I'd want an agile 400-lb machine that could take two-up touring, and, now that I'm growing old and slow, ABS. That is, a V7 II Stone with nice bags.

[MGPilot]

One of my late night terrors is that I'll end up with the perfect bike, the perfect car....and then there's nothing to hunt for.

That thought doesn't last very long.....

[MGPilot]

I also recognize that some bikes (houses/cars/boats/significant others) are better in my imagination than in real life.

(Will be happy to delete image if some find it problematic.)

[Toystoretom]

A 1914 (or thereabouts) Thor Model 4.... because I have a picture of some workers who worked for my great Grandfather, and they have this bike sitting in front of them

[Sheepdog]

On one hand, I'd like to spend freely on my present bikes...I love my Vintage and my Bonneville very much. OTOH, I'd love a Norton Commando Interstate, a Moto Guzzi Lemans I, or a carefully prepped BMW R-100RS. But wait...dirt bikes are pretty cool, too. A Sachs 125 would be pretty nice...

Sorry guys...I guess I can't answer this question.

[ritratto]

Well, all dreams should be good and wet, so, Brough Superior, no doubt about it!

[drums4money]

http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/5227056496.html

Okay, now what?   

I like the wheels.  Not to keen on what's in between.

[Nic in Western NYS]

2015 Stelvio after being sorted out by one of the brainacs on this list for 500 mi or so.

[Nic in Western NYS]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/5208894188.html

Q: How can you tell who's the pioneer at the bar?
A: He's the one with the arrow through his head.

Yamaha put out a pioneering bike and paid the price.  Wish I had one...

[Triple Jim]

I got it!  I'd get the exact opposite of this bike:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=humZvaGnlsw

[Sasquatch Jim]

  I've seen this question many times over the years.  I used to answer it with an eye towards performance, then as I aged my taste went to something classic like the Brough or to be more realistic, a Swiss 580 Condor with sidecar.
 Nowdays with my disabilities, I mean challenges, A Rokon Trailbreaker with sidecar with the street legal kit would suit me just fine.
 Right at the moment the street legal part is the only thing holding me back.  I haven't been able to find out if Hawaii would license it.
 They are difficult people to deal with on that account.

[Lannis]

I got it!  I'd get the exact opposite of this bike:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=humZvaGnlsw

Sounds like he had fun building it, and he's proud of the styling touches, and I'll forgive him all the coal smoke until he gets the injectors sorted .... but why in the world would you spend all that effort to build something that will get outrun by a modern 250cc scooter, and look wobbly and unstable and uncomfortable doing it ... ?

Lannis

[Triple Jim]

Exactly.  I don't think his motorcycle is bad for his use.  I just want the opposite. 

[SED]

Suppose money isn't an issue. What bike would follow you home?

New? Custom? Vintage?  Why?

Interesting thread - I've been thinking about it for days and not sure how to answer which is really weird because there are lots of bikes I'd want and even more that I like.   

If I had to pick one:  Brough Superior SS100 mechanically sorted with modern electrical and rubber parts (i.e., heat proof varnish on the windings and a new capaciter in the mag, bright headlight, tail light and brake light.  And modern tires).  And it would have to be an older one with the mag behind the engine but with a later 4 speed foot change gearbox installed.  And I'd like to have dual front brakes like a Vincent.

Why?  I like riding vintage/classic motorcycles.  I like the looks and feel and the mechanical aspect of their maintenance.  (I'm much more uncertain when it comes to electronic gizmos.)  The era and style of the Brough is appealing and the Brough looks larger than my Ariel which would be more comfortable, and the 1000cc V twin should be more comfortable on longer trips than the single 500.  The problem is, I've never seen a Brough in person.  If the Brough is large enough it could probably carry panniers and I could tour and camp with it easier than the Ariel.   

If the Brough felt too small I'd try a Vincent Rapide, but they seem too racer-like and so complex with all their adjustments and contorted kick starter.  And the loaf o' bread seat seems too weird.  (though the Vin owners I've met are dedicated riders and wrenches which is cool).  Vin idiosyncrasies make Egli Vincents and even Norvins appealing, but I'd be less likely to want to camp and more likely to ride too fast for my abilities...

So why didn't I choose the Guzzi V8 or the Bicylindrica or the RC181?  As much as I'd love to ride them around and get to know them, they are race bikes so I can't ride them to the store or to the mountains or to Idaho.  And I would quickly exceed my skills...      (ambulance icon?)

Racing bikes and cafe racers look awesome, but I really admire people who tour on their bikes and love the photo essays that get posted on Wild Guzzi.  So why no sport touring bike when my requirements are size, ability to go long distances comfortably carrying camping gear?  Because this is about money no object.  I keep thinking about searching out a touring bike (old flying brick?) but I can afford that if I really want to...

Strangely this thread has made me imagine an ideal bike and it looks surprisingly like Chuck's Aero engine (with gravity fed carbs) in a V7 racer with a fairing and bags.  How hard could it be?   

And to the gent that admires Ariel Red Hunters - if you were speaking of mine - thank you!  It's a hoot!  (but it will not win any show awards!)  Hope to meet you some day! 

Shawn