What makes a good bike in my eyes, I thought I would share some of my likes and dislikes as far as motorbikes goes and what lead me to my latest acquisition.
So, I am (or was) just over 6' 3" and weigh in at about 12 ½ stone with long arms and legs. I have ridden bikes for around 50 years without extended breaks. I don't really like people much so ride mostly on my own but will always stop for another rider in distress and always wave at other riders.
There used to be only three kinds of two wheelers when I started riding, Harleys, Motorbikes and Trailies but over time we now have Cruisers, Tourers, Sports, Super-Sports, Adventure, Off road, Track, Naked, Super Naked, Street-Fighters, Roadsters, Commuters and on and on and on, so the choice is immense. I like all bikes but there are some bikes I would not spend my own money on so I started by eliminating manufacturers fist.
These are the ones that I eliminated, Aerial, Arch, Bimota, Brough Superior, Confederate, Egli Vincent, JMC Norvin and Wyrus on the grounds of outrageous cost, availability or dealer back up. I also eliminated anything Chinese for a number of reasons. I also eliminated electric bikes for cost and piss poor range.
Next I eliminated bikes by type, or anything with a screen, I'm way too young to need a screen especially as they just make riding so uncomfortable with the noise and buffeting. So out went Sports bikes, Tourers and Adventure bikes. Next was Cruisers, even though I doo like the style and sound of hogs they are just too small for my long legs, they are all a bit too cramped for me, Indian is much the same. Commuters were next to go as I don't need or like little bikes. I don't go off road so out went off road and off road style bikes. I have tried or owned many of the above types of bike and don't get on with them so I do know what I'm looking for/missing.
This left what I know best and enjoy riding the most, Naked Bikes, Roadsters, Street Fighters and Street Bikes (so many labels) but there is still a huge choice out there so I needed to whittle them down a bit further. I set a lower limit of 900cc and a top limit of 150bhp. This eliminated all the nutters bikes with massive unusable power and a few middle weight bikes. So what's left that fits my criteria, BMW boxer, well I have one of them already. Ducati monster, I have one of them already. Honda, they are good but boring bikes. KTM, they seem to be in flux at the moment so I decided to pass, even though I like some of their bikes. Kawasaki, never owned a kwaker before, they only have the Z900 and Z900rs. Norton, I like the looks but wanted a new bike not a 70's bike with a new number plate. Suzuki, I like suzi's, only option is the GSX1000s. Triumph, already have a Speed-Triple and the twins are all a bit too small for me. Yamaha, had a few yams, they only have XSR900 or the MT09.
I ride all year round, purely for fun/pleasure. I try to get out at least 4-5 times a week and only ride in the dry, even it the UK. A bike has to speak to me, I have to have a connection with it and it has to put a smile on my fizzog. So what is it? I pick it up on the 17 of July as long as it's dry (don't fancy picking up a new bike with fresh tyres in the pissing rain) and I will post a pic when I get it. However there is a massive prise for the first person who guesses right (Terms and conditions apply).
My guess is Z900. Seems to meet your criteria and you've never owned a kwaka...perhaps you were curious enough to give one a go.
Sounds like the shopping list I'd leave home with Mick, except my arse is much closer to the ground than yours....
My guess is the Z900RS, hell, that bike actually looks pretty cool.
Great post
Z900RS SE Just guessing, i like them. Lots of goodies and look great.
Z900RS SE
I'm not going to try and nominate a bike purchase.
Your commentary on what you've narrowed it down to has been entertaining to say the least.
Bobbie has given me cart-Blanche for the purchase of a new bike.
Because I do like Suzuki I'm going to test ride GT and GX 1000's.
She has expressed an interest in a GoldWing with the lot 💰💰💰 I'm not keen on riding a truck lol 😂
Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 06 July 2025, 05:13 PMI'm not going to try and nominate a bike purchase.
Your commentary on what you've narrowed it down to has been entertaining to say the least.
Bobbie has given me cart-Blanche for the purchase of a new bike.
Because I do like Suzuki I'm going to test ride GT and GX 1000's.
She has expressed an interest in a GoldWing with the lot 💰💰💰 I'm not keen on riding a truck lol 😂
oooh 2025 R1300 RS triple black then eh Chris ?
Very nice new Rockets Chris. Comfort for her, play time for you👍
Like that Kawasaki :drool:
I wouldn't be buying a Suzuki or Kawasaki 1000 untill I'd ridden the Hornet 1000 SP.
I'm not a huge Honda fan but 155 ponys, Brembo Stylema's, Ohlins and some good review would make me take a 2nd look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTYw-EoZv30
Why do all these naked bikes look like they've been in a head on with a truck (lorry for our UK brothers) and missing half the rear end?
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Monday, 07 July 2025, 10:12 PMWhy do all these naked bikes look like they've been in a head on with a truck (lorry for our UK brothers) and missing half the rear end?
Could be because that's where the naked/streetfighter style stemmed from - making something unique out of your sports bike after you'd thrown it down the road :happy1:
I was leaning towards the Z900 like everybody else for Mick. It's almost the obvious choice though, which is exactly why I think it's probably something else. That said - a mate has an SE, quite nice to look at but I haven't had a chance to ride it.
Honda has once again managed to make a promising bike somehow seem boring with the Hornet 1000 SP.
New Suzuki 8 naked, shouldve had gsx1000 motor.Missed the boat there IMO only.
Quote from: grog on Tuesday, 08 July 2025, 05:17 PMNew Suzuki 8 naked, shouldve had gsx1000 motor.Missed the boat there IMO only.
The GSX-S / 1000 motor, and as they have already had a crack at doing a Kat, maybe some bodywork and paint more like the GS1000-S / Wes Cooley rep.
I like the lines of a 1100ET or 1135E but they suit a big boxy brute type bike.
Mick, your post got a like from me, not because I would necessarily agree with your conclusions, but because it was thoughtful and articulate!
Whatever it is, I hope you will be very happy together.
(And yes, it seems to point to a Z900 to me as well :cheesy: )
Pete.