The Kneeslider

Doers Builders and Positive People

In Search of the Perfect Motorcycle

By

It’s your turn. This is your opportunity to identify the motorcycle you think is worthy of recognition because it is beautifully designed, exquisitely engineered and perfectly executed, the motorcycle you look at and say, “That’s what a motorcycle should be.” The reason I’m asking for your input is because I’m puzzled, I can’t locate the motorcycle all of the ones I write about are being compared to.

The Kneeslider just turned 4 years old a few weeks ago (Yay! Woo Hoo!) and during that time I’ve scoured the Internet, dug into my files, searched through my “research library” of magazines and books, spoken to hundreds of enthusiasts and builders, all in order to bring you what I think are some of the more interesting motorcycles designed or built by everyone from major manufacturers down to student designers and individual builders in their home garage. I always try to find something in each bike that is unique or interesting or just well executed. I’ve never found the perfect motorcycle myself, but I like seeing what each designer or builder did, most importantly because, he actually did it, he is a doer not just a talker. I’ve always assumed some of you might also enjoy seeing what others were doing, using these articles as a way of priming your idea pump, perhaps incorporating a few of these ideas in projects of your own or simply because it’s neat to see how others think. I know many of you do enjoy these articles because you’ve written in and told me so or commented to that effect, but a growing number of you seem to find more shortcomings than positives, more nits to pick than points to praise. Hmm …

Being the optimistic and up person that I am, always trying to learn more from anyone who may have something to contribute, these constant negatives surprise me, but, since I may be missing something obvious to others, I invite each critic to SHOW everyone else their idea of the perfect motorcycle. I emphasize the word show because an imaginary motorcycle that only exists in your mind isn’t helpful when explaining your idea to someone else and if you have never tried to actually design it or build it, you can’t appreciate how much effort was required or how many difficulties have been overcome by others who did. I also emphasize the word show because this perfect motorcycle must already exist, how else could every one of these motorcycles and designs you can actually see here not live up to its incredibly high standards?

On the other hand, if you have not yet designed, built, or even seen the “perfect motorcycle” perhaps you could stop for a moment to appreciate what these designers and builders have actually done. They’ve taken their intangible ideas and put them into a form that everyone else can see, learning the skills necessary to design or build it, applying those skills to their own idea and then mustering up the courage to put it out there where others can see it, … no small feat! It may not be exactly how you would do it, but, if you haven’t done it, … theirs is better.

No one has to like any design but if you see a problem, explain to everyone exactly what it is and why it’s a problem, help everyone learn. If you have a specific example of how it might have been done better, show us. Not sure why something was done or how it works? Ask. On the other hand just saying, “It’s ugly” or “It’s a waste of time” adds nothing to the conversation, you don’t help anyone else understand the issues and, unfortunately, it doesn’t make you look good either.

Any accomplishment in the real world, no matter how trivial, trumps every world class fantasy. Real achievements start in your mind but unless you eventually make them real through learning, hard work and determination, it’s just a dream.

I’m a big fan of real motorcycles and real designs and the individuals, the doers, who are learning and trying, the ones who are doing things and testing themselves, making scrap metal on the way to that beautiful frame, mastering the new software so they can render their 3D vision, investing the weeks, months or even years so they can make their idea real. Yes, I like doers and what they do. Is their work perfect? No, but it’s the only way to get close. You can’t improve perfect dreams so doers keep working on real projects we can all see.

If you come across that perfect motorcycle, be sure to show us where it is, I can’t seem to find it. In the meantime, I’ll keep looking for more of the less than perfect but very real motorcycles and designs you see here because I like them, and I bet the vast majority of you like them too.

And, quite seriously, please do make your suggestions for the perfect motorcycle. We’ll gather them up and maybe take a poll.

Posted on Filed Under: Motorcycle Builders, Motorcycle Design

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Comments

  2. My perfect bike would have to “morph” along with the conditions. As I leave the city and stretch out on the highway, a long low cruiser would be great. Turning into the hills and canyons the handlebars would go forward and the pegs back. Chin on the gastank, twisties ahead. Whooo, where does that dirt track lead? A Dakar special between my legs please. My wife thinks I should be happy with only one woman, but that’s damn near impossible too…

  3. In my opinion, the perfect all around bike would be the Suzuki V-Strom 650. Light, agile, loads of low end torque, adaptable for street or off-road use, and is an excellent touring bike when equpped with luggage. It has a reasonable price tag and performas great while supplying 55 mpg.

  4. First…please dont stop what your doing. After checking my email, the first place I go is the Kneeslider. I click with great anticipation and curiosity to see what your presenting next. These stories and articles generate new ideas all the time. In short, they make me think, and sometimes create! I dont have any creations worthy of posting, but “for it’s time” I think the 1981 XV920R was underestimated. Without going into a long bla bla bla…thats my 2 cents.
    Keep up the good work….I need my daily dose!

    Larry

  6. The perfect motorcycle is what suits your needs at the time. I enjoy looking at the bike builds that are not of the chopper variety, and seeing some outside of the box thinking.

    Congrats on the anneversary!

    Steve

  7. ^^^^

    I’d have to agree with Morpheous, but not limit my allegiences to the 2008 model, the whole duke lineup is a spectactular testament to what a motorcycle should be.

    I also have a very soft spot for the Bimota Tesi 3D.

  10. Paul,

    Keep on the good job, the Kneeslider is an excellent site, and despite the usual grumpy or short minded commentators (including myself) it’s usually an excellent place to share opinions, ideas, and a motorcyclist culture.

    My own idea of the perfect bike has a torquey loud visible engine, large handlebars and a forward-but-not-leaning riding position, handles like a bicycle and not link a tank or a train, privilegiates the acceleration rather than the top speed, gets as close as possible to the “2-wheels / one engine / nothing else” concept, and makes me look good on it. That looks like Buell, isn’t ? But this time let me propose you sthg more original, at least for the USA : Voxan Street Scrambler.

    http://www.voxan.com/voxan/gamme_street_scrambler.asp

    (I’ve been lucky enough to ride the prototype of this bike before it was commercialized or even shown to the press … these bikes deserve to be known)

  12. 1979 Honda CBX1000 is my idea of perfect motorcycle, its not the actuality of it that is perfect, its the idea of a powerful 6-cylinder motorcycle, its completely over the top now, never mind in 1979.

    Those skinny tires, and the expense of maintenance puts one off of the idea, but it was the mental prototype for all my dream motorcycles at the time. The sheer multitude, not the magnitude, was amazing at that time. All sorts of things were possible, if they can make a CBX1000, what else can they do?

    Sort of the opposite from, “NASA can take us to the moon but GM can never make a dashboard clock” that works reliably.

  13. After 40 yrs riding and 65 bikes of all types I’m going with the Suzuki VStrom 650 also. Mine is even better because it’s been made naked. Removing the stock two big headlights has dropped about 25+ lbs. that were up high and out front. It’s much more flickable and I have a quick-detach windshield when wanted. Also the 1000 Vstrom flatter seat. PERFECT!

  14. I have built quite a few bikes in my day and at that very moment when they start to come togther is when I have the perfect motorcycle. Of coarse that fades away before the build is done and every fault I can see all to well. I like cruisers for cruising speeders for speeding but my passion is vintage 2 stroke street bikes. Something about the acceleration and the roll of dice when you come up to a S curve. I will take a 1972 750 H2 tripple over any of the new stuff, but perfect, far from it.
    Thanks Kneeslider!

  15. Great article and Happy Anniversary.

    Sometimes the perfect bike is doing something so “wrong”, so right. Getting the masses’ nose out of joint frequently promotes better ideas.

    Big Twins put into a sport chassis are near the top of my list….

    cheers to Mike Cook of American Cafe Racer, Curt Winter of BTR Moto, & Gregg DesJardin of Greggs Customs (alphabetical order)

    Goldammer’s stuff is highly admirable, particularly “Nortorious”

    The courage & talent of the staff at Moto Czysz, Confederate, Kenny Dreer’s Norton, Ecosse, Irving Vincent, Moto Morini are inspiring

  16. Keep up the great work at Kneeslider, it’s part of my every day.
    I just sold my V-Rod and bought a Ducati S4RS which I love—great all around ride. Also like the vintage old school stuff.
    You’ll probably get as many good opinions as you have readers but, if money was no object, (unfortunately it is) it would be a no brainer for me. I’d hop a plane for Germany, head straight to Walz Hardcore, and ask Marcus to build me “The TT”. I’d have to have the beautiful blonde model that’s posing with it too. Good thing my wife doesn’t read this!

  17. In reply to Nicolas:

    You stated:
    “torquey loud visible engine, large handlebars and a forward-but-not-leaning riding position, handles like a bicycle and not link a tank or a train, privilegiates the acceleration rather than the top speed, gets as close as possible to the “2-wheels / one engine / nothing else” concept”

    Yep, that sounds like the 1981 XV920RH!

    Larry

  18. right now I own 2 bikes, down from 4. I ride on and off road. Semi aggresive trails and highways long distance. I don’t like to wrench a lot so I wish I had one do it all bike. Right now the Ktm 690 enduro with 2 sets of rims looks to be the ideal ride. If you bring price into the equasion the Honda xr650 with a dualsport kit takes it.

    Ps, unfortunately haters speak louder than interested on lookers. How about a comment ranking system to push down the useless “it’s ugly” comments? Keep up the inspiring work!

  19. I think you have to start with a platform that feeds your soul as well as your primary riding needs. I prefer a sportier ride, but grew tired of the cookie cutter race replicas with the pretzelesque riding position. I found an 04 Z1000 to be the perfect place to start. With an updated suspension, a tasteful rack on the back, and the tried and true ZX-9 bullet proof engine, I can keep up with most SS bikes in the mountains and ride in comfort all day. It’s an affordable bike and the kids don’t have to sell fruit on the corner to pay the insurance bill.

    Not saying that it’s the perfect motorcycle… Just perfect for me at this time in my life.

  20. Congratulations on the anniversary. You have created my fave motorcycle website.

    The perfect bike is most definitely elusive. In college I had a Yamaha RD350. It was simple. It always started on the 2nd kick. It required little or no maintenance. Great bike.

    The best commuter I ever owned was an ’82 Silverwing GL500 Interstate. It was simple, bullet-proof and it kept the rain and wind off in the winter. Great economy and durability.

    I’ve had a Kawa KLR650 for years. It’s been very versatile as well as simple and cheapto maintain.

    For today, I would have to agree with the choice of the V-Strom 650. A very solid and versatile performer.

    None of these are world-beaters for speed or handling but always seem to get there fast enough. I would love to have the Guzzi 750 Breva with a proper fairing for wind and rain protection. This would be another bullet-proof commuter and light cruiser. Honda used to have the Deauville 650 but they never brought it to North America.

    I owned a couple of Harley’s in the early ’70s and swore I’d never own another. My friends tell me their quality, reliability and durability have improved enough for me to give them another chance…we’ll see.
    Cheers to all
    p.

  21. One more thought on the Vstrom re: the “ugly” factor – if you park it next to a BMW GS it’s not so ugly anymore.

  22. Paul,

    Thanks for sharing your site for the last four years. Congrats on the Anniversay. Please have many more.

    Larry,

    In 2002 after re-entering the world of motorcycles on a resurrected Yamaha SR-500, I, too, was enamoured by the XV-920R. It seemed like a SR-500, only doubled. However, my wife could not understand why I wanted a 20 year old bike again. Since finances were good then, she told me to buy what I really wanted. Soooo, I searched a while and found a great deal on a leftover 2000 Triumph 955 Sprint RS. It had the torque of the XV, better handling than I was used to, more revs, better mileage, water-cooling for reliability, and a Union Jack on the tail. God Bless the Queen! It, too, is a great bike for distance as well as twisty bits. Perfect? Probably not exactly, but it is as close as I could find within a reasonable budget. It has been much more reliable than my first new bike, a 1970 750 Commando. Much faster, too. Oh, and did mention the Lucifer Orange paint? Gotta love it.

  23. Hmmm. The perfect bike? Doesn’t exist yet. there are however, quite a few bikes that make the close to perfect list. Of course, this my own opinion. 🙂

    1. Honda Hawk GT (Bros for you guys in Europe)
    2. Yamaha RZ350 or RZ500
    3. Suzuki RG500
    4. Suzuki TL1000 (either R or S)
    5. Honda VFR800 (maybe even the late 750s)

    All of these bikes aren’t perfect. All have flaws that can be fixed with a little modding. But, do you see the pattern here? Most are considered ‘cult’ bikes that with the exception of the VFR didn’t really appeal to the masses.

    My $.02

    Eric

  24. The perfect motorcycle . Damn that’s a hard one . Right now it’s my 2006 Buell Firebolt . Many years ago it was my 1967 American Eagle 750 and in between those years it was my 1957 Sportster chopper and in a year or so when I’m done it will be my 1972 R75/5 . After that who knows ? The perfect bike is like art . It’s in the eye of the beholder .Hmmm……maybe I’ll get a URAL with a sidecar It might come in handy the the Economy crashes .

  25. I want a light versatile bike. I think a 650 twin is all the power you need in a light compact package. The 650 Vstrom is close, but to bulky. The KTM 690 Enduro looks like a great bike, close to the power of a twin, but I havn’t ridden one yet so I can’t comment.

    I guess my perfect bike would be a more practical version of an Aprilia RXV 550; something you can put miles on, near sportbike performance, and yet you take take it anywhere, serious offroad included. Maybe a lighter 650 version of the KTM 990 Adventure?

  26. I get it. You make some very good points that have changed my attitude. I believe I share your passion regarding engineering, technology, design, and art of motorcycling. But I, as many others, have the wrong attitude.
    The perfect motorcycle is a real and tangible thing that we ALL can touch and feel, phisically and emotionally. It is in the sexy lines and stance of the Ducati 1098. It’s in the luster of the near flawless paint applied to your neighbors Harley. It’s in the do anything on almost any terain that can be done by none other the the BMW GS series. It’s in the miserly gas sipping Honda Cub that has made more people mobile than almost any other vehicle on the planet. Yeah, the perfect bike is right there. In my garage, your driveway, his barn, and all of our hearts.
    Peace.

  27. “The Perfect Motorcycle”

    Everyone will have a different take on this. Some like long distance cruising, some on-off road ablities, some like to drag their knees in every corner or bend. And lots of others in between.

    I think any bike you can get time to ride has got to be on the list. How about a bike that you get paid to ride! Now that would be PERFECT!

  28. I’ll add my vote to the VStrom (650) list.

    Bags + big screen = tourer.

    Short screen + no bags = nice commuter.

    Occasional gravel road is fun too!

  30. One name who,sadly, was taken from us far too soon …..

    John Britten

    Oh what may have been had this great talent survived?

  31. Paul,
    Congratulations with The Kneeslider’s fourth anniversery! I realize how much work you must put in to keep this site up-to-date and make it a great place to visit for people like me. I publish blogs (in Dutch) on car sites in Holland and frequently experience negative reactions from people that apparantly haven’t a clue what their rambling about. My advice to them: try/buy it first, only then have you the right to judge. The perfect bike must be the one that makes you feel on top of the world. For me that still is my first real bike, the Honda CX500. But my latest finished project comes a close second, check it out: http://www.hvmk.nl/dkwnz2501938.jpg

    Respect

  32. Interesting choices so far but I think the perfect bike is at least 30 years old, thus lacking the “modern” technological advances. mid-size twin cylinder and capable of doing many tasks. I’ll pick Ted Simon’s 1973 Triumph 500.

    But I guess it comes down to what is perfect for the individual.

  33. The most perfect motorcycle I ever owned was the Honda GB500. The handling was a joy, the riding ergonomics perfect, it was affordable, had Honda fit, finish and reliability, and was one emissions pump away from looking exactly how a motorcycle should look.

  34. Ducati 916 or MVAgusta F4
    I’m not really a spostsbike fan, but for sex on two wheels, these two are unmatched.

    Kneeslider – The best bike mag there is!

  35. Nice work Paul! Once again you generated a great conversation! Hey, what about an anniversary T-Shirts?

  36. Honda Interceptor

    …but Morpheous has a really good point.

    If I didn’t actually own the Interceptor, the Duke 690 (or Superduke) would be on the short list.

    That being said, reliability would be a BIG factor, and who can beat Honda? I’ll tell ya. Nobody.

  37. I’d say the Ducati Monster 900 /1000 is the perfect bike.
    fast but not frightening/great commuter/
    /great weekend bike/great travel interstate bike..and great stunt bike! Timeless design, too-basically the same design for 15 years, and it still looks sexy.
    I’ve had two Monsters and I love them!

    p.s:another reason it’s perfect- the pillion seat is so bad,
    girls have no choice but to wrap themselves around you!

    go the Kneeslider! congrats

  39. Something that looks great, needs minimal maintenance, hold its value, is practical enough for everyday use, yet fast enough to scare you silly on the weekends. That best bike hasn’t been built yet, and likely won’t ever be.

    For me it’d be the 1983 Harley XLX I once had, but with the reliability of a Honda Pan European (doesn’t even blow fuses), the comfort of a Gold Wing, the handling of any Ducati, the frugality and automatic transmission of the new 125 cc Honda Cub, and the insurance rates of a moped.

    Did I just mention Honda 3 times? I’d actually never owned one, and probably never will.

  40. Dorzok got it right….I’d be willing to bet that if you looked long enough at ANY bike you could find something that you could like about it.I must say though… Right now my perfect bike is my Kawasaki Concours-14. So enjoy your ride,and wave at EVERYBODY on two wheels.

  42. Nice R80 Bigyabigya, that would get pretty close for me with some mud gaurds and a pillion seat.

    To me a 750 to 1000 twin is the perfect bike, enough power but still light, nimble and reasonably frugal on the juice. In terms of looks I love bikes like BMW and guzzi with cylinders sticking out the side, I would take that over a big harley v-twin any day.

    But hey that is just me

  43. The perfect bike is the one your riding.

    Thank you for the intriguing engineering, the outlandish specials and the endless debates that keep me coming back for another fix of my favourite drug.

  45. Wait, I almost forgot about the “Gunbus 410”! Truly the perfect bike for the completly absurd world! Thanks for bringing it to us Paul!

  46. my perfect bike is still on the drawing board. it’ll be solid one day. till then, how about an NSR250 (MC28 vintage) with a Duke 690 engine and Tyga bodywork? light weight, simple maintenance, modern tech, super thumper torque, and dead sexy looks. just my own personal dream. i have no idea if it’d even fit. but it’d be fun trying.

    Paul (or would you prefer Mr. Kneeslider?), i check your site before doing anything else on my computer. everyday. and it’s always worth it. thank you for something to look forward to. keep it coming.

  47. I believe the perfect all around bike
    is the Honda ST 1300. Plenty of comfort for long
    hauls and handles nicely in town.
    Happy Anniversary.

  49. Personally, I like the Triumph Bonneville 900. I am also a big fan of the Vespa P200. I don’t think either are perfect, but they are my idea of fun. I also like the idea of the Buell Ulysses, though I haven’t ridden one yet. The Ducati GT1000 also really pushes some of my good buttons.

    I’m not terribly into sport bikes, at least not on the street. What makes them perfect weapons on the track makes them less pleasurable on the streets, in real traffic.

    I don’t know about all of you, but I don’t have as much time to ride as I would like. So I get that time in where I can. I ride to work. I ride to the store. City riding accounts for much of my time on 2 wheels. So I typically ride a bike that’s appropriate for it. I like scooters for city use.

    The other bikes I mentioned I like because they are bikes that can be enjoyed for casual riding, but which aren’t porky and hefty like many cruisers. Above all, I’m all about bikes that keep it fun in a variety of conditions and on a variety of roads.

  50. My list for favorite bike(s) is as follow’s:

    1.)Honda 2006 RC211V as best race bike.
    2.)Suzuki GSX-R 750 for best sportbike.
    3.)KTM 990 SM gets best supermoto.

    Out of these three picks the KTM is by far the best all-around bike..does this mean that we will all soon be riding supermoto’s? No i don’t think that will ever be the case, I believe the “perfect” bike is decided by the individual purpose of what the bike will be used for or what the rider desires.

  51. Gotta agree with Hawk…the Britten V1000. One man, a dream, and a legend on two wheels. What a beautiful machine.

    Somewhat distant runner-up: NCR built Ducati “New Blue”. Again, two wheels that really move the soul.

    Happy Anniversary, and keep up the great work!

  52. triumph street triple r (based on my speed triple and a spin on the 675 daytona a year or two back.)

    also good looking (to me) – the monster family, the aprilia shiver 750, ktm duke and superduke, the moto morini lineup, and the benelli tnt – and several others I’ve likely forgotten.

    my criteria? suitable for commuting, light touring, weekend corner carving, and the occaisonal track day. having ludovic lazareth rework any of these bikes could not hurt things either!

  53. I don’t know what the perfect bike is but I do know that bikes are closest to the most perfect thing I’ve come across in my travels. I’ve been riding a while and still smile plenty when I’m in my zone[on the road], but for the record, I like Dens picks, mid size twins are pretty cool.

  54. I would like also to say happy anniversary,my son recently went to New Zealand on his return he gave me a copy of the John Britten story.If you can beg ,borrow,or steal a copy of this book read it.This is a story of how a small team took on the big boys on thier own terms and showed what can be done and tried to use local technology [that was interesting]somehow the result was nothing short of amazing.

  55. My perfect bike is the Laverda SFC Black Lightning Agusta Triple Wraith 1098 Commando Paton.

    But it will be on the market in 2020, it will be simple and elegant/tough, 1,2 or 3 cylinders, its weight will be around 140 kg, it will not have plastic parts and will be an air cooled ethanol fueled machine with about 90-100 horse-power. Fine workmanship and simply “repair it by yourself/no electronics” sort of machine.

    Just seen in my crystal ball.

  57. Hahah! The good old green elefant. Now thats a bike i didn expect to hear mentioned. Though your right, and it does seem to cover most of the criteia mentioned.

  58. With respect, you are all completely wrong.
    The answer to the perfect motorcycle question is without doubt the Ducati 500 SL Pantah. A World Championship in the hands of Tony Rutter shows the bike’s racing abilities. I’ve won club races on mine, toured across the Eastern half of Australia including a 1700km day from Sydney to Adelaide via the Snowy Mountains, scratched like a demon in the hills, taught my wife to ride on it and toured two-up on the road and dirt including four wheel drive tracks.
    It is late enough in Ducati’s history to have reliable electronics but still early enough to be tuned or repaired with simple tools. The 18″ wheels provide adequate grip on the road while not floating on gravel. I have ridden and owned bikes that were faster, more powerful, newer, older, better on road, better off road or cushier, but not one of them has been such a sweet all around package.
    Mind you this could be a subjective opinion.
    Ciao, Bjorn.

  59. A few friends and I got on this topic yesterday, partially spurred on by this article and partially because as bikers, its a game we like to play called the “dream garage”
    Money and space is no option, think Bill Gates’ income, and Jay Leno’s passion and nothing but bikes as the game pieces. This isn’t a competition for who’s got the best bike, so much as let’s see who’s got the most varied tastes.

    As we sat there, thinking of all the bikes and explaining at length the reasons for such and such bike, one thing became clear to all of us, this DREAM GARAGE isnt so much about money, its about riding styles and style points.
    There IS no PERFECT bike, no magical “do all” bike that can be right for any occasion at any time for any reason.
    Being a cruiser rider, I had the most varied REAL garage, with 4 ponies, 1 stock V-rod, 2 choppers and a FZR. But in the dream world, my tastes were rather limited in comparison.
    GSXR 1300, Moto Guzzi, Road Glide, and various choppers were ALL in everyone’s lists, and we concluded that we just wouldn’t be happy UNLESS we had one (or more) of EVERY bike produced back to about the 30’s. (my most interesting set was the WHOLE CB line, showing the transition from the early years of honda to today’s race bike, all lined up in a row.) Bottom line, some days you want a girder front end chopper (with all its faults) and some days you want the ‘Busa (with all its faults). We all KNOW this in our hearts, and WANT the “perfect bike” which truly is impossible. Most of the time we complain about PARTS of the bike because that one part (or many parts) makes it NOT the perfect bike (for the individual) for that occasion.
    I’d love to try a crack at designing a bike, it wouldn’t be PERFECT and I know it, but it’d be a good bike with MY tastes of perfection. Will it be perfect for everyone? No, but it would have a following, and the ones that didnt like it would complain about SOMETHING.

  60. Come on you guys sound like a broken record, one pretty boy bike after another.

    The perfect bike?

    A bike that will go anywhere and has been just about everywhere. A bike that is dependable and still ready to give you a thrill in the twisties. A bike that’s a comfort to ride when going the distance. A bike that is not bad on the eyes and yet not a poser’s ride like some of the bikes mentioned above. That’s the description of a perfect bike.

    That’s BMW R1200GS Adventure

  62. It’s not about 2 wheels and a motor, nobody picked the DERBI concept mountain bike, nor the Dodge Tomahawk, (maybe because it has 4 wheels?).

    The derbi ci=omes right up against 2 wheels and a motor, but I want more: A comfortable seat for both ride and the odd occasional passenger. Maybe a little wind protection?

    I’ll second guess myself here and say the Honda DN-01 may be as close as I’ll ever see, if indeed I do live to see it let loose on the street. Its about 1/3 less engine than I like, add a third cylinder, and make it a 1020cc machine, to give it enough power, and it would be fairly close to perfect. Close enough for Government work?

    Maybe a line off these things, so people could pick the engine that they want. I imagine doing that makes it too expensive to be practical, though no one has mentioned money, yet.

    The 680cc engine is near enough to a 650, it sounds great, at least on video. No shifting necessary, why does Honda keep doing that(developing a shiftless motorcycle, with insufficient power to get out of its own way?

    Shifting is much of the fun, at least for me, but it does become drudgery when locked in traffic, so an automatic in traffic, and the ability to shift on the open road, if you wish.

    It look a bit heavy for my tastes, but maybe the ride would be enough for me to forget it. And it maybe underpowered, but possibly the ease and comfort of just cruising for hours on end would be sufficient.

    Just trying the bring my thoughts into the 21st century.

  63. A lot of good suggestions here…

    I even own one of them, Eric (post 23) mentioned the Hawk GT.

    Although I have to say… there is no perfect bike, but ‘your’ perfect bike.

    My perfect bike is a bit elusive.
    The one that made me fall in love with two wheels was the T595/955i Triumph Daytona 1997-2001 era. (perhaps updated to 1050 Speed Triple guts)

    Other fantastic ones are the Benelli Tornado, MV Agusta F1 series, Lots of the ducatis, including the Sport Classics.

    One that never was, the Honda NAS Concept, what the evolution of the Super Hawk should have been.

    I also really like the BMW R1200S, but wish it were updated with Duolever (Hossack) front suspension, and the HP2 Sport’s DOHC boxer engine, and a bit more R1100S-like seat arrangement for occaisional two-up riding.

    The perfect bike is one that hasn’t quite been made yet…

  64. I’ve been riding streetbikes for over 20 years and have owned or ridden just about everything out there. In 2006 I test rode a Gen 2 Yamaha FZ1 and fell in love.

    I purchased an ’07 FZ1 in April of ’07 and I can’t say enough about it. Every time I get done from a ride I praise it. Great engine with gobs of acceleration, nimble handling combined with rock solid stability and nice comfort on top of it all.

    For me, it’s the ultimate bike.

  65. Someone mentioned the Harley XLX – the first bike that I truly fell in love with, and BAD. Perfect for its time and mine. Didn’t buy one, couldn’t get one, got a stock Sportster instead.

    Don’t know if I’ve felt that way about another bike since.

  66. I have a set of guidelines for the perfect motorcycle:
    No. of cylenders; 2 (3 at a pinch)
    Final drive: anything but chain
    This will eliminate the wastefull and overly complex 4 cylended bikes. Chains are maintenance hungry and messy.
    This leaves a vast array of bikes to choose from including R series BMW, Moto Guzzi, Rocket 3, most cruisers, most scooters etc. I love Ducatti, but chain drive, so…..

  67. I read all about the new bikes, and would like each one of them.
    However, I look at my 76 CB750 and think, this thing is everything I need, or want.

  68. It all depends on the day, the ride, the road, the terrain, and do you have a passenger?
    I think I have many perfect motorcycles in my mind. Maybe one day in my garage to.

  69. Whenever I look at a bike of any type I start to notice things that I’d like to change.

    40+ years in and every bike I’ve owned has become a rolling list of things to tinker with. Not that I have ever succeeded in getting all the things I want done on any bike ….. but rather the idea that this thing or that could be done to make it just a little better.

    Perfect bike …. the one I’m dreaming about at the moment.

  70. Honda Pacific Coast
    Excellent Weather Protection
    Carries 4 full grocery bags (Dry)
    58 MPG (streamlined)
    800cc V-twin
    Wash it like a car
    Bullet proof engine
    Quiet
    Handling..Watch Francois take it through deals Gap

  71. Great thread, great site. Now i want a 500 pantah.

    I would have to cast my vote for a suzuki gsx1100f. Great ergos, great touring capability, fast as hell and durable. It was my first bike and i served it a severe beating, but it took every lick and kept ticking.. despite being 18 years old.

  72. One of two bikes. For bikes straight from the factory, I prefer the 1972 Honda CB750 sohc. For a custom bike it would be a Triumph Trident motor and tranny stuffed into a Norton Featherbed frame. Top with polished aluminium gas tank and fenders, clip-on bars and there’s a hell of a fun ride…

  73. My choice for the ‘perfect’ bike. Has to be the Kawasaki ZRX.
    It has classic lines that scarcely hide the animal beneath. It is a fantastic daily commuter that can also easily handle the twisties and is bulletproof. Still gets onlookers everywhere I take it. Lots of mods available that will allow it to spank many newer sportbikes.
    A great modern tribute to Kawasaki’s ELR.

    Just my .02

  74. Wow. This just learned: Consumers prefer consumer goods – and – old consumers prefer old consumer goods.

    To discover the amazing insight of your average motorcycle enthusiast (Yes, enthusiast – the guy who thinks he knows more than the rest of the consumers), design and build a new bike, then ride it to some social event:

    Consumer: “What kind of bike it that”?

    Builder: “Mine – I built it”.

    Consumer: “Who made the kit”?

    Builder: “I made it from scratch”.

    Consumer: “Where’d ya get the plans”?

    Builder: “I designed it”.

    Consumer: “Do that for a living”?

    Builder: “No – for fun”.

    Consumer: “Uhhhhhh…..I think it is ugly”.

    Builder: “Good” – appreciating the fact that Consumer’s opinion is more than explained by his old Virago; the one with a fresh coat of green housepaint that was obviously brushed on with an old mop, weathered seat strata revealing different epochs of duct tape/electrical tape availability, and the milk crate bolted to the back somewhere – and that he has …… issues not worth delving into, waaay beyond motorcycling.

    No, the perfect bike, in my opinion, hasn’t been built or even conceived yet. Motorcycle design has a LONG LONG LONG way to progress. But when it arrives, it will probably attract a lot of dumb comments as well.

    At least I know that much about it.

  75. perfection is obviously different for each.

    for me the old Honda CB bikes are really nice. particularly the Honda CB350F. i also like the Ducati S4R, and the Triumph Speed Triple.

    but really i’ve ridden so few bikes compared to what i would like to ride. in all honesty i think it would be hard for me to rank any bike higher than the Buell XB9R that i had.

  76. I second Bob Horn, the perfect bike has yet to be created. And since the shape of the average human being hasn’t changed much in the last few 100 millenia, maybe designers can ultimately achieve the perfect ride.

    Sure, there’s a big museum down the road full of bikes I think are unquestionably “cool”. But the elusive “perfect” moniker is a different story all together, and its very definition means different things to different people. It almost calls for a web-based survey to determine the ultimate socially accepted “perfect” ride, factoring in things like comfort, maintenance, performance, sex appeal, etc.

    What a fascinating thread though, just to see the varied opinions out there. It proves that there’s something out there for everyone, which should give hope to those dreamers still in the woodshed. For it’s times like these, when the big companies are scaling back and taking less risks, that the little guys have a shot at changing the game.

    “On the shoulders of giants, we see further…”

    -brian

  77. Rohorn, I nearly doubled over laughing at the builder/consumer exchange you wrote. It’s funny how people are so much more apt to criticize the efforts of an amateur than a professional. Particularly when the amateur creator is talking with the onlooker.

  78. In my opinion,the perfect motorcycle is the BMW K1200S. The K12S combines all the features of a high power sport bike with some of the luxury items on a tourer. Smooth shaft drive combined with BMW dependabilty gets my vote anytime.

  80. First I must admit to studding the tires on my ’68 CB160 so it works better in Iowa winter time, and I grew up on a farm that was home to both an Allis HD-20 bulldozer, and an Oliver 77… Imaginery machines don’t haul you down the road, or pull wagons full of corn sileage…

    So, the “perfect” bike:

    Customized 2004 Moto Guzzi California Stone. The list of modifications is long but not impressive – things here and there along the way. Flatter handlebar (dirtbike bar off the discount rack), $40 cockpit fairing, smaller and lighter front fender, saddlebags and small sissybar, BB’s in the pegs (leaves large displacement feedback, damps vibration), better brake pads replaced originals when they wore out, Metzeler 880s usually last about 2 rears to one front (I’d like to find some dual purpose tires that fit, but haven’t had much luck yet), airbox and extensive exhaust system surgery…etc. I might figure out how to dump the starter and replace with homemade kickstarter someday? If it ever needs to be rebuilt I might try a mild flywheel lightening and higher comp pistons. Passed lots of H-Ds on the US 212 last June, didn’t see any sportbikes (maybe one Monster – does that count as a sportbike?)… Wife admits this bike helped nab her!

  81. I have to agree with you Paul – I am amazed at the number of naysayers and “it’s fugly”s you get. You show some incredible stuff here – bikes that obviously aren’t shiny and perfect or ready for the showroom floor or don’t look exactly like anything we’ve seen before – and that’s really why I check this place out! Duh! If I wanted to see regular bikes I’d look at the mainstream manufacturer’s websites. I love the weird stuff – the more out there the better. It gives you ideas of what could be, not what already is.

    On a more down-to-earth level, some of my favourite bikes (my “perfect” I guess) are those by Russell Mitchell at Exile Cycles. Oh they’re nowhere near being perfect, and there’s not one bike there which I could say was exactly what I wanted. But I love the simplicity and clean looks – to me they’re a cartoon of a cool bike. So I have seriously modded my ’98 Harley Fatboy to get more “Exile-ish” and have a bike which suits me almost perfectly. It is so comfy I could ride it all day. Mine has mirrors and indicators so I don’t get arrested. If only it didn’t shake so much on the freeway and take 10 minutes to warm up it would be my perfect bike. If it was as solid as my old Meanstreak at speed but handled as well as it does at low speeds… I only got a Harley because they have so many after-market options. But for how I use my bike it’s close to perfect. But I doubt it would be perfect for the average Harley lover because there is nothing shiny on it now.