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The Perfect Motorcycle

Here is a simple one.  Tell us about the perfect motorcycle.  Your perfect motorcycle.  The one bike you would like to have in your garage if you could only have one bike.  Maybe the bike already exists, and you already own it.  Maybe it only exists in your mind. 

Tell us how many cylinders it has, how much it weighs and its ergonomics.   Is it simple and light?  Complex and heavy?  Lots of wind protection or naked?  Is it designed just for the street, just for the dirt, or a combination? Maybe, your opinion is that there cannot be the perfect motorcycle, and you want to share that.  The forum is yours.

303 Comments

  1. Ralph says:

    Gold Wing!

  2. Antonis says:

    The BMW R1200GS Adventure model is the only bike to much the “perfect bike” definition. It does all close to perfect. On road for sport & off road adventure touring either solo or dual riding

    20 reasons why

    Fuel Tank/Gas consumption/Computer info
    Adjusted Wind screen / Headlight screen
    Fog lights
    Off road foot pegs
    Heated Grips
    On Board computer
    Shaft drive no lubricant requires during long adventure touring
    Tubeless Tires / Easy to repair flat tire
    Easy to remove rear wheel
    Easy to maintain during touring
    Easy access to all parts (battery, air filter, sparks tec)
    Electronic suspension pre setting for road/off road/loaded/unloaded
    Rider & co rider position/comfort long rides
    Alarm
    Excellent Breaks
    Excellent Quality Aluminum Panniers/ Capacity
    Engine protectors
    High pressure breaks lines.
    Rider clothing & accessories
    For 30 years continually in production

    Handle always the same loaded or unloaded riding solo or with passenger. Probably the only bike has been all over the world.

  3. Mark says:

    Diesel powered BMW GS adventure tourer, 80mpg, (or other mfg, but germans make great diesels!)

  4. gitoy says:

    i have over 50k miles on 2 ninja 250…this is all i need to get around town, strafing the canyons, and more than enough speed on the freeway to get there…light and nimble, 60 mpg, 270+ mile tank range, bungee hooks…i also have a 600 but if i have to choose one i will take the 250…

    one can get a 2007 for around $2500…get a 2008+ if you want modern looks for $1000 more…

  5. Matt says:

    I would sell most of my worldly possessions if someone would build a motorcycle to these specifications.

    900cc 90 degree V4
    120rwph 70 ft lbs torque
    less than 475lbs wet
    56″ wheelbase
    half fairing
    hard bags
    steel trellis frame
    no funky headlight shapes
    no stupid stubby trianglular exhaust cans

    Or Honda could just strip the plastic off the RC51, toss on some handle bars, and find a real seat. Oh yeah, AND NOT DETUNE IT!

  6. Randy Singer says:

    Lost of folks say that they want a modern Vincent. A lightweight V-twin with good power, good ergos, and good handling. I’d like that too. Someone already makes the perfect bike, it’s Italian, but it isn’t imported into the U.S. The Moto Morini Coarsaro:

    http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200803/2008-moto-morini-corsaro–6_1280x0w.jpg

    http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200803/2008-moto-morini-corsaro–4_1280x0w.jpg

    http://www.moto-berza.com/images/vesti/img/11616163986.jpg

  7. sky says:

    I would rather die if I can only have one bike, but it’s just me…I ride bike to work and everywhere else, and play trial in weekends, that perfect bike which can do both well simply violate all physics law I know.

  8. Jb says:

    I’m waiting for the MIni Tiger too (please make it with a 21″ wheel or at least a 19″!), or the equally much rumored Aprillia 750.

  9. David Gulickson says:

    I own it! 2009 Speed Triple with a sweet pipe — it’s all good

  10. Willie says:

    Start with the BMW F650 GS, add shaft drive and a larger fuel tank. That’s the bike I want.

  11. trekker says:

    My ’99 Suzuki SV650 did everything I wanted. The older ones had the tube frame, higher bars & lower pegs than the half-faired versions now.

    Good on power (helped tires last a little longer), comfy, great brakes & you could ride it all day long with no back or wrist pain.
    Just perfect.

    • theguy says:

      Had one, and upgraded the suspension and fueling to address some of the issues someone else mentioned. Still needed more power (could get with big-bore), and less vibration and more roomy ergos (no fix) for longer trips, which is why I eventually sold it. Great in the twisties though.

  12. Thoppa says:

    KTM Duke 690R. It does everything and it’s cool.

  13. The perfect motorcycle for me would be a street legal NCR Milona. About 100hp and extremely light!

  14. Joe says:

    When does the Aprilia Tuono V4 come out? In the mean time, my Speed Triple does just fine.

  15. Dale says:

    It would have an 800cc triple that would redline at 11K RPM (or more!) and put 85HP (or more!) to the ground giving it a top speed of 130MPH+. It would compete directly with the F800GS (last weeks “Perfect all around Bike” IMHO) in dry weight and purpose but have more than a 3 gallon fuel tank and even better ergonomics. It would be the rumored Triumph Tiger 800 that was reported in Motorcycle Daily a while back, a Motorcycle that I can’t stop thinking about!!! My ZRX1200 is a Great bike but at 80K (hard) miles it’s time to give the girl a rest every now and then, plus even though she doesn’t mind being dirty ;-), the dirt’s not really her thing… even a little bit. I’d be OK with more of a street bias but I’d want it to have some off-road-ability. I’d prefer it in Red but I would be flexible for this bike (no yellow for me though!). Decent pillion accommodations would be a big bonus but I suspect it would be difficult to implement if they nail the other parameters and it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me if it was a single seater. If I could only have one Bike it would Need to be Very versatile: Touring, Sport Touring, Commuting, Hooligan, some off-road play or at least access, putting to the store, Bike Night, whatever. The Tiger 800 would seem my idea of the Perfect if you could only have one Bike Bike.

  16. Daniel Cuttin says:

    I am waiting to see what Aprilia and BMW will bring us very soon in relation with their NAKED version of their new Sport Motorcycles. I will like to have either the new RSV4 Tuono and/or also the new BMW 1000 RS in its Naked version.

  17. edpix says:

    The bike I would most like to have now is a bike that just doesn’t exist, yet…

    I really want a leading edge sport bike with low weight, high power, high quality suspension and perfect injection calibration at all rpms BUT it has to have higher bars than the current RRs and a higher half fairing to match. The ’83-85 Honda Interceptor 750/1000 had a nice handlebar height (actually a tad too high) and adequate fairing but it would have to be much more modern and lighter than that to be acceptable. The current FZ-1 is the closest but it is too heavy and has low grade suspension, poor injection calibration and poor fairing integration in regards to it’s too forward location and narrow windshield.

    I guess my perfect bike right now would be a 2010 MV Agusta Brutale with a frame mounted half fairing and slightly lower bars, but that does not exist.

    I also envision a Triumph 1100cc triple styled like the Daytona 675 but with a more relaxed riding position for high speed, long distance blasts. Please don’t suggest the new Triumph Sprint GT or ST as I am talking about leading edge weight and power specs that Triumph just doesn’t have yet with it’s current big triple. The Triumph triple is a nice compromise between a vibrating twin’s torque and a inline 4’s top end but with unique sound and power characteristics but it needs a modern upgrade to lower it’s weight and improve it’s power to be acceptable. Triumph did a great job with the 675 and I fully expected them to come up with a liter+ version but years later it STILL hasn’t happened.

    There are nice choices available in the current RR and naked classes but I want something right in the middle of both with a riding position wise that utilizes a integrated, stylish half fairing for adequate wind protection on those high speed, longer distance sport rides.

    There are compromise choices out there but all are too flawed in many areas to seriously consider. The current RR’s are the target for weight, power, brakes and suspension but their riding position is not….

    The last possible chance this year is maybe the new Aprilia V4 Tuono will have a larger fairing than the last generation and then it could be a great consideration. My guess though is that it will have a very small inadequate faring like the Ducati Streetfighter which just doesn’t offer enough wind protection.

  18. Richard Ray says:

    After 45 years of searching I finally narrowed my stable down to one motorcycle. The R1200GS. Except for the upkeep that BMW charges, it is as close to perfect as I’ve ever owned. My fantasy perfect motorcycle would be a Honda version of the GS…but my fantasy version would require that the company return to its roots, wake up and build motorcycles again, not just cars and lawn mowers.

  19. GarrettR says:

    I want two bikes. Both have a huge 900cc-1100cc triple cylinder two-stroke motor. Liquid cooled and fast as hell. They will probably smoke and blister your inner ear at 17000rpm.

    One bike will have a race style fairing with clip-ons. the other will have a 240 rear and sit like a VMAx

  20. Pete says:

    I’m close, but not quite there. Take my BMW S1000RR, get rid of the vibration in the handlebars that are numbing my hand and the frame getting hot enough to cook eggs (or my legs) on, and give it the sound of an Aprilia RSV4 and I think I’d have it. It’s pretty close though.

  21. Freddie Brenneman says:

    The r1200gs is as close as I have found, but I guess it is not as I traded mine for a Hypermotard and a KLR. I’m thinking a FJR1300 with a good healthy V-twin instead of the four. Low or no valve mant. I’ll continue to look tell the day I die, I may not find the perfect bike but I will have a good time owning them all.

  22. ducatirdr says:

    I am a big fan of smaller bikes. The Roland Sands 450 Super Single design but from a factory in street going lights and running gear please. That would be my idea of the perfect motorcycle. This should have been the Moto2 bike design. I could probably go faster on a Motard but I just think those 450 Super Singles are the sexiest bikes going. Don’t dumb it down with crap suspension and a steel frame. Give me the lightest 250GP design bike with a 4 stroke motor that is street worthy. Oh ya I’ll be doing more than a few track days on it. And if it costs the same as a new R6 that won’t bother me a bit.

  23. robert h. poeschla says:

    dirck edge you knucklehead:

    Can’t you take a little humor. That is all this is, but prompted by your rather serious and inquisitive inquiry about the perfect motorcylcle.

    Ok, I accept your challenge. The bike only exists in my mind. It is a Triumph 800 as rumoured, thank you very much, but… it is the tourer version. It has a seat height of at least 32.5-33 inches, it has at least the FORWARD DISTANCE AND HEIGHT OF THE DL650 V-STROM, IT HAS A SUSPENSION THAT IS AT LEAST AS HIGH RATED AND ADJUSTABLE AS THE Triumph 800 offroad or GS competitor version. In other words, it is not the bargain basement BMW 650 GS with 800 motor and cheaper suspension and lower seat height, ect. cetera .Give us a Triumph 800 Tiger road/touring version that matches the BMW 800GS and KTM 950 Adventure with suspension and seat height and brakes and ergonomics.
    Light, as at less than 450 lbs., maybe 425 lbs., and as complex as modern engineering has proved. Yes on ABS, top suspension, top brakes like brembo, possibly but not necessarily fly -by-wire-throttle. Only that throttle if it totally makes sense.

    Thus, I am asking for a 450 lb wet with gas and cooling fluid 3 cylinder road/touring bike that can handle US Forest Service fire roads at least as well as the Suzuki dl650 v-strom, with great front end feel due to great suspension, and at both ends, great bra in a middleweight kes, and ergonomics that at least match the dl650 in distance to handlebars and pegs, and same or greater seat height.
    Give us the Triumph of a lifetime. I will crave it more than the cb450 or cl450 I never got to buy.

    But the request is not a dated demographic. It is a desire for the best of most modern engineering highish seat GS type bike that will see 95% paved roads, with a large percentage of broken pavement in the timbuktoo of North America.
    Finally, a great windscreen with no issues whatsoever.
    This is my perfect motorcycle.
    Thank You.

    BPersh

  24. Dave says:

    Road sport bike. 650 V-twin (70-80hp), half fairing, low cost components calibrated *correctly* for sport street riding, and last but most important, sub 300lb weight. Perhaps a street dedicated version of an Aprilia SVX 550.

  25. GP says:

    Did Bob really say the closest thing to an R1150RSA being made now is a Multistrada? Sounds more to me like Bob currently owns one but desires the multistrada. The Moto Guzzi Norge GT would be the closest thing currently made. Oh, and the R1150RSA isn’t really much lighter than the new bikes he mentioned(FJR, Concours, K1200) either, it just handles a lot better for a big displacement bike because of the direction in which its engine spins.

    My perfect bike is what I ride to work every day. A 1996 VFR that I bought for just over two grand, insure for less than two hundred bucks a year and that gets 40 mpg in town and 50 out on the interstate. Price is my biggest factor in searching for the perfect bike. Let the suckers worry about the latest geatest stuff. I wait ten years, and then buy a used one. Anyone want to sell me a used Super Duke like 4 or 5 years from now? Plus by then I’ll know if there are any reliability issues with a certain model. Hard to tell that from a write up, spec sheet and a dyno graph…………

  26. Patrick Lawrence says:

    My perfect bike has changed as i have gotten older. I never really liter bikes. I have always been fond of a smaller bike with adequate HP, but that handles on rails. That way, on a twisty road or a trackday, i could hang with the liter bikes and show them what ‘riding’ was all about, and not just throttle twisting. For me, that bike used to be a good ole Honda F2/F3 that i rode and raced for a few years. It then became the 1st generation YZF-R6 that i currently own and track. I love being able to take it to a trackday and play with the liter bikes…until the big straight aways come up of course.

    Now that i am 41 and a family man, my next ‘dream’ perfect bike is going to be a Kawi Concours 14 or a Yamaha fjr 1300. I love the idea of a more comfortable bike, hard bags that can carry alot and also be removed, and all the niceness of a modern motorcycle, yet it will have the athelicism to be able to hang with all of the sportbikes that i will encounter once i hit the mountain twistys. And still get me over any number of hundreds of miles more comfortably.

  27. MEDerby says:

    I’d have to go with a Moto Guzzi LeMans NERO CORSA however updated with the same engine as in my new GRISO 8V – Simply drop dead gorgeous motorcycle that can do almost anything you would want on pavement – long or short rides – and on cold / snowy / or torrential down pour days you could just sit and stare at it – or move it into your family room or office as a piece of art work.

  28. Jammie says:

    A 1000cc V-twin engine in a Triumph Bonneville T-100 frame. I’m sure we can do a contemporary Vincent for under $11,000. The Yamaha Sakura was close.

  29. joe says:

    BMW R1200GS. There is the perfect motorbike. I have owned many and I mean many a bike and this bike is the TOTAL package. Believe the hype! This bike will do everything and anything you through at it and do it to the best of “your” and I mean your abilities (you know who you are, racer wantabe…). IMHO

  30. rapier says:

    I keep thinking a totally modern Honda CX turbo configured as a sport touring bike would be my perfect bike. Displacement optional but over 100HP and weight around 500. Ample wind protection and real detachable hard bags.. (not that integrated bodywork/bags Pacific Coast stuff)
    I know manufacturers are reluctant to use turbos partly because of power but those days are over. Of course stock turbo liter sport bikes would be impossible for them to produce. However as in autos lower displacement engines with turbo makes huge sense in many ways. Especially when configured for torque, their real forte. Throw in some anti wheel spin tech too of course.

    I am thinking a 3/4 size Concours.

  31. Jason George says:

    A Japanese 450cc Street legal Super Motard. I have an 09 DRZ 400SM and love it. But I would like to see a lighter, more powerful, fuel injected 450. Take any of the 4 Japanese 450 motocross bikes and tune them differently for more reliability, while still keeping light weight and plenty of power. Are you listening Japan??

  32. modsquad says:

    Krugger Overmile

  33. Lee says:

    my perfect motorcycle would be a triumph thruxton, that weights and performs like a street triple

  34. afro says:

    Honda 650 supermoto – 650cc liquid cooled single with fuel injection, 60-70hp, tubeless spoked wheels like the BMW GS, brembo brakes – don’t need ABS, with styling remaining close to a MX bike, plenty of suspension for the occasional jump, and with street bike reliability.

  35. Ron Gordon says:

    I agree, sort of with Dave Kent above. I thought the perfect bike for my purposes was my NT650 ’88 Hawk GT until I rode and bought an ’01 SV650. I now have an ’09 SB9SX Buell and think my lifetime[67 years so far] search is over.

  36. Ken P says:

    My Ducati ST2 is pretty close, but I really don’t think any 1 bike can do everything perfectly. The ST2 has good ergos for a day-long ride 2-up, but can also hold it’s own as a (low-b-group) track-day bike. It is light and nimble for commuting also. Down-side is the cost for service.

  37. Mickey says:

    If you combine the qualities of 3 of the bikes I have in the garage, you get the perfect bike (for me at least)

    Honda ST1300…good fairing, adjustable windshield, lockable luggage, lots of good smooth power, shaft drive, smooth gearbox , good brakes

    Yamaha FZ-1..lightweight, good handler, suck your eyeballs out brakes, lots of good smooth power, smooth as silk clutch

    Honda CB750 Nighthawk..nice low seating position, nice flat seat that doesn’t thrust the boys into the tank, hydraulic valves

    So a lightweight bike with lots of smooth power, good wind protection, adjustable windshield, lockable luggage, shaft drive, smooth easy clutch, smooth gearbox, low seat height, flat seat, hydraulic valves, and great brakes. I’d also add a gear indicator, cruise control and maybe heated grips standard.

    The ST1300 itself would be pretty darn close if it weighed as much as the FZ-1 and had hydraulic valves.

  38. Ron T says:

    I rented a BMW GS 800 and it did everything I wanted. I even took it down some ATV trails. Heated handgrips were nice, especially up here in Alaska. It would cruise at 80 mph no problem.

  39. phil says:

    BMW R1100GS, the early model with the plastic tank.
    With factory heated grips, ABS and panniers.
    Following mods:
    – autoswitch to power ‘auxiliaries’ 🙂
    – Sheepskin seat cover
    – fuel line quick-disconnects
    – bagster tank cover and bag
    – Gearsack rack and bag

    Tyres for the road metzeler tourance, off the road the conti knobbies.

    And with octane booster in the tank the bloody thing topped 200km/h!

    I test rode a 1200GS but I still like the Big Pig better…

  40. Louis says:

    A 650 V-Strom with shaft-drive and a more supportive seat (wider). The windshield aerodynamics/turbulence should be worked out to perfection. I would also like a temperature gauge that reads in actual numbers instead of a bar graph, and a more linear fuel gauge. The speedometer should be dead-on accurate too. But even without those improvements, I’ll keep it as it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned out of 17 in my riding career.

  41. Harry says:

    Make the teardrop tank a couple of gallons bigger and the engine a couple of hundred cc’s bigger on my classic 1983 Honda CB1000 Custom and my smile would be even bigger.

  42. Kurt B. says:

    I already own it. Some of you may laugh, but here goes. 1978 Suzuki GS1000. 507 lbs.( lightest superbike of it’s day ), a smooth 87hp , a great stock seat that’s genuinely comfortable two up, and a comfortable riding position for under 50mph where 90% of my riding is done. Add a removable plexifairing III, and a set of soft luggage and you can tour across the US in complete comfort. An air assisted front fork and adjustable damping rear shocks allow you to go from compliant to sportbike firm. Proclaimed to be able to take on the ducati 900ss down a winding road by the bike magazines of the day, it’s still a nimble handler although a bit rubbery by modern day standards on high speed bumpy sweepers. It’s reliablity is well know. To me it’s also quite beautiful in a “between a Bonneville and a Z-1 ” kind of way, with a sweet exposed air-cooled engine that shows off it’s four chromed exhausts. Suzuki did a lot of things right to make their first 1000cc bike so useful. I’m really glad these are way-under-apprieciated classics, ’cause i got mine for a song.

  43. Richard Grumbine says:

    Wait I forgot! IT NEEDS A PASSENGER SEAT TOO!

  44. Richard Grumbine says:

    My Bimota Tesi 1D with a soft rear trunk case for touring was the perfect motorcycle (although it was expensive to do valve jobs – especially on a teacher’s salary!). The bike had an emotional quality that I have never been able to approach since. It handled and braked beautifully, had plenty of power, and that sweet sonorous roar of the engine made me fall in love again every morning when I pressed the starter button. My only complaints are that it had NO brakes when it rained… so a different front brake setup/position might be good. Antilock brakes for the street and a slipper clutch would be nice… perhaps traction control. Use the newest latest Duc engine in it… and ohlins front suspension to smooth out the ride a bit more. The bike ran flawlessly, looked great, sounded amazing, and with the large soft trunk bag it did touring duty and grocery runs just fine. It made for a great commuter, track day bike, and tourer. Ah how I miss her. If bimota would offer a lower tech version for much less money I would buy one again a heart beat. Get the price down to 24 grand with an air/oil cooled engine, plastic body, and decent brakes and you’ve got a deal!

  45. mat says:

    EASY- put the 1985 Suzuki1200 v4 madura engine into the Suzuki S83. FINALLY- a cruiser with POWER!!

  46. Bob K says:

    For me, the new BMW F650GS twin is a close as you can get in an exisitng model. Why, becasue its an enduro, switchable ABS, supposedly fast enough, but low enough for my short legs.
    Drawback–out the door over 13K.
    Alternative — either the unobtainable Transalp, or the V-Strom 650.

  47. vfr800 says:

    My 650 V-Strom would be perfect if it had fully adjustable, quality suspension with more travel, shed 50 pounds, 1 inch more ground clearance, 2 more inches of seat height over the pegs (I’m pretty tall) and a usable horn. (HONK!)

    Oh, and full luggage, a skid plate and crash bars.

    All for $7,500.

  48. jimbo says:

    Sorry, my bad, meant to type:
    hp/torque/weight/fuel range/space for rider and luggage.

  49. jimbo says:

    Riders need to forget about motor displacement and focus instead on things like:
    Ratio of hp/torque/weight/space/fuel range for rider and luggage. Forget motor displacement because although the displacement is definitely a factor, when you focus too much on displacement you loose track of the overall balance described by the items in my listed ratio above.

    I’m thinking:

    Absolute max 450 lbs curb weight
    200mi range if ridden moderately
    Balance tilted toward torque but good power too (around 80bhp rear wheel)
    Extremely smooth motor
    Riding position exactly like Ducati Hypermotard
    # of cylinder irrelevant, just get the right combination of weight, performance, smoothness and fuel efficiency
    F.I. or don’t even think about making it
    Belt or shaft (are the required larger gears the only reason shaft drive is so much heavier than chain…would consider chain drive)
    Center stand absolutely mandatory
    Removable fork mounted frame with good coverage ala Rifle Sport (loose copy of the original BMW R100RS frame mounted fairing) I also like the slightly smaller/sportier Rifle Superbike fairing.
    Hydraulic self-adjusting valve lash clearance
    ABS
    Radial brakes
    Throttle control
    Semi-dual sport 19″ front/17″ rear

    I don’t care how much it costs I’d buy it.

  50. Pete says:

    BMW GS models are about as close as any to the “perfect” bike, at least if your legs are long enough to ride them, IHMO. Great touring, sport-touring, adventure-touring capabilities; they can handle tremendous loads, do surprisingly well on unpaved surfaces, but can also cruise the interstate with the best of ’em. Maintenance is pretty simple, & the shaft drive obviates worry about cleaning & lubing the final drive while out on that trip far from home. Gas mileage is pretty decent, too. Best all-round bike I’ve ever experienced or even heard of.

  51. The Vicarious Rider says:

    My perfect motorcycle? Hmmmm…this one could be tricky.

    For starters, it would be a partially-faired sport-touring motorcycle.

    Well, for starters, the fuel tank would not be a tank but a fuel cell stored under a fiberglass cover. The motorcycle would be powered by a fuel-injected 1000cc V4. It has a 4-into-2 exhaust with two tunable Supertrapp mufflers standard. The transmission is 6-speed. Final drive would be carbon-fiber belt for almost no maintenance. It would have hydraulic lifters to keep maintenance at a minimum. Furthermore, all wires, lines, and hoses are routed such that maintenance is simple and easy to do. The ignition system would be individual coil-on-plug and the heads would be designed for simple access on the sides of the bike. The engine is oil cooled to ensure that maintenance is simple and easy on the cooling system – coolant comes straight from the crankcase and is changed every time the bike has an oil change. The oil cooler is mounted such that it allows oil to drain back into the crankcase when the engine is not running. Also, the engine would be tuned for midrange power, and would be set up to run well over 170 hp at the rear wheel.

    The bike would have a detachable rear section with a pillion that can be bolted in place for carrying a passenger; or, the tail section with the pillion seat can be removed and a lightweight, hollow-fared tail section can be installed for riding one up. It also has detachable luggage that locks to the side of the bike when you need it but looks equally nice with the luggage removed.

    The front forks would be inverted and the brakes would be twin 320mm discs equipped with 6-piston calipers mounted on a 17-inch front wheel. The rear wheel would be a 200 mm disc with a 4-piston caliper. The rear wheel would also be 17 inches.

    Overall, I would hope that the curb weight of the bike comes in at around 390 lbs for one-up canyon carving and 480 lbs for the full two-up touring setup, including the luggage and the pillion-equipped tail section.

  52. Pete says:

    BMW GS models are about as close to the “perfect” bike, at least if your legs are long enough to ride them, IHMO. Great touring, sport-touring, adventure-touring capabilities; they can handle tremendous loads, do surprisingly well on unpaved surfaces, but can also cruise the interstate with the best of ’em. Maintenance is pretty simple, & the shaft drive obviates worry about cleaning & lubing the final drive while out on that trip far from home. Gas mileage is pretty decent, too. Best all-round bike I’ve ever experienced or even heard of.

  53. BoxerFanatic says:

    Let’s see… the perfect bike of the day… could change tomorrow.Personally, I like BMW’s R-bike format, and Moto Guzzi’s similar V-twin format, with longitudinal crankshaft, transmission, and shaft drive.I particularly like the R1100S, and R1200S BMWs, and Moto Guzzi V11 LeMans and Griso 8V. One of my ideal bikes would be a Griso 8-valve, with the V11 LeMans bullet fairing, and USD Ohlins forks, and other commensurate equipment, and perhaps a bit more fuel capacity and lower pegs.

    But a PERFECT bike for me today would probably be a BMW R-bike.
    -R1250 DOHC boxer engine from the newest GS and ST, tuned for even more power, closer to HP2 Sport.
    -Dual-clutch 6-speed gearbox, shiftable from the left foot traditionally, or from the switchgear on the bar, even with auto-mode. Tied into the Electronic Suspension Adjustment system and ABS control to sharpen up for sporty riding, or smoothing out for touring.
    -Duolever Hossack-type front suspension, like K-R series bikes, First time on an R-bike, even if some say that’ll never happen. (this is my perfect bike, after all…) Perhaps with some slight alignment adjustments on the control arm lengths for behavioral fine tuning, as well as an adjustable ohlins coil-over damper, front and rear, tied into the ESA system. An upgrade over the already good Telelever suspension.
    -Paralever EVO II with CV joints in place of u-joints, and general robustness and materials update.
    -If I really get my wish, perhaps the Duolever and Paralever suspensions are BOTH single-sided, and same-sided, so that one side of the bike shows the full face of the wheels, and facilitates quick wheel and tire service for both front and rear. Center lock or 4-bolt automotive-style. It would be slick if the suspension arms were both on the kick-stand side. The non-kick-stand side would then show off the full wheel faces, and the boxer engine between them.
    -Half fairing and tank like an update from R1100S and R1200S, but with a slight bit of a chin-reduction on the fairing’s face, something like the K1200R-Sport’s half fairing. Could be asymmetrical from side to side, if needed. S1000RR is not symmetrical.
    -Optional belly-pan. Optional full-lower cowl to enclose the engine cases, and surround the cylinders, similar to the lower engine shroud of the R1200RT, but not such a big fairing higher up on the bike, and with slightly more aggressive looks.
    -Nice comfortable main seat, comfortable for the tank’s range distance before a break, but slim enough to move around on, while tossing the bike a few curves. Pillion seat covered by a cowl, or replaceable with a flush-fitting cowl, or a tail-bag mounting pad, with tool storage underneath. tail-subframe attached passenger peg attachments, or optional BMW system case attachment hardpoints. Or un-bolt both for clean tail and less weight.
    -Exhaust box (heat-sheild-incorporating 2-input catalyzer and muffler unit) under the gearbox and starter, between the engine oil-sump and rear tire. lateral outlet ports on both sides of the rear tire. outwardly shaped to match the contours of the optional lower fairing panels, when they are attached.
    -HID low beam headlight, HIR high beam headlight, and every other element on board is LED lighting.
    -throttle-by-wire with brake and force-neutral-select (both clutches disengage the engine from the rest of the gearbox) over-ride fail-safe systems, and electronic cruise/speed control, with computer-controlled throttle response curves based on current road speed, throttle input rate, and ESA sport or cruise setting. (a snappy quick throttle response when you want it, but not choppy or sharp when you wish it were smoother.)
    -secure and power-supplying GPS Navigation mounting point near or over the top triple clamp, or alternatively, a mounting point for other digital devices, such as an iPhone, which can do navigation, and performance data-logging with it’s new compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS combination. Also possibly integrated as voice-controlled bluetooth-to-helmet comms, and music, perhaps. Maybe even bike-to-bike comms over ad-hoc wifi, with other motorcyclists with similar devices. -Perhaps with an optical periscope attachment to allow HD video recording from the iPhone’s HD camera, while the device is securely mounted. The periscope would give a remote view through the fairing’s windshield or something. Otherwise a small remote ccd camera in the windshield, or integrated into the fairing, that can be connected to any digital video recording device as a remote camera source.
    -Ideally the bike would be fitted to my arm and leg length and seating position… but if it were a production bike, I would want it to be reasonably adjustable at the bars, the pegs, and perhaps even some seat height adjustment.

    addendum:
    I could theoretically see the 1200CC DOHC boxer scaled down to 900-1000cc if it would provide for quicker response and a higher redline, and lighter engine weight, without much loss in power or across-the-board rideability… but 1200ccs don’t bother me. I like the lack of water cooling complication and maintenance aspects, even though a liquid cooled engine could likely make more power. An air/oil cooled setup seems to work just fine, though.

    Due to the variable nature of this bike’s configuration… both half-faired, and optionally nearly full-fariing equipped, but still more modest in size and weight than a full RT/LT/ST designated bike, and with the sportier engine tune, and suspension demeanor… I’d probably call this an R1200RS, or R1200R-Sport.

    A road-oriented sport touring bike, with sport being emphasized moreso than the ST model which tends to emphasize the touring part.
    A bike you can take to your favorite local road and strafe apexes for a quick refresher, or you can go find apexes to strafe in some other state than you are in now.
    A sporty bike that doesn’t necessarily make the rider wince at the thought of the super-slab for a couple hours, nor does it make the pillion rider wince at even getting on the bike in the first place.

    R1200S HP2 would then be the name I would ascribe to the successor to the current HP2 Sport, being less accommodating of adaptation, more focused, lighter-weight, and single-passenger only with under-seat exhaust, and race-grade telescopic front suspension, and a traditional manual sequential gearbox. The ultimate road and track BMW boxer, but that is someone else’s perfect bike to specify. 😀

  54. David West says:

    Oh,Please,Please Mr.Honda, bring back the Hawk GT with a 750cc engine and fuel injection. Make the tank and seat a litte larger, with top of the line suspension.
    It already had a single-sided swingarm and a center stand. These items make it so easy on tire and chain maintenance. Every bike should have these items.
    Or better yet, bring back the 2001 VFR in V4 or V2 engine options with a 30 to 40lb weight reduction.
    Have each of these bikes built naked, or a model with a faring.

  55. Dave Kent says:

    They made it, I owned 4 of them and stupidly sold every one because I “thought” they were underpowered. The Honda NT650 Hawk taught me more about cornering than anything else I’ve owned, and that’s a lot of bikes. Holding my own on an “underpowered” Vtwin against the inline 4’s of the day required serious corner entry speed and carefully chosen lines. Many females who sat behind me commented on my smoothness compared to the bubble bike jockeys they’d rode with. They were able to relax and not have to brace hands against the tank because I usually didn’t touch my brakes. The SV650 (owned 3 of them) is a distant 2nd. It just doesn’t have the character of the Hawk. Or maybe by the time I bought an SV, I wasn’t such a character anymore. Anyway, fond memories of my glory days on the Hawk. If I ever find a really cherry one, I’ll get a home equity loan to build it like the first one I had.

    • BoxerFanatic says:

      I have one for sale, although I will probably regret selling it as much as you do. 16000 miles, just needs some slight fork seal and chain maintenance, and a new battery. 89 Red, in Iowa.

      It’s been listed for a long time, but I haven’t been in a hurry to sell… it is hard to bring myself to pull that trigger.

      Are you on HawkGTForum.com? search for my name there, and you should find the sale thread in the classifieds, I just bumped it.

  56. Marcus says:

    Perfect Motorcycle? 2 wheels, brakes and an engine. Importance in that order. Masters of their art transcend their medium. If you really, really love riding, then it doesn’t matter what you’re riding, only that you are riding.

  57. Mike says:

    Perfect bike?

    I miss my Kawasaki ZRX1100. It was the best bike I ever owned. Others that would make my perfect list include:

    – Honda Hawk GT
    – Ducati HyperMotard
    – Original Honda 750 Interceptor

  58. SteveR says:

    My Bandit 1250abs is pretty close to perfect for me-anything more “perfect” was too expensive

  59. agent says:

    no such thing, but for my current non-road riding life style (mostly roadracing) I’d have to say a sit-up sporty naked with a middleweight V4 and a top notch chassis with street-friendly suspension tuning. i guess a 600cc RSV4 streetfighter would pretty much describe it. Aprilia, are you listening?

  60. Joe M. says:

    Honda CB1100F – quit effing around.

  61. chris says:

    A triumph daytona 675 turned into a 675cc Sprint. Liveable ergos, hard bags a 675cc motor, but keep the decent suspension and brakes. On the street that motor is plenty fast, and the smaller displacement keeps insurance in check. My biggest complain with any bike I have had, other than a full on sportbike has been the terrible suspension, and no place to put your stuff.

  62. Bjorn says:

    The sooner you realize that there is no one perfect motorcycle, you can go buy the two (or three or …) that get you closest 🙂

  63. lightmakesright says:

    The perfect bike would be a 2-stroke 125cc race bike. With modern fuel injection to simplify the tuning aspect. Keep the bike down to a nice simple 150-160 lbs and make it kick out 50 hp at the rear wheel. If we can keep the price down to the $10k range with a full spares kit, I’d buy it.

    If we can’t keep our 2-strokes (damn you EPA!!) I’d have to say a 250cc 4-stroke with a purpose built roadrace motor (not the dirtbike thrown in a roadrace frame). Now if we could get Honda to do that with an NR style oval piston, twin con rod, 8-valve motor with a redline somewhere north of 20k. . . should be able to see 60+ HP out of that motor. Now if they could keep the weight down to 180-190lbs, we could really surprise a few 600s!

  64. Christopher D. says:

    A Buell Ulysses with engine counter balancers, I don’t like Shake, Rattle and Roll except in my music. Move the oil cooler upfront ALA BMW GS with a fairing on a subframe about the same size as the GS’s. The belt drive is OK for my kind riding. I don’t need the huge panners that come with a lot of bikes these days. Something about half the size of the stock ones on the Buell. Oh and a 500 lbs. wet weight with 5 gallons of fuel would be nice.

  65. Bullet Bob says:

    I owned the perfect motorcycle then I sold it. Its the only bike I would like to have back for a second chance. It was a ’94 Honda CB1000. I’m getting old so comfort is a important but I also want better than cruiser handling and speed. Surprisingly even without a windscreen, wind protection was good.

    I wish Honda would bring the CB1300 or the new CB1100 here. I would ride either of those every damn day!

  66. FloridaSteve says:

    Easy. A post 1996 DR650 Suzuki with free flowing exhaust and a jet kt. Get a spare set of Motard wheels, a Sargent Seat, removable soft bags and a spare IMS 5.5 gallon tank and you have the perfect platform to cover the broadest possible range of options for well under $5000 used.
    Want to go touring? An endless supply of accessories and luggage is out there. 50 mpg is common. Dealer network is everywhere. Parts are everywhere and very low cost. Want to ride canyons? Trackdays? Put the motard wheels and stock tank on and go! Commuter? None better no matter how you dress it up. Need more power? Reasonably priced big bore kits are available.

  67. Nate T says:

    The perfect motorcycle has to be one that screams ‘the essence of motorcycling’, one that reaches all age groups, young and old, a classic and timeless piece of machinery, something that’s just fun to ride. It may not have the latest Ohlins suspension or put out 150 hp, but that’s not the point. It’s a motorcycle that causes me to whistle the tune from “On Any Sunday” as I ride with an ear-to-ear grin…without a doubt that has to be the Triumph Bonneville.

    My wife owns one and it doesn’t matter where we stop, someone always come up to talk to us about when they were younger and used to own a Bonnie, how much they loved it and how much they missed it. And the Bonneville has to be the #1 most used motorcycle in classic movies from Steve McQueen’s getaway in “The Great Escape” to “Mission Impossible III.”

  68. Tex says:

    A current model Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe with the new VMAX engine (not detuned) and better brakes. and in a dream world all of this with a 75 to 100lb weight loss.

    Why I like this combo:
    Hard bags standard
    Windscreen and passenger rest that are removable standard
    shaft-drive
    Fuel injected engine
    4 cylinders
    100 plus horsepower on a cruiser without aftermarket add-ons
    electronic cruise control standard
    love the ride and versatility of my current RSTD but would like the new VMAX engine due to fuel injection.

  69. ABQ says:

    It would cost half as much as a car and twice the mpg. It would weigh less than 500 pounds and be reasonably easy for one person to lift off the ground. Nothing would break off when it was dropped. It would have a tank large enough to pass the gas station and head up the canyons and down Americas long backroads. It should be your daily driver and compel you to take the long way home. You may ride it to the races on any sunday and ride it back home, with a trophy. People will ask you about your bike only to find the secret to the smile on your face. That bike is ready to go any time, anywhere, any road, any way you want to do it without complaint.
    That bike is the best girl friend you ever had.
    Think midsized, 400cc – 750cc.

  70. Jim says:

    V-Strom! 800cc. Shaft or belt drive. Maybe ABS. That is all.

  71. todd says:

    800cc v-strom with better suspension or 800cc adventure with better fuel mileage something along an 800cc dual sport! Anybody at the factory’s read these?

  72. Bob says:

    The perfect motorcycle? Shaft drive, ABS, wet weight of not more than 550 lbs., removable hard bags, wind tunnel tested fairing to assure stability, adjustable windscreen, 1100 cc. engine. Actually, the bike was made for eleven years by BMW. In 2004 I purchased an example of the last year’s production of the R1150RSA. The closest thing available today is the Ducati Multi-Strata, which does not have a shaft drive. The Honda NT-700 is too heavy. BMW has indicated that while they invented the genre, they now feel that the sport touring market is “mature”. They Yamaha FJ1300, the new 1400 Kawasaki Concours, the BMW K1300GT et. al. are simply too heavy to be considered sport tourers on a tight mountain road. In Europe these bikes are marketed as smart alternatives to the Gold Wing. Good as they are, I live in America. I can’t use a motorcycle that really comes into its own at over 100 mph. But I could use a 500lb. bike with hard bags on a weekend trip to West Virginia. And my R1150RSA is getting long in the tooth.

  73. Bill says:

    The Bandit 1250 only with shaft drive, standard hard bags and top box and a seven gallon fuel tank and about one inch lower. all for under 10K

  74. John says:

    My perfect bike right now is an F450GS with a 32″ seat height, 275lb weight, a nice big tank, and the 450X single cylinder engine in it.

  75. Chris J says:

    I think the closest thing out there to the perfect bike is the Vstrom 650. (Don’t fly off the handle yet.) The Vstrom doesn’t do anything great but it does almost everything well. I threw some hard bags on it and ride it every day to work, to the grocery store, through the streets of DC, two up touring (DC to Denver and back this summer), rain or shine, etc. I’ve heard it can do off-road but can’t say so yet. This bike is essentially a poor man’s BMW since my 2009 brand new strom with bags and 3 yr service warranty was right at $9000. The v-twin 650cc engine (from the SV) is bulletproof anyway. The only complaint I have is the front suspension.

    Yeah, you can tell me all about how awesome the GS1200 or the KTM950 or the Multistrada is, and I would completely agree, but dollar for dollar the Vstrom is as close to perfect as you can get. The KLR is in the neighborhood but it’s a single, not great for two-up, and no windshield.

  76. karlsbad says:

    Interesting to see the different takes on what is actualy a perfect bike, logically speaking one would assume this motorized steed would be capable of many tasks, the odd foray onto a gravel road. a quick blast down a twisty canyon or river road, two up touring for those so inclined or just going out to the local pub for a pint and a burger.
    Many people believe this bike already excists albeit in many different forms aka V-Strom, Tiger, Multistrada,Ulysses,Stelvio,Adventure,Veradaro,Versys and the list goes on.
    My perfect bike without a doubt would be the R1200GS sans 20kg of course
    For me a perfect fit, nice to look at decent reliability, good handling characteristics, and very capable should you decide to go off the beaten path.
    Hell I may go trade my Ulysses now

  77. George says:

    Perfect bike? That is very tough.

    But here goes: Basic platform is a TL1000 or VTR1000. I prefer the liter class twins but any of the liter sportbikes would be a good base too.

    The bike has a fairing similar to the FZ1 with optional lowers and an adjustable windshield angle and an optional taller windshield and an optional taller and wider windshield. The optional windshield width and height could be achieved by using add-on plastic pieces like the Laminar lip products.

    An optional lower is available for the fairing. This can be a painted or a clear plastic lower. I suggest an aftermarket partner for this option.

    Mirrors are mounted on the handlebars so that they are as wide as may be desired by the riders as they can be swapped with aftermarket mirrors with wider or narrower spreads and/or different shapes.

    Handlebars would be tubular bars so that several heights and bends are merely an aftermarket bar swap away.

    The exhaust and muffler is lowered and centralized ala Buell-style. An optional “chin” fairing would clean up the lines on the exhaust.

    Wheels and brakes and suspension are liter class sportbike quality and should be the same as a liter class sportbike so that aftermarket suspension options from the sportbike can be added to this more universal bike.

    Rider and passenger footpegs are adjustable at least 1″ down from a sportbike crouch position.

    The rear end is where we get tricky: I want to be able to purchase 2 rear sections. The standard rear section is standard sportbike affair – just graft on the rear section from any sportbike – just make it stylish.

    The second, optional, rear section includes hard saddlebags that fit in close (ala BMW R1100RT) and not stick out way to the side like most after(thought)market bags do. Having the Buell like exhaust is critical to having a clean rear end with saddle bags with plenty of usable cargo space (again like the BMW R1100RT). I would also like to see the saddlebags have 2 sets of saddlebag “tops” one that is narrower and one that is wider (again like BMW R1100RT with city cases and with standard larger cases)

    The optional rear section would also have a wider, more comfortable passenger seat and a rear trunk mount that can be used with an OEM or an aftermarket trunk so as to allow various options (sizes, shapes, etc).

    This optional rear section can have an optional wider/softer rider seat. The optional rear section should bolt right on to the standard rear subframe so that swapping over is not a huge process.

    This way the same bike can do weekend canyon/mountain/trackday duty and with an 1 hour or less effort will also be ready for two-up, sport touring and/or commuter duty.

    Rear drive would be by chain but with the chain fully enclosed like the original 1981 Yamaha XV920. Protecting the chain from the elements should allow a modern X-ring chain to last 50-70k miles with not problems.

    That would be my perfect bike.

  78. Frank Furter says:

    Sits you up straight – 100HP – 70FT LBs and less than 400lbs with wind protection and lockable storage…an SV650 bored and stroked to 800cc with an integrated fairing and storage would come close.

  79. john teleck says:

    This is a very good question, one that I ponder myself from time to time. One of my biggest complaints is that a lot of motorcycles do not fit me. The seats are too low or the foot pegs are too high or positioned too far back, etc. I have purchased motocycles I love and ended up selling them because they were to darn uncomfortable to ride or too expensive and time consuming to modify. A perfect motocycle is one that has a seat that can be adjusted from 29″ to at least 34″. Kits that can be purchased to modify foot pegs, brake peddle,shifter location. Handle bars that can be adjusted.The perfect bike is a 900cc twin air-cooled, belt drive or shaft,fuel injected that has disc brakes front and back. That has a 6 gallon fuel tank and weighs no more then 525 lbs.One that you can purchase naked for under $10,000. U.S.

  80. Vroooom says:

    The perfect motorcyle would start with a platform like the new multi-strada. Well under 500 lbs, capable of carrying luggage and a passenger, fuel economy in excess of 60 mpg, a 19″ front wheel for gravel roads and 2-track, at least 130 hp for the street with the opportunity to cut it back to 100 for the dirt. The bike would handle like a sport bike, 4 piston brembo brakes, unrivaled comfort, some protection from the elements behind a windscreen (no buffeting), and turn a 10 second quarter mile. Oh, it would cost less than 10K new. That doesn’t sound too far outside the realm of the possible…except maybe the price.

  81. Adrian Charlton says:

    An 800cc Dual Sport with the comfort and cost effectiveness of the old Honda Transalp. The BMW and rumored Triumph products are expensive and very focused. The Kawa Versys comes close, but it’s seat is a plank and legroom limited for six foot tall riders (with bad knees).

  82. Monster696 says:

    The Yamaha FZ1 is as close to perfect as possible – standard, small fairing, good build quality, reliable, low maintenance cost, good-looking, relatively lightweight, fast, has a four cylinder, available hard luggage, affordable and comes with a center stand; just needs a shaft drive and it would be perfect!

    Another close to perfect is the Kawi Z1000 (lack of wind protection relegates it to second place)

  83. Tom says:

    Seems like in all the different stages of my life the definition of a “perfect bike” changes over time. I too was drawn to motorcycles at a very early age. Truly my happiest memories of youth was when I raced a 1984 Honda CR 80 on local motocross tracks. I bonded so well with that bike that even today I look at any size 1984 CR as something quite special. In my college days I thought a Yamaha RZ 350 would be a perfect bike–two stroke simplicity, strong, light, fast. After college I had a first gen SV 650 and a second gen SV 650. I preferred the first gen because it was such a smooth running bike. The second gen had some buzz and I did not like it as well. Today in the current economic crunch my “perfect” bike is a 1986 red white and blue Honda 700 Nighthawk. I sourced this well preserved Honda through Craigslist and while I am going through replacing all the rubber and gaskets on it, I am impressed by how smooth this bike is. There is no vibration at all above 3000 rpms. I have put a Corbin seat on it and when I get the money together I will put a larger Rifle fairing on it. Even at 24 years old and counting this bike will make a good light sport-touring/all arounder type of bike. Once finances get back on track I am headed to my Kawi dealer to get a new Concours. Now, on the cusp of 40 years old a good sport-touring bike is on the top of my list. Happy Hunting for the perfect bike everybody.

  84. Neal says:

    If Moto Guzzi put hydraulic valves in it and I could feel absolutely confident in Guzzi reliability, a Breva 1100 from a few years ago with a windshield and bags would be just about perfect. Simplicity + functionality + capability + style = perfect.

  85. Heiko Lucker says:

    I’ve got it it’s the Ducati Hypermotard S Model!
    Oh Yeah there’s allready one in the garage. Funnest bike I have ever owned!

  86. Doug says:

    Bandit 1250, FZ-1 or the old Honda 919, I’d LOVE the ZRX1200 to come back.

  87. Leonardo says:

    Perfect Bike? A sportsbike like the Bimota DB5 but much cheaper and with a less radical riding position. 350 lbs and 95 HP. Ducati could build it from there parts bin using the 1100 2V motor and Monster frame.

  88. Ray says:

    My perfect bike would be a RGV 500 motor in a modern ducati 1098r fraim and suspention with hard bags.

  89. ROXX says:

    Take ANY modern literbike (CBR1000, GSXR1000, ZX10, FZR, etc.) and add real handlebars, an upright fairing and windsheild, lower the footpegs for both rider and passenger.
    Beef up the subframe and add a REAL seat. Not a race replica with a bird perch behind it.
    A seat that you and a passenger could actually ride all day.
    Add some bungee hooks.
    Lengthen the wheelbase about an inch.
    Keep the weight the same as the liter bike, except the extra seat and subframe weight (plus fifteen pounds maybe).
    Make hard saddlebags an option.
    DO NOT DETUNE THIS BIKE!!!

    There!
    Done!

    • Justin says:

      while we’re dreaming

      take ROXX’s bike

      make the footpegs adjustable
      make the handlebar height adjustable, or the handlebars easily replaceable
      make the fairing easily replaceable
      make the swingarm pivot adjustable

      make the subframe easily replaceable: one sturdy wiring connector, four bolts.

      that way, 15-20 minutes with a few tools and you have a full-spec sportbike with a solo saddle. maybe it’s a few pounds on the heavy side, maybe marginally more relaxed ergonomically, but close enough to the very best on the market as to make no difference on the road

      another 15-20 minutes, you’ve got an aggressive sport-tourer, but one with a fair underseat storage area, and a real, comfortable, low pillion with nice, low footpegs, and the aforementioned bungee and saddlebag hardpoints

      you sell the bike in both configurations. you sell the subframes, windscreens, handlebars, etc. as aftermarket accessories with the disclaimer that if you swap them out you release the manufacturer for all liability arising from your replacement of original subframe, handlebars, windscreen, etc.

      two bikes for the price of one, that together serve my needs nicely

    • Bullet Bob says:

      What you want is what they get in Europe, Honda CB1300 or CB1100, Suzuki GSX1400, not sure of the Yamaha and Kawi equals. Just add a windshield and some bags.

  90. Joe says:

    It’s a 850cc Burgman with Honda’s auto tranny running gear.

  91. THE says:

    Any bike on the market is what you make of it. Whether it is the hard luggage I added to both my GSXR750 or RC51 or taking my old ’03 SV650N and tuning the suspension so if it wasn’t ridden at 90+% it was nearly impossible to ride. I have since taken an ’07 SV650SA and turned it into a full-on tourer with a full compliment of hard luggage. i would have to say it is near-ideal as it has the ABS and returns between 55-60mpg. Power? For street riding, you don’t need more. Want more acceleration? Change the gearing. This side of going faster than 140mph, I cannot think of a better bike. The Kiwi 650 twins lineup would probably be in the same realm as well. But alas, I had a son and right now the bike is collecting dust. So I guess my perfect bike would be one that makes more time in the day, week and year.

    Best Wishes,

    THE

  92. KENT MCKAY says:

    The perfect motorcycle ? Well that is one heck of a question that will have as many answers as people that you ask . I live along the main route to the Alaska Hiway and worked in a dealer ship for 15 years and I can say I have been an avid motorcycleist for 30 plus years , I have seen alot of bikes some have been close to perfect but in there own way . Take for instance the first year suzuki gsxr a ready for the road race wepon . Or the 1984 v65 saber 121 hp shaft drive monster that required very little maintenance . Maybe the Duo glide, electra , ultra glide fl classic from Harley surly with its long run that could be considered perfect. Possibly the klr650 a prolific single that can and has done it all. I could go on for a thousand bikes expounding on the benifits and the virtues of each one . But I will not , I will get to my perfect bike …….. it is very simple the first one i ever rode as a child , I mowed grass for a neighbor and for every hour of grass mowing I got to ride a Honda Z50 for a half hour , It had a hard tail frame , chrome tank , head light , tail light and was painted purple . It was magnificent ! The hook was set , at the ripe age of 6 i was a motorcycleist. I was “William Wallace and Steve Mcqueen” on a motorcycle . Perfection at is best and nothing could replace the feeling that my first bike gave me . Maybe as we look forward to the perfect bike yet to be built possibly we have already rode the ” perfect ” motorcycle in our past .

    ” The wind will set you free” have a great day Kent for Grande Prairie Alberta Canada

  93. Ray Nielsen says:

    A scooter or scooter like machine with protective body work and an adjustable windshield. A twin or single of about 650cc or so with a COMPLETELY automatic transmission. Shaft or belt drive would be okay. Top speed approaching 90-95 MPH with fairly good gas mileage (45-48 MPG) and it MUST have hydraulic adjusted valves.

    Maintenance should be easy and require minimal body plastic removal or at least make it easy with quick release fasteners!

    Price is important too and $8000 would be my upper limit.

    Ray Nielsen, in Minneapolis and hoping.

  94. Paul Branson says:

    One that I can ride on dirt roads as well as the slab. Easy to maintain myself. Comfortable for two-up riding with luggage and a hoot in the twisties. Oh, wait, I got that. It’s a 2002 BMW R1150GS Adventure.

  95. Andy Tuttle says:

    It has taken me 20 years I think to figure out what the “perfect motorcycle” is for me. Something flexible enough to sport ride, tour on or just cruise. I’ve always liked the premium finish and looks of cruisers but not the handling. I also decided that I wanted something with more character than most bikes have, something like an older Chevy Musclecar. Back in the Eighties, we had “Muscle Bikes”. Now we have “Sport Cruisers” although they still don’t necessarily handle all that well. In the end, my ’09 Harley Street Bob with upgraded front and rear suspension, improved steering geometry and a good sounding 2-1 pipe really is a very enjoyable, sporty, comfortable ride. As a “one bike only” it does everything except off-road well. I have a Buell 1125 CR and a ATK dual sport, but if I could only own one bike, it would my “Sport Bob”.

  96. ml says:

    My perfect bike I already have. It’s an H-D Electraglide Ultra. Weighs in at 800+ lbs but with cruise and radio, 700 mile days are a piece of cake. My buddy hit a running deer at 45mph a month ago with his, riding 2 up. Bike stayed up, $2400 damage, snapped deer in half. Not many bikes will do that. It may not go 120+ mph, or 0-60 in 5s, but it will do 80 all day long and you won’t regret it a bit at the end of the day.

  97. cKris says:

    600-800cc single or V2, low maintanance (10.000km+),on-OFF type with 21″ front, power 45-80hp, weight max 170kg without fuel ready to go, good weather protection, easy for luggage, balance for 2up riding as well, comfortable to seat on for 500km, low fuel consumption 4-7 liter/100km maximum variation, diesel if possible, large tank 20liters please, quality suspention and breaks with adjustability without spaners, easy to switch to 17″ wheels if wanted, shaft drive welcome, can drink low quality fuel as well as high octans. Something between XTZ Tenere/BMW F800GS/ KTM LC4 Adventure.
    I know Aprilia is working on something like this, so if the quality/durability is in the Honda range it could be nice as long as cost is max 10000Euro. 🙂

    • PeteP says:

      YES! This is what I want! Except for the shaft drive, as I think chain drive is just fine for my needs. Also, I don’t need to carry a passenger.

      In fact, I think the current Kawasaki 650 twin on SV/DL 650 v twin in a motocross/enduro frame would be perfect!

      Thw Webber brothers have come close with their RallyTwin, but they want $60K to recreate it. http://www.rallytwin.com/

      The Terra Mostro is very nice, too, but who wants to take a Ducati off-road?
      http://www.terramostro.com/

  98. vtx1300 says:

    I’ve only owned a 250 ninja and now a VTX1300. I love hitting the ribbon up pushing the limits on a sportbike, and then I love the plush saddle and easy cruises on the parkway taking in all the landscape views on a cruiser.

    My perfect bike would be a cruiser style motorcycle with sportbike handling. Vtwin, 100 hp, 500 lb wet, 40-50 mpg, 250 mile range, ABS, fully adjustible front and rear shocks, quick detach lugauge and windshield, exhaust with removalbe silencer insert for those days I want to be noticed, 12 vault output, built in bluetooth or the ford sync software. An analoge tach with digital speedo, trip, fuel gauge, fuel mpg, fuel range, oil service, clock, gear postion, and tire pressure. Great warranty, service range and all for around $11k OTD.

  99. mark says:

    There is no one perfect bike for everything. I would always want more than one for different purposes.

    That said, what I’d really like is a true middleweight dual-sport. ~800cc twin, quality suspension with at least 8″ of travel, lightweight, reliable, 21″/18″ spoked wheels for a wide choice of dirt tires, and comfortable for long trips. No complex electronics to make the bike hard to fix in the middle of nowhere; it would help if the bike were designed for easy roadside maintenance (center stand, easily accessible oil filter, etc — and long maintenance intervals). Stout enough subframe to carry sufficient luggage for a long trip. Maybe it could even come with a 17″ wheelset for road use.

    The BMW F800GS is a nice idea with unfortunately poor execution — too heavy, and it seems to be suffering from quality control issues and subpar suspension. The KTM 950 Super Enduro comes close, but is also rather heavy, and a bit maintenance intensive. Suzuki could easily pull it off by stripping down the V-Strom 650, improving the suspension, and fitting DR650 wheels. Maybe Triumph will have a winner with the rumored upcoming Tiger Cub.

    • bb says:

      Agree on this one. A good 800 CC dual sport which leans more street oriented like the ‘Strom or Tiger. My vote is take the V-Strom and refine it with better suspension, add 1 gal to the tank to give it a real 300 mile range, make ABS standard and switchable and give it a Belt drive for smoother, quieter sailing down the road. All the other dual sports have way too tiny petrol tanks for my liking. I hate having to fill up every other day on a tiny 4gal tank. IMHO, that’s the major drawback of the BMW F650 and F800, tiny tank, that and the break fluid pee-cup is an eyesore.

  100. Steve P says:

    My perfect bike would be an 800 cc triple which give the best features of a V-twin with those of an inline four, plenty of real world torque with the ability to excite when reved to redline.It would have comfortable and adjustable ergonomics, with adjustable foot pegs, handle bars and seat height.It would have fairing that in 3 sections to allow full coverage, upper fairing and lower cowl or just upper fairing. It would have belt drive for the efficiency of a chain but with the convenience and low maintenance of a shaft drive.It would have an adjustable windscreen. It would have easy accessable fully adjustable front and rear suspension. It would have top line brakes with ABS. It would have low center of gravity and low centered exhaust,and gas tank . It would have well integrated hard luggage making the bike look good with or without it in place. It would be offered in many colors and combinations of colors.It would get around 50 mpg and have a wet weight no more than 475 pounds. It would have a very capable backroad and track as well as touring abilities. It would have an economical maintenance schedule and a competetive sale price. The closest I see would be a combination of the BMW F800ST and Smaller Triumph Sprint.

    • Josh B. says:

      This is pretty close to MY perfect bike. Mine would basically be a lighter/thinner 825cc baby Triumph Sprint ST/GT. Why 825cc you ask? Because right now, the difference between the GSX-R750 and the Daytona 675 is ~75cc. 75cc more than a 750 would be — yep, 825cc. It would be the PERFECT light-touring/sporty bike/engine. I have had a 2006 Daytona 675 since new in May of ’06, and nothing but sportbikes since I started riding over 7 years ago. I’m ready for something that won’t make me feel like crap and be in pain for days after only 150 miles, LOL! But it would STILL have to be able to handle canyon carving, and be nice and relatively light/thin. It would also need to be offered in Graphite again — free of ricey graphics.

      I don’t mind a chain drive, but an auto-tensioned belt drive (ala Buell) would be nice, as you said. This isn’t a track bike, so a chain wouldn’t really be necessary. I agree about the hard bags, low exhaust, SS braided brake lines, and adjustable windscreen/pegs/handlebars/suspension.

      The rumored 8XXcc baby Tiger would fit this pretty closely as well. I just want something less dual-sport-ish. I am NOT going off-road at all!

      This is my perfect bike. :o)

  101. Dave says:

    Currently my perfect bike is sitting in the garage. It’s my 2009 KTM 690r enduro. Its capable enough of handling highway riding but still very good and fun once the pavement ends. Light with a powerful engine that still gets around 50mpg. Typically I jump on the bike, ride the 50-60 miles to the dirt, have a hoot riding in the mountains, and ride home. Honestly there is not a better bike on the planet for the riding I like to do. I also have a 2002 Honda RC51 that has tons of mods to make it go faster and handle better and I love the bike but its mostly collecting dust at the KTM is WAY WAY more fun.

  102. Huck says:

    The perfect bike….probably different for everyone…
    I really liked the Ergos and performance of my Suzuki 650 V-Strom, and I loved the look, sound, ease of maintenance and “Feel” of my Moto Guzzi Breva 750i…

    So to me a “Perfect bike” would be a new Moto Guzzi Stelvio based on the Breva 750’s motor (the current Stelvio is to big and bulky) add on mag wheels (so I don’t have to deal with tubes, or cleaning spokes) the super easy maintenance on the Guzzi small block, and the shaft drive with “just enough” Horse power and I’ll be in line for one.

    The typical American “Bigger is better” attitude is NOT how I see things..
    My thoughts are “Just enough, is enough” those big bikes are just a lot of over-kill and extra weight.

    Simple, light, easy to maintain, and easy to clean up, good MPG’s and an upright riding position, and a good seat, and a 200 mile minimum range.

  103. Randy says:

    I don’t think any single bike could replace my Sherco, Yamaha WR, Suzuki sportbike and Kawi cruiser simultaneously. Just not gonna happen!

  104. Mr. Mike says:

    General qualities of the perfect do-it-all bike bike include:
    – Makes you happy just looking at it
    – Less than 500lb
    – No complex systems that the garage mechanic can’t work on
    – A minimum of plastic
    – Reliability and durability
    – Great back road handling.
    – Comfortable for anyone over 40.
    – Can cruise all day at a minimum of 85mph without strain
    – Gets at least 45mpg
    – Can out accelerate most sports cars
    – Can handle gravel roads or light trails in a pinch

    My Suzuki DL650 VStrom is pretty close to the perfect do-it-all bike stock. The following would make it next to perfect:

    – Shaft drive
    – 17 inch front wheel
    – Better suspension
    – Better adjustable windshield standard (i.e. madstad bracket)
    – A better seat
    – More power is always welcome, but not at the expense of fuel mileage
    – Standard protection for oil cooler/radiator. I don’t mean the full skid plate. Just something to give them a bit of protection.
    – A less ugly rear fender

  105. alan says:

    A tweaked Multistrada 1200 that weighs 360 pounds.

  106. TireMelter says:

    Ducati Hypermotard S 1100 with Streetfighter engine (155 HP) and bigger tank (to get 135miles). It needs to be Light (under 400lbs), flickable, comfy and have the option of wind protection…like those BMW F800 options to adjust the wind shield.

  107. Squid-boy says:

    For me, it’s not a matter of logic (what does what the best). It’s how the bike makes me feel from the time I walk up to get on it. I do have a really great “logical” bike (FJR), but the one that really stirs-my-soul, is my Ducati 1098R. It’s an “experience” I almost feel blessed to have.

  108. Holmes says:

    That’s an easy question.
    A VFR800 pre- Vtech, but with a 1.000cc engine capable of delivering at least 125 hp to the wheel, a couple of inches narrower and shorter, a more modern digital cockpit,a choice of maps for power delivery, better front (upside down) and back suspension, meaning having the options to make it stiffer, because I find it a bit to plush. Bigger disks up front. I could add more but if would do that, it would be perfect.

  109. Nicholas Hartmann says:

    I ride a Yamaha Majesty 400 maxiscooter, mostly for city and suburban commuting but occasionally for longer trips. Its great advantages are utility (weather protection, storage space, agility) and convenience (no shifting, no chain to lube), but it lacks the effortless power that would be nice to have especially for high-altitude environments. It is also relatively difficult to service: any significant work requires lots of panel removal, most independent shops don’t want to deal with that and all the electronics, and even dealers see so few of them that everything takes longer than it should.

    Identify for me a motorized two-wheeler that possesses all the above advantages and none of the above disadvantages, can be operated comfortably by a short-legged person (29″ inseam on a good day), and can be counted on to last until I get too old and creaky to ride it, and I’m sold.

  110. Gene says:

    I’d like to see a BMW S 1000 RR in a naked version with sport touring riding position without losing any performance and have decent wind protection.

  111. Tommy Blake says:

    I like my ST1300A quite well already – 45 – 55 mpg, 300 – 400 mile range per tankful, electrically operated windscreen, detachable bags, low maintenace, shaft, smooth & torqey motor. But would like to have electronic cruise, adjustable suspension, navigation and radio… but trim a hundred pounds or so and keep it under $15K.

  112. Rick Young says:

    In recent years I have owned a KLR,XR 650L,DRZ-400,BMW R1100R,BMW R1200GS,BMW,R1100RSL,BMW K1200s,Hayabusa,Honda Blackbird,VFR 800,Suzuki SV1000,CBR1000RR,Ducati 1098s …so I’ve had a couple of bikes…I now own a 2010 KTM 990 SMT & although I haven’t seen let alone ridden the new Multistrada I can say that this KTM has alot of bases covered…for pure sex appeal & unadulterated pleasure the Ducati 1098R would be my choice…if I was to travel around the world it’d be either a KTM Adventure or BMW R1200GS….the perfect bike hasn’t been built yet that’s why we tell our wives & girlfriends that we need another bike!

  113. The perfect motorcycle is created whenever a bike with enough sound engineering potential matches up with a rider (perfect bikes are meant to be ridden, not stared at, lest we forget) with a vision, a plan and the means to accomplish it. There is something magical about getting to know a machine from the inside out and steering the final stages of its development yourself. One man’s desire rarely matches another closely enough for both parties to be truly fulfilled with the same thing. The perfect bike evolves with the rider’s focus and maturing skill set. Some are happy to start from scratch every season or two. Others are in it for the duration, having found the one bike they will never outgrow and are prepared to complete the journey together. I am thankful that we aren’t (yet!) limited to only one bike in the garage, but I’m happy to have found (some 25 years ago) the one bike that defines me as much as I have defined it: The 1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma. 4 cylinders of twin crank rotary valved 2stroke perfection in a 350# package. Works for me (and if I am the only one it works for, so much the better).

  114. Brad says:

    I guess I own it, it isn’t my only bike but at times has been and certainly could be. 2001 Yamaha FZ1 with upgraded suspension. Smooth I4, 125HP, capable of being ridden hard but also a great commuter, I have hard bags and it tours. The only real flaws from the factory were the jetting and the soft suspension, fix those and it really is the one bike that can do it all.

  115. JoshD says:

    The closest thing to perfect that is (or was) in production is the Buell XB9SX. Good handling, 50 mpg, 3.5 sec 0-60, all-day ergonomics, capable in any situation. If I could tweak that formual a little bit, I would keep the chassis and layout (V-Twin), but want these numbers:

    100 HP
    100 Ft. LB.
    50 MPG, 4 gal tank.
    Under 500 lbs

    • JoshD says:

      Oh yeah, and it must be air-cooled, belt drive, with hydraulic tappets (no adjustments needed). I could care less whether it was OHC or Push-rod.

  116. joe winters says:

    Bring back the 500 class!!!Sure, the GS500 got a facelift, and Kawasaki still sells the Ninja 500, but they both take a backseat to the 1985 Interceptor and the Ninja half their size. What I need is a water-cooled 500cc bike that is full sized, as fuel friendly and cool to look at as the Ninja 250. Who cares if you can go 200mph if the speed limit is 65? People forget the mopeds, scooters, and small bore bikes we’ve had (Yamaha RZ350!), and exactly how much fun they were. It is funny to me that while the auto industry is downsizing the average vehicle, its two wheeled counterpart is stuck with the 90’s ‘bigger is better’ mentality. I believe that’s why the average rider these days confuses going fast with riding skill. Smaller bikes make you actually learn how to ride. Better riders are safer riders.
    Note to Kawasaki (sorry, its a name game…) Ninjas use knifes and stealth, not canons. I laugh every time I see a 1400 being paced in the city by kids on ‘beginner’ bikes. I always wonder who the poser is!

  117. Chip says:

    My 2008 Speed Triple minus 50 lbs. and the high exhaust. And it should have the seat from the 2005-7 models so I can get a Sargent seat.

  118. Larry Geiger says:

    Honda CB750 Nighthawk.
    Slipstreamer Windshield/Faring
    Shaft drive (The 750 is about perfect in every way except this. Maybe sort of like the old CB900.)

    I’ve loved all of my 750’s.
    I have a Wing (for me and my wife) but I don’t think of it as the perfect bike. I would prefer a Valk because I’m still not real fond of the frame mounted faring. She likes her Wing seat, though, and I won’t get her back on the rear seat of a standard again.

  119. Dean says:

    The Perfect motorcycle has to have two wheels, and some kind of motor. Everyone will have their own limits on the power of the engine, weight, range, etc. Any motorcycle that is the Ultimate in any catagory will be too limiting to be an “only” cycle.

    I bought a VStrom 1000 when they first came out becuase it was comfortable, powerful, decent wind protection without being fully sheilded from the elements. I actually didn’t want to like it due to its unusual looks, and the inline four bikes I was also looking at, but one test ride proved it was the bike for me. There was nothing I didn’t like.

  120. W Devine The Woodlands, TX says:

    My perfect motorcycle: My custom 2007 BMW R1200s….100% pure riding enjoyment….fast… easy to ride… track days or street…

  121. Dave says:

    My perfect motorcycle is similar to the Suzuki V Strom 650. But it should be about 800-900cc. Light weight (> 500lbs wet) – V-Twin with either normal (old-fashioned) valve tappet adjustment or hydraulic to keep maintenance costs to a minimum, good adjustable suspension on both ends, shaft drive would be nice. Run on regular fuel and get 60+ mpg. Sufficient electrics to power accessory heated gear, grips, etc. and a sport and economy(touring) ignition advance selectable power curve.

  122. Hank says:

    1000cc V-twin. Shaft drive. Over 100 HP, under 400 lbs. Removeable luggage. 200+ miles on a tank of gas. Fully adjustable suspension. Flat seat for 2 up. Small fairing of some type.Something that can do a day in the twisties or a week long trip.I don’t care about any dirt roads or a 36″ tall seat.Cost less than $10,000.

    • bigdog says:

      Yup, this would be the one. I would only add an upright riding position an great brakes.

  123. Bill says:

    In one simple word, a transformer. A true do-it-all bike, not so much different from the movie (or cartoon circa 1980s) in that it has the capability to be quickly changed to suit different styles (if not on the fly) including; seat comfort, handlebar height/location, rake/trail, power output, suspension, wheelbase to some extent, body panels, etc.
    I think any simple motor design (fuel injected) would work as a function of the bike’s weight.
    I figured since we’re dreaming, might as well shoot for the impossible.
    Bill

  124. MGNorge says:

    Mine! 🙂

  125. riveredger says:

    Triumph Thruxton with 80 rwhp and ohlins suspension. Add a dart flyscreen and we’re good to go.

  126. Larry says:

    I hate all bikes!!! They all dont fit, Seats are too high, gas tanks are too small

  127. Tom Barber says:

    It has an in-line four-cylinder engine, because as long as the dual counter-balancer solution is implemented properly, this engine is every bit as smooth as an electric motor.

    The engine tuning strikes a practical balance between peak power and performance throughout the rpm range.

    Because chains constantly stretch and you have to keep adjusting them by moving the wheel, it has shaft drive. As long as the pivot is optimally located, the so-called “shaft effect” is practically nonexistent. It is evidently the case that Honda has demonstrated in the new VFR1200 that shaft drive can be made to behave the same as a chain, without the additional complexity and weight of paralever and the similar design that Kawasaki uses.

    It has a comfortable seat with good seat-to-peg distance and relationship, and a comfortable reach to the bars, so that you sit nearly upright and can easily transfer your weight from your buttocks to your feet. The angle of the grips is such that you keep your elbows in close to your side, and not have to stick them out and up the way that most motorcycles force you to do if you want not to suffer uncomfortable rotation within your wrists.

    The wheels and tires are not so wide that you slide easily when on loose gravel.

    It comes with integrated hard luggage.

    It has a frame-mounted fairing, but instead of the gauge cluster mounted over the headlight (which is mounted in the fairing) the gauge cluster is mounted more or less above the steering head, so that above the headlight, the fairing is set further to the rear, more like a typical fork-mounted fairing, the net effect being that the edges of the fairing are much closer to the rider than is the case with any conventional frame-mounted fairing.

    The headlight is mounted in a gimbal and driven by a servo motor controlled by a processor that relies on an inertial sensor to indicate the pitch angle of the bike frame, so that the headlight can remain at a stable angle even as the frame pitches up and down during acceleration and deceleration.

    • theguy says:

      I’ve ridden inline fours with single counter-balancers such as the CBR1000 and ZZR1200 which were supposed to be buttery smooth, but weren’t, so am skeptical of claims that a dual counter-balancer does the job; not having ridden the Blackbird or ZZR1400, don’t have direct experience.

      I have an inline-6 car, and would love a smooth bike that’s still fun in the twisties, with an inline-6 like the Suzuki Straosphere concept, but maybe a little smaller (say 900cc rather than 1100) to keep the weight down and handling up; styling was cool too. The rumored BMW tourer is too big and too much.

  128. Dave says:

    For everyday use, just add a 6th gear, easier rear preload adjustment and a better front brake to my DR650 and it’s perfect. Don’t water-cool it, don’t overstress the engine with more power, don’t put expensive suspension on it, don’t even change the vintage bicycle-style speedo…leave it mostly alone and keep the price point to where I can replace mine every 30,000 miles. I also have a 08′ Speed Triple and an 00′ Honda CBR1100XX and those two are great bikes for their intended uses, but I put 500 miles on the DR for every mile I put on the other two…it’s a simple pleasure

  129. Geno says:

    When the final count is in about the perfect motorcycle, I wonder how many GSXer, Supersport and RR whatevers get mentioned? How about cruisers and choppers? Probably not a lot of either. The perfect motorcycle needs to be comfortable, reliable, safe and easy to ride through the application of technology (think ABS), with engine torque sufficient enough so the bike does not need to be whipped like a race horse.

  130. Don says:

    Take the current Ducati GT1000, upgrade the suspension and upscale a few of the tacky chromed plastic parts (Turn signals, etc.) with real alloy and you’re there. So easy! (Are you listening Ducati?)

  131. Manolian says:

    Triumph Bonneville

  132. Resto says:

    If I had to have only one bike, it would be a Kawasaki KL250 Super Sherpa dual-sport. Light yet sturdy, electric start, stainless exhaust, 6-speed tranny, very easy/inexpensive maintenance, very simple electric system, decent in the dirt and woods (even modest jumps), fun on fire/gravel roads and in the twisties with loads of clearance, yet capable of 70+ mph with a non-midget rider. Good range, fuel economy and carrying capacity.

    One bike is going to be compromise no matter what, so yes, the little Kawi is a compromise that doesn’t particularly shine at any one thing… but the fact you *can* do so many different things, makes it my choice.

  133. Wendy says:

    I am all over the Ducati Multistrada. The one I used ot have had the perfect riding position, was hella seat comfortable, with the range okay. What it did lack was decent bags, which are rare for a MS. I previously had a GS with aboslutely great Hepco Becker ally bags.

    So my idea bike would be a MS1200ST with H-b Bags, a centre stand and a heated seat for those days when it gets a bit chilly. I can deal with the chain, it really is no big deal.

  134. J. Kopp says:

    It’s an impossible request because people use their bikes for different things. But if the answer is a bike that does everything (commute, tour, twisties, dirt) reasonably well at an affordable price, the KLR650 would be on a very short list. If MSRP didn’t matter, the R1200GS would be there also.

  135. GP says:

    My street legal KDX200 with 3 more gears…
    I like my DR650, too, but that thing is a PIG in the woods.

  136. Alex says:

    Triumph Sprint ST 675. A fully-faired sports-tourer built around the Street Triple drivetrain and chassis, for those of us who don’t want or require a litre-bike. A 20 litre (5.3 US gallons) fuel tank and sub 210 kg (463 pounds) wet weight would be essential. A centre-stand, full and clear instrumentation, heated grips, and hard luggage options would be appreciated. Competition would really only be the dated and heavy Honda VFR800 and the conservative and expensive BMW F800ST.

  137. Denny says:

    Oh, this is easy one. Two cyclinder inline sports touring with comfy seating, almost dual purpose but not quite, dash of technology including ABS, but not overrun by it. Engine displacement around 800cc, price around 10 grand, 3 years waranty incl. oil changes and you’ve got me on board.

  138. Doug says:

    Just one bike, no, bad, mind hurts, can’t AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!!

  139. achesley says:

    That perfect bike , for me, doesn’t exist. My ex R11**GS BMW’s were the best I had for the highway, after windshield, handlebar and seat mods. But got too tall for my old legs. My ex KLR650 was the best of backroad crusing about with just seat mods. But, got stupid and sold it a few years ago. My present 1250S Bandit is getting close to what I want after lots of mods to suspension, handlebars, windshields and seat. But love that engine / trans combo. Maybe a Transformer Bike?

  140. Dave B. says:

    The perfect motorcycle doesn’t exist, ask anyone who owns a dual-sport…but in North America there is a large gap between 250 and 600 cc. There are 500’s (GS 500 and Ninja 500) but how old are these bikes and their tech(along with DRZ400)? A ninja 250 is a great little bike(and europe is lucky enough to have FI), but what about a 400 cc ninja, or the perpetual question of dual sports, why isn’t there a 450cc based on a motocross bike adapted for the street with slightly lower compression, taller gearing, better cooling(and large oil and fuel capacity), but keeping fuel injection. The reason why only the BMW and KTMs fill this market is that the 600’s are an easier sell in NA based on power. I know I can’t be the only one who looks at a 250 and wants a bit more without paying the higher insurance, higher maintenance, and lower mpg’s of a 600. Where is the modern equivalent of a cb400? A great commuter that could handle weekends and keep up with the larger bikes(at legal speeds). I don’t need 100hp, but a little more than 30 would be nice without buying a 500 lb relic(air-cooled, carb, etc). Fuel injected small displ. for me, without being a scooter(or a cb125r).

  141. Steve says:

    This is easy. My perfect bike is a MotoGP bike with a license plate. They represent the absolute best in motorcycle performance and technology.

  142. b sawicki says:

    back in 1996, when i was about 70 pounds lighter and was still racing mx, my 1996 yz 125 was the best bike i ever owned.
    i beat the hell out of that thing, never let me down….of course it was way under-sprung, but handled sweet!! won alot of races on that thing….(ahhh the good ol’ days)

  143. mugwump says:

    A standard or sport, not supersport. Fully adjustable suspension, easily adjusted I might add. Sufficient electrics to run heated gear. 200 mile range at a minumum. A centerstand if it has a chain. Optional/removeable hard luggage and touring windscreen. Wheel size to allow wide range of tires. Minimal instrumentaion with analog guages, if you need a fuel guage well you and I are from different planets. Does not need a huge engine! It needs to be light. I mean for me a 500 lb bike is obtuse. No gizmo’s

    Last holiday weekend I ran 1700 miles in excess of the posted, mid 50 to low 60’s mpg, comfortably with a 430 lb bike, loaded. Too bad your $20K bikes can’t do that.

  144. Txagharrison says:

    I’d want what is essentially a Kawasaki Ninja 250, but with one more cylinder, making it a 375 cc inline three.

    There would be plenty of power. Ergonomics allow a little peg scraping, or with addition of luggage, some touring, or commuting.

    The 250 Ninja is Kawasaki’s best selling street bike. Make it so that the rider never needs to move up for more power. And that three cylinder engine could sound really cool!

  145. Simon Evans says:

    Motorcycle as transport, so I’d be able to finally dump the second car.
    100+mph top end (much more is almost pointless unless the aerodynamics are improved drag increases as a square of the speed), 100+mpg, 600-750cc twin with `torque boost` electric motor assist to provide near-1300cc levels of thrust at low rpm, matched to a monocoque chassis with rider seated inside the frame rails for protection. Hub-centre front suspension to end the painfully poor aeros and fixed ergonomics of a `high headstock` design that also hopelessly combines steering and suspension in a way that hasn’t been on cars for 100 years.

    Removable body panels to tailor wind and weather protection, adjustable ergonomics, semi-reclined riding position with back support a la modern gliders, switchable semi- or auto-gearbox that actually offers real changes to engine performance via the EFI along with the mapping – and also allows the feet to move around for comfort inside the `cabin`. Adjustable suspension that switches from `high` to `low` clearance as required, self-compensating for load. Enclosed wheels for low drag, possibly two wheels at the front (the Piaggio MP3 front grip and steering has to be experienced to be believed).

    All elements added for comfort and control, but which also serve to transform the dynamics of `modern` machines to improve performance and safety (to allow that performance to be used). All do-able with the technology `right here, right now`- none of these elements have not already been done. Just not together. What is the manufacturers excuse for not doing it already? Are R1’s and oversized cruisers really the best we can do?

  146. Kit Halsted says:

    I want something that’s good all around, with a bias toward sporty. Something under 500 pounds, with adjustable suspension front and rear. Something with a lot of get up and go for the open road, but something with a lot of get down and stop for the city. A full fairing might be overkill, but a half fairing and enough windscreen to make triple digits comfortable would be good. I don’t need to take it off of paved roads, and I don’t need it to be six inches too tall so I can pretend I do. I’d rather tuck a bit than sit up and beg, and I’d rather stretch out with my feet on the passenger pegs than have highway bars. The motor should have a flat torque curve and linear power delivery somewhere in the neighborhood of 125HP; a 120º triple of around one liter of displacement should handle that quite nicely. Lockable hard luggage is very much a requirement.

    So I have a 2004 Triumph Sprint RS. I replaced the forks with USD adjustables from a Suzuki TL1000S and the rear shock with a Penske. The Triumph bars had to go when I swapped the forks, so I have Woodcraft clip-ons. I had six-pot Tokico calipers on it even before I swapped the forks; some say they lack feel, but no one says they lack stopping power. The 955cc triple is simply a joy, especially with the Trident MotoGP style exhaust and the matching tune. Givi’s E41 panniers make 110MPH grocery runs a reality.

    The RS was close, but a few mods were necessary. Now that I’ve done those mods, I realize there’s absolutely nothing stock out there that will do exactly what I want it to. This one, though, now, is perfect for me. I’ll be using it to run some errands tomorrow, then on Friday I’ll be going to visit friends in New Orleans, then family in St. Louis on Sunday, and back to Austin next Thursday. Like I said, something that’s good all around…

  147. serranot says:

    Fusion of my old ’84 Nighthawk S and a Kawasaki ZRX. 1000’ish displacement, shaft drive, mostly naked, air/oil cooled, around 500 lbs, clean ’80s superbike design, maintenance-free valvetrain. Beautiful.

  148. Lynchenstein says:

    Start with a pre-vtech VFR800 – I’m good with the weight, power, handling, ergos and looks. Add a larger fuel capacity (or lower fuel consumption) for 400+ KM range, a little better wind protection, optional factory (AKA good looking, integrated, with one key) hard bags, ABS, and shaft drive and that’s it.

    I’m most of the way there, but my 98 viffer needs more range so I can go the distance with my riding buddies on their R1200RTs and nicer-looking bags than Givi can muster. I’d also like to do away with chain maintenance.

  149. Matt says:

    Well, my 2000 BMW R1150GS comes pretty close to the perfect motorcycle. I can drag the pegs in the twisties. Others have taken them, in the dirt, places I wouldn’t go. It’s nice to be able to ride with confidence on dirt roads and two-tracks. Long trips are a breeze. And it has a humongous alternator to run all the heated gear you could wear. The only thing I would like is a little more power. But that would just get me into trouble. All motorcycles are a compromise of one form or another. This one does everything: Commute, twisties, dirt, long distances, good gas mileage AND it’s easy to work on. Thats my $.02

  150. DR650 says:

    My DR650. It does everything I want. I have a 2007 Tuono and have had a falco a BMW K bike, a honda, a couple Yamahas but enjoy my second DR the most. It is just pure and simple bike riding fun.

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