RavennaAl Posted May 7, 2009 Posted May 7, 2009 Maybe it's just me, but everytime I look around at bikes today I just cringe. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there's a whole lot of ugly running around out there. I was just thinking that if I had to buy a new bike, but a non-BMW one, what would I get? I checked out the Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha sites, and between the 4 of them, the only bike that had any appeal to me was the Suzuki Bandit, and that one was kind of iffy. Maybe if they removed the half fairing and just made it regular with a headlamp and tach/speedo cluster, I would be interested. Then I looked at Triumph. I really like what they did with the Bonneville, which reminded me of my friends '73 Bonny that he bought when we were in high school. I had a '74 Honda 750 and used to swap rides with him whenever I could. And that got me to remembering how much I used to love motorcycles. I used to dream of buying a '75 Kawasaki 900, but wasn't able because I couldn't get any credit. I was 19 and working between jobs. When I finally was able to get credit, they were KZ1000's, which didn't quite have the same appeal. I think the '70s and '80's were the heyday for bikes. The magazines used to mock the Japanese UJM's, but I miss them. I think my favorite was the '79 Honda 750F in black. This got me to thinking, what was the prettiest non-BMW bike ever made?? I loved the early '70s Triumphs. I always thought the 73-75 Kawasaki 500's and 750's were really nice looking, too. The 1980 Suzuki GS1000S with the white and blue paint was one of the magazines favorites, and mine as well. I wish I had bought a Honda CBX in '79, the one without the fairing, in red, and for some reason or another, I liked the Yamaha Vision. They should have put saddle bags on it and made a middlewieght touring bike out of it. The last bike that really caught my eye was the Kawasaki ELR's from a few years ago. But when I get right down to it, I guess the two bikes that I always thought were the best looking were the early '70s Norton Commandos and that '75 Kawi 900. Something about those 4 pipes glistening in the sun, just makes me want to hop on one and ride.... Just curious, what non-BMW bike did you always think was the prettiest that was ever made???
Paul Mihalka Posted May 7, 2009 Posted May 7, 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. In 1972 I "bought" one. I signed up for a European tour that offered BMW or Moto Guzzi - you buy it, you ride it, and take it home. I wanted the Guzzi, it was ordered and confirmed. We arrive in Europe and there is no V7 Sport for me. They didn't make it yet! So in 24 hours the tour organizer got me a BMW R75/5 and I never looked back. But that bike is still a bauty!
Sailorlite Posted May 7, 2009 Posted May 7, 2009 Early 70's Norton Commando Interstate, black w/gold or silver w/black.
baggerchris Posted May 7, 2009 Posted May 7, 2009 I like the art deco like look of the classic American road bike such as the 1948 Indian Chief or even the Harley Davidson Softail such as the standard Fat Boy. Give me a 1929 Henderson KJ 4 cylinder; Indian four; or 1922 Ace High Speed, and I would be in Heaven. Of course the various Vincents and Ariel square 4's are wonderful to look at also, as are the Douglas boxer twins and the Brough Superiors. The list goes on and on depending on one's individual taste.
OoPEZoO Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 I love Nortons, and almost pulled the trigger on a '69 Commando last year. My biggest problem is that as much as I love to look at pretty motorcycles, I prefer to ride them. Maybe in another 10-20 years I can afford some garage candy, but in the meantime I have to limit myself to bikes I can put a bunch of miles on. As far as newer bikes......I have seriously considered picking up one of the newer Triumph bikes. Either a Thruxton, Bonneville, or Scrambler. I think they are some pretty sexy scooters. I guess I've never really thought of BMW bikes as beautiful.......I like my RT, but I wouldn't call it sexy. Then again, I'm a function over fit & finish kind of guy so I'm not a big fan of body work. On the other end of the spectrum.......this makes me drool and almost gives me whiplash every time I see one
beemerman2k Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 You and I have very similar taste in motorcycles. I loved the bikes of the 70's. The Honda CBX sits at the top of my food chain when it comes to bikes; my vote for the most awesome, beautiful bike ever made (with possible exception for the late model MV Agusta F4 series). The old Z1's and the GS1000's were beautiful to me as well. In fact, I used to own a '78 GS1000E. And the Honda CB line, from '79 on when they were wet sump, DOHC engines were sweet, too. Chalk me up for a CB1100F Aside from the Italian bikes, what late model, non-BMW bikes do I ogle over (would have said a K1300S, but you said "non-BMW")? Hmmmm, probably the Harley Davidson Electra Glide. After that, the Harley Davidson Road King. Not quite my style of bikes, but as far as aesthetics go, they're gorgeous.
Rogue_Trader Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 I had to respond when I saw your favorites from the 70's. If you look at my signature, you will see I was there, with several of them! These were great bikes...somehow, they don't seem the same anymore. Guess it's just me. My favorite was the Kawasaki 903...a work of art! Very bold and powerful for its time. Somewhere, I still have a giant wall poster of it.
Selden Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Vincent. The engine is a piece of sculpture, and the Egli Vincent really set it off. I have a 1988 Hawk, and when I pull in some place, such as Triumph demo rides last weekend, or bike night at the Vortex in Little Five Points, or even at a Ducati rally, a small crowd always forms around it. From the same era, the GB500, Honda's homage to the classic British thumper cafe racer.
Bill_Walker Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 The already-mentioned Bonnevilles, Nortons, Ducati 748/916 and GB500 all make my list, but I'd like to add this as one of the prettiest bikes of the 70s: (that's a Honda CB400F, for those that don't know) I dunno if it was just the amazing curves of that 4-into-1 pipe, but I thought this was a really pretty bike. P.S. You wrote "Maybe it's just me, but everytime I look around at bikes today I just cringe. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there's a whole lot of ugly running around out there." BMW is certainly not an exception to that statement, as far as I'm concerned.
pbbeck Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 I think Ducatis, modern and vintage, are stunning bikes and I will always drool over my MV Agusta Brutale 910s. But while we're talking Nortons, look what I got to ride last week! I was visiting my cousin in Denmark and he insisted I take a spin on his '73 Norton Commando 850. Sure, twist my arm!! It was my first time riding a bike with the gear-selector and rear brake in the reverse position. What an experience!
TyTass Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Too funny! It seems we (here at least) most often still love what we coveted when we were much, much younger ... but couldn't have. When I was in my teens and early 20's I wanted a BMW! I tend to prefer newer styles to older ones. But I have to agree this is a sweet bike. I tend to love most things Italians design, though not all. Most of the same mentioned above ... especially the Ducati's.
RavennaAl Posted May 8, 2009 Author Posted May 8, 2009 Speaking of bikes we could never have when we were younger, you just reminded me of a bike I lusted after for some time. They had one at Santa Clara Honda, it was basically a kit made by Rickman that you put your engine and electrics into. Years before Ninja's and the repli-racers that are around today, I thought these were the hot set-up:
Rideoften Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Without a doubt, the 73-74 Ducati 750SS with Robin's egg green frame and silver body work. I'll try to find a photo. Ride Safe Rideoften
SWB Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 The REAL thing. The RT-P is gone, but we still have my RT and son's Ducati, plus a spare GSXR 1000 he's been restoring that's nearly ready to put on the market. The 748 is a very, very pretty bike. - Scott
MrHondamatic Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 The Honda 750 Nighthawk always looked "just right" to me. Simple but yet stylish.
upflying Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 When I was a young man, I had a lust and love for the 1969 Kawasaki Mach III like there was no tomorrow. At the time I thought it was the most beautiful motorcycle I ever saw. I still think so and wish I owned one now. Things have a reason for happening though, had I bought one at the age of 16 (in 1969)I probably would not be here typing to you now. Known as the "widowmaker" due to scary handling.
Bill_Walker Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 The Honda 750 Nighthawk always looked "just right" to me. Simple but yet stylish. I'm with you on that. Same for the very similar-looking 450 Nighthawk. BTW, if you're into these old bikes, check out Motorcycle Classics magazine. AFAIK it's the only US magazine devoted to classic bikes, and it covers the whole range. I'm a subscriber.
David Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 For me, it would have to be the HD Road King. That's what I think of when I think of what a motorcycle should look like.
MrHondamatic Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 BTW, if you're into these old bikes, check out Motorcycle Classics magazine. AFAIK it's the only US magazine devoted to classic bikes, and it covers the whole range. I'm a subscriber. I'm a subscriber also. I love all the old bikes, especially the ones that are ridden.
smiller Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 For me, almost any Ducati or Moto Guzzi. In terms of appearance the Italians just have it down. There are several models I've wanted to own just to look at it.
RavennaAl Posted May 8, 2009 Author Posted May 8, 2009 Dang nab it, my pic must have moved and changed addresses without telling me. Here's the Rickman Honda...
baggerchris Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 What bike? Oh, there's a bike in that picture? I do love Gilera's tho.
sardineone Posted May 8, 2009 Posted May 8, 2009 Beemerman, funny the paths that lead us to the present. My 78' Suzuki 750 with 1000 adjustable rear shocks back in the day below. Then to my next bike, a Honda 1100F.
jslyter Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 I agree with any Ducati, except maybe the Multi-Strada. They don't get much more beautiful than a 1098S in my opinion.
pbbeck Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 The Multistrada has a face only a mother will love. It's not beautiful in the same way as a 1098 is, but rather is beautiful like a GS is beautiful. I miss my Multi sorely.
Bill_Walker Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 For me, it would have to be the HD Road King. That's what I think of when I think of what a motorcycle should look like. Like, say, this one? That's the one I swapped to get my RT. Though I must say I'm rather surprised that you like that sort of thing, David!
1960apache Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 At the risk of being flamed, as far as an Art form, I like the newer Ducati's but you have to hand it to this MV that another member posted before. As far as what I think of when I think of what a motorcycle should look and drive like, not that it is best for the real world, the nostalgic look of the Road King kind of say's it all!
1960apache Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 Big, unrefined, and lots of chrome, the way motorcycles used to be before the wind tunnel was invented? But then again, I think the RT is a great looking bike with the bags on and up on the center stand!
CT_Rider Posted May 9, 2009 Posted May 9, 2009 I had a KZ650 back in the 80s. Just seeing one always floats my boat. Probably more because it was the first bike I ever owned that actually started... reliably. But I like the look of today's sportbike.
fisherman Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 What beautiful works of art these all are. Gil Horsley
Mike O Posted May 10, 2009 Posted May 10, 2009 From today's models several come to mind from Ducati, HD, Beneli, etc. but the Triumph Scrambler reminds me of what motorcycle form and function represented when I fell in love with motorcycling. One of these day's I'll test ride one to see if it 'feels' like the old scrambler I learned on. Mike O
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