What's your favorite bike that you have owned?

[timdow]

I have owned a bunch of cycles, including two Harleys, several metric cruisers, and three sport tourers.  I really like what I own now (FJR), but was thinking what was my favorite that I have owned?  

The 2007 Wide Glide was the style king.  But cornering prowess was (ahem) limited, and not enough power.  Fun though.  Better than the metric cruisers becuase it was The Real Thing.

The ST1100 was good but in my opinion too appliance like.

The FJR I own now is really good, and a better long distance bike, but I think the best one for me was my previous bike... 2001 Triumph Sprint ST.  I was actually looking for a VFR800 but luckily went for the Sprint instead.  I really learned to ride well on the Sprint.  Very good balance between sport and touring.

What is your choice of cycles you have owned, and why?  Might be because it was the right time in your life and brings back memories, or beacuse you really learned to ride on that particualr cycle, or just becuase it was such a good bike.

[Kneescrubber]

Out of the 4 that I have owned, I pick the '83 R80ST.

[Stripes]

My pick is my last sport tourer, a '05 Triumph Aluminum Silver Sprint ST!  

[Lawn Dart]

1995 BMW R1100RSL.

[karlfitt]

1995 BMW R1100RSL.

Not posative this was my favorite, but the bike I regret selling the most (mine was a 1994 though)

I think I miss it the most because I am looking for a better two up bike than my ST4s, and that one would work.

[Royal Tiger]

I've had 15 so far, and by far I'm loving my G650X the most.  Even more than my aprilia RSV-R.  This bike is sinister!!!

[zenduddhist]

My over-all, all-time, favorite bike is my 1968 BMW R69S.  I just use this for cruising around country roads, small towns, in good weather.  This is such a sweet ride with the Earles front end...

My favorite, all around, go-to bike is my 2010 BMW R1200RT.  I use this for day-to-day riding.

My favorite hooligan bike was my Triumph Speed Triple 1050.  But, I had to sell it.  Either I was going to lose my license, or I was going to die.  Seriously...  It was a wheelie machine.  All I wanted to do with that bike is ride wheelies or ride 120 mph...

The bike I will never part with is a 1974 Honda QA 50.  It is my first bike and my dad bought this bike for me when I was 10 years old.  I have had it ever since.  He had to weld the frame a number of times because I loved to jump that bike!  All 5 of my children have learned to ride motorcycle on this bike.

[Mr.Black]

'67 CL77 or '81? Maxim 650





Edited to add that my current (Bandit 1250) is the best bike I've ever owned without doubt. The aforementioned are my favorites.

[Andrew]

My Current steed 04 BMW R1150GSA  It does the most and is also the most comfortable stable bike to date.

The FJR would be on top but alas just too dam small, it took me almost 50k to realize that there is no leg room.

Most fun would be the Ural, that bike can induce terror at just 60mph but I have the best times riding my kids around town on it

[TBone]

I really like my Speed Triple, but the bike I most regret selling is a 2007 Buell Lightning.

[Wistrick]

My 2010 Kaw Versys.....

Love it

Dan

[DrMikey]

My current BMW R1150RT is easily my all-time favorite.  It is not the fastest, (my K1200RS was) but it has enough useable ponies.  A Mayer seat makes it a tie for the most comfortable (others that were include an R100RT, an R1100GS and a V-Star 1100). With Wilburs shock absorbers front and rear, it is the best handling motorcycle I've ever owned.  What makes it great is that it can cross 900 miles of prairie in a day without beating you up.  You will be ready to tackle mountain twisties the next AM.  I've owned 13 motorbikes. None was perfect.  Show me the perfect motorcycle and I'll buy it.

[Skee]

1971 CB 750

It was just such a radical improvement over my first bike.  It opened up a new world to me.

[black hills]

the current one(s) are always my favorite.. otherwise, well, why would I have them??? My 3rd bike was probably the first one I really liked as it was the first time I couldl buy what I wanted instead of settling for what I could afford. That was a 1984 XL600r. as usual it faded from being "the best bike ever" and I replaced it with a V-45 magna and an XR600. they were my favorites unitl I replaced them with a Nighthawk S and a CR500. they were my favorites until I repalced them with a VFR750 and a KTM300exc.  they remained my favorites until I replaced the 300 with newer 300's and the VFR with a CBR954.. Now my '09 is my favorite dirtbike and my CBR1000 is pretty close to the 954, but overall the KTM990 Adventure is my favorite bike of all time.. I'm sure that will change in a few years as well..

[bluepoof]

My 2001 Suzuki SV650S was the most memorable because that's the bike I really learned to tour on.  Those were 75,000 really awesome miles.



Believe it or not, my favorite all-time bike is probably the cursed BMW F650GS.  I loved that bike from the minute I saw a photo online and -- aside from its, ahem, mechanical quirks -- every mile I rode was with a smile.  I'm sure I'll wind up with another one someday that will hopefully have a little less, um, personality.



The Ninjette is a close second for favorite all-time bike.  It's only edged out by the Beemer because I just haven't put as many miles on it or toured on it (not due to any fault of the bike!).  Once I get a few overnight trips under my belt, I wouldn't be surprised if it edges out the BMW.  It's just comfortable, non-pretentious, fun as hell to ride, and did I mention comfortable?

[oldenslow]

My 1981 Kawasaki GPZ550.  I was a little big for it, but rode the wheels off of it.  It was pretty comfy as a commuter bike too.  

[chesthing]

No brainer question for me, this is my last bike barring disaster.

[axelwik]

I'd say my Ducati 900ss. Lots of character and puts a grin on my face every time I ride it.

[bungie4]

My current bike, my 04 FJR. I usually flip bikes every year or two. I've had this one for 4 years and 100,000 miles. It just excels at every check box.

Prior to this one, I'd say my 91 VFR. The one I missed the most and like to replace it someday, 83 Honda CX650E (The euro model not available in the U.S.). I still hunt the want ads for them. I'm sure my memory of the bike is rose tinted but I still love that bike.

Worst bike. 76 DT 125 that would strand me out in the boonies whenever it felt like it.

[Papa Lazarou]

1964 Norton Atlas, with gas flowed heads and balanced crank. Went very well, that thing did.

[Indefatigable]

Not my photo and the color is a little off but this was by far my favorite bike.  I still kick myself for selling it.  

[bdhszy1]

Only bike I regret selling was my 1979 RD400F the Daytona Special. Wish I could find it and buy it back. I see one every year or two at bike shows, but they are either not for sale or way over priced, at least for me. I'll keep looking though.

[Carbonero]

I can't narrow it down to a single bike. I'll give you my top-3.

2006 FJR - overall goodness, excellent total package, good performer, comfy. I ride my friend's FJR at EVERY opportunity.
2008 Sportster - a nice blend of the "Harley mystique", real-world practicality, blank canvass kind of bike, and an unexpected performer.
Gen-1 SV650 - Total romp kind of fun, full-throttle kickassery without felony-speed performance. I don't ever not smile when riding this bike.

[kyzrex]

2001 Kawasaki ZR7-S.    Not the most powerful or have the most farkles, but a solid, simple bike that I ride all day.  Easy to maintain, cheap to buy, insure, and own, and  you didn't see another one very often, fairly rare anymore.   Fit me perfectly.   RIP

[dm_gsxr]

The Hayabusa. It's taken me across country north to south and east to west.



Carl

[gregorytx]

Mine is my current ride, a 2009 CBR600RR ABS. This bike is a scalpel, the most fun bike I have ever ridden.

[JonS]

 My Multistrada is easily the best bike I have owned. It is so easy to go fast on and travel with, I never wish I had anything else. I do wish it was better looking in the front, but that would just be more icing.

[jetapumper]

A 1978 Kawasaki KZ650. Easily my favorite. Windjammer fairing. King/queen seat. Backrest. Wasn't good at any one thing, but did a whole lot of different things well. 2 up? Daily commuter? Comfortable long distance mount? All good. Spent 2 years with it in my 20's as my only mode of transportation. Todays bikes are so much better at everything. But that's the one I miss.

[nnjhawk02]

Ur fav has to be ur current moto, no?

But for moi - I've owned 5 in my time.  Most were R type Beemers.

I miss the '78 R100RS - great fairing, but mine ATE earl & I couldn't figure out from where, then I rescued a '88 R100RT from my brother & sold the '78.
Not me  - but same color

I still wanted a another RS, but DTR, after kiddies are out  the house (10 yrs to go)

But my ride is a '02 VTR, much modded

[R Doug]

Out of all of these...



http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=203;u=591





... the KTM Super Duke has been my favorite.  




It's all-day comfortable, it made me giggle every time I got on it, it's the most fun bike I've owned, I was able to pull week-long trips on it, I discovered how good clean air can be when riding twisties all day, and it looked and sounded like a the bad ass is was.  

This is the ONLY bike I regret trading or selling.  

[Snapping Twig]

I started riding late in life, over 50. Being older, I had means, so I took this hand-me-down from my FIL and set it up with suspension and chi-chi's.



Great bike to learn on. Had it 4 years. She rode strong!

When it came time to upgrade, I selected this.



BMW R1200R.

Do-all, be-all. I don't need to be the fastest in a straight line, but I still appreciate a light bike with 110hp and 88ft-lbs torque. Twin allows controllable power and overall position of comfort. I can hit the twisties or the slab with equal ease.

This is my favorite.

[HipGnosis]

... the KTM Super Duke has been my favorite.  
It's all-day comfortable, it made me giggle every time I got on it, it's the most fun bike I've owned, I was able to pull week-long trips on it, I discovered how good clean air can be when riding twisties all day, and it looked and sounded like a the bad ass is was.  
This is the ONLY bike I regret trading or selling.  

How did you do 'week-long' trips on a Duke?!?  That is - how did you carry enough stuff on it??

[Rincewind]

Tiger 800 is my favorite without a doubt.    

[MisterSmooth]

It makes the post longer than absolutely necessary, but in order to give context, The Owned List:

1983 Suzuki 650
1983 Kawasaki GPZ350
1986 Honda VFR500 Interceptor
1990 Honda CBR1000F
2003 Yamaha R1
2001 BMW R1100S
2006 Vespa LX50
2007 Aprilia Tuono
2001 Aprilia Mille R
2008 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport


Best bike?  Tuono, no question.  If I could only own one?   Moto Guzzi, no question.

But favorite?  I think it has to be the Aprilia Mille R.  Gloriously impractical, it makes you feel special every time you ride it.

[Mr. Whippy]

I'm with JonS.  Multistrada 1000DS.  Just fun. And light.  And quick.  And easy to ride.  

[2RR2NV]

Tiger 800 is my favorite without a doubt.    

there's a tiger in there?  i actually had to go back and make sure.... yep, there it is. LOL

[falconati]

Either one of these.  Probably my ST3, because it was comfortable for long trips and city stuff.  My only complaint was service intervals.  If they ever make another ST with longer valve intervals, I'll own one.

[R Doug]

How did you do 'week-long' trips on a Duke?!?  That is - how did you carry enough stuff on it??

Soft luggage and pack appropriately.  

[NuckaMan]

My GS.

Could do without the BMW nuances and some of the electronic gizmo's it came with, but under all that fluff, the GS is truely a fantastic, do-it-all motorcycle.

Even after 4+ years of ownership, selling it doesn't even enter my mind.

My recently aquired Kawi Concours....thats another story.

[bubba zanetti]

My 78 Yoshimura Suzuki 750

Had everything and was purdy ...

Amazing fun bike, with "at the time" amazing power.




Sometimes when I dream, I see and smell Pirelli Phantoms.  

[2RR2NV]

MY 02 VFR800. only thing it lacked.... more power. i made the mistake of buying  a Busa and got addicted and the taste for STin kinda waned.... sold the VFR.    even worse, the guy that bought it crashed it 10 days later.    i cried. someday, i would like to own another besides whatever else i have in the stable. wife wants one too, so i'm thinking it'll definitely happen....out of all the bikes i've owned, it's the only one that when i hear it,  i get goosebumps and happy chills.   the rest just make me happy.....

[st2sam]

It's a tie    between my 2005 Ducati ST3 & my 1979 Honda CBX...

[timdow]

It's a tie    between my 2005 Ducati ST3 & my 1979 Honda CBX...

Wow never rode a CBX.  Damn cool bike.  Totally missed the ST3 somehow.  I was drooling over an ST4 several years ago, and looked at an ST2 also.  Did the CBX handle well at all?

[tbzep]

1986 Honda VF-500F Interceptor.  It was my first bike.  I'd love to have it back.

[Dave W.]

2007 Honda 919-

There are lots of other bikes that do certain things better, to this day I have still never ridden a bike that did so many things, so well.

[DosEquis00]

It's a tie    between my 2005 Ducati ST3 & my 1979 Honda CBX...

That is a great picture Sam  

[gritsngravy]

I wish I had held on to my '74 CB 750.....it needed a new top end and the clutch/tranny had issues but it was all in clean original condition.   Sold it to pay some bills but if I had it today I'd tear it apart and make it like new.

[MisterSmooth]

1986 Honda VF-500F Interceptor.  It was my first bike.  I'd love to have it back.

Those were great bikes.      Mine was the first motorcycle I owned that really fit me, both physically and metaphysically.

Funny, though, I bet after riding modern tackle the Mini-ceptor would seem  underwhelming.  I hate to say it but the memories might be better than the real thing.  

[miles]

Those were great bikes.      Mine was the first motorcycle I owned that really fit me, both physically and metaphysically.

Funny, though, I bet after riding modern tackle the Mini-ceptor would seem  underwhelming.  I hate to say it but the memories might be better than the real thing.  

That's why I never want to ride an FZ600 again.  Back in the mid '80s that bike was an incredible revelation, but now it would be slow, crummy handling and bad at stopping...
But it was incredible back in the day.

[nesquikninja]

That's why I never want to ride an FZ600 again.  Back in the mid '80s that bike was an incredible revelation, but now it would be slow, crummy handling and bad at stopping...

Look up thr jamey james rz350. It brings hope

[cruisin]

Of the 11 I've owned since 1968, I'd have to say it is the two-tone blue 2000 R1200C I currently have.  The black '99 is a close second as it was my first bike after a 20 year hiatus from owning a bike.  

[Dan K]

I haven't hadd too many...

1981 Kaw 500GT
1986 Honda Shadow VT700C
2003 Yamaha FZ1
2003 Aprilia Tuono
2006 Sprint ST ABS
2006 Daytona 675
2003 Aprilia Tono - take 2.

So, since I bought another, I'd say the Tuono was the favorite.  Very happy to have another in the garage for track AND street duty (I almost never rode the Daytona on the street).

Still miss the FZ1.

I know they say it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow, but there's nothing like riding a fast bike fast.

- Dan


Had to add pics:






Here's the FZ1:



Old Shadow:

[black hills]

I know they say it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow, but there's nothing like riding a fast bike fast.

- Dan

usually an excuse made be people who, for one reason or another, can't have the bike they want

[Orson]

usually an excuse made be people who, for one reason or another, can't have the bike they want

Flogging a DR650 thru the twisties is hugely entertaining  

[black hills]

Flogging a DR650 thru the twisties is hugely entertaining  

I understand the fun part, but do you really enjoy it more than something that works much better?
 One of ther best times I had on a MX track was on a couple RM125 chassis with 100cc Honda 4 strokes stuck in them. Ungodly slow but it was a hoot. Didn't make me want to trade my CR for one, but it was fun for an afternoon.

[coucours grad]

Mine is the ST1300 siting there....Riding buddies Street glide sits next too it. The current bike is my favorite ride. The 1992 Concours before her was my best ride and honorable mention goes to a 1982 Suzuki GS650G.


   Those are the 3 of the 22 that stand out. The Honda because she is my "fat pig" that I love, the Kawi because she hauled my ass around 18 years and the Suzuki because shes the first multi cylinder bike I ever owned.

[sammyseaman]

Great question. I'll give you my top 5:

5. 1985 Yamaha FJ1100. My first big sport touring bike. Fast, fun, comfy as hell and absolutely bulletproof. Funny to think about how fast, comfortable and reliable that thing was without all this "new tech" hogwash.

4. 1986 Yamaha 700 Fazer. My first streetbike and it was fun as heck. The mini Vmax that could actually handle. I rode that damn bike everywhere, all the time.

3. 1986 YZ125. After having a 250 I decided to do something all my friends thought was crazy: Go down to a 125. 90% of our riding was Manistee National Forest land and a lot of it was tight, tight stuff. The "little" 125 didn't have the torque but was extremely flickable. Also, on the more open stuff my buds were over-biked (something I realized I was and decided to go down a size) and I would usually be the one leading with minimal amount of effort. Loved that bike.

2. 1981 Kawasaki KX80. My first real dirtbike. Lots of fun and was finally able to jump. Have lots of great memories from that bike.

1. My favorite by far. 1970 (I think) Honda CT70. My first bike (at 5 or 6, I can't remember) that dad bought at a garage sale for $25. It needed very little work and ran forever. The experience of freedom and exploration that that bike gave me started the addiction that I have still. We had that bike for a couple years until my pops found a couple yr newer, cleaner CT70. He sold the old green one to my best friend and we rode the feckers everywhere. I think we ventured out as far as 15 miles from home and more than once passed cops while zippin along on the shoulder of the road without them batting an eye. It was the mid 70s after all. Ahhh... thems were the days.

[Dan K]

usually an excuse made be people who, for one reason or another, can't have the bike they want

Just flipping through this thread and I get it - the slow bike fast saying is the excuse...    sorry.


That makes no sense.  If I could afford a fast bike, I could likely afford a slow one.  Hell, I just sold the Daytona, a pretty fast bike when rev'd.  Had fast, had slow. Ridden a million other bikes.

The guy who bought my Daytona rode it home and left his SV650 with the key.  I took it for a ride (with his blessing) and yes, I guess it was fun to go full throttle and not break the law, but I'd rather ride my Tuono any day of the week, at any speed. let alone with a free throttle hand.

- Dan

[RenegadeVT]

I have to say that my Ducati Hypermotard just makes me smile everytime I get on it and I don't stop smiling till I get off.  That little red head just tugs at my heart strings.

From and S-T perspective my 2000 Triumph Sprint ST was my fav.  She and I put on many a happy mile and we did the asphalt tango so well together.  Unfortunately I had a very sad moment at a local dealership recently when I noticed bashed up Sprint they had just purchase at auction.  The second owner after me totally trashed this once beautiful and proud bike.  

[garry]

I will vote for my current bike: 2007 KTM Supermoto R.

Other than the limited fuel range, it pushes all my buttons except the adventure one (exploring gnarly public dirt roads). I have kept it longer and put more miles on it than any of my previous bikes (2002 Sprint RS, 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2004 Suzuki Wee Strom).

[1000lbs]

After considering the fond memories and experiences of a 28 bike history  , I think the title of favorite has to go to the 2007 Speed Triple.



The Street Triple may win me over in time, but that Speed Triple was a huge shift in my motorcycling and really made me elevated my game.  

[tbzep]

Those were great bikes.      Mine was the first motorcycle I owned that really fit me, both physically and metaphysically.

Funny, though, I bet after riding modern tackle the Mini-ceptor would seem  underwhelming.  I hate to say it but the memories might be better than the real thing.  

Unfortunately, yes.  I'd love to have a museum quality example parked in my living room, though.  

[Bravo12]

Well, the Versys I own now fits very well with the way I like to ride NOW. So, if I could have any bike that I've ever owned right now, it would be the one I have. But,... I do still have fond feelings for my 2nd-Gen Bandit 1200S. I got into sport riding and sport-touring on that thing; it handled well (and even better with Race Tech forks and Hayabusa rear shock) and was comfortable for the long haul. The Bandit was a great do-it-all bike, if doing it all included freeway blasting for hours at a time (which the Versys doesn't do well). I also still miss my recently-sold 1999 VFR. The last time I rode it, it felt like a full-on racebike compared to my Versys, but I did ride it for 4 weeks straight around the USA back in 2010 and didn't think it was uncomfortable at the time. And that cam-gear whine over the V-4 growl is downright audible sex.

[Bama67]

I would have to say my favorite is my current Moto Guzzi Griso SE. I wanted one for so long, and I am still infatuated with it.  

That being said, the BEST bike I have ever had, bar none is my Ninja 1000. It is fantastic in every way: it's sexy, comfortable, and powerful. I just was so in love with the Goose, that when the opportunity came to buy one, I had too. I know I am going to regret selling the Ninja, but there is a very good chance that one day down the road when I can warrant having two road bikes, it will be another Ninja.
I attached a pic (if it works)

[kless001]

My current bike-- a KLR650.  Easily beats out the ninja, the harley, and even my beloved 1st bike...a 1977 Suzuki 750 with electric AND kickstart

[SVTNate]

My current - '11 Speed Triple (proper headlights, last of its kind)

It's so much fun to ride.  Lots of character, reliable, comfortable, a fantastic all-rounder.  

My V Star 1300 was my first, and will always hold a special place in my heart.  The thrill of getting up to 50mph, the terror of my first nighttime freeway ride.  The first time I scraped floorboards, and realized that I was ready for something more sporting.

My FJR1300 was the next bike.  A good bike, probably a great tourer.  I thought I'd have time to tour, never did.  Too big and heavy for the sport riding I do most often.  The speed was nice, but really, the FJR is an appliance.  It is the Accord, the Camry... well maybe a 500HP Camry.  Yes it's got plenty of power, but I never loved it.  I do not miss it.

I'm a bit of a bike whore, saddled by circumstance.  New business ventures take my time and money, so I'm not riding much in 2012.  I have thought about owning all sorts of various new bikes, for different purposes.  Every time I get a chance to do 200 mile days on the Speed Triple though, and can really lean it over on a beautiful mountain road, I marvel at what a fantastic machine it is.  Lots of fun up in the mountains, but perfectly comfortable and reasonable for more mundane riding as well.  Yes, there are bikes more fun to ride slowly, and yes, there are better bikes for long rides.  There are also better bikes for bombing around twisty roads.  But how well the Speed Triple does those things, while putting a smile on my face and never once being a bore, is why I've kept it longer than any other bike I've owned thus far.

[Baz]

It is my FJR.

Of course I only really use it for touring. (sadly not enough these days)

[CosmicCowboy]

You know, the V-Strom is a great bike, but sometimes I find myself missing my 2001 Katana.

[airwalk]

'69 BSA Rocket 3

[Rattlehead]

Favorite bike is a tough one.

I’ve owned 3 Buells (03 XB9S, 04XB12R, 05XB12S) and when I actually have them I often complain about the shortcomings of the powerplant (limited RPM range and never making truly “exciting” levels of HP) but when their gone I want another. I hold an inexplicable soft spot in my heart for Buells. They exude a “character” that few, if any, bikes can match and they are an immensely capable twisty road weapon.  


The 92 GSXR750 I owned holds a special spot in my heart for many reasons.

-It was a project. My projects always endear themselves to me as the “bonding time” I spend cutting, modifying and working on them is something I enjoy tremendously. I decided early on to turn that bike into a street-fighter; not because it was trashed (it was actually a pretty nice bike), but because I wanted a fast, capable naked. I really liked my GSXR so I decided to work with it instead of buying another bike. I was very happy with how it turned out and I rode it for quite some time.
-It was the first bike I took a long trip on (1200mi in 3 days) and it ignited a love for motorcycle travel. It was brutal and I actually had to buy a knee brace to make it home   , but I had the time of my life!
-The sound it made when the 4 mikuni’s strapped to that oil-cooled 750cc gem of an engine were cracked wide open and the spent gasses were expelled through the short D&D exhaust was INTOXICATING! Sure it annoyed everyone within a 5 mile radius but it brought goose bumps up on my arms and a chill up my spine. That was the angriest, meanest, most unapologetically raw sounding engine I’ve ever had and I loved it.   In hindsight, despite my conscious efforts to slip away quietly in the morning, I owe my neighbors an apology.  
That bike was loud, cramped and uncomfortable but it took a serious beating and seemed to like it. I had many miles worth of smiles on it.

Favorite, by the slimmest of margins, probably goes to my Hayabusa.

I’ve had it a little over a year and I’ve put 12000 miles on it and yet almost every time I get off of it I think to myself “what an amazing bike!”. The thing is so capable in so many different ways it just amazes me.
-it’s comfortable for hours on end
-it’s powerful beyond all reason and yet so docile at the same time. It’s perfectly happy cruising along at 2-3000rpm and yet will warp space/time if provoked.  
-it handles great. It’s not on the same level as my Buells but for a big girl this bike can really dance. I was afraid of being disappointed on my trip to the Dragon this year and yet I came away seriously impressed with just how well this bike can handle a contorted road.
-It’s low maintenance and, thus far, bullet-proof. 35k miles on the clock and the valves are still perfectly in spec. The only thing I’ve replaced so far is a set of wheel bearings, which were solely the fault of the previous owner (he had bought junkyard chrome wheels to put on it with damaged bearing seats). Other than that it’s just been oil changes and tires.
I often think about other bikes I’d like to have, and there’s a lot of them, but every time I think of selling the Busa to buy one I get this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.   I know full well that selling this bike would be a monumental mistake that I would regret for years. It’s a fantastic bike and the only thing I can honestly see replacing it with is another Hayabusa (2nd Gen).

[Biking Sailor]

Guzzi 1200 Sport, literally the classic Love/Hate relationship with that Italian Hottie!

Some of the little things annoy me, but when we make up...  

[Knoxy]

Well I've only had 2 bikes I really love my 92 gsx1100g was basically my first bike a bit big for a first bike but I've taken a few 6 hour trips on it and is pretty darn comfy

[Royal Tiger]

You know, the V-Strom is a great bike, but sometimes I find myself missing my 2001 Katana.

You are 1 of 6 people to actually miss a Katana.



The other 5 stopped riding.

[CosmicCowboy]

You are 1 of 6 people to actually miss a Katana.



The other 5 stopped riding.

 

[Kraz]

KLRE650.  KLR650 with a Ninja 650 motor.    1150 GSA was a sweet ride too.

Lots of bikes I've loved, but most were love/hate.

[falconati]

You are 1 of 6 people to actually miss a Katana.



The other 5 stopped riding.

 

[Bigpoodle]

My brain thinks the current ride (2010 BMW K1300S) should be my favorite, but my heart belongs to my first big bike (1969 Norton P11A Ranger).

[Bad Dad]

The Pork Chop! Always puts a smile on my face.

[ZuluHour]

well, every bike I've owned has a special place:

'81 CX500 - opened me to the world of motorcycling

'02 Bandit 600S - definitely a step up from the CX500 in every aspect.  I did a lot of distance riding on it and started expanding my skills.

'03 SV1000S - Again, a step up all over.  I did a ton of miles on my first twin.  This bike also introduced me to trackdays.

'07 R1 - I decided to go to the sporty end of the spectrum and got this bad-boy.  Best looking bike I ever bought and still relativley comfortable.

'02 RC51 - Current bike and still on the sporty end.  Although I think it's time to move on to something more practical.


So, if I had to choose my favorite, it'd be the SV1000S.  It was a great vehicle for both the sport-touring end and to trackdays, both of which I'm very fond.  It didn't do either one especially brilliantly, but it wouldn't complain and could do either.

Now I'm in the market for either a Speed Triple or FZ1, decisions, decisions...

[stew71]

Easy. Whatever I happen to be riding. Currently, it's the Feej.

[MisterSmooth]

The Pork Chop! Always puts a smile on my face.

Yep, that's what I'm talking about.    One's favorite bike is often not the most practical.   Or practical at all.   Or the one you have in the garage right now.

Bad Dad, that RC51 makes you happy every time ride it.    OK, it gets crap gas mileage (for a bike) and is "uncomfortable."   Who cares?   It gets your pulse up.  

My Mille R is the same kind of thing.  It doesn't "make sense," even for a motorbike.   But you carry a beer out to the garage for a midnight eyeball tryst.  

[Nodaclu]

My next one. It's always my next one. I think that's part of the problem....          

[karlfitt]

My next one. It's always my next one. I think that's part of the problem....          

I have a simlar problem.

I love my ST4s, but did not ride it much this year due to the impending 12000 mile service.

So thinking of selling it, even though I do love it, and getting a different scoot.

[MisterSmooth]

My next one. It's always my next one. I think that's part of the problem....          

    Well said, well said indeed.  

[nevinfs327]

Yep, that's what I'm talking about.    One's favorite bike is often not the most practical.   Or practical at all.   Or the one you have in the garage right now.

Bad Dad, that RC51 makes you happy every time ride it.    OK, it gets crap gas mileage (for a bike) and is "uncomfortable."   Who cares?   It gets your pulse up.  

My Mille R is the same kind of thing.  It doesn't "make sense," even for a motorbike.   But you carry a beer out to the garage for a midnight eyeball tryst.  

Similar to this, for me it is my old super hawk.  Far from the most practical, and plagued with a series of electrical issues at the end of our time together, but a bike I still miss when riding better machines.

[sagerat]

My Ural.  It's outlasted countless garage mates.

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

I've had better handling motorcycles, quicker motorcycles, faster motorcycles, and motorcycles that fit what I like to do better, but my favorite bike I've ever owned was my 1985 Honda V65 Sabre with the Honda fairing.  Back when I owned that bike (1989-1999), oddly enough, the blue ones were faster.....

Man, I miss that bike.

[hhhch45]

Two bikes I wish I had back, a 1972 Bultaco Pursang I had as a kid and a 2002 Buell M2. Both bikes were just fun to ride.
Jim

[CLAY]

I think my current Bandit.  It has enough plastic to make a decent touring mount, yet enough engine and "rawness" to let me know I'm still on a motorcycle.  

[jnor]

 My favorite in 40 years of riding is still my Versys.....

 

[Dave the slave]

That's a tough question!  I've had 20+ bikes and there was only ONE I regretted buying… every other bike was a fun love affair for some period of time.  However there are 3 that stick out in some special way or another.  

The bike that I just seemed to pile on the mileage and always seemed to be my good buddy was my 2002 VFR800.

The other two were are tied for the best "love affairs".  My 2000 R1 and my 2004 RC51!  God, I STILL love those bikes and wish we'd never parted ways!

Although all the bikes before (with the afore mentioned one) and after those 3 has been great and brought lots of smiles, those 3 stand out and still make me smile to this day

[coho]

While far from the best bike I ever had, my naked 'wing is the one I have the most nostalgia for. It really made a sport tourer of me. It was remarkably agile for its portliness (almost as heavy as an FJR! ) but the flat four was real low and the power delivery was best descibed as inexorable.

[timdow]

Here  is a pict of my beloved Sprint ST:

I miss her.  She was not as built as the FJR, but man was she a good ride!

[kebrider]

1997 CBR1100XX

Most incredible mechanical device I have ever owned. Used to wonder if aliens dropped them off on earth just to enjoy our reaction.

KEB

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

My 1986 Vmax I still miss that bike

[hexkopf]

When I got to Pearl Harbor, my first duty station in the Navy, I bought my first bike. 1979 Honda CB750. Used to ride that thing all over the Island. Just me and my bike. Miss those days.  

[veefer800canuck]

The one I have now, of course!  

Hurry spring!

[sprint_st]

Most of us probably think its the bike we're on now, but IMO it changes with time.  The first bike I truly loved was a Kawasaki Z1B back in 1975.  I had taken chit from XLCH riders on three previous Honda's about them not being "real" motorcycles.  When I got the Z1 I'd go hunting XLCH's and blow them in the weeds.  The next bike I loved was a 955i Sprint ST.  Just a great all around bike. I dreamed of a Concours from 1986? when they first came out until 2002 when I bought a new one.  Surely it was going to be my favorite.  I hated that bike     Now I have the bike I drooled over for the last 15 or 20 years.  It has and is living up to and exceeding all my expectations.

[Heath3n]

My 2003 FZ1 has been my favorite to date. Sadly, the bee became a victim to an inattentive cager and was put to rest.

[Need For Speed]

1997 CBR1100XX

Most incredible mechanical device I have ever owned. Used to wonder if aliens dropped them off on earth just to enjoy our reaction.

KEB

I had a '97, she gave her life so I could continue to ride  

I now have a '99 XX and it is the favorite of my stable - so smooth and powerful, fairly comfortable too.

In Sport-Touring mode:

[FJRider]

My Favorite bike is always the one I currently own.  

[aviationfred]

I am going to repeat the same as the previous post. My favorite is the one I currently own.

[phoenix]

so far, I think the 2007 Gixxer 750 is the bike I would say I've had the most fun with. That bike, even almost completely stock, was just so incredible on the track.

[JeffMorse]

I'm having way too much fun on the BMW K1600GT. By far my favorite.

[R Doug]

so far, I think the 2007 Gixxer 750 is the bike I would say I've had the most fun with.

IMHO, this is the best track bike ever.

1)  very fair price.
2)  bullet proof reliability
3)  small enough to keep up with the 600s in the twisty bits
4)  powerful enough to keep a liter bike from blowing you away on the straight bits

(nice picture BTW)



<----- PS - yes I am biased... see avatar.  

[hexkopf]

so far, I think the 2007 Gixxer 750 is the bike I would say I've had the most fun with. That bike, even almost completely stock, was just so incredible on the track.

Cool!

[Prozac]

The bike that replaced all other bikes for me, my '06 Buell Ulysses.  Is great at two up and when I want to go into hooligan mode.  I have know problem leaning it over and the power is perfect for me, anything more and I might get myself into trouble.  There is just something about the torque, especially when running an XB9 primary.

This was a bike that I had to spend time convincing my wife on because of her affinity for cruisers and chrome.  After her first ride on the back she told me the she "gets it" and told me to put the cruiser up for sale.

[Real ZX-10]

I have owned a bunch of cycles, including two Harleys, several metric cruisers, and three sport tourers.  I really like what I own now (FJR), but was thinking what was my favorite that I have owned?  

The 2007 Wide Glide was the style king.  But cornering prowess was (ahem) limited, and not enough power.  Fun though.  Better than the metric cruisers becuase it was The Real Thing.

The ST1100 was good but in my opinion too appliance like.

The FJR I own now is really good, and a better long distance bike, but I think the best one for me was my previous bike... 2001 Triumph Sprint ST.  I was actually looking for a VFR800 but luckily went for the Sprint instead.  I really learned to ride well on the Sprint.  Very good balance between sport and touring.

What is your choice of cycles you have owned, and why?  Might be because it was the right time in your life and brings back memories, or beacuse you really learned to ride on that particualr cycle, or just becuase it was such a good bike.

05 ZX-10..nothing else in the very long list, came close...the quickness and intensity of what it does, is a drug.
I knew I would be making modifications in seating stance, before I bought it.

MSN testers cried like a little school girl..This bike is a beast, and then they said it wasn't for fools..
Well how could anyone refuse that?

Z1000 top triple clamp and bar mounts and handle bars, and a Scotts Stabilizer/Damper was my main conversion.
Not recommending anyone go that way, it's insanely difficult...But the Spiegler LSL street fighter bar kit is the way, civilized things made to fit, way.

Race Tech suspension internals for rough roads and up-grade the brakes to one finger braking status is sweet.

[Stormer]

I realy miss my 1998 red Suzuki Bandit 1200.

[MonkeyNuke]

[cynyc2]

I've had better handling motorcycles, quicker motorcycles, faster motorcycles, and motorcycles that fit what I like to do better, but my favorite bike I've ever owned was my 1985 Honda V65 Sabre with the Honda fairing.  Back when I owned that bike (1989-1999), oddly enough, the blue ones were faster.....

Man, I miss that bike.

  Yes, the BLUE ones were faster!  My favorite too - I had the 85 (blue!) with a Rifle fairing, Corbin double bucket seat, aftermarket bars, custom fork brace, and bar end mirrors.  I could ride this bike for days without a problem.  Yeah, you could feel the frame flex in a bumpy corner (not to mention the forks), it was top heavy, and the torque steer could make you change lanes when taking off quickly in 1st, but I could drag hard parts and could power slide the rear on that thing.  After about 65K good miles, I lost her in a flood.  

I cut my riding teeth on that bike.......

[dietDrThunder]

My favorite track bike was my 03 SV650. Very fun to ride, cheap to operate, and stone-axe reliable.



As lame as it may seem to pick your current bike, my CBR-XX is easily the bests, most fun, most capable street machine I've ever had. Now that I fixed the only issue I had (low bars) and done little things to my liking (driving lights, a couple other doo-dads) I love it more every day.

[Kraz]

Used  1997 900SS/SP
Nice example, fresh 24k service, 25,468 original miles, Arrow exhaust, Ohlins rear shock. From 1991 to 1998, the model was called a 900SS, and was available with a full(SS) or half fairing(SS/CR). The revised Supersports were met with immediate success and became wildly popular. Even though the 1991 Supersport was extremely well developed, Ducati would continue to refine the bike over the years. The 900 SS/SP (Sport Production) was offered to the North American market only. This model had carbon fiber fenders and clutch cover, sound dampening material, adjustable Showa suspension, and an aluminum swingarm.
Mileage: 25,468 mi

Stock #: DU025379  $4,477

http://www.gpmotorcycles.com/ducati_.php



Just sayin...

[3B43]

Street bikes only: '72 Honda 750 to a Z1, then a CBX, to '84 Ninja ... a big lapse due to 'life' ... '08 FZ1, which I sold 4 months ago for my current bike, a magical, angelic m/c that makes me smile, giggle, laugh and grin like a ... '12 Ducati MultiStrada!

[nesquikninja]

So far, this one.  First offroad capable machine, 2013 CRF250L.  I really wanted a 990adv...and Im gonna keep dreaming, but wanted something affordable for a college student and something easy to ride offroad for a newbie




After several streetbikes, I every once and a while got frustrated when I would be out adventuring and would have to turn around when the pavement ran out.  Now, well, I can ride wherever I want.  Hell I rip up and down sidewalks when conditions allow it, and I tend to jump parking lot to parking lot just because I can.  Its more fun than any street bike I had based simply on the fact that I can have fun ANYWHERE at ANYTIME, even empty parking lots, or fields, or whatever.  Street performance is more than adequate for my taste.  If I get another pavement bike- itll be a Supermoto.

I urge everyone to give dualsports and supermotos a shot!

[Vfourfan]

My favorite is my current ride, a 2012 FJR1300.
Fast, smooth, comfortable, low maintenance. What's not to like?  

[falconati]

...the weight?  

[expatbrit]

My favorite is my current ride, a 2012 FJR1300.
Fast, smooth, comfortable, low maintenance. What's not to like?  

The flak you get from county?

[Vfourfan]

...the weight?  

Pfffft...it's light compared to some bikes I've owned.  

[sprint_st]

My favorite is my current ride, a 2012 FJR1300.
Fast, smooth, comfortable, low maintenance. What's not to like?  

...the weight?  

Pfffft...it's light compared to some bikes I've owned.  

Had a 2006 FJR, great bike.  Traded it for a 1050 Tiger.  Why?  About 150 pounds.

[GRN]

Which favorite? 19 bikes later I've had a few... in chronological order:

CM400 was my first favorite (2nd street bike), it's what I had when I turned 16, got endorsed, and did my first long ride. It was the first I got laid on, too  

CB750K because it was what Jim Sutter rode when his love for bikes rubbed off on me as a kid. Thanks, Sutter  

ST1100 because it was my first ST bike, and I put the most miles on it of any I have owned, during the period when I began to really learn how to ride  

Sprint ST 1050 because it was just so fucking awesome in every way, and I'm a fucking moron for selling it If I have to pick A favorite...

DR650 taught me more about motorcycles than any other I have owned  

KLX250S takes me more places than any other I have owned  

If I get to pick my next favorite, it'll probably be a Thruxton, conceptually my favorite "just because" bike

[ChrisZRX]

My '02 ZRX 1200. Always regretted selling it.

Now I have another one.  

[Mr.Black]

My '02 ZRX 1200. Always regretted selling it.

Now I have another one.  

[cultureslayer]

ninja 250, I guess I'll pick the '89 because it's the one I've put the most miles on without it getting run over in a parking lot.