I've had motorcycles since 1965. My current two I have had for years...I have a '78 Yamaha SR 500 (big single) and a '67 Matchless Scrambler 750cc twin...big British twin...they used to call them Desert Sleds.

Both of them are noisy, vibrate and of course very old. I have no intention of selling them...I like them.

But if I was going to buy a new motorcycle...price no object...I would get either a Kawasaki KLR 650cc single on/off road bike...or a BMW GS 1200 cc flat twin...on/off road bike.

Probably the BMW. The kind that Ewan McGregor the Scottish actor drove around the world in that film of his. These things go anywhere...deep, Russian gumbo...or American freeways.

One bike I'm sure a lot would pick would pick would be a Harley.

For me.... no. They're ok...but don't appeal to me. These non sporting V Twin cruisers seem to look the same, sound the same...every year for years. Even the Sportsters don't grab me. Also the fact that everybody and his dog has one along with a bandana or a shorty helmet...too uniform for me.

Don't get me wrong...nothing wrong with a Harley..they don't appeal to me. Except this one.

Now if Harley sold over here the Euro spec Harley that kind of looks and rides (I've read) a streeterized and civilized Harley flat tracker...well yes.
Here it is:

The Road : Issue 18 : A European Harley - XR1200 tested in Spain

Also the Harley V-Rod isn't bad...but doesn't seem to sell...I don't know why.


But there are two North American bikes that tickle my fancy...the Polaris Victory motorcycle...these things are stunning looking...made in Minnesota or Wisconsin I think.

The Bombardier (the company also makes Sea-Doo and Ski-Doo) three wheeler...over a 1000cc...looks great in my book. Made in Canada.

In the end...I think the BMW would be the bike for me.

 

Moved from General Non-Automotive Discussion forum.

I am a previous import sport bike owner that has logged a lot of road miles. If I were to reenter the market I would consider road bikes only. For one up sport bikes my first choice would be Ducati. I just love exotic Italian motorcycles, cars and women!

For a two up touring/cruiser it's a toss up. If I had to spend my life on the road, I would probably favor BMW or Honda. But since my future ride would consist of weekend or vacation tours I would first consider the Harley big bikes. Sportster has never held appeal for me.

 

My dad and I have always had Honda motorcycles. My dads owned a 1975 CB 750 and an 1984 VF1000 Magna (AWESOME BIKE) and I owned a 1973 CB500. I agree with you, Harleys, though they are a great bike/company, do not appeal to me for the same reasons. I wish Honda and the other makes made a street bike like the ones from the 70's and 80's that were comfortable to ride and not like crotch rockets.

 

They do, they just sell them in Europe. Seems they think Americans just want either stupid-fast, colorful race bikes or over weight, loud choppers.

 

a GOOD USED bmw . The engines on a BMW are known to be about the best in the world. Much more reliable than any harley.

 

That figures, kinda like how in Australia Ford and GM sell nice rear drive, V8 cars that I would love to buy. I can still even buy a brand new Falcon or Ranchero (UTE)!!! Gotta love that UTE!