Ugly bikes

[shrub]

I was sitting at the lights today and a V Strom pulled up beside me. Fuck those things are ugly, and even though I'm sure they are awesome bikes to ride, I just couldn't bring myself to own an ugly bike. To me a big part of owning my bike is sitting in my shed looking at it and thinking "fuck that's a nice looking machine" and having people come up to me in car parks and say the same kind of thing.

There are some incredibly gorgeous bikes out there, some bikes that just look cool, some that look mean and some that are design classics; but there are some bikes that are just plain ugly.

[davebullet]

I reckon it's the multi-purpose ones that are the ugly ones. They become a "frankenstein of functionality"

[blackdog]

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20B-King%201300%2009.jpg

[hellokitty]

The BMWK100 is horrible, so big and clumsy looking, and so high off the ground and so heavy!
My Dad has one and loves it :weird:

[blackdog]

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20B/Hyosung%20GV%20650%20Aquila%2007.jpg

[SMOKEU]

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/downloads/dynocharts/Honda-1990CBR1000.jpg

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/honda-valkyrie-rune.jpg

[Voltaire]

I've just bought a Norton Commando, so speed and reliability are further down my list that looks, history,designed and built by actual people and the sound.:weird:

[White trash]

Interestingly enough, there's bikes I aspire to own based on their uglyness. Bimota Mantra is up near the top, along with a Harley VR1000 Super Bike and a Y2K.

Realistically, an MVX is more than enough ugly for one garage :)

[Str8 Jacket]

I can't believe that a guy with 'Triumphs version of a GN250' actually started *this* thread! :facepalm:

BTW - I am a after a GB400. I love them but all my mates think they're ugly which only makes me really want one.....

[Big Dave]

Oh wow. You mean people have different tastes in aesthetics. Get out.

[White trash]

Oh wow. You mean people have different tastes in aesthetics. Get out.

Just as well. Otherwise, specimens like you and me would never get laid Dave.......

[racefactory]

Most sports bikes 2006 up are ugly as hell.

[racefactory]

Oh wow. You mean people have different tastes in aesthetics. Get out.

No he's actually being realistic, fugly things they are.

[BuzzardNZ]

love the speed triples specs and all, but damn, what an ugly beast.
Hornets look ugly too.

[Katman]

No he's actually being realistic, fugly things they are.

I've been meaning to ask......

Do you really believe that shit you have as a signature?

[crazyhorse]

I have to agree - some bikes are just butt ugly. But I guess it depends on why folk would buy their bikes - maybe it suits what they need it for ...... I'm like you Shrub, I like to look at my bike and think its a good looking machine (which in my eyes it is!)

[simpy1]

I like the look of the B-king...

[White trash]

I've been meaning to ask......

Do you really believe that shit you have as a signature?

Fuck you know how to make friends Steve...............

[Katman]

Fuck you know how to make friends Steve...............

Sometimes I'm not trying to make friends Jimmy.

[matdaymon]

I think the B-King fits here well. It's all good to look at from the front but side/rear angles it look butt ugly because of those ridiculous exhausts!

Triumph Tiger 1050's look fugly too

[White trash]

Sometimes I'm not trying to make friends Jimmy.

Well you're doing a fantastic job, keep it up :D

Those wire wheel eleventy hundred Katanas deserve a place in the top five........

[Banditbandit]

I've been meaning to ask......

Do you really believe that shit you have as a signature?

He wouldn't be the only one who believed that ...

[White trash]

In all seriousness though, there are no ugly bikes, simply ugly owners.

[blackdog]

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_gs1200%2001.htm

[george formby]

In all seriousness though, there are no ugly bikes, simply ugly owners.

Mine looks lubbly from the tank forward when I'm sitting on it. Otherwise I keep my helmet on & have an xtra large brown paper bag for the bike so children don't get upset.

[Bytor]

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/downloads/dynocharts/Honda-1990CBR1000.jpg


Hmmmm my CBR is so fugly it makes me look like Brad Pitt (well in my mind anyway)

[onearmedbandit]

<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4-yBZr5goc4/TSjpZUsMJjI/AAAAAAAAA4k/_CmR5wpn3ng/s1600/lamborghini_motorcycle.jpg"/>

[racefactory]

@Katman- Yoy ride a Katana, so you ride to camp in tents and cruise cafes with a big girl on the back. We ride sports bikes to go very fast around corners and do wheelies... simple truth and there's nothing wrong with either end. You get fucked in the arse by cafe prices, we get fucked by cops... not a problem. Let's live together harmoniously.

[Eyegasm]

In all seriousness though, there are no ugly bikes, simply ugly owners.

Hahaha Jimmy, In your case this might be true!!! :rofl:

[Swoop]

There is no such thing as an ugly bike.

If it's ugly on the outside, sit on top and ride the fucking thing.

[george formby]

There is no such thing as an ugly bike.

If it's ugly on the outside, sit on top and ride the fucking thing.

Rinky dinky doo:niceone:

[nudemetalz]

I have to agree - some bikes are just butt ugly. But I guess it depends on why folk would buy their bikes - maybe it suits what they need it for ...... I'm like you Shrub, I like to look at my bike and think its a good looking machine (which in my eyes it is!)

the 2001 Gixxer's are a nice looking machine.....and so is the rider.. :niceone:

[crazyhorse]

the 2001 Gixxer's are a ncie looking machine.....and so is the rider.. :niceone:

oh gee shucks :whistle: (and they go much faster than the later bikes of 2004)

[nudemetalz]

Some people think the Guzzi V11 Sport ain't good looking, but not me...

[SPman]

Jeez - I even like the looks of my RG250.........

[mrchips]

Hmmmm my CBR is so fugly it makes me look like Brad Pitt (well in my mind anyway)

Thats a fcuken gorgeous example of a CBR if i do say so myself :niceone:.

[Katman]

He wouldn't be the only one who believed that ...

I'm not deluded enough to imagine he's the only fuckwit out there.

[oldrider]

I was sitting at the lights today and a V Strom pulled up beside me. Fuck those things are ugly, and even though I'm sure they are awesome bikes to ride, I just couldn't bring myself to own an ugly bike. To me a big part of owning my bike is sitting in my shed looking at it and thinking "fuck that's a nice looking machine" and having people come up to me in car parks and say the same kind of thing.

There are some incredibly gorgeous bikes out there, some bikes that just look cool, some that look mean and some that are design classics; but there are some bikes that are just plain ugly.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! :yes:

Personally I behold my Triumph Tiger 955i more because of what it does rather than what it says! :niceone:

[racefactory]

oh gee shucks :whistle: (and they go much faster than the later bikes of 2004)

Agreed 2001 gixxers are proper bikes. Beautiful bikes. 2005 onwards= shit.

[blackdog]

Agreed 2001 gixxers are proper bikes. Beautiful bikes. 2005 onwards= shit.

never seen or ridden an 09/10 R1 then...

[nutjob]

never seen or ridden an 09/10 R1 then...

I helped pick one up off the road last week, it didn't look too flash :blink:

[Genie]

There is no such thing as an ugly bike.

If it's ugly on the outside, sit on top and ride the fucking thing.

Bikes are so much like woman....each to their own.

[blackdog]

I helped pick one up off the road last week, it didn't look too flash :blink:

they never look quite as good after 'remodeling'

[blackdog]

Bikes are so much like woman....each to their own.

or each to each other's in steelphoenix's case :eek:

[slowpoke]

Agreed 2001 gixxers are proper bikes. Beautiful bikes. 2005 onwards= shit.

Yeah, I don't know how anyone could throw a leg over this heap of shit....

229531
229530

[\m/]

2nd generation Hayabusa, it makes the original look good! The plasticky stock exhausts ruin the look of most new sportbikes too.

[racefactory]

never seen or ridden an 09/10 R1 then...

R1 is the most tolerable of the lot... but the fucking exhausts are beyond hideous. Kawasaki on the other hand... the things look like utter trash now.

[blackdog]

R1 is the most tolerable of the lot... but the fucking exhausts are beyond hideous. Kawasaki on the other hand... the things look like utter trash now.

who keeps factory exhausts?

[bogan]

Yeah, I don't know how anyone could throw a leg over this heap of shit....

229531
229530

if it wasn't for the 'wheelbarrow' exhausts it'd look good i reckon, but they are even fuglier than stockers.

[crazyhorse]

Agreed 2001 gixxers are proper bikes. Beautiful bikes. 2005 onwards= shit.

Well, I'm kinda happy as to keep my k1 baby........ :love:

[BMWST?]

if it wasn't for the 'wheelbarrow' exhausts it'd look good i reckon, but they are even fuglier than stockers.

this :Police:

[Smifffy]

Agreed 2001 gixxers are proper bikes. Beautiful bikes. 2005 onwards= shit.

Wank much?

We know about your wet dream over "proper bikes".

I really hope that you live long enough to one day wake up and realise how stupid your sig really is. If not, oh well.

[Corse1]

I reckon the 2011 Speed Triple is bordering on fugly!!

Its going to take a lot for those fricken ugly headlights to grow on me. I think they have taken a step backwards. The new chassis looks cool though

The Vstrom yes agreed thats one fugly bike.

[Laava]

I own a V Strom and have to agree that it does look a little "special" in an "ah, bless it" kind of a way! But!
1, Prolly won't get stoled!
2, Looks better dirty = less cleaning
3' Is a 2 wheeled ute

LOADS OF WIN!

[racefactory]

I'm sorry guys it's just a fact- new gixxers= dogs breakfast

[slowpoke]

if it wasn't for the 'wheelbarrow' exhausts it'd look good i reckon, but they are even fuglier than stockers.

Haha, that unobtainium Japanese Yoshi "kit" zorst used to get a lot of positive comments/attention from the public: great for sponsors. The single US Yoshi system I've replaced it with has never rated a mention.

[Banditbandit]

Bikes are so much like woman....each to their own.

Naaa ... there's some truly ugly women out here ... I can handle riding an ugly bike .. but riding an ugly woman ????

[avgas]

@Katman- Yoy ride a Katana, so you ride to camp in tents and cruise cafes with a big girl on the back. We ride sports bikes to go very fast around corners and do wheelies... simple truth and there's nothing wrong with either end. You get fucked in the arse by cafe prices, we get fucked by cops... not a problem. Let's live together harmoniously.
Errrrr huh
Ducafe' anyone - seen more of them round cafe's than Kats.

Kats are usually in the shed in a million bits

[FJRider]

Naaa ... there's some truly ugly women out here ... I can handle riding an ugly bike .. but riding an ugly woman ????

It's ok ... untill you get seen climbing off one ... :msn-wink:

[george formby]

I own a V Strom and have to agree that it does look a little "special" in an "ah, bless it" kind of a way! But!
1, Prolly won't get stoled!
2, Looks better dirty = less cleaning
3' Is a 2 wheeled ute

LOADS OF WIN!

FFS! Don't tell everybody you have a useful, all road, all weather bike they might start trading in their plastic rockets.

:bleh:

[shrub]

I reckon the 2011 Speed Triple is bordering on fugly!!

Its going to take a lot for those fricken ugly headlights to grow on me. I think they have taken a step backwards. The new chassis looks cool though

The Vstrom yes agreed thats one fugly bike.

Yeah, what were triumph thinking? The twin bug eyes are a design statement whereas the new light looks like it should have a fairing or something, and the general bodywork is pretty uninspiring. It may grow on you, but I doubt it.

[Kickaha]

I'm sorry guys it's just a fact- new gixxers= dogs breakfast

More like something the dog vomited up

[racefactory]

No that's new kawasaki's mate.

[JudaBaker]

I want to post in this thread because I love looking at my bike and I love riding it and it's the only vehicle I own, but I'm not sure I should because it might not be enough of a 'real bike' to be accepted by the OP. :(

[98tls]

:niceone:As predicted someone would bring up the V-Strom,all things considered a fucking awsome bike though it would seem not fot the fashion conscious eh,which it seems many motorcyclists are:weird:Funny how things go the full circle eh.

[Drew]

Heaps of people say the RF is ugly, I did too. But everytime I ride it, it's so much better than it's given credit for, the styling becomes more pleasing to the eye.

If they'd made it pretty it would have sold way better and lasted longer.

The best looking Gixxer is a K1/2, followed closely by the K5/6 with a yoshi pipe.

I like his signature

[Kickaha]

Heaps of people say the RF is ugly, I did too. But everytime I ride it, it's so much better than it's given credit for, the styling becomes more pleasing to the eye.

It gets uglier as soon as you hop on it

[Drew]

It gets uglier as soon as you hop on it

Can't look worse than a bucket with you wrapped around it.

[Katman]

I like his signature

I figured you would.

[racefactory]

Heaps of people say the RF is ugly, I did too. But everytime I ride it, it's so much better than it's given credit for, the styling becomes more pleasing to the eye.

If they'd made it pretty it would have sold way better and lasted longer.

The best looking Gixxer is a K1/2, followed closely by the K5/6 with a yoshi pipe.

I like his signature

I totally agree with that and can definitely see the appeal in an RF. K1 Gixxer is the best you can say that again.

For kawi the 05 ZX10R and ZX6R are sex on wheels. New crap with 10 million angles is not cool one bit. Squiddo shit.

The classic CBR's and R1's were stunners too- beautiful machines. New stuff from them with shrunk tails etc is absolutely offensive.

[Jantar]

Is the VStrom an ugly bike? I wouldn't really know as spend a hell of lot more time riding mine than I do looking at it.

Now be honest: Would you prefer to own a bike that's nice to look at, or one that's nice to ride? :bleh:

[Gremlin]

Jantar? You need to exit this forum. You're clearly not suited to it, what with all this crap about riding, and preferring to ride your bike than look at it!

[imdying]

The twin bug eyes are a design statementThat statement is, "Look at my ugly pimples". Hideous.


The classic CBR's and R1's were stunners too- beautiful machines. New stuff from them with shrunk tails etc is absolutely offensive.The only thing offensive about them is that they weren't made earlier. Gigantic tails wasting weight have been quite rightfully kicked to the curb. The sooner they shrink the fronts down some more as well, the better. I'll buy another when they get the blade down to the current CBR600s size.

[shrub]

Is the VStrom an ugly bike? I wouldn't really know as spend a hell of lot more time riding mine than I do looking at it.

Now be honest: Would you prefer to own a bike that's nice to look at, or one that's nice to ride? :bleh:

I've never ridden one, so all I know is what they look like. i have ridden Tigers and Multistradas, and they really are awesome bikes to ride, and a Tiger 1050 is something I would own, but they are a pretty cool looking bike.

I hear what you're saying about the most important quality of a bike being what it is like to ride, but why not havea bike that is good to ride AND looks good? I ride a bike that gives me a shit eating grin every time I get on it, and that grin carries on when I look at it, and it gets looks when I'm riding it and when it's parked, and that's always good for the ego. I even had young backpacker ask if she could have a photo of his gorgeous young girlfriend sitting on it. I haven't washed the seat since....:p

[Jantar]

I've never ridden one, so all I know is what they look like. .......


There was a time that I thought the VStrom was a "nothing" bike. I.e. it didn't know what it was supposed to be. An engine based on a sports bike, A tall seating position like a trail bike, an overly large front end etc.

Then I had a ride on one and immediately placed an order at my local Suzuki shop. They are comfortable ride, handle any road (some even better than sports bikes), relatively smooth for a V-Twin, and headlights that really work (hence the reason for that oversize front end). I have also ridden Tigers, TDMs, Mutistradas etc, but the VStrom is more comfortable than all of them to ride.

Worth noting that the Tiger is no longer considered a multi purpose bike, it is now road only. and many other models are startingto follow the VStrom looks. So maybe its still not pretty, but also isn't so ugly afterall.

[Highlander]

...
I hear what you're saying about the most important quality of a bike being what it is like to ride, but why not havea bike that is good to ride AND looks good? I ride a bike that gives me a shit eating grin every time I get on it, and that grin carries on when I look at it...

Looks were well down the list of qualities I was after. Have to agree the more I ride it the more the look is growing on me though.

[slowpoke]

I totally agree with that and can definitely see the appeal in an RF. K1 Gixxer is the best you can say that again.

For kawi the 05 ZX10R and ZX6R are sex on wheels. New crap with 10 million angles is not cool one bit. Squiddo shit.

The classic CBR's and R1's were stunners too- beautiful machines. New stuff from them with shrunk tails etc is absolutely offensive.

Blardy hell, you're sounding a lot like like one of those aging close minded parents losing touch and complaining about the music of the next generation. Move with the times or get left behind: the only constant is change.

Sure there are some great older bikes but there's plenty of reasons to look forward to the new stuff coming out. But hey, if you're happy listening to Val Doonican 78's then all power too ya.

[pritch]

I've been meaning to ask......

Do you really believe that shit you have as a signature?

Ummm I seem to recall that Kevin Schwantz said something very like that. Some on KB either don't know, or don't bother, to credit their source when quoting somebody.

By way of providing context for the Schwantz quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXI6Tjeiuc

[Drew]

I figured you would.Because of the source ya bloody minded squid!


Ummm I seem to recall that Kevin Schwantz said something very like that. Some on KB either don't know, or don't bother, to credit their source when quoting somebody.

By way of providing context for the Schwantz quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXI6TjeiucThere was more to the sentence, but half of it went "...see god, then brake".

[onearmedbandit]

Ummm I seem to recall that Kevin Schwantz said something very like that. Some on KB either don't know, or don't bother, to credit their source when quoting somebody.

By way of providing context for the Schwantz quote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXI6Tjeiuc

His sig was different before, something about living fast, dying young being the bikers way or some crap.

[Pussy]

(and they go much faster than the later bikes of 2004)
Oh really?
The 03 onwards GSX-R1000 has more power than a K1-K2.
The present crop of GSX-R 1000s would easily shame a K1-K2

[crazyhorse]

Oh really?
The 03 onwards GSX-R1000 has more power than a K1-K2.
The present crop of GSX-R 1000s would easily shame a K1-K2


..... just ask one fast TL - he had to do mods to his to even keep up with mine - and now he has it'll probably out run mine

(not saying they are all the same Pussy)

[Drew]

..... just ask one fast TL - he had to do mods to his to even keep up with mine - and now he has it'll probably out run mine

(not saying they are all the same Pussy)

The K2's were less than consistent I think.

[BMWST?]

There was a time that I thought the VStrom was a "nothing" bike. I.e. it didn't know what it was supposed to be. An engine based on a sports bike, A tall seating position like a trail bike, an overly large front end etc.

Then I had a ride on one and immediately placed an order at my local Suzuki shop. They are comfortable ride, handle any road (some even better than sports bikes), relatively smooth for a V-Twin, and headlights that really work (hence the reason for that oversize front end). I have also ridden Tigers, TDMs, Mutistradas etc, but the VStrom is more comfortable than all of them to ride.

Worth noting that the Tiger is no longer considered a multi purpose bike, it is now road only. and many other models are startingto follow the VStrom looks. So maybe its still not pretty, but also isn't so ugly afterall.

its in the eye of the beholder....stroms are UGLY....but then so is my bike!

[crazyhorse]

The K2's were less than consistent I think.

he bought a k4 and I have a k1

[The Lone Rider]

... anything with a fairing, screen or where you have to lean forward. :doh:

[98tls]

... anything with a fairing, screen or where you have to lean forward. :doh:

Yep,far better to assume the Gorilla postion and use the body as a wind brake.:weird::msn-wink:

[oldrider]

Naaa ... there's some truly ugly women out here ... I can handle riding an ugly bike .. but riding an ugly woman ????

I dispute that comment.

There is no such thing as an ugly woman .... (unless you are a homo) .... it's only a matter of time, alcohol and/or opportunity!

Bikes however ... !

[Matariki]

Why the lack of images?

There's some really shocking looking electric bikes on the market.

Numero 'uno' electric motorcycle

http://www.electricbikee.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/uno-electric-motorcycle.jpg

I can't tell whether its a segway or half a bike that's missing. Probably both. Either way, looking at it wants to make me throw up.

[blackdog]

Why the lack of images?

There's some really shocking looking electric bikes on the market.

Numero 'uno' electric motorcycle

http://www.electricbikee.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/uno-electric-motorcycle.jpg

I can't tell whether its a segway or half a bike that's missing. Probably both. Either way, looking at it wants to make me throw up.

that looks the biz!

you would probably even wave to it...

[Matariki]

that looks the biz!

you would probably even wave to it...

Har har, very funny. <_<

[jaffaonajappa]

One of the ugliest bikes Ever....from one of the best manufacturers. ever.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-384628399.htm

14k Buy Now. reckon yad manage to 'fix' the front end look for a grand or two?

[4AGE]

Dear god that is ugly.

[specter]

its sad... especially from bimota :(

[merv]

Yeah the Mantra, I'd only ridden with a guy with a yellow one, I haven't seen a red one before. I always called the yellow one the Looney Tunes bike because it was just so cartoon like.

[rastuscat]

Beauty, eye of beholder, all that sort of thing.

BMW F650CS Scarver. Nightmare headlight, as ugly as that Bimota. What were they thinking?

Don't like the look of the new Gladius either, just me I guess.

Harumph.

[cheshirecat]

241097
Interesting in its day, if only for the complete absence of good handling

[jmmk]

http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/588/victory_vision_india_19.jpg
http://automobile99.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/honda-dn-011.jpg

[jaffaonajappa]

http://www.xbhp.com/autopictorials/data/588/victory_vision_india_19.jpg
http://automobile99.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/honda-dn-011.jpg

Yup, that Honda is a Fugly version of the Bimota Matra. Why did thay do that???!!!

But that Victory...well...beauty in the eye of beholder whatever - im not a cruiser fan. But that victory actually looks quite impressive. Sorry :drool:

[Grant`]

Yup, that Honda is a Fugly version of the Bimota Matra. Why did thay do that???!!!

But that Victory...well...beauty in the eye of beholder whatever - im not a cruiser fan. But that victory actually looks quite impressive. Sorry :drool:

Those victories definitely look like the deathstar up close, possibly a toilet or study room shy of being the same size.