What feature do you rate most in choosing a motorbike?

[rocketman1]

I have looked at buying additional road bike, for open road use, and have researched alot of reviews of various bikes on the net.
As a reasonably experienced rider I find one thing I look for when choosing a bike, and that is handling is #1.
If a bike is not rated , at least 5 stars for handling and comfort by the journalists, I find it hard to consider.
Maybe because I have scared myself a few times on other bikes especially when failing to take corners, I now consider it the #1 priority when buying another bike.
Research tells us 48% of motorbike accidents occur with bikes failing to take corners, and I realise that many bikes are not suitable for NZ roads.
I find it hard to consider that people would buy a bike with 2-3 stars out of 5 for handling.

It could be argued it is the rider , not the bike, but I would argue that we all enter corners too fast at some time in our riding careers, this is when you need a bike that handles, your life depends on it.

Interested what other riders think is the major consideration.

[Laava]

Surely the criteria would be different depending on useage? If you wanted a round town bike, then comfort would not be as important as it would be on a touring bike etc. and handling is subjective in a similar way depending on road and/or traffic conditions

[cheshirecat]

Gear driven cams

[AllanB]

Too many factors involved in buying a bike to narrow it down to one. Probably fair to say that most purchases are restricted by $ on hand. So get the best bike for their buck!!!!


Handling - relative to what, a good handling cruiser will be nothing like a CBR which will be nothing like a good handling dual purpose bike.

Best to just pick your fav colour!!!!!! LOL

[Big Dave]

Versatility.

[speeding_ant]

Gear driven cams

If only for the noise they make :heart:

[Big Dave]

Research tells us 48% of motorbike accidents occur with bikes failing to take corners, and I realise that many bikes are not suitable for NZ roads.


It's not the bike that fails to take corners. Nor is it down to suitability. It's the numpty on the throttle.

[Voltaire]

Must be 2 cylinders as that's what the ones in my shed have :eek:

[Tarded]

Desmo valve action of course.

[EJK]

Colour. <font color="1a1a1a">aasdfa</font>

[Motu]

For me it's got to be a bike no one else wants - that means it's cheap. Preferably not going, that means it's even cheaper.

[Gremlin]

Meets my needs.

[xXGIBBOXx]

Comfort , if i want to go for a long ride im not going to be walking round like a 80 year old man the next day

[Tigadee]

My bike's gotta have nice pipes, yo!

[Berries]

I have looked at buying additional road bike, for open road use, and have researched alot of reviews of various bikes on the net.
As a reasonably experienced rider I find one thing I look for when choosing a bike, and that is handling is #1.
If a bike is not rated , at least 5 stars for handling and comfort by the journalists, I find it hard to consider.
Maybe because I have scared myself a few times on other bikes especially when failing to take corners, I now consider it the #1 priority when buying another bike.
Research tells us 48% of motorbike accidents occur with bikes failing to take corners, and I realise that many bikes are not suitable for NZ roads.
I find it hard to consider that people would buy a bike with 2-3 stars out of 5 for handling.

It could be argued it is the rider , not the bike, but I would argue that we all enter corners too fast at some time in our riding careers, this is when you need a bike that handles, your life depends on it.

Interested what other riders think is the major consideration.
Forget about the research. it is pretty hard to fall off on a straight without someone else involved so it is somewhat meaningless. You seem to be overcomplicating something that should, in an ideal world, be driven more by the heart than the rating of someone you have never met on roads you will never ride. What is a 5 star rating for handling anyway? How does it compare to 3 stars? Who knows.

I might be wrong and wind a few people up here, but the type of bike is probably a better indication of handling than some rating from someone who wants to be nice to a dealer or manufacturer. Over the last few years I have lost count of the number of crashes I have seen involving big Japanese cruisers like Boulevards where they have simply run out of ability/tyres/ground clearance on a moderate curve and crashed in to an expensive heap. At the same speed I doubt most other bikes would have had a problem. And most other bikes handle sufficiently well to cope with the legal speed limit and quite a bit more. For me it wouldn't make a difference unless the bike truly did bend in the middle.

I'd consider price, unfortunately. Then a combination of looks, comfort and performance. And then the grin factor. While I would certainly read reviews of bikes I was interested in those five factors are personal to me, so I am unlikely to be swayed by what I read.

[Jjgres]

There's so many things to like about a motorcycle. I guess if I had to invent one thing it would be a high power to weight ratio.

[onearmedbandit]

Calling Katman!!

Blaming the bike type for not handling the corner. That's brilliant that is.

[Banditbandit]

Grin Factor - definitely - every time !!!

Sure handling is important - and a fast bike that handles badly can be a killer ... (That's why we called them things like Killer Kwaka ...) but you ride the bike you buy - with all it's faults and foibles .. you don't ride the bike you think you want ... or ride it like you want it to be ... if you do you're on the wrong bike !!!

Good brakes are pretty important by themselves .... if you've ever ridden a heavy bike that is underbraked you will know what I mean ... thery are fine until you REALLY need them - and then they are not there ..

[slofox]

Fit first and handling after that. Oh and the ability to go at lunatic speeds is good...:whistle:

[Berries]

Blaming the bike type for not handling the corner. That's brilliant that is.
Obviously I meant different types of bikes have different handling characteristics and therefore have to be ridden accordingly, whether it is speed, corner set up or whatever.

[BigAl]

Power band colour

[Big Dave]

I have only tested one 'bad' handling new bike in the last 10 years. And even then its manners made it a heap of fun.

Sure some are better than others, there are some with limited cornering clearance, and some the suspension components might wear out quickly (emulsion shocks), but 199/200 have handled fine in normal road conditions when new.

Only one had brakes I wouldn't accept. and they probably just needed bleeding. Some are better than others there too, but it's not 1960 any more.

[MIXONE]

The number one priority for me is $ as I don't have a lot of them.Even then it has to "push my buttons".

As for ill handling bikes I would love to own a Harley or similar because you can have a ball at legal speed limits.The average cbr/gsx etc must be a yawnfest at 100kph.

[The Reibz]

Torque. And lots of it. Horse power doesn't mean shit and varies greatly between dyno's

The average cbr/gsx etc must be a yawnfest at 100kph
Not if your a loose cunt with the throttle and aren't afraid to lean the bike over.

[Big Dave]

As for ill handling bikes

Modern Harleys and metric cruisers handle pretty well.

Cornering clearance and lean angle is a different thing.

Bad handling is wallowing in a corner, getting bounced off line by irregularities in the surface, changing line under brakes, inability to hold a line, having to constantly adjust input etc.

Scraping the floorboards ain't.

[wysper]

Grin Factor - definitely - every time !!!

Sure handling is important - and a fast bike that handles badly can be a killer ... (That's why we called them things like Killer Kwaka ...) but you ride the bike you buy - with all it's faults and foibles .. you don't ride the bike you think you want ... or ride it like you want it to be ... if you do you're on the wrong bike !!!

Good brakes are pretty important by themselves .... if you've ever ridden a heavy bike that is underbraked you will know what I mean ... thery are fine until you REALLY need them - and then they are not there ..

This. Done.

[scumdog]

Good ground clearance
Good brakes
Torque
Economy/large tank
Luggage carrying ability
Reliability.

and grin factor.:niceone:


Oops, almost forgot: Irritant factor to those who own of other brands of bike!,

[MIXONE]

Modern Harleys and metric cruisers handle pretty well.

Cornering clearance and lean angle is a different thing.

Bad handling is wallowing in a corner, getting bounced off line by irregularities in the surface, changing line under brakes, inability to hold a line etc.

Scraping the floorboards ain't.

Yeah I used the wrong words in "ill handling".Should have said something along the lines of non racetrack handling.

[Big Dave]

Yeah I used the wrong words in "ill handling".Should have said something along the lines of non racetrack handling.

Yeah sorry - wasn't being picky - just sayin' to the masses.

All relative - I stuck Ohlins and Race tech gear on my Triumphs because the original components were worn out under 20,000km. Big improvement.

Then yesterday I did a really nice ride on a new Road King. Handling and brakes are pretty good and I had a really enjoyable time around-about the speed limits.

FWIW One of the race track handlers out there hit a tree.

[Mom]

Being able to touch the ground when I sit on it :yes:

[caspernz]

Meh, biking is all about whatever gives me the biggest horn...and you guys should be ashamed for not stating the damn truth as well!!:bleh::bleh:

Practicality is down in about 47th place really ain't it?

Soooo, Busa or ZX14? :laugh::Police:

[Banditbandit]

The number one priority for me is $ as I don't have a lot of them.Even then it has to "push my buttons".

As for ill handling bikes I would love to own a Harley or similar because you can have a ball at legal speed limits.The average cbr/gsx etc must be a yawnfest at 100kph.

Yeah .. Naa bro ... if you sit on 100 licks and never slow down .. that's fucking fun ... and I mean seriously .. try the 'Takas at 100 klicks wthout slowing down ... I'll be you shit bricks .. no yawning there ..

[Banditbandit]

Being able to touch the ground when I sit on it :yes:

Sorry .. . I'm the opposite ... "Excuse me while I kiss the sky ..."

[Drew]

How does it compare to either a K1/2, or a K5/6 GSX-R1000?

That usually thins the prospects down to two choices...A K1/2, or K5/6 Gixxer thou.

[wysper]

Being able to touch the ground when I sit on it :yes:

You can sit on the ground without touching it? That is mean skillzzzz Mom.

[Paul in NZ]

I rode a 675 Daytona - I thought it handled like a turd on a rollerskate because I'd just hopped of a Buell std bike and I thought that was dangerously unstable because I'd just hopped off my 1970 Triumph twin...

Each of those bikes are in fact great handling bikes but each one requires a different approach and riding style to get the best out of it.

Fact is - the 675 terrified me and it wasn't until I got my leathers on and started committing to it and weight shifting that it all clicked - the Buell is a torque monster of a bucking bronco of a bike that is just begging to be backed in and having the trigger pulled while the old 650 is perfectly balanced light handling old beast that picks a 'classic' line and swoops through with delicate inputs. All of them hugely capable but needing a different input. All this on exactly the same road...

One mans bad handling is often that mans inability to adapt to the vehicle and read it needs.

[Geeen]

As has been said by a few grin/giggle factor, when I roll off the throttle on mine and it pops and burbles I giggle like a school girl every time. Second is TORQUE, comfort and handling. The ability to set of car alarms is also worth having..........

[Banditbandit]

How does it compare to either a K1/2, or a K5/6 GSX-R1000?

That usually thins the prospects down to two choices...A K1/2, or K5/6 Gixxer thou.

And the head liner says you have an RF900 ... so how does it compare??

[Maha]

Something a little different (generally) that will suit my needs for at least two years and is brand new. At the now, I have ended up with something that will do everything I require for the next while, it's a more 'run of the mill' Suzuki but it looks a little different than others in it's class. I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.

[nodrog]

cup holders

[Paul in NZ]

Its actually a good question...

The NUMBER ONE reason I buy a motorcycle is - when I stand in the shed and pull off the dust cover and it just sits there - does it put a swell in me trousers? If not NUMBER TWO - is it useful? If no to either of those then its gorn....

[crazy man]

its got to stand out from the rest , small and racey and sound cool , no more than 250cc

[bluninja]

The smell of the seat on a demonstrator bike :-

If it smells of sweat and adrenaline....you don't even need to ride it to know it's gonna be fun.
If it smells of poo....you know it's a shit bike. :laugh:

[HenryDorsetCase]

how much chrome, how deep the metalflake paint, and how many tassels. Will my large gut cause a dent in the top of the fuel tank? will my short bandy legs touch the ground. Will I be able to pay it off within my lifetime? Will my brony bro's think its cool? thats key for me. what others think. yup.

[Drew]

And the head liner says you have an RF900 ... so how does it compare??You'd be surprised...

[Drew]

That was racing in Superbike at the Atrix winter series...7th through 15th places should be fuckin ashamed of themselves!

[Berries]

when I stand in the shed and pull off the dust cover and it just sits there - does it put a swell in me trousers? If not NUMBER TWO - is it useful?
I have heard of sad gits getting physically turned on by bikes but never to the extent they do number twos in their pants.

Is it a Ginny?

[Big Dave]

That was racing in Superbike at the Atrix winter series...7th through 15th places should be fuckin ashamed of themselves!

Pretty impressive I reckon. Like racing sports cars in a ute.

[rocketman1]

The smell of the seat on a demonstrator bike :-

If it smells of sweat and adrenaline....you don't even need to ride it to know it's gonna be fun.
If it smells of poo....you know it's a shit bike. :laugh:

Mate, did u sniff the girls bike seats at school too :) ?

[rocketman1]

Yes I must admit that good brakes are important

We all have to stop fast at some time, and we all go into corners too fast "at some time"

Make sure your bike is good at both.

:weird::weird:

[bluninja]

Mate, did u sniff the girls bike seats at school too :) ?

I licked them clean before they sat on them :bleh:

That's when you got your new model year, in September. Brand-new, she was. She had the smell of a brand-new car. That's just about the finest smell in the world, 'cept maybe for pussy

[awayatc]

maybe you should get out a bit more........

[Paul in NZ]

I have heard of sad gits getting physically turned on by bikes but never to the extent they do number twos in their pants.

Is it a Ginny?

I feel sorry for you man - only ever had ugly bikes...... sigh... Yeah its messy but its anything but sad....

Anyway - you know what I mean. I still love just looking at my TR6C - 25 years and many many miles and every nut and bolt has been through my hands more than once - you would think theres not much left to look at but - gaze at it I do.... and the swell in me trousers is always in front - never in the back

[bluninja]

maybe you should get out a bit more........

Nah it's winter and wet and all the bike saddles have been washed off by the rain :mellow:

Did you not like the quote from the film "Christine" ?

[Berg]

For me, a bike must be somewhat versatile being something I can commute on, weekend play on and trip away on. Of course comfort is also important as old injuries mean I'm a bit stuffed for riding a "lay down" bike.

[bluninja]

But seriously......

It depends why you are buying the bike in the first place. For your one best bike, it's not a specific feature I look at, it's that you want to be near the bike, love looking at the bike, and most importantly imagine yourself riding the bike as often as possible.

I have a fantastic, capable bike that ticks all the feature boxes.....but if I don't look at it or ride it for a week I'm not too upset. My Aprilia RSVR, which I owned for 10 years, I would just go and look at it, or sit on it if I coudln't go riding.

If I was to choose one individual feature that would be top of the list it would be suspension. Without it the rest of the package just won't perform. Try stopping a bike with good brakes on a normally bumpy road, but no oil in the forks and you'll see how important good suspension is to getting you stopped.

[Kermit250]

Yep, the number one thing for me is when I open that garage, just looking at it makes me want to ride it.

A bike needs to inspire it's rider to want to ride it or else you may as well drive a car and give up bikes.

[Drew]

Yep, the number one thing for me is when I open that garage, just looking at it makes me want to ride it.

The RF is like that for me...Because I can't see the ugly when I ride it.

[Kermit250]

The RF is like that for me...Because I can't see the ugly when I ride it.

It doesn't have to be a pretty bike, it has to be what ticks your boxes, what inspires YOU to want to ride it :Punk:

[jolly_26]

Cheap and would last me my learners while providing a bit of fun.

[Swoop]

Looks, performance, sound and comfort.

[Drew]

Looks, performance, sound and comfort.
You'd be after a K1/2 gixxer then mister.

[10bikekid]

It's not the bike that fails to take corners. Nor is it down to suitability. It's the numpty on the throttle.:crazy:

Yep, Ride a Harley like an Aprilia and you wont need to worry about the price of regos for long, Ride an Aprilia like a Harley and you may have found the secret to eternal life (if you don't die of boredom first)

My answer to Ops question would be does it do it for you, Big Dual Sport at high speed on a Gravel road is pretty close for me.

[Swoop]

You'd be after a K1/2 gixxer then mister.
:oi-grr:
283164

[Tarded]

I rode a 675 Daytona - I thought it handled like a turd on a rollerskate because I'd just hopped of a Buell std bike and I thought that was dangerously unstable because I'd just hopped off my 1970 Triumph twin...

Each of those bikes are in fact great handling bikes but each one requires a different approach and riding style to get the best out of it.

Fact is - the 675 terrified me and it wasn't until I got my leathers on and started committing to it and weight shifting that it all clicked - the Buell is a torque monster of a bucking bronco of a bike that is just begging to be backed in and having the trigger pulled while the old 650 is perfectly balanced light handling old beast that picks a 'classic' line and swoops through with delicate inputs. All of them hugely capable but needing a different input. All this on exactly the same road...

One mans bad handling is often that mans inability to adapt to the vehicle and read it needs.

I agree. I have seen some full dressers ridden much quicker than their bulk would suggest was possible. Just an experienced rider who has adapted to his behemoth.
Shops sell every accessory but skill...........

If a bike doesnt turn you on there is no point for me, just take the car. It has a coffee holder.

[Tarded]

I licked them clean before they sat on them :bleh:

That's when you got your new model year, in September. Brand-new, she was. She had the smell of a brand-new car. That's just about the finest smell in the world, 'cept maybe for pussy

Ill be a train spotter and say the Fury never came out in that 'color' that year, only available in buckskin beige. Wait for the car talk abuse.

[AD345]

Well, I have to consider my obligations to the wider public.

So, it is only fair that any bike I buy is able to convey the message to the world at large that I am, of course, seriously cool and a bad ass muthafucker



and that I have an extremely large penis.

After that it is pretty much just colour

[sketch]

colour


has to be black

[Mrs Shrek]

Being able to touch the ground when I sit on it :yes:

+ 1 Me too :yes:

[BMWST?]

+ 1 Me too :yes:

i am the opposite,must be able to accomodate a 190cm frame

[Drew]

seriously cool and a bad ass muthafucker
If you aint this guy, you aint there yet!


http://www.spectacularry.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/jules.jpg

[Berries]

So, it is only fair that any bike I buy is able to convey the message to the world at large that I am, of course, seriously cool and a bad ass muthafucker
And yet you got a bike named after a girlie cocktail?

[carbonhed]

And yet you got a bike named after a girlie cocktail?

Thought it was the location of his testicle.

[Mushu]

To the OP: a bike that handles means nothing, a big part of riding is knowing your machine and what it can do and knowing what you yourself are capable of, if you can't work that out you're likely to come off anything you ride.

The feature I rate highest is what will inspire me to want to ride. I have to enjoy being on it, beyond that not much else matters. The R6 looks sexy, goes fast and puts a smile on my face every time I throw it into a corner and the DR just inspires stupidity, not as fun on the road but sliding through corners on a trail while dodging trees keeps me entertained for hours.

In short I look for different things on different bikes.

Sent from my XT535 using Tapatalk 2

[Berries]

Thought it was the location of his testicle.
Hamilton?




..

[CHOPPA]

Colour and Horsepower

[Dougnelson]

Grunt and power (prefer triples or twins or v4s) not stupid power but a characterful motor eg Ducati air cooled twins or Triumph T3 triples (1992-2004).
Looks and sound (part of the overall aesthetic.).
Ease of use and handling (do I have to fight with the machine or is it my friend - needs abit of mongrel inside though).
Does the bike move me? Thrill me? Connect with me?
Affordability in the end determines what we actually purchase after the above factors are taken into account.

[Drew]

Grunt and power (prefer triples or twins or v4s) not stupid power but a characterful motor eg Ducati air cooled twins or Triumph T3 triples (1992-2004).
Looks and sound (part of the overall aesthetic.).
Ease of use and handling (do I have to fight with the machine or is it my friend - needs abit of mongrel inside though).
Does the bike move me? Thrill me? Connect with me?
Affordability in the end determines what we actually purchase after the above factors are taken into account.

There should be an influx of K1/2 gixxer sales any fuckin day now I reckon!

Although, it's a smaller and smaller number of us who still think it's a gorgeous bike. The old girls are a tad bulky, but still sleek as fuck methinks.