Cool bikes you would love to own but probably never will [Archive]

HenryDorsetCase

25th February 2020, 11:53

I'm gonna need that Norton Manx frame you have sitting in the back of your shed. And the running gear. In fact just take the motor out of your Manx and send the rest of it to me.

I also need a Kawa 500 triple motor.

Paul in NZ

25th February 2020, 13:35

rastuscat

25th February 2020, 20:43

GT750 Waterbus that was at the Shiny Side Up event in Christchurch at the weekend.

Show room condition. It was a thing of beauty. My mates and I speculated that it'd be up there with a CBx 1000 or a Z1300.

pete376403

25th February 2020, 21:35

Also posted on the optimistic sellers thread (it wasnt for sale but my post followed Jellywrestlers one about selling his Vincent...) Godet Egli Vincent seen in the Waiararapa. Has about 2200km on it. Owner said the original English owner bought it from Godet, did about 1000km on it and didn't like it, left it in a damp shed for a number of years. New price from Godet was around $150k in south pacific pesos.

TheDemonLord

26th February 2020, 08:37

A MotoGP bike would be nice.

And the Anti-Volvo Bike by Ogri (I wish I could find a picture of it)

neels

26th February 2020, 14:27

I would love to own a cool bike, but probably never will.

ellipsis

26th February 2020, 18:52

...a 1970 Honda CL 50 Scrambler...

onearmedbandit

26th February 2020, 19:00

Suzuki GSXR750RK.

tri boy

26th February 2020, 20:35

Black Lightening.

jellywrestler

26th February 2020, 21:59

Black Lightening.

they're not a scrattchbuilt bike, merely a stock bike with a few bolt on goodies.
White shadows are an interesting beast, worth about 50% more than a black shadow, the only difference to a black shadow is that they didn't paint the engine.
makes a ten dollar tin of paint stripper a good investment then.

pzkpfw

27th February 2020, 14:56

Bimota Tesi 3D

Don't judge.

F5 Dave

27th February 2020, 17:58

Meh - photo taken from a flattering angle... The featherbed frame is good - very good actually BUT its designed for a pre unit engine so theres a lot of real estate in there. Plus - the engine needs to be waay forward to get the weight distribution 'right' leaving an unsightly gap. If I was doing that - I'd either get a shorter frame made OR use a swing arm unit BSA frame. Excellent frames..

I think you will find they are pretty woeful . I'd never really paid much attention to British bikes but then had a few racing ones on the dyno and couldn't help notice all the bent frame tubes with minimal bracing, the BSA was the worst with the squashed frame tube up front for engine clearance and that was apparently clearing up. Flattered by flat power curves of modest values I suspect.

NSR500 V twin with a road kit please.

And an R7 to counter OABs pedestrian homoligation gasaxe:innocent:
Better have the race kit on that.

Katman

27th February 2020, 18:45

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1982_Kawasaki_KZ1000S_KGTW.jpg

rastuscat

27th February 2020, 18:59

And an R7 to counter OABs pedestrian homoligation gasaxe:innocent:

OABs gixxer ought to be held up to the world as an engineering marvel.

Grumph

27th February 2020, 19:09

I reckon that if you're going to have a cool bike - and ride it - a modern crotch rocket isn't what's wanted.
Too easy to lose a licence now.

So, outside the box, I'd go for a Sunbeam model 90. Late 20's, IMO best of the vintage flat-tankers.

At that period Sunbeam's engineering, fit and finish was very good indeed. With known tweaks, not a lot slower than a Goldie up to the ton.

And Dave, remember that the frames you criticise were from a period where grip levels were very low. Loadings weren't very high as you went arse over tit pretty easily.
From back to back comparison on the same day at Ruapuna, featherbed steers power on or off, BSA only steers with power on.

tri boy

27th February 2020, 19:16

they're not a scrattchbuilt bike,

Give us a Jota then mr. I've worked real hard to build up my clutch/wrist muskels:tugger:

jellywrestler

27th February 2020, 20:01

I think you will find they are pretty woeful . I'd never really paid much attention to British bikes but then had a few racing ones on the dyno and couldn't help notice all the bent frame tubes with minimal bracing, the BSA was the worst with the squashed frame tube up front for engine clearance and that was apparently clearing up. Flattered by flat power curves of modest values I suspect.

NSR500 V twin with a road kit please.

And an R7 to counter OABs pedestrian homoligation gasaxe:innocent:
Better have the race kit on that.

i commentated for a day in Aussie with Steve Parrish not long ago, asked him a few Q's. one was his first race bike which was a proper build, they decided the next year on thicker walled tubing and the riders didn't like the rigidity of them, funny when you think you're moving forward it's a step backwards

F5 Dave

28th February 2020, 06:23

. . .

And Dave, remember that the frames you criticise were from a period where grip levels were very low. Loadings weren't very high as you went arse over tit pretty easily.
From back to back comparison on the same day at Ruapuna, featherbed steers power on or off, BSA only steers with power on.
Yeah just people still talk about them like they had some magical quality especially as they were made by white people with names like Rex and Colin.

Engines tyres suspension, evolutions upon evolution conspiring against each other. That's what changes the pitch and demands new approaches.

. . . And that is why we have outgrown our God and we need a new one.

I'm not usually that busy on Thursdays, I'm sure I could fit it in to my schedule.

Laava

28th February 2020, 06:36

. . . And that is why we have outgrown our God and we need a new one.

Boss Hoss then for me. All of them.
we can pile them up in a funeral pyre and sacrifice them to F5Daves new god! Exciting new beginnings!

F5 Dave

28th February 2020, 06:53

Well it wouldn't be a religious movement (actually I'm on the toilet making another movement as we speak) if there wasn't an angle of sexual deviance to it. I haven't decided yet but I'm sure something will pop up. :eek5:

Laava

28th February 2020, 07:03

So you're saying some sort of Honda might be required?

sidecar bob

28th February 2020, 07:21

So you're saying some sort of Honda might be required?

No, he said sexual deviance, not homosexuality.:msn-wink:

malcy25

28th February 2020, 07:34

This great topic, the wondrous, if money no object wish list.

Given my toys i already have, there are only two or three that I would really like (and lets be honest, they are "wants" not "needs").
My 1990 RS125 Honda I won the 125 Grand Prix on many years ago now. Bought it by draining my super account, sold it to help with a house deposit
an R7 OW02 to park next to my OW01:banana:
A late model BIG capacity stroker GP bike. Running one is never going to be easy though....

A retired Moto2 bike could be fun for ride days. Then again, so's a F750 Richard Peckett Trident....love the noise!!

Scubbo

28th February 2020, 07:53

890 duke :eek:

sidecar bob

28th February 2020, 08:15

pritch

28th February 2020, 10:03

When I saw mentions of R7 I thought WTF? This is what I pictured in my mind. A pre war racing AJS 350.

malcy25

28th February 2020, 11:06

I hear that Steve Wheatman is having a bit of a clear out. :innocent:

His mostly Say S on the side, not a tuning fork....though a 90's to 2000 RGV I'd lower myself to...

F5 Dave

28th February 2020, 11:57

Theres a nice YZR 5 min up the road that says Lucky Strike on the side but there might be a tuning fork somewhere on it if you look hard enough. And I did but was dribbling too much to notice logos.

sidecar bob

28th February 2020, 12:04

Theres a nice YZR 5 min up the road that says Lucky Strike on the side but there might be a tuning fork somewhere on it if you look hard enough. And I did but was dribbling too much to notice logos.

Is it parked near the ex Jezza McWilliams Proton by chance?

F5 Dave

28th February 2020, 12:11

And thank you SCB for your deviance suggestion on PM. I almost spit out the chocolate fudge laughing and that just isn't polite behaviour in a cafe. Especially for a potential major deity.

I'm still considering as work takes a lot of my day up and after dinner I have to clear up a bit and help put the kids to bed. After that I'd be free to answer your spiritual and ethical questions. Probably live feed from the chapel downstairs as I clean and oil the dirtbike airfilter, lube the chain etc.

My wife and I have been working on the 'Smite button'. We have the concept pretty well nailed and potential first test targets queuing up, just need to work through the implementation phase of R&D, but surely it can't be that hard.
She has suggested a 'Stun' setting as a warning, but I'm feeling that my Devine will is likely infallible so I cant see we'd bother and it would just tie up funding when we could be working on Locust plagues and Floods (that bit is well advanced).

F5 Dave

28th February 2020, 12:14

Is it parked near the ex Jezza McWilliams Proton by chance?

Haven't seen it for like a year but was shared with all sorts of other bikes, no Proton at that stage.

jasonu

28th February 2020, 13:00

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1982_Kawasaki_KZ1000S_KGTW.jpg

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164090660412

sidecar bob

28th February 2020, 13:09

And thank you SCB for your deviance suggestion on PM. I almost spit out the chocolate fudge laughing and that just isn't polite behaviour in a cafe. Especially for a potential major deity.
.

Other major players have the market sewn up for kiddy fiddling & it needs to be something that anyone can try their hand at:cool:
If youre talking about P.T's place theres a Proton there now.

Katman

28th February 2020, 13:40

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164090660412

Not even close.

HenryDorsetCase

28th February 2020, 16:38

https://www.ebay.com/itm/164090660412

That gives me the horn in the best possible way.

HenryDorsetCase

28th February 2020, 16:41

Not even close.

there was one discussed on here recently (as in within the last year) cant remember if it was ebay or rare sports bikes or bonhams. Didnt it go north of $130k USD?

I'd actually buy a ZRX "lawson" rep cos I quite like the look of them, but I do get that they are not the same as the real deal.

husaberg

28th February 2020, 17:04

they're not a scrattchbuilt bike, merely a stock bike with a few bolt on goodies.
White shadows are an interesting beast, worth about 50% more than a black shadow, the only difference to a black shadow is that they didn't paint the engine.
makes a ten dollar tin of paint stripper a good investment then.
I like this one.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAVc0sjNlw/TfknqFVF7XI/AAAAAAAAAQg/q2-xcB_riiQ/s1600/Russell+Wright+Vincent.jpg
http://headfullofsnakes.blogspot.com/2011/06/vincent-black-lightning-1952.html

If you believe the folklore
the black was to hold in the oil same as the painted casting on a Zetor tractor.
i found this today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XjoExOoDXU&feature=emb_logo
there one was a black one
Sold in the states Harry Bellville along with Bobs back up Rapide,
not sure what happened to it afterwards other than the fairing was lost and its still in the states in a private collection.

You have probably seen it but Well worth a read
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/34600707/interview-with-russell-wright-part-1-vincent-hrd-owners-

ellipsis

28th February 2020, 19:53

...or an AC50...a perfect one...

pritch

28th February 2020, 19:55

Vic Wiloughby looking a lot younger there than I recall. Good stuff.

Daffyd

28th February 2020, 20:05

I reckon that if you're going to have a cool bike - and ride it - a modern crotch rocket isn't what's wanted.
Too easy to lose a licence now.

So, outside the box, I'd go for a Sunbeam model 90. Late 20's, IMO best of the vintage flat-tankers.

At that period Sunbeam's engineering, fit and finish was very good indeed. With known tweaks, not a lot slower than a Goldie up to the ton.

Was talking to an old lady in Westport a few years ago. She told me she and her husband had one. Bought it cheap from the boys in blue. They had to get rid

of them as they couldn't catch the the 'new wave' of Triumphs, BSA's, etc. that were becoming popular.

ellipsis

28th February 2020, 20:09

...and I try not to think about re-owning my first bike...a yellow T250 'Hustler', with the up-swept pipes that I scored from the Stu Avant camp...early 70's...I sold it after it broke a lot of my bones and I realised that I had to learn a lot more...I still need more training or restraining...It's the one bike I still think I was the biggest fuckwit for selling, but I was fifteen and new to being a m/c rider...Stu is as fucked off as me at having let it go back then...funny ole life...

Grumph

29th February 2020, 05:42

Was talking to an old lady in Westport a few years ago. She told me she and her husband had one. Bought it cheap from the boys in blue. They had to get rid

of them as they couldn't catch the the 'new wave' of Triumphs, BSA's, etc. that were becoming popular.

That would have been a post-war shaft drive inline twin. The cops did try a few, my old man bought one at the auction to see just how bad they were. Very.
The model 90 is a totally different animal. Premium period sports bike built to order in small numbers.
Big single in a good rigid frame with the best forks available, good brakes for the era - and light.
Fetching very good money now for the few examples that come up.

malcy25

29th February 2020, 07:47

Is it parked near the ex Jezza McWilliams Proton by chance?

Yes it is....and an Aprilia! I wonder what PT would say for a swap and he rides my old yellow dunga!

rastuscat

29th February 2020, 08:49

there was one discussed on here recently (as in within the last year) cant remember if it was ebay or rare sports bikes or bonhams. Didnt it go north of $130k USD?

I'd actually buy a ZRX "lawson" rep cos I quite like the look of them, but I do get that they are not the same as the real deal.

My nephew in Brisbane has one. Really nice to ride.

jellywrestler

29th February 2020, 10:29

That would have been a post-war shaft drive inline twin. The cops did try a few, my old man bought one at the auction to see just how bad they were. Very.
The model 90 is a totally different animal. Premium period sports bike built to order in small numbers.
Big single in a good rigid frame with the best forks available, good brakes for the era - and light.
Fetching very good money now for the few examples that come up.

I had a 1937 350 many moons ago, was a race bike

jasonu

29th February 2020, 14:16

Bimota Tesi 3D

Don't judge.

Here ya go
https://raresportbikesforsale.com/

F5 Dave

29th February 2020, 15:02

That's a 1D. Roger, also 5 min up the road has one of those, and a heap of other Bimbos

jasonu

29th February 2020, 16:00

That's a 1D.

All tarred with the same brush

F5 Dave

29th February 2020, 19:28

jellywrestler

29th February 2020, 21:32

I haven't ridden one. I rode a GTS1000 and thought it was great. Just needed some more poke (decat and larger headers like the FZR) and a weight reduction course. Ideal sport tourer, although a steel tank would have suited tank bag..

steve lindsell took one to ninth place with an OW01 motor in 1994, he wasn't podium material in that class so they must be worth their salt

F5 Dave

1st March 2020, 06:37

Lo, as it is Sunday, I stretch out my Devine hand and decree just one word.

Bacon.

And it was so. And there was much rejoicing and gnashing of teeth. Mainly into the aforementioned Bacon.

And a vision did appear.

Lo. Thy bacon might be consumed in some form of buttie, with a egg, and some cream cheese and bbq sauce.

This is my gift. Now go breath the vapours of the Holly 2 stroke. Preferably whilst performing a Big Wheelietm

Laava

1st March 2020, 07:04

Ask and you shall receive...
http://d1ixe45hlnt9mr.cloudfront.net/deli-story-images-legacy/Bacon_banner_100314.jpg

HenryDorsetCase

1st March 2020, 08:51

Ask and you shall receive...
http://d1ixe45hlnt9mr.cloudfront.net/deli-story-images-legacy/Bacon_banner_100314.jpg

I have stolen that - its fantastic

pritch

1st March 2020, 09:16

I haven't ridden one. I rode a GTS1000 and thought it was great. Just needed some more poke (decat and larger headers like the FZR) and a weight reduction course. Ideal sport tourer, although a steel tank would have suited tank bag..

That's funny. Every day I've looked at this thread and pondered. Realistically I wouldn't want anything with a kick start, nothing that required a racing crouch, nor too big, and I'd finally decided to post a pic of a bike. Almost the antithesis of "cool" but uncommon and probably actually attainable, but I've never ridden one. And you post that.

HenryDorsetCase

1st March 2020, 09:58

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2556648748.htm?rsqid=4766cd430997455ea93b87b3454c5 050-003

This is way too cheap. One of you fuckers buy it.

F5 Dave

1st March 2020, 16:21

That's funny. Every day I've looked at this thread and pondered. Realistically I wouldn't want anything with a kick start, nothing that required a racing crouch, nor too big, and I'd finally decided to post a pic of a bike. Almost the antithesis of "cool" but uncommon and probably actually attainable, but I've never ridden one. And you post that.
Well I've been riding a bike that doesn't meet a lot of those criteria today but its maybe the most fun thing I've ridden. Its kickstart although later models gained an electric leg. It has a comfortable position, seats a bit hard and thin, actually standing I'd often better. It's not too big, well if it were any taller I'd had trouble touching the ground. .

And it smokes when cold and pulls big wheelies. GasGas 300. Out by windfarm today, magic scenery.

Laava

1st March 2020, 18:17

It would be cool to take this to the Burt. Via the Rainbow, Danseys and Nevis then enter it in the drags, beach race and trackday. Then $1 auction it on TM in whatever cond it ends up in!😁😁😁
https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/other/auction-2179221290.htm?rsqid=23b16e52b5ab4f3b94362b9bbe3bd ea6-003

rastuscat

2nd March 2020, 06:57

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2556648748.htm?rsqid=4766cd430997455ea93b87b3454c5 050-003

This is way too cheap. One of you fuckers buy it.

Just a little uncertain about a conversion from a dual shock to a single shock.

To be fair, it looks mint.

Bonez

2nd March 2020, 06:59

Just a little uncertain about a conversion from a dual shock to a single shock.

To be fair, it looks mint.Ease of rear wheel removal.

sidecar bob

2nd March 2020, 07:02

Just a little uncertain about a conversion from a dual shock to a single shock.

To be fair, it looks mint.

BMW did the conversion at the factory, when they were making the frame. Should stand up ok.:yes:

jellywrestler

2nd March 2020, 08:17

BMW did the conversion at the factory, when they were making the frame. Should stand up ok.:yes:

Adrian has the pedigree to have done this right, and the people around him to have his back too, it'll work well, discreet too for a custom mod.

sidecar bob

2nd March 2020, 08:25

Adrian has the pedigree to have done this right, and the people around him to have his back too, it'll work well, discreet too for a custom mod.

Yes, its a factory mono frame, it certainly will work well.
I'm not sure why he got it certed, that & the brembo front end are factory parts on that frame.

HenryDorsetCase

2nd March 2020, 09:14

Was he the guy that had that badass CB750 Dresda special? That was beautifully done.

jellywrestler

2nd March 2020, 09:56

Yes, its a factory mono frame, it certainly will work well.
I'm not sure why he got it certed, that & the brembo front end are factory parts on that frame.

he hangs around with mr knibbs who does that stuff, good for selling better than all those adds 'will get cert with a couple of small jobs'

sidecar bob

2nd March 2020, 11:07

he hangs around with mr knibbs who does that stuff, good for selling better than all those adds 'will get cert with a couple of small jobs'

Possibly also so its yeared on the engine & is over 40 years old:msn-wink:

F5 Dave

2nd March 2020, 11:51

HenryDorsetCase

2nd March 2020, 13:03

husaberg

2nd March 2020, 16:59

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2557802873.htm?rsqid=fc84d94352ac45bcb94e776ee24b3 d2c-003

Harley XLCR 1000

I think if I rode it I might be somewhat disappointed. And since my abject failure with my Lotto-based retirement plan at the weekend, I can't buy it just to have it.

I agree, i have always liked those, maybe one with a 5 Evo engine with some decent mods or an XR1000 engine.
it would still not steer or brake though.

I always used to love the look of the Last GPZ1100 but i doubt it would live up to expectations. Or be much better than a GSX1100 of the same period.

F5 Dave

2nd March 2020, 17:15

I agree, i have always liked those, maybe one with a 5 Evo engine with some decent mods or an XR1000 engine.
it would still not steer or brake though.
. .
Or negotiate a bumpy corner without wobbling, or get out of it's own way, or. .

husaberg

2nd March 2020, 18:41

Or negotiate a bumpy corner without wobbling, or get out of it's own way, or. .
Or do the kb wave
They are kind of odd, they have to have a rising throttle to turn much like a Old Triumph.
You can't slam it in then wack open the throttle, as they dont seem to turn without the throttle, not sure if its a postpone of the barge like geometry is poor weight distribution.
Maybe they have that much slop in the chassis they need the slack taken up.
Or Why thats why they put on those Gorilla handlebars?
potato potato.
BSA and Nortons pitch in and turn without drama.

Grumph

5th March 2020, 19:08

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-2557802873.htm?rsqid=fc84d94352ac45bcb94e776ee24b3 d2c-003

Harley XLCR 1000

I think if I rode it I might be somewhat disappointed. And since my abject failure with my Lotto-based retirement plan at the weekend, I can't buy it just to have it.

Blackadder has one of those engines - with better cams and heads. In a light(er) bike with better handling.
To quote the first owner " you've got to pick your fights with rice puddings - some of them are pretty strong"

lb99

6th March 2020, 17:17

......I always used to love the look of the Last GPZ1100 .......

this one?

344864344865

Navy Boy

6th March 2020, 19:40

Honda CX650 Turbo.

I know, I know. There's no accounting for taste but I remember these when I was growing up and they were just so futuristic. :confused:

husaberg

6th March 2020, 20:03

this one?

344864344865

Yes.............

F5 Dave

7th March 2020, 06:35

RM465

Too wimpy to really do it any justice but they were the coolest thing I could imagine when I was 15. Mind you I also had this poster. . .

lb99

7th March 2020, 07:09

Yes.............

Well, Its long and heavy, not real nimble, but it is incredibly stable on its skinny tyres, and awesome on a windy day. Seems to go ok too. I have no plans to update it

sidecar bob

7th March 2020, 07:47

Honda CX650 Turbo.

I know, I know. There's no accounting for taste but I remember these when I was growing up and they were just so futuristic. :confused:

It's ironic that futuristic things never really turned back up in the future.