Big Dave Awards

[Big Dave]

Kiwi Rider with the Bike of the Year feature is in the mail tomorrow.
I have my own half page.

BD Bike of the Year Judging Guidelines.

Line all 24 Bikes you have ridden for Kiwi Rider together:
http://web.mac.com/david_cohen_design/Site/Photo_Albums/Pages/BOTY_photos.html

Now - you can keep one - take it home - which one would you choose?
That is the criteria. Not which one is 'best' - just which one would you like to keep most.

Guess.

[Conquiztador]

Out of the ordinary

[98tls]

Fazer for me.

[HDTboy]

xb12x ?

[skidMark]

fireblade....

it's something you can like ...buy

and i'm a sportsbike fella

but uve tested so many cruisers i would say go for a cruiser as your readers obviously like that type of bike if that your usual reviews.....

on that front i would probably have to say the buell xb12....for the simple fact it has a harley motor.....but can actually take a corner at a proper pace, and i do like the concepts buell have ...ie the way they did the front brake discs....

at end of the day though, i'd be taking home the blade.:headbang:

[xwhatsit]

Scrambler 1/2. Cool and useful.

[Trudes]

CB900, oh look I already have one, lucky me, so I'll add a Fireblade to that.

[Fryin Finn]

If it's the bike I have ridden this year it would be the Yamaha MT-01 with Akrapovich pipes - sweet Jesus what a wonderfull sound.
But I guess I have to choose one of yours it would be the Street Triple. When I rode the 675 last year my first thoughts was how sweet this bike would be as a speed triple.

[idb]

Going by those criteria I'd definitely go for the Rune.
My own money has to be rationed, but if someone else were to pay for it I'd love to have one sitting in my garage.
I'd take it out on sunny days, ride it down to my local (about 250m) and park it outside.

[Crisis management]

No Multistrudel, no Postie bike, no DR, it'll have to be the XB12X......


You need to ride a better class of bike next year BD! :bleh:

[Big Dave]

No Multistrudel, no Postie bike, no DR, it'll have to be the XB12X......


You need to ride a better class of bike next year BD! :bleh:

XB12X is out because I already have one.

Nobody has called it yet.

I did the strudel last year. I liked it. Like the Uly more though. Stratda is similar and smoother - but its happy spot is 30kph faster.

Scrambler was BOTY last year too X. Can't give it 2 in a row.

[Jimmy B]

Speed Triple for me please mister

[Devil]

Street Triple for me :P

[Big Dave]

Out of the ordinary

Rated it highly and as the report went - It's a much more capable bike than the appearance leads to believe.

Runner up.

[Big Dave]

Street Triple for me :P

I couldn't think of many reasons not to take any of the Triumphs.

The suspension on the Tiger and the Street Triple is not as good as the rest of the package.

It's not particularly bad suspension - it's just that the rest of the bikes are so good it lacks in contrast. And it only effects big units - spring rate wise.

Speed triple is hard to fault until you get to the fact that I'm a double act. You never see her on gigs, but Co-pilot and I are pretty much inseparable. I would only put a chic I didn't like on the back of one unless she was tiny.

[Bass]

Concours for me
I like being on the road for days at a time

[MisterD]

I'll take the Thruxton please - the 60's styling is the only thing that'll look right next to my Lammy.

[Big Dave]

fireblade....

it's something you can like ...buy

and i'm a sportsbike fella

but uve tested so many cruisers i would say go for a cruiser as your readers obviously like that type of bike if that your usual reviews.....

on that front i would probably have to say the buell xb12....for the simple fact it has a harley motor.....but can actually take a corner at a proper pace, and i do like the concepts buell have ...ie the way they did the front brake discs....

at end of the day though, i'd be taking home the blade.:headbang:

Like all those litre sprotsbikes it gave me the shake.
The shake is when you give one the complete berries and then stop and hold a hand up to your face.

Adrenalin, mild sensory overload and a primal fear response mechanism all come into play. It makes your hand shake. Quite addictive. And would have me disqualified in a short space of time.

As Oscar Wilde said ' I can resist anything but temptation'. This thing will cost you Three hundy and 50 demerits BEFORE you engage SECOND gear.

Track day enthusiasts and the strong willed. Neither am I.

Get over the Harley motor thing. Reliable and superbly suited for road use.
Vibrates and shakes, but the characteristics buell bumps to 100hp are nigh on perfect for road and street. It's just fucking sweetness.

No cam chains, no shims, no valve adjustments - 8,000km service intervals.

[Big Dave]

Concours for me
I like being on the road for days at a time

Snip ------>

I’m not going to answer the Ed’s question ‘Best Bike?’

These are My awards - I’m taking a different tack. I could be all objective and say that I thought the Concours 1400 best filled its design brief and performed superbly, buuuut If you lined up all 24 KR test bikes I’ve ridden this past set of twelve and said – there you go the Dave – pick one to keep – any one.

I would keep the………


<----------snip

[Devil]

Hey you said which one i'd take home.
I'd take the Street knowing that I can fix the suspension ;)

[James Deuce]

I stab, shoot and set fire to the F__ker that asked the question and then steal ALL the bikes.

I couldn't pick. Not in a million years.

[vifferman]

You liked the Rune, dincha?

[Big Dave]

I'll take the Thruxton please - the 60's styling is the only thing that'll look right next to my Lammy.

Yeah - one of those bikes I just enjoy looking at. Eminently sensible for the conditions and a bike that you can still ride and nail it occasionally.

The ergos and drop bars mean a bloke my size can't ride it too far without stopping at a cafe and.....

[deanohit]

I'm gonna take a guess and say you got a Scrambler.

My pick would be the CB900, I would love the Street Triple, but the hornet fits the my criteria better.

[Big Dave]

Hey you said which one i'd take home.
I'd take the Street knowing that I can fix the suspension ;)

No I didn't - I said guess which one I picked. :blink:

Your weight the suspension would be sweet - they just don't have enough spring for moi.

[Usarka]

Depends if I'm paying.......

right now the real world answer with my cash would probably be the fizzer.

...... or would it.....

Edit: You picked the street triple.

[Hitcher]

I can't believe that nobody has mentioned the FJR1300. So I will...

[Big Dave]

I'm gonna take a guess and say you got a Scrambler.

My pick would be the CB900, I would love the Street Triple, but the hornet fits the my criteria better.


Picked it last year so didn't really consider.

Indeed I would take the Scrambler in a blink - it would fill the hole in my collection perfectly - and I would turn it into a hell ADV.

But the fickleness of the media commitment precluded doubling up.

[Big Dave]

I can't believe that nobody has mentioned the FJR1300. So I will...


Last year's list mate.

The Double-acted-ness of the FJR alone (pun intended) would see me take it ahead of the Concours - and it handled better - but I liked the way the Connie went ever so slightly more.

More Pazzzaaaaaymmm!

[deanohit]

Picked it last year so didn't really consider.
Indeed I would take the Scrambler in a blink - it would fill the hole in my collection perfectly - and I would turn it into a hell ADV.
But the fickleness of the media commitment precluded doubling up.

Well, is it the Scrambler 2? :lol:


Was it a Ulysses then seeing your a Buell and HD fan?

[marty]

CB1300S. the clue is in the 2-up.

heaps of turbine-like grunt. great track day bike. comfortable all day cruising, or peg scraping coro loops. The only thing NOT going for it is it's a Honda . . . . . . .

[Big Dave]

I couldn't pick. Not in a million years.

Bring it on.


You could if you had ridden, tested and lived with them all.

My choice was about what made me feel best when I was on it. Enjoyment, comfort (and I just don't mean arse), fun and feel good.

The answer wies wifin gwasshopper.

[The Stranger]

Nobody has called it yet.


Let me guess - you chose the MP3.

[PuppetMaster]

XB12R
Power, handling, sexiness, what more could you want.

[Big Dave]

CB1300. the clue is in the 2-up.

heaps of grunt. great track day bike. comfortable all day cruising, or peg scraping coro loops.

Accurate summary - Very favourable review in the aforementioned current edition too.

Sitting here trying to think of a reason why I wouldn't take it.
There are none. I found it a very attractive all round bike. Far a big man it's very hard to fault - but not it.

It didn't make me grin like the 'winner' though.

[Devil]

No I didn't - I said guess which one I picked. :blink:

Your weight the suspension would be sweet - they just don't have enough spring for moi.

it's got the spring yes, but not the damping. I prefer NOT to stoppie when trying to stop in a hurry!

[Big Dave]

Let me guess - you chose the MP3.

Nah. It has some neat features, but with me on it - it needed a clown suit as well.

[Big Dave]

it's got the spring yes, but not the damping. I prefer NOT to stoppie when trying to stop in a hurry!

I didn't find that at all.
In fact - the harshness of the front end was the issue.

[Big Dave]

XB12R
Power, handling, sexiness, what more could you want.

Same problem as the Thruxton. Not big man ergos.

[vifferman]

Big Dave sed:
"If money was no issue - I'd sure buy one. It goes beautifully and is extremely comfortable and usable for someone 195cm and 115kg. Excellent in fact."

Big Dave's also very carefully not replying to any posts that mention this bike. Mebbe Big Dave's trying to draw the thread out, build the suspense, that kinda thang....

[marty]

I don't believe it would be the CBR - it's just too small for you.

We're getting down to the Tiger 1050, or the V-Strom. The V-Strom is old hat now. The Tiger MUST take it, with the speed triple engine, but go-anywhere attitude.

[Big Dave]

You liked the Rune, dincha?

I did, do. Nicest sounding bike I've ridden. My size. Great performer for a huge bike.

It's just too far 'left field' for me. Not often I say that.
The gene that makes me covet a '64 Camaro doesn't favour a wild custom....Honda.

[Storm]

CB1300s followed by fireblade for me.

Once again, geez Dave, you've got a sweet job:)

[skelstar]

Fatboi for you Dave.

None of them made me want to pick them, so i would say Blade (despite too many cylinders)...

[Big Dave]

I don't believe it would be the CBR - it's just too small for you.

We're getting down to the Tiger 1050, or the V-Strom. The V-Strom is old hat now. The Tiger MUST take it, with the speed triple engine, but go-anywhere attitude.

The Tiger has possibly the best engine yet put in a motorcycle.
Apart from a ? on service costs fault that sucker.

Aesthetically like the Strom - it doesn't work for me - and personally I don't like bodywork, screens or fairings at all. Used to when I was fat - no need since I'm fit.

[Big Dave]

Fatboi for you Dave.

None of them made me want to pick them, so i would say Blade (despite too many cylinders)...

Winner winner Chicken Dinner.

Gimme that Fat Boy.

I found it a simply beautiful machine.
The metric cruisers perform just as well, but they didn't give me that blast of 'King of the World' that a beautiful Hog gives you.

I took it around the corro loop and loved it.
Like a big ol muscle car - it even sounds like one.
Waved at Mr Plod as I rocked past at 105kph happy as.

Pure hedonistic enjoyment on two wheels.

Criticism noted only from those who have ridden or own one. ;-)

[Mikkel]

http://web.mac.com/david_cohen_design/Site/Photo_Albums/Pages/BOTY_photos.html


Hmm I can't get the URL to work. I get a page with a few lines of text at the top and then a whole lot of "no images at all"... :(
Oh and a weird error message at the bottom of the page:

# Exception: ReferenceError
# Message : detectBrowser is not defined

[Big Dave]

Hmm I can't get the URL to work. I get a page with a few lines of text at the top and then a whole lot of "no images at all"... :(
Oh and a weird error message at the bottom of the page:

Sorry - working for me.

[gijoe1313]

Good on ya Dave, you have a sweet sweet occupation tending to the pandering needs of the biking masses!

I know you love riding all bikes, it takes a special combination of factors for you to go "that I must have".

I'm just with Mrs Kendoy and glad that the CB900 got a look in on your list! :yes:

PS - Will get onto those 150 words tonight! :lol: (sounds like home learning to me :scratch:)

[owner]

working for me too, but not the HD. sorry
some one else's pennys the Rune
my pennys the blade
& Im sure honda wouldnt let skidmark get his mits on a blade

[oldrider]

So it's the fat boy then, I am not surprised but the winning margins are so fine, it backs up my contention.

There are no crap bikes these days, just fantastic choices to be made!

They stopped making real Tigers last year,.......pity! (IMHO)

Good thread Dave. :first: Cheers John.

[Big Dave]

So it's the fat boy then, I am not surprised but the winning margins are so fine, it backs up my contention.

There are no crap bikes these days, just fantastic choices to be made!



So right you are old bean.
It's just personal taste and picking the best tool for the job at hand.

The Hippy 'got up me' for never really bagging a bike.
'What's to bag. There are no more hinged frames, crap brakes, biggest things I can legitimately say I don't like are things like switch gear nowadays.'

We talked about doing a parody 'ripping' - like taking the Cruiser over Molesworth and bitching about it, then rightly decided stupid.

What I try and do is say - Look! these are the things that this machine does well - If you like doing...then this is a suitable machine because...

See it from a potential owner's point of view and the things they would want to know.

["D" FZ1]

It's a pity you didn't include the Naked FZ1N, but I suppose I am a bit biased :)

[Mikkel]

Sorry - working for me.

What browser are you using?

[Big Dave]

What browser are you using?

Firefox or Safari on macs.
The pics are at .mac - could be flakey.

[Mikkel]

Firefox or Safari on macs.
The pics are at .mac - could be flakey.

I'm using Firefox as well - but no photos no nothing. Just your text at the top and the error message at the bottom... :(
Flakey?

[Lucy]

Well I liked the Tiger. Because of the colour and the luggage and the upright riding position.

Hey, I'm a girl - we are allowed to pick things for those reasons!

I think.

[Big Dave]

It's a pity you didn't include the Naked FZ1N, but I suppose I am a bit biased :)

Great bike high performance motorcycle - no doubt.
As I said to ya - I still think the streetified R1 is still too much track and not enough street.
Even that original FZ we've had as a long, long termer at KR - the company truck - get's it's mojo at 140kph.

But I need to ride one like yours huh.





I have to do some work now - later.all

[Finn]

Winner winner Chicken Dinner.

Gimme that Fat Boy.

Interesting choice given the brochure I have in my little hands...

[HDTboy]

The gene that makes me covet a '64 Camaro

Got a pic of a '64 Camaro?

[car]

Guess.

+1 for the Lightning STT.

[Big Dave]

Interesting choice given the brochure I have in my little hands...

Co-pilot preferred the Softail Custom.
That Rocker hadn't been thunk'd of - and what did you say 2009?

[Big Dave]

+1 for the Lightning STT.

Yes - neat machine. The Cornering!

But XB12X fits me a lot better.

[Big Dave]

Well I liked the Tiger. Because of the colour and the luggage and the upright riding position.

Hey, I'm a girl - we are allowed to pick things for those reasons!

I think.

You're allowed.
Aesthetics and ergonomics influenced my choices too.

[Finn]

That Rocker hadn't been thunk'd of - and what did you say 2009?

Yeah, how to blow away your dreams in that time honoured tradition of "you'll be lucky, they're all pre-sold." I'd expect that with a Ferrari, but not a HD.

I'll be in the US next June so all I have to do is find an airline with a 300kg baggage allowance.

[HenryDorsetCase]

For me, since I already own a UJM (900 Hornet) which is an enormously capable and fun bike, if a little, uh, bland, I would be getting something that would allow me to get my freak on.

So its either the Scrambler (the green one with all the fruit) or the XB12X. On balance, probably the Scrambler: lower seat height for my dwarvish legs and the whole "Steve McQueen" factor.

[Big Dave]

Got a pic of a '64 Camaro?

Ah Yes - correction - '64 Mustang - '68 Camaro.

[Big Dave]

and the whole "Steve McQueen" factor.

Yeah baby. Thomas Crown Affair is on Sky now.

[imdying]

Now - you can keep one - take it home - which one would you choose?
That is the criteria. Not which one is 'best' - just which one would you like to keep most.No contest, the Rune... all that other crap is more of the same boring fodder we're always fed. Some of them is some mighty fine fodder mind you, but I can always go get something like that.

[idb]

No contest, the Rune... all that other crap is more of the same boring fodder we're always fed. Some of them is some mighty fine fodder mind you, but I can always go get something like that.

Yep...my thinking exactly.

[MisterD]

No contest, the Rune... all that other crap is more of the same boring fodder we're always fed.

Some things can't be improved, no matter how hard you try and IMO that Rune thing is trying too hard.

[Big Dave]

Some things can't be improved, no matter how hard you try and IMO that Rune thing is trying too hard.

I think there are engineering reasons beyond...no, as well as...the aesthetics.

That rear guard disguises a 180 section tyre and gives it some aft ballast.
It lights up - as well as the styling cues

[Big Dave]

A trick of the Camera, a filter post processing and I'm ready for Sin City baby.

http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/misc2/underground3.jpg

Fave pic of the year and I didn't take it - coisses.

[idb]

Some things can't be improved, no matter how hard you try and IMO that Rune thing is trying too hard.

Personally I think some of the Eytie sprotsbikes are trying too hard...Bennelli Tre as just one example.

[sels1]

Tiger for me.....followed by the Speed Triple

[MisterD]

Personally I think some of the Eytie sprotsbikes are trying too hard...Bennelli Tre as just one example.

You could well be right, but as per my earliest post in this thread, it the old-school 60's look of the Thruxton that floats my boat. I like simple lines, not the competing and clashing angles of most modern sprotsbikes

[Big Dave]

You could well be right, but as per my earliest post in this thread, it the old-school 60's look of the Thruxton that floats my boat. I like simple lines, not the competing and clashing angles of most modern sprotsbikes

I like to ride a bike hard occasionally. Thruxtons and those old retros and the Harley - you can nail 'em. Hold the throttle flat out open occasionally, and not be afeared of walking home.

[Big Dave]

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/david_cohen_design/.Pictures/misc2/fountain.jpg">

[Storm]

I like to ride a bike hard occasionally. Thruxtons and those old retros and the Harley - you can nail 'em. Hold the throttle flat out open occasionally, and not be afeared of walking home.

Thats why I enjoy riding a 350! (No good for an oversized foreigner like yourself though!!)

[imdying]

Some things can't be improved, no matter how hard you try and IMO that Rune thing is trying too hard.Honda are an interesting company... I get the feeling that they keep their engineers under a tight leash in general, and then, perhaps as some sort of reward, they let them go nuts now and then. The Rune gives the impression that someone had a ball designing it :yes:

[Swoop]

Dave, an absolutely splendid thread! Great reading.

I would have guessed that the Softtail Custom would be a bit of you.
Just looking at the upholstery says "comfort", and the engine speaks for itself.

[MisterD]

I like to ride a bike hard occasionally. Thruxtons and those old retros and the Harley - you can nail 'em. Hold the throttle flat out open occasionally, and not be afeared of walking home.

I think hanging around here is bad for me, I'm starting to want to buy something with big wheels...yep I can really feel that "I want one" starting to kick in...better go and skin my knuckles on the Lammy:2thumbsup

That following shot of the Hardly Ableson...beautiful shutter work.

[skelstar]

Bet you took about 5 million pics of the Harley infront of the fountain to get the relative positioning right for later.

[Big Dave]

Bet you took about 5 million pics of the Harley infront of the fountain to get the relative positioning right for later.

The eye, son the eye - 10 exposures - to get both sides and the various colours.

'They don't give these gigs to schmucks you know' - Letterman.

[Colapop]

Out of that list my pic would be the Fazer. A well engineered bike, good in town and out on the open road. But for the fun of it the XB12R. A bike I laughed the whole time riding it was the '08 softail - but I thought it was fairly generic. I can't comment on the rest...

[nallac]

lots of nice bikes to choose from

but my choice would have to go to the uly xb12x

awesome bikes to ride.
definatly handle the gravel better than my sporty.

[Big Dave]

Out of that list my pic would be the Fazer. A well engineered bike, good in town and out on the open road. But for the fun of it the XB12R. A bike I laughed the whole time riding it was the '08 softail - but I thought it was fairly generic. I can't comment on the rest...

Yep. The Fazer impressed me greatly with its roadholding and rock solid feel on the road.

I got to deliver it to Ventura for the fitting up of their goodies. Beautiful bike and great value for money.

It does 124kph in first gear. Look - I'm not paranoid - but I do realise the current odds. On any given afternoon on Woodcoks Rd that's 35 demerit points before I reach for the clutch.

By most Journos criteria it would have to get a BOTY podium at least. Value for money wise.

But dammit I don't need to trot out that 'temptation' line again.

Potato potatoe pot toa to.

Buells are fun on a stick. Xb's are not for grown up serious riders. They are for stupid fun. Try a City X col - stupid stupid fun.

Softail would replace my ageing Tbird nicely, although the T'bird handles.

I would choose a Road King Standard for my Harley - but it twarn't on the list.

[Big Dave]

lots of nice bikes to choose from

but my choice would have to go to the uly xb12x

awesome bikes to ride.
definatly handle the gravel better than my sporty.

That's the one I own already.

ahh - I'll post up the KR text. It's out now anyways.

[Big Dave]

The Big Dave Awards.

First we’ll cross to the Red Carpet area at the Big Dave Lounge and catch a few notables as they arrive.

Looking lovely as ever is the co-pilot - here to collect her award for best action photography and video in a Big Dave production.

Looking splendid is the Producer, Vege dressed to the nines and wheelstanding into the distance on a klunky old BMW.

The Ed has arrived and looks stylish as always. He’s here to collect the award for outstanding direction in the Big Dave Production and a to receive a personal commendation for not getting out of shape when the text block on the cover hides his knee on the ground.

And Julie and the rest of the crew at Chez Westharbour. Thank you.

Moving inside the BD Lounge it’s time to start handing out awards.



Overall best Big Dave Thingy for 2007

The Envelope please….It’s….still….drum roll.

Kiwi Rider Magazine.

You might like to imagine that being a motorcycle Journalist, being presented with an array of exotic machines and getting paid to photograph and write about them would be about the coolest job going.

You'd be right.

I can’t imagine anything I’d rather do. Thank You. We will continue to try and present the facts on vehicles in an impartial and entertaining manner.


BEST BIKE

I’m not going to answer the Ed’s question ‘Best Bike?’

These are My awards - I’m taking a different tack. I could be all objective and say that I thought the Concours 1400 best filled its design brief and performed superbly, buuuut If you lined up all 24 KR test bikes I’ve ridden this past set of twelve and said – there you go the Dave – pick one to keep – any one.

I would keep the………Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

Co-pilot heckles ‘XB12X!!!’ from the Lounge floor– but we already have one.
I unashamedly loved the Fattie. I had a great time on it. It touched my happy spot in so many ways. Big Dave Bike of the Year – H-D Fatboy.

BEST RIDING

Buell Far North Queensland Adventure Ride.

A factory managed adventure with the full support crew into some fabulous wilderness. Paradiso.

BEST ROAD

Pomerangi Rd on Vege’s Awakino Adventure. Pure Kiwi.

BEST REFRESHMENT STOP

Wasp Café Motomail. For the hang of it.
A cool bike shop with a Cafe! Where the bloody hell are youse!!

BOUQUETS

Auckland Motorcycles and Power Sports.
Mr Pratt and crew make me feel welcome every time I go in there.
Motomail – My Hyland Ditto.
Leigh at Triumph NZ for always lending me fabulous bikes.
Co-pilot. 25 years we’ve held a licence. Here’s to 25 more girl.

BRICKBATS

Red light runners. You Dicks.

[Oscar]

Kiwi Rider with the Bike of the Year feature is in the mail tomorrow.
I have my own half page.

BD Bike of the Year Judging Guidelines.

Line all 24 Bikes you have ridden for Kiwi Rider together:
http://web.mac.com/david_cohen_design/Site/Photo_Albums/Pages/BOTY_photos.html

Now - you can keep one - take it home - which one would you choose?
That is the criteria. Not which one is 'best' - just which one would you like to keep most.

Guess.

Bugger dat - did ya see my stuff about Phillip Island?

[Big Dave]

Bugger dat - did ya see my stuff about Phillip Island?

I laffed I did - laffed owt loood