How important is the look?

[Maki]

Just wondering, how important are the looks of a bike? If you are considering a new one, would you cross bikes off your shortlist just because you don't quite like the look? If bike A looks better than bike B, would you pay a considerable premium to buy bike A?

Looks mean a lot to me. There is a new Suzuki GSX-R750 K8 for sale locally for $16.000. I just don't like the look. I know the GSX-R750 is pretty much the perfect sportsbike but... I would be ready to pay $16.000 for a Yamaha R6 even though it is not considered as "good" as the 750. Am I mad, or is this a common theme among bikers?

[slofox]

Function before form for me - every time...

[Headbanger]

Considering the fact that the capabilities of the average bike far exceed the average rider then I'd definitely allow looks to factor heavily in the equation.

[yod]

your money, do whatever the hell you like with it

[MotoGirl]

If I was looking at two equal bikes then I would consider the looks and go for the one that turns me on more. If it's the function I'm looking for and nothing compares then the function would have to win over the bike's looks.

[Bren]

Hey Maki.....do you also own a Lada?

[Maki]

Hey Maki.....do you also own a Lada?

Nah, never had that particular "pleasure".

[dipshit]

Well i wouldn't fork out my hard earned money on a bike i didn't like the looks of.

[Maki]

Well i wouldn't fork out my hard earned money on a bike i didn't like the looks of.

Well put. I agree. It's that simple.

[Dooly]

If I dont like the look, despite it being more functional/practical, I wont buy it.

I brought a new Speed Triple in 07.
Did everything functional I wanted, but it bugged me. I finally realised that I could'nt stand the look of the stubby rear end. It got to me, so I sold it and brought a 04, the last of the old model and IMO the best looking.
I love it heaps!!
Far more than the 1050 07.
I wont make that mistake again......I hope!

But each to their own.

[YellowDog]

Just wondering, how important are the looks of a bike? If you are considering a new one, would you cross bikes off your shortlist just because you don't quite like the look? If bike A looks better than bike B, would you pay a considerable premium to buy bike A?

Looks mean a lot to me. There is a new Suzuki GSX-R750 K8 for sale locally for $16.000. I just don't like the look. I know the GSX-R750 is pretty much the perfect sportsbike but... I would be ready to pay $16.000 for a Yamaha R6 even though it is not considered as "good" as the 750. Am I mad, or is this a common theme among bikers?
Hey Maki, you do raise a very good point here. I didn't buy the best looking bike in my choice range.

Unlike having an unattractive girlfriend, you can't just down a few pints to improve her looks.

It was the bike type and riding position that I was after and it ticked all of the other boxes for me. The street cred was also a significant factor.

The looks grew on me after I bought it. I guess it is indeed a bit like having an unattractive girlfriend. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and physically unattractive people can become quite beautiful once you get to know them well (and visa versa).

Buying a bike is a very personal decision however don't get suduced by the big tits and firm butt. She may turnout to be a real bunny boiler.

[fergie]

Same as my woman,looks first.that's what attracts you to them innit? or is it the price?

[Squid69]

A bike is rather like a woman.

They all ride the the same,(all speed limits obeyed) however some look better than others.
And most people wouldnt take a woman that didnt float their boat,(alcohol consumption ignored) why would you take a bike that didn't?

K5 was the best gsxr shape, the 08CBR600 felt rather like a tamed down version of my 750. Only noticable thing jumping from one to the other was the cbr seemed to handle better, but at around 180 it seemed to hit a wall, on the gsxr it was at 220 before it hit the wall.

[Maki]

A bike is rather like a woman.

They all ride the the same,(all speed limits obeyed) however some look better than others.
And most people wouldnt take a woman that didnt float their boat,(alcohol consumption ignored) why would you take a bike that didn't?


In my experience women don't all ride the same, actually very far from it. Looks are however very important, they need to be there before I even consider getting into the saddle.

:blah:

[awayatc]

You buy a car with your head.....
you buy a bike with your heart....

[Timber020]

im no harley rider so im only interested in fuction:laugh: ah who am I kidding, plenty of power ranger wannabes around. I have had a few ugly bikes and it doesnt bother me at all. I like sleepers, would love to ohlins up and put an xr650 in a GN250. I love starlets with 4agez's, subaru brumbys with ra engines in them. But then I have no taste in clothes or fashion and think the best art in the world is done by engineers and mother nature.

If I could convice my wife we needed a white lada station wagon to stick a supercharged buick V6 in it I would be a happy boy.

Looks? Meh, save caring about that to the women!:buggerd:

[Noidy]

There are a few bikes that would not be my pride and joy to own. Even though many people love them both for form and function. Call me shallow but I likes what I likes and some IMO are pug ugly.

[martybabe]

You buy a car with your head.....
you buy a bike with your heart....

Short sweet and brilliant, If I love it I want it and will overlook almost anything else.

10/10 for the pretty ones,1800cc, only 12 HP with a one litre tank !!!!! yeah but she's sooo pretty eh. :yes:

[coffeejunkie]

It's your hard earned cash so buy what you want.....weatehr it be the look or function your the only one to please

[Dean]

I think it was madbikeboy that said to me "screw the opinion polls BUY WHAT EXCITES YOU!" those legendary words stuck with me, so if there is a bike that will put a huge grin on your face.And make you change your undies at every petrol station then get it.

[PrincessBandit]

I consider my bike gives me both what you're looking for. So I'm a very happy girl. But I'm also ashamed to say I'm shallow so I reeeeeeealy had to go for one OR the other, it would be looks.
Just as well the bandit fulfils both.....:msn-wink:

[Boob Johnson]

your money, do whatever the hell you like with it
+1

Who gives a rats arse what anyone else thinks? Who's it for? Who are you trying to impress?


ps: don't finance that shit Maki, that's just foolish.

[Boob Johnson]

I think it was madbikeboy that said to me "screw the opinion polls BUY WHAT EXCITES YOU!"
So you bought a GN???

Sheeesh, you're easily excited :2thumbsup

[LBD]

Form?...function?....form?...function?....

Function first to get the bike on the list and form to keep it on the list....

Ain't she sweet?

[Burtha]

im no harley rider so im only interested in fuction:laugh: ah who am I kidding, plenty of power ranger wannabes around. I have had a few ugly bikes and it doesnt bother me at all. I like sleepers, would love to ohlins up and put an xr650 in a GN250. I love starlets with 4agez's, subaru brumbys with ra engines in them. But then I have no taste in clothes or fashion and think the best art in the world is done by engineers and mother nature.

If I could convice my wife we needed a white lada station wagon to stick a supercharged buick V6 in it I would be a happy boy.

Looks? Meh, save caring about that to the women!:buggerd:

Hmmm ... in your case, I have to agree :gob: ;)

[Burtha]

Do you look down when you ride? :D

[3umph]

It's so good that everyone has a different idea to what's a good bike and what's not... what one gets the heart pumping just looking at a particular bike and one that does not...
If not then every manufacturer would be making one model that looks the same whether its a harley, honda, triumph etc...

for me if I did not like a look of a bike then there is no way I would buy it... end of story...
Sometimes it can come down to what can or can not be afforded but in the end very few people will actually buy or keep hold of a bike that they do not like the look of...
Colour choices for bikes are the same... I have a red Daytona with polished rims... they also do a silver Daytona and they do nothing for me and even tho the same bike and I would not buy one purely for that reason...

Why buy something that you do not like the look of? if so you will more then likley regret the purchase at some time...

[vifferman]

My bike looks nice (scratched paint, urglee swingarm/hub notwithstanding), but looks were not a huge factor in its purchase (except for the vifferbabe, who actually wanted a Vtec, because "she liked its eyes".)

[Swoop]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Get it out with optrex.

[Tank]

I ride a V-Strom. Like I give a fuck what a bike looks like.

Its what twist your dials. A big part of biking (for me) is how the bike makes me feel - Even when its just parked there. It has to inspire some passion.

[breakaway]

There have been times where I have bought bikes that were far from my first choice, because I didn't have enough money.

[Maha]

Just wondering, how important are the looks of a bike? If you are considering a new one, would you cross bikes off your shortlist just because you don't quite like the look? If bike A looks better than bike B, would you pay a considerable premium to buy bike A?

Looks mean a lot to me. There is a new Suzuki GSX-R750 K8 for sale locally for $16.000. I just don't like the look. I know the GSX-R750 is pretty much the perfect sportsbike but... I would be ready to pay $16.000 for a Yamaha R6 even though it is not considered as "good" as the 750. Am I mad, or is this a common theme among bikers?


Not mad at all Maki.
You gotta be 110% happy with what you buy, dont settle for anything less.
Out of the four big nakeds I looked at last year, the Honda was the better looking, suzuki a close 2nd, but for little bit money I got a real nice looking bike in my opinion.
GSX-R750 v R6? Yamaha everytime...they are just a cool looking machine.

[AllanB]

Looks are important - some of the appeal of bikes is the visual aspect - motor, wheels and bits to hold them together - cool.

[Dean]

So you bought a GN???

Sheeesh, you're easily excited :2thumbsup

No madbikeboy told me that when i sold my gn, so im on the hunt for a good proper bike, i have one in mind but nothing official yet.

[Maki]

GSX-R750 v R6? Yamaha everytime...they are just a cool looking machine.

Thanks for that. I reached the same conclusion and put my money where my mouth is. ;)

[Boob Johnson]

No madbikeboy told me that when i sold my gn,
Oh thanks goodness for that :laugh:

ps: mine is for sale, a great step up to a big bike :niceone:

[The Stranger]

Function before form for me - every time...

I'm 99% with you there, but even I have some standards, which pretty much rules out anything from KTM.

[YellowDog]

You are absolutely right.

I don't like the V-STROM look.

Do you look bothered?

Why should you?

You are happy and that is all that matters.

[Tony W]

They're all great. Buy the good looking one.

[Dean]

Oh thanks goodness for that :laugh:

ps: mine is for sale, a great step up to a big bike :niceone:

Sounds interesting, what is the bike.

[Tank]

You are absolutely right.

I don't like the V-STROM look.

Do you look bothered?



Nobody actually likes the V-Strom look - do they?

[Tank]

Sounds interesting, what is the bike.

What happened to your Jade?

[Dean]

What happened to your Jade?

A member from kb sent me a pm saying he test rode the bike and its condition was appauling.
It had a bad paint job, getting into 1st gear was shit, and was chrashed by a previous person who test rode it.
I got out of it on the terms that i as a buyer was not told about these problems, being it was chrashed after he took the photos the bike may not have been rideable.

[Boob Johnson]

Sounds interesting, what is the bike.
Check my profile pics, its also on trade me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=205211431)

[The Stranger]

I'm 99% with you there, but even I have some standards, which pretty much rules out anything from KTM.

Oh, and Nakeds (except KTMs) always trump sprot bikes and sleepers are best of the lot.
You got to love it when someone turns up on the latest ultra HP hyper poser complete with matching leathers (one piece and complete with speed hump of course), AGV helmet and white boots only to get dorked by someone on a DR 650

[The Pastor]

buy what you want to buy you moron.

[3L4NS1R]

Different strokes for different blokes.

I love the dual purpose look/appeal, but hate the look of alot of enduros. Not a fan of sports bikes, but love sports tourers. Can't ever see myself on a cruiser, but I saw an awesome low profile Harley on my bike tour that was pure sex.

And yup. Damn right I'd spend an extra 5k on a good looking bike. Wouldn't even consider it if it didn't look right.

[Boob Johnson]

I love the dual purpose look/appeal, but hate the look of alot of enduros. Not a fan of sports bikes, but love sports tourers. Can't ever see myself on a cruiser, but I saw an awesome low profile Harley on my bike tour that was pure sex.
Struth you're one confused sum bitch aren't ya :lol:

[3L4NS1R]

Struth you're one confused sum bitch aren't ya :lol:

Hell yeah. Just wait till you see me in movenpick. Then my brain explodes.

[kittytamer]

If its a modern sports bike, pick the one you like the look of most. No offence but these things are gonna be way better than the average road rider...

But having said that I own a Ducati Multistrada so what the hell do I know!

[Suzi Q]

for me looks are important - being a girl and all - but in reality how the bike feels is just as important, so 50/50 for me. It HAS to look good and it HAS to feel good on the road as well. I test road a bike - a triumph of some kind - a couple of years ago, loved the look hated the feel, didn't buy it. I fell in love with an R6 at a dealer but the price was too high, it looked good, not the best paint scheme in the world. I found another one throuigh KB for sale, LOVED the colour scheme but took it for a ride and hated the feel. I bought the bike because I knew we could get it to feel righ through suspension changes (also the tyre pressures were off!). I ended up keeping in for a year, loved the lok but I was intimidated by it. I added a black screen to make it look even better. I then took a GSR600 for a ride, soft street fighter style. Felt so comfortable that I sold the R6 on trade me and bought the GSR600. It just so happens that I like the look, it is a little different, of course I got a colour that I like! Have changed the pipes so I can hear it!
Basically though whatever floats your boat is the best way!!!!:clap:

[Maki]

I ended up keeping in for a year, loved the look but I was intimidated by it.

I know what you mean. I love a dose of adrenalin now and then and don't mind stepping off the bike with my knees shaking slightly from time to time.
:sweatdrop

Great post, Suzi.

[JacksColdSweat]

Considering the fact that the capabilities of the average bike far exceed the average rider then I'd definitely allow looks to factor heavily in the equation.

wot he said! :apint:

[dipshit]

Do you look down when you ride? :D

Or walk up backwards to it when you go to get on so you don't have to look at it... or don't park it where you can see it if you looked out the window... or never bother to clean it or work on it..???

That's half the fun of owning a bike!

[vgcspares]

nobody seems to have mentioned a Ducati Multi-Strada - bit of a surprise that

[dipshit]

nobody seems to have mentioned a Ducati Multi-Strada - bit of a surprise that

Never mind the Multi-Strada :sick:... even Ducati ST's or http://motoprofi.com/bikephoto/4359/ducati_900_ss_nuda_2001_1.jpg are too ugly for this kid!

[Headbanger]

Do you look down when you ride? :D

I spend a lot of time gazing into shop windows as I idle past, Just checking out my reflection and thinking that if I got to name myself it would be Mr Badness.

[nallac]

the multistroodle looks good next to a new KLR650.

I would definately pay more for a bike i want and like the look of...
why buy a bike you don't like???????.
actually wouldn't buy a bike i didn't like the look of......................

If you have to ride it you should like it.... just like your mrs (or mr in Carver case)

[007XX]

well, to put this nicely...

In the same way i couldn't do the monkey dance with anyone I saw as ugly, I couldn't really bring myself to ride a bike that has no aesthetic appeal.

Call me fickle, but i'll undoubtedly not give a crap. To me, the whole pleasure of owning a bike is also bein able to get out of the house, and get a small shiver of pleasure as I lay eyes on the beast in the garage.

If all you can think is " Dang, but that thing is ugly!", then you're kind of shortchanging yourself, aren't ya?

[Rosie]

Image is nothing, performance is everything :D

Having an attractive bike would be nice, but it's more important that the bike does the things I want it to.

The sherp isn't pretty by anyone's standards, but I'm still in love, because it does everything I want it to, and we do so much cool stuff together.

I'm about to get her all cleaned and dolled up so we can go on holiday to Australia together :cool:

[nallac]

but, wouldn't you want something more easy to your eye when you want/can/need/afford to update/change..........


I must be selfish i only get bikes i like the look of....:confused:

[Rosie]

but, wouldn't you want something more easy to your eye when you want/can/need/afford to update/change..........


I must be selfish i only get bikes i like the look of....:confused:

I would love to have a better looking bike, but there isn't anything out there that looks good, and has the specs I want. So, since I can't have looks and functionality, I've decided that getting out and riding lots of cool roads/tracks on my skinny little farm bike is more important to me than what I look like doing it.

It was hard buying a brand new bike that I didn't like the look of :( but it's such a cool little bike, and I'm very pleased with it now :banana:

[vgcspares]

Never mind the Multi-Strada

now that proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder - you prefer a Multi-Strada to a 900ss ???? It's not even in the same league

[dipshit]

now that proves beauty is in the eye of the beholder - you prefer a Multi-Strada to a 900ss ???? It's not even in the same league

I was trying to say of course the Multi-Strada are ugly, that goes without saying. I even find ST's and those later 900ss too ugly to consider no matter how good a bike they may be.

[Burtha]

... looking down when you ride :D


I spend a lot of time gazing into shop windows as I idle past, Just checking out my reflection and thinking that if I got to name myself it would be Mr Badness.

Certainly better than seeing your own reflection than thinking "good goin mr butt-ugly".

What percentage would you fine people put on the looks when choosing a bike ???

It can't all be primarly based on practicality.
I've put a good 30% towards the look of my choice of bike(s) when on the hunt, 30% practicality/suitability, next and final part for me will be the 30% towards feel, comfort and handling ...