How important is the look?

**Maki** · 1st March 2009, 14:12

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** · 1st March 2009, 14:15

Function before form for me - every time...

**Headbanger** · 1st March 2009, 14:17

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** · 1st March 2009, 14:25

your money, do whatever the hell you like with it

**MotoGirl** · 1st March 2009, 14:31

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** · 1st March 2009, 14:44

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

**Maki** · 1st March 2009, 15:02

Originally Posted by Bren

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

Nah, never had that particular "pleasure".

**dipshit** · 1st March 2009, 15:21

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

**Maki** · 1st March 2009, 15:28

Originally Posted by dipshit

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** · 1st March 2009, 15:29

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** · 1st March 2009, 15:33

Originally Posted by 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?

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** · 1st March 2009, 15:33

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

**Squid69** · 1st March 2009, 15:35

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** · 1st March 2009, 15:44

Originally Posted by 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?

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.