What feature do you rate most in choosing a motorbike?

**Jjgres** · 22nd May 2013, 01:19

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** · 22nd May 2013, 02:35

Calling Katman!!

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

**Banditbandit** · 22nd May 2013, 09:07

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** · 22nd May 2013, 09:09

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

**Berries** · 22nd May 2013, 10:32

Originally Posted by onearmedbandit

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** · 22nd May 2013, 10:37

Power band colour

**Big Dave** · 22nd May 2013, 10:46

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** · 22nd May 2013, 10:47

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** · 22nd May 2013, 10:54

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** · 22nd May 2013, 10:54

Originally Posted by MIXONE

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** · 22nd May 2013, 10:58

Originally Posted by 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 ..

This. Done.

**scumdog** · 22nd May 2013, 10:58

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

and grin factor.

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

**MIXONE** · 22nd May 2013, 11:01

Originally Posted by Big Dave

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** · 22nd May 2013, 11:11

Originally Posted by MIXONE

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.