Best Bike Theory
Jul 22nd, 2009 by Leo
Most people think that the best bike is either the fastest bike, or the slickest looking bike (Ducati cough cough), or the one with the most “character” (whatever that happens to mean to a person)… But I propose that the BEST bike (for you) is the one you actually want to ride, all the time. Fast bikes are great, but they can be a hand full on slippery roads. Pretty bikes make you feel good, but it makes you worry to park them anywhere. And everyone knows “character” is just another word for not-reliable, but worth-it for some other reason… That’s fine, but the best bike is the one you can ride anywhere_all_the _time (AATT). Not only that, but the best bike is the one you will WANT to ride anywhere, all the time (AATT)… Even if it’s raining out, it’s still easier and more fun to ride than to get on a stuffy subway…
So here are some characteristics of your “Best Bike”:
Power - it should have just enough power so that you can max it out. People think they want a bike that’s “powerful” – but that’s just code for “faster than you’re able to handle.” But the best bike for you will have just enough power so that you can wring out the throttle sometimes. For some people a 50cc Vespa will do (if you’re Matt Lauer). Other people need something like an R1 (if you’re Wesley Snipes, or Ghost Rider). For most people it’s something in between… The trick is to be honest with the type of riding you do (along with your level of ability) so that you’re not riding a liter bike when you’re more of a GS500.
Comfort -it should fit your body size and shape. So if you’re a compact build, then a dual sport will probably require more effort to ride AATT. And if you have a bit of padding in the middle, then a really forward sportbike position won’t inspire you to ride AATT. Not that you couldn’t, it just isn’t as natural a fit as a more upright seating position.
Reliability – Obviously an AATT bike should be easy to maintain and reliable. Unfortunately this knocks out a lot of older bikes with a lot of character. But you won’t want to ride something all the time if it’s temperamental or needing attention after every other ride.
Cost - And last but not least an AATT bike should be cheap enough (for you) to buy and maintain without thinking twice. The city is hard on bikes. If it gives you an ulcer every time it gets dinged, you won’t want to ride it anywhere. The extreme test is, if you were to lose it today could you go and buy another one tomorrow without mortgaging anything or cutting into your savings? If the answer is “yes” and it fits the criteria for power, comfort, and reliability, then congratulations you’ve got an AATT bike my friend.
Now AATT bikes are reletive to your riding style, body shape, income. So a best bike for you might not be the best bike for me. But there are a few bikes that work for lots of people… For example on the $1k-2k range: Any 500 (EX500, GS500), Ninja 250. In the $2k-4k range: Any 650 twin (Ninja 650, SV650), older 600′s with fuel injection (CBR600f4i, ZZR600, hornet), smaller cruisers (Honda Rebel), Vespa LX150. In the $4-6k range: older Ducati Monsters, cruisers with fi, 250cc Scoots (Vespa, Aprilia), etc. Also there are some dual sports, anything made by BMW, and touring bikes…depending on who you are. So what’s your best bike?
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I ride 2003 sv650 in NYC and love it. I’m a compact build and the bike is just perfect for me. Enough power in low and middle RPM, which is most useful in the city. If I go for longer trips it still cruises easily at 90 mph. Great city bike!!!
Mine is a 2005 DR650. It has sticky tires and is great in any weather. Since it rains alot in Portland this is important. Unlike some bikes I have had, whatever the temperature, I am not afraid it wont start and get me home. Around town it is fantastic. The stock seat is not great at all for long trips.