View Poll Results: Most important aspect of a motorcycle
Voters: 49. You may not vote on this poll
Most important aspect of a motorcycle?
Thread Starter
Duc Hawk
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 691
From: Malibu's canyons
Most important aspect of a motorcycle?
We all know the rider is the most important thing on a bike, but beyond that what would you vote to be the MOST important aspect of a bike...
Thread Starter
Duc Hawk
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 691
From: Malibu's canyons
...
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,689
From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
The most important components are not mentioned - tires.
the chassis is already good enough. brakes are more than adequate.
So that leaves suspension - pretty good to start with, but it can be greatly improved.
Engines are fun. Light wheels are the best!
the chassis is already good enough. brakes are more than adequate.
So that leaves suspension - pretty good to start with, but it can be greatly improved.
Engines are fun. Light wheels are the best!
Banned
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,942
From: Lake View Terrace, CA
You first need to get the chassis set up. This includes things like stiffening & geometry changes (which also can be looked at as a suspension change).
If you start with the suspension, it can easily overwhelm a poor chassis set up.
If you start with the brakes, they too can overwhelm a poor chassis set up and also my need to be changed again if you do any major alterations to the suspension.
So if you are looking for the order to do the mods IMHO it would be Chassis, Suspension and then Brakes. After all that is sorted then see what you can get out of the motor.
If you can only do one thing on the list, then it would be suspension. A well set up suspension can make the most out of the chassis, even if it is not optimum and also get the most out of the stock brakes.
Of course, like always YMMV.
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
Well they are all important, now if you are looking for the order to do them in, that is a bit easier.
You first need to get the chassis set up. This includes things like stiffening & geometry changes (which also can be looked at as a suspension change).
If you start with the suspension, it can easily overwhelm a poor chassis set up.
If you start with the brakes, they too can overwhelm a poor chassis set up and also my need to be changed again if you do any major alterations to the suspension.
So if you are looking for the order to do the mods IMHO it would be Chassis, Suspension and then Brakes. After all that is sorted then see what you can get out of the motor.
If you can only do one thing on the list, then it would be suspension. A well set up suspension can make the most out of the chassis, even if it is not optimum and also get the most out of the stock brakes.
Of course, like always YMMV.
You first need to get the chassis set up. This includes things like stiffening & geometry changes (which also can be looked at as a suspension change).
If you start with the suspension, it can easily overwhelm a poor chassis set up.
If you start with the brakes, they too can overwhelm a poor chassis set up and also my need to be changed again if you do any major alterations to the suspension.
So if you are looking for the order to do the mods IMHO it would be Chassis, Suspension and then Brakes. After all that is sorted then see what you can get out of the motor.
If you can only do one thing on the list, then it would be suspension. A well set up suspension can make the most out of the chassis, even if it is not optimum and also get the most out of the stock brakes.
Of course, like always YMMV.
Only one thing I see different... Chassi & suspension comes as a package... Then Brakes, then ergo's & safety like visibility and such... Then at the bottom of the list comes the engine...
But out of your list... Engine is my choice, as it defines a bike more than the rest...
Banned
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,942
From: Lake View Terrace, CA
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
You know, I dont think that I can vote on this, and for good reason. I believe that the person that generated this poll may not truly understand why a person is a lifetime motorcyclist, collector, and philosopher. The best part of a motorcycle to the squid is just how fast it is, to the racer it is the first three, and to the person like myself it really is none of the above. I have ridden many motorcycles and come away from BOTY (in diff categories) thinking I could do without. Others never got the recognition and I loved every minute on the bike. When the hawk is running right, and I am on a long run, its the methodical drumming of the two slugs waiting to be whipped into a song all its own, moving through whatever is in my way, traffic, curves, woods, or an endless horizon. The weight of a good luggage load tames the grey hound and makes it the lap dog with teeth I need. The weight smooths out its idiosyncrasies and makes it one with me.
The 1969 DT1 that I helped put back on the road had a different best feature. I went back in time riding that bike to a time that came long before me. It doesn't handle, stop, accelerate, or do anything well by today's standards, yet I loved every moment on the bike. Its ridiculous two stroke powerplant with era-correct performance pipe raises the dead, yet no one would ever bother to call it in to the police. Missing a bowling ball helmet, ski goggles, some striped sweat socks and tight short shorts, maybe a mustache and long hair, I could have loved it just as much had I been a kid in the 70's.
One of my BOTS (bike of the summer), top ten of all time was a CB350 Four. Totally stock (save for a pipe for Fe2O3 reasons) that found me free on the road, with nothing holding me back from disappearing forever, well, except for the fact it was merely a test ride after some work I did. For a brief moment, I was hauling ***, away from it all.
This type of "existence" is not to be understood by everyone, but for those that do get it, they rarely have one favorite bike and it doesn't have a feature that you can subjectively put in a category to vote on. I ride because I am alive, as opposed to "live to ride, ride to live". I have a hard time talking to the person that has newly stepped into motorcycling for all the wrong reasons and bought the SS bike because it was for beginners. He and I have as much in common as humans and the common ape. As he "outgrows" the performance in a year and steps up to a liter bike, I will be cherishing some new experience with a bike he wouldn't electric start, let alone kick or push. He will move on, probably to a wrx or evo, to save himself from the "inevitable" death he would have suffered because he is so "f_ing crazy". I will still ride, because I will still be alive. Well, what is your favorite aspect of a bike?
The 1969 DT1 that I helped put back on the road had a different best feature. I went back in time riding that bike to a time that came long before me. It doesn't handle, stop, accelerate, or do anything well by today's standards, yet I loved every moment on the bike. Its ridiculous two stroke powerplant with era-correct performance pipe raises the dead, yet no one would ever bother to call it in to the police. Missing a bowling ball helmet, ski goggles, some striped sweat socks and tight short shorts, maybe a mustache and long hair, I could have loved it just as much had I been a kid in the 70's.
One of my BOTS (bike of the summer), top ten of all time was a CB350 Four. Totally stock (save for a pipe for Fe2O3 reasons) that found me free on the road, with nothing holding me back from disappearing forever, well, except for the fact it was merely a test ride after some work I did. For a brief moment, I was hauling ***, away from it all.
This type of "existence" is not to be understood by everyone, but for those that do get it, they rarely have one favorite bike and it doesn't have a feature that you can subjectively put in a category to vote on. I ride because I am alive, as opposed to "live to ride, ride to live". I have a hard time talking to the person that has newly stepped into motorcycling for all the wrong reasons and bought the SS bike because it was for beginners. He and I have as much in common as humans and the common ape. As he "outgrows" the performance in a year and steps up to a liter bike, I will be cherishing some new experience with a bike he wouldn't electric start, let alone kick or push. He will move on, probably to a wrx or evo, to save himself from the "inevitable" death he would have suffered because he is so "f_ing crazy". I will still ride, because I will still be alive. Well, what is your favorite aspect of a bike?
Senior Member
Back Marker
Back Marker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 229
From: Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Yeah, Bill, for me you've nailed it.
Every one of the bikes I've ever owned (130+) was my favourite whilst I was riding it. Ditto with sponsors' race bikes.
Some have best - or worst - separate items; but that's not the point.
As an example my R75/5 BMW, even when new, wasn't the best at anything, didn't have the best of anything, but for the 21 years I owned it was my pick to go riding on most days. As an entity, it was a delight, even if it did handle (as the Germans put it for this model) like a rubber cow.
Every one of the bikes I've ever owned (130+) was my favourite whilst I was riding it. Ditto with sponsors' race bikes.
Some have best - or worst - separate items; but that's not the point.
As an example my R75/5 BMW, even when new, wasn't the best at anything, didn't have the best of anything, but for the 21 years I owned it was my pick to go riding on most days. As an entity, it was a delight, even if it did handle (as the Germans put it for this model) like a rubber cow.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bel...2017061?ref=ts
Check out the restoration we did on a 1973 75/6. It would bring back some memories.
Check out the restoration we did on a 1973 75/6. It would bring back some memories.
Remember stock is BAD!
SuperSport
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 760
From: Jacksonville FL
Everyone knows that the engine is the heart of the motorcycle. It gives it its personality or lack thereof. It also affects how you ride it, and what you do with it.
Banned
MotoGP
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,942
From: Lake View Terrace, CA
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,216
From: Westerly, RI
I'm gonna go with my dads teaching on this one.
BRAKES are the most important. Even a poorly working bike will get moving. Poorly working brakes may not stop you, then what? Here come a fence/tree/wall/car.
I'm sticking with brakes as the MOST IMPORTANT.
BRAKES are the most important. Even a poorly working bike will get moving. Poorly working brakes may not stop you, then what? Here come a fence/tree/wall/car.
I'm sticking with brakes as the MOST IMPORTANT.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 421
From: Woodland Hills, CA
Slightly silly poll so I am going with a slightly silly answer... (No offence intended Moto Man 
)
Chassis - Because without that you have a pile of motorcycle parts, not a motorcycle.
)Chassis - Because without that you have a pile of motorcycle parts, not a motorcycle.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,216
From: Westerly, RI
After reading Bill's musing, it gave thought. This is a mis-worded poll. "Aspect" should not have been used, seeing as Bill is correct. The lifestyle and the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle are aspects of the motorcycle.
A more correct poll would be "which is the most important system ON a motorcycle?"
Bill, I am obviously younger than you, but have been blessed by being around others like you, who similarily agree that "It's not the destination, it's the journey that gets you there."
Bill thanks for sharing.
Erik
A more correct poll would be "which is the most important system ON a motorcycle?"
Bill, I am obviously younger than you, but have been blessed by being around others like you, who similarily agree that "It's not the destination, it's the journey that gets you there."
Bill thanks for sharing.
Erik
Thread Starter
Duc Hawk
SuperSport
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 691
From: Malibu's canyons
Man! Tough crowd...
Bill - With all due respect, I think with 25+ years of street riding on many different bikes I have a pretty good understanding of what motorcycling is and what it means to be a lifelong rider. I started out riding on the street with a bike smaller than the dirt bike I was riding at the time and worked my way up the CCs from there. Bikes have been in my blood and family since I was a kid. I grew up around flat track racers and motorcycle parts distribution.
I did not start this poll to ask about the intangible elements of MOTORCYCLING and what it means to be a rider or to muse on the writings of Robert Persig. Nor did I intend to have this poll be about what upgrades to do to our Superhawks or for a single aspect to be thought of as the only part you would have and without the others you wouldn't have a bike. I think you read me too deeply and looked for what was not there. I wanted to simply find out what aspect (read: distinctive attribute as viewed to the mind) of a MOTORCYCLE that this crowd values most and to incite some fun and even deep comments (like yours); not why all the aspects are important or how they are part of an overall package which cannot be subdivided, or even which part one did not like on a particular bike or why none matter when riding older bikes. Simply what aspect/part/system of ALL motorcycles (note the Everything Else cat.) do you subjectively or objectively value above others. For some its a very difficult question as they cannot view the elements as disparate parts and only view the motorcycle as whole unit, including the rider.
In doing so I tried to come up with clean categories with which to separate frame from suspension and brakes, and I should not have used chassis to do that as to most Chassis includes suspension and even brakes. Maybe I should have include the tires? I guess I could have put more thought into it; but it was just something quick that I thought of and wondered what others thought on the topic as well. Most got me I think but some got hung up on the parlance and semantics. I really just wanted to find out what element of a motorcycle people value the most. The list could have been much larger; for some people ergos like a good seat and bars are the most important. The list could go on...
It's a tough question for me as I have always been inspired by engine configuration and have mostly owned twins and singles because I love torque. But as I grow older I find that the thing I have enjoyed the most about all of the bikes I have had is a good suspension and frame design. But I've ridden bikes with awful wobbly swingarms and dual shocks, with a big grin on my face all day long just because I was out in the wind. I've had as much fun riding a Kawi Tripple 500 at WOT that was screaming and shuddering down the freeway as I have slicing through canyons on my much more solid, refined, tuned and upgraded old '87 VFR with its precise engineering and wonderful cam whine. Like you some of my favorite old bikes are the little Hondas from the 70's of which I've owned a few. Although I prefer the parallel twins to the little IL4s.
When I ride I become part of the bike making it an extension of my body and mind. I ride to be and stay alive. There really is nothing quite like riding a bike, but that's another story or post...
I did not start this poll to ask about the intangible elements of MOTORCYCLING and what it means to be a rider or to muse on the writings of Robert Persig. Nor did I intend to have this poll be about what upgrades to do to our Superhawks or for a single aspect to be thought of as the only part you would have and without the others you wouldn't have a bike. I think you read me too deeply and looked for what was not there. I wanted to simply find out what aspect (read: distinctive attribute as viewed to the mind) of a MOTORCYCLE that this crowd values most and to incite some fun and even deep comments (like yours); not why all the aspects are important or how they are part of an overall package which cannot be subdivided, or even which part one did not like on a particular bike or why none matter when riding older bikes. Simply what aspect/part/system of ALL motorcycles (note the Everything Else cat.) do you subjectively or objectively value above others. For some its a very difficult question as they cannot view the elements as disparate parts and only view the motorcycle as whole unit, including the rider.
In doing so I tried to come up with clean categories with which to separate frame from suspension and brakes, and I should not have used chassis to do that as to most Chassis includes suspension and even brakes. Maybe I should have include the tires? I guess I could have put more thought into it; but it was just something quick that I thought of and wondered what others thought on the topic as well. Most got me I think but some got hung up on the parlance and semantics. I really just wanted to find out what element of a motorcycle people value the most. The list could have been much larger; for some people ergos like a good seat and bars are the most important. The list could go on...
It's a tough question for me as I have always been inspired by engine configuration and have mostly owned twins and singles because I love torque. But as I grow older I find that the thing I have enjoyed the most about all of the bikes I have had is a good suspension and frame design. But I've ridden bikes with awful wobbly swingarms and dual shocks, with a big grin on my face all day long just because I was out in the wind. I've had as much fun riding a Kawi Tripple 500 at WOT that was screaming and shuddering down the freeway as I have slicing through canyons on my much more solid, refined, tuned and upgraded old '87 VFR with its precise engineering and wonderful cam whine. Like you some of my favorite old bikes are the little Hondas from the 70's of which I've owned a few. Although I prefer the parallel twins to the little IL4s.
When I ride I become part of the bike making it an extension of my body and mind. I ride to be and stay alive. There really is nothing quite like riding a bike, but that's another story or post...
Last edited by Moto Man; Sep 15, 2010 at 05:39 PM.
I loves me twins
Superstock
Superstock
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 380
From: Houston, TX
I chose chassis, because I assume that covers the geometry of the bike more than the other choices and IMO that's the most important aspect of bike. Even more than the motor, the chassis geometry affects every aspect of bike. Turning, braking, and accelerating are all controlled by the chassis.
For example the TL1000S. Stellar motor, excellent gearbox, pretty good brakes, but ***** suspension and even worse chassis geometry. The bars on that bike would noticeably steer left and right over bumps while in a corner. Even with Race Tech forks and a Bitubo shock, it still wobbled the front end. What should have been an amazing bike was cut short by that horrible geometry.
For example the TL1000S. Stellar motor, excellent gearbox, pretty good brakes, but ***** suspension and even worse chassis geometry. The bars on that bike would noticeably steer left and right over bumps while in a corner. Even with Race Tech forks and a Bitubo shock, it still wobbled the front end. What should have been an amazing bike was cut short by that horrible geometry.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 617
From: In a van down by the river (I wish!)
Yeah, with all due respect, I think we could maybe go overboard with this poll…
I mean, I love my wife. When I first met her, I was, um, well… It was physical. Call me shallow, but this is the nature of things, I think. As we aged, I began seeing other things in her that also attracted me: The way she told a joke, how her jaw came out when she was angry, the way she imitated Elmo. Now I’m still attracted to her the way I use to be, but these other qualities are also important.
A while back there was a kid here who could talk about nothing but wheelies and zero-to-60 times. I remember being just like him and thinking that nothing was important as speed. But then I started touring; and then I started sport-bike riding; and now I have the SH. For me (as for a lot of folks here), motorcycling is a lifelong passion, but since I’m not done living I have no idea how it will fit into my life in five or 10 years.
But if I were to describe the physical characteristics of riding, or of elements of the ride that appeal to me right now, I could do it. It would be no different than saying what part of my wife’s appearance I love best. You can take the big question – why do we love the things we love – or you can ask if you’re a tit or *** man. And in a sense both questions are valid.
But I went for brakes so WTF do I know?
I mean, I love my wife. When I first met her, I was, um, well… It was physical. Call me shallow, but this is the nature of things, I think. As we aged, I began seeing other things in her that also attracted me: The way she told a joke, how her jaw came out when she was angry, the way she imitated Elmo. Now I’m still attracted to her the way I use to be, but these other qualities are also important.
A while back there was a kid here who could talk about nothing but wheelies and zero-to-60 times. I remember being just like him and thinking that nothing was important as speed. But then I started touring; and then I started sport-bike riding; and now I have the SH. For me (as for a lot of folks here), motorcycling is a lifelong passion, but since I’m not done living I have no idea how it will fit into my life in five or 10 years.
But if I were to describe the physical characteristics of riding, or of elements of the ride that appeal to me right now, I could do it. It would be no different than saying what part of my wife’s appearance I love best. You can take the big question – why do we love the things we love – or you can ask if you’re a tit or *** man. And in a sense both questions are valid.
But I went for brakes so WTF do I know?
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,689
From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Well spoken, crahsrat.
To me, there is nothing that can be separated as more important than the others. A motorcycle and rider are such an integrated unit.
I think it is a matter of how well your thoughts about what you want the motorcycle to do translate to what it does. Setup and tuning help with this process, but you can reach that connectedness with any bike, as long as you didn't just get off of something that gave you a better connection. To just roll on the gas and the bike accelerates in a smooth progressive fashion - one of the main reasons I like big twins. Squeeze the brakes and get the perfect deceleration, where you can detatch from that part and focus on the road and preaparing to tip into the next one. If the bike is doing just what you expect, it's perfect, because then, it becomes a part of you. That's where you enter "the zone". If operating the bike becomes almost subconscious, it's perfect. There are no graphs, charts, or aftermarket parts that make it happen.
Having said that, there is definitely a lot to be said for making improvements. I had some perfect rides on my nearly stock VTR. After a couple years of improvements to it, I got on a complete stocker and couldn't wait to give it back.
I rode a CBR929RR with wooden brakes. They were so bad I just pulled over and parked it and gave it back.
My RC51 is not for sale.
To me, there is nothing that can be separated as more important than the others. A motorcycle and rider are such an integrated unit.
I think it is a matter of how well your thoughts about what you want the motorcycle to do translate to what it does. Setup and tuning help with this process, but you can reach that connectedness with any bike, as long as you didn't just get off of something that gave you a better connection. To just roll on the gas and the bike accelerates in a smooth progressive fashion - one of the main reasons I like big twins. Squeeze the brakes and get the perfect deceleration, where you can detatch from that part and focus on the road and preaparing to tip into the next one. If the bike is doing just what you expect, it's perfect, because then, it becomes a part of you. That's where you enter "the zone". If operating the bike becomes almost subconscious, it's perfect. There are no graphs, charts, or aftermarket parts that make it happen.
Having said that, there is definitely a lot to be said for making improvements. I had some perfect rides on my nearly stock VTR. After a couple years of improvements to it, I got on a complete stocker and couldn't wait to give it back.
I rode a CBR929RR with wooden brakes. They were so bad I just pulled over and parked it and gave it back.
My RC51 is not for sale.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
Man! Tough crowd...
Bill - Will all due respect, I think with 25+ years of street riding on many different bikes I have a pretty good understanding of what motorcycling is and what it means to be a lifelong rider. I started out riding on the street with a bike smaller than the dirt bike I was riding at the time and worked my way up the CCs from there. Bikes have been in my blood and family since I was a kid. I grew up around flat track racers and motorcycle parts distribution.
I did not start this poll to ask about the intangible elements of MOTORCYCLING and what it means to be a rider or to muse on the writings of Robert Persig. Nor did I intend to have this poll be about what upgrades to do to our Superhawks or for a single aspect to be thought of as the only part you would have and without the others you wouldn't have a bike. I think you read me too deeply and looked for what was not there. I wanted to simply find out what aspect (read: distinctive attribute as viewed to the mind) of a MOTORCYCLE that this crowd values most and to incite some fun and even deep comments (like yours); not why all the aspects are important or how they are part of an overall package which cannot be subdivided, or even which part one did not like on a particular bike or why none matter when riding older bikes. Simply what aspect/part/system of ALL motorcycles (note the Everything Else cat.) do you subjectively or objectively value above others. For some its a very difficult question as they cannot view the elements as disparate parts and only view the motorcycle as whole unit, including the rider.
In doing so I tried to come up with clean categories with which to separate frame from suspension and brakes, and I should not have used chassis to do that as to most Chassis includes suspension and even brakes. Maybe I should have include the tires? I guess I could have put more thought into it; but it was just something quick that I thought of and wondered what others thought on the topic as well. Most got me I think but some got hung up on the parlance and semantics. I really just wanted to find out what element of a motorcycle people value the most. The list could have been much larger; for some people ergos like a good seat and bars are the most important. The list could go on...
It's a tough question for me as I have always been inspired by engine configuration and have mostly owned twins and singles because I love torque. But as I grow older I find that the thing I have enjoyed the most about all of the bikes I have had is a good suspension and frame design. But I've ridden bikes with awful wobbly swingarms and dual shocks, with a big grin on my face all day long just because I was out in the wind. I've had as much fun riding a Kawi Tripple 500 at WOT that was screaming and shuddering down the freeway as I have slicing through canyons on my much more solid, refined, tuned and upgraded old '87 VFR with its precise engineering and wonderful cam whine. Like you some of my favorite old bikes are the little Hondas from the 70's of which I've owned a few. Although I prefer the parallel twins to the little IL4s.
When I ride I become part of the bike making it an extension of my body and mind. I ride to be and stay alive. There really is nothing quite like riding a bike, but that's another story or post...
Bill - Will all due respect, I think with 25+ years of street riding on many different bikes I have a pretty good understanding of what motorcycling is and what it means to be a lifelong rider. I started out riding on the street with a bike smaller than the dirt bike I was riding at the time and worked my way up the CCs from there. Bikes have been in my blood and family since I was a kid. I grew up around flat track racers and motorcycle parts distribution.
I did not start this poll to ask about the intangible elements of MOTORCYCLING and what it means to be a rider or to muse on the writings of Robert Persig. Nor did I intend to have this poll be about what upgrades to do to our Superhawks or for a single aspect to be thought of as the only part you would have and without the others you wouldn't have a bike. I think you read me too deeply and looked for what was not there. I wanted to simply find out what aspect (read: distinctive attribute as viewed to the mind) of a MOTORCYCLE that this crowd values most and to incite some fun and even deep comments (like yours); not why all the aspects are important or how they are part of an overall package which cannot be subdivided, or even which part one did not like on a particular bike or why none matter when riding older bikes. Simply what aspect/part/system of ALL motorcycles (note the Everything Else cat.) do you subjectively or objectively value above others. For some its a very difficult question as they cannot view the elements as disparate parts and only view the motorcycle as whole unit, including the rider.
In doing so I tried to come up with clean categories with which to separate frame from suspension and brakes, and I should not have used chassis to do that as to most Chassis includes suspension and even brakes. Maybe I should have include the tires? I guess I could have put more thought into it; but it was just something quick that I thought of and wondered what others thought on the topic as well. Most got me I think but some got hung up on the parlance and semantics. I really just wanted to find out what element of a motorcycle people value the most. The list could have been much larger; for some people ergos like a good seat and bars are the most important. The list could go on...
It's a tough question for me as I have always been inspired by engine configuration and have mostly owned twins and singles because I love torque. But as I grow older I find that the thing I have enjoyed the most about all of the bikes I have had is a good suspension and frame design. But I've ridden bikes with awful wobbly swingarms and dual shocks, with a big grin on my face all day long just because I was out in the wind. I've had as much fun riding a Kawi Tripple 500 at WOT that was screaming and shuddering down the freeway as I have slicing through canyons on my much more solid, refined, tuned and upgraded old '87 VFR with its precise engineering and wonderful cam whine. Like you some of my favorite old bikes are the little Hondas from the 70's of which I've owned a few. Although I prefer the parallel twins to the little IL4s.
When I ride I become part of the bike making it an extension of my body and mind. I ride to be and stay alive. There really is nothing quite like riding a bike, but that's another story or post...
If I had to pick anything, it wouldn't be HP. It would be the method by which it was produced.
For the reasons this is an amazing engine, and also for the sound it made in a time when it was counter culture for racing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBrb9...eature=related
