What's a REAL motorcycle?

[bowlesj]

I hear it all the time, I say it some times - "Now that's a real motorcycle" "Why didn't you get a real motorcycle?"

So, what is a REAL motorcycle?

[bowlesj]

For me, a real motorcycle is one of 2 things.

Either the barest most primitive example of a motorized cycle possible.

Excelsior, Indian, BMW, etc

or

The absolute fastest piece of machinery that will perform all aspects of basic motorcycling at the highest level possible. IE-cornering left, cornering right, braking, and accelerating. I guess that would be a GP bike. GP because all of these things can be done best on pavement. Dirt just slows you down.:)

When I think REAL motorcycle, those are the primal things that come to my mind.

[shadowofshoe]

John-
I believe a "real" motorcycle should have good acceleration (quick,fast or both), Handling & braking.
This rules out some bikes...but I think dirt is a wonderful learning setting for going fast although it takes years to unlearn dirt habits that do not translate to fast road riding.

Mike

[CharlieVT]

The first motorcycle I ever drove was an old (OLD, 1940s or 50s I'm guessing) Harley Davidson frame that have been brought back to life by my elementary school classmate, neighbor, dairy farmer's son, who put an old chainsaw motor into the frame. This was in the early 1960s.

It had absolutely no low end power, but once it was up to speed it seemed to really fly. Bear in mind, we were in 6th grade, and the roads we were riding were the tractor access roads to the corn fields.

THAT was a REAL motorcyle!


Point being, a "real" motorcycle is what ever you think it is.

[gbob]

I once thought if it could not get the front wheel up and get sideways it was not a motorcycle ,now if it has 2 wheels, can be started and has brakes I will ride and have a good time .
their all good and the quiet ones are better

[RonKMiller]

John-
I believe a "real" motorcycle should have good acceleration (quick,fast or both), Handling & braking.
This rules out some bikes...but I think dirt is a wonderful learning setting for going fast although it takes years to unlearn dirt habits that do not translate to fast road riding.

Mike

Hmmm, that's interesting.

I always thought that my motocross days on a 100cc Harley Baja (in North East Ohio of all places!) taught me to be a MUCH better rider on pavement. I also short tracked a 100cc Kawi single and had a few rides on a factory 250 Harley (Italian) twin road racer that would do well over the ton. I wish I had ALL those bikes today!

I still limp a little... ;)

I think it all goes toward making you a more competent rider.

Same goes for aviation: I fly planes, balloons, blimps. Have not crashed YET! :eek:

[messenger13]

So, what is a REAL motorcycle?Darn it John! This is a great question!!! I closed my eyes and began formulating my list of what makes up a "REAL motorcycle". The longer I thought ... the more confused I became. At the end of my debate with myself, I came up with a list that makes up what a "real motorcycle" is (to me).

* - 2 tires/wheels
* - handlebars
* - a place to sit
* - 2 footpegs
* - a brake
* - a motor
* - a clutch and gear shift lever (once you start riding a big boy's bike) ;)

It's a shame the way we allow the race for technology, creature comfots, and/or our need for speed modify and distort that list so much. It's actually really kinda sad. :(

[gr8fulfred]

If you ride it regularly and it makes you happy every time you do, then you've got a real motorcycle. Fake ones tend to sit in garages and collect dust, or worse, get polished instead of ridden.

[fpmlt]

To be a REAL motorcycle, it has to have a kick starter!

[Bob1200rtc1]

A real motorcycle has 2 wheels and an engine. As long as the person riding it likes it who is anyone else to judge. People make fun of my R12RT all the time but I like it so I don't care.

[zippy_gg]

To be a REAL motorcycle, it has to have a kick starter!...and a center stand you have to deploy without any hydraulics!:rolleyes:
Quite frankly I see that device on the newer LTs as yet "another thing that will break"! No way around it, as it is NOT an option.

[kk610lt]

[QUOTE=bowlesj]I hear it all the time, "Why didn't you get a real motorcycle?"

Usually by people who think harleys are the ultimate m/c...

[XMagnaRider]

If you ride it regularly and it makes you happy every time you do, then you've got a real motorcycle. Fake ones tend to sit in garages and collect dust, or worse, get polished instead of ridden.
Well said, Fred!
+1