What would ideal bike be?

[Dessert Storm]

I'd go for a dual-sport like the TA, but with about 70bhp. Good looks (my TA looks great from some angles, but from others it has a face only it's mother could love! Think same applies to the AT). None-garish paintjob. Decent windblast and weather protection. Less than 200kgs. Not physically bigger than the TA. 50+mpg. 200+ mile tank range. Tuned for mid-range. Adjustable suspension front and rear. Spoked wheels, in sizes that maximise tyre choice. Good luggage carrying ability. Instruments to include voltmeter. Heated grips, power socket, and centrestand fitted as standard.

Don't think that sounds that outlandish, yet there is nothing out there that ticks every box, and most don't tick as many as the TA.

[harrisphil]

sounds like a 750 elephant

[Fatjohn]

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?pa...NEWS_NEW-BIKES

it's got at least 40 more ponies than I require, and it'll probbly fall down on more than one aspect upon closer inspection, but as it stands....I quite like the look of this beast...

[robelst]

I quite like the Buell Ulysses, that bike offers about everything I like in a bike: characterful big-old lump of simple air-cooled machinery, well-sized, low on fuel, enough power, fun-handling, belt-drive. A bit more fuel capacity and bigger front wheel (now only 17") would have been nice, but you can't have it all. The main problem is that the dealers and HD/Buell-UK are in general as competent and helpful as a log of wood. And not as in "good quality wood", more like the rotting stomp that is left in the dirt after a tree has been cut. I don't think I'd survive another two years of sheer frustration of having to service the bike by an "official" stealer, just for not loosing the warranty and / or resell value. The bike will suffer as well. And now that I think about it, I don't look forward to be at any dealer's mercy, price- as well as skill-wise, just to get a few stamps in the service booklet.

Hmmm, I just turned 40, and already start to sound like a grumpy old man

My current two bikes ('95 AT and '01 Buell M2) are close enough to what I consider to be "the ideal bike" and since they have no resell-value worth mentioning, I can use my spanners on them as much as I like (and more often that I'd wish, but that's a different story )

[severs]

My '00 TA650 would be ideal if it had:

A bore & stroke like a 750 AT. That is, same weight as now, but a smidgen more grunt.
More easily replaceable end can.
Slightly less vulnerable plastics which are easier to dismantle, maybe with dzus-type fasteners.
Easier access to bulbs and service parts (air filter, plugs, cams).
Slightly larger tank.
12V dc socket or a "standard" place where one might be fitted aftermarket.
Somewhere a bit more convenient to mount a Scottoiler.
Rear preload adjuster on a knob like a BMW Funduro.
OEM tyres that are a bit less wooden.
Proper rear rack (not plastic!).
Lugs or holes on the frame desgned to take aftermarket crash bars.

[sean]

my busa with a supercharger fitted & a lifetimes free supply of tyres