From: osborn@cs.utexas.edu (John Howard Osborn)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles
Subject: Re: Fastest Bike Known
Date: 21 Nov 1992 12:50:38 -0600
Organization: CS Dept, University of Texas at Austin
NNTP-Posting-Host: im4u.cs.utexas.edu

In article <22565@drutx.ATT.COM> ljb@parkcity.dr.att.com (BLO54620-BonhamLJ(DR2194)240) writes:

Well, most modern bikes will be considerably faster than high performance
cars.  So, I don't think you really need to worry.


The usual advice:  Buy a well used Japanese bike, ride it a year or so,
  make lots of mistakes, learn what you really want, sell it, and
  but what you want.

Well, if you usually blow-off conventional wisdom, here's what I'd
suggest:

Your post makes it fairly clear that you don't really know what you
want either, but we have some functional parameters:

1.  Good power and handling
2.  Ability to run well at high altitude
3.  All-day comfort
4.  Good looks

My first thought might be something like a BMW K75S.  Power is a little
down from other 750-class bikes, BUT
  - It has anti-lock brakes (BIG WIN, imho)
  - It is comfortable
  - It handles pretty well
  - The fuel injection system has a high/low-altitude switch
  - Lots of aftermarket stuff is available for it
  - I think it looks really nice (other people may call it boring)

Also from BMW, you could get a K100RS.
  - 1000cc engine instead of 750cc
  - Slighter bigger fairing - gives better wind protection
  - Might be more comfortable for a larger person
  - The fuel injection system MIGHT automatically sense altitude,
    but you'll need to check on this.  (No doubt, somebody will correct me.)
  - Also has ABS, aftermarket stuff, BMW reliabiliy, style, and resale value

By all account, the H-D FXRT-sp (sp=sport) functions VERY well.  It has
a nice anti-dive mechanism, dual front disk brakes, etc.  If you like
to work on your vehicle, this could be the machine for you.  (You don't
really need to, they're very reliable, but there are tons and tons and tons
and tons of mods you can make to absolutely everything on the bike.  An
entire industry exists to do H-D mods.)

Here is my chance to offend EVERYBODY with sweeping generalizations:

BMW
  Fairly expensive, bikes range from about $8000 to about $16000.
  Owners tend to be fanatically loyal.
  Reliability is considered excellent.
  Styling is fairly conservative, but they do have a timeless look to them.
  Engines tend to be low-stressed designs, so peak power tends to be
    lower than other marques.
  They are coming out a new engine design later in '93, so you can
    expect to see lots of media coverage of their new bikes.
  Models tend to stay in production for a long time, making parts
    relatively cheap and easy to find.
  Resale value is good.

Harley-Davidson
  Fairly expensive, bikes range from about $6000 to about $16000.
  Owners tend to be fantically loyal.
  Reliability is considered excellent.
  Styling is generally "classic."  (Like it or hate it...)
  Engines tend to be low-stressed designs, so peak power tends to be
    lower than other marques.
  Models tend to stay in production for a long time, making parts
    relatively cheap and easy to find.
  Resale value is excellent.
  There is a huge aftermarket industry to supply you with parts,
    services, and "lifestyle accessories."

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha
  Tend to be less expensive than other brands on the low end,
    prices range from about $3000 - $15000 or so.
  There are too many models to generalize reliability or styling.
  They tend to push frame and engine technology much harder than HD or BMW.
  Models tend to stay in production a fairly short length of time,
    so parts can sometimes be a problem for older bikes, especially
    for non-critical items like side-panels, odd foot pegs, or
    anything unique to a particular model.  Of the four, Honda is
    considered to have the best parts supply policy.
  Resale value tends to be lower than H-D or BMW.
  A large aftermarket industry exists to sell performance parts.

Ducati
  No real low-end, they tend to cost a bit more than equivalent-class
    sportbikes from Japan.
  Ask somebody else about reliability, parts availability and stuff.

MotoGuzzi
  I don't know about prices or anything, but I've been told that
    parts are readily available.


-- 
-
-John H. Osborn                     - Boycott Colorado
-osborn@cs.utexas.edu               - Enforced discrimination MUST NOT STAND
-DOD# 2001  '92 BMW Paris-Dakar     - Queer, Proud, and Angry
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles