Or does it even matter as long as it’s got two wheels, a big engine and it’s parked from time to time in your driveway where your neighbours and girlfriends can see it?
I’m partial to the fuck off fast crotch rockets (a) and I’m not looking to take anybody for a ride on the back of the bike. However, I’m 41 years old and should probably think about acting my age with option (b).
Crotch rocket. But the BMW is very nice, too! We’re in the midst of probably getting a bike for commuting purposes – we need a new vehicle anyways – and leaning towards a sporty street bike. But to be honest, I like them all. If it has two wheels and more than 600 cubic inches, I’m a fan.
If you REALLY want the ladies, get yourself one of these, and sport a proper helmet, goggles and of course, black leather jacket and a pair of jeans. No woman will be able to resist your ultra coolness, trust me!
I’ve not had one since my early 20’s. Back then it was an entry level crotch rocket in the form of a Yamaha RZ350. Not a big displacement bike but surprisingly fast, especially in the corners. Highly tossable.
I’d have to relearn to ride again.
For all the Harley detractors, I must admit to not being much of a fan either. If I was buying an American style cruiser, I’d opt for the Yamaha VMax. Not strictly speaking the same, or even close to the same. Closer to the Ducati Monster… and yet not quite.
I prefer a) Crotch Rocket. Looks cool enough, is quick, gets the job done, and you won’t look like a moron riding it.
Touring bikes always make me think “just get a car already!” The BMW you linked to is cool-looking, but in a car kind of way, not in a motorcycle kind of way. (That probably makes no sense to anyone but me … oh well.) If some guy tooled up on one of those, I think I’d be ambivalent.
Last, but not least, you’re too pretty for the Harley (or any other kind of American chopper-style bike – even, IMO, the Yamaha). Those bikes are meant for guys who grew up riding 'em, or for guys who turn 40, let their hair grow, get a few tattoos, buy a “if you can read this, the bitch fell off” shirt, and completely change their lifestyles. Any other kind of guy on a bike like that just seems like a poseur (and it can scream “mid-life crisis”).
All just my $0.02, of course, and I know that I’m in the minority. Don’t mind me.
Choice a) is not bad in a good way. Choice b) is a little too European. Choice c) has gotten that mid-life crisis thing twikster mentioned
So if I were to choose for you, it would be choice d) An Indian
Classic style without being a dime a dozen, Harley tough guy poser, bad without making you look immature or foolish, no very slightly twee, fussy BMW look. Definitely a motorcycle I’d be happy to have parked in the driveway, making my girlfriends jealous, for all to admire. Admittedly, going with choice d) is made more difficult by the maker being out of business, but that won’t stop a true bad boy!