# That does it; Ladies, I'm buying a motorcycle!
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [August 10, 2005, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525 "2005-08-10T23:13:44Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2005, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/1 "2005-08-10T23:13:44Z")
Hardly the definitive and exhaustive research on the subject of [bad boy transportation](http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspx?articleid=4723&TrackingID=516311&BannerID=544657&menuid=6). Still, hard to argue with research.
So it’s not a question of why women like a bad boy biker image. It’s a questionsof what kind of bike women like to see a guy on:
a) [Crotch Rocket](http://www.aprilia.com/models03/road/eng/modello.phtml?id=55)
b) [Euro Style cruiser](http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1200rt)
c) [Classic American Cruiser](http://www.harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2006/06_template.asp?bmLocale=en_US&family=softail&model=fxst&market=US&modelsection=gallery)
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?
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### Author:  [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/2 "2005-08-10T23:22:39Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> b) [Euro Style cruiser](http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1200rt)
_wipes drool from chin_
What was the question again?
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### Author:  [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/3 "2005-08-10T23:22:47Z")
You gonna have a hard time toting any stray crotch on the above crotch rocket.
I think it would be a matter of fitting your personality. Are you a Crotch Rocket-type bad boy? Or a Euro-Cruiser?
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### Author:  [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2005, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/4 "2005-08-10T23:27:50Z")
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).
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### Author:  [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/5 "2005-08-11T00:12:02Z")
B is the sexiest. I want B. I would drive B, and buy a leather jacket and everything.
I’ll ride with you though, if there’s no other way to get onto it! $17,500 is a bit high for a 4 or 5 month toy!
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### Author:  [@SnakesCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SnakesCatLady)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/6 "2005-08-11T00:13:08Z")
I already have my leather jacket. Boots, too.
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### Author:  [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/7 "2005-08-11T00:18:08Z")
Ooo! **Snakescatlady** , I’ll ride side-by-side with you, if you like!
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### Author:  [@Anastasaeon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anastasaeon)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/8 "2005-08-11T00:32:15Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#):
>
> b) [Euro Style cruiser](http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1200rt)
Oooooooh!
Who needs a man when you have one of these?
Maybe it’s _too_ sexy for what you’re going for.
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### Author:  [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/9 "2005-08-11T01:07:48Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@Buckler\_of\_Swashing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buckler_of_Swashing)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/10 "2005-08-11T01:08:12Z")
b…
_dies a little death of happiness_
…yup…b.
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### Author:  [@Meaty\_Beaty\_Big\_and\_Bouncy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meaty_Beaty_Big_and_Bouncy)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/11 "2005-08-11T01:19:59Z")
**QuickSilver** , If you don’t mind me asking, what your experience level? Is this your first bike?
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### Author:  [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/12 "2005-08-11T01:22:28Z")
Do not, under any circumstances, get a Harley.
The _only_ thing Harley says is “periodontist with a midlife crisis.”
That’s one pretty BMW, though.
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### Author:  [@psycat90](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psycat90)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/13 "2005-08-11T02:07:24Z")
My husband’s been going on lately about buying a motorcycle.
He’s been looking at the European styles - Ducati, BMW, etc. I think his old bike was a Ducati.
Personally, of the 3 styles you listed, I find the European models to be the most attractive.
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### Author:  [@zagloba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zagloba)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/14 "2005-08-11T02:19:33Z")
> [@The Sausage Creature](#):
>
> If it has two wheels and more than 600 cubic inches, I’m a fan.
You show me a bike with a 10 liter engine and I’ll show you more bike than you can handle.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know you meant 600 cc.
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### Author:  [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/15 "2005-08-11T02:24:33Z")
Pfft. Those BMWs are for old white guys. 😃
If you REALLY want the ladies, get yourself one of [these](http://www.bikez.com/bike/22048/index.jpg), and sport a proper [helmet](http://www.davida.co.uk/classic/images/largeclassic.jpg), [goggles](http://www.davida.co.uk/halcyon/index.html) and of course, black leather jacket and a pair of jeans. No woman will be able to resist your ultra coolness, trust me!
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### Author:  [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/16 "2005-08-11T02:25:06Z")
> [@Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy](#):
>
> **QuickSilver** , If you don’t mind me asking, what your experience level? Is this your first bike?
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](http://www.yamaha-motor.com/star/products/modelhome/23/0/home.aspx). Not strictly speaking the same, or even close to the same. Closer to the Ducati Monster… and yet not quite.
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### Author:  [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/17 "2005-08-11T02:25:57Z")
> [@zagloba](#):
>
> You show me a bike with a 10 liter engine and I’ll show you more bike than you can handle.
>
> Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I know you meant 600 cc.
:smack:
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### Author:  [@saoirse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saoirse)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/18 "2005-08-11T02:32:40Z")
Hey, any bike is basically a cross between a convertible and a vibrator. It’s hard to go too far wrong.
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### Author:  [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/19 "2005-08-11T03:12:20Z")
I prefer a) [Crotch Rocket](http://www.aprilia.com/models03/road/eng/modello.phtml?id=55). 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. 🙂
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### Author:  [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2005, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-does-it-ladies-im-buying-a-motorcycle/316525/20 "2005-08-11T03:32:36Z")
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](http://www.indianmotorcycle.com)
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!
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