I've just come back from a ride on a...

[Fast Eddy B]

2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000DS. Wow. Torque. With the help of lowered gearing it pulled to that MPH better than anything I've ridden yet.

If you own one, I envy you now, much moreso than a few hours ago. Dukes might not be for all types and all areas, but it passed the 'grin' test soundly. But I have to admit, most bikes have passed that test anyway.


Maybe that's the question I'll pose: Name a bike that didn't pass the 'grin' test, and give a reason why.

I'll start. Honda CG125 with 11hp. Rode it for 20 hours over three consecutive days in London. Barely made 60 MPH with a tailwind. Felt like I could pick it up with a friend. Definitely did not make me grin...grimmace maybe. It's tiring riding a little bike.

I'll have dreams of Ducati tonight.

[jstark47]

Maybe that's the question I'll pose: Name a bike that didn't pass the 'grin' test, and give a reason why.

Top on my list of underwhelming bikes is the 2004 Suzuki Marauder 800 we owned for a couple of years. Reliable bike, well made. Loved the looks (ours was black, so it had that black & chrome "look" going on). Once you get past typical cruiser ergonomics (cruisers aren't my thing), it was a competent motorcycle: easy to handle, adequate power, adequate braking. I think it was the gap between the gorgeous appearance and the merely adequate performance that was the source of disappointment. Nothing wrong with the bike and I recommend it as a possibility for folks who want a moderately-priced medium cruiser. But it tended to leave me more with a shrug than a grin.

[badfish89]

lucky guy

[Mintbread]

BMW R1200S

Loads of vibration, underpowered, average handling.
I could go on...

[bikeguy joe]

BMW R1200S

Loads of vibration, underpowered, average handling.
I could go on...

So, you're saying the emperor has no clothes?

I'll throw in a totally underwhelming "bike"....a Chinese made Geely scooter.

The worst.

[NorthernPete]

My old 71 Yamaha RD350...

only reason it didnt make me smile was it only got to the end of the driveway and died.....

[dablade]

I thought Suzuki invented underwhelming with the Savage 650. 1 cylinder, and enough vibration to loosen dental work. And, did I mention slow? Maybe they just perfected underwhelming.