[fongholio]

Hi guys,

I'm in my mid to late twenties and I'm looking into buying a motorcycle. I'm looking for something classy but still bad ass. My style sensabilities lean more towards "GQ" than jeans and a leather jacket. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I'm looking for the motorcycle equivelant of crusing in an aston martin convertable in a designer suit. Any brand/model recommendations would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[esspee51]

Classy but badass

Don't see many bikers in designer suits, but many have them in their closets. Another problem is terminology, what you consider "classy" or "badass" and what I do probably are two completely different things.

Most motorcyle manufacturers have upper end bikes which may or may not be "classy" or "bad ass" you would have to look and decide for yourself. A couple of recommendations would be Triumph and BMW though, they can be kind of Astin Martin like.

 

[Bakemono]

If you want the Aston Martin of bikes, Id give the Yamaha FZ6 a look. Its got performance and comfort.
A Buell XB 9 or XB12 would be another possible option and would a Triumph Speed Triple.
My advice would be to just go to the various websites of the bike manufacturers and just look at what bikes they make and when you see one that really catches your eye go to a dealer and look at it.
If this is your first bike I would avoid getting something that is really fast. A new rider on a fast bike is a recipie for disaster.

 

[Guest]

Looks like it's Mods vs. Rockers all over again. Rockers were jeans and leather and rode Triumphs, Nortons and Beezers. Mods were shirt and tie, and rode Lambrettas and Vespas.

I have to say, the minute I read GQ, Vespa popped into my head. If you don't want to scream metrosexual, I'd say BMW or maybe an Italian bike.

I'd echo starting small and also strongly recommend the MSF course. You don't want to be wearing those fancy duds in your coffin.

 

[Ninja636]

Victory makes cool bikes but for a new rider it may be too much bike. My friend just bought a 750 Triumph Bonneville - that may be what you are looking for. Good luck - ride safe.

 

[RouslanK]

Or check out a Moto Guzzi: they make pretty nice looking bikes, and they are not seen around that often in the US.

 

[Bullzaye]

When you said "classy" my first thought was Triumph Bonneville. Then when you said Aston Martin, my mind went to Ducati GT1000 or Sport 1000. The Ducatis & Moto-Guzzis are both kind of exotic.
I do agree though, don't get a seriously fast bike. Not good for learning.
Tim

 

[adrian]

Dunno if you are still following this thread, but if you are an A/M kind of guy, then I would say your motorcycle is the Augusta MV, or the Ducati 1098S. Both are absolutely amazing bikes when it comes to performance, and have the image you are probably going for.