One Bike Solution
 

I'll start this by saying I posted this in shiny things as it's a general question.

On the cover of the Jan. 2013 Cycle World, it says One Bike Solution, and it got me thinking.

If for whatever reason, you could only have ONE bike, what would it be?


I guess i'll start by saying I would most likely go with either a DR650, Bonneville, or a Sportster.

Probably a late model BMW GS650 Dakar although a first year BMW R80 G/S would be a strong contender

Probably a Triumph Scrambler. Would do most things well enough and looks better than a KLR.

I would never sell my Super Enduro.

Ducati/Cagiva E900 Elephant

Already Have It!
 

Yamaha Super Tenere.

950 Adventure

1200gs

DRZ400SM with a set of dirt wheels. Does everything it says on the box.

It really depends on what kind of riding you do, but if you're going to cover all these bases:

1. Sport Riding
2. Touring/Traveling, luggage capability
3. 2-Up riding
4. Trail/Dual-Sport Riding
5. Track Days
6. All weather capapbility (decent rain protection, heated grips)

On top of that, you'd want to have the latest tech; ABS, traction control, etc. on your only motorcycle. Small displacement bikes and singles are just too buzzy for running the slab at speed for a few hours at a time.

I think the Multistrada 1200, BMW R1200GS, or Triumph Tiger 1200 come closest to doing it all. The Ducati is definitely more performance/street oriented, the GS probably better a dual-sport riding, and the Triumph somewhere between them.

I have only one bike; a 1200 GS. It will probably never be used to its fullest potential so anything else is unnecessary.

A fuel injected R100GS comes to mind. Baggage would have to integrate nicely. Light enough for my short 160lb frame to command easily enough offroad. Doesn't have to be ridiculously fast, since track is not on the table, really.
I guess the F800GS is today's version of that.

Probably a DR 650 or KLR650

I almost said multi 1200, but if only one bike its hard to beat dakar genetics with an excellent air cooled motor.

I'd hate to give up the FJR, but I'd slightly lean towards my Gear Up. That thing is a blast and I've done everything with it. Besides that, it's the only bike my wife's achey bones can handle.