Why do some bikes just look so right?? - Page 2

Bud Tugly · 10-22-2010, 07:34 AM

The early Yamaha DT1's got the look just right:

bmwhacker · 10-22-2010, 07:46 AM

I think that Vincent got it right. The big gap under the seat always looked odd to me though. (This ole "driver" came into a gathering via a gravel road)

Bud Tugly · 10-22-2010, 07:51 AM

I loved the look and color combination of the 1972 Yamaha DS7:

Grider Pirate · 10-22-2010, 07:55 AM

R32 BMW. The uninterrupted line from the steering head to the final drive.... sigh

4eyes · 10-22-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwhacker

I think that Vincent got it right. The big gap under the seat always looked odd to me though. (This ole "driver" came into a gathering via a gravel road)

This with a single seat would be my idea of motorcycle perfection.
I also have a soft spot for RD350/400s and old Triumphs. Ooh and Honda CB500s.
Am I the only one, or does any one else think that almost all bikes have their headlights mounted 3"-4" too high?

Sniper X · 10-22-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blaine.hale

Triumphs/Nortons and Guzzi's always come to mind for the ideal look of a motorcycle, to me.
I still love my BMW to death, though it's a goober looking bike that a select few love (me).

Funny how so many non riders say how beautiful my R60/5 is when I stop.

Not bad for a Goober looking bike. i think my R100RS is also one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. i also love the way one of my other bikes looks in toto, the 1969 CL350.

Sniper X · 10-22-2010, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Tugly

I loved the look and color combination of the 1972 Yamaha DS7:

Thah's an R5. (Isn't it?)

Bud Tugly · 10-22-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniper X

Thah's an R5. (Isn't it?)

The DS7 was the 250 version. I had one exactly like this back in the 70's.

Bud Tugly · 10-22-2010, 10:17 AM

Norton Manx. Simple, basic, classic.

bpeckm · 10-22-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbarmy

I like bikes where you can see the motors.As Indian Larry said"the mechanicalness"

Singles are especially cool.

chazbird · 10-22-2010, 10:40 AM

To me, even though I've owned one of each, The R5/RD350 doesn't cut it for the classic "look so right" idea. Its all about balance and proportion. Those Yamaha's come in with balance, but the proportion with the engine size fitting the cradle is too large. The Vincent is a beautiful bike, its a legendary classic no doubt, but on the whole it looks a little too busy, too much going on. The Goldtsar is closer to the "ideal". I still think the '68-'70 Bonneville is about the eptiome of this idea (Commando's being a close second). Perhaps this is because they partly are identifiable as old and new(ish) at the same time? I would also think that there are some very subtle things that may have an effect on the balance/proportion ideal, things like (probably unintentionally) frame tube diameter and other factors, which when taken as a whole add up to the overall design coming off as it does. There's no doubt the Japanese have appreciated and thought deeply about the Bonneville (or BSA's) with the XS650 and Kawasaki's W650, both of which, to me, look better than the Hinckley Bonnevilles. Honda tried with the CB500 (dud) and the GB500, which to me didn't work so well either.

rightsideup · 10-22-2010, 11:19 AM

Roundcase Ducati, but then I'm biased - photo to follow.

Rightshiftrick · 10-22-2010, 02:28 PM

While I am primarily a Norton man, I always thought their looks fell short of those of Triumph and BSA. Nortons look more business and purposeful, where Triumphs typically have those sexier curves.

Most bikes that really jump out at me are the old British singles. Velocette's with that slight cutout for the carb, The BSA Goldstar, and Norton Manx Are Up on top as well. Still, a solid BMW twin is a nice sight.

I confess that there was something about my old white framed Ducati 750SS that looked right to me, and that isn't really considered a classic in design.

Sometimes a bike just looks right to me. I'm also one of the sick few that like the look of the 749/999 series Ducati's.

RSR

Bud Tugly · 10-22-2010, 02:41 PM

The gorgeous but sadly flawed BSA 441 Victor:

bpeckm · 10-22-2010, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Tugly

The gorgeous but sadly flawed BSA 441 Victor:

aaahh... yes... all I have to do is look at that and it makes my ankle/shin/heel hurt... got whacked pretty good by one of those suckas....

yet, they are handsome....

10-22-2010, 07:46 AM	#17
bmwhacker Still on 3 wheels Joined: May 2009 Location: MONTANA NATIVE from NATIVE MONTANA Oddometer: 3,379	I think that Vincent got it right. The big gap under the seat always looked odd to me though. (This ole "driver" came into a gathering via a gravel road) __________________ http://jupiterhack.blogspot.com Living proof you shouldn't play with matches

10-22-2010, 07:55 AM	#19
Grider Pirate Beastly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2007 Location: LV, NV Oddometer: 1,669	R32 BMW. The uninterrupted line from the steering head to the final drive.... sigh __________________ Please don't tell Mom I'm a pilot. She thinks I play piano in a whorehouse. http://griderpirate.smugmug.com/ http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhum

10-22-2010, 02:28 PM	#28
Rightshiftrick Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2005 Location: New Hampshire- USA Oddometer: 109	While I am primarily a Norton man, I always thought their looks fell short of those of Triumph and BSA. Nortons look more business and purposeful, where Triumphs typically have those sexier curves. Most bikes that really jump out at me are the old British singles. Velocette's with that slight cutout for the carb, The BSA Goldstar, and Norton Manx Are Up on top as well. Still, a solid BMW twin is a nice sight. I confess that there was something about my old white framed Ducati 750SS that looked right to me, and that isn't really considered a classic in design. Sometimes a bike just looks right to me. I'm also one of the sick few that like the look of the 749/999 series Ducati's. RSR __________________ 1970 Norton Commando 1974 BMW R90/6 1980 Moto Guzzi v50 1970 BMW R50/5 (project)

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10-22-2010, 07:34 AM	#16
Bud Tugly Gnarly old curmudgeon Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Ishpeming, MI Oddometer: 209	The early Yamaha DT1's got the look just right:

10-22-2010, 07:51 AM	#18
Bud Tugly Gnarly old curmudgeon Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Ishpeming, MI Oddometer: 209	I loved the look and color combination of the 1972 Yamaha DS7:

10-22-2010, 10:17 AM	#24
Bud Tugly Gnarly old curmudgeon Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Ishpeming, MI Oddometer: 209	Norton Manx. Simple, basic, classic.

10-22-2010, 10:40 AM	#26
chazbird Beastly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2009 Oddometer: 2,052	To me, even though I've owned one of each, The R5/RD350 doesn't cut it for the classic "look so right" idea. Its all about balance and proportion. Those Yamaha's come in with balance, but the proportion with the engine size fitting the cradle is too large. The Vincent is a beautiful bike, its a legendary classic no doubt, but on the whole it looks a little too busy, too much going on. The Goldtsar is closer to the "ideal". I still think the '68-'70 Bonneville is about the eptiome of this idea (Commando's being a close second). Perhaps this is because they partly are identifiable as old and new(ish) at the same time? I would also think that there are some very subtle things that may have an effect on the balance/proportion ideal, things like (probably unintentionally) frame tube diameter and other factors, which when taken as a whole add up to the overall design coming off as it does. There's no doubt the Japanese have appreciated and thought deeply about the Bonneville (or BSA's) with the XS650 and Kawasaki's W650, both of which, to me, look better than the Hinckley Bonnevilles. Honda tried with the CB500 (dud) and the GB500, which to me didn't work so well either.

10-22-2010, 11:19 AM	#27
rightsideup Get your motor running... Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Scotland Oddometer: 824	Roundcase Ducati, but then I'm biased - photo to follow.

10-22-2010, 02:41 PM	#29
Bud Tugly Gnarly old curmudgeon Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Ishpeming, MI Oddometer: 209	The gorgeous but sadly flawed BSA 441 Victor: