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That bike you didn't like... until you rode it.

R3DS!X

R3DS!X

Whatever that means
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Daly Shity
Moto(s)
Energica EVA
Honda 919
KTM 790 ADV
Royal Enfield INT 650
BARF perks
CRC MotoGP Contributor
I've had a few bikes that really surprised me. On paper or based on how they looked I wasn't into them but once I rode them it was a different story.

A few come to mind but the most recent was my Energica Eva. I really didn't think i would like this bike due to its weight on paper but once i rode it i knew i had to take it home. Still loving the bike every time I ride it.

A friend had a Benelli TnT 1130. I thought it was so ugly and the design was funky and weird. I had no faith that it would be a good bike but god damn that thing was a such a great bike to ride. I had a hard time being honest with my friend and admitting that i actually like his bike that i had been talking trash about.

Another friend had a Buell (two of them actually) a XB9. I never understood what he saw in the bike. it was ugly, it sounded awful, i don't need more reasons. Although i looked like a monkey riding a football riding the bike i had a lot of fun on it. the short wheel base and torque motor made for fun city mobbing and it was fun in the tight twisties as well. It leaked oil and i liked it.

What were your surprise likes?
 
A few years ago when I was looking for a new more comfortable bike I went and test rode the Triumph Tiger at Cal Moto. They happened to have a new R1200RS sitting out front that was available for a test ride. I had ridden the R1200R (air cooled) in Europe and was not impressed. However, since I have a friend that loves BMW (especially his GS), I decided to test ride the RS just to tell him I gave it a try. Well, that backfired. I took it for a test ride, turned the first corner and twisted the throttle. That was all I needed. I know I made the right choice even though it was not even remotely on my radar.
 
I never cared much for CBRs, they've always felt slow to me. Recently though, I rode an old beater (02 i think) cbr 600 that was fully rated out and track prepped. Some of the most fun I've had on a bike - I was railing on it with no fear because I knew it would cost aproxxamately $2.35 to repair/replace if I totaled it.
 
When it comes to crashing bikes my only concern is me. If I come out of it uninjured I win no matter the bikes condition or cost.
 
TBH I had a hard time accepting the VTX1800 at first. I was convinced that it was "too boring" and "had no soul" and just all of these mental objections to it being a Honda.

Then I rode one, and it pulled a torque wheelie getting on the freeway. I've had one for the past 13 years since and will keep a VTX in my stable for the forseeable future. It ranks as one of my favorite bikes of all time.
 
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i had owned many sport bikes, but then I tried out a Harley and i loved how they rode, yes heavy etc, but very maneuverable at slow speeds and good for cruising.

the opposite end of your question is I used to have an MV Agusta F4 Senna. One of the best looking bikes to me, all the right sounds, but what a horrible bike to ride...ergonomics were absolutely terrible.
 
FreeRyde’s R6 of a few years ago, I forget its name. It looked like a POS, ran like a modern 600 but handled excellently. Loved that front end and now Metzler 7rr’s are my sport bike front tire of choice.
 
Blankpage said:
When it comes to crashing bikes my only concern is me. If I come out of it uninjured I win no matter the bikes condition or cost.
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It's nice having money
 
I'd have to say my 04 MutliStrada DS1000... I thought it was just damn ugly.. my old housemate had one and loved it. I need a commuter so I got one cuz it was cheap and comfy. What a fun capable bike. A very simple machine, air cooled. Not really impressive on paper in the power category but damn that thing feel so light and nimble. It rides like a supermoto (with cases) ��
 
Ducati / Cagiva Elefant. I thought what was the point. Got to ride one around Alice's, found myself moving quick without trying and I was comfortable doing it. Really opened my eyes to those kind of bikes. Never owned one, but enjoyed the 20 minutes of riding one.
 
I had nothing good to say about a KLR650 until I rode one. Tractor power for days and very comfortable.
 
I rode a Harley Davidson V-ROD and I loved it. First time riding a HD even though it's the blacksheep of the HD bikes. That torque just peels/lifts you off the seat! Still kinda want one sad they stopped selling them.
 
HadesOmega said:
I rode a Harley Davidson V-ROD and I loved it. First time riding a HD even though it's the blacksheep of the HD bikes. That torque just peels/lifts you off the seat! Still kinda want one sad they stopped selling them.
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It's my fault. It's because I liked it and apparently Harley found out and shut it down. Same thing happened with the XR1200. I hope they don't find out I like the fat bob..... I MEAN HOW MUCH I LOVE ALL THOSE TRIKES AND FULL DRESS BAGGERS!!!!!
 
There is really no such thing for me. I like all the bikes and loved every motorcycle that I've ever owned. I suppose I could wind up riding a motorcycle I didn't like because it was uncomfortable or has some weird paint scheme.
 
My current bike was not on my radar (not seriously) until I rode it and it was true love in one ride (F700GS). Got a good deal on a used one, bought it, kept it, still love it.
 
Laverda SF

I bought a Darma, that was purchased back by Ducati. TT Motors offered me a loaner Laverda SF 750. I thought that uglyOrange was nauseating.

I ended buying it, and putting nearly 100K on it. My favorite bike, ever, 2nd place the lowly VTR1000, which I bought cuz it was 7 grand new, but I thought it looked dated even in 99, like a old lady's bike.
 
02 ZX6R, bought cause the CB1 I was looking at was 150 bucks less and I thought the zixxer would would be at least the 2K price in parts, turned into one of my favorite bikes.
 
1st gen Concours
GS500
1st gen Ninja 250
ST1300
ST1100
Buell Ulysses and STT

The list goes on and on.

Bikes are cool :cool
 
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