10 Best Non-Harley Davidson Motorcycles of All Time!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- 10 Best Non-@harleydavidson Motorcycles of All Time! I thought it would be fun to talk about motorcycles that are great that are NOT Harleys. I am firm believer that if you truly love motorcycles you can't think that only Harleys are great. These are my top 10 favorite motorcycles of all time that are NOT Harleys. I have a few Yamahas, Hondas, Triumphs, and ne Suzuki on here. Performance cruisers, sportbikes, powercruisers, and even a Japanese touring bike!
Pro Monkey Merch: www.professional-monkey.com
#harleydavidson #harleydavidson #promonkeynation #top10 #honda #Yamaha #triumph #Rocket3 #Suzuki #TL1000R #Superbike #VMax #triumphdaytona #speedtriple #biker #motorcycle #roadglide #streetglide #CB750 - Авто та транспорт
Haters gonna hate but 2 wheels is 2 wheels, I am building an old Norton chopper, I have a 60's Harley/VW trike and I ride a Goldwing
I'm taking my brothers first bike (07 Shadow 600) and bobbing it. So I get it.
Two wheels and a motor and hanging it out there in the wind with the rest of us taking the same chances every day. No hater here
Norton's are cool like Fonzy bro, screw the Haterz, Knees N the Breeze, yea C'Mon.
What’s up gawgacracka I remember when they called it Hotlanta
Norton chopper would be cool as fuck.
I have a 04 Honda VTX still in my Garage next to my Ultra limited. The Vtx will never leave me its such a great bike.
I also ❤ and have a VTX. It's an '03 1800C. I ride with a friend who has an '09 1300C.
I have an 02 VTX 1800. Just got a Roade Glide Ultra, but I will keep my beloved VTX as a good ride, so I understand. Have had it for 17 years and have put 66 K on it.
My 1st Metric bike was a 2006 Honda VTX 1800 cc's with a power commander module tuned out to 2100 cc's, loved that bike chromed out with V&H super exhausts that you could hear her from miles aways. Best part of the whole deal....traded my 4 person hot tub for it straight up. I think I go the better deal....lol
I loved my VTX 1800R back in the day. Was a great bike and never had any issues.
I had a VTX 1800 C for 9 years. One of the best bikes I have ever owned.
“Tuned out to 2100cc”? Explain please.
My first bike and the bike I still own and ride today is a 2004 Honda VTX 1300R. Has pipes, bars, lowered suspension. Great running bike.
My very first bike, too, brand new, in 2004. Highway pegs, driveshaft, no carb. Blessed. Customed it a lot (20s apes, then cut-off dragbar !, Kuryakin hypercharger, straight Cobra’s, chrome X, even 53’ Indian tribute decals). Man, what a good bike it was. Then I switched to Victory. Even better cruisers! Highball, Ness Vegas, Hammer S. Not a single problem! Too good bikes, so Polaris killed the brand, and we moved away. In my case… to ADV riding. Never ever coming back to cruiser, but that VTX 1300 retro will always be a kind memory. Ride safe and long.
Surprised to not see a Honda VTX1800. I loved mine. Probably my biggest selling regret
There is tons here in Ohio cheap and low miles probably my next purchase
I absolutely love my 2003 Honda VTX 1800 fully bagged out. Over 100 hp and over 100 torque. It is absolutely amazing and reliable. The only thing that sucks is the 4.5 gallon fuel tank and having to fill up every 100 miles....
The 1985 Virago 750 for me. It wasn't the coolest looking or the fastest, but something about it I just fell in love with.
Hey Paul, couldn't agree w/you more, pal. I bought a brand new 1984 Virago 750, Candy Red tank. Put custom bars on it. Mounted a way too fat Continental 5.10 rear tire, had to notch the swing arm. Built a custom exhaust. Man! Of all my many bikes over the years, that Virago was one of the most memorable bikes to wrench on and ride. Not super big on power, but it would go and go and go. Even a 'Harley Only' friend of mine was respectful. Back in those days, well, that was kinda cool, lol 👍
rocket
Started my late teens on a cb125s.
Didn't get back on 2 wheels til my 40s with an 03 fxdx. Love that bike.
I have only owned Harleys - sort of. My very first bike was a 1968 Harley-Davidson Sprint 250 that was made by Aermacchi. It was given to me by my uncle when I was 14 years old. I spent every evening tinkering with that POS. Every dime I would make cutting grass was dumped into that thing as well. I ended up selling it for peanuts when I was 23 just to get it out of the way. Now here I am at 47 wishing I would have kept it. Not because it was a great bike - it wasn't - but because of the memories.
Wow. First bike you mentioned was the Super Magna. I've been riding a red 1988 Super Magna 750cc since 2001. It was a dream bike for me back then and I still love it. I recently got a 2012 HD Softail Deluxe in big blue pearl (my 2nd dream bike). Love owning these bikes and both are a thrill to ride.
70 Triumph Tiger 650 - My first ride. 82 Kawasaki 750 Twin, with a 29 tooth rear sprocket. 84 Seca 750. I had a 75 Suzuki GT380 - 2 stroke triple - 5 gallon tank. It got 200 miles per tank. I sold it the 3 time I ran it out of gas. Fast as all get out! All of them did the Ton. Always wanted a 68 850 Commando. I wanted that one since 72 or so, when I tagged along my dad and saw that bike in 10 boxes and a rolling frame. Poor bike was never heard from again.
I got my bike because of my dad, he was a vietnam veteran (passed on '07) and had PTSD and all of that, well the group he was with went to Rolling Thunder, he drove down the guys that didn't have bikes, and had a great time and said next year we were going down on bikes, well he passed before that could happen, so I busted my ass and built up my credit and finally got mine, a '05 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic, and I have now had it 6 years, and I absolutely love it, and I dont even think I will ever trade it on a Harley, I just love it. I love your video's also, always a blast to watch you. Ride safe
Great video. My first bike was a 2001 Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic. I followed that up with 4 Roadstars. My last was a 2006. I loved that bike. If they hadn't stopped making them, I would have bought another, but that led me to Harley-Davidson, and I couldn't be happier.
Starter bike was a 94 Sabre 1100. Had perfect paint with the flames. Kept it when I got my first HD but lost everything in a fire. Still miss that thing.
Just purchased a 1996 Yamaha Royal Star 1300 cc
V-4 .. 36000 mi for $2000 I'm a mechanic who was the original owner meticulous with maintenance and it's in mint condition..WOW what a beautiful bike got a windshield running boards. Auxiliary front lights and saddlebags... Just a beautiful bike I don't have much money because my house property tax here in Connecticut is 10,000 a year!! Just getting back into motorcycles again so happy I found this one.. yeah it's carbureted but boy it flies even though it's nearly 800 lb
My 1st bike was a 1973 Norton 850 Comando Interstate . But then I got my 2nd bike (which is what I wanted before) 1973 CB 750 four. I loved that bike back then. Now, well, it's Harley's from now on!
Honda V65 Magna was always one I'd wanted since they came out. The first 2 years had the bigger carbs. I've got my dream streetbike now, it's a '22 Triumph Speed Twin in Storm Grey. I've done 95% of the mods I wanted already and can't wait for spring. The ECU is getting a custom tune to unleash the full potential of my efforts. Shoot'n for 125hp. and more throttle response above 5000rpm.
My first was my grandfather’s CB200T. He bought it new off the showroom floor in 1975. I got it many years later after he passed. So many great memories of sitting on the tank riding through his neighborhood with him. Now I ride a ‘05 Sportster.
@Darth Gumby I now own it big brother, a 1975 CB500T
I was 15 and scraped enough cash together to get a 1981 Harley super Glide Shovelhead
The very first bike I owned was the 1980 Yamaha 750 LTD which was a wiring nightmare. When I bought it from a friend, it wasn't running so I tinkered with it and got it running. I had to tinker with this and that for about a year and a half before I sold it. I'd never go on a long road trip with it because I didn't trust it, and I could never get it running consistently, but when it did run, I loved riding the backroads. That's the bike that made me want to ride.
After that was the 2005 Suzuki C50 Boulevard I bought off the showroom floor. 2005 was the first year they went from calling them Voulsias to Boulevard and made them fuel injected. I loved my Suzuki C50. I modded that thing to be 100% unique and fit me. That was the bike that was the gateway to road trips and events and group rides and everything that made me fall in love with the culture of bikes. Had to sell the C50, because life happens, and the next was the Yamaha 950. That was a sweet bike as well. The C50 though, that bike was an extension of me, the 950 came close, but wasn't quite there.
Now I have a 2022 Street Glide Special. A couple of friends let me ride their Street Glides on some group rides years ago and that's when I fell in love with the Street Glide. That bike just fit. It was everything I was looking for in a bike. I've ridden Indians, Yamahas, Goldwings, and other Harleys, Hondas, Suzukis, just about everything out there, but it was the Street Glide that I lusted after. That C50 still has a very special place in my heart to this day, but it will always take a back seat to the Street Glide.
I used to ride an '04 Suzuki VL1500 intruder. Really liked that bike! It was an all day highway bike for sure...
I've got an '03 and I love it, it's a great bike.
I started riding at the age of 16 on an old Honda Helix that belonged to a friend. The first bike I ever owned was a Suzuki GZ250 and I had that thing for almost 10 years with no issues. Now, I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50 and I’m absolutely in love with this bike. Had it for 3 years now with no issues.
Really great video, appreciate it👍love your shirt, Lemmy forever🤟
Ride safe 🤙
really great topic. Tks for sharing. 👌🏾👌🏾
Thanks for watching!
I had one of the bikes on your list. It was a 2000 Suzuki TL1000R in yellow. I put D&D slip on pipes on it. The sound was AMAZING!!!!!! Loved it. You could not get stuck in traffic with it because it would over heat and shut off, but it was an awesome bike. Thanks for the memory.
1st street bike at 16 was a 1972 Suzuki GT750 water buffalo. Then a Kawasaki KZ650, then an '83 GS 1100 e. Then the first Harley was a 1982 FXRS shovelhead. But some of my favorites were the old Kawasaki KZ1000s. I owned several of those.
Awesome brother… I to owned a Kawasaki kz650 … I fixed that bike up … 4 into 1 kerker exhaust , Barnett clutch and re geared it 1 down in the front 4 up in the rear … man that old bike would fly … I had a Suzuki GS850 just awesome…. My list of bikes is well over 60 to 70 … stay safe
Two kz 900’s
Awesome video.
Every bike you listed I love or have owned.
The TL1000 is one of my all time favorites.
Love my Road Star parked next to my Softail Custom.
Really want that Warrior, and the Magna, and the Royal Star.
Have had multiple CB750s.
Just a really great video and list.
Thanks again
Good story teller! Enjoyed the review!
First bike was a 1968 750 Norton. Had it 3 years Loved it till it started shaking parts off. It had metric (not even standard metric-I think they were whitworth? metric), and in 1973 south central Nebraska there was no chance of finding bolts, parts or even tools to fix it.
Honda CB750. First street bike I rode back in 1972 was my BIL's 750. He still has it and I might try and talk him out of it and get it restored, just for old guy memories' sake.
I agree with you, I had two. Later I liked Kawasakis only because they were faster (well, I DID like how they looked, too) but always had a serious soft spot for the SOHC CB 750s. They felt different than all the other "UJM" motorcycles with their lower rpm powerband and great torque. On one of my 750s I had a 16" rear wheel- we used to refer to it as a hog wheel. I could do looong swerving controlled burnouts on it just like I could do on my souped up Shovelhead. That was fun to me.
Great subject PM! My first MC was a 69 Honda CL350 Scrambler(actually a 325.) Had to have the high pipes and passed up a nice deal on a 70 CB350 with only a few hundred miles on the clock in like new condition. This was followed by a 72 Honda 450, a 78 Honda 750F and a 82 Honda 900F(probably the best all around MC I've owned.) I was in a Honda rut!😵💫
The MC I would love to own is an 82 Honda CBX in the white with black & blue stripping. The 81 & 82 had been made into sport tourers with new frame, bigger front forks and single shock pro link rear suspension, full fairing & saddlebags. It wasn't as fast as the 79 & 80, but unlike the Honda 750 suspension of the first 2 years, the suspension upgrades made it a better overall MC. Just like you and many responders, I didn't have the money for the 82 CBX. 83 marked a huge downturn in the MC market and for several years there were some SoCal dealers that were blowing them out for $2299. Today 82 CBX's in decent condition are commanding $12,000 to $20,000. Kick myself for not buying one.😩
Some other MC's that I would love to own are a late 70's to early 80's Yamaha 650 twin, A Honda 1000 Super Hawk. My son owned a 2002 for many years and it was a blast to ride, much like the Suzuki TL1000 you mentioned, a Triumph Bonneville since I've never owned a Triumph, a 2007-8 Victory Hammer and a Honda V65 Magna which my step father owned and was able to ride on several occasions. There are more, but the above would be my immediate choices. The only 2 problems are my wife (who's actually very accommodating with 4 MC's) and even with a 3 car garage, not enough space.
Very good list, interesting to hear your perspective.
Good list. 👍🏻 Totally agree about the Triumphs. Had a VTX 1800 and shouldn’t have sold it-a big, torquey sewing machine. Have a Diavel now. Just amazing.
I'm thinking about getting a diavel at this moment. I've sold all my other bikes and thinking about the Diavel. I use to think they was ugly but the older I get I like them
I was never wild about the looks either, but I’ve done a complete about face. Pulled into an exotic car event on the Diavel, got at least three thumbs up, and people admiring it where I parked it. It definitely makes a statement, positive or negative. It’s also crazy fast, very comfortable, and handles close to a sport bike. Only downside is maintenance, and lack of choice of rear tires.
I love that you mentioned a couple of the old power cruisers from the 90's, but you left out my favorite! The first real bike I owned was a 1986 ZL-900 Eliminator that would toss you right off the back if you weren't hanging on tight when you cracked the throttle. 0-65 in first gear, and you could easily hit 60 across an intersection. My riding buddies and I used to take our bikes to the local drag strip on grudge night and ride them for all they were worth, and that Eliminator could keep up with any superbike out there through the first 3 gears even though it was completely stock! Even had a lot of Harley riders come up next to me at stop lights and say hey that's a pretty cool bike for a Japanese motorcycle.
I had the same bike! Black 900cc monster drag bike.
Very respectable list Mr. Monkey. Lot of good machines on there.
My first was a brand new 83 Suzuki GR650X tempter. Great bike. Second was a brand new 85 Honda VF700C manga. It was great also. When the “super” came out with its mortar tube pipes we made fun of it! I never bought another bike brand new. Had many metrics but rode the same 82 gold wing aspencade for over 30 years. My son-in-law law has it now. Still looks like new. My current is an Ultra I bought slightly used. 30k on it now. Will ride it till I’m done riding.
Great video. Even Harley guys can be “normal” sometimes!
Great video. Still riding my 04 Honda VTX 1300C. Added a fairing because I like to ride in colder temps - some hard bags for storage, removeable backrest for my wife. It's been good to me - owned it since 06. Bought it for the same reason - didn't have Harley money at the time. I'd like to upgrade to an Ultra Limited as it's a purpose built tourer, but until the right deal comes along I'm happy on my Honda.
Great bike
Great taste on that list of bikes, especially that '97 VMAX!!! I miss mine but it's gone to a great home at Forgotten Angels and I'll still be able to visit it, heh! As a 3rd Gen VF750 Magna owner too, I've always wanted a Super Magna as well, along with a Rocket3! My KTM 790 AdvS spanks them all in the 1/8th mile though, hahaha!
Really enjoyed this video. Some crackin bikes on your list. Cheers.
Really enjoyed this video. I was so pleased to see that the Honda CB750 was your first motorcycle. At 16yrs of age It too was my first motorcycle. Red and black with Kerker 4 into 1 pipes. What a fantastic bike and what awesome memories! I'm much older now and enjoying my Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special. Thanks again
Great video! Number 1 is also my number 1. It was my second street bike and regret trading it to this day. I am hopeful to own another one. It was the blue 87, 700 magna. Loved it. Owned a 2003 Warrior also that was blue with silver ghost flames and loved that also. My first bike was the 83 cb750 nighthawk.
Nice video idea.
Only person I know who started on a Harley was a kid in HS who lived with his divorced dad. Dad had a panhead, son got an XLCH for his 16th birthday.
I’m retired but I still want to go fast.
-Matt’s dad
My first bike was a 2008 Yamaha V-Star 1100, it wasn’t very fast with me on it, but it got me around and riding some fun roads until I was finally able to buy my first Harley last year, a 2017 Road King
I had a 1966 Honda CB450 4-speed. Would love to have it again. It wasn't running when I bought it for $30, put about $400 into it to make it run well and look good. It took a lot of work to repaint the tank back when I had it. Somebody offered me way more than I had in it, so I sold it. I'd love to have that one back.
Had, and would like to have again, a 1972 Moto Guzzi Eldorado. 850 ccs, had a batwing fairing and fiberglass bags. You could ride all day and look for more. Also stock tank was like 6 gallons and it got about 50 mpg. Great bike!
The Eldo is 1 of the best looking bikes ever made. IMHO.
Liked this video a lot. Took me back to my early bikes. First one was a Honda CB 450 when I was 17. Second one which I was stupid and sold was a Kawasaki Z 900. Had a 4 into 1 Kerker and I would take the baffle out and it sounded like a rocket. Ran like one too. I did, by the speedo, 140 on a city street. This was 1977 no helmet. Second stupid thing I did. Great memories.
Thought my dyna street bob that has the 110 tire shredder kit was the fastest thing on the road...until I got a 2020 z900 as a second bike, love having the best of both worlds 🤘
I have quite a few bikes, but when I started out in my early teens I started with an old Yamaha maxim, then Yamaha virago (3 of those) then moved on to sport bikes of every flavor then finally a Harley. After that went back to a Yamaha Bolt got to do more riding less wrenching. I love them all though, and can’t wait until I have the funding together to build a Vicla like you built on the channel.
Always great content, thank you for the years of entertainment and knowledge you share.
My last non harley was a red 2002 Ducati 998. The last year of the classic body style before they got weird looking. I still have a soft spot for them and smile when I see one.
When I was in the military in 82 I wanted a Honda CB750K. That was the bike to have. Then when the VMAX came out I wanted one of those. I know the newer 1700's are a lot faster than the 1200 models, but I prefer the look of the 1200. A sport bike I wanted was the Honda CBR929. Also like the looks of the Yamaha Raider. For me one of the most beautiful bikes ever was the 2015 MV Agusta Brutale 800rr Dragster. What a mouthful, but the looks of that bike with the white rims and black spokes with the single sided swing arm and the three exhaust pipes. What an amazing looking ride. I always wanted a sport bike, but now I'm too fat and old for one, but I did pick up a 2010 Yamaha FJR1300 which is an old man sportbike. Electric windshield, comfortable riding position, and shaft drive. Had it up to 140 without even trying. Got my love of bikes from my dad. His first bike that I remember was a 74 Moto Guzzi.
Those fjr’s are badass bikes
water cooled BMW 1200 RT. my favorite bike of all time. i had the older air/oil cooled 1150 RT before that and it was my favorite until the water cooled version came out...
Started with a little Honda CB250 in my teens, went off to the Army and didn't ride for a while. In my early 30s, I got a Yamaha Dragstar 650 (V-Star). A few years later I was working for a magazine and got spoiled by Harley_Davidson, who wanted us to do motoring reviews of their 2006 models. I was the only person in the office with a bike license, so I spent the next few weeks getting all the new Harleys delivered to me, one each week for a couple months. I loved them, bought a Street Bob the following year. Was then a die-hard Harley fanboy for years and years.
But then in my late-40s for a few months, I just didn't ride much, wasn't loving it, wasn't sure why. It sat in the garage and I just never got on it. Around that time my neighbour let me take his KTM 890 adventure bike for a spin and suddenly I felt that same love I had on my first ride. It took a couple more years, but I finally sold the Harley and went with a Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT. And I love everything about it. It's got grunt, but also feels smooth and easygoing, super comfy and can handle any road or weather condition.
Point is, everyone has different tastes, different needs, and both have a tendency to change over the years. Any bike can be the wrong bike, just like any bike can be the perfect bike. Just get what works for you and enjoy the ride!
First bike was a Honda CM400 in college, used that to commute. Moved up to a KZ650, loved that bike. Back in the day, the bike I most wanted was the CB750 Nighthawk. I just loved that naked streetbike look
If you liked the Road Star Warrior, you would've loved the Yamaha Raider 113 . My first bike. She was all torque and loved to pull away on Dynas
Almost bought one of those. Wasn't really looking for one, but the dealership had a leftover a couple years old and they had a great price on it. If I would have ridden it I'm sure I would have bought it.
One of my friends had a Yamaha Warrior and I rode the bike one day. It's a lot of fun! Lot's of torque.
My Yamaha warrior was a bad bitch. Very uncomfortable so the short range wasn’t an issue. The seat sucked and you wanted off to get fuel.. Absolutely loved the bike and riding down main rattling the windows and cruising parking lots and setting off car alarms with a lil burp of the throttle. Unfortunately it got stolen and totaled. Was blue with flames and it looked brand new and was gorgeous. I rode with Harley guys and they would leave the stop signs like a bat out of hell. If I gave it half throttle I’d run over them.. Group rides I would always have someone else behind me after a stop. Constantly had Harley guys tell me my bike sounded awesome but loud as fuk..lol
If I had room and found a low mileage unmolested raider I would buy it. One of the most beautiful bikes ever made. It suck’s Yamaha got out of the game, they made some kick azz bikes..
My first bike was a 59 HD DuoGlide, but the next one was a Honda cb750r and i loved it. One of my brothers bought that one when I was ready for a touring bike and bought my first new Harley. Those selections of yours were spot on with my likes except for the super bikes. Was never a fan, lol. Great vlog, I follow a lot of moto content creators, but i gotta say you are by far the most entertaining creator and my favorite channel on UA-cam. Keep it up Mr. Monkey :)
Traded a 6" Ruger 357 Blackhawk for two Honda 305 Super Hawks & used them to make my first chopper. A dude in town liked it and we traded bikes. I got my first '68 T100c Triumph which was immediately became a 500cc hardtail Choppa. Sold that later & bought(and still own) a new '78 Tri Bonnie . Next century bought a '98 Katana GSXF . Almost 100hp. Kept that for many years then picked up my first HD. Since then have passed the "Gixxer" to a lot younger rider. Wish I had kept that one
Yeah. I had one of those Yamaha Star Ventures (2006). It was a great bike. Very cheap to maintain, carburetor, 89 ponies stock. Trunk, hard bags, 1970's veg-o-matic speedometer. Heavy. The bike weighed 879 pounds fully fueled. My wife loved it. Now we have an older 2008 roadglide, and I will have the bike until I die. It will attend my funeral. Long live twin cams!
had a 99 Star Venture right before I bought my first and current 16 Ultra. Loved the dash on that thing
@Cloyd Ash great bikes those were . 89 ponies stock! Much prefer the Harley, but the Venture still holds a special place in my heart! Cheers!
My first and only bike so far is a Suzuki Boulevard C50. It's a great starter bike, in my opinion, and I have only been riding for just under two years now. Has enough power to get on the highway when you need but not so much that you do anything really stupid.
I have a 05 C50t really love the bike, not a powerhouse but a very nice cruiser, also have a Kawasaki Vulcan nomad 07 1600 way more power, tuned with Vance and Hines dual pipes, both are nice bikes.
My first bike was also a c50t. I put a lot of miles on that bike and it ran like a champ. No matter the weather that bike would start with no hesitation.
Fun video . I bought an '04 Roadstar Warrior from a friend just recently . I grin every ride still . 😎 Before that , I had an HD Electra Glide .
BMW R18, Indian Challenger, Rocket 3. Great choices for any buyer who can think indepenently.
My first bike was a Hyosung GV650. It's a little Korean cruiser...ish bike that was less than $4k brand new out the door. The dealership didn't do the best job of putting it together, so it was the bike that broke me in on things like, drive belt tension, handle bar adjustments, oil changes, clutch cable adjustment, etc.
My first bike was a 2004 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic. I put Bub Big Willys exhaust on it. Had a guy on Harley pull up next to me at a light and said, "At least it sounds good." 😄
Right on
Dream garage:
-2020 Harley Low Rider in red. Gotta be red or no go
-Yamaha Raider with the bullet cowl
-Suzuki Katana because it looks straight out of Bladerunner
-Kawasaki Z900rs Cafe
-Yamaha Eluder for touring
And then maybe something cheap, small, and dorky with bags and a top case for work commuting
Currently ride a 2012 Dyna Superglide and a 2004 Suzuki DL 1000 Vstrom. Also a 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 for off road exploring. A previous bike I used to ride is on your list. 2004 Yamaha 1700 Roadster. That one is sitting in the garage collecting dust. Also owned and loved I might add a 2013 Yamaha Raider 1900cc. That one got totaled out from a flood and I used the money from that to buy my Harley. On my dream list is the Vmax and a Triumph Rocket 3. Also a Triumph Tiger adventure bike. Great video brother, keep em coming.
My first bike when I was 19 was a KZ1000. It's truly a miracle I'm alive today. By far the craziest fast bike I've ever owned. Like you it was metric until I could afford a Harley. I still ride my first Harley. It's a 2012 Ultra Limited. Absolutely love it.
I'm so glad someone else besides me had a Kz. As a first bike. J was also 19 and found a 1979 KZ650SR that I fell in love with.
Would love a v max. I owned a t595 Daytona from 2004 to 2022. Black. Race can. Awesome. You're right about the weight on the wrists. Sold it because, I'm a lardy now too, and much more suited to my fxdr and my Ultra limited. In the UK by the way.
I am a old guy now.. But I read these comments.. It is so cool to see that others rode and enjoyed what we did.. My father, my brother and me.. We had CB350T, 550-4 header.., 74 750-4 chopper.82 ish 750-4 SS, moto guzi, 750 triumph, 440 Kawasaki ltd, Water buffalo (almost killed me) , Kawasaki 400 ltd, ,Suzuki 125 single street.. !000 Gold wing I drove KY to CA every summer at 13 yrs of age.. Yamaha 750 Virago, 700 Vulcan,700 Magna v45... Wow the times have changed.. Now I am a bagger guy.. lol
My current bike is a 1999 kawisaki vulcan nomad 1500 two tone green. Thanks for what you do. Hope to see you at sturgis this year
Hey Monkey
WOW does this bring back memories!!!! I remember when I was in my 20's and I wanted a Harley back then and I was in the same predicament as yourself and could not afford a Harley but wanted one really badly as a matter a fact my most favorite Harley at the time was the Night Train (I loved the blackout look). Also, all of my friends had crotch rockets such as... Honda CBR 1100's and 900's, Yamaha YZR's and FZR's and so on. Well, I ended up getting a Kawasaki Ninja ZX6, it was the purple and blue color... (Yea I know, right!) It was a nice peppy bike that you probably wouldn't want to take on long trips but fun to ride. I have never been one for speed and although this bike wasn't like my buddies bikes it was still pretty fast. It was close to 30 years later that I finally got me a Harley and I've always said that I could kick myself in the ass for not getting a Harley back then because I would have probably had some kind of Harley throughout the years. I will say this if I was looking for a non-Harley it would probably be the Honda VTX, super sleek bikes. Thanks for the post and for all you do!!!
I was hoping it would be on your list and it was! Before my first Harley I had a Yamaha roadstar. Great bike. Still say I would have rode that bike for years if I had not have found a good deal on my first Harley. Had Vance and hynes long shots and sounded amazing. Before that I had a Kawasaki nomad and hated it
Love that '70's CB750. I had a '77 750K with jetted carbs & 4into 1 header, my favorite bike ever. Had a very comfortable Corbin seat on it. That was in my 20's . Today I'm 66 & have an '05 VROD & a '22 Triumph Speedmaster. Great commentary.
In 1995, when I was wrapping up my undergrad degree in business (Finance) and in a Marketing class we had to pick a product and put together a full marketing presentation on it. Our group (4 guys) picked the Yamaha V-Max! I went to a local dealership and told them what we were doing and let us take a brand new one to the school. I rolled it into the front of the classroom and at the end of the presentation, I fired it up in the classroom! We received a 110% out of 100 on the presentation!
I was very fortunate to recently be able to get one of my dream bikes. I have always loved the Kawasaki Vulcans. My first two bikes were the EN500 and the VN900. But I had always wanted one of the big boys, especially a VN2000. Never thought I would own one as not many where made and the line only ran for 6 years. But I found a guy who was downsizing and was able to strike a deal. Have to say it was definitely worth it.
Amazing bike
My first bike is a en500. Absolutely love it. I do wish it was a v-twin so it had a better sound. I only use the bike to commute in the warmer months not sure I can justify one of the bigger motor vulcans. Although I really want one!!
I had a VN 1500 it was great looked cool and went like a rocket. BUT it was built pretty poorly. Clutch went. Carbs leaked charging the battery was not good. Lots of little issue which never happened with Yamaha v stars or Honda VT
I have an 08 vn900, absolutely love it
I picked up a 2004 V2K for $3400 just before Thanksgiving.
Started in High School with a 1984 Honda VT500 Ascot to a 1984 Honda Interceptor 500 then to a 1985 Yamaha Vmax. I finally converted to cruiser life with a 2011 Ultra Limited. I still have the Vmax. The Dunlop Qualifier back tire on Max only lasts about 4000 miles if you behave yourself. So far I haven’t hit that mark consistently.😁
The vt500 was such a good little bike . They remind me of beagles or maybe donkeys.
I'm glad to hear you have some admiration and respect for bikes other than just Harley Davidson, I had a TL1000R back in the day (2001) and it truly was all that and I like many of the bikes on your list and one day I'll pull the trigger on a Harley. I'm a PanAmerica fan boy but my Yamaha Super Tenere gets the job done with a lot of money left over. When I was young and cocky I talked a lot of smack about Harley but now I can truly appreciate them.
As a side note, I just wanted to mention that your taste in music is grand! Once ran into Lemmy while he was puffing on a cigarette on a corner in NYC, chatted with him for a bit. He was a warm, friendly, down-to-earth man, it was a pleasure getting to meet him. Cheers to you, love the channel, I'm learning tons--thanks!
Like so many, I started out on a Honda Shadow 650. I wanted to do some cross country riding and moved up to a 2008 V-Star 1300t. Having fallen in love with touring, I moved up to a 2015 Indian Roadmaster and now have a 2021 Roadmaster. I too have always wanted a V-Max but have been just barely smart enough to avoid the body cast and halo in which it would result.
had a shadow 650 as well. SOOOOOO COMFY! kinda regret selling it now
Excellent video, i started riding bikes at age 13.Out of the 42 motorcycles (and yes i had five Harleys), I had a 73 CB750K3 and a 85 V-Max(first year), both great bikes. I'll be 74 next month and ride a ZX-14r, it will be my last motorcycle and it's a good one. Thanks for the memories.
Had a 2008 Suzuki m109 very fast.first bike was a 1981 maxim,1988 Kawasaki Kz 1000 that was a old police bike. Now have a 2015 flhtcul. Very comfortable and fun. Love the videos keep it up.
84/85 Yamaha Virago 1000 with the gold trim. Couldn't afford a Harley but it look like one and so fun!! Worked for my rich uncle back then and lived in monterey CA!! Go Bengals!!
Damn love this vid!
Sk glad you made this video. My first street bike was a 1979 kawasaki KZ650SR and this was my first taste of motorcycle speed. I wish i didn't have to sell it back in 1995 because i didn't have a place to keep it and i didn't want to park it on the street. I saved up for yrs and in 2001 I bought my first HD 02 Softail Duece and that started the craze. Still have it im my stable. Thanks for the videos you make.
Great video, so many awesome bikes out there. When I was younger many many years ago lol, always wanted a Kawasaki Ninja. These days I would love to build an old school Triumph chopper, or even a bobber, so many cool bikes.
I currently have a 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE and a Honda VTX 1300R with Vance & Hines longshots but the Honda Valkyrie is a bike I would love to have one day. Worst part is that one of my drinking buddies has one and he doesn't ride it much.
Great list! Loved my 88' VMax...The one I wish I got back in the poor years is the Kawi ZL 1000 Eliminator.
Great video, I have a 1976 Yamaha xs650, frame up restoration, top end on the engine.Also have a 1981 cx500 Custom.
GREAT talk, and some good choices. My list is. I'd like to have my Honda 305 Scrambler back. Also my 40"er BSA. I raced the BSA for a while but always wanted the Yamaha 650 for a Flat Tracker. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for a1968-ish Triumph Booneville. I still have my CB 750 K-1. Last count I have 14 different scooters & Motorcycles. Two of them are Shovelheads a 1972 & a 1968 that I'm building now. My everyday ride is my 2008 Dyna Lowrider. Apparently some of us old Dirt Track Racers prefer the Dynas. Keep up the good work. I do enjoy your videos.
I've only had metric bikes, my first bike was a honda 350 enduro. Second bike was a 1975 GL1000 goldwing. In my garage now is a 2004 kawasaki Vulcan 1600 classic, and a 2005 30th year anniversary GL1800 Goldwing.
My last non Harley was a 2010 Roadstar 1800 Silverado Midnight Star edition. Hard bags, full windshield. Was basically a Road King. All my buddies with HD's wanted to ride it. Turned it into a new Street Glide Special. Good video. Thanks.
My first biKe was a 1970 BSA 650 Thunderbolt, followed by a Norton 750 Commando, and followed that by a 850 Norton Commando.
CB360, then CB750K
Many memories on them. Then the Harley. All Harley since.
This was a fun video! Thanks for making it! My first bike, which I got recently, is a 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner midnight and I am amazed by it. Wonderful retro design, low, long and mean and just a powerhouse of a monster! We call it the Jolly Roger cuz I'm a big fan of Pirates, lol!
My first experience with any bike was when I was 11 my dad's friend had an old shovel head and he let me turn wrenches on it. Since then I have always dreamed of getting an all yellow and black chromed out shovel. Love the content man keep it up.
Great list. I have considered many on it. Stilk think you could pull off the comedian thing! You are a funny guy!
I rode, and loved, Hondas - 79 CB750F Super Sport, 84 VFR 750 Interceptor, 81 CX-500, 04 VT1100C Shadow...now ride a 2011 Road Glide. First street bike was a 68 Bridgestone 350 2 stroke.
Love my 83 v65 Magna First was a v45 Magna. Had a VTX1800f (can see it on my channel) and now I have an ultra limited. Love ‘em all.
Currently riding a 1983 Honda shadow 500 like ur channel got me with the Harley stereo build for ur friend 😎👍
I had a CB 750 Honda just like the one in your picture. It was a fun bike and I thought fast at the time. Brings back a lot of memories. Good list of bikes I remember them all. Good job.
Great list. Since I’m older than you mine would include early 70’s Kawasaki 2 smokes and the 73’ Z1. Also the 69 CB 750 revolutionized the motorcycle market. Thanks for the video.
PS. I had a 99’ TL1000S, the sister to the R just naked
I've never been a Harley guy, but my brother was, he had a 2015 Road Glide when he passed a few years ago. I was offered the bike but I turned it down because I didn't have room or it in my garage, and I didn't want to leave it outside. I already have my 2 favorite motorcycles, a 1997 Honda Valkyrie which I've had for years, I also bought a 1999 Honda Valkyrie for my girlfriend to ride and I own a 2005 TTS stage 2 supercharged Triumph Rocket III, which is absolute monster. I might consider a Road Glide when I retire in 6 to 10 years and have more time for long distance riding.
A Supercharged Rocket III??? HOLY CRAP!
Love the list. My first street bike was an 81 cb900. Now I have a street glide, a 22 triumph tiger rally pro, a cbr600, and a crf supermoto.