Heritage Lifestyle Characters Compete On Cool Factor

[@jcwebb540]

"You know you are on a motorcycle and you know you are alive." That sums it up right there.

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

I like the Guzzi followed by the Triumph. True retro bikes with lots of character.

[@sammyscrap]

Man Moto Guzzi makes good looking bikes

[@Motoguzzi750]

Sure do.

[@ridwanmaulana6564]

yeap

[@UncleRobsGarage]

That guzzi rides terrible i got rid of mine.

[@elgar6743]

"...my Guzzi can under perform your Harley any day!" - Hilariously awesome comment by Rodderick at end of vid.

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

kinda seems like the guzzi might have been the favourite for the brief!

[@sarahdell4042]

Guy who reviewed the Harley did an excellent job at giving his opinion, rather than rehashing the same thing many other reviewers say.

[@Paddyhudson]

Maybe the best video so far from Motorcycle.com, great work guys.

[@Motorcyclecom]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@epbrown01]

Disclaimer: I own a 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T. Of the bikes, I would pick the Roamer- not just because it's a Guzzi, but because if I were going retro, I'd want a bike that was true to the original. Of the bikes here, that leaves me with the Sportster and the Roamer. The Ducati Triumph, and Yamaha are retro-fied versions of modern bikes, while the Harley and Guzzi are updated versions the originals.

[@mikefry6765]

E Brown the Ducati engine is the aircooled 2 v that is a development of the 600 Pantah from 1983 so it does have lineage Agree with you re the Triumph and Yamaha

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

I live this video. One of my favourite motorcycle videos on KZbin. Would love to see a new one with the r mint t pure, Royal Enfield intercepter 65p, Moto Guzzi V7 iii, Bonneville T100 and whatever else suits. It's great to see this vids with a perspective from riders that are on the latest and greatest every week.

[@dainjahrus]

Gotta say, love the editing of this video hahaha. took the whole "Character" and Cool factor of the video and made the edits part of it. Not often I ever notice or think of editing a video, but this is how you do it :)

[@cuzimaluzer777]

the guy that reviewed the Harley did a great job. nailed it.

[@robintran02109]

cuzimaluzer777 he's Vietnamese, thank u

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Fabio Tran so are you!!!!

[@robintran02109]

cuzimaluzer777 yep hehe

[@impromptucaferacer]

He was as genuinely impressed as I was when I rode my 2017 Harley Forty Eight for the first time. I bought it just because it looked great and I besides that, I really wanted a proper “period” bike to match the retro look of my Triumph T100. Aaaand... truth to be told, the discount was too attractive to ignore it. Keep in mind that prior to the purchase I never took it for a test ride, I kinda made a bet based on my instincts and wow, I was so right. The first thing I noticed was the torque which is massive on that bloody thing. Riding in town I rarely reach for the third gear; you get from 0 to 60 really fast keeping it in second gear. Speaking about torque, the same day I’ve bought the bike the shifter’s screw fell off and I got back to the dealer to fix it while my bike remained stuck in second gear. No problemo, it rode like a charm. Brakes are good, comfort is ...neah, who needs that on a 48? You got plenty of sex appeal instead. It’s surprisingly good at lane splitting in heavy traffic, actually better than almost all my bikes lineup; it is brutal, unrefined, “steely”, autonomy wise it sucks with its peanut tank, it’s shaky, noisy, agreed it is a handful but it is immensely fun to ride and also eye catchy. Love my Harley to bits

[@vwgti303]

Just got my XSR900, best bike I have ever ridden.

[@threethrushes]

Its a beauty isnt it?

[@fleshpie2129]

@Moto Guzzi xsr is just too ordinary, it is new naked bike, you could get z650, street triple, agusta brutale 800, suzuki gsx750, honda CB650r, all new. If you have only one motorcycle in your garage than it make sence. To have retro bike as second bike i would choose Triumph Bobber, Harley Sportster or Guzzi V9 bobber.

[@marcmaz21]

Finally an honest review that doesn't make or break a good motorcycle because of a few tenths of a second. Everyone who started riding did it because it was simply fun and made you feel really good Today it seems like people are so focused on performance numbers that they can read about on the web. I ride my Triumph Street Twin and guarantee that it will put a smile on my face every single ride. Not the quickest or fastest, but the sound those pipes make get rid of all my stress. Numbers on paper might look perfect. Could be completely different from what your butt feels Thanks for the great comparison. Real world tests for daily riders. Like the guy said "Zero to Sixty faster than I need to go. Nailed It !!!

[@LivingOnCash]

I agree 100%. I've been riding since 1972 and so many motorcycle journalists seem to think that riding a motorcycle is all about going as fast as you possibly can all the time. Sure, we all like to twist the throttle but a lot of times we are just cruising, having a little fun and not having to worry about cops.

[@wileym]

This is not good. Now I want one of each. Nice job on the reviews. I'm coming off a full touring Harley and plan to pick up a Roadster in the early spring. (It's been ordered but I have to wait for my old one to sell) That bike just fits me so well, fills me with confidence and still feels solid. This was one of the best bike reviews I've seen and perfectly addresses why I ride. I don't need to be the fastest but I do like performance but for me it's just the feel which was so well expressed by all of the reviewers.

[@glenndavis9886]

Awesome video guys! I love watching your videos and reading all the info you provide. I really appreciate your bike comparisons and honest opinions. Your organization certainly puts out the best videos and info. Thanks!

[@Motorcyclecom]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@RadoDani]

I wish they had gone with the Guzzi Bobber version (with the loud pipes) and brought the Honda 1100 into the mix. Also, IMO the Yamaha belongs more or less into R nine T or Guzzi Grisso category. Less retro more perfomance oriented. Personally, I've been really lusting after the Guzzi V9.

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

i actually much prefer the roamer to the bobber looks wise.

[@jroberthadden]

Finally, a review that isn't all about go fast performance. Any one of these bikes would bring a huge smile on a face during an evening ride through some sweeping curves. Nice job, guys. PS- Sturgis Motorsports has a brand new Roamer that's been sitting there for months...

[@krysistheabyss]

not a harley fan but that sportster is beautiful

[@johnnnewmex]

I agree the Roadster is a great looking bike. I was interested in it until I looked at how much it weighed...nearly 600lbs!!!

[@BamaShinesDistillery]

Like he said, still a Harley....Alot of metal, very little plastic

[@JohnJay1745]

Great job guys! The drone shots really add sizzle to these videos.

[@MrVictorFritz]

I need that XSR 900 😍

[@fleshpie2129]

had it, after some time it is not that special, same as my 2019 street triple R. It is just so ordinary new motorcycle, nothing special about it. Im looking for guzzi v9 bobber atm

[@MrVictorFritz]

@@fleshpie2129 I own a 2000 Ninja 250R so anything is an upgrade tbh

[@fleshpie2129]

@@MrVictorFritz oh, than you right. I have found after years on motorcycles that i always want something different. I had supersport, i wanted naked. So i bought one. Then i wanted supermoto, so i have bought one. Now i want cruiser, or something classic ( Triumph Bobber, Triumph 120 bonneville, moto guzzi v9 bobber). Simply something with style, even Harley Davidson Iron 883 would be good, have to try them first though before making decision. All motorcycles are awesome

[@JojoCrazyCat]

I keep coming back and looking at this video. I love the old school looking bikes.

[@0616ko]

Good job on this presentation. All of the comments by the group provide the viewer good perspective on each bike. My favorites are the Triumph and (ahem) Harley. Thanks.

[@Motorcyclecom]

Glad you liked it!

[@crashedupderby]

good job guys, great review. Love you roasting Burns, that's always funny. And he's funny, and he's old, but he knows what he is talking about.

[@89Hols]

This was an awesome review

[@89Hols]

Still sad the Scout wasn't included though...

[@Runkmaster]

BRILLIANT test... The feeling is what counts!! wish other tests would test like this

[@Motorcyclecom]

Glad you liked it!

[@Nelluch390]

Harley's are a visceral bike. I've test rode a number of bikes and I always circled back to a Harley. Have two currently sitting in my garage. Great review of these bikes. No stats....just emotions.

[@GaryMCurran]

Surprised the BMW R Nine wasn't included.

[@RobertKwolek]

The standard one is like $15k, way more than the others here. Maybe they would have included one of the newer cheaper models like the Scrambler, but it probably wasn't available yet.

[@Motorcyclecom]

Don't worry. We're working on something with the R Nine...

[@sarahdell4042]

Royal Enfield too..

[@arno1435]

Motorcycle.com an Indian scout would be nice too

[@jeffslade1892]

Sarah Dell, Way too cool for this comparison ...

[@thegman4547]

Best review ever guys thanks! As an older new rider currently enjoying the simplicity of an old Honda nighthawk 250 I totally agree with the how it makes you feel perspective joy of motorcycling!

[@Motorcyclecom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicholasarceri6613]

I would love for Honda to bring back a nighthawk looking bike with an edit 300/500 engines, but the 300/500f is probably as close as we will get.

[@thegman4547]

Nicholas Arceri yeah I feel ya. They're gonna roll out an all new rebel 300 and 500 this April might be cool lil bobber

[@nicholasarceri6613]

theGman454 I saw the release photos, I think its a cool little bike. not enough rear travel for me though, that's why I avoid cruisers.

[@thegman4547]

Nicholas Arceri my thoughts exactly! That's why I love my lil nighthawk! It's more of a standard bike! It's like cruiser or sports bike nowadays! My dream would be the nighthawk with a 300 or 500cc engine!

[@Thomas-qk7wf]

That was great. thanks guys. I find the bikes I expect the least from, are often the bikes I have the most fun on.

[@philclarke7712]

Yes! I have had 20 or so bikes and my favourites are Suzuki SV1000S, Yamaha XJR1300 and my current GSX750F Suzuki. Yeah, the old 1998 carbed Katana. Couldn't believe it myself. My R1 didn't make it in the top 3!

[@michaeljohnson2922]

I have a 2006 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200r. I love every minute of it. I've test driven a bunch of other bikes but none of them feel better than the older Sportsters 2004-2008. I did like the Triumph but not as much as my Sportster.

[@jasmiropintodejesusjunior3051]

What about 2017 Honda CB 1100 ESX?

[@RandomGRK]

The Guzzis always get so much love but you don’t see any on the road.

[@MatchBookNotes]

Not many do reviews either so i wonder if they are a pain to work with as a company

[@germanium1872]

thank you so much for making this review. I've been looking for a motorcycle like this and you set them all on a silver platter

[@threethrushes]

The Triumph is a thing of true beauty and craftsmanship. That said, I do want a bit of grunt and reliability... so the XSR it is. Huge respect to the Guzzi and Harley for always keeping it real.

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

Man if I had the money I'd totally have the guzzi, Harley and triumph. All so beautiful and unique.

[@guywolff]

I love this clip because it is exactly the way I buy a bike .. So many great kinds of roads that I wish I had a few bikes .. Another life .. Looking forward to the BMW 9t pure next year (at 66 I like simple) and the Bonnie Bobber for a smile .. I am riding a very inexpensive 2007 Yamaha 1700 because of the price and low milage .. I call it a heritage sport bike .. :) Thats the way I ride the thing .. WIld on dirt roads ...

[@killaco23]

I love my Roadster. Have almost 5k miles on it now.

[@atadbitnefarious1387]

That roadster and the XSR900 are flippin cool. But where's Honda?

[@nicholasarceri6613]

If you mean the cbr1100 it is not currently sold here stateside...

[@atadbitnefarious1387]

Nicholas Arceri I know : / Honda needs to get their shit together and bring back the bikes that people want.

[@nicholasarceri6613]

I agree. It could use an update, but doesn't need one to be market viable.

[@FasterThanSoup]

No Kawasaki W800 here either :( Although the British Bike Press is notoriously product patriotic when doing comparios (even when faced with superior quality and performance), a number of them praised the W800 and conceded that the quality matches/exceeds the old T (at the time). I find it sad that terms like "tradition", " soul" and "heritage" are used to dismiss competitors although they themselves may have long histories, but perhaps just didn't have their niches fully adopted by a foreign market. We could talk cruisers, sport bikes, cafe racers, grand tourers, endurance bikes all day, but we'll still be waiting for a return of the UJM. You know, the wave that almost bankrupted the standard bike that the British arguably invented, and became so ubiquitous "universal" had to be used. I thought we may been on the cusp of it again with the CB1100 in 2010, but that went no where, fast.

[@nicholasarceri6613]

Hadn't heard of the w800, pretty bike.

[@jimbeamabarth135]

I have a Guzzi Breva 750 i.e. with a lot of Miles from 2004, is difficult to say what are my next Bike.. everyone looks good, nice Video!

[@BamaShinesDistillery]

Very good review....I appreciate that someone finally used a Sporty with the 1200. Nice to see a review that is about enjoying the ride as to top end speed.

[@roccolotito2632]

Great video and review! I love the Bonneville but thought it would be low on power, thanks for the education! Scrambler is nice too, affordable for a new Ducati. Keep videos like this coming, the old guys enjoy ‘em!

[@richardpinilla8526]

Awesome video guys. 😎👍

[@DirtRoadDude]

love these bikes! watched this a few times...never got bored. If wasn't for the road salt id be riding right now. Bike videos help easy the pain

[@seeul8rwaynekerr]

awesome video guys keep up the good work. I'm in the market for a ducati now!

[@kristiangurholt59]

The old guy likes to start of ten different sentences at once, and finish none of them lol

[@marscruz]

I love watching your videos. If I make some criticisms it's because I think you guys are capable of using it to satisfy more viewers and improve your already great work. I like these longer videos that you've been doing. I wish you guys would make 'night time riding' part of your evaluation. "How good is the headlight?" "What part of you gets the coldest?" "How good are the instruments at night?" Stuff like that. We are not all 'fair weather riders' and some of us really use bikes for regular transportation, not just as a "jizz machine" to quote BVG. Also more about what size person fits the bike. I'm 6'3" and there are also 5 foot zeroes out there. Duke has that covered but lets hear more about who the bike is aimed at and not just a bunch of subjective number crunching. The last two comparison videos are great. More like this, please.

[@threethrushes]

A saxophone is a jazz machine.

[@ctopp5163]

100% agree

[@BMRTV]

Awesome guys. Love the guest rider too. New/different perspective.

[@JoseGarcia-jt9hg]

Excellent video! Thanks folks

[@turbo311]

The XSR doesn't belong in this test. It's an FZ-09 made to look retro. It's mostly all performance. Wait until the refreshed CB1100 comes out or one of the new BMW's.

[@fanglemeister]

It's all about enjoying an easy ride now and then, also about the nice feeling afterward to just stare at the details on a timelessly beautiful machine. Shame the Indian Scout 60 was not included here, seems it would have fit nicely within this group of characters (and would most likely have trounced them all as the favorite throwback machine).

[@avpilas]

Nice to watch your videos, guys! Keep on going :)

[@gregtucker69]

Great Review and I agree that the Guzzi is the best looking. Kevin what jacket have you got on as I really like it?

[@luiqui82]

I love all these bikes. I wish I had enough money to have all them in my garage. But now there is a new one that I think it could beat all these on cool factor: the new Bonneville Bobber. I hope to see you testing this one soon. Cheers from Spain

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

Hey, what Harley did he have in the garage the he "couldn't stand"??

[@Death666wish]

Why didn't you wave back to the dude 8:26, wasn't it a wave?

[@wileym]

Sure was.

[@gwwayner]

We are so spoiled these days; all of these bikes are fun motorcycles and you really can't go wrong with any of them. Riders are becoming more interested in real-world motorcycles that have cool factor and a comfortable riding position; huge unusable hp numbers don't really impress anymore, there is always a faster bike so who cares unless you own a race-track. Actually I'm impressed by the Harley Roadster which has performance kits available is one wants some extra horses.

[@carlosandleon]

gwwayner I just want one that looks like a bottpower without the ubderslung exhaust so I can go around not so asphalted roads

[@tldhthompson]

Very little talk about the xsr900. Surprised me.

[@mikemckool6645]

Triumphs Rule! Just kiddin' on the square. Great review, I enjoyed. Damnit!! Now I have to go build a garage for another bike or two!! Thanks for the video!

[@JojoCrazyCat]

I would go for the Triumph or the Yamaha. But im more for the Triumph. Love the old look, even though its todays Tech.

[@philclarke7712]

As the on duty Englishman here I would like to congratulate you on your correct answer.

[@JojoCrazyCat]

Phil Clarke ahahahahah

[@DonaMane]

I'd take the Triumph anyday!!! I currently own a '16 Thruxton now I'm thinking of trading to a T120

[@Smaug1]

Please do more videos in this seat-of-the-pants style. This is why we need pro videos, not to re-state specs. Nicely-done.

[@patrickfort123456789]

I love my XSR900 !!

[@DonWestmorelandUSA]

I bought one at the end of 2016, also have a Harley in the garage. Definitely prefer the XSR900, not too many Harleys could compete with it.

[@asyrafmus]

Re-watch this video again. You guys comparisons and opinions are the best and very useful but too bad the RnineT was not here with this lots.

[@markmaese1599]

asyrafmus It looks like you listed your favorite. It doesnt matter whether its on this video or not.

[@bananafooter]

Anyone else notice the Bonneville wheelie? Cooooool...

[@thanhnguyenuc8545]

love the scrambler

[@hurrdurr25]

The triumph is cool but honestly, the fun is searching for the old ones and restoring them.

[@4N2IN0JA]

hurrdurr25 thats whats up! I bought a 1967 yamaha ycs1 Bonanza 180 2-stroke twin. I have everything figured out but the carbs. It revs to the moon when I start it. Im thinking its the throttle slides that are too open even when the throttle is closed all the way. I guess I need as much slack in the cable as I can get. I juat dont have time to work on it latley. Im thinking about handing it over to a restoration shop to get the bike up to snuff.

[@enriquezambrano1]

Where would you set the Honda CB1100 in these bunch?

[@SineOccasu]

THAI haha! Your Street Triple vids are one of the reasons I bought one :)

[@phillipstoltzfus3014]

Nice video!

[@johnnnewmex]

I enjoyed this video. I just think the xsr 900 has little heritage or retro character other than its round headlight. It is really a nice naked bike. If you wanted a Yamaha in the line up, the Yamaha Scrambler would have been the more relevant bike to include in the comparison.

[@UncleRobsGarage]

Traded my guzzi for the Ducati scrambler ,now that's a machine!

[@wsguntoro]

i love this type of bike

[@concretesurfersmotorcycled3563]

Great review guys - I would go with the triumph and the roadster! For me it's all about haveing a good time riding - I don't care what kind of bike you ride as long as you enjoy riding... More roll, less scroll ;-)

[@DevanVanScArsdale]

who makes the tan jacket burns is wearing?

[@gerrywashack9373]

Outstanding Job! Ladies.

[@ezracohen8247]

you're whack as fuck

[@gjrip]

It's Harley or Ducati for me. Great video.

[@08RES]

I think the new 2017 Honda CB1100 RS is going to take these guys. I am holding on for that Bike unless Yamaha brings in the XSR700 to the states. I will say however I like all these bikes. I think they all should be under 10K however.

[@dianehansen704]

Love my Guzzi!

[@wilswood8137]

Have you seen the new triumph bobber 👍

[@johnsumser1672]

I had a Moto Guzzi V7 and found it disappointing, but the V9 Roamer is the prettiest bike I've seen in a while.

[@hunkyhungarian378]

Hey, guys! Which of these bikes would you say offer the most room in ergonomics for a 6'3" person with long legs and arms? Thanks for your feedback in advance!

[@btbbelesky]

Hunky Hungarian Yamaha most likely from what my tall friends tell me

[@Motorcyclecom]

Of these bikes, probably the Yamaha or Triumph. The Triumph's long seat will let you scoot back a little until you find a comfortable position for your hands and feet.

[@Ciph4n]

They brought out the Street Triple fan, a welcomed perspective

[@noiox8]

Just about to trade in my Street Triple Rx for the Guzzi V9 Roamer.

[@Ciph4n]

Don't do it!! haha. I always consider new bikes and test ride them, get back on my street R and it all goes away. Finally caved on a slip on exhaust and the motodemic headlight. Voila new bike lol

[@TylerHamiltonDesign]

Loving this guy trying to convince himself the Guzzi isn't terrible.

[@xDx0xUxGx]

Should've tested the Roadster with the factory optional clip-ons and rearset foot controls...

[@mrmenan6450]

Classic guys really loved it

[@Luckyluciano1972]

Guzzi rocks!

[@carmelorafaeldtansengco1462]

Maybe you can do this again but include the Yamaha SCR950 instead of the XSR.

[@Cicero75BC]

Love them all...T120 looks good but I'd go for a Street Twin. If I had the money I would go for a Norton Commando.

[@joruckus]

Where's the R Nine T?

[@Motorcyclecom]

We haven't forgotten about it. We've got something cooking...

[@dougfielding8215]

The Kawasaki W800 is missing. It is the most retro of all of these with the possible exception of the Sportster and Guzzi.

[@dehnewblack]

Please review the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer!!!!

[@Mowk86]

Beautifil bikes! But.. @motorcycle.com don't you guys think that rectifier location looks goofy on the Triumph?

[@Night_Diver81]

wow no BMW R9T?

[@Motorcyclecom]

Don't worry. We're working on something with the R Nine T. :-)

[@guywolff]

If the Pure was out I bet it would have been in this clip . Next year :)

[@iruleyounow]

The Harley and Triumph are my favorites. The scrambler would be my next choice but I dont think its in the same category. With that said, at the end of the day I would never pay those prices for any of the bikes. I bought an old sportster for very cheap and I can do just about any of these looks to it besides the triumph. Ask me again in like 15-20 years and I would buy any one of these (besides the guzzi, hate the styling).

[@gourav0700]

i wish someday Royal enfield make modern classic bike like Triumph with more power and agile love this review

[@servicarrider]

I would be proud to own any of these bikes except the Harley, of course, but the one that I could see myself hanging onto for years would be the Triumph. There is never going to be a day when that bike does not look good and it is always going to be just as comfortable tomorrow as it was yesterday.

[@rideordie9309]

Can you do a review on the Yamaha XJR1300 vs. Honda CB1100 vs. Triumph

With the same goal of style and ridding you also have the BMW RnineT. How cool is nine T!!! That is missing here on the test.

[@Motorcyclecom]

Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about the BMW. We're working on something...

[@MrAndrew1953]

The Guzzi is the only one with shaft drive but the Harley Davidson Sportster has that motor that dominates,always has dominated the bike. The Yamaha just screams Kenny Roberts. Really have to ride them to make my mind up. Triumph isn't like the lightweight, torquey Tiger I owned- big, heavy. The Ducati could be good but doesn't have the presence of the others.

[@philwoods2361]

Sure there are bikes missing from this group, but of the bunch tested all are great motorcycles in their individual statuses, but having said you will never see me on a Harley, I have a roadster in my garage and each and every time I come back I have a smile on my face - sure my mates take the piss, but who cares as today too much emphasis is all on electrics, performance, handling etc, etc.... isn't motorcycling about enjoyment no matter what your riding, if it suits you then great, I'll still admire my mates bikes no matter what they ride, each to their own, lets get more people back on two wheels no matter what and get more people enjoying their precious time on planet earth.

[@Lar308]

If this is the competition for the Triumph T120 I am happy as I don't like any of the others. My New T120 is being delivered next week.