bike with no soul

i have a bunch of bikes
and they all have different personalities
but i only have one that has no soul
its a honda BIG SURPRISE there
1982 honda cbx 1000 zooooooom
short stroke motors

I'll bet there are a number of folks out there looking for just such a soulless motorcycle...

Years ago, when it was new, I rode a friend's BMW K100RT; )1000cc 4 cylinder inline engine). It was as exciting and fun as riding in a taxi cab. Zero soul; I hated it. Ed

Interesting topic and perspectives It seems engineers can smooth things out to such a degree that the bike exhibits all the thrills of a sewing machine. Honda has been exceptional in that area of design with many bikes.

But when you stop and think about it, a simple exhaust system change can transform much of the character of any internal combustion powered vehicle. Some vibration can also be a welcome annoyance if it's the right level......

Ahhh...then we have to stop and consider what type of a ride we are heading out on???? There are bikes that serve you well for hours in the seat with all the comforts you may desire...think Gold Wing...think long distance without a tortured anatomy at the end of the day.

IMO, all bikes have purpose and soul as well, though some have been so refined that the mechanical aspects that make the bike feel alive have been masked thoroughly. Everyone should have a "tool box" [large garage] full of various motorcycles to afford the opportunity to select the correct one for any given ride......

JMO

Those were my thoughts when reading Jeff's post, Larry. You couldn't have said it better. The guy I purchased my KZ from had a CBX sitting there with a 6 to 1 exhaust system. Aside from looking incredibly cool with that exhaust, when he fired it up for me it sounded like a Ferrari. Can't say how it rides, never have ridden one. But it got my blood flowing just by listening to that beautiful sound of the engine. I remember when I was a young lad and had my 74 Z1, an acquaintance let me take his Gold Wing out for a spin. To me, it felt like driving a rolling sofa. Felt more like a car rather than a motorcycle. But like you said, it is fit for purpose. Of course, I complemented the guy, but had no desire to ever ride one again.