brand loyalty

[Razor]

just what is your fave motorcycling brand, doesn't matter what you ride. It could be the bike of your dreams is a MV or that you ride a Suzooki but support Yamaha in the racing...

vote and tell all

[Alpinestarhero]

Im loyal per se to suzuki, but my dad has had a few GSXR's in the past decade and I have an SV (obviously). Suzuki;s just seem to fit the bill. If i wanted a sports bike, I'd have a GSXR600 or a GSXR750. In the SV i have an every day commuter-kum-sporty bike-kum-tourer.

I'd still like an RC30 though. And a VFR800

[ThEGr33k]

ATM Aprilia as they are making affordable V-twin bikes which I love and they are going to be making a V-4 my second fav engine type. :D

I like Honda but tbh only because of the Sp-1/2 and the VFR's. Their IL4's dont interest me at all. Suzuki I like but tbh they dont make any bikes at the moment id want. I want a good handling 1200cc TLS.... But that wont happen Id guess. Damn them!

[gettin2dizzy]

Shame I can't give a minus mark to Suzuki.

[Razor]

I voted Suzuki but the bike I'd really like at the mo is either a street triple or a tiger 675...

[muffles]

Shame I can't give a minus mark to Suzuki.

Blimey, they are that bad? What did they do to you! :lol:

[rictus01]

surely to give some perspective wouldn't it be better to know why ? as in what bikes you've owned, given this is an SV site and a good deal of riders here it's there first "big" bike, it'll either be that or some "wish list" thing ?

Cheers Mark.

[northwind]

I like Honda. Never owned one but they're lovely to work on, and superb on the road. If they'd made a Bros 2 to compete with the SV I'd own one :D

And I'm growing quite partial to BMW, they've got this image as boring but they make some of the maddest bikes... I can see my next bike being a BMW.

[gettin2dizzy]

Blimey, they are that bad? What did they do to you! :lol:
Hehe. I love my bike but I hate suzuki for cutting so many corners. Bolts that rust within the first 30 days and then get stripped if you try and change them, engine paint that just flakes off, NO stainless anywhere whatsoever and what's with the silver heelplates and pillion pegs on an otherwise black frame?!

Don't get me wrong, the SV is great but you can buy a NEW car for little more. It's hardly like the bike had a lot of development in it.

[Razor]

Most of my bikes have been Suzuki, I've had a couple of Yamahas, 2 Kawasaki and only 1 Honda.
I've loved every bike I've ever had, except the GPZ 305 that I have excluded from the 2 kawas ;)

Suzukis, my bandit, my goose and Sv in particular just have a rawness, a real fun factor that the other bikes didn't have. Plus none of them have ever broken down without it being my fault.

[muffles]

Hehe. I love my bike but I hate suzuki for cutting so many corners. Bolts that rust within the first 30 days and then get stripped if you try and change them, engine paint that just flakes off, NO stainless anywhere whatsoever and what's with the silver heelplates and pillion pegs on an otherwise black frame?!

Don't get me wrong, the SV is great but you can buy a NEW car for little more. It's hardly like the bike had a lot of development in it.

Lol...unfortunately it's not just the SV that Suzuki do the black frame/silver bits and bobs with - annoyingly!

Just to dash a bit of the Honda myth too ;) they are not without their problems...slightly biased because my CBR has over 40k miles (lol!) but things do screw up on it...the bolts on the front brake fluid reservoir have been particularly annoying to me - they start to strip so easily, and once the screwdriver has slipped once, they're pretty much done for - made of cheese for sure!! It's had a few other problems too.

Never had any rust, though, which is a plus point for the 'onda.

[Ping]

I think the latest Yammy R1's in black/gunmetal are sex on wheels...

[ThEGr33k]

Got to say (I know... im going on again, sorry. well not really. :p) the build quality on the Falco is brilliant! 6,000 miles in 4 months through all weathers and it looks as good as ever after a good clean. Only the exhaust discolouring is noticable but then that happens with all bikes I should think (that see any real use) Even most Honda's cant claim that... with their pig iron exhaust systems rotting to bits (older bikes). :(

[STRAMASHER]

Aspire to a big KTM. Proper sussies, amazing build, race engine. (So i worry if they can "do the miles".) SM/SD/RC

Guzzis. The sound, simplicity and the "heavy metal" looks. Griso/V11


The only jap stuff i would aspire to own is "old" stuff like 80/90's 125/250 strokers or early 90's GSX-R's.

Don't understand jap brand loyalty, other than you have been lucky enough to find a good dealer? Individual (cult) bikes I do understand though. RD350/TL-S etc.

[hovis]

Honda

always prefered motox hondas, as they seem more relible. had a few probs with sv electics, did not have any probs with the 10 year old blade, so im sticking with honda

[Razor]

I've never bought a bike from a dealer...

[Alpinestarhero]

I think the latest Yammy R1's in black/gunmetal are sex on wheels...

oh yes, i could go all yamaha for one of those

or an R1 in blue






but

RC30

maybe at Ar09........? (i wish)

[Dave The Rave]

Honda it is. I like the look of some other bikes too but sooner or later Mr Honda always comes up with something that is better than anything else the others can come up with. See Triumph - so Honda gets on with the job and creates the CB1000R. Well it ticks all my boxes.

[ThEGr33k]

See Triumph - so Honda gets on with the job and creates the CB1000R. Well it ticks all my boxes.

Well its a shame they failed on the looks. OMFG what were they thinking with those wheels... They are AWFUL! :(

[Lozzo]

I don't do brand loyalty - I'll buy any old rubbish if there's a profit in it.

[Lissa]

Voted 'other' as no Ducati option.:smt068

Always supported them in racing, and now we have one:D

[ThEGr33k]

Voted 'other' as no Ducati option.:smt068

Always supported them in racing, and now we have one:D

You may want to re-think that given some time, what with the nice costs of servicing and fixing it... and fixing it... and ok I think you get it. :cool:

[BBadger]

Voted 'other' as no Ducati option.:smt068

Always supported them in racing, and now we have one:D

all the way !
i miss sitting on the back of my dads, always a thrill to bump start

[ThEGr33k]

always a thrill to bump start

LMAO.

[Lissa]

You may want to re-think that given some time, what with the nice costs of servicing and fixing it... and fixing it... and ok I think you get it. :cool:

Ah, but you don't buy a Duc with your head, you buy with your heart...............and why do you think we're keeping the SV?:p

[ThEGr33k]

Ah, but you don't buy a Duc with your head, you buy with your heart...............and why do you think we're keeping the SV?:p

Tis true. :cool: They are nice bikes but I dont think id ever have one. Belt driven cams put me right off. :(

[Lissa]

Tis true. :cool: They are nice bikes but I dont think id ever have one. Belt driven cams put me right off. :(

Horses for courses, Hun:D And thank God we all like different things. Wouldn't life be boring otherwise;)

[Razor]

Ducati! I knew there was a moderately popular brand I missed out...
In my defence there was only 10 options...

[BBadger]

Ah, but you don't buy a Duc with your head, you buy with your heart

you might do all of that but after a gd ride you wont feel much apart from your ass throbbing !

[Lissa]

you might do all of that but after a gd ride you wont feel much apart from your ass throbbing !

Not had a problem so far, and did 750 miles on the North/South weekend. We're 'ard, us:p

[BBadger]

im pretty impressed actually amazed specialy with the more forward bars

this was back in the day !
1998 ST4

[Lozzo]

Ah, but you don't buy a Duc with your head, you buy with your very fat wallet and straining credit card

Post corrected for you.

[Lissa]

Post corrected for you.

:D:D:D

If you find a guy with a really fat wallet, send him in my direction;)

[Paws]

ermm well ive owned 3 kwacks, 2 suzukis, a aprilia, a honda and now a triumph

[Davido]

Bikes I've had:

Aprilia RS50 - unreliable but full of character
GSxr 600 - Mad bike, mad engine, but weak (engine/frame strength)
Sv 650 - Nice engine, but crap brakes/suspension. Felt budget.
Honda F sport - Tamer engine than gsxr, but damn near bulletproof
600rr - greatest bike in the world ever. EVER.

[ninja bobw]

Having owned nearly all the makes over the years I don't usually stick to a brand as I buy a bike I want.
If I had to choose a single brand it would be a Kwak although they are not without their faults.I have returned to Suzuki this time and the build quality/finish is quite poor.

[thedonal]

I dunno. SV's the first bike, so no real experience. Only other bikes I've ridden are a Beemer F650CS (DAS bike) and my bro's CBR400.

Now my mate's got a tyre on his Ninja again, I will have to have a go of that. I want to own a VFR400 for a while and a load of giggles.

Aside from that, I'd like a bigger twin. I like the looks of the Guzzis and I'd love a Duc 748 or 996 (nowhere near looking at an 848/1098 yet!!!)- but I'm not sure i want to get involved with Italian engineering yet...

So I've not voted. Any yer naer gonnae get me off ma fence!

[the_lone_wolf]

KTM

because:

- They are the only brand that seems to give a nuts about 2 strokes still...
- They know how to support their customers, realistic prices on spares and generally passionate dealers
- They built the 950 Adventure, and instantly showed BMW how to make an adventure bike
- They built the RC8, and instantly showed Ducati et al how to build a V-Twin sportsbike

[Bear]

I've owned suzukis (GSXF 750 Teapot, SV, GS500) Hondas (A string of plastic maggots (cx500) so an unfair judgment against them) a Kwak (My zx9r, now with added handling!) and one yamaha (A FS1E believe it or not. Yes I did look funny riding it. No I don't have any pictures)

As far as my favorite BRAND...

KTM. Purely on looks, (perceived) build quality (never owned one but they have a chunky, well built look), and nice touches like the adjustability of the RC8 riding position: simple but genius!

[northwind]

- They know how to support their customers, realistic prices on spares and generally passionate dealers


Yeah, ask Cloggsy about that one.

[21QUEST]

I like Honda. Never owned one but they're lovely to work on, and superb on the road. If they'd made a Bros 2 to compete with the SV I'd own one :D

And I'm growing quite partial to BMW, they've got this image as boring but they make some of the maddest bikes... I can see my next bike being a BMW.
Similar here.


Ben

[MR UKI (1)]

Ducati! I knew there was a moderately popular brand I missed out...
In my defence there was only 10 options...

Moderately popular, don't you mean massively popular ;)

[the_lone_wolf]

Yeah, ask Cloggsy about that one.true, but i've not heard another story like his tbh, and i'm sure you could drag up horrific cases of customer service from and brand/dealer - hence why i said "generally";)

[yorkie_chris]

I don't have a brand loyalty per se but have a look at my list of bikes I'd love to own...

T5 speed triple
TLS
7/11 gixxer
Superduke
X-raptor thou
RD500LC
MZ SFX

annnd the unobtainable one... a vyrus. But I want one not containing an eye-tie engine.

[Dave The Rave]

Well its a shame they failed on the looks. OMFG what were they thinking with those wheels... They are AWFUL! :(

Surely you cannot say that is a bad looking bike?

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3364/cb1000rkh0.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cb1000rkh0.jpg)

[Grinch]

There is not option for 'Couldn't give a monkeys'...

While I love my SV, I loved my Honda when I had it, and the Kawasaki. I don't really care about the brand as the bike is more important to me, lots of things about Suzuki annoyed me.

[lukemillar]

I voted Yamaha! I love my 675 - more than my old R6, but thinking about the brand, the bike models, the race teams etc. I'm definitely a Yamaha fan :)

[lukemillar]

Yeah, ask Cloggsy about that one.

IMO, across the broad spectrum of bike owners throughout the world, you will always find someone who has had a bad experience with X motorcycle brand/company and someone who has had nothing but a positive experience! Just look at Triumph 675 forums! :wink:

I know what happened with Cloggsy, but it wouldn't put me off considering/buying a KTM TBH.

[Razor]

There is not option for 'Couldn't give a monkeys'...


that would be 'other'...

[yorkie_chris]

I know what happened with Cloggsy, but it wouldn't put me off considering/buying a KTM TBH.

Wouldn't bother me as I wouldn't really want a new bike.

Also the superduke is bike porn

[ThEGr33k]

Surely you cannot say that is a bad looking bike?

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3364/cb1000rkh0.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cb1000rkh0.jpg)

Lose the back wheel for anything else and yes. I HATE that back wheel. Oh and it has 4 cylinders... :p N' the Falco looks better... :cool:

[ThEGr33k]

Horses for courses, Hun:D And thank God we all like different things. Wouldn't life be boring otherwise;)

I know... there wouldnt be all these poeple to make me look so cool. :( :p

[BanannaMan]

I used to be a Honda fan (for many years and bikes) but reliability turned to **** sometime in the mid-eighties so in the early 90's I switched to Suzuki's just by chance as I bought the "best deal" on a used bike at the dealership.
A few bikes later I'm still riding them.
No reliability issues so far.



Is it just me???
Or just the newer models???
I have an 02 S ...with stainless fasteners on the exhaust.
No rust on anything...no paint flaking on engine (or anywhere else). 20K + miles still looks close to new.
Except for the budget suspension (which was easily fixed) everything appears to be tops!
Of course I do keep it clean.


Most Kawi's on the otherhand (while are good bikes) have rough welds with wires and zip-ties showing.
Close up ....most of the frames are not pretty.

[the_lone_wolf]

Also the superduke is bike porn
Superduke R is what you want, so raw the seat is made of plastic, no seriously...

http://www.parts-world.ch/KTM-Super-DukeR_800-tot_0.jpg

[lukemillar]

Superduke R is what you want, so raw the seat is made of plastic, no seriously...

http://www.parts-world.ch/KTM-Super-DukeR_800-tot_0.jpg

I like the superduke, but always feel it is let down by a weedy looking swingarm! Would look much better with a Street Triple style arm!

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/triumph-street-triple-2.jpg

[Lou M]

Triumph, triumph, oh and did I mention Triumph?! :)

[yorkie_chris]

Superduke R is what you want, so raw the seat is made of plastic, no seriously...

A lot of reviews seem to find the superduke quite rideable and controllable... hmm I'll test ride one when I've got a lot of money :-P

[yorkie_chris]

Triumph, triumph, oh and did I mention Triumph?! :)

Oh aye... the proper speed triple (T509) is probably going to be my next big (500+) bike next year :-P

[ThEGr33k]

Oh aye... the proper speed triple (T509) is probably going to be my next big (500+) bike next year :-P

Good choice. No Falco... ha ha but a nice bike and I can accept 3 cylinders. :p

[yorkie_chris]

Actually though, my next bike this year is a yamaha.

[BBadger]

husqvarna's havent been brought up yet
and they have a lovely sound and arnt to shabby all round.

[neio79]

I feel a lot more loyal to Kwak than i ever did wth Suzuki. I love the Kwak rawnwss and induction, their loonacy in the bikes they make. I can see me staying with a Kwak for a while now.

[the_lone_wolf]

A lot of reviews seem to find the superduke quite rideable and controllable...
that's because the superduke is...

the SD-R is a litre v-twin with a steeper steering angle than a new R6 and a plastic seat...

:cool:

[Pedrosa]

Tis true. :cool: They are nice bikes but I dont think id ever have one. Belt driven cams put me right off. :(

I assume you do not own any modern car then sir? Timing belts are a pretty common item these days you know? They have NEVER proven to be a weak spot on Ducati's to my knowledge.Indeed many are changed out in accordance with manufacturer rec's and are often found to have much more servicieable life in them. Ducati err on the side of caution though y'see.

[northwind]

I feel a lot more loyal to Kwak than i ever did wth Suzuki. I love the Kwak rawnwss and induction, their loonacy in the bikes they make.

Kwak rawness is why I dislike kwak so much... I reckon someone high up at KHI looked at Honda and said "Everyone hates these bikes because they're so good, they call this boring... Lets make deliberately less good bikes, and people will call it character." B1 636? Worst suspended 600 in a decade, and not because it was cheap but just because it was wrong. It would have cost no more to make a shock with the right damping, but instead they launched it broken. And people fell over themselves to say it was "racetrack oriented" or "a bit wild" or "a hooligan's tool" or "for experienced riders", instead of "it's broken, they've fitted a shock for another bike to it, why do we put up with this?"

Kwak also don't impress with their assembly workflow. Very easy example, an awful lot of kwaks have shock bolts fitted from the right. Presumably that's just how their assembly lines run, man stands on the right. But then, they fit the exhaust, and you now can't get the bolt back out without taking the exhaust off. That's just bad assemblyline design, it costs no less to do it but it adds to servicing costs. Any dealer, race builder or skilled DIYer takes one look at it, removes the shock, removes the bolt, then when they refit it puts it back in from the other side. Why can't someone do that at Kwak? There's too many steps or parts where to do it better would cost no more, these lossless benefits are where bikes still frankly suck. Like the SV with its underweight springs.

It's the random mismatches of parts that infuriate... Like, wrapped around that bolt fitted from the wrong side is a shock linkage with rubber seals on the bearings, and a grease nipple. That's phenomenal, proper design, and I love them for it. Someone's done their job right- so why are there so many irritating touches elsewhere? If Suspension Linkage Engineer had designed the whole bike, it'd be the best bike ever.

[yorkie_chris]

Like, wrapped around that bolt fitted from the wrong side is a shock linkage with rubber seals on the bearings, and a grease nipple.

Whoa, something to make sense on a modern bike?