In your opinion, which is the most prestigious bike brand? [Archive] - SV650.org

Cazza

06-04-06, 03:55 PM

All opinions are welcomed! Just a quick favour for my flatmate who's doing some research about prestige motoring brands...

I told her that Ducati (that one's for you Mr Henry) was the main one that sprang to mind for me?

Basically - top notch brand, but one that's recognisable / has resonance on a global scale?

Thanks! :D

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 03:56 PM

Cazza...The fiver is in the post mate! :wink:

Swiss

06-04-06, 03:57 PM

It has to be Triumph Cazza, there really is no other :wink:

MV Augusta

Skip

06-04-06, 03:58 PM

Possibly Benelli - or basically any low volume Italian manufacturer! :lol:

Daimo

06-04-06, 04:00 PM

Bimota
Benelli
MV

Otherwise, the others are mainsteam manufactures.

Iceman

06-04-06, 04:01 PM

What about the Enfield :?:

Diveboy

06-04-06, 04:01 PM

O.C.C 8)

:lol: :lol:

fizzwheel

06-04-06, 04:01 PM

What about some of the older stuff.

Vincent HRD
Brough Superior

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 04:02 PM

DanAbnormal

06-04-06, 04:02 PM

My instant reaction would be MV.

rictus01

06-04-06, 04:02 PM

I'd say, and we're talking "prestige brands" and not bikes then globally it's got to be italian, the biggest of which is Ducati.

Now if on the other hand, you'd asked for the best?, well lets just say Ben would have got some support for his point of view :wink:

Cheers Mark.

Cazza

06-04-06, 04:05 PM

What about some of the older stuff.

Vincent HRD
Brough Superior

Thanks - but it's current stuff that she's after... sexy desirable things (clearly I'd be on the list if I were a motorbike :wink: )

The kind of brand that you might want to align yourself with if you were a prestige manufacturer of another commodity.

Biker Biggles

06-04-06, 04:06 PM

I passed a Hesketh on the M1 on Sunday.
I think MV Agusta is one of the most prestigous.
Not to be confused with MZ :shock:

rictus01

06-04-06, 04:06 PM

I'll probably get flamed for this...however I think that Harley Davidson would be way up there. It does not have to be a brand that is judged by those in the know about bikes,but rather one that joe public would recognise.

Therefore Benelli.MV etc. I suggest would not be that recognisable to the majority of non bike related peeps.

I'd agree, Pete, another good question would be what is a prestigious brand?

if it's popular perseption then yes Harley wouuld fit, that's why I said "Italian bikes, not a brand, but a perseption none the less.

Cheers Mark.

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 04:07 PM

Cazza...You have moved the goal posts a tadge there and so though it pains my to write this I do not see how you can look beyond....

Mv Agusta and Ducati.

(sorry folks! :? :P )

Cazza

06-04-06, 04:08 PM

I'll probably get flamed for this...however I think that Harley Davidson would be way up there. It does not have to be a brand that is judged by those in the know about bikes,but rather one that joe public would recognise.

Therefore Benelli.MV etc. I suggest would not be that recognisable to the majority of non bike related peeps.

The Harley is an interesting one... It's certainly a very well-known brand - but to me it doesn't say "prestige"... But maybe it does say "high quality"...?

Anyone else got an opinion?

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 04:08 PM

Biker Biggles wrote:

Not to be confused with MZ

Could that ever truly be possible? :P :P :P

fizzwheel

06-04-06, 04:09 PM

Thanks - but it's current stuff that she's after... sexy desirable things (clearly I'd be on the list if I were a motorbike :wink: )

Have you seen a Vincent Black Shadow they are gorgeous

I tihnk Peter makes a good point about Harleys though :shock:

rictus01

06-04-06, 04:09 PM

Dam makes my last post look a tad silly now :roll:

Anonymous

06-04-06, 04:10 PM

In order to muddy the waters a little.

Different manufacturers have bikes which in their own right are prestigious.. its hard to say that any particular manufacturer is prestigious.

If i had to pick a manufacturer, i would say MV Augusta. I mean.. the F1000 is nothing to be snuffed at! 8)

Amanda M

06-04-06, 04:18 PM

MV augusta also own Cagiva (I think - I could be wrong) Which are also incredibly desirable bikes :P Not that I'm biased or anything :lol: :lol:

Anonymous

06-04-06, 04:21 PM

madmal

06-04-06, 04:24 PM

gotta be mv :D

jonboy

06-04-06, 05:25 PM

Thanks - but it's current stuff that she's after... sexy desirable things (clearly I'd be on the list if I were a motorbike :wink: )

(Of that there's no doubt) but prestigous bike brands, well they're basically Italian, and I rather think with the rebirth of Moto Morini they should be considered as one of the club, being both exotic and desirable (a bit like yourself :oops: :wink: ) - < look do you always have to creep up on me like that and peer over my shoulder? I was just having a laugh, honest... ouch! :lol: >

.

kwak zzr

06-04-06, 05:35 PM

I'll probably get flamed for this...however I think that Harley Davidson would be way up there. It does not have to be a brand that is judged by those in the know about bikes,but rather one that joe public would recognise.

Therefore Benelli.MV etc. I suggest would not be that recognisable to the majority of non bike related peeps.

The Harley is an interesting one... It's certainly a very well-known brand - but to me it doesn't say "prestige"... But maybe it does say "high quality"...?

Anyone else got an opinion?

i'd say HARLEY DAVIDSON everyone knows HD and it has a cult following who would prob have you shot for not saying it was prestige.

lynw

06-04-06, 05:47 PM

The Harley is an interesting one... It's certainly a very well-known brand - but to me it doesn't say "prestige"... But maybe it does say "high quality"...?

Anyone else got an opinion?

I think Harley just says High Price :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Interesting the "prestigious" bikes are all the ones I associate with high expense and not entirely reliable [I know one person who will never buy another Ducati as it was always requiring attention].

The Harley brand I believe is starting to outsell its bikes in terms of revenue from tshirts/caps/glasses etc.

Dictionary.com defines prestigious as:

prestigious

adj 1: having an illustrious reputation; respected; "our esteemed leader"; "a prestigious author" [syn: esteemed, honored] 2: exerting influence by reason of high status or prestige; "a prestigious professor at a prestigious university"

so Id add in the GPZ900. Everyone I know whos had one in the past has loved it and wouldnt mind a go on another one. The GPZ900 at the time it came out, so Ive been reliably informed by at least 2 people who had one, blew away the other bikes around that time, very much like the CBR600 did on its release. So I think thats covered by the illustrious reputation bit. :D

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 05:51 PM

Lyn...Indeed a cleverly conceived plot,however it will cut no ice I am afraid. :wink: :P

lynw

06-04-06, 05:52 PM

Lyn...Indeed a cleverly conceived plot,however it will cut no ice I am afraid. :wink: :P

Imho they are classic bikes as much as any Ducati. :twisted:

But then I just dont see the appeal of a bike thats temperamental, over priced on its services, and just looks plain uncomfortable. And dont even get me started on Aprilias and the engine rebuilds the RS's need :wink: :lol: :lol: :lol:

pegasus

06-04-06, 06:01 PM

http://upload4.postimage.org/142478/bike_.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/142478/photo_hosting.html)

philipMac

06-04-06, 06:33 PM

MV augusta also own Cagiva (I think - I could be wrong) Which are also incredibly desirable bikes :P Not that I'm biased or anything :lol: :lol:

I agree! Cagive Mito.. the only 125 with 7 gears! :lol:

oh God... I think the Mito was one of my most Desired bikes.
for years I just wanted to get my hands on one, and absolutely rag it around the Wicklow mountain roads up by me.

HHHNNENNNNENNNNNNENNYAaaaaaaaaaaa
Oooooh yeahhh.

My motto was show me a two stroke I havnt crashed, and I will show you one I am about to crash. :twisted:

Ahh yes. I love the smell of two strokes in the morning.

Balky001

06-04-06, 07:31 PM

But none of the Italian makes got in the short list for the recent 'Most prestigious brand' title thing the other month - only 1 motorbike brand was in it and that was Suzuki.

For me, MV Agusta, Ducati or Benelli

Cronos

06-04-06, 08:23 PM

It can only be Hesketh. :wink:

http://www.owners.heskethmotorcycles.co.uk/Hesketh_cropped_200x215.jpg

Not the answer you'd get from Joe Public mind you! :P

jonboy

06-04-06, 08:33 PM

Is the bird on that crest a turkey? :lol:

.

philipMac

06-04-06, 08:42 PM

Is the bird on that crest a turkey? :lol:

.
Whatever sort of bird it is, someone put sand in its vaseline.

Richie

06-04-06, 09:18 PM

BSA. as it's British, and I learned to ride on one...

but I think My dear old dad would say either Douglas or Vincent.

me on me first bike... Cheers Dad.
http://upload4.postimage.org/143778/get14.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/143778/photo_hosting.html)

06-04-06, 09:45 PM

Cracking pic, Richie!!!

You only have to go to the Motorcycle Museum and you can see the fabulous engineering in British bikes. It was way ahead of its time.

Easy to get to, off J6 M42. It's £7 to get in and worth every penny, many times over and then again. And, naturally, they love bikers. Deffo a triffic day out.

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 10:04 PM

Hesketh? That sure was a turkey!

I think a few peeps have overlooked the remit of the thread, as fabulous in their time as things like BSA,Vincent and others might have been ...they actually mean very little to anyone other than a bike enthusiast.

Having given this a whole lot of thought I do think that it would have to be MV Agusta that still has that certain kudos above most other makes that I can bring to mind. I would cite Ducati as perhaps the second although their exclusivity has been eroded over recent years, that could be the price they have paid for creating machines that have been more accesible to the buying public.

However you can only appreciate the reaction of "non biking" people when you actually own or are in the presence of a non mainstream machine. Due to their less common nature they do receive attention from folks. They seem to know the name and what that means.

I have owned plenty of bikes and all of them to my mind have been excellent machines, but I have never been engaged in the kind of conversations that I have with my present bike.

Fellow bikers at cafe´s, day trippers in cars, car owners when stopped at traffic lights and even gorgeous young chicks when I have been filling up with petrol, all have asked about the bike etc.

None of the above is intended to try and say that the MV's or Ducati's are better than anything else out there,as in truth for many reasons they are not. But they do have a certain something......(something other than high purchase and servicing costs! :wink: )

The Basket

06-04-06, 10:11 PM

In terms of exclusive rights then it probably Bimota.

It's odd that BMW get kudos as a car but not as a motorcycle.

Harley Davidson as certainly for name regocnition and media savvy.

Brough?Norton?

MV for the history but Laverda and Moto Guzzi had there swings in the batting shed.

Ducati for now...Yeah I think Ducati.

independentphoto

06-04-06, 10:28 PM

For exclusivity, how about MTT?

http://www.marineturbine.com/motorsports.asp

Perhaps not the prettiest of things though, but it does sound nice :twisted:

Garry

Peter Henry

06-04-06, 10:30 PM

But Garry what is the chance of Mr.cavalier driver knowing what on earth one of those is? :P

Richie

06-04-06, 10:49 PM

For exclusivity, how about MTT?

http://www.marineturbine.com/motorsports.asp

Perhaps not the prettiest of things though, but it does sound nice :twisted:

Garry

that's not a bike, Its a jet engine with a fairing to cover it's embarrassment & two wheels, and crap at going round corners....

Like to see it do a wheelie.... all torque and no action.

ethariel

06-04-06, 11:02 PM

It might be crap at corners, but so was the V-Max and both are yummy.

Anyway, back on topic - Modern has to be Ducati or Bimota. Older has to vincent.

Colin

harrisman

07-04-06, 07:39 AM

lookin through this i see a trend! like other people have said if we look at this as normal joe bloggs n u put it into laymens terms of "what is the rolls royce of motorcycles??" and in laymens terms u will get the answer "harley davidson"

u gotto remember that to most people this is their idea of a luxury bike! still relativly speaking quite rare! (unless u go the bulldog bash then they r 10 a penny!)

most peoples mind are very narrow minded!!!!

as much as i hate to say it!!!! yes maybe dukes!!!! but again this is thinkin as laymens! as most know they r expensive,uncomfortable with build quality tht is bettered by bikes half their price! but tht is not the argument

and got to wholey agree on MV now they r prestige! can remember the first time i saw one of them! u wud of swore i had just seen carmen electra walking naked down the street!!!!!!!!!

cosmiccharlie

07-04-06, 07:52 AM

Myself I'd go for for

Indian
http://www.indianmotorbikes.com/indianbw.gif

BSA
http://www.bsaoc.demon.co.uk/bsa1.gif

As for 'Most prestigious brand' what about www.sv650.org, couldn't resist that one folks :)

Demonz

07-04-06, 08:57 AM

To non bikers - Ducati would have to be the most prestigious. Maybe followed by BMW as they associate it with the cars.

To bikers - MV, Ducati, and maybe even Honda...

edit: was thinking Goldwing

howardr

07-04-06, 09:17 AM

Undoubtedly, Bimota

mattSV

07-04-06, 07:25 PM

Would have to say Ducati, however how about one of these:-

http://static.flickr.com/51/124800532_57c4063bbd_b.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/37/124800531_bcb3e21517_b.jpg

More pics here:-

http://www.ecossemoto.com/gallery.htm

RandyO

07-04-06, 07:36 PM

Hardley Ableson, no question, prestige is the only think it's got going

Peter Henry

07-04-06, 07:56 PM

Oh boy! Loose the bar end mirrors and the black bucket and that is foookin great! :shock: :P

The Basket

07-04-06, 07:58 PM

Lovely pix.

I wondered what the all new 2007 SV650 looked like...cheers.

setanta

07-04-06, 08:07 PM

Benelli
jumped right into my mind when I read that.
Has to be NO 1

Cloggsy

07-04-06, 08:11 PM

For me, Ducati takes top spot...

I'd love a Hypermotard :twisted:

Peter Henry

07-04-06, 08:21 PM

Hey Cloggsy great news mate....

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/6641/cloggsy7wk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Announced just a week ago that the Hypermotard WILL be built and should be in a dealer's near you by spring next year.

It will have the unblowable 2 valve motor and kick out 100bhp which in a light weight package with top notch suspension...
should be superb to ride! I am definitely watching progress on this little baby! :wink:

The Basket

07-04-06, 08:24 PM

http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/6641/cloggsy7wk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Could do with a fenda extenda and a rear hugger. For the mud of course!!!

Lovely looking bike with plenty of detail for the eye.

Peter Henry

07-04-06, 08:29 PM

Basket...How many Motards go in to the mud mate? :wink: You know it is all about wheelies and rear end sliding with those baby's! If you look closer you will see a half front fender behind the forks, (Ducati do not suffer with the front pot dying syndrome! Nothing to do of course in them never going out in the rain! :P )with the front part being raised up as an extension of the light unit. But yes a hugger would be a good call. :P

Cloggsy you will be interested in the results of the online survey,(KTM owners showed a massive interest in this new bike!)

Survey:

http://blog.ducati.com/post/27/lhypermotard-nel-2007

Diveboy

07-04-06, 10:06 PM

Can we move the favorites over to a poll of say 4 manufactures?

I know my suggestion won't be in there *cough*. . .heathens but I am interested in the outcome.

amarko5

08-04-06, 02:56 AM

MV all the way :lol:

The Basket

08-04-06, 06:43 AM

It is odd that Honda don't have a prestigious bike brand.

They compete in all forms and all types of racing, won countless championships and trophies. And also are innovative and cutting edge.

Maybe it is to do with snobbery than the actual bikes that they sell.

Peter Henry

08-04-06, 06:50 AM

Basket..That is a fair point that you make.If this topic was about cars I am sure that names like Ferrari,Maserati,Lamborgini,Bentley and Aston Martin would once again stand out above Honda who do indeed make some excellent motors. 8)

Sid Squid

08-04-06, 08:42 AM

If it's a question of advertising and thus aligning your product with another, then any bike make that the average person - a non-motorcyclist remember - won't be certain to recognise is utterly irrelevant.

Therefore whatever your feelings about MV/Benelli/Bimota/Francis Barnett/whatever, it won't be one of them.

Far more likely to be Ducati or HD, as we know they may both make rubbish bikes, but that doesn't matter, they are both well known amongst non riders, that's what really matters in this question, their actual prestige* doesn't matter, being well known is far far more important.

*Whatever that means in this particular circumstance, not the dictionary definition.

Peter Henry

08-04-06, 08:46 AM

Sid,

Your post almost made some sense until the glaring flaw of bracketing Ducati in with Harley Davidson as producers of rubbish bikes. A touch of throwing some bait it might have been,but a statement that certainly in part leaves your opinion wide open to criticism.

Ducati make rubbish bikes? How totally ridiculous.(But I know you know that :wink: ) :P

kwak zzr

08-04-06, 09:18 AM

going back to the new ducati in mcn, i really like new headlights similar to the old 916 and the 2 under seat exhausts "nice" have sales dropped with the newer model? why are they reverting back? PH you should know the answer :wink:

Peter Henry

08-04-06, 11:28 AM

Kwak...As mentioned the MCN drawing should be taken with a large pinch of salt. I really do not think Ducati are going to go "retro" in any way with the next model. More futuristic to some degree possibly.

The "9" series has suffered from negative comments from the "eye candy" fans but sales have I believe been pretty good. Even if not to the levels they would have hoped, it certainly does not require a knee jerk reaction in the design room.

I just think we are seeing the natural evolution where they want to retain a certain amount of exclusivity and the use of quality components but by bringing prices close enough to that of other manufacturers to make the Ducati models a viable option for many potential customers. 8)

My comments of course could be viewed as complete B.S! :P