Form and function: choose between different motorcycles

Form and function: choose between different motorcycles

Form and function: choose between different motorcycles

It never happens, right? Yet some of us have similar difficulties in the motorcycle world. On the surface, we seem to be oscillating between two motorcycles that are not at all the same. I know, because I just went through it myself

When you look beneath the surface, however, I think it all makes a lot more sense, and it comes down to the question of whether you're choosing a motorcycle based primarily on form or function.

Form vs. Function: Which Comes First for You?

In the US motorcycle market, many people choose a motorcycle based first and foremost on appearance. Many of us fall in love at first sight with a certain bike and this puts an end to the decision making process (assuming there are enough funds) because nothing else will work, whether that particular machine is a Harley-Davidson Low Rider or a Ducati Panigale V4 or a Honda monkey. Few U.S. motorcyclists see their motorcycles as utilitarian transportation, but many see them as an expression of personal style, so no matter how well a motorcycle performs, if it looks “wrong,” that's a non-starter.

The process is different for those of us who still care about form but put function first. In Patrick's case, this leads to a comparison between a Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 and an Indian FTR1200. In my case, at one point I was looking at both a used Honda VFR800 Interceptor Deluxe and a Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe.

Now you'd expect to see a comparison between a Yamaha YZF-R6 and a Suzuki GSX-R600, or a Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited and an Indian Roadmaster, but a Husky Thumper and an Indian Street Twin? Well, Patrick wrote a comparison between those two superficially different bikes because he was literally trying to choose between them himself.

Double versus single, 123 horsepower versus 75 horsepower, 508 pounds versus 347 pounds, not to mention the different style—it may seem like an odd choice at first glance. But it all makes sense when Patrick explains the purpose of purchasing him. He wanted a fun, punk street bike that could still tackle the dirt roads so common near his home in Sturgis, South Dakota. Two different bikes, yes, but both capable of performing the function Patrick wanted, just with different strengths and weaknesses.

My search for the right sport-tourer

I found myself in a similar situation this winter. For years, my Kawasaki Versys 650, equipped with Givi saddlebags, heated grips, and handguards, was the bike I relied on for touring, whether it was a 500-mile commute, a winter escape to the south , or summer road trips . But after selling the Versys, I was left with bikes that were, respectively, too old, too slow, and too uncomfortable to be optimal for touring. I needed something practical, but I didn't want a heavy touring bike, and while everyone around me suggested a street-legal, ADV-style bike like a Yamaha Tracer GT , the upright position is a bit too upright for me. This was one of my minor disagreements with the Versys I owned and the much larger Versys 1000 SE LT+ that I've tested extensively.

This is how I found myself in the middle of winter oscillating between a used Honda VFR800 Interceptor Deluxe and a very discounted Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe. Retro versus subtly modern, green versus red, at first glance they look very different. But I knew both could satisfy my need for miles on a motorcycle that would still be fun to ride when the trail gets twisty. I could do this by hunting down a set of well-integrated (but discontinued) Honda saddlebags for the Interceptor or by tearing the Cafe apart the same way I had the Versys.

Honestly, the most rational choice would have been to split the difference and get one of the many previous-generation Kawasaki Ninja 1000s available, and if I had found one with hard bags a little closer to home, I probably would have done so. But both the Interceptor's lines, from its LED headlights to its integrated rear turn signals, and the Cafe's more basic but not totally naked look, appealed to me most. So yes, form played a role in the final choice, but it was function that narrowed those choices first and foremost.

So, in the end, Patrick went with the Husky, and I bought a used Interceptor and tracked down a new set of saddlebags from an eBay seller, then retrofitted them to my ignition. He's enjoying the dirt roads on his new Euro-Thumper, and I, well, bought a motorcycle for touring in February , just days before the national emergency was declared, and traveling suddenly became more complicated and less appealing. Great timing on my part. So far, the VFR has made one trip, to Road America for the first round of MotoAmerica racing . I have a feeling it won't rack up the miles as quickly as its predecessor.

And you? Have you ever found yourself choosing between two bikes that seemed like an odd couple?

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