Discussion
So many, currently,
Sensible;
Bonkers;
Others not present, any of the proper special F4's (Tamburini, CC, F4 Claudio), Bimota SB2, Benelli Tornado LE, Aprilia RS250, Norton V4SS, MV Agusta 500cc triple race bike, Streethawk. My previous holy grail was a ZXR750R but I now have one so its not on this list
Sensible;
Bonkers;
Others not present, any of the proper special F4's (Tamburini, CC, F4 Claudio), Bimota SB2, Benelli Tornado LE, Aprilia RS250, Norton V4SS, MV Agusta 500cc triple race bike, Streethawk. My previous holy grail was a ZXR750R but I now have one so its not on this list
Edited by NITO on Monday 11th March 13:58
Real tough choice!
I guess what qualifies as "reasonably" priced could be debated indefinitely, but the RC45 has always been a grail bike of mine. I'm no particular fan of Honda, and I know as a race bike it didn't meet it's objective of worldwide domination, but as a 90s bike fan it looks so right.
For my ultimate "money no object" toy there's only one choice, the Desmosedici RR in full Marlboro warpaint. Dynamically flawed and not particularly quick either by modern standards, but just look at it! The RCV213V comes a close second, but doesn't look as good to me.
I guess what qualifies as "reasonably" priced could be debated indefinitely, but the RC45 has always been a grail bike of mine. I'm no particular fan of Honda, and I know as a race bike it didn't meet it's objective of worldwide domination, but as a 90s bike fan it looks so right.
For my ultimate "money no object" toy there's only one choice, the Desmosedici RR in full Marlboro warpaint. Dynamically flawed and not particularly quick either by modern standards, but just look at it! The RCV213V comes a close second, but doesn't look as good to me.
underwhelmist said:
RC30 and, go on then I’ll have the Ducati if you’re offering.
That Lotus abomination would come a very long way down the list!
My mate has three RC30's, two are pristine and are in his lounge, because the garage is too cold That Lotus abomination would come a very long way down the list!
- obviously and he has a 'tatty' one which he rides all the time.
Bob_Defly said:
NITO what type of F4 is that, a special edition?
Hi Bob,That is the Veltro Strada. It was made in two variants, the Pista (no lights - track only) and the Strada (fully road legal). They are the lightest of all the F4's and one of only 3 models to employ the MV TSS (Torque shift system) adjustable throttle body inlets. All carbon bodywork etc. It also differs from all the others as it was hand made under the direct supervision of Massimo Tamburino at the San Marino CRC factory where all the SBK bikes were made and not in Varese.
There were purportedly 23 Pista and 99 Strada models made, however legend has it that many less were made making this among the rarest. Although number 99 exists, buyers could choose their number. These were built to honour the Italian air force Gruppo 23 (23rd squadron) of the 5th Stormo (5th wing). The livery is the 23rd Hunter Squadrons mascot, one of Dante's 'Veltri' from his Inferno book and the slogan reads ' Like Greyhounds released from their chains'. For me it conjures up Italian pride beautifully, motorbikes, their air force and literature masterpieces. There's a lot more to it but it's a very unknown model and as such drifts coolly below radar, like a stealthy fighter jet it emulates!
It was also the inspiration for the 90th Anniversary livery of the Gruppo 23 squadron call sign 'Veltro 1' btw.
It's slightly higher specced than the Tamburini by virtue of its low weight, featuring magnesium, titanium, ergal and carbon parts, it doesn't have the Claudio Castiglioni higher capacity engine, but according to the literature it uses the Tamburini TSS but this time mated to a full race motor. They came with a Ti race system and eprom which further upped power to 185bhp and features a slipper clutch type affair to prevent potential wheel lock. Dry weight of the Strada is listed as 169kg (dry) giving it over 1bhp/kg and 191mph top end.
The Pista version sheds a further 10kg off the weight to an incredible 159kg (dry) but is not road legal and has no lights etc. That model further has a magnesium swingarm, bottom yoke and carbon tank, as well as quickshifter, race dashboard and race tyres producing the same power as the Strada.
Edited by NITO on Monday 11th March 16:34
Finding and buying back my First ( of 5 ) 98 R1s, is probably top of my Grail list.
R741YWL Where Are You Now ??
Sold it in late 2004, to two guys from Camden Town, who it seems re painted it Yellow, unfortunately....
Followed by my last of 4 Z1000R Lawson Replicas and then my RD500LC.
For me, the realistic dream bike was an MV Agusta F3. I think I posted about it in another dream bike thread back in 2012.
Achieved it in 2013 and still going.
But the unobtainable, it has to be the Desmocedici RR. As said before, a bit dynamically challenged and slow these days, but....
Achieved it in 2013 and still going.
But the unobtainable, it has to be the Desmocedici RR. As said before, a bit dynamically challenged and slow these days, but....
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