The worst bike I have ridden
I guess having been riding for most of the 45 years since I first got on a motorcycle I have picked up a bit of information. Being a farm boy I am interested in machinery too, and have done a lot of my own maintenance. But I am still learning, and like to keep up with developments.
I certainly don't live in the "good old days", but at the same time I don't think all modern developments are the right way to go. None the less, I feel it is good to see ideas tried. Some work and are continued. Some do not and are forgotten. Either way we see progress. Bikes are generally much better to ride and easier to maintain these days.
Honda learned from the CB125. Despite being ok at what it could do, that quick wear cam bearing if oil changes were not done frequently (every 1,000 km) was was really a design flaw. It was not in production for long. The CG 125 remained in production for many years.
I enjoy motorcycling, but don't really see motorcycles just as a hobby. I have used motorcycles a lot on farms, and for other work, especially here in Thailand. Motorcycles out sell cars nearly three to one here; they are primarily a means of day to day transport. Because of that I favour small to mid sized singles that are economical, practical, and versatile.
That is not to say I have not enjoyed larger bikes, and I have ridden quite a few. The biggest I have owned was a Honda CB 350, a twin. Some are great at what they are designed for.
I used a mate's BMW K1200 for a couple of weeks. It was magnificent as a long distance tourer. I did 500 km in one day a couple of times, and would happily have done another 500 km. It excelled on highways. On sealed "B" roads it was ok, but on unsealed roads (which I see a lot of when I am back in NZ) it was not so great. In town it was ok too, but I did need to look around for a suitable place to park. It was fast, could reach 100 km/h in about 4 seconds without much drama. Ridden at moderate touring speeds on NZ roads it was reasonably economical, 55 - 60 mpg was easily achieved. But it is not the kind of bike that suits me for day to day use.
The worst bike I have ridden.......? That would have to be the Kawasaki 750cc Mach III, a 2 stroke triple. It had vicious acceleration, which was a great buzz. That was why another mate bought it, but he didn't keep it for long. Acceleration was about its only positive. It handled like a log of wood, and the brakes left a bit to be desired. It was uncomfortable, but you did not have to sit on it for long. At not much over 20 mpg fuel stops were frequent. Chains, tyres, and even the engine did not last for long. My mate soon got bored with a bike that was good for nothing but accelerating fast.
This post, though responding to Honda-biker, is a bit off topic, I know. Maybe it should be the start of a new thread.