In 2005 the OMM Bulletin that I was editing published an article (or better a list) from Motorcycle News magazine titled “50 machines you have just got to ride!” Written by Richard Fincher the article was an intelligent selection of two-wheelers that were or are on the verge to become classic.

Fifteen years later I like to edit the list and present it to the readers of thinkingomm.com blog in order to exchange, if possible, ideas on the bikes that accessible now (in terms of second-hand price) have the chances to enter in the history of motorbikes.


Let use Richard Fincher introduction remembering that he was not listing pieces for museums but bikes that, once ridden, “will give you memories for a lifetime”.

Be aware that I reduced the list of machines just to simplify the discussion that I hope to raise. I took out some expensive British bikes, I reduced the presence of sportbikes and I introduced very few of my favourites.

Make your addition, deletion or simply comments. More important, make plans to ride them all.


R. Fincher wrote: “Some bikes are great to ride, and some are just great. This is the definitive selection of machines that are both. Take most bikes for a spin and your day will be improved. Maybe even your whole year. The ones presented here will give you memories for a lifetime. And the great thing is, most of these bikes are accessible. What’s the point in producing a list of definitive machines when most people haven’t had a chance to say if they are or not? OK, so there are a couple of rarities that might be tricky to get your leg over. But at least you know, if fortune smiles your way and you get the chance to ride one, it’s going to be worth it. There is every chance you’ll have ridden some of these bikes already. You might have owned several of them. Use this list as a starting point, and see how many definitive machines you can get under your belt”


Aprilia RSV Mille R – Bimota TESI – BMW R1150RT – BMW R80GS – BMW R 1200 GS – Ducati 916 – Harley Davidson Electra Glide – Honda C90 Cub – Honda CBX1000 – Honda CR500 – Honda Fireblade – Honda Goldwing – Honda VFR750 – Kawasaki GPz900R – Kawasaki Z1- Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 KTM 690 Adventure- Laverda Jota – Moto Guzzi California – Guzzi Le Mans – MV Agusta F4S – Royal Enfield Bullet – Suzuki DRZ400 – Suzuki GSX1100S Katana – Suzuki GSX1300 Hayabusa- Suzuki GSx-R1000 – Suzuki RG500 Gamma – Suzuki TL1000S- Triumph Speed Triple – Vespa PX200 -Yamaha R1 – Yamaha TDM900 – Yamaha RD350LC – Yamaha FJR 1300

By Paolo Volpara

"Si sta come d'autunno sugli alberi le foglie"

3 thoughts on “Great machines you have just got to ride!”
  1. Even my ten660 is not on the list, but I liked the list. As you know that there are so many things affecting riders decision on choosing machine. The motivation of mine for my first machine was the appearance.

  2. Hopefully a few gems. And will say that my BMW 1100 and 1200 GS over the last 20+ years have been amazing.Bikes I have been privileged enough to ride –
    Bimota DB2 ,
    BMW HP2 Enduro but Supermoto set up with worked on engine and Akrapovic pipe [almost ended badly as having SO MUCH fun] ,
    Harley Davidson Houston Police bike but ridden in southern England ,
    Ducati Hypermoto ,
    KTM 990 SMT [my template when setting up my new GS bikes]
    A original full blown Yamaha V-Max [along Highway 9779 Upper Galilee from Amir to Qiryat and back].

    On the wish list is a Yamaha 700 TT. Kit and set up to ride the TET , TAT , BDR and similar networks. I know what I want to do with the bike and kit. Time , money and courage required to be found still !

    ps – We are in Odd times. Maybe it is the time we learn to live,love to ride again.

  3. Here would be my list. I have owned some and would love to own some others. And the list is in the order of desire.
    1 – BMW GS1150
    2 – Yamaha TDM 900
    3 – Kawasaki KLR 650
    4 – Yamaha R1 (2006 -)
    5 – Yamaha T-Max 500
    6 – Harley Davidson V-Rod (with extra tank)
    7 – KTM 690
    8 – Honda Africa Twin
    9 – Ural
    10 – Triumph Tiger
    I can’t make a list of 20. 10 should suffice.

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