Suitable motorcycles for the modern English gentleman

[Dr Jekyll]

The trick of being discreet with your wealth but not so discreet that people might not notice is harder with a bike than a car. The properly expensive motorbikes tend to be a bit flash and not really serious transport.

If, as a true Gentleman, you aren't bothered about appearing rich it's a bit easier.

Maybe an elderly well used but well looked after BMW or Moto Guzzi, or an ST1100/ST1300 at a pinch.
Perhaps a sporty Triumph would be about right, a two wheeled equivalent of a Golf GTi.

[Jag_NE]

I hate to say it, but probably a nicely spec’d GS!

[srob]

Hesketh

[Krikkit]

Jag_NE said:

I hate to say it, but probably a nicely spec’d GS!

Maybe it's just me, but I find that to be just as gauche as wobbling round on the latest sports bike.

[Bob_Defly]

Triumph, Bobber TFC or Thruxton TFC.

[NuvolAscaRina]

And a sidecar for madam .

[Iminquarantine]

Dr Jekyll said:

Maybe an elderly well used but well looked after BMW or Moto Guzzi, or an ST1100/ST1300 at a pinch.

Moto Guzzi I think. I like the V85TT. There are plenty of better equipped bikes which cost less but maybe don't look as nice, so this is a good candidate. The Pan European is too practical, with the 1100 being too old and dated, but not old enough to be a classic. Ducati Multistrada looks nice but not ostentatious and is suitably expensive.

[aponting389]

Iminquarantine said:

Moto Guzzi I think. I like the V85TT. There are plenty of better equipped bikes which cost less but maybe don't look as nice, so this is a good candidate. The Pan European is too practical, with the 1100 being too old and dated, but not old enough to be a classic. Ducati Multistrada looks nice but not ostentatious and is suitably expensive.

probably this or Honda crosstourer

[CAPP0]

Rocket Gold Star.

[bogie]

Does not need to be that old a Guzzi, the fairly recent and decent 1400 California can be had for £7k now ...a lot of nice classy cruising machine for the cash. Quite fancy one but perhaps not old enough yet for the open face and goggles look

[Pothole]

http://www.gladstonemotorcycles.com/motorcycles/gl...

[srob]

CAPP0 said:

Rocket Gold Star.

Only if you want the posh gent to be bright red, have knackered wrists and a broken leg

Most difficult bike I've ever had the misfortune to try and start!

[KTMsm]

I don't think an English gentleman would ride a motorbike

If there was a suitable motorbike it would have to be British, only a cad would ride one made by johnny foreigner

[srob]

KTMsm said:

I don't think an English gentleman would ride a motorbike

If there was a suitable motorbike it would have to be British, only a cad would ride one made by johnny foreigner

Yep, Hesketh as mentioned above, or maybe a Brough Superior. The Hesketh is the more 'knowing' bike though as the Brough's a bit showy.

Heskeths are the two wheeled version of something like a Jenson...

[Fire99]

I think it's more about attitude than the bike. An English Gent (whatever that would be these days) would probably ride just about any bike but it would look used but well maintained and his leathers would be good quality but once again well worn..

Definitely no PCP-perfect looking bikes and definitely not looking like he ticked all the options on the 'how to look like a bike explorer' tick-sheet.

[wa16]

MZ 250

[RizzoTheRat]

I think what you're looking for is the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
https://www.gentlemansride.com/

[Soloman Dodd]

A Road King for me, I can't afford a Brough.

[TimmyMallett]

Trumph Thruxton R or Norton Dominator. Phwoaaargh.

Less Gentleman, more.....

[anonymous-user]

I have a mate, in his mid 70s, has a Ducati 888, and a Brough Superior, that takes some beating. He has the Norton he rode at the TT in 65 hanging from the workshop roof so maybe not a gentleman just an old hooligan.