Crazy thread!  Bikes that I CAN afford is a pretty open field....bikes that I CHOOSE to afford is another ballpark, entirely.

Of bikes that I CAN afford....I think a Ducati TT1 750 is probably the answer.  If you don't know what it is, you should definitely look it up.  Early '80s goodness!  Race only.  

Of bikes the I'd CHOOSE to afford, I think a Ducati F1 750 of one flavor or another is the correct answer.  Akin to the TT, but in street livery and much more affordable.  I've always had a soft spot for the first generation F1 in Tricolore paint.  Let's say a 1986....even though the "limited edition" Montjuich, Laguna Seca, and Santa Monica versions are considered more desireable, as are the second generation "B" types.  I just don't like the hand holds cut into the body work that come with the second gen units with a removeable cover for the pillion seat...the first gen are solo seat only.  This model is considered by many "afficianados" to be the last "real" Ducati, as it was still on the drawing board and slated for production when Cagiva bought Ducati and changed gears toward the Paso.  

great thread, ab.  After just gone to the motorcycle show, I was thinking the same thing.  So I am going to keep it realistic and stay with bikes that I can comfortably afford.  Bikes that I can ride often and can get a lot of enjoyment out of.

I saw the Guzzi V7 Racer in person and I can not get that thing out of my head since then.



Of course, the Streetfighter 848 would be great to have.  Superbike performance with much better ergonomics

I have allways wanted a 916, but I think a triumph or bsa bobber might be next

I got my dream bike. Finally. '02 998, in red.

I'd also love to one day have one of the racey Ducati desmo singles in yellow. A 750SS would be the absolute tits, but that's outside of most mortal's disposable income bracket.

Need to pick up another Monster, one of these days. Not sure which one I'd want.

Also on the list:

Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans.
A big KTM adventure bike.
Something two-stroke and racey.
A small dirt bike, with a spare set of rims loaded with street tires, for 'tarding around.

Quote from: Chucko9-696 on December 28, 2011, 10:16:32 AM
I have allways wanted a 916

+1

Quote from: ducatiz on December 28, 2011, 06:45:24 AM
Cagiva Mito 500cc with the Husqvarna single :-/

I saw this at the IMS show a couple years ago and it.  was.  awesome!

Like a mini 996

Quote from: Monsterlover on December 28, 2011, 11:06:12 AM
I saw this at the IMS show a couple years ago and it.  was.  awesome!

Like a mini 996

yup, same here.  it generated a lot of wetdreams.  of course, cagiva once again screwed the pooch and sold off husqy and then got booed when they floated the idea of selling it with a 650cc vtwin from the korean bike

Yeah that whole idea went from brilliant to "down in flames"

They could have had a really good thing there (and probably a new race class/league)

Fools

a gran canyon too..

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/mcy/2723681680.html

dammit, and here is one for sale for $3k and i just don't have the ROOM!

I still want one of the BMW Lowrider we discussed here;

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=14406.0

I'm guessing they gave up on the idea though.

Quote from: Goat_Herder on December 28, 2011, 10:08:48 AM
great thread, ab.  After just gone to the motorcycle show, I was thinking the same thing.  So I am going to keep it realistic and stay with bikes that I can comfortably afford.  Bikes that I can ride often and can get a lot of enjoyment out of.

I saw the Guzzi V7 Racer in person and I can not get that thing out of my head since then.



Of course, the Streetfighter 848 would be great to have.  Superbike performance with much better ergonomics

Love that bike. A tad under-powered IMO, but exceptional look.

Quote from: ducatiz on December 28, 2011, 06:45:24 AM
Cagiva Mito 500cc with the Husqvarna single :-/

Yep. Wish they'd built it

Top of the list: a Ural   

I'd also like a BMW dual sport with touring cases 


The Guzzi V7 Racer would be nice too, love the looks.

2012 Guzzi V7 - supposed to be 51 HP as opposed to the 40 HP of previous years.  And... metal tank!!!!

2006 Duc Sport Classic.  In yellow.  Low miles and mint.

2005 Duc Supersport 1000.  Gray with red wheels.  Low miles and mint.

1995 Honda 750 Nighthawk.  Was my first bike ever.  Should have never sold it.  Still lurking the internet, looking for that pristine, low miles example.

The top two on my list of perfectly affordable bikes for mere mortals are the....

Bimota YB-11


and the Bimota SB6R


Both of them tend to run in the $8000-$10,000 range for pristine examples....on the rare occasion one may become available for sale.