Why I own these motorycles: beautiful exposed motors!

[AZ_Tim]

I've owned quite a few sport (and sporty) bikes over the years that were water-cooled and full-fairing and these were marvelous examples of technology: light, fast, smooth, good handling. But now I own air-cooled, heavy, not-so-fast bikes that vibrate some. Why? Because of the exposed motors. I think (and this is just my opinion of course) that the BMW boxers, the HD Sportsters, the Moto Guzzis, the old Triumphs (new Triumph Bonnevilles are OK) have some of the most beautiful motors ever produced. And they are in plain sight. The in-line water-cooled fours are technological marvels but they ain't pretty--look like big blobs of metal with hoses running everywhere. There are exceptions: The Yamaha V-MAX is one that springs to mind.

Give me some other candidates for "most beautiful motorcycle engine".

[PFFOG]

Exposed engins....minor league, how about exposed VALVES!!

AND all these pictures were taken at the TOP of passes in the Alps, after being ridden there. Got to love the ones that are still used as intended.







and some classics

[AZ_Tim]

Nice old bikes. Thanks for posting.

I recall that "exposed" valve lifters were quite common in early internal combustion engines.

[Droptarotter]

Older air cooled Ducati round case twins and singles are some of the best art work out there.
Cheers

[macfly]

I restored a Guzzi Falcone just like the top one with my dad about thirty years when I was still a kid. It was really a lovely bike to ride, very low CoG giving pleasantly easy handling, and the vibes weren't bad at all from the 500 single.

Thanks for sharin!

[tomn]

Didn't those good looking oldies represent then current or cutting edge tech and engineering? Where as our Retro is just that. There are different appreciation of visual aspect and tech/engineering. We grew accustomed to those oldies. They might have been fire breathing horses or dragons. Much of what goes as cutting edge are now hidden from our view as software/hardware and not like "Form follows Function.
Still a cutting edge SKI or Bicycle look very good.

Had to get that rant out.

[bill pierce]

Originally Posted by PFFOG

That Vincent is beautiful. High on my list of most desirable bikes. Right behind the Britten

[phoenixtexoma]

Late last year, I posted some pics of the 2009 North Texas Norton Owners rally at Lake of the Pines in East Texas, held every 1st weekend in October. Hundreds of vintage bikes, including Vincents. One of the best vintage rallies in the world. BMW is well-represented. The top door prize is always a restored Norton, usually a Commando. Mark it on your calendar