Now a dream bike is different for everyone, so this is how it stacks up for me. The contestants:
The Economy Bike - The Suzuki TU250X is the economy bike for this article. You can pick one up brand new for 4 grand, it gets 78 advertised MPG and is cheap to insure. In my case I don't even carry comprehensive on it as it is such an inexpensive bike.
The Dream Bike - A customized Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster will serve as the dream bike for this article. As she currently sits she cost about $13,500 and has been customized with new intake, exhaust, computer, seat, rear suspension, and handlebars. And in this case yes, she's fully insured.
So how do they stack up...
Price - TU250X - Well this is a no brainer, the TU is far cheaper than the Sportster even in it's unmodified form, let alone a custom one.
Fuel - TU250X - The TU gets a real life 60 MPG while the Sportster gets 40 MPG. Also, the TU will run on 87 octane while the Sporty wants 91. Another clear win for the TU.
Performance - Sportster - Even stock the Sportster makes 55 RWHP to the TU's 18 RWHP. My dream bike version is pumping out a verified 80 RWHP. And with a 220 lb rider (me) the Sporty is carrying a measly 9.5 lbs per HP while the TU has to haul around a portly 30 lbs per HP.
Handling - TU250X - This is actually damn near a wash, but the TU's light weight just makes her a little more flickable even though the Sporty's ultra-low center of gravity makes the 220 lb weight difference hard to notice. But I had to choose, and the TU has a slight edge.
Touring - Sportster - The Sporty is a hands down win here. On the open road, the TU struggles to maintain 75 MPH due to wind resistance while the Sportster will cruise at 80 without even trying. In safety, that is a clear win. The Sportster's only touring issue is it's miniscule fuel tank, 100 miles and you need to be near a fuel stop while the TU can do 180. Since the Sportster is a custom dream bike though, that issue will be solved with a modified touring bike tank. No matter though, the Sporty won on safe highway speed alone.
Comfort - Sportster - This is another easy one, Harley has a huge aftermarket and finding a comfortable seat was no issue at all. While the TU does have a decent driver seat, it's passenger seat is pure torture for long trips, not even an issue on the Sporty.
Appearance - Even - There is no loser here, the TU is designed to look like a vintage bike, the Sportster IS a vintage bike evolved over 60 years. They are both stunning.
Conclusion - Out of 7 criteria, they came out even. I bought the TU when I needed absolutely cheap transportation, and later when my financial situation changed I bought a motorcycle I had wanted since high school. What I have learned is that the TU is cheap thrills, it will do everything you ask of it, and for most things it is more than capable. I love my TU and I still ride it. The Sportster is living up to what I wanted. My personal Dream Bike Sportster is set up as a Cafe Racer with a touring seat and it will probably never stop evolving. It is the best bike I have ever ridden, and I can't get enough of it. So when I go into my garage, most days I do pick my Sportster, but I still get a cheap thrill everyone I do decide to twist the key on the TU. So is there a winner? Of course there is, me. I have two bikes that both can give me a fun time anytime I want.
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