It's possible that this new column was started to celebrate many, many motorcycles, but we're thinking it's one in particular that birthed the idea of the 101 most desirable motorcycles that can be purchased, not prototypes, than simply 100. And perhaps we're starting the list with a complete lapse in this logic, because as of today, a warm and pleasant Autumn morning, the Honda RC213V-S (S for street, one assumes) is technically still a prototype. However, Honda has announced that this bike is scheduled for release for sale, and soon. We'll come back and update the post when this happens, and as more details become available, but we thought this an interesting way of debuting the list and the purpose of this column on the blog.
If you want to get technical, you could argue that Honda also broke the rules when they decided to release a production motorcycle based on prototype technology, as suggested in the rules of MotoGP. Thus, once a motorcycle is realeased based on a prototype competition machine, is it no longer a prototype? If you want to get technicaler (?), you could even blame it all on Ducati, who was brave and incredible enough to release the first MotoGP production motorcycle (a huge oxymoron, I know), the Desmosedici D16RR (also on this list later on).
There's possible argument for these two bikes mentioned above to remain prototypes and to never be ridden by mere mortals, instead remaining the stuff of legend like models such as Honda's own GP dominating NSR500, the hell-raising Yamaha TZ750 that only one man could ever tame, and various other motorcycles developed for the sole reason to move technology further along for the production models as seen in your local motorcycle dealership.
However, both manufacturers should be applauded for the decisions to release them, albeit in limited quantities. While both motorcycles were and will be priced outside of the masses, save for those lucky few with the financial blessings to purchase either or both of these dream machines, we are living in a new golden age of motorcycling when manufacturers are throwing caution to the wind, and in this economic climate it's possible to blow back in their face. As a motorcycle enthusiast, a motorcyclist from my earliest memories, I don't see how it will, however. These sure to be classic bikes will be snatched up by enthusiasts, collectors, the rich and famous, and will not spend much time in dealerships or warehouses. But I digress.
But before we truly begin the list, how about a little ground rules. If I can be forgiven for immediately breaking the first rule of this bew column(okay, not a rule per se, but the framework), Bikes 101 is not a lesson on motorcycles, technically or culturally, but rather a list of what we personally think the 101 most deliciously available motorcycles ever to be sold from manufacturers the world over. If they are desirable to this day, if they are as badass as they were when Steve McQueen jumped a fence with it, or as cool today as when Marlon Brando rolled into town--then it will be on this list. It does not escape my attention that I'm referring to Triumphs here in both instances...
So, onto number 1!
Okay, okay... This is not a countdown list, and we're not starting at the end (or beginning) of the list. The Honda RC213V-S is just the start of this little project. And today, the day after its public debut at the EICMA show in Italy, it is by far the most desirable motorcycle in the world. This bike is as close to a MotoGP bike we'll ever, ever come close to owning and riding on the street. In the coming months leading up to the Tokyo Motor Show we'll know just how much this beast will cost here in the States, and the weight, power, electronics, availability, etc., but today we know that it is very much real. It will see the divine light of production by the hands of some very special Japanese gentlemen.
With a lineage going back to the beginning of the MotoGP era of World Championship Grand Prix racing, the RC213V v-four prototype is the evolution of the fabled RC211V v-five, as ridden into the legendary sunset by Valentino Rossi in his first attempt on the new four strokes. Growing up more of a World Superbikes fan than a 500 GP fan, due to the direct correlation between what I saw being ridden on our streets and what I actually aspired to buy and ride, had a huge impact on me personally. This is the bike that should not be on this list, but it very much defines it.
The key for success and desirability beyond exclusivity for the RC213V-S is to have performance that far exceeds that of standard showroom literbikes, such as the quite long-in-the-tooth CBR1000RR. It's possible that Ducati failed in this arena, as the D16RR wasn't quite up to the pace, as their much less expensive v-twin superbikes proved (see 1098R, also on this list?). While the Desmosedici looked like Borgo Panigale's grand prix racer, sans the unobtanium used in MotoGP for reliability's sake, the bike generally did not see the kind of performance 70 grand should net.
If we were to have a #1 on this list, and end-all, be-all motorcycle lusted after more than any other, it's not implausible that the Honda RC213V-S would be that bike. This is a product of a company doing something for the sake of doing it, and excelling in the process. It's a willy-waggling exercise. Sticking your tongue out at your rivals and saying there. One cannot imagine any other company doing this (with the exception of Ducati obviously). This kind of motorcycle is what the big H does. The NR750 (also later on this list) was their first attempt at a no holds barred motorcycle to salivate for. Precious materials, super-exclusivity, beautiful-yet-functional design. Honda can do this better than them all, and they're doing it again. The Honda MotoGP-cum-streetbike v-four will also, presumably, give Honda their v-four hard-on again, at least we can all hope. This is the superbike VFR that we've all been dreaming for. We'll, they put it out of most of our reaches, but then, doesn't that make it just that much more desirable?
What a bike...
My own personal lust for this motorcycle runs deep. I'm purchasing another Shoei X-12 model, Marquez replica, and working on various senarios that will see me become friends with Mr Jay Leno.
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