The 2008 McM Vote - Photos Part 1

[Uwe W.]

What do you consider to be the most controversial new motorcycle for 2008?

Aprilia Shiver (Naked)
http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Aprilia_Shiver_750.jpg

Benelli Tre-K 1130 (Adventure Touring)
http://www.motovip.es/images/motos/venta/benelli-tre-k.jpg

BMW HP2 Sport (Sport)
http://www.motos.it/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/bmw_hp2_sport_01.jpg

Buell 1125R (Sport)
http://bikeintro.com/wp-content/buell.thumbnail.jpg

Harley-Davidson FXCW Rocker (Cruiser)
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/rocker.jpg

[Uwe W.]

Honda Varadero (Adventure Touring)
http://www.endomoto.com.br/endomoto/images/XL1000VVaradero_6_g.jpg

KTM 690 Duke (Naked)
http://www.motociclismo.es/rcs/prueba/2007/09_Sep/2809-ktm-690-duke-2.jpg

Moto Guzzi Stelvio (Adventure Touring)
http://www.bikeintro.com/wp-content/moto-guzzi-stelvio-2008.thumbnail.jpg

Suzuki B-King (Naked)
http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2007/09/suzuki-b-king.jpg

Victory Vision (Touring)
http://thekneeslider.com/images/victoryvisionstreet.jpg

[Malks]

I had to vote for the B-King because most seem to hate it. However, for some reason, I actually like the look.

[TimP]

I didn't vote for the B-King, even though I really do not like the way it looks. Too many bits sticking out at odd angles, especially those pipes! Whose idea was that??? My eye just gets drawn all over the place. It's a design for very crowded spaces with lots of visual competition - like a parking lot full of other bikes. Maybe after a beer... Who knows?

The operative word in this poll is "controversial" so I voted for the Vision. It has been attracting a lot of public comment, pro and con, so it is clearly controversial.

Lots of smoothly integrated surfaces, the designers sweated all the right details and have created a very finished and elegant product, but I just can't see myself riding it because it would attract too much attention, and that's not why I ride.

Funnily enough, I have the same reaction to it as I had to the BMW K1200LT (Light Truck) when it first came out. In the end I bought a K1200LT and love it (although its appearance is not the primary reason for its appeal).

[Ivor biggin]

My vote goes to the Moto Guzzi only because they seem to have got the styling right for a change. I normally love anything Italian, lets be fair here, any country that has something that`s extra virgin must be OK but lately Guzzi stylists have missed the boat.
IB.

[John]

Kind of a no-brainer whether one likes it's appearance or not. I would be firmly in the "Not" camp.

John.

[KZDon]

"Controversial" is an odd choice of words. Why would the Aprilia, for example, be on the list? It's just another iteration of an SV650ish naked bike? Most of the others are just variations on themes already in the marketplace.

The Victory Vision is probably the most controversial just because it is such a distinct departure from Harley tour buses. However, the Harley Rocker is probably going to be the real test. Will the Harley faithful like it, or is it too radical? Will the Orange County Cycle types like it, or is it too Harley for them?

[Hayabusa]

B King. I'm kind of neutral on whether the esthetics are good or bad. At least it look like it's meant to kick ass.

I suspect if you left it in the garage with many other...lesser...bikes, you'd return to find it humping the rear wheel of anything within range.:D

[Paddy]

the v-max should be considered too as the folks that love that bike are bound to have some pretty strong opinions either way.
I think it's a tough lookin bike myself but as with TimP's comment on the BKing, it's too busy visually and it weighs FAR too much.

[sportbikecalgary]

Damn I voted without reading too far into the thread.. I picked the Aprila as the one to talk about the most... but the most controversial has to be the Buell 1125 and the switch from a HD power plant to the Rotax design.

...and yes I did toss controversial in italics just to bug PPP

[Plain Peter P.]

I was coached by an expert. I'm even learning how to BIG print in colour. But I'm getting all these weird signals which make me nervous.