[beatr911]

I like the Factory Five kit car comparison. The (in my opinion) unquestionable coolness of the Hayes diesel streamliner stands out among the competitors so far, for the coolness. But, the motor is unobtainium and the Airtech bodywork and finish cost more than I will part with.

So this brings to mind a comparison. Which do you think would sell for more on Craigslist or Ebay. 1) A new CBR250R with similar, nicely finished Airtech bodywork. 2) A rebuilt title, 30k mile Hyabusa.

I'm guessing the big bike. Though it's less powerful, plenty fast and will meet 99% of the riding needs, powerful motors still draw more money. It's that stupid "BECAUSE I CAN" mentality, even though they don't.

Auto manufacturers in recent years have been making an extra effort to improve the feel of engines. To feel more responsive and torquey in the range most used by most drivers. Finally, Honda gets it and makes the NC700 with the same ideals. Gee, look at the rave reviews it's getting for how fun it is. It doesn't even make 60hp or fit with really any motorcycle style following. But the press is loving riding the bike. Oh yeah, it gets great MPG also.

What is going on here is an outlier that delivers more riding satisfaction than brutal horsepower or fitting in with the brotherhood. A return to the middle ground of the simplicity enjoyability of riding.

Maybe there is room for streamliners to make a similar change.