I am incredibly fortunate to have owned so many bikes over the years. Each one has deepened my appreciation for motorcycling as a passion, sport, and hobby, teaching me something new about riding, and what I truly value in a motorcycle.
2005 Suzuki DR650SE – A fantastic first dual-sport that never let me down. Simple, rugged, and capable of tackling just about anything, it was a true go-anywhere machine. I’d buy one again in a heartbeat.
2002 Suzuki SV650 – The perfect beginner-friendly street bike that never outgrows its rider. Smooth power, lightweight handling, and a reliable V-twin make it a bike I’d happily own again.
2003 Kawasaki ZZR1200 – My first big-power machine with an absolutely incredible engine and slick transmission. However, constant carburetor issues turned it into more of a hassle than I wanted to deal with. Wouldn’t buy again.
2013 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 – A do-it-all sport tourer that, for some reason, never clicked with me. The smooth, powerful engine was great, but the styling felt bland, and the ride just didn’t excite me. Wouldn’t buy again.
2004 Kawasaki ZRX1200R – The ultimate retro hooligan machine, full of attitude and raw power. As much as I loved it, the carbs and age make me hesitant to own another. Wouldn’t buy again.
2011 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa – Hands down the best road bike I’ve ever ridden. Effortless power, relaxed at any speed, and a near-perfect sport tourer. If given the chance, I’d definitely own another.
2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R – A monster of a machine with brutal power and an aggressive stance. It was thrilling, but handling felt off, and reliability issues made it a headache. Wouldn’t buy again.
2008 KTM 990 Adventure S – The most capable adventure bike I’ve ever had, but also the most frustrating. It could go anywhere, but it also broke down frequently, leaving me stranded too many times. No more KTMs for me.
2007 Ducati SportClassic 1000S – A rolling piece of art that made me feel like a million bucks. It rode beautifully and sounded amazing, but it belonged in a museum rather than on the road. I’d consider a GT1000 instead.
2001 Kawasaki W650 – One of the best modern retros ever built, capturing the true essence of a classic bike with modern reliability. If I ever become a one-bike guy, I’d definitely get a W800.
2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 – The best-kept secret in adventure bikes. Small, lightweight, and surprisingly capable—I even did the Sheetiron on it. Would buy again.
2021 Yamaha MT-09 – My current favorite, an absolute blast to ride. Lightweight, nimble, and powered by a fantastic triple-cylinder engine. With Yamaha’s reliability and modern electronics, I currently own this bike, and it’s a keeper.
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 – A solid adventure bike with a great engine, but ultimately too big for my off-road needs. Dropped it a few times and realized I’d be better off with a 250-300cc dual-sport. Wouldn’t buy again.
2009 Suzuki TU250X – A charming little retro that was a joy to mod and ride around town. Unfortunately, it wasn’t practical for Bay Area freeways, but I’d love to own one again for city riding later in life.
2001 Kawasaki Super Sherpa – A surprisingly capable small dual-sport with a fantastic wide-ratio transmission. It’s showing its age now, and carb maintenance is a chore, but I still own it and enjoy riding it.
2006 Yamaha Stratoliner Midnight – My go-to highway cruiser that makes every ride effortless. Despite its massive size, it handles beautifully, looks fantastic, and delivers smooth, relaxed power. I currently own this bike, and it’s a keeper.
Looking ahead, my focus is on bikes that are reliable, simple, easy to maintain, and built to last. I value machines with strong dependability, good fit and finish, and the kind of quality that makes ownership stress-free and enjoyable. My future choices will always prioritize these qualities above all else.
Sujit Kirpekar 