What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? At the age of 17, I bought a Suzuki T250 [below] from my elder brother. I didn’t have a license then, but in those days it was no problem running around the country back roads.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? There is not ‘the’ most beautiful bike for me. As always, this lies in the eye of the beholder. My favorite ones are the BMW R5, the Honda CB500F (better proportions than the bigger 750), the Honda RC 166 [below], and Ernst Henne’s Supercharged BMW 500 cc Racer from 1937. But okay, the last two are not production bikes. The Ducati 916 is also very close, and the Laverda SFC.

What motorcycle do you despise? There are some 1980s Asian ‘soft choppers’—the type with the stepped comfy seat, sissy bar, raised handle bars and chrome accessories.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? A cool bike, twisty roads on a sunny day, along with some friends. And some free days ahead.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? Yes. I was quite surprised after my first riding experience on an electric bike.

What is your favorite journey? Having ridden many roads on different continents, for me the standard classic is riding the Apennine mountains in Italy. The perfect combo of great roads embedded into scenic landscapes, low traffic, rich culture wherever you stop, tasty food, friendly people, and (mostly) nice weather. Not to forget the world’s best coffee!

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? The R 80 G/S [above] and Yamaha XT500 are there already. The chances for the Megamoto and K 1200 R could be good on the BMW side. Also Baba-San’s first CBR900 Fireblade, the Ducati 916 of course, and maybe even the Monster. The Yamaha V-Max Mk I and the earlier Triumph Street Triples [below].

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? I have no heroes—never had. But I have great respect for all people who dedicate their efforts to an idea or addiction like motorcycles. No matter if they race, customize, build or invent bikes.

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Yes, I am. Future scenarios are complex, so there is no simple answer. I think two-wheelers offer solutions, especially for urban traffic problems and for commuting. And they provide compact and cheap mobility in the vast areas of developing countries—whether carbon- or electric-powered. There are many options to help solve the mobility problems of the future.

On the other hand, the safer and more restricted we get in our everyday mobility, the less fun it is. So there’ll be a demand for emotional solutions, too. This is an opportunity for bikes to satisfy needs beyond the sheer utility and the carbon footprint discussion.

What is your current state of mind? I am happy to be back in Germany and looking forward to my new role as head of BMW Motorrad Design. Hopefully I’ll also find time for working, travelling, restoring, customizing, tinkering with and collecting bikes.

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What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? A Lambretta 125 that I immediately modified by skimming the cylinder head.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? The Ducati 916 (below). Not because there was one particular component in the engine or frame that was outstanding, but because the combination of engine and chassis defined a new standard in motorcycle design and function. It was the fastest twin-cylinder in the world and an important technological step forward.

What motorcycle do you despise? I don’t despise any motorcycles, but there are a few projects that were delusional—such as the Ducati 500 parallel twin. Or the Aprilia Moto (below), which in my opinion was a crude copy of the Monster created by a designer who doesn’t understand the difference between a motorcycle and a filing cabinet.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Work that is also my passion, horse riding and respect for others.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? The only serious application for a car or motorcycle is the hybrid drive. Other than taxis, buses or other forms of city transport, I don’t see electric vehicles as an alternative.

What is your favorite journey? The Maldives. I love to scuba dive and snorkel: it’s the perfect way to leave behind all the daily stress and truly relax.

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? The new three-cylinder Brutale 675 (below).

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? Without a doubt Giacomo Agostini, who is the most successful motorcycle racer of all time. Giacomo is not only the best rider ever, but also a great person.

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Absolutely. I can’t see any reason why I should be pessimistic. Considering my passion for motorcycles, I could not imagine life without them. They offer the most intense emotions: adrenaline and stress relief.

What is your current state of mind? I believe that I am currently living the best period of my life. I am working at MV Agusta, which is a small company with an enormous potential. This is the third great project of my life after Ducati and SAME Deutz-Fahr [Bordi was the CEO of this Italian-based agricultural machinery group, which includes Lamborghini Trattori]. And without a doubt it will be a big success, for which we all owe credit to Claudio Castiglioni (below). I live in Varese, close to the company, and am surrounded by horses, which are my second passion. What could be better than this?

Massimo Bordi image courtesy of Motorcyclist magazine.

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What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? My first bike, the one that ignited my lifelong passion, was a 1959 Kreidler 50cc (above). My uncle gave it to my brother and I as a birthday present in the 60s, and it was the fastest 50cc in Buenos Aires. The first bike that I bought with my own money was a very used Zanella 175 MX in 1973—an off-road version of a standard Argentinian-made Ceccatto-engined motorcycle. A piece of crap, but it allowed me to start my motocross “career” while dreaming of Honda Elsinores (below), which still give me goosebumps.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? There isn’t one, certain periods have their own beauties. Some of my favorites:

1948 Vincent Black Shadow. Maybe the most?

1977 Harley Davidson XLCR. It’d be easy to pick the Le Mans, the 900ss or the SFC. But at that time, it was both courageous and groundbreaking for Harley to try something like this bike. Its design simplicity makes the XLCR beautiful and pure even today.

1980 Suzuki Katana (above). I remember seeing it in pictures for the first time. It was like a spaceship had landed from another planet, everything else was old! Just awesome.

And last but not least the 1991 Britten V1000 (below). John Britten achieved what all motorcyclists dream of: build your own bike from scratch, and do it in such a way that it kicks ass on the track.

What motorcycle do you despise? None in particular. But there was a period when all motorcycles were wrapped in plastic and had funky graphics to give them a modern touch. They were very popular in the 90s. If you see them today, you can’t help but wonder “what were they thinking?” Good examples are GSXRs of the 90s. They went from a game changer like the 1986 GSXR to the pinky/blueish/greenish painted cows of the 90s.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness? That’s not for me. Perfect moments yes, that’s close! Enjoying a homemade meal with my family. Working on my 1974.5 Maico 440. Going for a canyon ride. Getting in touch with old friends. Or just drawing something that gets my creative juices going.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? Yes, yes, and yes. That’s where the motorcycle renaissance will come from. We are in the middle of a profound generational change in the business. Electric motorcycles will give us new technology and new layouts. And new thinking that will allow the next generation of riders to entirely reinvent motorcycles. Imagine the day you’ll go canyon riding and come back home to plug in at your solar power home, without ever even going near a gas station! Just cheap fun for all.

What is your favorite journey? Pure pleasure journey? Off-road riding on a lost South American beach. Mental journey? Being challenged by a design problem. Beauty and the beast!

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? Classics of the modern era? Maybe the 916, or its inspiration the RC30 (below). But they might not fall in the ‘everyday’ bike category.

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? Claudio Castiglioni (below), the president of Cagiva, MV Agusta and Husqvarna for decades. Starting in 1978, he invented the Italian motorcycle industry as everybody loves it today. And thanks to his limitless passion for everything with two wheels, he masterminded the creation of the most desirable motorcycles of the past 20 years.

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Today, yes. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way. Motorcycles are going through a major overhaul, and something very exciting is brewing. Yes, the market numbers are bad. Yes, bikes are too expensive. Yes, riders are getting old and boring, and yes, there are few new riders getting into it. But what I’ve seen here in LA gives me optimism: young riders get a cheap 1970s/80s used bike, add a little money, parts and love, and end up creating and riding something that’s not only affordable, but also becomes a personal statement. Their own kind of ride!

What is your current state of mind? Accelerated.

With thanks to Bob Berkow of Southern California Italian motorcycle dealer Pro Italia.

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Berg moved to California from his native South Dakota in the 1970s, intent on making a name for himself in the So-Cal chopper scene, only to get caught up in the growing cafe-racer movement. He worked at various shops, opened his own and started a Yamaha SR500 hop-up business. Along the way, customs and specials remained a constant, and when Cobra started its Special Projects skunkworks in the early ’90s to develop showbikes and R&D parts, Denny was a natural choice for the operation. He’s been there ever since.

What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? It was a white Honda 55 Sport (below). I was 14, just got my South Dakota learner’s permit and could drive during daylight hours. I had a paper route, mowed lawns and shoveled snow to earn the money.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? This is going to sound stupid, but I’ve thought a lot about this. It was a 1969 Honda SS125 twin, the first new bike I ever bought. It was Metallic Blue with Cloud Silver tank and fenders. I wore out the dealer’s brochure that spring until the snow melted and I got to ride it. I wish I still had it, I can close my eyes and still see the bike…

What motorcycle do you despise? That’s easy! It was a customer’s ‘68 BSA 441 Victor. First, the thing kicked back and launched me over the bars. When I tried again, the kickstart gear stripped and I sliced the inside of my right leg on the oil-tank cap. I still have the scar!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Nothing is better than welcoming a new (or used) bike into my garage. I’ll spend hours walking around, sitting on, or just sitting quietly in a lawn chair next to the new bike, staring at it.

Below: Denny Berg’s Honda CL750 Scrambler, built for Cobra in 2010.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? Yup, it’s gonna happen. Can’t wait!

What is your favorite journey? I’ve had lots of interesting trips, but I still like to hop on one of my bikes and simply “cruise Main Street” after work or on the weekend.

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? I’m surprised at my answer here, too, but I think the latest rubber-mount Sportster fits that bill. I have an ’05 XL883 and though it doesn’t have all the latest tech, it feels like riding an old classic, only better.

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? I’ve met a lot of my real-life heroes—never thought I would when I was reading about them in magazines. I met Arlen Ness about 35 years ago in Sturgis and then again when I worked at White Brothers. Arlen and Corey’s bikes have always been favorites of mine, especially the early ‘Frisco-style bikes of the ‘70s. My Heroes List is endless, there’s been so many builders I’ve admired and could only hope to build bikes as good as them. I think I’ve ripped-off ideas from all of them!

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Yup, motorcycling has always been a work in progress and we change with it, not always learning from our mistakes, but it has always been a great ride.

What is your current state of mind? I’m thankful that I’ve managed to make a career out of my hobby. I never had to get a “real job” and I’m happy about that at this stage in my life.

With thanks to David Edwards. Check out Mr Berg’s handiwork below: Knuckster, Trakker and Super Chief.

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What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? 1974 Honda CB750/four (below), the four-pipe K-series. Not really a good first bike. Terrible brakes and so on.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? In some ways the 70s Ducati 750SS (below). But in others it’s the original Honda Cub, for what it represents.

What motorcycle do you despise? Not sure I really despise any, to be honest, but I remember thinking, back in the 90s, that the Phillipe Starck Aprilia Moto (below) existed for all the wrong reasons.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? In motorcycling terms, a bit of a ride, a bit of a fettle in the shed, and then a beer to talk bollocks about it with a mate.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? I’ve tried an electric fuel-cell motorcycle and a rechargeable electric scooter. I think there could be something in it, you know.

What is your favorite journey? Of those I do regularly, probably the old A40 route between my house in London and some mates who live just outside Oxford.

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? I’m a bit worried about classic biking’s future, if that makes sense. The classics of today are bikes that blokes now in their 40s lusted after or owned when they were teenagers. But today bikes are bought by blokes already in their 40s, so they will become ‘classics’ to people in their 80s, who have largely given up riding. That said, I can see the Triumph Speed Triple (below) and the BMW GS bikes being remembered very fondly. Maybe trick scooters ridden by kids are the classics of the future.

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? Ron Haslam for his sideburns, Keith Code for his A Twist of the Wrist book, Kevin Cameron for his technical books, the late John Robinson for his magazine articles.

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? I think people are beginning to realise the sense of it, and that motorcycling is an elevated pursuit for the progressively minded. Motorcycle riders are a great fraternity, and there are no barriers to admission. That’s how it seems to me. But we’re definitely getting older, and I’m worried that biking will end with a whimper of reminiscences between old men in bath chairs.

What is your current state of mind? Upbeat, hungry. Situation normal.

If you’re in the USA, you can catch James May and Top Gear on BBC America. And no matter where you are, the Top Gear website is worth a visit if you’re a fan of four wheels as well as two.

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.

What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? A Honda CB100 (below).

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? That’s a hard one. It’s like asking, “Who is the best boxer of all time?” Depends how old one is. What one is looking for. I would have to say the Imme R100 (below). I have no doubts about the best boxer, Mohammed Ali.

What motorcycle do you despise? Any BMW GS clone. Shame on you, Triumph.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Many different things. Savoring the perfect tiramisu at Trattoria Wilma after eating the best castrato (mutton) on the planet. Playing pool with my friends. Staring out the window at a perfect Bologna day. Watching the Springboks thrash the British Lions at rugby. Taking the mickey out of everybody, all the time. Finally solving a design problem, unexpectedly, after 25 years. Working on a motorcycle model. Just making stuff. Seeing another designer coming up with really cool, inspirational design work. Discovering a forgotten design idea from 50 or 60 years ago that is revolutionary, even today. And mainly, just doing my own thing, minding my own business … and dreaming of the future.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? Yes. I like the concept of an alternative power plant, with the design freedom that the new packaging layout allows. The power delivery is great, and with no engine noise it is like sailing on a fast yacht. Maybe in the future they will become more than traditional motorcycles with a big battery shoehorned in. Maybe some form of hybrid, like the GM Volt, is the future. But I’m sure that battery technology will improve over the next few years. Many people don’t know it, but in Italy there are a few tracks for electric motocross bikes, and in many areas it is fast becoming the only way to ride enduros.

What is your favorite journey? A solo ride from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town on a sunny South African weekday. Travelling the backcountry route past Oudshoorn. Or any ride with my friends Paul and Wolfgang in Northern California.

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? The original Monster 900—the Galuzzi one. The BMW GS (above).

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? Mike Hailwood. And now Casey Stoner.

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Yes, I am. Especially if the industry starts producing motorcycles that customers need, and doesn’t just supply the ones journalists have convinced people they want. Where is our industry’s Steve Jobs?

What is your current state of mind? Happy and content. Finally. But impatient to do new things in the future, learn new skills so that I can be more creative and productive. Maybe I will get the opportunity to finally design the bike of my dreams. No limits … hopefully without losing my shirt.

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.

What was the first motorcycle you bought with your own money? It was a Yamaha DT100 (below) and I still have it today. Both of my girls learned to ride on it. It’s such a fantastic bike.

What do you think is the most beautiful production motorcycle ever built? I think that would have to be the Ducati 916 (below). There are six or seven bikes that are my ultimate bike, ranging from the Ducati to an old Indian and everything in between!

What motorcycle do you despise? Absolutely none.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Driving in my van with two dirt bikes in the back heading towards an enduro race is definitely perfect happiness. But there’s also nothing better than riding with a great bunch of mates.

Electric motorcycles: Yes or No? Yes, because I think electric motorcycles definitely have a place in certain areas like city commuter bikes. It’s a great way to travel to work in the morning.

What is your favorite journey? All of them, it’s very difficult to say which one. Bits of each of them have been outstanding like the Road of Bones (below), Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, Mongolia and Kenya. Every place has its own story and I have loved experiencing them.

Which ‘everyday’ modern bikes do you think will become future classics? The equivalent of the Honda CB750 or Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, if you like? My DT100 still looks pretty great after 30 years!

Who are your real-life motorcycling heroes? When I was a kid I had three posters on my wall; Easy Rider, Barry Sheene and Farrah Fawcett in the red swimsuit. These were the people I grew up with. I watched Ron Haslam and Barry Sheene (below) race against each other which was amazing. Plus—Barry tried to pick my wife up in a restaurant so he obviously has impeccable taste!

Are you optimistic for the future of motorcycling? Yes, it’s the only way forward.

With thanks to Gary Inman of Sideburn magazine. Charley Boorman’s Extreme Frontiers is available on book and DVD from Amazon UK. Outside the UK, can get the book from the US Amazon store.

© Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles, brought to you by Icon 1000.