Of the ones listed, I like the Ferrari 250GTZ. But my favorite Zagato was the Bristol 406S short chassis. I first saw that in an auto encyclopedia subscription series my mom gave me in the mid 70's: "The World of Automobiles, An Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Motor Car," Orbis Publishing, 1974, p. 232. What an amazing machine!! While I thought the normal Bristol series and unique and classic design (having never seen one in the flesh), I was absolutely smitten with the Bristol 406S Zagato. It was also the first time I learned that a manufacturer would engage the services of a design house for a special bodied car. And to top it off, the Bristol article was penned by the legendary L.J.K. Setright. I've never forgotten that one. ... View more

I have a conventional little monster in the classic style which I absolutely love - red trellis frame, air cooled, desmo two-valver, and no rider aids (though its missing a dry clutch). I'm old and enjoy things from simpler times. But like Drhino says, the new monster is true to the original concept (contemporary frame and engine designs) so no fault for staying current. Would be interesting to go forward a few decades and see what the long term opinions are. ... View more

Excellent article.  Seems to me the challenge shared for airplanes, cars, and motorcycles isn't speed.  Its pressing the envelope.  No flight experience, but I imagine the adrenalin really pumps when you're able to make an airplane do things outside its envelope - to push it to the point it begins to protest and then stuff it back in the envelope.  Same for driving or riding on the ground.  A tenth of the speed, but getting that car or bike outside its envelope and then consistently getting it back in may be equally exciting.     ... View more

Agree on the RD350.  I scanned through this article and was surprised not to see the RD350 or some form of it.  My first street bike experience in the 70s was on a Yamaha 1972 R5.  Bought my own in form of a 1985 RZ350 (last road going US sold two stroke).  Just bought a 1973 RD350 and bringing it back to rideability. ... View more