President-Elect Obama's new ride (motorcycle, that is!)

January 8, 7:38 PMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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In Wired today is an article about Obama's new limo.  It sounds pretty amazing -- according to the article, "windows that are 5 inches thick," "dual hardness steel, aluminum, titanium and even ceramics to break up possible projectiles," and "a 10-CD changer."

Given the description of the limo he'll be riding in, it doesn't sound like he'll be riding on anything anytime soon.  But we can still imagine....

As much as I love them, I think sports-bikes are out.  Some may disagree, but I have a hard time imagining Barack going for the pure adrenaline-rush, white-knuckled, 0-60 in 2.98 seconds kinda ride.

As a future President, some might argue that he should set a good example by buying American, and jumping on a Harley.  At least, Harley's will lead the inaugural parade later this month.  Riding a Harley, he'd be in good company, with past and present riders including Malcolm Forbes, Jay Leno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, ...and Elvis!  But, I'm betting that Michelle and the girls would object to the noise.

Being from Hawaii, an older, easy to maintain bike might do the trick -- none of this fancy slipper clutch, twin injector electronic fuel injection, variable-length intakes, ride-by-wire throttle control stuff.... But perhaps that'd be a bit too practical... after all, he's the prez, he can afford to splurge a bit.

At the other extreme are the MV Augusta or a Ducati.  We already ruled out the sports-bike, but he could go for a naked-bike like the Brutale or the Monster.  As a fan of naked bikes, starting on the Suzuki SV650-S myself, I can see that as a real option for him.  The somewhat more upright posture is good for us taller guys, and easier on the neck.  The performance and handling is great, but not out of control.  The looks, sophisticated but tough.  Hmmm...

But, lets not forget about off-road and dual-sport bikes.  Lots of great options there.  Perhaps a BMW R1200GS.  Or, if he went for something lighter, maybe he could convince Michelle and the girls to ride too -- head into the mountains, roughing with only the clothes and food in their saddlebags.  OK.  Maybe not.

After watching him last year, seeing the combination of sophistication and laid-back attitude, I have to guess that he's a cruiser guy at heart.  So, my pick for Obama is the Suzuki Boulevard M109R -- a cruiser with style.

If you disagree, don't take it too hard -- your recommendations are welcome below!