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Barbie and Ken, maybe essentially the most well-known fictional couple of the twentieth century, are again in vogue because of a brand new live-action Barbie film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. However Barbie’s historical past goes method again, to 1959 when the primary iteration of the doll debuted. Since then, Barbie has gone on to develop into a cultural icon, liked by tens of millions over the a long time and tailored to tackle nearly each occupation and past-time conceivable. With that in thoughts, it’s no shock that Barbie is well-acquainted with new bikes. Ken, too.
So we’re going to leap on the Barbie bandwagon and listing 5 of the perfect streetbikes now in the marketplace for a real Barbe-and-Ken-type journey. These bikes are nice for two-up rides (study different choices within the Greatest Bikes for Two-Up Driving and Greatest Bikes for Lengthy-Distance Two-Up Driving 2022 articles), every has a little bit of nostalgia inbuilt, and every presents its personal sort of sophistication and luxury. Some even look fairly rattling near bikes which were bought in Barbie units all through the years. Though it’s as much as you to search out somebody keen to color these rides pink…
Kawasaki W800
The Kawasaki W800 exudes a ‘60s bike aesthetic however with not one of the fuss of a real retro bike. It’s obtained fashionable touches like a clean 773 parallel twin and assist-and-slip clutch alongside all its nostalgic design components. It’s not the best journey for an extended tour however is totally good if you wish to spend a day driving up and down the California shoreline. It’s approachable sufficient for the dilettante (which is nice for a gal as busy as Barbie), but in addition cool sufficient for a classy man like Ken.
Harley-Davidson Heritage Traditional
Barbie and Harley-Davidson have teamed up on quite a few collaborations all through the years, even producing a Harley for Barbie with a hanging resemblance to the model’s Softail Customary. So to up the sport a bit with out dropping that basic look, we suggest the Heritage Traditional as the proper H-D machine for a Barbie-and-Ken-like tour. It’s obtained the look, the storage capability, seating for 2, nice commonplace wind safety, an enormous vary of shade choices (which makes coordinating the wardrobe quite a bit simpler), and gobs of equipment.
Suzuki Hayabusa
The venerable Hayabusa (see the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R MC Commute Assessment and 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Observe MC Commute Assessment articles and movies) may seem to be it’s method, method misplaced right here however Mattel has produced a Spy Barbie set previously full with a bike that appears a complete lot like a ‘Busa. In fact, this bike has additionally gained the hearts of numerous riders as a extremely succesful sport-touring machine through the years. Energy, dealing with, the most recent electronics from Suzuki, a catalog of accessible equipment, stunning ranges of consolation regardless of its sporty look. It’s an all-rounder able to offering clean, scenic rides and jaw-dropping exhilaration on the drop of a hat.
Honda Gold Wing
Within the ‘90s Mattel produced a bike for each Ken and Barbie that had an terrible lot in widespread with Honda’s Pacific Coast. Since that mannequin is not in manufacturing, we’re choosing the most recent in Honda touring know-how with the Gold Wing (learn the 2021 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT MC Commute Assessment). This bike is about as luxurious because it will get on two wheels. Get it with or with out automated DCT transmission, however both method, you’ll have a extremely comfy and succesful bike full with top-of-the-line electronics and a sound system. That final bit is necessary as a result of Barbie’s ‘90s machine ditched panniers in favor of two boomboxes, so it’s clear that tunes are necessary.
Triumph Bonneville T120
The Triumph Bonneville T120 has a lot of the identical aesthetic attract because the W800. The retro design coupled with fashionable tech is ideal for the pair who desires to look effortlessly cool throughout a cruise. The high-torque 1,200cc twin is a fascinating and thrilling engine, the construct is strong and hanging, and the heritage aligns completely with Barbie because the first Bonneville got here to market the identical yr Barbie was born.