famous / iconic / recogniseable bikes.

[pitternator]

its almost impossible to answer this question  because it all depends on the status of the observer ...biker or non biker ; young person or old; english or foreign; etc etc.

you cant criticize people for their choice either !

I dont have just one iconic bike, and my view changes over the years. I have been riding bikes since 1975 , so have seen a multitude of machines.Bikes which stand out to me are
bonneville- 60s icon, always wanted one
yam 2 stroke twins - RD400 inparticular - 70s teen dreams, cheap available performance for the masses
400/4 honda- my first pocket superbike, first jap bike which handled its power
z1- bad boy image, ultimate bike of 70s
gixxer 750- wot I lusted after but couldnt have in 80s, probably joe publics typical  idea of a sportsbike
duke 916 ( but more from wsb than the road) - so formative in 90s racing and media
R1-  awesome roadbike, groundbreaking at time
Gixxer 1000- ditto
GS1200  - changed motorcycling in UK from sportsbike to adventure ( with help from ewan and charlie)
speed triple- iconic and british - the rebirth of triumph

next on list will probably be an electric bike !!    :rolleyes