I only have 3 rules, and I don't care if the bike's a v-twin, trumpet, or a rice rocket, as long as it fits these I'll enjoy it.
1. Simpler is better - Simple, simple, simple. I don't like complex shit, never have, and I'll be damned if I'd let anything on my bike be more complicated than it needs to. For example: I won't use 2 fasteners when 1 will do, won't use 2 parts when 1 will do, won't bolt something together if it can be welded (less parts), won't use 2 types of fasteners (i.e. hex bolt and socket head) when I can use 1 universal size, and for shit's sake don't use any unnecessary parts (unless they keep the law off your ass!).
2. Mega-duty everything - When I was a kid I would destroy everything. My mom used to say there were 4 grades of quality - "consumer grade", "industrial grade", "military grade", and "Troy grade". My clothes would only last a fraction of the other kids' (I went through a new pair of shoes every couple of weeks), my dad had to re-enforce all my toys because I'd smash them doing something stupid. I'm the same way to this day. If it's not the highest quality possible…it aint gonna last in my care. For example: won't use 3/8" if you can get away with 1/2", won't use fragile electronics when mechanical parts will do, etc.
3. Form follows function - I've always been a minimalist, I like the way bikes look when they're stripped down to a couple of wheels and handlebars. There's nothing wrong with seeing a fastener where there's supposed to be a fastener, and there's nothing wrong with appreciating a bike that looks like a machine instead of a spaceship.
