TEN BEST BIKES 2014

In the late 1970s, an editor at Cycle World bought a certain Japanese superbike and was going to leave it in the crate because there is no way they are ever going to get faster than this! We’re glad to report he was wrong. In fact, magazine types have been saying these kinds of things since the dawn of testing. But inevitably motorcycles get smoother, more powerful, better handling, cooler, and more “right” for what enthusiasts want to do with them. This year’s Ten Best haul is a testament to that pursuit of excellence.

It’s also a testament to the Rise of Europe. With few exceptions, the design and development risk takers have been European, pushing technological and performance boundaries. To the credit of the Japanese, they have been working to rebuild the market from the entry-level up with some stellar affordable products, and the fruits of that labor have not gone unnoticed.

What follows are 10 high points of design, performance, and value. Just do yourself a favor if you buy one: Don’t leave it in the crate!


Monday, July 28th


BEST CRUISER
INDIAN CHIEF CLASSIC



Not always American but certainly inspired by the country where “laid back,” “long and low,” and “bottom-end torque” were invented.


BEST DUAL-SPORT/ENDURO
KTM 500 EXC



Can be street-legal or a pure off-road-only dirt bike. The harder the terrain, the bigger your smile should be when you overcome it.


Tuesday, July 29th


BEST MIDDLEWEIGHT STREETBIKE
YAMAHA FZ-09



An exciting, expanding segment, “middleweight” means more than ever. Which is why we bumped the displacement limit to 899cc to keep up with the times in this sporty class.


BEST SPORT-TOURING BIKE
BMW R1200RT



Built for comfort, built for speed, this sporting motorcycle needs to have factory saddlebags and a swift soul.


Wednesday, July 30th


BEST STANDARD
BMW S1000R



A broad category that includes sit-up motor­cycles—usually with a tubular handlebar—meant to serve many purposes.


BEST MOTOCROSSER
KAWASAKI KX450F



The absolute best knobby-shredding moto bike on the planet, regardless of displacement. After the gate drops, the only truth is the checkered flag.


Thursday, July 31st


BEST TOURING BIKE
BMW K1600GTL



Luxury meets performance meets technology meets safety meets more luggage space than some cars. A thousand miles in a day? No problem.


BEST OPEN-CLASS STREETBIKE
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R



Pick your purpose, but as long as the engine is bigger than 1,000cc, the machine is a candidate.


Friday, August 1st


BEST ADVENTURE BIKE
KTM 1190 ADVENTURE



Long-distance, earth-conquering traveler, capable on pavement, dirt, gravel, and mud. Great every day too.


BEST SUPERBIKE
DUCATI 1199 SUPERLEGGERA



The ultimate, uncompromised racing-inspired performance motorcycle for the street that’s equally at home shredding apexes at the racetrack.

Posted in: motos