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NEWS
Top five bikes of 2011
Despite continuing tough times, a number of manufacturers barrelled ahead with new models in 2011, and we name the flag bearers2011 produced an intriguing batch of new models onto the Australian motorcycle market but, as is the sign of the times, only a small proportion of them were pure-bred sports bikes. Instead, the new pie was dominated by adventure bikes, entry-level hardware, nakeds, cruisers, and off-roaders.
Still more than enough to pique the interest of punters across all persuasions – and it’s not all gloom for the sports bike set, with updated 1000cc fours from BMW, Honda and Yamaha in 2012, as well as the gorgeous 1199 Panigale twin from Ducati. We’re already well primed for a major sports bike shootout..
So here we go, our picks for the top five bikes of 2011.
Mark Fattore: Bikesales Network editor
1. Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC. The most intoxicating road bike I’ve ever ridden, with a rorty V-four engine, superb slipper clutch, magnificent Brembo brakes, and glorious acoustics. Rewards on so many levels.
2. Tiger 800/800XC: Triumph just keeps on rolling out bikes with oodles of character and ‘rideability’ -- not to mention value for money. These adventure bikes are a case-in-point, and the accessories list to add some personal touch is just about endless.
3. BMW K 1600 GT/L: A lumbering luxo tourer, come sports tourer it isn’t! The smooth-talking and powerful six-cylinder engine certainly defines the bike, but it’s also comfortable changes direction with surprising dexterity.
4. Kawasaki KX450F. Kawasaki’s managed to shake off the performance tunnel vision and create the most universal motocross bike to ever turn a knob in anger.
5. Victory High-Ball. A chopper that is thoroughly pleasing to be in command of – and a good lesson that what you see (read: awkward-looking apehangers) isn’t what you’re going to get.
Feann Torr: Bikesales Network staff journalist
1. Suzuki GSX-R750. Feels like a 600 through corners, pulls like 1000. So easy to ride hard.
2. Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R: A banging engine wrapped in a great chassis augmented with race-inspired electronic riding aids? Yes please.
3. Honda CBR250R Not the greatest 250 sports bike ever built, but value for money is very good. It also forced all other 250 road bikes to drop their prices.
4. BMW S 1000 RR. Yeah it's from last year, but I rode it some more and still loved it. Sublime power and pretty sharp handling.
5. Kymco Downtown 300i. Very good built quality, great engine, nice features for the most part.
Rod Chapman: Bikesales Network contributor
1. Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC. A simply sensational streetfighter with incredible electronic rider aids.
2. BMW K 1600 GT/GTL. BMW shines a window on the future of sports and luxury touring, and the future is bright.
3. Tiger 800/800 XC. I can only hope the Explorer is as good at these capable but manageable all-rounders.
4. Honda CBR250R. Learners never had it so good, for such a great price.
5. Kawasaki W800 – Team Green can do retro as well as anyone, and the W800 pushes all the right buttons
Martin Child: Bikesales Network contributor
1. Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC. Proving that the 'other' Italian company can be just as cool
2. Ducati 848 Streetfighter. Smaller and lighter wins the day
3. Victory Hammer 8-Ball. A cooler alternative to the norm
4. KTM 450EXC-F. A major revamp for the big-selling enduro mount
5. Ducati Diavel - So the Italians do have a sense of humour...
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Written byBikesales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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