Top five bikes of 2013

Mark Fattore – Bikesales Network editor
1 690 Duke R
We took this bike to Tasmania on the middleweight shootout, and this is what our ‘research’ came up with: “If you want to rocket your way into triple figures and comfort isn’t your prime concern, then make your way to a KTM dealer forthwith.”  A brilliant engine and chassis lead the way, and it’s the type of bike you can steer with your mind. Superb machine.

2 Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs
The 588kg sports side-by-side is an outstanding package, complete with a wonderfully fruity burble from the high-flow dual exhausts. The Maverick isn’t really ‘sensible’, and in Sports power mode, with the gearbox in High and two-wheel drive activated, it’s exhilarating. There’s just a beautiful connection between the Maverick and driver, a level which a comparable sports ATV just cannot – in my books – ever hope to reach.

3 Triumph Daytona 675
In an era where the term ‘upgrade’ is increasingly being undermined, Triumph has bucked the trend with its latest Daytona 675. There’s an extensively updated power pack, and the frame, swingarm, wheels, suspension, brakes, fuel tank, bodywork and geometry have all been revamped. In fast mode, that equates to one of the most unflappable bikes I’ve ever ridden.

4 Harley-Davidson touring range
I don't want to differentiate between all the models, as they've all felt the hand of 'Project Rushmore', which was a massive design and functionality exercise spanning a four-year period. It sounded all a bit wishy-washy at the start, but after riding the new range it all made complete sense.

5 Yamaha MT-09
Yamaha’s best instalment in the Masters of Torque range – so far. At $11,999 rideaway, it’s a steal, and it has loads of old-fashioned character. The satisfaction doesn’t come from electronic wizardry, but mostly from that gutsy engine. Yamaha has produced a result which many people had desired when it announced it was embarking on the in-line triple route.

2 KTM 1190 Adventure
What a marvel. Big-bore adventure bikes used to be top-heavy, cumbersome machines, but no longer. The 1190 Adventure is still a sizeable machine, but on the road it’s super easy to manage, with a lovely balance to it and incredibly light, responsive controls. Throw in a raft of clever electronics and decent all-day comfort, and it’s a top all-rounder that can also handle the rough stuff.

3 Honda CBR500R
A LAMS-approved, Fireblade-esque machine for just $7249 (plus on-roads)? It’s little wonder novice riders have taken to the CBR500R in a big way. This entry-level bike, made in Thailand, has a decent finish and displays exemplary road manners, with enough go to keep learners interested all the way through their probationary period. The ergonomics are just right, too, and will keep a wide range of riders smiling.

4 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Custom
I’m not a massive cruiser fan so the fact I’ve picked the Moto Guzzi 1400 Custom at all speaks volumes. I just love the Custom’s muscly, menacing looks, and that 1400 transverse V-twin is the epitome of effortless grunt. The ride position is perfect for my lanky 188cm self and I found I couldn’t help but smile whenever I opened the taps. The California’s heritage is in safe hands with this bike (and its Touring sibling).

5 KTM 390 Duke
Yes, another Kato, but KTM has another winner on its hands with its diminutive 390 Duke. A product of a joint venture with Indian giant Bajaj Auto, the 390 Duke is light and lively but with razor-sharp styling that will attract plenty of attention from the learner brigade. With bikes like this and Honda’s CBR500R joining Kawasaki’s Ninja 300, the LAMS segment is looking sexier than ever.

Martin Child – Bikesales Network contributor
1 Ducati Multistrada
There was a time when you had to buy a sportsbike to get sports performance, right? Those days are long gone. The Multi looks the polar opposite of a superbike but goes good enough that you’ll not miss the head-down-bum-up rockets. Great two-up, capable enough on a dusty lane and one of the smartest urban movers, the bike’s electronics are a standout. Italian, electronics, standout. In the same sentence? Well I’ll be buggered…

2 Yamaha MT-09
If you can’t beat ’em, undercut ’em. Yamaha has taken a ‘scorched earth’ approach to its new triple with a cracking bike at a great price. Light, flickable, fun. It’s not as sophisticated as some of the competition but the dollars talk loud.

3 Indians
What’s in a name? Most of us would have never seen an original Indian in the flesh, but who doesn’t want a seemingly buried icon to rise from the rust? Although not to everyone’s tastes (you have to have a certain swagger to carry off leather tassels…), a reborn player in any segment of the motorcycling market is to be welcomed at a time when we’re constantly reminded of just how tough it is out there. Let’s just hope they don’t all end up as investments in heated garages…

4 Adventure bikes
Ahhh, I geddit. There’s traffic and fines on the road, but if I head bush (and there does seem to be quite a lot of it in Australia), then I can actually get back to enjoying the ride. Yup, right wrist once again rules between the trees (to a point – see inappropriate speed section in ‘Gripe of the Year’, or read up on Darwin’s theory of not being dead), so every Adventure road bike comes with a more enjoyable dirt road back story. Learn skills, go places, have fun.

5 Customs
You’ve seen the TV shows, you know the look. Now waddle off to Bunnings to get a hacksaw and seven rattle cans of matt black, et voila! You’ve just created something unique. Naturally, unique works both ways. From bogan Beemers to klassy kustoms (see what I did there?), it’s all about the look. Which is just as well as I’ve seen more than my fair share of bodged-up specials out there. Note to self: if you ever need to look at Ikea instructions (or use its supplied Allen key), then don’t start cutting up your ride. That said, there have been some amazing creations gracing the roads and the ’net.