Top five bikes of 2014

Fare from nine different manufacturers after a rejuvenating year for the industry. And there's plenty more to look forward to in 2015

Mark Fattore: Bikesales editor

1. BMW S 1000 R. Punting this thing along the Lions Road was bliss – although I could have done without a falling tree trying to nail me to the tarmac! Way more comfortable than the S 1000 RR, a meatier mid-range to play with, and all the boldness that comes with being a sharp-edged naked sportsbike.

2. Kawasaki H2/R. This bike has already transcended the motorcycle boundaries, and we all know why – forced induction and stratospheric power numbers can do that. The H2 is priced up there, above 30K, but it will sell… big time as Kawasaki reaps the rewards. Alongside the YZF-R1, this will be the most eagerly awaited launch of 2015.

3. Indian Motorcycle Scout. Plenty of power from a delicious free-revving 1133cc V-twin, and with the model’s storied past is evident in the present. It’s also on top of the aesthetics game, handles well and is priced ($17,995 rideaway) to really pique the interest of a wide cross section of riders.

4. Can-Am Spyder F3. A major evolution for the Spyder range – in both design and substance -- with a more muscular design, cruising riding position, custom fit and performance. Has also filled a major gap in the 'reverse trike' family, so there should be no lack of suitors. Not a machine for all-comers, but in its genre is the new boss.

5. Harley-Davidson Project LiveWire. Not a production bike yet, but it will be. Bikesales rode one of the machines in America, and it was refined, high quality and didn't have the rough edges of a ‘traditional' prototype. It had quite arresting performance as well, even though we were only in a conservative mode. A lot to look forward to in a few years.

Alex Penklis: Bikesales' freelancer

1. Yamaha MT-07. I wish I had a bike like this on my learner's! It has a super-torquey engine, Japanese build quality and makes use of full-size motorcycle componentry. At $8999 it's at the upper end of the price range for a LAMS machine, but after three months or even three years there is a good chance you won't be looking to upgrade.

2. Kawasaki H2R. 300hp from a supercharged 1000cc four-cylinder, housed in a trellis frame, single-sided swingarm and all the electrickery you could want – do I need to say more? Kawasaki bucked the trend of fuel efficient and electric motorcycles to build the fastest and most powerful production bike in history – well done!

3. Ducati Diavel Carbon. One of the most badass motorcycles I have ridden all year. With 162hp and 130.5Nm making its way to the bitumen through a super-fat 240-width rear tyre, the Diavel not only accelerates, it changes postcodes on you. Up to 150km/h it is one of, if not the fastest, accelerating bike out there. Coupled with comfy ergonomics, top-notch suspension and brakes, it's a package that would be very easy to live with. At $29,990 it's expensive, but I’ll say it anyway – 'Ducati take my money now!’

4. BMW S 1000 R. I love super naked motorcycles, and 2014 has been a mighty fine year. The one that stands above the rest is the S 1000 R. Built upon the award-winning S 1000 RR, we all knew it was going to be good. It has active-suspension, a killer donk (160hp, 112Nm), Brembo brakes and my two personal favorites: heated grips and cruise control. It really is a bike that ticks all the boxes.

5. Yamaha WR250F. The bike is brand new from the ground up, featuring fuel injection, a rearward inclined engine, YZ frame and high quality suspension units. It's perfectly balanced and confidence-inspiring – it’s good to go for either the pros or a more sedate dirt rider like me.

Steve Martin: Bikesales freelancer

1. Ducati 899. I was at the Imola launch for this bike. It has a brilliant balance of power versus control --but that was on the track. This year I sampled an Australian-spec version in the real world and it confirmed my first impressions that it carries a lot of bang for your buck.

2. BMW R 1200 GS. What a machine; probably the best all-round bike available on the market today. This is a bike that can take your briefcase to work on weekdays, scratch through the twisties on a Saturday, and then head out into the outback on Sunday. The water-cooled engine is incredible and just adds to what is a very versatile package.

3. Indian Chieftain. I have never ridden a bike as relaxing as the Chieftain. It doesn’t really set the world on fire with performance but if you want to let the miles pass by at a street-legal speed and make a statement as you ride this is a great machine to do it on. Set the cruise control, crank up the radio and arrive in style to your destination.

4. Aprilia RSV 4 R. Setting off on the RSV for the first time gave me an unexpected buzz. I never thought I would enjoy this bike as much as I did – it's all about the emotion. The engine note and torque are what make it. It handles well and stops well but that engine note makes you feel like Marco Melandri leaving every traffic light.

5. Suzuki V-Strom 1000. The V-Strom gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a bike which is every bit as happy commuting as it is setting off on a trip or even just a Sunday morning ride. Weather protection is good and if budget is a concern the V-Strom is very affordable for the average rider. I like the workhorse demeanour of the bike and that’s why it’s in my top five.

Top five bikes of 2014

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