Carsguide Bike of the Year Awards
The tallest of the high-tech motorcycles are the BMW K 1600 GT and GT-L. Photo: (Lou Martin)
In a year in which motorcycle sales have rebounded, bike manufacturers have come up with a plethora of new road bikes.
Among the new bikes on display in our showrooms have been high-tech machines with ABS, selectable engine modes and traction control, while on the other hand, there are retro models that rob the manufacturer's significant legacy.
The tallest of the high-tech motorcycles are the BMW K 1600 GT and GT-L, which not only feature all of the above, but also the world's first adaptive motorcycle headlights that follow the curve of the turn as the rider enters it.
Ducati is in technology bets with the Multistrada and Diavel, which are bikes for opposite ends of the riding spectrum. The Diavel, in particular, won our vote for the brightest design of the year…and then blew our hands off with its sheer aggressive acceleration and verve.
Among the retro models, the Vespa PX150 was returned virtually unchanged, including a spare tire, as well as two well-built Japanese models (Kawasaki W800 and Honda CB1100) that evoke fond memories of the 1960s and 70s.
Australia's vast continent and thousands of miles of dirt roads have also been explored by an ever-increasing number of multi-track bikes, including Triumph, known over the past few decades for its road bikes.
The choice was also wide, from the luxurious Suzuki V-Strom 650 with ABS to the Multistrada with all its high-tech gizmos.
We also love the smart variety of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback, which goes from cruiser to touring in seconds with a quick-attach windshield and saddlebags, while the Victory Vegas 8-Ball is a wolf whistling beauty with superb build quality. .
Last year, the winner was the BMW S 1000 RR sports bike, which presented safety and performance in one technological act that burned our eyebrows.
In 2012, the Bavarians did it again. This time with the K 1600 GT and GTL, which combine high-tech safety and performance with a large, comfortable touring car that defies the laws of physics with its handling and agility.
ROAD BIKE OF THE YEAR
1 - BMW K 1600 GT - ($34,990-$36,990): Nothing beats the luxurious Honda Gold Wing tourer for agility, power and capability. Until now. The new six-cylinder BMW 1600 GTL engine offers more power and torque, more features, lighter weight, greater efficiency and a lower price. And it takes cycling technology to the next level.
2 - Ducati Diavel - ($23,490-$36,990): Slobber all you want and then flip your leg if you dare, because this macho car is not just a showroom, but a real powerful cruiser. The AMG model is sure to cause marriage problems.
3 - April Tuono - ($ 21,990 XNUMX): Everything is like an RSV4 sports bike, but without a confident fit. It also has a finely tuned version of Aprilia's traction control and engine management system.
4 - Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - ($26,990): Smart marketing from Harley: Take a compact, well-handling Dyna and equip it with some stylish touring gear to create a "convertible". The cherry is the price.
5 - Triumph Tiger 800 - ($14,390-$17,290):T Inexpensive package, but still just a ripoff of a BMW F 800 without the complicated suspension and brakes. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.
6 - Kawasaki W800 - ($11,990): He is superior to Bonneville. And $500 cheaper than the British bike, it comes with extras like traditional chrome guards, rubber tank pads, fork alligators, a lockable gas cap and a center stand. The Honda CB1100 ($14,990-$15,490) and Vespa P150 ($5990) aren't far behind in retro rates.
7 - Suzuki V-Strom 650A - ($10,890): Still one of the best deals on the market with time-tested bulletproof performance. Now it has an improved design, more protection, improved fuel injection, better economy and lighter weight.
8 - Victory Vegas 8-Ball - ($18,495): Watch this space. This American brand is starting to take to the roads with their inexpensive and well-made cruisers and tourers. This model is a prime example of quality workmanship from the States.
9 - Yamaha Super Tenere - ($19,990): It has to do with the Dakar experience and the longing for the Australian outback. Unfortunately, it's too heavy and the ABS won't turn off for off-road use.
10 - Honda Crossrunner – ($14,990): Stylish styling of a practical off-road adventure bike with Honda build quality. We're still waiting for the more aggressive Crosstourer SUV to arrive early next year.
