Giving a lesson in class consciousness

Here's how the 2006 rides measure up by type

June 18, 2006|By Paul Duchene

So now let's get to the real reasons you buy a bike and see what fits the bill:

Speed is as speed does: People know the Suzuki Hayabusa is the fastest bike out there. It has outlasted the Kawasaki ZX-11 and ZX-12 and Honda Blackbird. It can hit 186 m.p.h. (at least) but it's tractable around town, comfortable and well-sorted. 1,299-cc, 173-h.p., DOHC 4; 478 pounds; $11,099-$11,299.

Also consider: Kawasaki ZX-14. 1,352-cc 200-h.p., DOHC 4; 474 pounds; $11,499.

Sorry Harley: The Yamaha V-Max is the baddest bike you can buy and has been for 20 years. Anyone can sound bad, but the V-Max is unforgiving. With "V-Boost" ram-air, 10.5-second quarter mile and questionable handling, it's like an attack dog you're not sure of. 1,198-cc, 145-h.p. V-4; 582 pounds; $11,099.

Also consider: Boss Hoss Giant Cruiser with a Chevy V-8. 5,400-cc, V-8; 1,100 pounds; $34,999 and up.

Gone to Patagonia: Take the BMW R1200GS Adventure. It's counterbalanced and lighter than the previous 1150 GS. Fit hard bags, top trunk and GPS with nine languages and be off with you. 1,170-cc, 100-h.p., horizontal twin; 492 pounds;. $19,990.

Also consider: KTM 950 Adventure. 942-cc, 96-h.p. V-twin; 436 pounds; $13,998.

BMW F650GS Dakar. 652-cc, 50-h.p. single; 391 pounds; $9,390.

By a nose: In a 160-m.p.h. photo-finish the Kawasaki ZX-10R squeaks by the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Honda CBR1000RR and Yamaha YZF-R1. 998-cc, 155-h.p. DOHC; 4,376 pounds; wheelies at 130 m.p.h.; $11,199.

Also consider: The other three, it's that close.

Best training wheels: The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is as old as most novice riders, but still a great road-race learning platform at the right price. Six speeds, 14,000 r.p.m. redline and 105 m.p.h.. 248-cc, 29-h.p. twin; 304 pounds; $2,999.

Also consider: Yamaha Virago 250. A good starter cruiser, light weight and with a low 27-inch seat height. 249-cc, 21-h.p, V-twin; 302 pounds; $3,499.

Meet George Jetson: The Yamaha Morphous adds lay-back posture to feet-forward. But it can top 70 m.p.h. and handles well, with electric start, fuel injection and automatic transmission. 249-cc, 20-h.p single; 408 pounds; $5,199.

Also consider: Honda Big Ruckus, "naked" off-road scoot that looks like it survived a fire. 249-cc; 20-h.p. single; 362 pounds; $5,499.

29 and holding: Harley-Davidson riders have 29 models to choose from and the FXDBI Street Bob is new this year. The factory threw away inessentials so you don't have to. 1,450-cc, 75-h.p. V-twin; 634 pounds; $13,195.

Also consider: FXDI 35th Anniversary Super Glide. A red, white and blue trip down memory lane, limited to 3,500 examples. 1,450-cc, 75-h.p V-twin; 645 pounds; $16.795.

My way: Arlen Ness turned the solid but dull Victory marque on its head with his Vegas design. The Ness Signature Series Vegas Jackpot is a full custom so you won't meet yourself coming and going. 1,634cc, 80-h.p.V-twin; 645 pounds; $21,999.

Also consider: Triumph Rocket III, which must have been built to win a bar bet. One-of-a-kind layout. 2,300-cc, 140-h.p. in-line triple; 704 pounds; $16,299.

Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle V-Rod. Likely to be rare, the faithful are still dubious. 1,250-cc, 100-h.p. V-twin; 657pounds; $26,495.

Lost in the '50s? The Royal Enfield Bullet is still being made in India, with an up-rated engine, electric start, 5-speed and disc brakes. See Classic, Military, Clubman (cafe racer). 499-cc, 22-h.p. single; 370 pounds; $4,795.

Also consider: Ural Patrol, Retro, Troyka, Tourist, Wolf. WW II BMW design still made in Russia ranges from two-wheel-drive military sidecar outfit to '50s Retro and the Wolf chopper, designed by Russian Hells Angels. 745-cc, 45-h.p. horizontal twin; 551-739 pounds; $5,995-$10,595.

Street-fighting man: As Ducati up-rates its Monster with the S4RS Testratetta engine and teases fans with the Hypermotard. Bimota introduces the Delirio, a Ducati-powered weapon as mad as a stiletto in church. 992-cc, 92-h.p. V-twin; 374 pounds; $24,000.

Also consider: Husqvarna SM610S, Aprilia Tuono, Buell Lightning XB9X, KTM Supermoto, Moto Guzzi Griso. $7,499-$13,490.

Wake me when we get there: The Honda Gold Wing remains the ultimate tourer, closely trailed by the BMW K1200LT. This one's too close to call; the BMW handles better but the Gold Wing will go 250,000 miles. Both have GPS, heated seats and grips, alarms and CD players. The Honda offers the first bike air bag.

Gold Wing: 1,832-cc, 117-h.p. flat 6; 838 pounds; $18,999-$22,799.

BMW K1200LT: 1,172-cc, 116-h.p. DOHC 4; 761 pounds; $19,990.

Also consider: Capable highway cruiser Suzuki Burgman scooter. 638-cc, 54-h.p. twin; 518pounds; $7,799-$8,799.

Balancing act: Sport tourers must strike a balance between weight and comfort. The Ducati Multistrada gets much praise but the BMW R1200ST dominates police fleets and that's a big vote of confidence. Optional bags and luggage rack. 1,170-cc, 85-h.p. flat twin; 452 pounds; $14,990.

Also consider: Honda ST 1300, Kawasaki Concours, the handsome new Moto Guzzi Norge and Triumph. Sprint. $8,499-$15,490.

When I were a lad: Retro sportbikes are multiplying. Most are faithful to originals but are about 100-pounds heavier--like the riders. Best bet is probably the Ducati 1000 Sport Classic, a nice take on the '70s 750 Sport. 992-cc, 84-h.p. V-twin; 394 pounds; $10,995.

Also consider: Triumph Thruxton. 865-cc, 69-h.p. twin; 451 pounds; $7,999.

Dirt devil: New two-strokes bikes are gone, the world belongs to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki thumpers. It's a close call between Honda CRFs and Yamaha WRFs in 250-cc and 450-cc sizes, so let's plunk for an adult-size performer, the Honda CRF450X, spun off the R-model motocrosser. 449-cc, 55-h.p. single, 255 pounds; $7,199.

Also consider: Other Big Four offerings plus KTM and Husqvarna.