Better-handling motorcycles with refined features make it a blast for riders of all levels to hit the road.
Best Superbike: Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Leave it to the Italians to spice up the colorful supermoto genre with this brawny, big-engined bike. While the twin-cylinder engine produces 93 horsepower, the Dorsoduro’s narrow profile makes it easy to slither through traffic. Complementing its bold personality are creature comforts like an optional Bluetooth interface that links to cell phones via handlebar controls.
Best Superbike: Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Leave it to the Italians to spice up the colorful supermoto genre with this brawny, big-engined bike. While the twin-cylinder engine produces 93 horsepower, the Dorsoduro’s narrow profile makes it easy to slither through traffic. Complementing its bold personality are creature comforts like an optional Bluetooth interface that links to cell phones via handlebar controls.
Best Naked Bike: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The Best Motorcycles of 2018 for Any Rider. Riders who crave speed and comfort will find a balanced blend here. A massively powerful, 173 horsepower V-twin engine pairs with a smart, lean, angle-sensitive stability system and a suspension setup that automatically stiffens depending on riding conditions.
Best Touring Bike: Honda Gold Wing Tour
The Gold Wing is the de facto king of long-distance touring. This fresh redesign is powered by a livelier version of its famous six-cylinder powerplant, is 90 pounds lighter, and comes equipped with goodies like electronically adjustable suspension, Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smart key, as well as an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a reverse gear.
Best Retro Style: Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
The Best Motorcycles of 2018 for Any Rider. It’s no surprise the quickest-selling bike in Triumph’s 115-year history is the Bonneville Bobber, a nostalgic custom that departs from the brand’s typical café-style retro treatment with 1940s-era details like chunky wheels and tires and a floating single seat. The latest Bonneville enhances the classic bobber theme with blacked-out components and discreetly integrated tech like antilock brakes, traction control, and cruise control.
Best Beginner Sport Bike: Suzuki GSX250R
Suzuki’s notorious GSX-R name has finally trickled down into the beginner realm, but don’t expect this pint-size Gixxer to scare off newbies. Powered by a mild-mannered, fuel-efficient 250cc parallel-twin engine and designed to be ergonomically agreeable, the GSX250R combines sharp-edged sport-bike styling with the sorts of endearing qualities that draw more folks to motorcycling. The low seat height, slim fuel tank, and light weight make it an excellent daily commuting option.
Best Adventure Bike: Honda Africa Twin CRF1000L2
Honda’s standard-issue Africa Twin is a mighty versatile machine, but the new L2 spin-off offers beefier hardware and a massive 6.3-gallon fuel tank for greater range. If tackling light trails is your jam, you may want to stick to the standard model, but hop on the L2 if you’re ready to take on the nastier stuff.
Best Superbike: Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Best Superbike: Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Leave it to the Italians to spice up the colorful supermoto genre with this brawny, big-engined bike. While the twin-cylinder engine produces 93 horsepower, the Dorsoduro’s narrow profile makes it easy to slither through traffic. Complementing its bold personality are creature comforts like an optional Bluetooth interface that links to cell phones via handlebar controls.
Best Naked Bike: KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
The Best Motorcycles of 2018 for Any Rider. Riders who crave speed and comfort will find a balanced blend here. A massively powerful, 173 horsepower V-twin engine pairs with a smart, lean, angle-sensitive stability system and a suspension setup that automatically stiffens depending on riding conditions.
Best Touring Bike: Honda Gold Wing Tour
The Gold Wing is the de facto king of long-distance touring. This fresh redesign is powered by a livelier version of its famous six-cylinder powerplant, is 90 pounds lighter, and comes equipped with goodies like electronically adjustable suspension, Apple CarPlay, and a wireless smart key, as well as an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with a reverse gear.
Best Retro Style: Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black
The Best Motorcycles of 2018 for Any Rider. It’s no surprise the quickest-selling bike in Triumph’s 115-year history is the Bonneville Bobber, a nostalgic custom that departs from the brand’s typical café-style retro treatment with 1940s-era details like chunky wheels and tires and a floating single seat. The latest Bonneville enhances the classic bobber theme with blacked-out components and discreetly integrated tech like antilock brakes, traction control, and cruise control.
Best Beginner Sport Bike: Suzuki GSX250R
Suzuki’s notorious GSX-R name has finally trickled down into the beginner realm, but don’t expect this pint-size Gixxer to scare off newbies. Powered by a mild-mannered, fuel-efficient 250cc parallel-twin engine and designed to be ergonomically agreeable, the GSX250R combines sharp-edged sport-bike styling with the sorts of endearing qualities that draw more folks to motorcycling. The low seat height, slim fuel tank, and light weight make it an excellent daily commuting option.
Honda’s standard-issue Africa Twin is a mighty versatile machine, but the new L2 spin-off offers beefier hardware and a massive 6.3-gallon fuel tank for greater range. If tackling light trails is your jam, you may want to stick to the standard model, but hop on the L2 if you’re ready to take on the nastier stuff.