Honorablementions

HONORABLEMENTIONS

KTM 950 Supermoto

This is more than a standard, more than a supermoto, more than a liter-class V-Twin-and yet all of the above. The KTM Supermoto also happens to be the rowdiest, most grin-generating motorcycle we’ve ridden in 2006-or maybe any other year. In ’07 we’ll finally see the fuel-injected 990 SuperDuke, with more power and more comfort. Watch out, Speed Triple, there may be a new Standard in town!

Honda CRF150

Make no mistake, playbikes are serious business, more often than not atop the best-sellers list when a company totes up its year-end sales figures. This year, one bike stood out. Honda’s CRF150-already really good-got a thorough makeover that included (cheers here) electric starting. Now, as a steppingstone to full-size bikes or just a fun ride for the whole family, the 150 is practically perfect.

Ducati Monster S2R 1000

The Monster and the amazingly versatile air-cooled 1000DS engine are Ducati’s bread and butter. Put the two together and you get a simple, affordable and incredibly fun motorcycle. The torquey engine combined with an updated chassis and fully adjustable suspension make this bike one of best “sleepers” on the market. Sporting simplicity at its finest.

Moto Guzzi Breva 1100

S urprise, sur prise! Most people expected the reva 1100 to be an improvement over previous Guzzis, but no one thought it vou1d be so good! This standard bike is smooth, torquey, comfortable and flicks around cor hers like something iundreds of pounds lighter. Whether working as an everyday rider or playing twisty-turny on a backroad, the Breva 1100 is a terrific all-around motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson Super Glide

Authenticity always rings true. Back in 1971, before the word “cruiser” even applied to motorcycles, Willie G. Davidson looked at the burgeoning chopper scene and built the first of the “factory customs,” what we know today as cruisers, now the largest single category in American motorcycling. This 35th-anniversary edition pays age to that past does not dwell on it. It’s simply a good motorcycle.