Honorablementions

HONORABLEMENTIONS

TRIUMPH 675

Was the 675 a flash in the pan? Did this category-busting three-cylinder middleweight lose its luster after just one showroom season? Absolutely not. It's just that it's not easy to stay on top. After all, you're the target. In many respects, the 675 was Triumph's breakthrough model, the machine that put Hinckley product on par with the Japanese in what is arguably motorcycling's most important category. It's still a favorite.

HONDA CRF 150R

Honda scooped everyone with this full-on race-ready mini-Thumper. The CRF150R is the first of its kind, and it pushed the four-stroke movement forward again-soon we'll see 150s taking over the 85cc two stroke class much like 450 and 250 four strokes have done in the larger-displace ment motocross categories. This li'l CRF is a miniature Uni-Cam hotrod, packing all the performance a kid could use-and enough for adults to have fun with, too!

KTM 990 SURER DUKE

k~ew motorcycies elicit as many superlatives as the 990 Super Duke. KTM hit the target with this radically styled streetfighter, pairing its I 00-plus-horsepower, 75-degree, fuel-injected., liquid-cooled, 999cc LC8 V-Twin with a light-handling, superbly suspended, tubular-steel chassis. Upright ergonomics provide excellent comfort and control. Fun and function-what's not to like?

SUZUKI BANDIT 1250S

Seems the Universal Japanese Motorcycle still has legs, and thank goodness for that! Top all-round performer in the big-bore category is the budget-priced Bandit 1250S. Big news is a brand-new, fuel injected, liquid-cooled inline-Four that is both smooth as silk and pro duces the broad midrange wallop streetriders seek. A modern singleshock chassis and classic styling cap it all off.

ARRILIA TUONO R

Anyone seen the keys to the Aprilia? Something about the Tuono has permanenti) captured our hearts. It's constantly in motion. Ten Best meetings are always dif ficult, whittling the year's crop down to 10, and this naked hooligan from Italy narrowly missed out on t~ rd. But we guarantee that won't make finding the keys