Honorable Mentions

HONORABLE MENTIONS

DUCATI HYPERMOTARD

That the Hypermotard won neither Best Standard nor Best Open-class Streetbike, two categories for which it was strongly considered, was no fault of its own. Rather, it's an indication of the depth of this year's talent pool. Putting aside the award-winning Pierre Terblanche monster-motard styling, in function the air-cooled V-Twin is a new-age standard, a corner-carving, traffic-topping all-rounder with few back-road or urban boundaries. We can't get enough of it.

CHRISTINI KTM 300 XC-W(e)

Forget about being conventional: How 'bout electric-start on a two-stroke and two-wheel drive? Really! We don't know how far all-wheel-drive motorcycles are going to go, but we do know they work, offering a distinct advantage in numerous off-road environments. Christini has made a mark with its AWD system. And now you can choose from the new KTM kit or the original Honda design and literally get pulled to a new level of riding.

KAWASAKI NINJA 250

Seems like a lot of Kawasaki model are on the 20-year plan—they get upgraded every two decades whether they need it or not! This year, three long-runners got some love: the KLR650, the Concours and this li'l screamer, the Ninja 250. Your $3499 buys you big-bike looks, an enhanced powerband, better suspension, slicker shifting and fuel-mileage readings above 50 mpg...well, when ridden with restraint. Yeah, good luck on that!

SUZUKI B-KING

Concept bikes come and often go—as in gone forever, even after a well-received stint on the show circuit. Suzuki gets a solid B± for the faithful follow-through in turning its B-King show-stopper into mass-produced reality. While the original concept called for a blower, the B-King's naturally aspirated Hayabusa-based motor by no means disappoints when you open its throat and flex its muscles.

VICTORY VISION STREET

No question this is one of the most daring motorcycles of the year, perhaps the decade. And while it is true that the Victory Vision's styling is a polarizing issue, this ultimate bagger's road manners are not. The Vision Street (and its top-trunk-equipped Tour stablemate) elevates American-style touring to new levels with excellent handling, superb comfort and a powerful V-Twin. Love the styling or hate it, the Vision always looks good from the saddle.