25th February 2015

The best manufacturers know what you want and with these top five bikes, they’re handing it to you on a plate…

Best Sport Bike: BMW S1000R Sport

This bike has all the style and gutsy engineering you’d expect from BMW, but the sophisticated in-built tech elevates it above others in its class. At the mere touch of a button, riders can switch between four power delivery, traction control and ABS modes that lend themselves to sport riding. Yet the linear power is manageable and comfortable and when you add into the mix the host of customisation options including DTC, DDC, cruise control and GPS, you can see why this luxurious, high-performance bike is one of our top 5. Is it one of yours?

Best Enduro Bike: KTM 1190 Adventure

KTM have a reputation for quality, durable builds and the latest 1190 Adventure (2014) is no exception. Although we love this enduro bike for the look and feel of it, we have to give it extra credit for innovation. Lauded by KTM as “the safest motorcycle in the world”, the 1190 comes equipped with the all-new Motorcycle Control System (MCS) which supports riders on and off-road. MSC works with anti-lock braking and traction control to prevent lowsiding. It reduces wheel slippage, prevents rolling while braking, minimises the righting moment and generally makes cornering a breeze. The KTM 1190 is swift, slick, safe and one of our absolute favourites.

Best Naked Bike: KTM 1290 Super Duke R

Compared to its rivals, this naked bike is one of the most expensive in its class but wow, the KTM 1290 Super Duke R really does make the extra spends worth it. This is an aggressive looking, fierce-sounding bike that’s incredibly fast thanks to its 1300 cc V-Twin engine, but looks can be deceptive. Unlike a lot of naked streetbikes which can be unwieldy, the Super Duke is actually a sophisticated ride that’s pretty easy to manage. Coping equally well with conservative road speeds or pant-wetting rides at over 150mph, this is a bike you see, you ride, you want.

Best Cruiser: Yamaha XV950

Although you might expect to find a Harley or Kawasaki bike topping our list of favourite cruisers, our adulation is currently reserved for the Yamaha XV950.

With its understated black finish, the XV950 could easily be overlooked by riders who want a statement bike, but this particular ride offers something many cruisers don’t: a huge selection of customisation options. Building a one-off bike is expensive, but the XV950 makes it easy to create a modified bike that looks, feels and sounds unique without breaking the bank. More than 49 accessories including custom mudguards, fork gaitors, wheels, handlebars, seats, brake cables and mufflers are available, to name just a few. What better, easier and more affordable way is there to get a custom, statement bike? The only thing that limits the potential for the Yamaha XV950 is your imagination.

Best Sport Tourer: Kawasaki Z1000SX  

This is one of the best-selling bikes in Britain and it’s easy to see why. In the sports tourer category, the Kawasaki Z1000SX is king. Sports bike enthusiasts will expect the exhilaration of a powerful machine that accelerates rapidly and roars satisfyingly while it does, while those who favour tourers will expect easy-handling, comfort and generous pannier space; with the Z1000SX, neither are disappointed. This motorbike does what Yamaha promises; it gives the sensory thrills and agility of a high performance sports bike with the comfort and practicality of a tourer.

If you’ve got any of these bikes and are thinking of selling, then get in touch for a no-obligation quote now because we buy any motorbike and we want yours!