Best of 2009 - Motorcycles of the Year

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

I would have put the new Wide Glide as best cruiser and the Triumph as runner up. Japanese cruiser just don't do it for me, look at the tank seam on that Suzuki.....you'll cut your fingers off on that thing it's so sharp.

The Touring class is also varied now, I wouldn't say an R1200RT was in the same class as a Winger, more like the K1200LT-Gold Wing - Harley Ultra and Victory Vision, the R1200RT is more in the FJR- Connie14 class...

The Wide Glide is a good one, but it doesn't really break new ground and the T-Bird handles better.

The RT doesn't have nearly the power of the Wing, so if that takes it out of your running, it's understandable. But the RT's motor has impressively linear power that I consider ample, aided by its light weight that also makes it more agile. They are both excellent machines. Each is a good choice depending on your preferences.

If the RT is the FJR/C14 class, then where does that leave the K13GT?

[mscuddy]

Long live the Duke! The Uber-Editor! YAAAH DUKE! The Duke of Flatbush! (Wrong Duke, sorry)...anyway YAA HOO Dukester!

[mscuddy]

What about the best DIRT BIKE of 2009? After all , they do have two wheels, and a motor. And I hear lots of people actually ride these things and have fun with 'em. Shocking!

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

Long live the Duke! The Uber-Editor! YAAAH DUKE! The Duke of Flatbush! (Wrong Duke, sorry)...anyway YAA HOO Dukester!

I always knew you were one of the smart ones, Cuddy!

But, to be serious to Sarnali's point (and anyone else's varying opinions), this type of article can't be purely objective, as our own tastes and preferences are going to play a role in our decisions. But we hope our sampling of pretty much every motorcycle made in the past decade and more gives our selections some credibility.

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

What about the best DIRT BIKE of 2009? After all , they do have two wheels, and a motor. And I hear lots of people actually ride these things and have fun with 'em. Shocking!

Damn you, Cuddy. Just when I gave you a compliment! I hate to say it, but you make a good point. The problem is that we haven't sampled most every dirtbike, so we can't say from personal experience which is best - that wouldn't be fair. Our Best Of 2010 might be different.

[sarnali2]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

The Wide Glide is a good one, but it doesn't really break new ground and the T-Bird handles better.

The RT doesn't have nearly the power of the Wing, so if that takes it out of your running, it's understandable. But the RT's motor has impressively linear power that I consider ample, aided by its light weight that also makes it more agile. They are both excellent machines. Each is a good choice depending on your preferences.

If the RT is the FJR/C14 class, then where does that leave the K13GT?

I'd put the K1300GT in with the FJR C14 actually it's the R1200RT that's difficult to classify, I really don't see it in the full boat class, not really competitive with the ST1300/FJR/C14/K13GT, Maybe with the Norge and Sprint......not really with the Tiger, Stelvio, Ulysses, Multi Strada, Vstrom.....It's difficult to find a competitive model really. Maybe an FLHT simply because they're not so loaded down, both aircooled etc It's a hard one to peg

[robret]

best value, best trainer, best kept secret, ninja 250. its too bad we don't get all the offerings from the 125cc to 400cc class like europe and japan.
Mmm. smells like an article.

[Dr_Sprocket]

I concur with the Triumph choice - great bike at a reasonable price. However... where is the love for the (sexiest bike on two wheels) new Ducati Streetfighter? Good thing I don't have a firstborn.

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by Dr_Sprocket

I concur with the Triumph choice - great bike at a reasonable price. However... where is the love for the (sexiest bike on two wheels) new Ducati Streetfighter? Good thing I don't have a firstborn.

We're not sure the exciting SF is as good a streetbike as the well-rounded Monster. It was a blast at Ascari, but we haven't yet ridden it on the street. We will be rectifying that ASAP, but we're skeptical it will surpass the the M1100 in terms of fun per dollar. Stay tuned.

[pplassm]

Originally Posted by mscuddy

What about the best DIRT BIKE of 2009? After all , they do have two wheels, and a motor. And I hear lots of people actually ride these things and have fun with 'em. Shocking!

Nobody cares about dirt bikes here. Haven't you learned?