from www.motorcycle.com

Who shall be King of the Sport-Tourers? Ok, this can’t really be a battle for the crown, since we’re excluding some other notable bikes that can both carve corners and carry some serious luggage. But we’d like to think that one of these two beasties has a chance to take the crown. After all, they both displace over 1200cc, they come from well-respected brands, have excellent finish and build quality, and cost a pretty penny, too.

Your Motorcycle New Guy would be more than happy to put either of these gorgeous machines through their paces. The winding roads of Highway 1 just north of San Francisco would be a perfect spot, I think.

Personally, the idea of a powerful sport-touring motorcycle just resonates so strongly in me – it makes me think of freedom and adventure – that I’m sure I’ll own one at some point. I would feel lucky if it were one of these two.

For more details, dyno charts, and lots of pretty photos check out the full comparo (including video) from Motorcycle.com.

from www.visordown.com

Ich Ben Ein Berliner! Wait, umm, BMWs are made in Munich. Well, it IS German, and all that really matters is that this is one fine piece of engineering. With over 170 ponies and over 100ft-lbs of torque, this piece of Bavarian ingenuity truly is a naked beast. And yet, the ride is supremely confident and settled, especially with the ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) and anti-slip control (ASC). Somehow we think that BMW has a case of TMA (too many acronyms.) But we digress…

This is a great bike. Maybe you’ll look like a bit of a poser, riding a $15,000 naked bike, but hey, really, guys like me will just be jealous of you. I say if you can swing the sticker price, this is a bike that will treat you very well and be a hell of a fun ride.

Over at Visor Down they got a chance to run this bike through it’s paces and have a full review for your reading pleasure.

from www.motorcycle.com

Have you been lusting after that new sweet-sounding Aprilia RSV4 but find yourself without enough deneiro for the almightly factory version? Well then, never fear, because for the low low price of $15,999 you can have 180 ponies in your pocket!

Ok, really, this bike is not cheap by any means, and is a couple K more than even the BMW S1000RR…. but it is Italian, it is brand new, and the handling and engine on it are absolutely stunning.

To me the most telling thing about this bike is that Max Biaggi was able to take multiple podium spots in World Superbike with it last year despite the bike being in its very first year. That speaks something to the amazing power delivery of this bike.

Oh, and yeah, it looks pretty damn gorgeous too. My local dealer’s got one – I’m going to see if I can get myself a test ride on one. In the meantime, whet your appetite with this full review over at motorcycle.com.

from www.motorcycledaily.com

We all know that the 2009 iteration of the Yamaha R1 is a monster track machine. But how does it handle on the road? Does that new “big-bang” engine deliver more usable power on the streets?

Motorcycledaily.com had a chance to ride an R1 on the streets, and, while the article tends to delve more into technical details about the engine than it does into a description of the ride qualities, it’s definitely worth a read.

What strikes me about the R1 is how it blends some of the great qualities of an inline four – top end power, low engine vibrations – with the sexy aspects of a twin – some down-low grunt, and a sound that let’s you know you’re riding something that can do some damage.

So check out the motorcycledaily.com Yamaha R1 mini-comparo.

from www.motorcycle.com

Ah, Aprilia. Stunning good looks and a wickedly powerful V4 engine blend to produce what not only is a sweet, sweet superbike, but a World Superbike contender as well.

I love the V4 engine configuration, as it allows the chassis to remain narrow (like a V-twin) while still giving you the high peak horsepower offered by a 4-cylinder engine. And of course the Ohlins suspension is superb – providing plenty of travel – and paired with the RSV4′s new frame, the rider can have excellent command of the bike.

But this is a bike for a serious rider – one who has plenty of experience, and hopefully a lot of track time too. This is certainly not a beginner’s toy – but for those who can ride it hard, it offers plenty of reward. Motorcycle.com has an in depth review of the RSV4 and it is definitely worth a read (especially for all the sexy RSV-4 pictures.)

The Ducati Streetfighter.

What do you get when you take a 1098, unstrap the bodywork, slap on a tubular handlebar and a sidemount dual exhaust? You get naked Italian aggression. Which is awesome, by the way.

With 25 more horses and a LOT more torque than the retired S4R, the Streetfighter will easily pull wheelies and split your face from ear to ear in an uncontrollable grin.

But don’t take my word for it. The guys at Motorcycle.com have a whole review written up after riding the Streetfighter on the Ascari Race Resort in Spain. Reading it just might make you salivate.

from www.topspeed.com

Need. More. Displacement.

At least, that’s what Triumph’s designers must have been thinking when they whipped up the Rocket III.

With an engine that can only properly be described as godzilla-esque, this 2300cc triple can pull like a beast, but can also go 220 miles between fuel stops, and is surprisingly easy to maneuver.

Although the Rocket III has been out for a few years now, the looks are still fresh, and since they’re aren’t many around, it’s a bike that will still drawn stares.

Cheaper and more powerful than a V-Rod, it’s a bike worthy of consideration if you want a big power cruiser. Check out the write-up by topspeed.com for all the details.

2009 Moto Guzzi California Vintage

Two words: A Classic. This is a modern version of the motorcycle that was used to patrol California highways in the 70s. It’s cruiser done the Moto Guzzi way: big V engine mixed with Italian class and style.

I really like the way it looks.

I’d really like to find out how it rides. The guys over at Ultimate Motorcycling got a chance to, and seemed to really enjoy the experience. Check here for the write-up.

A little while ago, I posed the question to the Twitter group Motorcyclefans, “What is your ideal motorcycle?” The responses were great, and prove that there’s a wide variety of excellent bikes out there for anyone and any riding style. For those not in the know about Twitter, it’s a way to communicate a bit like text messages, and people can “subscribe” to get anyone else’s messages. Oh, and the messages have to be short. 140 characters max! So short and sweet = a good tweet.

MotorcycleGuy: What is your ideal motorcycle? I think mine would have to be the Triumph Street Triple R http://is.gd/mM95

JohnLowery: That is sweet! Don’t know my ideal ride but since I ride 7 days a week I can’t imagine not having my HD Road King Classic.

TheMotoworld: I ride 2 up a lot..the Suz Bandit 1250 is the modern ride of choice. But I’ll stick w/ my new (?) 1976 BMW

schleppydotnet: Hypermotard with a bigger gas tank for me.

jryden: Around town: Buell XB12Scg – Traveling/touring/etc: KTM 990 Adventure

Dragonwheels: Street Tripple R seriously considering debt for one this summer, rave reviews all round, and looks to die for

TheMotoworld: another good thought..the Buell Ulysses

TheMotoworld: almost maint free, oil changes only…comfy, plenty of accessories and can handle a dirt road here & there, plenty o dealers

nathanrtaylor: Agreed. Buell Ulysses. Good for 11 hour or longer days. Carries a load or pillion well. Great suspension.

superdougio: Streetfighter looks awesome tho and has the 1198′s traction control…

thekiwiguy: i LOVE my Multistrada…..its looks grow on you….and ride like a dream

OneWheelDrive: I’d be torn between the http://cli.gs/BMWR1200GSA and http://cli.gs/MTSReview – in the end it would be the BMW though.

spotcom05: Yes, rode the Multistrada, and love it. Perfect all-rounder. Just not as pretty as the Ducati 848!

OneWheelDrive: I love the Multi despite the “wet cat design aesthetic”. Rode one across Canada & it was bulletproof.

superglide: my fav. bike is a TwinCam Superglide Sport FXDX from 1999, but my next one will be a FatBob

I always love advice/reviews from real bike owners, who put serious miles into their motorcycles, and get to know them on an intimate, day-to-day basis. Motojournos are great and a wonderful resource, but I have to believe that getting to ride so many different motorcycles all the time can make you a little jaded, and in search of perfection.

So maybe I should consider a Multistrada then? Seems like a lot of people love ‘em…

from www.motorcycle.com

I honestly don’t know what to make of the Honda DN-01. Its got a traditional cruiser seating position, but then has this crazy futuristic look, and an automatic transmission.  It’s like a hybrid of old-school / nu-skool.

Honda calls it a “crossover”.

I have no idea what that means. But the guys at Motorcycle.com do, because they got to ride one. And I am jealous. So go read their story.