What's this? A sportbike buyer's guide? Yes, and it's our first-ever roundup of sportbike motorcycles that are offered for sale in 2009 in the USA. Here you'll find a complete listing of approximately 100 models from 16 manufacturers, with list price, basic specifications and a brief synopsis for each-surely there is something to tickle your fancy. Whether it's the budget Kawasaki Ninja 250R or the high-rolling BMW HP2 Sport, we've got both those bikes and everything in between listed here.
How To Read The Capsules
Bikes are listed in alphabetical order by manufacturer, with each company's models listed in descending order according to the list price. The manufacturer's suggested retail price printed with each capsule represents the base price for that model; options, California emissions equipment and some paint schemes may cost extra. We've combined some models-for example, ABS and non-ABS versions of the same bike are listed together, with the price and any other differing specifications listed for both. The "engine" specification is listed in short form, with detail in the following order: Cooling type (L-liquid or A-air), the total number of valves, displacement in cubic centimeters and configuration. The remaining specifications in each capsule are self-explanatory: Seat height, fuel capacity and wheelbase. Weights are not included as each manufacturer releases different figures, making comparisons difficult. Some companies claim dry weight with no fluids, others list wet weight with no fuel, and still others list curb weight with all fluids topped up. Keep in mind that all information, including list price, is subject to change throughout the season.
APRILIA RSV 1000R /FACTORY $13,999/$17,999
Engine
L-C 8V 998 V-TWIN
Seat
Height 31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.8 IN.
The original Mille returns for another year in both R and R Factory trim, and features the smooth and torquey Rotax "V60 Magnesium" powerplant. Both models are equipped with an Ohlins fork and Brembo radial-mount brakes up front, while the Factory model goes a step further with an Ohlins shock and steering damper, and various carbon bits.
APRILIA SMV 750 DORSODURO $9599
Engine
L-C 8V 750 V-TWIN
Seat Height
34.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.2 GAL
Wheelbase
59.3 IN.
Designed in collaboration with Aprilia's racing department, the Dorsoduro combines technology from the Shiver-such as ride-by-wire throttle and that model's modular steel and aluminum frame-and SXV models for a 750cc thrill ride like no other. Running gear includes a 43mm fully adjustable fork and wave rotors with ABS, all topped off with wild styling.
APRILIA SL 750 SHIVER $8999
Engine
L-C 8V 750 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.0 GAL
Wheelbase
56.7 IN.
All new in '08, the Shiver is the first Aprilia model fitted with the company's 90-degree V2 engine, which is produced entirely in-house. Unique features include ride-by-wire throttle with three selectable maps and mixed gear-and-chain cam drive. If you've got a hankering for a high-tech Italian ride and you're on a budget, the Shiver is the one for you.
APRILIA TUONO 1000R /FACTORY $12,999/$16,999
Engine
L-C 8V 998 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.5 IN.
Many call the Tuono the greatest naked bike of all time, and we've long been impressed with Aprilia's approach: The Tuono R and R Factory are simply naked versions of their RSV counterparts, sporting all the trick hardware (although the R version makes do with a Showa fork) and the full-performance spec in the V60 Magnesium engines.
APRILIA 850 MANA $9899
Engine
L-C 8V 839 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.2 GAL
Wheelbase
57.6 IN.
This all-new model features a new Sportgear transmission, which lets you choose between two modes: fully automatic (with a choice of three mappings) or seven-speed sequential shifting using the conventional lever or a pushbutton on the handlebar-no clutch needed. The Mana's fuel tank is under the seat, leaving a huge storage compartment up front.
APRILIA SXV 4.5/5.5 $8799/$9499
Engine
L-C 8V 449/549 V-TWIN
Seat Height
36.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.1 GAL
Wheelbase
58.9 IN.
The twin-cylinder supermotard models, in 450cc and 550cc sizes, benefit from updates based on lessons learned in Aprilia's extensive racing programs. Those updates include a lighter swingarm, new exhaust system, lighter subframe with slightly lower seat height, black wheels and a revised ECU with two-way selectable mapping for engine power modes.
BENELLI TORNADO 1130 $NA
Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.5 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.
Like all of Benelli's models, the Tornado's powerplant is the howling 1130cc three-cylinder Corsa Lunga with its cassette gearbox and slipper clutch. But while the naked and adventure models make do with a somewhat detuned version of the engine, the Tornado gets the full 160-horsepower treatment as well as the unique underseat radiator.
BENELLI CAF RACER $NA
Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.
The wildly styled Caf Racer shares many parts with the naked TNT but has more aggressive styling-including a bellypan and single-seat tailpiece-and a more aggressive riding position thanks to lower clip-on handlebars. Think of it as a TNT inspired by racing bikes of the past, but with all the performance and details of a modern-day sportbike.
BENELLI TNT $NA
Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.
The TNT derives its name from Trinitrotoluene, better known as, well, TNT, the explosive black powder the coyote always tries to blow up the roadrunner with. Just like its namesake, Benelli engineers designed the TNT to be an explosive and powerful bike while still being enjoyable and exciting. Available in red, green or yellow for '09.
BENELLI TRE K $NA
Engine
L-C 12V 1130 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
30.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
6.1 GAL
Wheelbase
55.9 IN.
The most recent addition to Benelli's lineup, this adventure bike is the company's version of a do-it-all machine-hence the name Tre K, or Trek. With the 1130cc inline-triple housed in a chassis with more relaxed geometry and more suspension travel than the naked TNT as well as a comfortable, upright riding position, the Tre K will take you anywhere.
BMW HP2 SPORT $25,375
Engine
A-C 8V 1170 OPPOSED-TWIN
Seat Height
32.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.2 GAL
Wheelbase
58.5 IN.
Yowzers! The ultimate Boxer boasts racetrack-oriented features such as double overhead camshafts, fully adjustable hlins suspension front and rear, a quickshifter, radial-mount Brembo monoblock brakes, 2D Systems dash, adjustable clip-ons and rearsets, forged wheels and lightweight carbon fiber bodywork. Optional ABS adds $1000 to the list price.
BMW K1300GT $NA
Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 - 33.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
6.3 GAL
Wheelbase
61.9 IN.
Highlight of the K-series BMW models this year is an increase in displacement to 1293cc with correspondingly more power and torque. The sport-touring model has adjustable handlebars, a height-adjustable seat as well as an optional lower seat, Electronic Suspension Adjustment II, an adjustable windscreen and standard integral ABS.
BMW K1300R $NA
Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.1 - 32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
62.4 IN.
Completing the K1300 series for '09 is the brawny R model, which receives all the updates of the S model, with the drivetrain and running gear suitably modified to meet the requirements of a large-capacity naked bike. The R's engine is not detuned from the S specification, and shorter final gearing gives it even more acceleration-just what we need.
BMW HP2 MEGAMOTO $20,520
Engine
A-C 8V 1170 OPPOSED-TWIN
Seat Height
35.0 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.4 GAL
Wheelbase
63.6 IN.
If your tastes lean toward the Supermotard end of the sportbiking spectrum, this is the BMW for you. The potent Boxer engine churns out oodles of torque and resides in a chassis stripped to the bare essentials for a clean, lightweight look. High-tech equipment includes an inverted Marzocchi fork and Ohlins shock. Add $1000 for optional ABS.
BMW K1300S $NA
Engine
L-C 16V 1293 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
62.4 IN.
In addition to the larger engine shared with all three K1300 models, the S version-the fastest and most powerful production BMW ever-benefits from revised Duolever geometry and stiffer suspension settings. Integral ABS is standard; ESA II (which now adjusts rear spring rate) is an option. Also new for '09 is optional Anti-Spin Control.
BMW F800ST $10,600
Engine
L-C 8V 798 INLINE-TWIN
Seat Height
33.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.1 GAL
Wheelbase
57.7 IN.
BMW's mid-sized belt-driven sport-touring model offers many of the amenities of its larger brethren, and an equally long list of available options: ABS, low suspension and seat, heated hand grips, luggage, tire pressure monitor, on-board computer, and even a centerstand. Color options for '09 are Champagne Metallic and Light Blue Metallic.
BUELL 1125R $11,995
Engine
L-C 8V 1125 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.3 GAL
Wheelbase
54.1 IN.
Answering the prayers of aficionados worldwide, the 1125R combines Buell's fuel-in-frame chassis with a liquid-cooled, eight-valve engine courtesy of Austria-based Rotax. We proclaimed it the best Buell ever in our Sept. '08 test. Expect minor '09 updates to address the first-year model's fuel- and heat-related issues.
BUELL XB12R $9995
Engine
A-C 4V 1203 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
52.0 IN.
Even though Buell has entered the liquid-cooled era with the introduction of the 1125R, the 1203cc air-cooled mill carries on in the XB12R, the only remaining Firebolt model in the lineup. The Firebolt features the original XB chassis, innovative for its fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm layout and its Zero Torsional Load front disc brake.
BUELL XB9SX $8995
Engine
A-C 4V 984 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
52.0 IN.
Buell's "urban warrior" is powered by a downsized air-cooled Thunderstorm engine that still provides plenty of grunt for fighting traffic in the daily grind. The chassis is all XB, with features like the X-Guard tank cover, headlamp grill, frame pucks and wind deflectors adding style and protection to the light and nimble package.
BUELL 1125CR $11,695
Engine
L-C 8V 1125 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.3 GAL
Wheelbase
54.5 IN.
A new-for-2009 model, the CR is an 1125R modified in typical caf racer style. That means a real handlebar in place of the R's clip-ons and shorter gearing for peppier in-town acceleration. Otherwise the 1125CR boasts the same 146-horsepower Helicon engine as the R model along with the same Intuitive Response Chassis.
BUELL XB12SS/CG $9995
Engine
A-C 4V 1203 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.6/28.6 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.4/3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
53.7/51.8 IN.
One of our favorite Buell models down a gnarly canyon road, the XB12 Lightning is available in two versions for '09-although the original is no longer offered. The s model, or Lightning Long, has a stretched wheelbase and relaxed geometry while the cg version has a two-inch-lower seat height. Add $500 to the MSRP for nifty translucid bodywork.
BUELL BLAST $4795
Engine
A-C 2V 492 SINGLE
Seat Height
27.5 - 25.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.8 GAL
Wheelbase
55.0 IN.
With an ultra-low seat height (that goes even lower as an option) and a broad powerband, the Blast "could very well be the easiest motorcycle to ride on the entire planet," according to Buell. Commuters will appreciate the Blast's 64-mpg urban fuel economy, and new riders will appreciate the easy-to-reach and easy-to-operate controls.