SUZUKI GLADIUS $6499
Engine
L-C 8V 645 V-TWIN
Seat Height
30.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
3.8 GAL
Wheelbase
56.9 IN.
Memo to Suzuki: If you use the SV650 engine in any more models you're going to wear it out. The Gladius is all-new and houses its sewing-machine-like 650cc V-twin engine in a slim steel-trellis frame that has a narrow, low seat so that new riders can comfortably put both feet on the ground for confidence. Looks like a pile of fun to us.
SUZUKI DR-Z400SM $6299
Engine
L-C 4V 398 SINGLE
Seat Height
35.0 IN.
Fuel Capacity
2.6 GAL
Wheelbase 57.5 IN.
Yet another dirtbike plotting to take over the sportbike world, the SM is Suzuki's DR-Z400 with fat 17-inch hoops and a huge front disc brake in place of the wimpy motocross bits. Forget riding through traffic, you can ride over it with RM-derived suspension. The DR-Z400SM enters its third year available in black or white.
SUZUKI GS500F $5499
Engine
A-C 4V 487 INLINE-TWIN
Seat Height
31.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.3 GAL
Wheelbase
55.3 IN.
Originally introduced as the GS500E back when Paula Abdul actually sang, the venerable air-cooled twin's styling was brought into the twenty-first century with the addition of full bodywork in '04. That all means you get proven reliability, great fuel economy and GSX-R styling all on a budget, making the GS500F an excellent option for a first sportbike.
TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 /ABS /SE $11,599/$12,399/$NA
Engine
L-C 12V 1050 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
32.8 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.2 GAL
Wheelbase
59.4 IN.
This Tiger is ready for adventure. Featuring the company's trademark 1050cc howling three-cylinder engine in a twin-spar aluminum chassis, the Tiger offers long-haul comfort as well as twisty-road performance. Optional ABS adds $800, and for '09 an SE version includes ABS, handguards, color-matched luggage and a unique, two-tone paint scheme.
TRIUMPH SPRINT ST /ABS $11,599/$12,399
Engine
L-C 12V 1050 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
31.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.2 GAL
Wheelbase
57.4 IN.
The Sprint ST has been one of our favorite sport-touring mounts since its original introduction a decade ago, and updates over the years-including the beautifully smooth 1050cc triple-have steadily refined the overall package. Color-matched, factory-installed hard luggage is standard, while optional ABS adds $800. Phantom Black is a new color for '09.
TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE $11,299
Engine
L-C 12V 1050 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
32.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
56.2 IN.
There are three things you can count on in life: Death, taxes, and that the Speed Triple will be a contender in any naked-bike shootout. It's that good. With upright ergos, aggressive styling and that potent, howling three-cylinder 1050cc engine urging you on, the S3 has probably put more riders in jail than Sheriff Coltrane ever did. Be warned.
TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 $9799
Engine
L-C 12V 675 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
32.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
54.9 IN.
In its first update since its stunning debut three years ago, the Daytona 675 benefits from evolutionary racing-learned modifications including a higher rev limit, taller first gear, lighter exhaust system, revised cylinder head and EFI mapping, and new valves, all of which adds horsepower and sheds weight from an already light and powerful package.
TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE /R $8699/$9499
Engine
L-C 12V 675 INLINE-TRIPLE
Seat Height
31.5/31.6 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
54.9/54.7 IN.
The Street Triple, introduced last year and essentially a naked Daytona 675, is the Speed Triples baby brother and every bit as mischievous. The standard version utilizes budget suspension and braking components to keep the price reasonable, but for those wanting full performance Triumph offers the R model for '09, with all the high-end bits from the 675.