Honda ST1300 /ABS $NA
'09 Model Shown
Engine L-C 16V 1261 V-Four
Seat HT. 31.1 IN.
Wheelbase 58.7 IN.
Take the VFR V-four engine, beef it up and turn it sideways, give it shaft drive and then encase it in good-handling chassis-that's what you have in the ST1300. Less bulky while still offering the all-day comfort of the company's Gold Wing tourer, the ST will surprise you with how well it can hustle down a twisty road.
Honda VFR1200F $15,999 (base model)
Engine L-C 16V 1237 V-Four
Seat HT. 32.1 IN.
Wheelbase 60.8 IN.
A technological (sport) tour de force, the new VFR1200F is an all-new design bristling with innovative features, including a 1237cc, 76-degree V-four engine with Unicam valvetrain, inboard-positioned rear cylinders, ride-by-wire throttle, and an optional Dual Clutch automatic transmission similar in concept to F1 and high-end automobiles.
Honda CBR1000RR /ABS $NA
Engine L-C 16V 999 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.3 IN.
Wheelbase 55.4 IN.
Honda's literbike flagship gets a larger flywheel for '10 to smooth out power, plus an easier-to-remove license plate bracket for track days and a revamped muffler cover. It remains the lightest and most agile four-cylinder literbike, coming close to winning our open-class comparison since its debut. The Combined ABS version will return as well.
Honda CBR600RR /ABS $NA
Engine L-C 16V 599 Inline-Four
Seat HT. 32.3 IN.
Wheelbase 53.9 IN.
The middleweight CBR received some updates for '09, and that same superb all-around performance that nearly won our last 600 comparison returns unchanged, save for some new paint schemes, including a wild new "Leyla" graphic version shown here. The 600 will also be available with Honda's electronically-controlled Combined ABS system.
Honda CRF230M $NA
'09 Model Shown
Engine A-C 2V 223 Single
Seat HT. 31.9 IN.
Wheelbase 52.8 IN.
A more street-oriented version of the dual-sport CRF230L, the 230M utilizes 17-inch rims with wider street rubber fitted. The 223cc, electric-start, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine sips fuel and is reliable as the sun, while the long-travel suspension, light weight and nimble handling make your commute more fun than ever before.
Honda NT700V /ABS $9999/$10,999
Engine L-C 8V 680 V-Twin
Seat HT. 31.7 IN.
Wheelbase 58.1 IN.
Although a new U.S. model for '10, the NT700V (also available with ABS) has been a hit in Europe for the past several years as the "Deauville 700". Intended as a smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of the ST1300, the NT is built around an upgraded version of the engine previously used on the original Hawk GT of the early '80s.
Hyosung GT650 $5499
Engine L-C 8V 647 V-Twin
Seat HT. 30.7 IN.
Wheelbase 56.7 IN.
The standard GT650 has a proper handlebar for a comfortable, upright riding position, and makes do with no fairing. Otherwise, it's identical to the S and R models, down to the oval-tube frame, stainless-steel and aluminum muffler, and all the extras. The company recently announced that all motorcycles will now carry a two-year, 12,000-mile limited warranty.
Hyosung GT650R $6199 (solid color) / $6599 (2-tone)
Engine L-C 8V 647 V-Twin
Seat HT. 30.7 IN.
Wheelbase 56.7 IN.
The top GT650 model features full bodywork that's available in a two-tone finish (a $400 option). Nice touches include four-way adjustable rearsets, a Vacuum Florescent Display instrument panel commonly used in luxury automobiles, an adjustable inverted front fork and fuel injection with an immobilizer system.
Hyosung GT250R $3999 (solid color) / $4199 (2-tone)
Engine A-C 8V 249 V-Twin
Seat HT. 30.7 IN.
Wheelbase 56.9 IN.
The Mini-me-GT250 could easily be mistaken for its big brother as it sports similar hardware and bodywork, right down to the available two-tone graphics (that costs $200 extra). The air-cooled engine delivers plenty of torque for its size, making this an ideal beginner bike-that certainly doesn't look the part.
Hyosung GT250 $3699
Engine A-C 8V 249 V-Twin
Seat HT. 31.3 IN.
Wheelbase 56.9 IN.
You know the drill: The standard GT250 is almost identical to the R model but for bodywork, although in this case only one front disc makes an appearance. The upright riding position and real handlebar will inspire confidence in the first-time rider, and adds "confidence, agility and performance for miles of fun", according to Hyosung.