Our buyer's guide is now an annual addition, with this year's version representing the third time around for a rundown of practically every sportbike available in the coming year. Here you'll find offerings ranging from supermoto to sport-touring from each manufacturer, with basic specifications and a short description for each model. After a trying year in '10 for the industry, things are looking up for the new year as practically every manufacturer has at least one all-new or significantly updated model. This year does represent a first for the buyer's guide: We've included electric bikes from three manufacturers. The Intermot (Cologne, Germany) and EICMA (Milan, Italy) shows - where many new models are introduced - were in progress as we put the guide together, and some manufacturers are reluctant to release information prior to one or both shows. Our spies on the ground ferreted out what they could for the new 2011 bikes, but keep an eye on
www.sportrider.com for last-minute changes or additions.
How To Read The Capsules
Manufacturers are presented alphabetically, and models within each manufacturer's section are listed in decreasing order of price. Similar models, such as ABS and non-ABS versions of the same bike, share one capsule in many cases. The price listed represents MSRP for the base model; paint schemes and options sometimes shown in the accompanying picture may add a premium to the base price, although we've tried to point this out in the description if that's the case. Check with the manufacturer (a listing and contact information is at the end of the guide) for up-to-date pricing and options. The specifications list engine type, seat height in inches and wheelbase in inches. The engine spec can be deciphered as follows: listed first is cooling type (L-C is liquid cooled, A-C is air cooled); next is total number of valves in the engine (16V for example), then displacement in cubic centimeters; finally, the layout of the cylinders (Inline-four, V-twin, etc). Following the capsules, you'll find a list of discontinued models from each manufacturer.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory $NA
Engine L-C 16V 1000 V-FOUR | Seat33.3 IN. | Wheelbase 55.9 IN.
Talk about starting with the cream of the crop: The RSV4 Factory was our 2010 Bike of the Year and took Max Biaggi to the World Superbike Championship. The Factory version benefits from Öhlins suspension pieces, forged aluminum wheels, adjustable engine position and variable-length intake system.
Aprilia SMV 1200 Dorsoduro /ABS $NA
Engine L-C 8V 1197 V-TWIN | Seat34.3 IN. | Wheelbase 60.2 IN.
Powered by an all-new V-twin engine with a claimed 130 horsepower and three power modes, the ABS version of this adventure model also features traction control. The chassis is the now familiar modular steel-trellis/aluminum design, while running gear includes a fully adjustable inverted Sachs fork and Brembo radial-mount front brakes.
Aprilia Mana 850 $NA
Engine L-C 8V 839 V-TWIN | Seat31.5 IN. | Wheelbase 57.6 IN.
The Mana's unique design places the fuel tank under the seat, while the traditional tank area is now occupied by a storage compartment large enough for a full-face helmet and more. The trellis frame, 90-degree V-twin engine and unmistakably Italian styling combine - according to Aprilia - elegance and practicality.
Aprilia RSV4 R $NA
Engine L-C 16V 1000 V-FOUR | Seat33.3 IN. | Wheelbase 55.9 IN.
The base RSV4 model is not much less exotic, with design aspects such as the ultra-compact 65-degree V-four engine, ride-by-wire throttle with three power modes, cassette transmission, slipper clutch and Brembo radial-mount front brakes. You can upgrade your R model with any of the Factory bits or choose from a huge assortment of accessories.
Aprilia 850 MANA GT ABS $NA
Engine L-C 8V 839 V-TWIN | Seat31.5 IN. | Wheelbase 57.6 IN.
The GT version of the Mana adds a half-fairing with adjustable windshield and the latest generation two-channel Continental ABS system as standard. The Mana's unique Sportgear electronically controlled transmission offers two shift modes: seven-speed manual or Autodrive with sport, touring and rain mappings.