Harley-Davidson XR1200X $ 11,799
Engine A-C 4V 1200 V-Twin | Seat HT. 31.3 IN. | Wheelbase 60.0 IN.
What the heck is a Harley-Davidson doing in Sport Rider? Well, the newest version of the XR has some sporting hardware such as Showa's Big Piston Fork, a cast aluminum swingarm and Dunlop's Sportmax Qualifier tires. We've even got one to race one in the AMA's Vance & Hines XR1200 series this year! Yikes!
Honda VFR1200F /DCT $NA
Engine L-C 16V 1237 V-Four | Seat HT. 32.1 IN. | Wheelbase 60.8 IN.
This VFR is packed with technology, from its compact Unicam-design V-four engine with ride-by-wire throttle to the Combined ABS braking system and offset-pivot driveshaft. The Dual Clutch Transmission model adds paddle shifting or two fully automatic modes, a first for production sportbikes.
Honda CBR600RR /ABS $NA
Engine L-C 16V 599 INLINE-FOUR | Seat32.3 IN. | Wheelbase 53.9 IN.
Sometimes the PR folks get it exactly right: The middleweight CBR "offers a near-magical combination of light weight, free-revving power, compliant suspension and all in a package that's sized just right." We couldn't have said it better. Available in red/black and black for this year, both with swingarms in silver (color, that is).
Honda VFR800X $NA
Engine NA | Seat HT. NA | Wheelbase NA
As we went to press, Honda had released two teaser sketches of a new "crossover" model that straddles the adventure-touring and street segments. Using a middleweight V-4 engine and a heads-up "floating" instrument panel, the new bike is claimed to have an adventure-inspired design combined with an upright riding position.
Honda CBR1000RR /ABS $13,399/14,399
Engine L-C 16V 999 Inline-Four | Seat HT. 32.3 IN. | Wheelbase 55.4 IN.
One of our favorite bikes on the racetrack, the big CBR posted the quickest lap time in our '10 four-cylinder literbike comparison test and was the lightest bike in the class. Why mess with that? New colors for '11 include red/black, black and a Repsol Edition, while all models will have silver frames and swingarms.
Honda NT700V /ABS $NA
Engine L-C 8V 680 V-Twin | Seat HT. 31.7 IN. | Wheelbase 58.1 IN.
Little brother to the ST1300, the NT is "plenty nimble to eat up around-town urban assaults, and plenty plush and feature-packed for the luxurious long haul." Integrated saddlebags and adjustable windscreen are standard while a boatload of accessories is available, including a wind deflector set, Combined ABS, a rear trunk, and heated grips.