2012 Sportbike Buyer’s Guide

Engine A-C 4V 1200 V-twin Seat HT. 31.3 in. Wheelbase 60.0 in.
We sure had fun racing our project XR in a round of the AMA’s Vance & Hines XR1200 series last year, and the class is certainly gaining in popularity. The XR1200X returns to the H-D lineup with Michelin Scorcher (yes, they really called them that) tires but otherwise no changes — even the price is the same.

Engine L-C 16V 1237 V-four Seat HT. 31.9 in. Wheelbase 60.8 in.
The updated VFR pushes the techno-envelope even further with a new traction control system, while other revisions include increased low-end torque, a larger fuel tank, more comfortable Seat and the Candy Blue color shown here. The DCT model “now intelligently optimizes shift points relative to the rider’s throttle inputs.”

Engine L-C 16V 1261 V-four Seat HT. 31.1 +/- .6 in. Wheelbase 58.7 in.
After a year away, Honda’s V-4 sport-touring bike returns with ABS as standard equipment. Touring amenities include an adjustable Seat and windscreen, while available accessories include heated grips, saddlebag liners and various scuff-pad sets. Available in any color you like this year as long as it’s Black.

Engine L-C 16V 999 Inline-Four Seat HT. 32.3 in. Wheelbase 55.5 in.
Changes for the CBR1000RR this year, which incidentally marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking CBR900RR, include a Big Piston Fork, Balance-Free Rear Shock, 12-spoke wheels, an updated cockpit display and new bodywork. Honda’s exemplary Combined-ABS continues to be available as an option.

Engine L-C 16V 599 Inline-Four 32.3 in. Wheelbase 53.9 in.
“Still a great bike but perhaps in need of an update,” we wrote of the CBR in our last middleweight comparison test (“Return Engagement,” Aug. ‘11), and we’ll say that again here as it returns for ‘12 with no changes. We’re not complaining, as we love its combination of light weight and great midrange power.

Engine L-C 16V 998 Inline-Four Seat HT. 32.1 in. Wheelbase 56.9 in.
This big brute of a naked bike combines the previous generation CBR1000RR’s Engine with a mono-backbone aluminum chassis and outrageous styling. “Think of a fighter,” says Honda, “standing in the ring.” The new color for ‘12 is Matte Gray Metallic, as opposed to last year’s Pearl Black.

Engine L-C 4V 249 Single Seat HT. 30.5 in. Wheelbase 53.9 in.
Honda’s single-cylinder beginner bike is packed with innovations such as a unique forked roller rocker arm system in the cylinder head, a “spiny cylinder sleeve” to improve cooling and even optional linked ABS. It returns in three color combinations this year, including this striking White/Pearl Blue/Red.

Engine L-C 8V 898 Inline-Twin Seat HT. 31.3 in. / 34.5-35.2 in. Wheelbase 58.9 in.
While not yet officially a ‘12 model, expect Husky’s first street offering to be available late this year. The Nuda’s Engine is based on BMW’s F800R architecture but the bike has its own distinctive styling and running gear. R model has Öhlins shock, Sachs fork, Brembo monobloc calipers and some carbon bits.

Engine L-C 8V 647 V-twin Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.5 in.
The fully faired GT650R returns unchanged for ‘12. That means adjustable footpeg position, four-piston front calipers, an inverted front fork and a torquey fuel-injected V-twin Engine. There are six color options; three solids (red, white, black) and three two-tones, which add $400 to the base MSRP.

Engine L-C 8V 647 V-twin Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.5 in.
Everything the R model is but minus the fairing and clip-ons, the standard GT650 has a conventional handlebar and accordingly more relaxed ergos. The Korean-built bike also gains a stylish new headlight assembly for ‘12, and is available in black, white or two shades of red.

Engine A-C 8V 249 V-twin Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.5 in.
Featuring many big-bike components like dual disc brakes and an inverted fork, Hyosung’s tiny V-twin fared well in our beginner-bike comparison test last year (“New Beginnings,” May ‘11) and returns unchanged this year. It’s available in black, white and red or three two-tone color options that add $200 to the price.

Engine A-C 8V 249 V-twin Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.5 in.
You can guess this one: The GT250 is a naked GT250R with a conventional handlebar and featuring a new headlight assembly. Note that it also lost a front disc brake assembly in the process. The naked beginner bike is also available in black, white and two shades of red.