2012 Sportbike Buyer’s Guide

Engine A-C 8V 1151 V-twin Seat HT. 31.9 in. Wheelbase 58.8 in.
Heavily revised last year, the Norge GT 8V returns unchanged for 2012. The more powerful eight-valve Engine, a revised fairing and electrically adjustable windshield, heated grips, standard ABS, 12-volt accessory socket, color-matched hard bags, and new sidestand and centerstand are just some of the upgrades.

Engine A-C 8V 1151 V-twin Seat HT. 31.5 in. Wheelbase 61.2 in.
Introduced in 2011, the Griso 8V SE makes a return engagement this year with the same more powerful 8V Engine, “Tenni” matte green livery, leather Seat, aluminum spoked wheels with tubeless Pirelli Scorpion rubber, and much more. We tested it in the December 2011 issue and came away impressed.

Engine A-C 4V 744 V-twin Seat HT. 31.7 in. Wheelbase 57.0 in.
The V7 Racer recreates the venerable Moto Guzzi V7 Sport of the 1960s, but with a modern touch. The black-on-red motif (the American version unfortunately doesn’t include the chrome fuel tank) gives the V7 Racer a sinister café racer style, while the spoked wheels, number plate/flyscreen, and solo saddle complete the period look.

Engine A-C 4V 744 V-twin Seat HT. 31.7 in. Wheelbase 57.0 in.
Moto Guzzi’s modern rendition of the original V7 that debuted back in 1967, the V7 Classic marries up-to-date equipment with the simple flavor of its forebear. The 744cc pushrod V-twin, cradle frame and current suspension bring performance up to speed, while various chrome parts set it apart from the crowd.

Engine L-C 8V 1645 V-four Seat HT. 31.0 in. Wheelbase 58.0 in.
Motus is a new American company with plans to produce two versions of this sport-touring machine as a 2012 model. The chassis and longitudinally mounted direct-injection V-4 Engine feature Pratt & Miller Engineering technology, while the upscale R model will offer lighter weight and higher performance.

Engine L-C 16V 998 Inline-Four Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.3 in.
A totally revised radial-valve Engine headlines the new F4R and F4RR (a claimed 195 horsepower for the F4R, 201 for the F4RR) with both getting a refined traction control and variable length intake. The more expensive F4RR also gets the latest Öhlins suspension and forged aluminum wheels.

Engine L-C 16V 1078 inline-Four Seat HT. 32.7 in. Wheelbase 56.6 in.
New for 2012 is an uprated Brutale 1090 in two versions, the 144-horsepower R 1090, and the 158-horsepower RR 1090 edition. Both have the eight-level traction control and Marzocchi 50mm inverted fork/Sachs rear shock, but the RR model also gets slipper clutch, monobloc Brembo brake calipers and forged aluminum wheels.

Engine L-C 12V 675 Inline-Triple Seat HT. 31.7 in. Wheelbase 54.2 in.
MV Agusta’s long-awaited inline-triple bristles with the latest technology, including counter-rotating crankshaft, four Engine maps plus one that is customizable, and traction control (with optional launch and wheelie control). The limited production (200 units worldwide) Serie Oro gets the latest Öhlins suspension and numerous trick bits.

Engine L-C 12V 675 Inline-Triple Seat HT. 32.0 in. Wheelbase 54.2 in.
Along with its new F3 supersport comes MV Agusta’s new middleweight naked bike, the Brutale 675. Utilizing the same MVICS ride-by-wire throttle system as the F3, the Brutale boasts the same multiple Engine maps and traction control, as well as the counter-rotating crankshaft Engine (albeit tuned for low-end and midrange power).

Engine L-C 16V 1679 V-four Seat HT. 30.5 in. Wheelbase 66.9 in.
As if this big power bruiser wasn’t bad enough — and we mean that in a good way — Star has made this change for 2012: “A stylish new side cover finish matches the intake cover — adding to the menacing looks of the VMax.“ Hide the women and children.