2013 brought 10 Superb Bikes

2013 brought 10 Superb Bikes

This year looks like a particularly exciting time to be a motorcyclist, if for no other reason than the variety of bikes available across every category, including electric! Here then is our list of the top 10 bikes we’re eager to ride in 2013, in alphabetical order. 

Aprilia Caponord 1200 

The undisputed king of the segment, the BMW R1200GS, wears the crown. Beemer’s benchmark bike just keeps taking on all comers – and continues to bat down each and every challenge

We’re glad to see Aprilia jumping on the A-T bandwagon in a big way. But it faces some stiff competition for top honors. "Since its introduction the Ducati Multistrada has been in a class by itself,” says Content Editor Tom Roderick. 


BMW R1200GS

2013 was BMW sticking radiators on its venerable, all-new R1200GS. Secrets aside, the new liquid-cooled GS is arguably the most anticipated motorcycle this year. “The GS is a true icon in the moto world and is BMW’s best seller,” says Chief Editor, Kevin Duke.  Everywhere you look, the new 1200GS impresses. It was already a winner on and off road, as seen by the A-T shootout above, but its bevy of electronics, like the spinwheel borrowed from the K1600 to control the gauge cluster via the left grip, 

Ducati Hypermotard 821/Hyperstrada

Meanwhile, a new hybrid model also utilizing the 821cc, 11-degree engine, the Hyperstrada, combines some of the traits we love about the Hyper and Multi into one package. “I like riding the other two separately, so how could I not like riding this new FrankenDuc?" asks Tom rhetorically.  

it  has us chomping at the bit. “A fresh 821cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin takes the Hypermotard into a new era, with more power than ever offered in the Hyper range,” says Duke. 


Honda CB500F, CB500X and CB500R

Whether you’re into sport riding, naked bikes or faux Adventure-Touring, the big question is whether the 500cc parallel-Twin in the CB500F, CB500X and CB500R will be enough to attract people to showrooms.  

It’s not just an interesting direction for Honda, it’s an interesting twist to this list, as these three models are undoubtedly the most technologically modest bikes here. But low-tech doesn’t mean low fun, and sometimes even we here at MO enjoy simply riding motorcycles without the intimidation of 150-plus horsepower.


KTM 1290 Super Duke

  This bike gets me more excited than admission to the AVN Awards after-party!" remarks T-Rod after channeling his inner 20-year-old. It’s easy to see why he’s so excited, considering the new Duke is powered by a reworked version of the LC8 1195cc V-Twin found on the RC8R

Moto Guzzi California 1400

he quirky California, introduced in 1971, never reached beyond niche appeal in the U.S., and production was scaled back after Piaggio acquired Guzzi in 2004. Two-thousand-ten saw the introduction of the Black Eagle, a custom-style California using Guzzi’s long-serving 1064cc V-Twin, but by 2012 only a limited-edition California 90 was produced. 

   

MV Agusta Rivale 800/Brutale 800

Both are powered by a beefed up version of the 675cc Triple powering the F3, punched out to 800cc. “With its added cubes and the intrinsic appeal of a Triple, it will sure make for a fantastic street engine,” says Duke.

Meanwhile, the new Rivale should give the Ducati Hypermotard – and anything else in the muscle-motard category – a run for its money. With a commanding riding position, Brembo brakes, slim chassis and 125 hp (claimed), it’s not hard to imagine why this is one of the most hotly anticipated machines of 2013.

  
Triumph Daytona 675/R

A more oversquare (76mm x 49.6mm vs. 74mm x 52.3mm) 675cc inline-Triple highlights the new machine, though a new chassis, updated suspension and a switch to a side-exit exhaust all help create a fantastic handling machine that carves corners like a hot knife through butter. “I can’t wait to fully embarrass myself on it,” cruiser guy Langston says.
With such accolades, it’s easy to see why Kevin, too, is excited to try the new bike. “A new, revvier engine and an updated chassis should result in something sensational.” Indeed it does.

Vespa 946

 Scoff all you want, but the Motorcycle.com staffers are not ashamed to admit we’re scooter fans. Especially one as beautiful as the Vespa 946. Inspired by the MP6, Vespa’s original prototype from 1946 (the year which lends itself to the new model’s name),