The ‘Best’ Rides on Two Wheels

European motorcycles dominate the Top Ten Bikes of 2014, as compiled by the editors of Cycle World magazine in Irvine, Calif., with seven category toppers coming from Austria’s KTM, Germany’s BMW and Italy’s Ducati. Kawasaki and Yamaha models represent Japanese manufacturers, while the sole domestic entry cited comes from the recently resurrected Indian brand. “The bikes we’re seeing from Europe are raising the bar for manufacturers across the globe,” says Mark Hoyer, Cycle World’s editor-in-chief. “Boundaries of performance and technology are being pushed, and more agile, powerful and even more practical motorcycles are being developed.” Here’s Cycle World’s Top Ten Bikes of 2014, based on extensive road tests of myriad models: • Best Superbike: Ducati 1199 Superleggera • Best Cruiser: Indian Chief Classic • Best Dual-Sport/Enduro: KTM 500 EXC • Best Middleweight Streetbike: Yamaha FZ-09 • Best Sport-Touring Bike: BMW R1200RT • Best Standard: BMW S1000R • Best Motocrosser: Kawasaki KX450F • Best Touring Bike: BMW K1600GTL • Best Open-Class Streetbike: KTM 1290 Super Duke R • Best Adventure Bike: KTM 1190 Adventure