ALTHOUGH many of these motorcyles have been ridden, many of these new 2015 machines such as the new Yamaha FJ-09, Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT and the Ducati Scrambler, there are still numerous bikes yet to ride.
These are the 10 that Cycle World is most looking forward to riding in 2015.
All, of course, in the name of good service to loyal readers!
* Kawasaki H2/H2R
Without doubt, this supercharged machine-in track-only H2R form or as a street-legal H2 model-is at the top of our must-ride list.
A full suite of electronics will keep that front wheel on the pavement, while top-notch suspension and brakes will undoubtedly do their best to give these heavy H2s an agility that suitably complements their insane straight-line abilities.
* Ducati 1299 Panigale S
This is the first production Ducati to crack the 200-horsepower barrier, thanks to a 1285cc Superquadro V-twin engine that produces 205 horses at 10,500 rpm and 106.7 pound-feet of torque at 8,750 rpm.
While the stroke is identical to the 1199’s, the bore of the 1299 has been increased to 116mm, which means the pistons now measure more than 4.5 inches across!
* Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha knows how to build a superbike. Case in point-the all-new Yamaha YZF-R1, whose 998cc 4-cylinder engine is a technical marvel boasting a cross-plane crank, titanium connecting rods, big valves, higher 13.0:1 compression, and compact combustion chambers.
Yamaha tells us this latest R1 was developed largely on the track, and parts such as its magnesium wheels, LED lights, and titanium exhaust prove that Yamaha has been serious about keeping weight in check. Fully fueled and ready to ride, the R1 tips the scales at a claimed 439 lb.
The R1M, with Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension, is also available, but Yamaha says fewer than 500 of these limited-edition models will be available.
* Honda RC213V-S
In our opinion, this Honda-effectively a street-legal version of Marc Marquez’s V-4-powered MotoGP racebike revealed at the big EICMA motorcycle show last fall in Milan-was designed to steal attention away from the likes of the Kawasaki H2, Yamaha R1, and Ducati 1299 Panigale.
Although a serious lack of actual information about this RC213V-S means we’re not totally convinced that Honda will actually build the bike.
* Ducati Multistrada 1200S
The new 1200S for 2015 has something special up its sleeve: DVT. This stands for Desmodromic Variable Timing, and we’re told it works wonders with the powerband of Ducati’s 1198cc Testastretta V-twin.
In short, by minimizing valve overlap at low rpm and by increasing it at higher rpm, the latest Multistrada has the best of all worlds: excellent low-end torque, broad midrange power and a superior top end any time that ride-by-wire throttle is whacked and kept open.
* BMW S1000XR
Why do we want to ride the new BMW S1000XR so badly? Easy, because we all want to see how it compares to the R1200GS, the classic boxer-powered BMW that shines as a long-distance adventurer but can readily take to the dirt whenever necessary.
The new S1000XR, on the other hand, is exclusively a pavement pounder, and it’s powered by the potent inline-four taken from the impressive S1000R streetbike.
With its big windscreen, comfortably upright riding position, and advanced electronics suite, the S1000XR really does look like an excellent way of crossing the Alps, aided by the potent and smooth four-cylinder.
* Husqvarna 701 Supermoto
KTM has big plans for Husky. It wants to see the historically Swedish marque become the number three motorcycle in all of Europe by 2019.
Leading the way is the new 701 Supermoto, which Husky revealed at the EICMA show in Milan.
If there ever was an example of fun on wheels, the 701 Supermoto is it.
With its narrow chassis, KTM-based 690cc single-cylinder engine, big brakes, top-notch WP suspension, and grippy rubber, the 701 looks should be a delight around town, thanks to upright dirtbike-style ergonomics and a playful personality that will allow skilled riders to slide the back wheel into turns and then loft the front with every power-on exit. 8. KTM 1290 Super Adventure
As far as cycleworld.com is concerned, you could put KTM’s 1301cc LC8 V-twin engine into any motorcycle and you’ll love it.
Which is why cycleworld.com can’t wait to ride the new 1290 Super Adventure, an opulent Austrian dripping with standard equipment.
In addition to cruise control and heated seats, the new 1290 Super Adventure has heated grips, a huge 7.9-gallon fuel tank, LED cornering lights, and a full suite of electronic aids that includes lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, and semi-active WP suspension.
* Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS
Essentially, this new Suzuki is a street roadster with the heart of the legendary GSX-R1000 but with camshafts tuned for better low and midrange response.
Suzuki’s idea was to make a powerful run-around street bike, one that has comfortable everyday ergonomics and full suite of electronics that enhances rider safety without stealing any of the fun.
A comparison test with the Kawasaki Z1000 is in order as soon as we can get our hands on the new Suzook.
* Harley Davidson LiveWire
Harley has not committed to building the electric LiveWire for production but cycleworld.com rode one of several prototypes this year and came away so impressed with the machine-particularly with regard to its manners and its impressive level of fit and finish-that we feel a production version must be a done deal.
The LiveWire is a far cry from the cruiser you’d expect from H-D, and we see it as a great way for Milwaukee to embrace the future.
