As springtime brings finer weather, thoughts are turning to weekend breaks and vacation getaways. What better way to take in the season's scenery and blow off winter cobwebs than with a motorcycle trip. Here's a look at some of the hottest two-wheeled rides for hitting the road to adventure in 2016.
1. Harley-Davidson Low Rider S - classy custom cruiser
As the latest addition to Harley-Davidson's S series, the Low Rider has the pared-down yet bad-boy looks of a seriously mean machine. Plus, it comes loaded with the brand's most powerful engine, the Screamin' Eagle Twin Cam 110, a two-cylinder V-twin engine promising 159 N.m of torque at 3,500 rpm. It also gets a heavy-duty clutch. Priced from €19,290 via www.harley-davidson.com
2. Honda CB500F 2016 - great for beginners
This bike is great for beginners because it complies with Europe's A2 licensing category. It has a brawny, assertive design, and offers a decent-sized fuel tank and LED lights. The preload adjustable front fork and adjustable front brake lever make this motorcycle easier to handle for novices or riders with smaller frames. However, it won't be all that comfortable when riding with a passenger.
From €5,599 via http://powersports.honda.com
3. KTM 1290 Super Duke GT - sporty grand tourer
The Super Duke GT is a sporty bike with a lightweight design. It comes with a nice engine and decent mechanics. However, it may not be the most comfortable option for longer trips. Its 23-liter tank will prove handy when riding in Sport mode. Equipped with high-end electronics including three ride modes, the KTM also stands out for its innovative semi-active suspension system, a real plus for rider comfort. These top-end electronics come at a price, however, as this cycle starts at around €18,200 via www.ktm.com
4. Aprilia CAPONORD 1200 Rally - comfort and versatility
The Italian bike maker's new Caponord 1200 is a more versatile model than its predecessors. It gets more features and a lively engine, promising a really nice ride. The engine's handling and the bike's overall comfort have been boosted too. The compact and practical saddlebag cases are supplied as standard. The only downside is that a rear mudguard and centerstand aren't included in the standard package. Priced from €16,499 via www.apriliausa.com
5. Yamaha XSR700 ABS -middleweight modern retro
This light, agile, easy-to-handle motorcycle has bags of character. In fact, the Japanese bike maker's XSR 700 is a real hit. With a 689cc in-line two-cylinder engine, this Sport Heritage motorcycle also has a wide range of accompanying accessories for riders looking to customize its appearance. It promises good fuel efficiency and reasonable comfort. Priced from €7,699 via www.yamaha-motor.eu
6. BMW R 1200 GS Triple Black - great offroader
The famous R 1200 GS is back for 2016 with a special-edition model with a black finish and cross-spoke wheels. Its four-stroke twin-cylinder engine is both powerful and pleasant to handle. The German manufacturer's Adventure motorcycle is a great ride on all kinds of roads and tracks. Plus, the dark finish gives it a sleek, mean look. It doesn't come cheap, though, at €16,575.
7. Honda NC750X 2016 - urban adventurer
The NC750X has been given a facelift for 2016 with a more rugged, adventurer-style design. Along with its refined 750cc twin-cylinder engine, this urban bike gets LED lights, an optimized front fork and optional Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). With a comfortable seat, wide handlebars and plenty of storage space, this motorcycle is as good for the open road as it is around town. From approx.. $8,530 to $9,436 for the DCT model (€7,499 to €8,299) via www.honda.co.uk
8. Triumph Tiger Explorer Xca -all-terrain explorer
With its modern, assertive design and high-end electronics, this Triumph motorcycle is an all-terrain bike for riding anywhere, anytime, any distance. Electronic features include semi-active suspension and five different rider modes with different ABS, traction control and throttle maps. Easy to handle and pleasant to drive, this offroad transcontinental explorer is almost perfect spec-wise. It isn't overpriced for a bike of this kind, at €19,700 via www.triumphmotorcycles.com
9. Suzuki SV 650 2016 - safe bet
The classic design may not be to everyone's taste, but the SV 650 is a flagship model in the Suzuki motorcycle range. Still, boosted performance, improved handling for a nicer ride and a new lighter design make up for the design's lack of originality. ABS and decent-level specs make this motorcycle a sound investment for its category. Priced from around €6,599 for the matte-black model or €6,649 for other colors, via www.suzukicycles.com
10. Ducati Hypermotard 939 2016 - power-packed ride
With a 937cc twin-cylinder engine with 113hp, the Hypermotard 939 comes with three-level ABS, eight levels of Ducati Traction Control and three rider modes. The SP version comes with higher-spec features and improved handling for a more comfortable ride thanks to an effective suspension system. From approx. €11,990 for the Standard model (www.ducatiusa.com) or €15,490 for the SP (www.ducatiusa.com).
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