I don’t think that we need to spell it out, but yes, we love everything and anything on two wheels. Every scooter and motorcycle has its set of quirks and blemishes, but that doesn’t stop us from making the most of what they have to offer. But there are a few among these which truly steal our heart, which leave an impression behind and make us think about them time and again. Right from humble scooters to litre-class hyper bikes, this list is an ode to some of the most delightful and exhilarating two-wheelers that we have ridden in the past year.
Best Commuter - TVS Victor
After a few hit and miss attempts in the premium commuter segment, TVS decided to breathe new life into the Victor. Reviving the moniker after a gap of more than eight years, TVS has bestowed the new Victor with a host of cosmetic and technological updates. The Victor takes up everything you throw at it with a big smile, and despite a few shortcomings is easily the best 110cc motorcycles we have ridden this year. Click here to read the First Ride Review of the TVS Victor.
Best Scooter – Hero Maestro Edge
The Maestro Edge represents Hero MotoCorp’s first attempt at flying solo, at shedding off their dependence on Honda’s technology. Based on a brand new platform, the Maestro Edge comes loaded with a host of technologies and creature comforts aimed at attracting the youth and older generation alike. We pitted it against different scooters and it has aced these tests with flying colours, every time. The best all-round 110cc scooter that you can buy today, period. Click here to read the First Ride Review of the Hero maestro Edge.
Best Entry-level Sports – Yamaha YZF-R3
The YZF-R3 marked Yamaha’s debut in the entry-level sportbike segment in India. Despite being late to the party, Yamaha spared no expense in learning from its competition and improving wherever it could. The YZF-R3 is a perfectly-balanced package, thanks to its powerful engine, modern ergonomics, comfortable ride and most importantly, the lucrative price tag. Click here to read the First Ride Review of the Yamaha YZF-R3.
Best Tourer - Kawasaki Versys 650
It has become a trend among manufacturers to utilise a single platform to roll out different models in different segments, and the Versys 650 is one such by-product of Kawasaki’s 650cc parallel-twin platform. While the Ninja 650 in itself is a fantastic all-round motorcycle, the Versys 650 improves upon it by adding some extra suspension travel and most importantly, ABS. Abundantly powerful yet docile, the Versys 650 is one of the most user-friendly big bike that money can buy. Click here to read the First Ride Review of Kawasaki Versys 650.
Best Sports Tourer – Honda CBR650F
With the announcement of the local assembly of the CBR650F, Honda had every motorcycle enthusiast daydreaming about owing an inline four. And once the prices were announced, you could hear each one of the dreams shatter. Nevertheless, our week’s stint with the motorcycle left us pleasantly surprised. Sober, fast and practical, the CBR650F is the ideal big bike for highway munching. Remove the price from the equation, and you easily have one of the best middleweight sports tourers that you lay your hands on. Check out the First Ride Review of the Honda CBR650F.
Best Street Bike - Ducati Monster 821
It doesn’t take long for the intimation factor to wear down, once you are astride the Ducati Monster 821. Whatever notions or concerns that you might have preconceived before you get on the motorcycle, the Monster 821 brushes them away with its friendly demeanour. Complete with state of the art technology and a sweet price tag, the Monster 821 stays true to its Italian roots while making itself accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts. Check out the First Ride Review of the Ducati Monster 821.
Best Cruiser - Ducati Diavel
Ducati has always tried to disassociate the Diavel from the term ‘cruiser’, preferring to call it a ‘power cruiser’. Never mind, until we get to lay our hands on the XDiavel we will continue to refer to it as a cruiser. This genre-shattering motorcycle in the past few years has become the last word in versatility. A comfortable tourer when you want it to be and a road scorching drag machine when the need arises. Check out the first ride review of the Ducati Diavel Carbon.
Best Superbike - Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
It might not look a lot different than the previous year’s model, but scratch the surface and you will be amazed. The 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R is miles ahead of its predecessor in terms of technology and the way it goes. And its performance on the race track is a testament to this fact. Kawasaki currently is on top of the leader board of the 2016 WSBK championship and is on its way to grab the title for the third time in last four seasons. Check out the First Ride Review of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
Best All-rounder (Money no object) - Aprilia Tuono V4 1100
We decided to create a new category to make sure that the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 ends up on this list. That’s how good this motorcycle actually is. One of the most docile and rider friendly litre-class motorcycles that we have ridden so far, the Tuono V4 1100 is a delightful pocket rocket which will take care of the race track and the street in the same stride. To sum it up, the Tuono V4 1100 is the bike that anyone from our team would plonk their money on if they won a lottery today. Need more convincing? Check out the first ride review of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100.
