Visordown's Top 10 most read bike reviews of 2014
Who's reading what?
WE'VE had our suspicions about which bikes of 2014 are the most popular, but here are the facts. Find out what others are reading in this Top 10 list of the most-read bike reviews on Visordown.
Oh, and if you're expecting to see a plethora of litre sportbikes, you may be disappointed...
10. Honda CB650F: 20,891 views
Whilst it may be down on power compared to its predecessor the Hornet 600, the 87hp CB650F can be legally restricted to 48hp for A2 motorcycle license holders. It likes to be revved hard and offers genuine excitement for experience motorcyclists without frightening off would-be riders.
First ride: Honda CB650F review
9. KTM 1290 Super Duke R: 22,035 views
The 1290 Super Duke R is the best-fuelled, most tractable, usable naked KTM we’ve ever ridden. KTM just forgot to talk about that because they were seemingly too busy uploading videos of it producing marathon-length rolling burnouts and when they weren’t doing that, they were spreading rumours of it breaking into old ladies’ houses, not tipping the waiter and generally being a menace to society. Huge power, great suspension, powerful brakes and a sophisticated electronics package - willing to pay £14,000 for it?
First ride: KTM 1290 Super Duke R review
8. BMW S1000R: 26,300 views
The S1000R produces a claimed 160hp, less than the RR, but it makes more torque across almost the entire rev range. It handles brilliantly and the electronics aren't as intrusive as on the KTM. Many will argue it's not the best looking bike but nobody can say you don't get value for money. At only £9,990 you have to wonder why anybody would buy any other super naked.
7. 2014 BMW R1200RT: 26,461 views
Failing rear suspension aside…the R1200RT is a high-powered luxury yacht of a motorcycle and now more sophisticated than ever. Despite its 274kg bulk it moves with surprising swiftness thanks to its semi-active suspension and grunty liquid-cooled boxer-twin engine. If you can think it, the RT probably has it. It's capable of providing inter-continental travel in majestic comfort.
First ride: 2014 BMW R1200RT review
6. 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure: 33,642 views
BMW broke decades of tradition in 2013 by introducing its first liquid-cooled boxer engine on the R1200GS. It then made its way into the Adventure model, which gets traction control and optional semi active suspension for 2014. It's a bike that makes you want to ride around the world, if not altogether off-road, then at least by lesser-known routes, and maybe without a map.
First ride: 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure review
5. Honda NC750X: 34,825
With a 75cc capacity boost over the old model up to 745cc, the new NC now makes 54hp. It may not be the most characterful motorcycle with it's Honda-esque DCT gearbox and low-revving engine, but with its socially acceptable nature it could be exactly what motorcycling needs to attract novices and lapsed riders.
First ride: Honda NC750X review
4. 2014 Honda VFR800: 39,534 views
The 2014 VFR800 has been so heavily revised that it's practically an all-new model. The sleek new looks are complimented by new suspension front and rear, new wheels, and the underseat exhausts have been replaced by a single can on the right. In fact, according to Honda almost everything has been changed for 2014 except for the main frame. If you're an early VFR purist, this is the upgrade you've been waiting for.
First ride: 2014 Honda VFR800 review
3. BMW R nineT: 39,664
Covered in brushed and varnished aluminium, none of which is plastic in disguise, as a styling exercise it should have even the Italians taking note. The first batch of 2,500 R nineTs sold out immediately, a good indication that BMW got the bike just right. It's as accomplished as you'd expect a 2014 bike to be, but with a traditional character you couldn't normally hope for.
First ride: BMW R nineT review
2. Yamaha MT-07: 40,361 views
Undercutting the competition by a considerable margin, the MT-07 offers a ton of smiles for not that much money. Suzuki has had to slash £1,000 of the price of the Gladius just to compete, Kawasaki has done something similar with the ER-6. It's so easy to ride, the Department for Transport should do away with all this A1 and A2 licence nonsense and make learners have a go on the MT-07. If they fall off, they don't get a licence. Ever.
