Popular Mechanics lists the 10 best buys of 2012

[Dodsfall]

Popular Mechanics has been around for just about as long as the motorcycle itself. Motorcycles, being of interest to the mechanically-minded, have long been a feature of the magazine. Articles such as “Jay Leno's Garage” have featured classic motorcycles, but one of the most anticipated articles of the year for riders is the best buys list.

The motorcycles on the list this year:

1. Ducati Monster 696- At $8495, the 80 horsepower 696 is the easiest way to get riding on the Italian legend.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/ducati.jpg

2. Aprilla Shiver 750- Slightly larger than the Monster 696, which taller riders may appreciate, the $9499 Shiver is another take on the naked sport bike theme.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/aprilla.jpg

3. Harley Davidson Iron 883- Dark custom is the new black. The $7999 Iron has been one of the most popular new additions to the Harley Davidson lineup.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/sportster.jpg

4. Honda Shadow RS- Known as Honda's answer to the 883 Sportster, the $8240 RS has made a splash in the mid-sized standard market.
http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/rs.jpg

5. Triumph Bonneville- One of the few classic standard-style motorcycles still produced, the $7699 Bonneville has retro fans raving.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/Bonnie.jpg

6. Star Stryker- The 1304cc V-twin Striker is a bargain at $11,090. The long, low cruiser should give Honda Fury shoppers a double-take when comparing prices.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/star.jpg

7. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS- Updated for 2012, the V-Strom is still making waves since it's launch in 2003. At $8299, it comes in at the lowest retail price of the naked bikes on the list.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/vstrom.jpg

8. Kawasaki Ninja 250- The venerable Ninjette has been one of the most popular motorcycles for many years. With superb handling and a $3999 price tag, it's hard to beat.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/ninja.jpg

9. Yamaha FZ8- The 779cc inline four FZ8 makes more than 100 horsepower. This motorcycle retails at $8690 and should give Aprilla and Ducati some competition in the naked bike field.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/fz8.jpg

10. Zero XU- The only electric motorcycle on the list, the $7695 Zero has a very limited range of 48 miles between charges. If ridden near the top speed of 65 MPH, the range decreases by about half. Careful planning may be needed for the commute.

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww183/iamposthuman/Blog%20posts/Zero-1.jpg

[Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/the-10-best-buys-in-2012-motorcycles?src=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pm%2Fautomotive%2Froad_trips+ %28Automotive%3A+Road+Trips%29#slide-1)]

[Squally]

Is the inclusion of that Zero XU a joke?

With a range of 24-48 miles it has very little in the way of being practical as a daily commuter, and it's UGLY!

The way I see it, our vehicles can be impractical and beautiful (like a Ferrari), or extremely practical and not so great looking (like a Prius...apologies to Prius owners for any offense)...But they should never be Impractical and Ugly...The Zero XU nailed both qualities.

Just because it's electric shouldn't automatically earn it a spot on this list.

[steveCC]

Right Squally,
Electric manufacturers are gonna have to offer some guts and looks if they want to sell their products.

[Nitelord]

Looks like it has room for a flat screen on the side of the bike. That would be handy at a tail gate party. :D

Maybe mount a solar panel there for extended range..