Motorcycles Best Buys Guide

Motorcycles Best Buys Guide

• Best Cruiser - Triumph Rocket 3

  When it comes to cruisers it's clear that a majority of our reviewers think that British is best.

  Certainly when it comes to the Triumph Rocket 3.

  With this beast of a bike not only do you get the legendary Triumph styling and easy riding position you also get vastly improved performance, reliability and value for money.

  But that's not all.

  With the Triumph Rocket 3 you also buy into a little piece of history. This 2300cc machine, launched in 2004, is the largest production motorcycle in existence and with a massive 140 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque to propel you - you will feel like you own the open road. Since its launch, riders have fallen in love with it, the most powerful super cruiser yet.

  "Don't test ride unless you're prepared to part with the cash" says one while "Simply awesome" is another comment summing up the mood.

  Riders also testify to thousands of trouble free mileage. In fact, The Triumph Rocket 3 receives 100 per cent recommendations from reviews at Review Centre and praise from every conceivable angle.

  Not a bike for a novice rider though as our riders testify. All that power needs to be carefully handled but for the experienced bike enthusiast this is definitely a bike which is very special indeed.

  Main Specification

  • Engine - Liquid-cooled, DOHC, longitudinal in-line 3-cylinder, 12 valves
  • Capacity - 2294cc
  • Gearbox - 5-speed
  • Wheelbase - 1690mm
  • Seat height - 740mm
  • Dry weight - 320kg (704lbs)
  • Fuel capacity - 25 litres

• Best 125 - Honda CBR125R

  The great looking Honda CBR125R has been the firm favourite in the 125cc category since its launch in 2004.

  This Super Sport 125 keeps weight to the minimum thereby maximising power ratio and acceleration. While the highly rated fuel injection system also ensures smooth starting. Owner reviewers at Review Centre repeatedly recommend this slim sports bike for its value for money. It's quite a low price compared to similar 125s and provides excellent performance, including brakes, balance and cornering. It also has great controls and a comfortable seating position plus a build quality described as "bomb proof" by one satisfied owner.

  If you are looking for a high performance 125 then according to the overwhelming majority of owners you are likely to be satisfied with the Honda CBR125R.

  In particular, it's a perfect bike for young riders or newcomers to the biking fraternity.

  The latest model features a racier fairing with more aggressive lines based on Honda's popular bigger sports bike: the CBR1000RR Fireblade.

  Main Specification

  • Engine - Liquid-cooled four-stroke single
  • Capacity - 124.7cc
  • Gearbox - Six-speed constant-mesh gearbox with final drive by chain
  • Wheelbase - 1294mm
  • Seat height - 776mm
  • Dry weight - 115kg
  • Fuel capacity - 10 litres

• Best Sports Bike - Suzuki GSXR 1000

  This superbly balanced super light machine is the number one recommendation in our sports bike category, beating off competition from over 80 other sports bikes listed for review.

  Owners describe the Suzuki GSX-R1000 as the ultimate sports bike in every performance criteria. It offers an aerodynamic comfortable ride combined with amazing speed, power and a very controlled acceleration. Often bikers, many of them experienced riders, can hardly believe how powerful and sensitive the GSX-R1000's handling is.

  It's clearly a thrilling ride and should be considered as a purchase ideally by experienced riders only.

  "The best streetbike I have ever driven" says one. "Worth every penny" says another.

  Review Centre reviewers also describe beautiful ergonomic controls, smooth gears, fantastic suspension, brilliant grip on the road and decent fuel economy as other reasons you may wish to consider it. The classic sports looks don't do any harm either.

  The liquid-cooled GSX-R1000 went on sale in 2001 to replace the GSX-R1100. Successive models have received impressive updates - the current model features sophisticated engine mapping controls for even better performance and fuel efficiency.

  Main Specification

  • Engine - 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve
  • Capacity - 999 cc
  • Gearbox - TSCC6-speed, constant
  • Wheelbase - 1405mm
  • Seat height - 810mm
  • Dry weight - 166Kg
  • Fuel Capacity - 4.8 gal

• Best Tourer - Honda Goldwing GL 1800

  When it comes to tourers the Honda Goldwing is still the leader of the pack. If it's comfort you are seeking on a long journey then this is the one. Despite the Goldwing being such a mammoth bike with a huge 1832cc six cylinder engine, owners say it moves and handles extremely delicately. It is recommended by riders for its unparalleled levels of luxury, pleasure and stability on a long hike. According to bikers, many of whom have driven other big tourers, it really cannot be beaten.

  As well as power and comfort you get lots of luggage and carrying space plus the world famous cockpit with easy to use layout (illuminated at night) and cruise control. Depending on the model, there's also a good array of gadgets, including high quality 6 CD stacker system, heated seats and grips, sat nav, preload adjustment, electric reverse and digital radio.

  Although expensive, and probably appealing mainly to mature drivers, on account of the hefty prices involved (over £17,000 new), according to serious tourers the GL 1800 is the bee's knees. The GL 1800 was the 2001 update of the famous Goldwing. In 2005 Honda celebrated the Goldwing's 30th anniversary with a specially badged GL 800 commemorative edition.

  Main Specification

  • Engine - Liquid-cooled horizontally opposed six-cylinder
  • Capacity - 1832cc
  • Gearbox - Five-speed including overdrive, plus electric reverse
  • Wheelbase - 66.5 in
  • Seat Height - 740mm
  • Dry Weight -363kg
  • Fuel Capacity - 25 litres

• Best Scooter - Piaggio NRG MC3

  We have many highly rated scooters listed at Review Centre but the Sporty Piaggio NRG MC3 is the best recommended model with 60 positive reviews. According to owners the Italian manufacturer Piaggio has excelled itself with the Piaggio NRG MC3. This great looking scooter is ultra reliable, comfortable to ride, fast and fuel efficient.

  The liquid cooled engine provides great handling and acceleration while the impressive two disk braking system will keep you safe with instant braking. It will easily reach 60 - 65 mph when broken in. It comes highly recommended by first time riders.

  "A very reliable bike" and "The handling is amazing" are some of the plaudits from many young riders who love this scooter.

  Features include upside down motorcycle style suspension, sports race style dashboard and eye catching 13 inch alloy wheels.

  Reviewers at Review Centre claim you will not find a scooter anywhere that offers a better combination of build quality, performance, practicality, looks and value for money.

  Main Specification

  • Engine - Liquid cooled single cylinder
  • Capacity - 49.40cc
  • Gearbox - Twist and Go automatic
  • Wheelbase - 1,300 mm
  • Seat Height - 750 mm
  • Dry Weight - 76.0 kg
  • Fuel Capacity - 6.50 litres