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Best Bikes of 2003
By Eric Peters
In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," it was "four legs good, two legs bad!" But motorcycle riders have always known that two "legs" can be very good indeed!
Best "Retro Naked": Kawasaki ZRX1200R.
Its hulky '80s superbike looks, massive aluminum swingarm, and dual rear shocks set the big "Rex" apart from other large-cc sport bikes, even other big "nakeds," such as the Yamaha FZ1 and Suzuki SV1000. Striking in Kawasaki racing green with black and silver stripes (blue, silver, red, and black are also available), the $7,899 ZRX 1200R is powered by a 1200 cc, water-cooled, DOHC four based on the fearsome Ninja ZX-11--but tuned for massive (and best-in-class) midrange torque. This bike has the looks and attitude of the classic Eddie Lawson race-replica of the early '80s--in a 150-mph, modern superbike package. The Rex also has a more-forgiving ride than most "crotch-rocket" sport bikes, and because of its more-upright seating position, can be taken comfortably on rides of several hours without killing your back or your butt.
Best Beginner/Affordable Sport Bike: Suzuki SV650.
Most "starter" bikes are outgrown after less than 6 months, leaving their owners searching for another ride and the next step up before that first bike is even paid for. The $5,899 SV650 has the virtue of being a great first bike for the beginner or new rider, without being a beginner's bike. The liquid-cooled, 71-horsepower, 90-degree V-twin has big-bike power--and delivers performance sufficient to keep up with other 600 cc sport bikes: 0-to-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, 11.97 seconds to cover the standing quarter mile. That should be enough to keep most new riders entertained for a while! New for '03 is an SV650S model ($6,299) that adds plastic fairing to the basic package for less wind resistance during high-speed riding.
Best Bikes of 2003
continued
By Eric Peters
Best Full-Dresser/Cruiser: Indian Chief.
After an absence of almost 50 years, Indian motorcycles have returned. The "alternative Harley" features a rumbly, 100-cubic-inch, 45-degree V-twin; beautiful 60-spoke chrome wheels with whitewall tires; and six 1950s-style two-tone paint schemes--including Volcano Red. There's also the stylized Indian "Chief" on the front fender: He glows at night to light your way down the warpath. At $26,995 before adding options such as saddlebags or extra chrome, the Indian Chief is even more expensive than a full-dresser hog (the affectionate term for a Harley). But the thumbs-ups and envious stares you'll get as you cruise on by in this 700-pound piece of rolling Americana are priceless.
Best Middleweight Sport Bike: Honda CBR 600RR.
A street-legal race bike based on the Honda RC211V, the CBR 600RR is just about the quickest way to get through the quarter mile (10.68 seconds at nearly 130 mph) or hit 160-plus you'll find for only $8,599. Every feature of this extreme machine has been designed to maximize all-out performance, right down to the use of weight-shaving plastic material for the headlight assembly rather than glass. Or consider the unusual "center-up" exhaust system that exits under and directly behind the rear seat, rather than on the side, to allow for severe cornering angles. This bike also features dual-stage electronic fuel injection; a close-ratio, six-speed gearbox; fully adjustable, 45-mm front forks; and beefy 120/70 ZR-17 front and 180/55 ZR-17 rear tires.
Best Dual Sport/Trail Bike: Kasawki 250 Super Sherpa.
A trail bike that doesn't need to be trailered, the Kawasaki Super Sherpa has a torquey four-stroke, single-cylinder, 250 cc engine that's air-cooled, so no need to hassle with periodically changing the coolant--and no need to worry about punching a hole in the radiator 30 miles from the nearest paved road. The fully street-legal Super Sherpa also features electric start as well as front and rear disc brakes--and, at just 249 pounds, is exceptionally light and easy to ride. At $3,999, the Super Sherpa is also one of the most-affordable 250 cc dual-purpose bikes currently available.
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