BALLYMENAProvincewide Harley-Davidson16-24 George Street,Ballymena,Northern Ireland BT43 5AP0870 412 3065www.provincewide.com

BIRMINGHAMBirmingham Harley-DavidsonWaterlinks Motor Village,Lichfield Road, Aston,Birmingham B6 5RQ0870 412 3066

BRIDGWATERRiders of BridgwaterRiders House, Wylds Road,Bridgwater TA6 4BH0870 412 3067

BRIGHTONShaw Harley-DavidsonHolmes Hill, Nr Lewes BN8 6JA0870 419 3067www.shawharley-davidson.co.uk

BRISTOLRiders of Bristol519 Stockwood Road,Brislington,Bristol BS4 5LR0870 412 3071

CANTERBURYThe FoundryBroad Oak Road,Canterbury CT2 7QG0870 412 3069www.foundryharleydavidson.co.uk

CHESTERChester Harley-Davidson Stanney Mill Lane, Little Stanney, Chester CH2 4HY.0870 066 8639

CHESTERFIELDHarleyWorldStation Road, Whittington Moor, Chesterfield S41 9EX0870 412 3074www.harleyworldchesterfield.co.uk

DONCASTERSt. Leger Harley-DavidsonWoodfield Way, Balby,Doncaster DN4 8SN0870 419 3066

DORKINGSurrey Harley-Davidson285-293 High Street,Dorking RH4 1RL0870 412 3076

EDINBURGHEdinburgh Harley-Davidson14 West Mains Road,Edinburgh EH9 3BG0870 412 3075

GLASGOWWest Coast Harley-Davidson147-151 North Street,Glasgow G3 7DA0870 412 3202

GUERNSEYGuernsey Harley-DavidsonChurch Road, St Sampson GY2 4LN0870 412 3211

JERSEYJersey Harley-DavidsonGeorgetown Garage, Victoria Road, St Saviour, Jersey JE2 7QG0870 412 3209

LEEDSEddy Wright for Harley-Davidson217 Kirkstall Road, Leeds LS4 2AH0870 412 3204http://harleydavidson.eddywrightmotorcycles.co.uk

LONDON (CENTRAL)Warr’s Kings Road611 Kings Road,London SW6 3EJ0870 412 3208www.warrs.co.uk

LONDON (SOUTH EAST)Warr’s Mottingham Road16-20 Mottingham Road,London SE9 4QW0870 412 3210www.warrs.com

LONDON (NORTH EAST)Stadium Harley-Davidson2 Loxham Road,Chingford, London E4 8SE0870 412 3206www.stadiumharley-davidson.co.uk

MAIDENHEADThames Valley Harley-Davidson84 Altwood Road, Maidenhead SL6 4QB0870 412 3212www.thamesvalleyharley.com

MANCHESTERManchester Harley-DavidsonHempshaw Lane, St Mary’s Way,Stockport SK1 4LG0870 417 0398

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Just Harleys3 Dinsdale Place,Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 1BD0870 412 3203www.justharleys.co.uk

NEWMARKETBlack Bear Harley-DavidsonBlack Bear Lane,Newmarket CB8 0JT0870 412 3201www.blackbear.co.uk

NOTTINGHAMRobin Hood Harley-Davidson216 Queens Road, Beeston,Nottingham NG9 2DB0870 412 3079

OXFORDOxford Harley-DavidsonCorner House,Wootton Road,Abingdon OX13 6BS0870 412 3118

SOUTHAMPTONDockgate 20 Harley-DavidsonSecond Avenue, Milbrook,Southampton SO15 0LP0870 412 3077www.dg20hd.com

TOWCESTERSilverstone Harley-Davidson170 Watling Street,Towcester NN12 6DB0870 412 3072

UPPINGHAMSycamore Harley-DavidsonNorth Street,Uppingham LE15 9RN0870 412 3115www.sycamoreharleydavidson.co.uk

WATFORDThree Rivers Harley-DavidsonPinner Road, Bushey,Watford WD19 4EB0870 412 3068

WATERFORDWaterford Harley-DavidsonOzier Park, Waterford City,Waterford, Ireland(+353) 5184 4200

WOLVERHAMPTONChapel-Ash Harley-Davidson37-43 Chapel Ash,Wolverhampton WV3 0UF0870 412 3070www.chapelashharley-davidson.co.uk

Interested in professional rider training on a Buell® motorcycle? Then contact Rider’s Edge® Academy of Motorcycling for more information on 0870 412 3061.

WHERE TO FIND YOUR BUELL DEALERFor more information on Buell® motorcycles call direct on 0870 904 9984 or visit www.buell.co.uk

A Harley-Davidson Company.

BuellReprint2006BackCover 6/8/05 12:58 PM Page 1

SEPTEMBER 2005 REPRINT

WINNERTOP50CORNER IN

G BI

KES

September 2005

TOP 50 CORNERING BIKES

September 2005

TOP50CORNER IN

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Handling? Not exactly. We’re interested in the satisfaction of taking a corner, the thrill of balancing a bike through a turn, the buzz from driving out on the perfect line. With a little science, gentle maths and a panel of experts, we present the top 50 cornering bikes ever

Triumph Speed Triple 1050 April ia RS125 April ia Pegaso Strada Honda VFR750

Ducati ST3 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Triumph Daytona 650 Suzuki GSX-R600

Triumph Sprint ST Buell Lightning XB12S Ducati 749R Kawasaki ZX-6R

Ducati 900SS Triumph Speed Triple 955i

Honda VFR400R NC30

Ducati 999

BSA Gold Star BMW R1200GS

Ducati 916 BMW R1200RT Honda NS400R

Yamaha MT-01 Suzuki GSX-R750 Honda CB900F Hornet

Yamaha TDR250

Honda VFR750R RC30 KTM 990 Super Duke

Triumph Rocket III

Yamaha R6 Benell i Tornado

Ducati 851 Suzuki GSX-R750WT Suzuki SV650S

Yamaha YZF750R Honda CBR400RR Gullarm Laverda 750 Formula

KTM 950 Adventure Norton Dominator 99

Ducati 749

Kawasaki Z1000 Kawasaki ZXR400

Triumph TT600 April ia RSV-R Indian 101 Scout

Ducati 999R

MV Agusta Brutale S

Husaberg FS Supermoto 650e

Buell Firebolt XB12R

Kawasaki Z750

September 2005

TOP 50 CORNERING BIKES

September 2005

50 Yamaha TDR250£700-1800 »249cc parallel twin »44bhp »115mph

Mountain goat meets zinging TZR250 two-stroke power. »LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 5 »DRIVE OUT 4 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 40.6

49 Ducati 749R£13,995 »749cc V-twin »109bhp »160mph

Awesome lean angle and corner speed, but you expect it.»LEAN ANGLE 10 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 9 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 6 »OVERALL 41.0 45 Yamaha YZF750R

£2000-2600 »749cc in-line four »105bhp »149mphSet new standards when launched in 1993 and still has the ability to shock new machinery, even now. »LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 6 »OVERALL 42.0

44 Triumph Speed Triple 955i£2900-5800 »955cc in-line triple »118bhp »145mph

Last year’s 955i Hinckley streetfi ghter’s involving and satisfying, even if it’s ultimately no corner scalpel.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 7 »OVERALL 42.3

48 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5£8799 »999cc in-line four »159bhp »181mph

What? 48th? There’s no denying that the mighty’s Suzuki’s handling is superb, but then you kind of expect it to be good. And almost 160bhp is all too ready to hurt if unleashed in anger at full lean… »LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 10 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 7 »OVERALL 41.0

47 Kawasaki Z1000£7345 »953cc in-line four »118bhp »152mph

Reasonable lean and corner speed, but nice and involving in a fun, safe kind of way. Throw it about and treat it badly with confi dence. Bit bouncy at the rear, mind.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 42.0

46 Triumph TT600£2795-£3695+599cc in-line four+92bhp+149mph

Triumph’s fi rst middleweight sportsbike surprised everyone with its capable chassis giving excellent handling, but the engine desperately lacks exit drive.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 42.0

How we did it…What makes a great cornering bike is not straightforward. Yes, the latest, sharpest race replica may respond to the slightest movement and carry incomprehensible corner speed, giving it the most accomplished handling in its class. But an almost faultless and clinical ability may be too sterile, a touch removed from the rider. As if you’re just there to make up the sprung weight and keep the seat warm while the bike gets on with doing all the work.

How a bike feels, the satisfaction gained from balancing a machine through a turn and the sense of achievement you get from doing it are important too. Nothing else on the road can take the fairly basic task of changing direction and involve you so much or offers the same buzz as a motorcycle, so rider involvement is a vital part of the cornering process. That’s why a vast touring device that leans far more than it has any right to and surprises you on every ride may satisfy more than an accurate but slightly uninvolving sportsbike.

So we have two elements to consider – the physical cornering capabilities of the bike and the human element. There’s also one other key area to consider: the risk factor. The quickest-turning bike in the world would be of little pleasure to many if it wriggled like fresh-caught

salmon and got punted off line by suspect council road repairs. Equally, there’s a chance of testing the protection of your leathers when dealing with inadequate ground clearance, or trying to apply 160bhp to the road through a single, tiny contact patch.

The requirements for cornering heaven are, therefore, the right combination of cornering ability (lean angle, ease of turning, corner speed), rider involvement and the feeling of a bike delivering much more than anticipated, offset by a minimal risk of the untoward happening.

Which is where the maths comes in. If we rate a bike from one (very poor/low) to ten (truly outstanding/high) for a selection of factors, we can arrange them in an equation to let us calculate an overall corner rating. And it looks like this:

Example: Honda Hornet 900((6 + 8 + 6 +7 + 7) ÷ 4) x 7 = 59.5 overall rating

Obviously it would take an inconceivable amount of time and saintly patience to apply this equation to every motorcycle ever created. So we haven’t. Instead, we assembled a broad panel of experts of varying experience, preferences, backgrounds and abilities, then asked them to compile a list of bikes – with points awarded for each factor – based on their experiences. These selections were then combined and the equation applied in anger.

Steve Westlake Deputy editor of Bike, fast road rider with race pedigree and vast experience from Honda CG125 to Valentino Rossi’s Yamaha M1.

Chris Walker World Superbike racer, road rider, hero of British fans and former motorcycle mechanic. He’s ridden almost everything.

Mike Armitage Bike’s road tester, fast road and trackday rider, experience of every new bike introduced in the past five years. Likes big lean.

Koen Alders Test editor for Moto73 magazine in the Netherlands. Testing bikes for 11 and has ridden Honda and Ducati GP bikes.

Brian Crichton Associate editor of Classic Bike and possibly the longest-serving motorcycle journalist in the UK. If it’s been built, chances are that Badger has ridden it.

Simon Hargreaves Senior editor of Bike, journalist since the early Nineties. Likes big, fast, stable bikes and smooth, open corners. And speed. Likes that too.

Mat Oxley Ex-racer, TT winner, former-magazine editor, now Mr MotoGP. Ridden almost every bike of the past 20 years. Loves his wobbly scooter.

Hugo Wilson Edited Bike, now editor of Classic Bike. Has a huge knowledge of all things two-wheeled. Is as happy on a Laverda Jota as he is on a Suzuki SV650.

Simon Weir Assistant editor of Bike, likes steady, precise and (boo) comfortable bikes. Ridden lots of old nails as dispatcher and has strong views on what doesn’t work.

James Coyne Bike subscriber, has ridden a wide variety of bikes. Has recently owned a BMW R1100GS, Honda CBR600, Suzuki Bandit 1200 and Aprilia Falco.

JUDGES

It wasn’t an easy task, with prolonged argument, intense cross-referencing, various test rides and lots of late nights fuelled by finest takeaway cuisine. Even then there was further discussion and recalculation before everyone was happy. But eventually we had a final list and, with our cornering prowess calculator, a logical and deserving winner.

The Top 50 cornering bikes are presented here. Get yourself comfortable, read the results – and let the debate continue…

TOP50CORNER IN

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X I =ORLAP+F+MCS+ED+EERHF[ ]

LAP = Lean Angle Potential F = Flickability MCS= Midcorner Speed ED = Exit Drive EE = Exceeding ExpectationsRHF = Risk of Hospital Food I = InvolvementOR = Overall Rating

43 Ducati 999R£19,995 »999cc V-twin »139bhp »180mph

Staggering lean, corner speed and exit drive. But you’d expect it for £20k. A touch too effi cient?»LEAN ANGLE 10 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 10 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 6 »OVERALL 43.0

42 Suzuki GSX-R750 WT-WX£2100-3600 »749cc in-line four »117bhp »164mph

Tall, short, thin and designed to carve up racetracks. Almost as good as the current bike.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 6 »OVERALL 43.2

41 Triumph Speed Triple 1050£7699 »1050cc in-line triple »112bhp »151mph

Hinckley’s new street muscle now gets better forks, sharper handling and even more creamy exit drive. Can be a bit fl ighty.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 6 »OVERALL 44.3

40 Honda CBR400 Gullarm£1750-3500 »399cc in-line four »55bhp »120mph

Ah, it was only a matter of time. Compact dimensions and sharp handling mean import 400s can still cut it today. »LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 46.2

39 Honda VFR750R RC30£5000-7500 »749cc V-four »105bhp »150mph

Honda’s homologation racer was, and still is, stunning.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 46.3

38 Benelli Tornado£7999 »898cc in-line triple »116bhp »158mph

Fancy chassis components and very capable, but doesn’t suit all riders. Warbling exhaust and rich exit drive.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 48.0

37Ducati 916£3500-4650 »916cc V-twin »109bhp »160mphSaying the original 916 was a surprise is like referring to a hot poker

up your chuff as mildly uncomfortable. Tiny dimensions, underseat pipes and single-sided swingarm were cutting-edge. More importantly, it worked, with abilities way above the average rider. It was, and still is, fantastic – a pile of Superbike titles testament to its cornering prowess. But it’s not for everyone. During judging, deputy editor Steve put the Ducati and its later 996cc version top of his list, but road tester Mike doesn’t rate them: ‘Too compact for my expanding proportions, I can’t get comfy or relax, so I’m not confi dent.’

REMOVE THE EMOTION There’s a reasonable chance you’ve already noticed a few bikes in here that are a tad surprising, to say the least. A BMW R1200RT in 18th place? What gives?

As we’ve explained, the overall placings take account of a bike’s ability to exceed expectations, involve the rider… and its potential to leave you sampling NHS cooking. If we remove these emotion-based factors and judge the bikes purely on their lean angle, flickability, mid-corner speed and exit drive, this is how the bikes stack up based on the judges’ votes. Missing off the bottom, but all with a score of 32 were Suzuki’s GSX-R750 SRAD and both the original CBR900RR Fireblade and the current 1000RR version. Note the lack of trail bikes and cruisers…

»Ducati 999R Lean angle 10, Flickability 8, Corner speed 10, Drive 9 Total 37 »Buell Firebolt XB12R Lean angle 10, Flickability 8, Corner speed 10, Drive 6 Total 35 »Ducati 916 Lean angle 9, Flickability 8, Corner speed 9, Drive 9 Total 35 »Ducati 749R Lean angle 10, Flickability 8, Corner speed 9, Drive 8 Total 35 »Aprilia RSV-R Lean angle 9, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 9 Total 34 »Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 Lean angle 8, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 10 Total 34 »MV 1000 F4S Lean angle 9, Flickability 7, Corner speed 8, Drive 10 Total 34 »Kawasaki ZX-10R Lean angle 8, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 10 Total 34 »Ducati 999 Lean angle 9, Flickability 7, Corner speed 9, Drive 9 Total 34 »Triumph Daytona 650 Lean angle 9, Flickability 9, Corner speed 8, Drive 7 Total 33 »KTM Super Duke Lean angle 7, Flickability 10, Corner speed 8, Drive 8 Total 33 »Benelli Tornado Lean angle 9, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 8 Total 33 »Yamaha YZF-R1 Lean angle 8, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 9 Total 33 »Suzuki GSX-R750 K5 Lean angle 9, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 8 Total 33 »Buell Lightning XB12S Lean angle 8, »Flickability 9, Corner speed 8, Drive 8 Total 33 »Aprilia RS125 Lean angle 10, Flickability 10, Corner speed 10, Drive 2 Total 32 »Aprilia RS250 Lean angle 9, Flickability 9, Corner speed 9, Drive 5 Total 32 »Ducati 749 Lean angle 9, Flickability 7, Corner speed 9, Drive 7 Total 32 »Kawasaki ZX-6R Lean angle 9, Flickability 8, Corner speed 8, Drive 7 Total 32 »Yamaha YZF-R6 Lean angle 8, Flickability 9, Corner speed 8, Drive 7 Total 32

36 Yamaha YZF-R6£6599 »600cc in-line four »100bhp »159mph

Original bike was crazier than the annoying frog, with lightning reactions and a bit slap-happy. The 2005 bike is the best version yet, with improved manners.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 9 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 4 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 50.4

35 Laverda 750 Formula£2195-2895 »748cc parallel twin »80bhp »148mph

Capable chassis with good balance of involvement, conduct and easy drive. Rewarding, if the air-cooled twin doesn’t break down mid-turn…»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 51.8

34 Honda NS400R£1500-3000 »387cc V-three »55bhp »130mph

Tinny two-stroke with light chassis and composite wheels, much closer to a GP bike than its 500cc rivals of its era. Sniff the heady exhaust fumes and repeat: I am Wayne Gardner.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 52.5

33 Suzuki SV650S£4599 »645cc V-twin »70bhp »133mph

Easy to throw about and safe power delivery.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 5 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 53.3

32 Triumph Rocket III£11,999 »2294cc in-line triple »140bhp »135mph

More lean than other cruisers, big involvement.»LEAN ANGLE 2 »FLICKABILITY 2 »CORNER SPEED 2 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 9 »INVOLVEMENT 9 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 54.0

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 9 » FLICKABILITY 8» CORNER SPEED 9» DRIVE OUT 9» EXPECTATIONS 8» INVOLVEMENT 7» RISK 6 OVERALL 50.2

September 2005

TOP 50 CORNERING BIKES

September 2005

20 Honda VFR400 NC30£1000-2000 »399cc V-four »60bhp »125mph

Compact, jewel-like scale model of the 750cc RC30 racer with the same typical Honda handling refi nement. Not recommended for weight-lifters.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 59.5

31 Suzuki GSX-R750 K5£7649 »749cc in-line four »119bhp »169mph

The easiest GSX-R to use in ages also has excellent cornering abilities. But you’d expect it. More power than the 600 boosts the risk factor.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 54.6

30 Ducati 851£3500-4295 »851cc V-twin »89bhp »135mph

The bike that pushed Ducati back to the front in racing. Composed, capable and fulfi lling, it was top of World Superbike hero Chris Walker’s list. Says a lot.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 54.6

29 Aprilia RSV-R£4800-6375 »998cc V-twin »114bhp »164mph

The R version of Aprilia’s original RSV Mille, with swanky suspension and huge ground clearance. Many prefer this to the latest Factory.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 54.6

26 Ducati 999£11,250 »998cc V-twin »122bhp »163mph

More spacious than a 916, with the same ability to slice corners clean in two. Mildly lazy steering needs rider input or more rear ride height.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 9 »DRIVE OUT 9 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 56.0

25 Kawasaki ZXR400 L3-L4£900-1800 »398cc in-line four »60bhp »125mph

The most common Nineties 400cc import and still the club racer’s favourite. Goes where you point it with searing pace and no effort. Affordable too.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 4 »EXPECTATIONS 4 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 56.0

24 Kawasaki Z750£5445 »748cc in-line four »97bhp »138mph

Budget naked middleweight is based on the Z1000 with the same fun handling and agility, but with slightly less power to get you into trouble.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 56.0

23 Triumph Sprint ST£7799 »1050cc in-line four »120bhp »160mph

Sports tourer with strong sporting abilities. Big and long, but this gives stability when using all of the handling. Fast, safe, nice.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 6 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 5 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 56.0

»OVERALL 59.5

TOP TEN RACE BIKESNo, not on your favourite bit of B-road, but out on the racetrack. Simply the best

» Yamaha YZR250Yamaha’s V-twin was never the fastest 250 but it had stunning handling that allowed brave men like Kocinski, Lavado, Garriga, Nakano and Jacque to beat the faster Hondas.

» Honda NSR250Not as agile as the YZR, but the NSR was still a great handler. In fact, just about any 250 GP bike would make this top ten. They are, quite simply, the world’s best-handling bikes.

» Honda NS500Usually obsessed with horsepower, Honda used different thinking to create the NS500 triple. Lighter and nimbler than its four-cylinder rivals, the NS won the 1983 500 title.

» Honda RC211VPossibly the most intelligently designed race bike in history, the RCV was the first machine to really use the concept of mass centralisation for better handling and steering.

» Ducati 916The 916’s steel trellis frame gave more feedback than an aluminium beam frame and made it less susceptible to chatter. The V-twin’s torque also helped on corner exits.

» Honda NSR500Winner of ten riders’ 500 world titles, the NSR V-four knew a thing or two about going around corners. But riders had to use their skill to minimise its tendency to understeer.

» Yamaha YZR-M1Rossi surely wouldn’t have won the 2004 MotoGP title if the M1 didn’t handle, because it wasn’t as fast as the RCV. The 2005 M1 is much improved, much more rider-friendly.

» Ducati PantahThese little air-cooled V-twins used to make Japanese fours look silly in the early Eighties. Super rider-friendly, they ruled F2 racing on short circuits and the Isle of Man.

» Suzuki RGV500On a good day the RGV was the best-handling motorcycle in the world, especially with Kevin Schwantz on board. But it was a fickle beast that refused to co-operate at some tracks.

» Aprilia RSW250Well, it is a 250 and it’s won a bunch of world titles. The RSW was always a fine handler but it was a while before Aprilia got the best out of it by softening the too-stiff chassis.

28 MV Agusta Brutale S£10,500 »749cc in-line four »108bhp »147mph

Short, taut and rigid, it’s a sportsbike with the turn-in aid of fl at handlebars, giving sharp handling with easy control. This is not only one of the best looking naked bikes available, but also one of the most purposeful on a winding road. More fun and more rewarding than any of MV’s sportsbikes.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 55.5

27 Norton Dominator 99£2000-4000 »597cc parallel twin »45bhp »105mph

Smirk ye not. The Brit twin still hustles in the right hands, exceeding expectations with loads of involvement. There are large rewards to be had if you’re in the right frame of mind and not heading out to scrub in a new set of kneesliders.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 6 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 5 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 9 »RISK 5 »OVERALL 55.8

22 Honda CB900F Hornet£5999 »919cc in-line four »101bhp »140mphHousing an ageing FireBlade motor with its balls removed in a simple

backbone frame with basic suspension doesn’t sound like the way to make a hot bike, but the big Hornet is much more than the sum of its parts. Voted in the top ten by our overseas judge Koen Alders, of Moto73 magazine, the Honda is light, controllable and immense fun to hurl around. It may not lean like a 999R or buzz past an apex at light speed, but it doesn’t take someone of racer abilities to get deep into the 900’s potential. It’s one of those bikes you can jump on, throw about and get off grinning without a care.

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 6 » FLICKABILITY 8» CORNER SPEED 6» DRIVE OUT 7» EXPECTATIONS 7» INVOLVEMENT 7» RISK 4 OVERALL 59.6

21 1914 Royal Enfi eld£6000-10,000 »425cc V-twin »14bhp »55mph

Seriously. Vast payback for rider involvement with very little risk, as it’s so slow. Different cornering satisfaction.»LEAN ANGLE 2 »FLICKABILITY 4 »CORNER SPEED 4 »DRIVE OUT 3 »EXPECTATIONS 4 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 2 »OVERALL 59.5

19 Yamaha MT-01£9349 »1670cc V-twin »81bhp »125mph

It’s here for one reason – the satisfaction gained from committed rider input. A surprise handler.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 5 »CORNER SPEED 5 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 60.0

18 BMW R1200RT£10,710 »1170cc fl at twin »104bhp »144mph

Blimey, what’s this doing this far up the chart? It leans like an SV650S and fl icks about like a CB1300, with the stability of a full oil tanker. Put in the effort and it’ll show a clean pair of panniers to much sportier tackle. Exceeds all expectations.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 5 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 62

10 Husaberg FS Supermoto 650e£6200 »628cc single-cylinder »60bhp »105mph

On the right roads, with a suitably detached loon at the helm, it’s just unstoppable. High-quality suspension and top-notch brakes that could stop a wayward cruise liner, with plenty of wide-bar control. A fi re-spitting, barking bundle of two-wheeled lunacy.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 9 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 4 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 9 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 74.3

9 Aprilia Pegaso Strada£4999 »659cc single-cylinder »50bhp »106mph

Forget supermoto, think light, sporty street single with proper suspension, brakes and tyres. Aprilia are even cagey about rake and trail fi gures, claiming they give a new high in handling. Oooh – get them.»LEAN ANGLE 6 »FLICKABILITY 9 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 4 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 77.0

8 Buell Lightning XB12S£7745 »1203cc V-twin »87bhp »132mph

Buell’s slightly strange but amazingly good Firebolt, but with fl at handlebars and no fairing. Imagine a 250cc grand prix bike’s razor geometry thrown about by those bars – yes, that’s what it’s like.»LEAN ANGLE 8 »FLICKABILITY 9 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 8 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 80.0

7 1975 Ducati 900SS£3000-6000 »864cc V-twin »79bhp »135mph

Classic Duke renowned for it’s poise, stability and road-holding. Decent ground clearance too. Still used as a reference when the 851 was launched in the Eighties.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 4 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 7 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 82.7

6 Suzuki GSX-R600 K5£6599 »599cc in-line four »99bhp »156mph

Accommodating, familiar, inspiring and amazingly potent. Point, lean, gas, go. Take as much as you want, whether expert or novice, safe in the knowledge that the bike is more capable than you are. Probably. Top-end power rush doesn’t give the easy, controllable exit drive of other bikes though.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 84.0

5 BMW R1200GS£8650 »1170cc fl at twin »87bhp »136mph

Far more capable and involving than expected by anyone other than die-hard GS devotees. That a supposedly dual-purpose machine, on knobbly tyres, can deliver the tarmac cornering thrills and satisfaction the quirky Beemer does is unbelievable. No wonder it’s one of the best-selling bikes of the year. Don’t judge until you’ve ridden one.»LEAN ANGLE 5 »FLICKABILITY 6 »CORNER SPEED 6 »DRIVE OUT 6 »EXPECTATIONS 9 »INVOLVEMENT 8 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 85.3

4 1956 BSA Gold Star£4000-9000 »499cc single-cylinder »42bhp »110mph

Demanding, brilliant, temperamental racer on the road. Super-light, agile and the only choice for competition riders in the Fifties – it was the RC30 of its era. No, more than that – the Gold Star was even more special, a truly uncompromising race bike with lights, each one coming with it’s own dyno sheet. But we’re not getting all misty-eyed here – ride the BSA today and the lack of weight, responsive handling and intoxicating involvement will have you grinning from ear to ear. It may not be that fast and it is limited by tyres for the tall, skinny wheels, but it just doesn’t matter when you’re fi ring it down leafy lanes.»LEAN ANGLE 5 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 5 »DRIVE OUT 4 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 9 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 87.0

17 KTM 950 Adventure£8395 »942cc V-twin »89bhp »140mph

Knobblies? Yep, but it’s lissom, responsive and more capable than it should be, with plenty of ground clearance and a high rate of turn from thin, round-profi le tyres. Gratifying in a way sportsbikes aren’t.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 8 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 63

16 Kawasaki ZX-6R£7300 »636cc in-line four »106bhp »165mph

Behaves exactly as you would expect, being pin-sharp, precise and very fast when lent over. This is why, allied to the fact you don’t need to tell it what to do, it’s in 16th place.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 8 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 64.8

15 Ducati 749£8795 »748cc V-twin »92bhp »150mph

Heavier than rival 600s, with slower steering, but this means it needs more rider input and involvement, with the same poise, serious lean and exit drive potential as the bigger 999. Class, but not to everyone’s tastes.»LEAN ANGLE 9 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 9 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 7 »RISK 4 »OVERALL 64.8

14 Honda VFR750 FS-FV£2275-3095 »748cc V-four »100bhp »140mph

A doddle to ride, with abilities on a par with most riders. Drag the pegs in safety, chase a few GSX-Rs and go home feeling like you’ve got the best out of the bike, rather than having just been a passenger along for the ride.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 8 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 5 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 68.0

13 Ducati ST3£7495 »992cc V-twin »102bhp »146mph

Ducati handling knowledge applied to a sports tourer. Needs a few tweaks to unlock the potential though. ST4S offer the same, but with extra grunt from 996-sourced engine.»LEAN ANGLE 7 »FLICKABILITY 7 »CORNER SPEED 7 »DRIVE OUT 7 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 6 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 68.0

12 Indian 101 Scout£8000-15,000 »750cc V-twin »22bhp »80mph

Here purely because it rewards with complete and utter rider involvement. Lean angle? Corner speed? No.»LEAN ANGLE 3 »FLICKABILITY 5 »CORNER SPEED 4 »DRIVE OUT 3 »EXPECTATIONS 6 »INVOLVEMENT 10 »RISK 3 »OVERALL 70.0

11KTM 990 Super Duke£8345 »999cc V-twin »112bhp »151mph‘It’s like a BMX with a whacking great 1000cc engine bolted in,’

claimed Bike subscriber Nathan Simpkin, joining us on our July issue group test. And he was absolutely cock-on. Slender, superbly balanced and polystyrene-light, the dextrous little KTM changes direction quicker than an agitated insect dodging a fl ailing newspaper. Sportsbike geometry supplies the quick steering, controlled by wide bars giving leverage aplenty, and it fl icks about beneath you like, well, a BMX. Instant response from the punching twin fi res the bike out hard from an apex and it’s as handy dodging wayward pedestrians in town as it is annihilating favourite B-roads. It can get a bit fl ighty, but rewards a confi dent hand. Not a sedate motorcycle.

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 7 » FLICKABILITY 10» CORNER SPEED 8» DRIVE OUT 8» EXPECTATIONS 8» INVOLVEMENT 9» RISK 5 OVERALL 73.8

September 2005

3Triumph Daytona 650£6499 »646cc in-line four »102bhp »156mphProof that butch upside-down forks and fashionable

radial calipers on 600s are overkill. Triumph’s conventional front end offers suspension with an almost perfect blend of plush ride and racetrack composure, matched by an equally compliant rear shock and circuit-friendly geometry. For a modern supersport 600, the Daytona is also comfortable, with a sensible bar position (aiding fl ickability) and nice seat, making

it easy for anyone to use what they can of the bike’s excellent abilities. Novices don’t feel intimidating, more experienced riders can safely push the bike to their – or it’s – limits. And now the Daytona’s a torquey 650 there’s great exit drive and it even has more midrange than any of its Japanese supersports 600 rivals. Attack B-roads, slide gracefully along open sweeps or nail a trackday – the Daytona is even better than most anticipate.

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 9 » FLICKABILITY 9» CORNER SPEED 8» DRIVE OUT 7» EXPECTATIONS 7» INVOLVEMENT 7» RISK 3 OVERALL 93.3

2Aprilia RS125£3725 »125cc single cylinder »33bhp »93mphThe things this tiny two-stroke is capable of are always

astounding. The size and weight of a packet of fags, you can muscle it easily into doing anything you want. Brake to the apex, switch line at the last second, scuff sliders without hanging off or go around the outside on a trackday, the Aprilia won’t even break sweat. This has to be the nearest thing you can buy to a GP experience. There’s no exit drive but, if anything, the lack of

power purifi es the cornering ability, making bullet corner speed, crazy lean angle and nailing the perfect apex your aim at every turn. And with no weight or horsepower to overload the tyres and far more ability than most of us, there’s minimal risk as well. With the curb whistling past your ear, left foot hunting the right gear and tyres skipping off bumps, it’s utterly involving. If 33bhp isn’t enough, check out a used RS250 for almost the same cornering skill but nearly twice the power.

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 10 » FLICKABILITY 10» CORNER SPEED 10» DRIVE OUT 2» EXPECTATIONS 2» INVOLVEMENT 9» RISK 2 OVERALL 153.0

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September 2005

TOP 50 CORNERING BIKES

September 2005

It leans, leans and leans before the pegs eventually skim the surface BUELL FIREBOLT XB12R

Next day Armitage took off the peg ends and leant it even further. Honestly

1Buell Firebolt XB12R£7745 »1203cc V-Twin »100bhp »135mphAnd you thought it would be something from the mainstream. Erik Buell’s creation may be

oddball, yes, but it’s also supremely satisfying, gifted and rewarding through corners.

What we have is basically a lumpy, air-cooled, 1203cc Harley-Davidson engine housed in a tiny chassis with the geometry of a 250GP racer. It sounds like madness, but the method uses several innovative techniques to minimise weight and put what there is exactly where it needs to be for handling. Fuel is carried in the frame and the exhaust is under the engine to centralise the mass around the centre of gravity, oil for the dry sump engine is housed in the swingarm to dodge the need for an oil tank and allow a short wheelbase, while the brake disc is mounted to the rim to allow thinner spokes and lighter wheels. Pegs are high and narrow and there are no unnecessary features, no clutter, just the essentials for cornering perfection.

We love the Firebolt on Bike. It looks tall, short and thin, like a bike built to murder apexes… and it doesn’t disappoint. Road tester Mike Armitage: ‘It leans, leans and leans before the pegs eventually skim the surface, going at least as far over as an Aprilia RS125 or Ducati 999R and covering ground at an alarming pace. But it does it with much more stability and poise than the skittish Aprilia and takes far less effort than the longer, heavier, slower-steering 999R.’

But it isn’t just in the hooligan category that the American steed shines. Compared with a ZX-6R or the like, the bars are relatively high and quite close, allowing easy pushing and pulling for darting past obstructions and counter-steering

your way about the countryside. The thudding, slow-revving V-twin may not be everyone’s ideal motor – Moto73 magazine’s Koen reckons being ridiculously short with a weird power sensation of no revs makes it a fun ride, but he doesn’t rate the big mass of the engine. Or, more precisely, the heavy rotating internals. But though the vibrating, shuddering lump lacks a howling top-end rush, it does supply the expected, easily accessed torque that smears the rear tyre against the road and kicks the bike out of corners. It’ll pull strongly from 3000rpm, so it doesn’t matter if you miss a downshift – get your gear wrong on a 600 or a small two-stroke and your perfect corner is screwed. Not on this.

That isn’t to say the bike isn’t involving. Yes, it does all the above, but it needs a rider to tell it what to do – there isn’t the feeling of being a mere spectator to the cornering process as there is with, say, a Honda CBR1000RR. The whole machine feels alive and full of character, the rev range is quite short so it needs a bit of monitoring and there’s a barrage of feedback from the front forks. Do what it asks and it’ll change direction so briskly you feel as if your head is going to spin round.

So it leans for England (well, America) without fear of anything digging in or running off-line, responds rapidly to every input and carries huge speed, well within its safe limits with a predictable, effective yet gentle power delivery. It remains as stable and composed in fast turns as it is nimble and accurate in tight switchbacks, keeps you fully engaged while riding and does it all better than expected. And better than GSX-R riders expect when you pass them on their favourite winding road.

That does it for us. ■

SCORES» LEAN ANGLE 10 » FLICKABILITY 9» CORNER SPEED 10» DRIVE OUT 6» EXPECTATIONS 9» INVOLVEMENT 7» RISK 2 OVERALL 154.0

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