Sport Standard + Standard Motorcycles
Sport Standard + Standard Motorcycles are, like cruisers, bikes that are stripped bare with no bodywork, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “naked” bikes, though included in reviews and road tests of this category are some bikes with small fairings and windshields. But unlike cruisers, sport standards and standards have a more upright riding position and styling that can range from basic to sporty. Motorcycle guides state that they’re lighter, have more cornering clearance and are more performance oriented than cruisers. The term “standard” is used because they are versatile, general purpose motorbikes. Included in this category are “streetfighters,” tough–looking street bikes that are essentially sportbikes without bodywork.
2011 Aprilia Mana GT ABS Road Test
Bill Stermer
January 25, 2012
This 2011 Aprilia Mana GT ABS Road Test was originally published in the February 2012 issue of Rider magazine] Back when I learned to drive, most cars had a stick-shift transmission and drivers came to understand the relationship between clutches, gears and shifting points…which came in handy if they... Read more »
2011 Zero S Road Test
Rider Magazine
September 12, 2011
[This 2011 Zero S road test was originally published in the September 2011 issue of Rider magazine] by Donya Carlson, photography by Mark Tuttle Helmet, Jacket and Pants: Scorpion EXO-750, Kingdom Jacket and Empire Pants / Gloves: Shift / Boots: Harley-Davidson Hennie With gasoline prices out of control... Read more »
Ducati Reveals 2012 Streetfighter 848
Rider Magazine
September 12, 2011
Ducati’s first new-bike entry for 2012 is the Streetfighter 848, a brand-new addition to the Italian manufacturer’s naked sportbike family. Details are few so far, but Ducati says the lil’ Streetfighter is based upon a new 848 Testastretta 11° engine and chassis with revised ergonomics... Read more »
2011 Honda CB1000R Road Test
Rider Magazine
August 9, 2011
[This 2011 Honda CB1000R Road Test was originally published in the August 2011 issue of Rider magazine] photography by Kevin Wing Designed and built in Italy, the CB1000R features the angular, aggressive styling of many motorcycles born in that speed-obsessed country. My uncle Lanny is a veteran of AFM... Read more »
2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Road Test
Rider Magazine
June 14, 2011
photography by Kevin Wing [This 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Road Test was originally published in the June 2011 issue of Rider magazine] 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Many new bikes are awash in technical innovations. Today you can buy a motorcycle with keyless ignition that—by pressing a button—will reveal its... Read more »
2011 BMW F800R vs. Ducati Monster 796 vs. Triumph Street Triple R Road Test Comparison
Rider Magazine
June 7, 2011
photography by Kevin Wing [This 2011 BMW F800R vs. Ducati Monster 796 vs. Triumph Street Triple R Road Test Comparison was originally published in the April 2011 issue of Rider magazine] Left to right: Ducati Monster 796, Triumph Street Triple R, BMW F800R in action. Gathered around the shiny, all-knowing... Read more »
2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200X Road Test
Greg Drevenstedt
March 29, 2011
Three things I’ve never experienced on a Harley-Davidson happened at this press launch: riding on a racetrack, getting my knee down and seeing nearly 120 mph on the speedometer. But then again, the 2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200X isn’t your everyday Motor Company machine. With a modest race... Read more »
2011 Yamaha FZ8 Road Test
Rider Magazine
January 24, 2011
photography by Riles & Nelson [This 2011 Yamaha FZ8 Road Test was originally a Ridden & Rated in the April 2011 issue of Rider magazine] Here we go again. Yet another motorcycle clearly designed for the European market (it’s been sold there for a year) offered to Americans as if it was... Read more »
2010 Ducati Streetfighter S Road Test
Rider Magazine
July 19, 2010
photography by Milagro [This 2010 Ducati Streetfighter S Road Test was originally published in the July 2009 issue of Rider magazine] The 2010 Ducati Streetfighter S The Ducati Streetfighter S is a sexy, expensive machine. It’s like Tyler Durden in Fight Club: not a real bare-knuckles pugilist,... Read more »
2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic Road Test
Rider Magazine
May 26, 2010
photography by Rich Cox [This 2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic Road Test was originally published in the July 2010 issue of Rider magazine] Moto Guzzi has many notable styling achievements on its résumé. Recently, for example, there’s the exotic Griso cruiser, and radical MGS-01 racebike. In this author’s... Read more »
