2011 Motorcycle Review
With all the new motorcycles on the market today, composing a 2011 motorcycle review presents a challenge to find the best and most innovative bikes to consider for your next motorcycle. From the Ducati 1199 to the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special, it is clear that making a choice will be difficult. The easiest way to narrow down your search is to consider where and how you plan to ride your motorcycle, what your budget is, and what type of bike model you want. From here, you can review these great bikes from 2011 and consider which motorcycle best suits your needs and budget in the coming year.
Ducati 1199 Panigale
The Ducati 1199 Panigale earns its stripes as the so-called "superbike" finally delivers a long-awaited follow up to Ducati's best-selling 916. With a 195 horsepower engine that delivers 101.8 pounds of torque and a sleek 388 pound design (minus fuel), the Ducati 1199 is more than just a pretty face in the 2011-2012 bike lineup. As befits a newly crowned champion, the Ducati 1199 Panigale features an anti-lock braking system, traction control, a quick shifter that is electronically assisted, and a selectable power delivery, all contained within a compact design with accurate centering from the engine to the under belly exhaust system. There are three styles of the Ducati 1199 Panigale to choose from - the 1199, the 1199-S, and the 1199 Tricolore.
Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special
The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is a special bike indeed. Catering to the always-loyal crowd of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts but also reaching beyond to tap into the general bike market, the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special makes a bid to steal the under 35 bike crowd away from competing motorcycle companies. The Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is the first upgrade to the traditional V-rod lines in over a decade. The bike has fatter back tires, a sleek design and upgraded handling, and a 125 horsepower 1250cc Revolution V-twin engine, the Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special is poised and ready to steal market share and win hearts and new riders all the way into 2012.
Triumph 675 Street Triple R
The Triumph 675 Street Triple R motorcycle makes its way onto the motorcycle red carpet for 2011-2012 with a highly successful sales track record and a rather noticeable styling upgrade. Termed a "naked" bike for the unadorned side stylings that let the engine and innards speak for themselves, gone for 2011-2012 are the chrome accents, and they have been replaced with brushed steel, pentagonal headlights, and a tapered handlebar that all come together into a 416 pound middleweight bike with a three-cylinder engine that emits the bike's notable hum. The bike itself is exceptionally responsive on curves and gear shifts, and employs an upgraded "ignition map" throttle system that detects usage based on the position of the throttle rather than the position of the bike itself. This change results in a smoother ride without sacrificing speed, maneuverability, or responsiveness. Best of all, The Triumph 675 Street Triple R can accommodate riders of most heights and both genders with ease.
