Honda

When I took it out for a spin I was impressed. Here was a machine with a fast, but torquey motor and with a really positive front end to it.

Supreme top speed tourer that will impress with its performance and civility.

Don't be fooled by the looks: the furthest this bike will go offroad is to the end of your driveway

Neat, quick, and well-thought out update for a firm favourite

Angular, aggressive and arguably the least conservative bike to come out of the Honda factory in a very long time, the CB1000R was one of only a handful of bikes that got me properly excited when it was launched towards the tail end of 2007.

When I’m asked what is the best race bike I’ve ever ridden, my answer is unquestionably the Honda RVF750. It had smooth power but was rapid, handled like a dream and was ultra stable into the bargain. The first time I rode one was practicing for the Suzuka 8 Hour in 1987 while I was contracted to HRC in 500 GPs.

The 2008 Fireblade CBR1000RR does everything it says on the tin, but lacks a wow factor.

�� Let’s cut to the chase. The DN-01 looks like nothing else on Earth. I like it. A lot. It will get you noticed and it is a vision of the future, with its organic, sweeping lines, pull back bars, single-sided swingarm, chunky rear hoop, and chilled-to-the-bone riding position.