Top ten bikes of the last twelve months as voted for by you

WITH everything from all-new models to retro-reboots of classic models, it’s been a good year for bikes and launches.

We’ve literally had it all, from the reawakening of a behemoth in the Triumph Rocket 3, to the most revolutionary and powerful Fireblade to date. And let’s not forget everything in between too!

So, we’ve been trawling the pageviews on the Visordown YouTube channel to figure out which new bike review you couldn’t wait to see from the last years’ worth of videos.

10. Honda CB500F and CBR500R

One of the best bikes Visordown had the pleasure of riding in 2019 was the baby sportsbike from Honda. The 500cc parallel-twin is perky and provides more thrills than a 47bhp motorcycle should. It handles sublimely, looks great and can be pretty much ridden everywhere flat out – what’s not to like!?

9. Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX

Updated for 2020, the Ninja 1000 gets sleeker bodywork, selectable riding modes, the best TFT dash on the market and of course, Euro5 compliancy. We went to Cordoba for the launch of this bike and found it to be a true allrounder, falling short in almost no areas at all.

8. Honda CB500X

The star of the show at the three bike 500cc Honda launch (CB500F, CBR500R and CB500X all got launched at one event) the A2 friendly adventure bike was the one that really stole our hearts. With new bodywork, revised suspension and an off-road spec 19” front wheel, whether it a dreary morning commute or a Sunday green-lane blast, this machine is up for the challenge.   

7. Kawasaki Z900

The Z900 gets a Z H2 inspired makeover for 2020, riding modes and a TFT dash that is easily read in day, night and even direct sunlight. With handling that’s sporty enough to excite, and a usable but not over the top 123bhp, the Z900 provides all the thrills of a supernaked, without any of the knife-edge dynamics of riding a 200hp machine.

6. Honda CB650R

Honda’s CB650 gets a Neo Sports Café makeover for 2020, slotting almost into its own little niche in the mid-weight naked sector. It may not be about to set anyone’s hair on fire performance-wise, but it is sweet handling and looks like nothing else in this segment.

5. BMW C400 GT

Surprisingly the BMW C400 GT has snuck its way into this top-ten and it’s the only scooter here! Adam Child covered this launch for us, and to sum it up he said: “If you’re not perturbed by the price and want a premium, attractive mid-sized Maxi-scooter, then look no further, you won’t be disappointed.”

4. Yamaha Ténéré 700

The mid-weight adventure sector gained an iconic name in 2020 with the return of the Ténéré to the UK roads. Built around the Yamaha CP2 parallel twin-cylinder engine, the Ténéré 700 mixes Dakar styling and an everyday ease of use that makes it as popular with urban commuters as it does with globe-trotters.

3. Honda CBR650R

With a Fireblade-alike makeover, the CBR650R had some big shoes to fill in 2020, as it picked up the rather sizable hole left in the range by the departing CBR600RR. Granted, it’s not as sporty as the race-bred CBR600RR, but it is supremely comfortable, as easy to ride and almost as quick given the conditions.

2. Triumph Rocket 3

Big bikes don’t come much bigger than the Triumph Rocket 3. Since the announcement that the bike was making a return, many assumed the new machine would simply be a Euro5 compliant re-style of the old machine. What we actually got was an all-new machine, sharing no components with the previous now deceased model. And with 165bhp and 163ft-lbs of torque, it definitely doesn’t disappoint on the road either.

1. Honda CBR1000RR-R SP

After a tumultuous few years on road and track, the Honda Fireblade has gone through its most dramatic and extensive update since its release in 1992. For 2020 the ‘Blade makes over 200hp, is dripping with electronics and even has aerodynamic wings that actually work. Is it the ultimate track weapon? Very possibly.