top speed

It'll never set your loins on fire, but the Varadero's a worthy workhorse with a hint of fun

A long acknowledged benchmark in the all rounder category, this sports tourer owes much to its sporting heritage and remains a good bet for reliability.

The bike that started off the whole GSX-R range way back in 1985 is still just as mad and bad as it was then, and the latest 2004 GSX-R750 K4-K5 model is, frankly, bloody brilliant.

If you want a fast, comfortable tourer it’s ok, but it’s no ‘Busa, ZX-12R or Blackbird beater

There's no bigger name when it comes to big sportsbikes than the FireBlade, and that was all the excuse we needed to line up every model since 1992 for a right good knees up at the wooded and wicked Oulton Park

The classic to get

Finally a bike that doesn't look like a Bertie's riding a mini moto. Yes it's the mighty CB1300 review

Another example of slick handling, high performance Cruiser chic from the house of Harley

The Rocket handles, cruises and flies like shit off a shovel! Owners won’t be disappointed – the next time you get blasted on the quarter mile from the lights, it may well be the big beast from Hinckley

From its massive 49mm forks to its 200mm rear tire, the Vulcan 2000 represents a flagship for Kawasaki and it’s a lot of motorcycle in every sense

If you really want a BMW cruiser, try the Montauk

Yamaha has always made the best Japanese cruisers, and the XV1700 Road Star shows it’s still out in front

Kawasaki has finally outdone Harley by going back to the cruiser roots and producing a gorgeous eye-catching machine with bags of torque, top build quality, performance and handling on a par with any rival

It really looks the part, but ultimately it fails to stir the soul as standard. Shame, ’cos those looks are ‘the real thang...’

It’s a good bike, but Honda’s own Valkyrie is a better looker and performer, so is Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod

Delivers a mixed message – looks like a streetfighter, is in fact a boulevard cruiser. Soft core motorcycle for those that want heavy metal with manners

The first Harley for years which is actually very different, while still being a Harley. Confused? Don't be, it's a great-looking, superb bike

Excellent price and good ride quality mostly out-weighed by cheap finish and lack of any real character. Bikes like this are as much about how they look and make you feel as how they are to ride

Honda out-retros Harley, but irons out character in the process

Decent looking, decent performing, decent all-round, without ever really being much more than that

Possibly even worth considering over and above the mighty Fat Boy, due to its lower weight and good performance (for a traditional Harley)

It's a Harley, but shinier

Possibly the best (affordable) entry point into Harley ownership

A big, thumping Harley in the grand old tradition, but the low price comes at the expense of finesse