Motorcyclist Magazine MOTY Awards for 2008

[ds06nomad]

The various categories:
1.MOTY (Motorcyle of the Year): Kawasaki Versys.
2. Best Sportbike: Honda CBR1000RR with Ducati 848 as the Alternative.
3. Best Adventure Bike: BMW R1200GS with BMW F800GS as the Alternative.
4. Best Touring Bike: Kawasaki Concours 14, with Honda Goldwing as Alt.
5. Best Naked Bike: Suzuki B-King with Triumph Street Triple as Alt.
6. Best Dream Bike: Ducati 1098R with H.D. XR1200 as Alternative
7. Beat Bang for the Buck: Kawasaki Ninja 250R with Kaw.KLR650 as Alt.
8. Best Cruiser: H.D. FSDF "Fat Bob" with Yamaha Raider as Alternative.
9. Best Dirtbike: KTM 690 Enduro with Suzuki RM-Z450 as Alternative.
10. Best New Technology: Piaggio MP3 with Vectrix Electric Maxi-Scooter as Alt.

11. Best New Product: Forcefield Body Armor with WIKI Designs Photochromatic Faceshield (changes clear to tinted like eyeglasses) as the Alt.

And...
12. Best Long Rangers (comparing these 4):
#1 Honda Goldwing
#2 Victory Vision
#3 H.D. Ultra Classic
#4 Triumph Rocket III.

All this according to Motorcylist Magazine's September 2008 issue.

FWIW,
Daryl

[ponch]

As far as touring goes, there are a few bikes that could have been on that list instead of the rocket III...

Hey, you all noticed that the Nomad showed up in "Smart Money" again, right?

It's nice to see Kawasaki make the "best of" list, even if the Nomad doesn't.

If they had a category for "Best Value in a Chrome Laden Cruizemobile" She'd win hands down.

XR 1200 WTF!!! For a dream bike ugh! I have stopped reading the mags. They just frustrate me with their minds so solidly formed in advertising. I'm going to make an obvious statement here. EVERYTHING IN A MAGAZINE IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT MONEY. ALL MAG EDITORS CAN BE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR!!!!

[rksaw]

I'd like to know where some of these mags get their writers...what are they thinking? I don't really think that they reflect those of us in the real world. Either that or my taste is exceptionally different than those of the writers. (Yeah, maybe I'm a little opinionated.)

[ponch]

The one thing they do, is ride many more different bikes and types than we do. It would be a fun job, and you'd probably have your eyes opened if you got to ride a lot of different bikes. The other thing to remember is most of the MC magazines are on the left coast.

Originally Posted by rksaw

I'd like to know where some of these mags get their writers...what are they thinking? I don't really think that they reflect those of us in the real world. Either that or my taste is exceptionally different than those of the writers. (Yeah, maybe I'm a little opinionated.)

[Kawhead]

You said it all ponch. Nothing left to say.

[gopjohnny]

XR 1200 WTF!!! For a dream bike ugh! I have stopped reading the mags. They just frustrate me with their minds so solidly formed in advertising. I'm going to make an obvious statement here. EVERYTHING IN A MAGAZINE IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT MONEY. ALL MAG EDITORS CAN BE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR!!!!

I dont think you can even buy that bike in the USA

You can't.

But please remember that the term "dream bike" implies that the machine chosen is not practical, relaible, affordable, or available. It's smoke and mirrors on two wheels. It's the thing you should be careful about wishing for because you just might get one.

[jayc]

Originally Posted by ponch

As far as touring goes, there are a few bikes that could have been on that list instead of the rocket III...

rocket is uuuugggly

[Netnorske]

One of the mag reviews I read before buying my '08 Nomad was a three-bike comparison in Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine. The review was a year or two old I believe.

It compared the HD Road King, Yamaha Tour Deluxe and the Nomad. It was a long ride (like 1500k or something), where three riders changed bikes every 50 miles or so.

In the end they compared notes and all three raved about the Nomad for overall handling and top-end roll-on power. I think for shear ergonomics they liked the Tour Deluxe.

Although they liked the Road King the least for power, comfort and handling...they gave it a nod for having the most aftermarket add-ons available....

While you guys are right....reviews can be slanted as many ways as baseball statistics...they CAN actually be helpful, but you sometimes need to read between the lines.

When I first started reading it, I was already leaning toward the Nomad. That review kind of sealed the deal for me.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by caddmannq

You can't.

But please remember that the term "dream bike" implies that the machine chosen is not practical, relaible, affordable, or available. It's smoke and mirrors on two wheels. It's the thing you should be careful about wishing for because you just might get one.

My "dream bike" is sitting in the garage. 2007 Red/Titanium Nomad.

I really could care less what a magazine article says or not. I am also glad everyone does not ride a Nomad.

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

My "dream bike" is sitting in the garage. 2007 Red/Titanium Nomad.

Yes, quite obviously our dream bike and their dream bike are worlds apart.