eGO Cycle 2 Classic

A perfect, stylish fit for an ecologically minded rider, though it's also great for RV or camping trips. The motor produces 2hp and is powered by 24 volt batteries. It's sturdy at 140 pounds and will carry a combined 250 pounds in rider and cargo weight. Range is good at 25 miles and it will hit 18 mph at the top end. Large wheels at 20-inches make this one a pretty utilitarian ride. Recharge time is about six hours while running costs are about eight cents a mile.

BMW K1600GTL

The K1600GTL is now BMW’s premier sports tourer and puts the big machine right in the firing line of bikes like the Honda Pan-European, and the Honda GoldWing. Over the GT it comes with a massive top case big enough to swallow two full size helmets, the same panniers as the GT, plus it gets lower and further back handlebars, lower footrests, lower pillion footrests and a more luxurious pillion seat. Yet despite those small changes the extra weight and riding position of the GTL makes it feel very different.

Engine

The six-cylinder engine is so smooth a baby could sleep on it. Zero vibration, tons of torque, a soundtrack unlike any other bike and the ability to chug along at any revs in top gear. Put simply, it's the most amazing bike engine anyone has ever built. Five stars aren't enough. But where the GT is all about that engine, revs building high, going fast and slicing through the countryside, the GTL is more about taking a relaxed pace.

Ride and Handling

This bike is still incredible, just not quite so accomplished as the GT when it comes to covering ground fast. The extra weight over the standard GT means it suffers slightly on bumpy roads but for its sheer size this bike is an amazingly accomplished mile muncher. Sit back, take in the touring way of life and there are few things you’d rather be sat on top. Except for maybe the K1600GT.

Value

 £17,000 is an awful lot of money, but when you think that essentially you’re buying a bike with the performance of a sports car but the comfort of an estate car, then it’s not too bad, all considered.

Equipment

 With more kit than your average high specification 5-series car, there are more extras on this bike than anyone will ever need. Over the GT, it comes with a massive top case big enough to swallow two full size helmets, the same panniers as the GT, plus it gets lower and further back handlebars, lower footrests, lower pillion footrests and a more luxurious pillion seat. There’s riding modes and options on adjustable electronic suspension, stereo, heated seats, Sat. nav.... you name it.

Specifications

Top speed	140mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	160bhp
Torque	ftlb
Weight	348kg
Seat height	750mm
Fuel capacity	26.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	200 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1649cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled inline six cylinder, 6 gears
Frame	Cast front frame with aluminium extruded sections, engine as a stressed member
Front suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable with option for electronic adjustment
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable with option for electronic adjustment
Front brakes	2 x 320mm discs, BMW four-piston callipers
Rear brake	Single 320mm disc, BMW two-piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/55 x 17

Honda CBR600RR

Honda have hit back hard with the track focused CBR600RR. They want their 600 crown back and after our first initial ride it seems they’ve done it. They’ve rectified the old motorcycle’s weak points, namely lack of midrange and weight. The Honda CBR600RR is now the lightest in the class, and has much more midrange and razor sharp handling.

Engine

The old Honda CBR600RR really lacked midrange between 7000rpm to 10,000rpm but the all-new 2007 model Honda CBR600RR has had an injection of midrange which makes it punchier. You really notice the extra drive out of slow to medium corners. At the top end Honda have only managed to strain a few more bhp, that should bring it up to speed with the competition.

Quality and Reliability

Hondas means quality and the older Honda CBR600RR seemed bullet proof. Even slightly tuned, poorly maintained race motors seem to last, even when they are thrashed week in and week out. We can’t see any reason why the new Honda CBR600RR should be any different.

Ride and Handling

Honda has shortened the wheelbase and tightened up the steering to make the Honda CBR600RR far sharper. Combine that with the reduction in weight and it all makes the new Honda CBR600RR a formidable track tool. It steers so well, you can really flick the motorcycle around and there so much feedback from the front tyre you can carry loads of brake into the turn.

Value

 At just under over an estimated £7,500 the new Honda CBR600RR is not a cheap motorcycle. Suzuki’s GSX-R600, for example, is considerably cheaper. But out of all the 600cc supersports motorcycles the Honda CBR600RR always seems to hold its money and due to the high standard of components and general build quality. The Honda CBR600RR will still look like new in a few years time and should make it far easier to resell,

Equipment

The Honda CBR600RR's MotoGP styling is sleek in the flesh and typical Honda build quality runs all the way through. The suspension is fully adjustable front and rear and you can feel every half turn or click. Unfortunately you don’t get a slipper clutch as standard on the Honda CBR600RR, unlike its Japanese competition.

Specifications

Top speed	165mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.1 secs
Power	118bhp
Torque	48.7ftlb
Weight	186kg
Seat height	820mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	599cc
Engine specification	16v liquid cooled four cylinder, fuel injected, 6 gears
Frame	Twin spar aluminium
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, compression, rebound
Front brakes	2 x 310mm radial four pot
Rear brake	220mm disc single pot
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17

Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R

Suzuki have played around with the GSX1300R Hayabusa’s styling without losing the original’s looks and character, as a result the new Suzuki Hayabusa looks really sleek. Engine capacity had increased and so has power and torque. Handling hasn’t been significantly improved, more a gentle step forward however the brakes are a miles better, and about time.

Engine

The Suzuki Hayabusa has possibly the post powerful production engine on the market, alongside the Kawasaki ZZ-R1400, Suzuki are quoting 194.bhp and 115ftlb of torque for the Hayabusa. The motorcycle isn’t restricted in the lower gears its full power all the way to the 186mph speed limiter.

Quality and Reliability

Cosmetically the Suzuki Hayabusa has been tweaked, especially the back end, and there’s a noticeable difference in the quality of finish. I like the new look, the quality of finish is top shelf, paint is deep, much improved over the original Hayabusa. Being a Hayabusa reliability is unquestionable.

Ride and Handling

Not much has changed on the new Suzuki Hayabusa: same wheelbase, rake and trail. However the shock and front forks have been upgraded and the swing arm strengthened. Thankfully the Hayabusa’s brakes are now radial and do an excellent of stopping the big girl, without any fade even on the track. As you expect from the Suzuki Hayabusa you can’t fling it around but if you ride smoothly it’s very rewarding and with a few tweaks makes a decent track motorcycle

Value

£9000 for arguably the fastest production motorcycle on the planet, that will be enough to see the new Suzuki Haybusa top the sales charts. Quality of finish has vastly improved; it looks sleeker, but still retains that essential Suzuki Hayabusa character

Equipment

 Fully adjustable suspension front and rear comes as standard on the new Hayabusa and like every new big Suzuki motorcycle there’s a three-way power switch limiting power. It’s not just a gimmick you really notice the difference between the power modes, making the Hayabusa less of an animal than before.

Specifications

Top speed	186mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.2 secs
Power	194bhp
Torque	115ftlb
Weight	220kg
Seat height	805mm
Fuel capacity	21 litres
Average fuel consumption	45mpg
Tank range	180 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1340cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four
Frame	Aluminium Twin Spar
Front suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Front brakes	2 x 310mm discs, four piston radial calipers
Rear brake	260mm disc with single piston
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17