If it’s Thanksgiving, it’s definitely time for tryptophan to come into play, and MO’s coveted annual motorcycle award. When we head into 2022, why not take a moment to look back at all the bikes that won trophies 10 years ago in 2011.

Motorcycle of the year BMW K1600GT/GTL

BMW’s new K1600 platform is impressive, whether it’s discussing its marvelous inline six-cylinder engine, its lengthy list of technologically advanced features, or the fascinating sports performance of its size-comfortable touring mount. And, surprisingly, the foundation of the K16 allows it to compete with luxury touring bikes and serious sports touring bikes at the same time. When compared with Kawasaki’s Concours 14, the K16GT is considered the best sports touring bike, and the slightly looser K16GTL makes Honda’s Gold Wing wore heavier and heavily worn boots that are faltering in this comparison.

The most striking thing about the K1600s is its fascinating in-line six-cylinder engine. The 1645cc power unit is proven to have incredible deep well power while being very stable. Since the early 1980s, I-6 has not appeared in the motorcycle world. BMW uses advanced architecture and a relatively small bore to create a much narrower engine than Honda CBX or Kawasaki K1300, allowing for steeper inclination angles and Rigid aluminum frame allows. As a bonus, it may be the sweetest exhaust sound of any mass-produced motorcycle.

However, the beautiful and powerful engine is only part of the wonderful travel package, which performs well in terms of comfort, handling, and many standard and optional facilities, some of which are unique to the K16. BMW's clever and effective perspective-angle adaptive headlights and innovative multi-controller handlebar wheels left a deep impression on us. The swing-out wind deflector in the fairing is elegant, simple but very effective.

Although the GTL is not as comfortable as the Gold Wing, and the GT is heavier and more expensive than most large sports wagons, both machines expand the possibilities and functions of these two categories. GTL's pricing and Gold Wing's competitiveness is another major achievement of the German brand. K16 is amazing, spectacular, attractive, powerful and efficient, and easily won our annual motorcycle award.

Related reading Best of 2010 Best of 2009

Ducati Diavel Motorcycle Honor Award of the Year

Although BMW's K1600 platform greatly expands the definition of touring motorcycles, Ducati has completely separated the cruiser category from the controversial but strangely attractive new Diavel. Ducati has opened the limits of cruisers. "I really believe we will open up a new market segment," Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio told us during Diavel's US debut, and you can read it here.

Compared to any other Ducati, Diavel’s front studs and rear pull-out handlebars absolutely lean towards the cruiser world, stretched and slammed packages and fat 240mm rear tires make it the most unique Ducati ever . Roller tires and loose ergonomic kits conceal the surprising sports machine, which is a real asset for older sports riders who have moved from the torture rack layout of bicycles such as the Ducati Superbike series.

Diavel ("devil" in Bologna) has become a commonplace in the high-end cruiser field due to its spectacular fit and finish, and attention to detail. Aluminum body panels add luster to the fuel tank and tail, and the rear cockpit is cleverly hidden, using folding footrests and handles that slide out from the storage area above the taillights. The rear end is cleaned by using a single-sided rocker arm and a side outlet exhaust pipe, and is closed by a streamlined taillight and LED turn light bar. A stylish steel trellis license plate bracket extends from the rear rocker arm, with a customized touch that further cleans up the rugged rear end.

But most importantly, this is a "cruiser" with an extremely high level of performance. It would look great in a local cafe, but it's just a home on a canyon road or race track. With a usable tilt angle of 41 degrees, it can go deeper into corners than the sporty HD XR1200X, and is slightly less than 500 pounds when full of fuel. It weighs less than any cruiser above 750cc we can think of. . Diavel's 1198cc V-Twin produced more than 130 horses on the fat rear meat, enough to make the low beast 60 mph faster than almost any production motorcycle. According to Cycle World, it only takes 2.6 seconds.

The surprisingly flattering Diavel expands Ducati's reach, while still maintaining its familiar tubular trellis frame, high-torque but vibrant desmo V-Twin and high-performance sports tradition. Diavel's total package far exceeded our expectations, and it opened up a unique market segment in an increasingly crowded market.

Related reading 2011 Ducati Diavel Review 2011 Ducati Diavel Review (almost)

Last year, BMW's S1000RR won the best sports motorcycle award and the overall motorcycle of the year award by bringing the digital age of sports motorcycles to the public-and a horsepower figure that has never been seen in the engine. In contrast, this year the Suzuki GSX-R750 won our best sports bike award because its (relatively) simple packaging is enough to win our middleweight sports bike against two other outstanding European sports bikes.

Although Suzuki could stand still and only glance at the 750, the company insisted on refreshing the motorcycle that actually created the sports bike category. Compared with the previous model, the adjustment of the engine provides more usable power, which makes its 600cc brother feel ashamed, and there are nearly 121 horses under the command of the rider, even the most experienced rider can Giggled under the helmet. Combine it with a solid super-linear chassis, an impressive Showa large piston front fork, a powerful Brembo monobloc brake, two useful driving modes, and familiarity with Suzuki. This is a successful balanced combination.

Perhaps the biggest reason we named the GSX-R750 the best sports bike is its strong value. For only $11,999, you can get a powerful world-class sports bike that is good enough for all-day street riding and enough to set a lap record on the track, which makes it a winner in our book.

Related Reading 2011 Middleweight Sports Motorcycle Battle-Track 2011 Middleweight Sports Motorcycle Battle-Street 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 Review 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 Announced

Honor Award for Best Sports Motorcycle BMW S1000RR

Although a new literbike challenger was introduced this year to replace Beemer (ie Kawasaki ZX-10R), none of them succeeded. At least we haven't ridden it (well, Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC looks like a strong competitor, but as of press time, we have not ridden it yet). It is true that when the two face off, Kawi's performance is very close, but it is undeniable that BMW has a 23-horsepower advantage in almost the same situation.

Think about it: S1000RR made 180 horses-aggregates on the rear wheels. This is more than the factory-wide (750cc) superbike made ten years ago in every fast position in every available catalog, let alone more torque. Combine this engine with one of the most advanced electronic components available, and you will have the breakthrough performance that we covet. All are 16 big.

We cannot doubt the work done by Suzuki to refresh one of the most iconic motorcycles of this type. The super-balanced GSX-R750 can be excited every time you ride without being overwhelmed. However. If you think S1000RR should have won this award for two consecutive years, we cannot blame you.

Related reading 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R and 2011 BMW S1000RR track shootout 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R and 2011 BMW S1000RR street shootout 2010 BMW S1000RR Review 2010 Literbike R vs. S10RRX and RS10RRX vs. RS10RX shootout:

Three times the best standard triumph speed

From the moment we first launched the revised 2011 Triumph Speed ​​Triple in Southern California and returned with a full load, we knew it would become a contender for the best standard bike this year. Then, in our Literbike Streetfighter Shootout, all doubts were eliminated, because the new Speed ​​Triple brought out the inner rascals of all of us. We have been loyal supporters of the previous Speed ​​Triple, and we were skeptical when we learned that it was being remodeled, but the lighter, stronger, and more compact new bike offered a bigger smile than before.

Thankfully, Triumph made one of our favorite engines better with relatively simple adjustments. The result is that one factory can produce approximately 120 horses and 120 horses and 75 foot-pounds. The torque is greater, the available power is greater, and the melody is beautiful when the throttle is fully opened. Combined with a sharper chassis geometry and powerful Brembo brakes, the S3 feels at home on the track, rugged canyons, long highways and even abandoned parking lots. You know, to practice the wheel poses and stop poses that you inevitably want to do. At $11,799, it is not the most affordable bare car on the market, but a slight turn of the throttle can prove its cost is reasonable. Now, about those headlights...

Related reading 2011 Literbike Streetfighter Shootout 2011 Triumph Speed ​​Triple 1050 Review

Best Standard Honor Award Honda CB1000R

Honda's new CB1000R was defeated and threatened in a shootout between our Literbike Streetfighter Shootout, Triumph's new Speed ​​Triple, and Kawasaki's muscular Z1000, but this detracted from a very sweet naked street car. We are attracted by the gentle, user-friendly nature of CB, but it does not completely cut it in the original and avant-garde street fighter realm. However, when judging the CB based on its intended use as a multifunctional street car, it is hard to deny that it is one of the best standard motorcycles we have ridden this year and deserves an honorary award.

We should consider ourselves lucky to have the CB1000R, because Honda executives almost shut it out. Powered by a version of the previous generation CBR1000RR engine (before 2008), we like to turn the throttle to experience the rich torque of this retuned mill. When riding long distances or crossing commuter traffic, the upright ergonomic design makes it comfortable, and the ultra-sensitive chassis shows the unheard of agility of a 1000cc motorcycle.

We are fans of GM Japanese motorcycles, and CB1000R is a return to the old UJM. In an era when most motorcycles are very professional, we appreciate riding a modern UJM that is adaptable like CB. Unfortunately, when launched at the same time as the updated Speed ​​Triple, it is bound to play a minor role in this broad category.

Related reading 2011 Literbike Streetfighter Shootout 2011 Honda CB1000R Review

It is almost blasphemous to classify Diavel, which Ducati cannot define, as a cruiser. The only qualities that can slightly affect this crazy machine in the direction of the cruiser are its relaxed riding posture, 240 mm monster rear tires and unusually long Duc 62.6 inch wheelbase.

We cannot imagine that modern production cruisers can compare with Diavel's unparalleled combination of power, handling, braking power, relatively light weight and rider comfort. Ducati’s iconic steel pipe trellis (cooperating with the new cast aluminum sub-frame) is wrapped with advanced components, supporting Diavel’s noisy heart-based on Multistrada's 1198.4cc 90-degree twin-cylinder engine rated at 162 crankshaft horsepower ( a The rear wheel is slightly higher than 130 horsepower).

Ducati ABS is used in conjunction with a set of excellent Brembo radially mounted monoblock calipers. The eight-level rider optional DTC (Ducati Traction Control) complements the optional fuel mapping for sports, touring and urban riders-all of which are displayed on the color TFT screen.

Diavel received a strong nomination for the 2011 Bicycle of the Year. Unfortunately, Diavel's 240mm rear tires bring inherent resistance to predictable linear low-speed processing. Apart from this small burden, what you need to know is that Diavel is like no other motorcycle today, let alone another cruiser.

There is no denying the original power of the recently redesigned Yamaha VMax. However, despite the Mad Max claims to have nearly 200 hp, the rejuvenated once flagship Yamahauler has lost about 175 pounds for the Diavel-not to mention all the complicated rider electronic aids and trustworthy handling. .

Related reading 2011 Ducati Diavel Review 2011 Ducati Diavel Review (almost) 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster vs. 2010 Star VMax

Honor Award for Best Cruiser Triumph Thunderbird Storm

The British really entered the cruiser market, offering their own unique style in a series of me-too boulevardiers. Adhering to the motto of "Displacement is irreplaceable", the company launched the 2300cc Rocket III and issued a statement. The 1600cc Thunderbird seems to want to reduce its aggressiveness slightly, becoming a gentleman cruiser that is more competitive and sporty than most cruisers, and won our best cruiser award in 2009.

Now that Triumph is recovering to that tough guy image through Thunderbird Storm, competitors should be afraid. Most of the chrome plating is changed to black, and the parallel twin engines increase 100cc to 1700cc. Compared to standard Thunderbird, Storm has 12 more horses (97 vs. 85) and 7 foot pounds. Torque (115 vs. 108), the power increase is easy to feel in the saddle. All in all, when the throttle is opened, T-Bird Storm will make a quick kick on the pants. The sound is obviously aggressive, but it is obviously not a V-Twin, and it is very good.

For cruisers, the Storm is also a good handler. The ground clearance is surprisingly high, and the direction change is not very laborious. Combined with its powerful brakes, the storm actually marches in shades of sports camouflage, which is even more impressive for the roughs on this boulevard.

We wanted to praise Thunderbird last year, but only mentioned it incidentally when awarding the Rocket III Honor Award. This year, with complete posture adjustment and greater muscles, Thunderbirds once again found a time to shine.

Related reading 2011 Triumph Thunderbird Storm Review

Best Travel BMW K1600GTL

With the introduction of the K1600GTL, BMW raised its stakes and redefined the touring bike. For purists, the combination of GTL's light weight and high horsepower eliminates the notion that a touring bike loaded with all the bells and whistles cannot calmly drive through the tortuous two-lane road. It is a six-cylinder engine (only inline six-cylinder engine...), compact in structure, powerful in function, and a miracle of modern engineering. BMW designed an exhaust system to make this new engine sing. As a result, anyone who appreciates the internal combustion engine can hear the music.

BMW has also equipped the GTL with a series of electronic gadgets, including electronic suspension adjustment, engine mode selection, GPS and electric adjustment windshield. To access and control these functions, as well as XM radio, seat and handle heaters, etc., BMW designed a multi-function controller installed on the left handlebar. By combining multiple electronic functions and getting rid of the various buttons, dials and switches on the bicycle, BMW has simplified the operation to something that is not distracting and easy to operate once learned.

As we said in the luxo-touring shootout, the K1600 does not necessarily beat Honda to become the best touring bike. It enriches the options that touring bike enthusiasts must choose.

Related reading 2012 BMW K1600GTL vs. 2012 Gold Wing Shootout 2012 BMW K1600GTL review [Video] 2012 BMW K1600GT and GTL six-cylinder unveiled

Best Tour Honor Award Honda Gold Wing

With the advent of BMW K1600GTL, Honda saw the writing on the wall and retaliated with the revised Wing released in early 2012 as a stopgap measure against BMW's luxury tourism offensive. The 2012 Gold Wing has a larger and more stylish saddle bag, improved suspension, new seat materials, iPod connection, surround sound audio, updated GPS navigation system and redesigned side fairings.

Wing is the best two-wheeled travel equipment for long-distance driving in a straight line, and it is still the most comfortable luxo bike, suitable for two people. In terms of size and weight, Gold Wing is surprisingly agile, and its horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine produces tractive torque. Compared with this year's winners, Wing also has better weather protection and larger storage capacity.

Related reading 2012 Honda Gold Wing Review – First Ride 2012 Honda Gold Wing Review [Video] 2012 Honda Gold Wing Unveiled

Best sports wagon BMW K1600GT

Although we usually prefer sports touring bikes weighing less than 700 pounds, this year we were shocked by the very comfortable but amazingly sporty K1600GT. Never before has a motorcycle so spoiled its rider on a winding road.

The cockpit of the GT is a great place to watch mileage accumulate. If needed, a large seat can also provide long-distance support and heat. The comfortably placed handle also emits heat, and the magic wheel on the left handlebar makes navigation of various accessories easy to control. The lever on the right has cruise control, which is a very convenient tool that most other sports wagons lack, as is the optional audio system. Electric windshields range from "just enough" to "Am I in a convertible?"

However, when the road becomes curved, the GT becomes Gixxer 1600. For touring sleds of this size, the cornering response is very fast, and enough ground clearance allows cornering speed, which will make a moderately riding sports bike feel awkward, especially when it is optional to just press a button. You can set the electronic suspension adjustment on the Sport. The fabulous six-cylinder inline (louder than the GTL brothers) ejects large equipment with effortless forward impact and wonderful exhaust sound.

K1600GT is the gold wing that retired track enthusiasts hope. This is an excellent sports travel machine, and with just one ride, you will figure out a way to pay its $21,000 asking price.

Related reading 2012 BMW K1600GT vs. 2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 2012 BMW K1600GT Review

Best Sports Tourism Honor Award Suzuki GSX1250FA

If we were to create the category "Best Sleeper of the Year", Suzuki's GSX1250FA would be the winner. We are deeply impressed by the ability of this easily overlooked motorcycle to provide a modern motorcycle experience with its old-fashioned packaging. The retail price of GSX is US$11,600, including ABS, which is a bargain in the field of sports touring models. The power of the 1255cc engine is not strong, but it does produce 72.3 pound-feet of torque. With a torque of only 3,500 rpm, this will accelerate a 567-pound bike out of corners better than many models with higher peak power.

In the inventory decoration, GSX is more like a completely streamlined sports standard, but Suzuki can be equipped with factory accessories such as a detachable saddle bag (and/or top box) and a more comprehensive windshield as a sports wagon, allowing GSX Go further to the tour side. Even with the addition of these features, the GSX1250 is still very cost-effective, especially when compared with the winner of this year's best sports wagon category. With low flash but high value, GSX deserves the attention of practical sports and sports touring riders.

Related reading 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Review 2011 Gentleman Sports Bike Shootout

Triumph Tiger 800XC Best Road/Off-Road Award 2011

Triumph Tiger 800XC won this category and won the competition by a narrow margin with last year's category champion BMW F800GS. Beemer is still a better off-road bike, but the smooth and powerful three-cylinder engine that powers the Tiger is what makes it a better all-around package. In the mud, Tiger proved that he is almost as powerful as BMW, and it has completed the commuting exercise with more charm.

On the road, Tiger's advantage over BMW is greater than BMW's advantage over Tiger in the soil. Tiger combines a smooth, powerful engine and comfortable ergonomics, which proves to be more important during long hours of driving on the highway, especially in the canyon. Tiger’s delightful Triple makes the connection apex an exciting Experience.

We could have chosen from several dirtier dual-sport machines, but many of the miles that most of us drive are on paved roads. For adventurous travel purposes, the 800cc bike is our best compromise. This year, Tiger topped the list.

Related reading 2011 Adventure Travel Shootout: Triumph Tiger 800XC and BMW F800GS 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC Review 2010 Triumph Tiger SE and 2008 Benelli Tre1130K

Best on-road/off-road honor award 2011 BMW F800GS

F800GS has won this category consecutively for the past two years, and this year lost it only because of the thickness of the condom. The Beemer is still the best adventure wagon in the mud, but the new Tiger 800XC is clenching its rear tires and proved to be the better all-around package of 2011.

The highlight of BMW is its reduced weight, which makes it more confident when it comes to dirt. And GS has demonstrated BMW's considerable development skills on its adjustable saddlebag, which is durable, suitable for off-road riding, and is easy to turn on/off the ABS option. But its rougher engine and higher manufacturer's suggested retail price make it lower than the new Tiger.

Related reading 2010 BMW F800GS Review 2010 BMW R1200GS and GS Adventure Review

Best value Honda CBR250R ABS

When Honda stopped importing the VTR250 in 1990, it made the Kawasaki Ninja 250 the default entry-level sports bike and maintained it for two decades. But with the introduction of the CBR250R, Honda removed the best quarter-liter sports motorcycle trophy from Kawasaki's mantle. The latest CBR has a suggested retail price of US$3,999, which is comparable to Ninja, while the price of ABS is only US$500. This year’s latest CBR easily won our best price-performance award this year.

The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that powers the CBR provides more usable power than Ninja's peak parallel two-cylinder engine and is very stable. The new CBR is also the first small-displacement sports bike to provide ABS. For beginners, this is a feature worth every penny. Honda's combined ABS connects the rear brake to one of the three pistons of the front caliper, and if the ABS threshold is exceeded, the bicycle will be dragged down with the usual slight pulses. CBR250R ABS is exquisite in style, suitable for all sizes and shapes, and affordable. For beginners or experienced riders, it is affordable and a successful combination.

Related reading 2011 Honda CBR250R 2011 Honda CBR250R Technical Review 2011 Honda CBR250R Review

Best Value Honor Award 2011 Ninja 1000

The Kawasaki Ninja 1000 makes us feel comfortable, excited and smiling, both during bicycle testing and when competing with competing models with similar attributes. The monster engine with real-world driving power provides the gentleman's ninja with the ability that a more professional sports motorcycle lacks. Unlike larger and heavier sports wagons, the Ninja 1000 maintains light and flexible handling, ergonomics, and comfortable but still quite aggressive.

The suggested retail price of the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 is US$10,999. It contains a lot of value in a high-performance but versatile packaging. It is comfortable and responsive during commuting, but it can quickly inhale the tortuous canyon roads and will not feel out of place on track days. Its ingenious manually adjustable windshield allows you to ride on a lonely highway, and its rear seat space is much more spacious than any pure sports bike. This is an amazing and versatile sports bike. It seems to be very suitable for the aging but sporty people who ride motorcycles. They hope to get a good return from their money.

Related reading 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Review – First Ride The Best Literbike for the Street 2011 Gentlemen Sportbike Shootout

Victory in this category is more about the company and brand Zero than a specific model from Scotts Valley, California. It completely transformed its product line in 2011 and continues to innovate using existing technologies and developing a domestic dealer network.

Brammo recently announced the launch of the first multi-speed transmission for electric motorcycles, indicating that it is a forward-looking company, but it has failed to keep up with the practical application of evolving electric bicycle technology in production versions. On the other hand, Zero not only created a new model (a price-sensitive derivative of an existing model) this year, but also improved existing products.

Multiple improvements throughout the product line in 2011 indicate that Zero is enjoying the benefits of an expanded R&D team, including former Buell engineers. This year, the new belt drive system replaced noisy chains, the braking performance was greatly improved, and suspension components were also much-needed upgrades. Zero XU is a new model in 2011, a price-sensitive iteration of Zero S.

We like Brammo’s ambitious plans, but Zero seems to be more focused on getting its improved products into the hands of consumers earlier than any other electric motorcycle manufacturer to date.

Related reading 2011 Zero Xu Review Zero Motorcycle launches dealer network 2011 Zero Electric Motorcycle launches 2010 Electric Motorcycle Gunfight Dual Sport Gunfight: Electric and Gasoline! 2010 Zero DS Review 2010 Zero S and DS Review 2010 Zero MX Review 2008 Zero X Review

Best Electric Honor Award Brammo

If the promise is everything needed to win the award, Brammo will lead the charge of electric motorcycles. The Oregon-based company announced the launch of the high-performance Empulse last summer, shocking the world of electric bicycles. It is claimed to be a 100/100 machine, which means that it can reach a top speed of 100 mph and can travel 100 miles on a single charge (but not a constant 100 mph). However, despite the promise of a production date in the first half of 2011, customers with deposits still did not see this bike during the further development process.

In May 2011, Brammo announced the launch of four new models with six-speed gearboxes. This is seen as a big leap to attract fans of internal combustion engine motorcycles, because electric motorcycles currently do not require a manual transmission to propel the bicycle on the road.

Brammo's upcoming technology is expected to be the next leap for electric motorcycles, but the company has so far promised not to deliver. Brammo's performance in the next 12 months will be promising. Prior to this, the leading Enertia will become the torchbearer.

Related reading 2011 Brammo Empulse Preview 2010 Brammo Enertia Review Getting started with electric motorcycles

Best authentic scooter Stella 4-stroke

If you mistake our scooter of the year for the classic Vespa PX, you can forgive it. The vintage-style Genuine Stella 4-Stroke is produced by Piaggio's former Indian partner LML. Although this partnership ended in 1999, Stella and PX still have a lot in common.

Stella has been on the market for several years, but due to the 148cc four-stroke engine of the 2011 model, it is still new to California. Other features include front disc brakes, halogen headlights and a jaw-dropping 140 mpg fuel economy. Unlike most modern scooters on the road, Stella uses a four-speed "twisting" manual transmission similar to the old Vespas and Lambrettas. Other classic elements include a stamped steel monocoque body and a spare tire under the left side cover. Genuine Stella 4-Stroke is priced at US$3,599, which is also more affordable than 150cc Vespa.

Best Scooter Honor Award Kymco People GTi 300

Last year, Kymco won our scooter of the year honor, and the Taiwanese manufacturer almost did it again with its new 2012 People GTi 300. The new fuel-injected four-stroke engine of the GTi 300 is a significant upgrade to the 250cc carburetor engine. It replaces the People S. Other features include 16-inch wheels, front and rear disc brakes, and surprisingly strong acceleration.

Related Reading 2012 Kymco Scooter Lineup Review

Kawasaki KX250F, the best off-road vehicle of 2011

As of press time, our experience with the newly released 2012 off-road vehicle models is very limited, so these choices are based on models we have tested extensively so far this year. -Ed.

What can we say about the strong 250F? We can participate in the competition anytime, anywhere. The KX250F has never made any major mistakes. Its amazing engine not only makes up for its few rough edges and tundish handling. The new SFF front fork has excellent adjustability, is ergonomic, and the controls work well.

As early as 2010, we fell in love with the carburetor KX250F, and then we fell in love with the new fuel injection model even more. Our respect for the 2011 KX250F continued to grow when we raced in the woods this spring. KX250F has become the judging standard for all our other test bikes, regardless of displacement. The versatility of the 2011 KX250F is enough to compete anywhere. It has a sturdy structure and, most importantly, is fast. Really, really fast!

2011 Honda CRF250R Best Off-Road Vehicle Honor Award

It is difficult for CRF250R to get second place. We ran a riot test on this motorcycle, from the super off-road style motocross track to the old European grass track, to the off-road course, to the Endurocross obstacle.

This is a very forgiving and inspiring motorcycle with first-class ergonomics and handling. Although the engine is not as powerful as some other 250Fs overall, it has the most available "real world" power band on this side of the XR200, making it as happy in riding mode as on the track.

One of our Pro test drivers likes the 2011 Honda CRF250R very much. He bought a car for XC, Endurocross and Enduro. Recently, he used his aggregate CRF250R in the local "extreme" endurance race and won the first place in the Pro group. Four.

Best new technology BMW adaptive headlights

Products or things designed to improve safety are usually neither fun nor cool. Then there are the adaptive headlights provided by BMW for the K16 GTL/GT Super Tourer.

You shouldn’t be more aware of how difficult it is to see through the entire turn than your first night trip on two wheels, especially when it is poorly lit (or not bright at all!). As we learned when we first saw the new K bike, the purpose of adaptive lighting technology is to keep the headlight beam in the path of the bike, even when bending over.

The stepper motor operates the mirror in the headlight assembly and rotates the mirror to the left and right of the standard equipment xenon bulb. When the bicycle tilts and turns, the mirror guides the light beam along the motorcycle's expected path. Surprisingly, the headlights shine from the corner to the front! It works as advertised and is an excellent device (pun intended). If we want to buy a new K16, adaptive headlights are a must-have feature for us.

Although the premise behind the purpose of this lamp is simple, there is nothing better than seeing its actual effect. Watch the video simulation of adaptive headlights in our BMW K1600GT / K1600GTL preview news item.

Related reading 2012 BMW K1600GT vs. Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS 2012 BMW K1600GTL vs. Honda Gold Wing Shootout 2012 BMW K1600GTL Review 2012 BMW K1600GT Review 2012 BMW K1600GT and GTL six-cylinder Unveiled

Best New Technology Honor Award BMW K1600GT/GTL Multi-controller

Just as BMW’s adaptive headlights are smarter than sexy (unlike the seductive exhaust sound of the dual exhaust of a six-cylinder K bike!) BMW’s new multi-controller, which is standard equipment in the K1600s, was introduced in 2010. R1200RT debuted in the year. But just as the new headlights are a real asset for improving riding safety, the multi-controller rollers also create one or two avenues, allowing the rider to focus on the road ahead instead of fiddling with the numerous buttons and switches in the car. cockpit.

Similar to the principle of iDrive in BMW cars, the MC wheel provides one or two simple actions—instead of pressing various buttons or switches—to access the many menu options in the TFT computer display on the K bike. Scroll the wheel forward or backward to view the items in a specific menu option, then push the wheel to the right or left to select or deselect options, or to access sub-menus. From operating the audio system to changing the electronic suspension (ESA II), the multi-function controller is your one-stop device.

Give some time—perhaps less than an hour—to adapt to multiple controllers, and you will find that it is much more efficient than traditional buttons. When you are familiar with the selection order in the menu, you can simply steer the steering wheel without taking your eyes off the road. A good example is changing the broadcast volume or radio station.

One disadvantage we found is that you cannot adjust the volume unless you are in any menu option other than the radio/audio system-but in a critical moment, quickly press the On button on the left side panel of the fairing to function as a mute function. Will shut down the system completely.

BMW's ingenuity has won again!

Related reading 2012 BMW K1600GT vs. Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS 2012 BMW K1600GTL vs. Honda Gold Wing Shootout 2012 BMW K1600GTL Review 2012 BMW K1600GT Review 2012 BMW K1600GT and GTL six-cylinder Unveiled

Best New Product Cardo Scala Rider G4 PowerSet

Our annual GP race round-trip Laguna Seca is a testing ground for bicycle races. Multiple editors, photographers, and videographers riding multiple bicycles have travelled long distances. This is a great opportunity to cause confusion and misunderstandings. However, this year, our helmet is equipped with Cardo's G4 PowerSet communication system, which makes a big difference. Using Bluetooth communication makes it easier to discuss routes on the way, pit stops, lunch stops, and Troy's falling behind in traffic.

Although most Bluetooth communication systems can connect two riders wirelessly, Cardo G4s can connect up to four. According to the official, G4 provides three-way communication for pairing with passenger 1 and passenger 2 on channel A and passenger 3 on channel B. In this configuration, Cardo claims that the distance between passengers is 1 mile, and we verified this during the journey because the drivers are in each other's sight.

The system can be deceived by pairing passenger 1 with passenger 2 on aisle A and passenger 3 on aisle B, while passenger 3 is paired with passenger 4 on aisle A and passenger 2 on aisle B, thereby Connect the four passengers. Rider 1 and Rider 4 can communicate with each other through the paired connection between Rider 2 and 3. This configuration is to serve a pair of riders, so its range is said to be only 35 feet, but we still maintain the connection at a greater distance.

However, if the distance to the leading or clearing rider becomes too large (especially if there are transmission blocking obstacles, such as the entrance to the Big Sur coastline), the link between PowerSets may be broken. After returning to the range, press the "A" and "B" buttons to re-establish all four links, which is very simple.

The included microphone and noise suppression system can excellently keep wind noise to a minimum, unless you are wearing an open helmet or off-road vehicle helmet, so that the wind in the helmet is much more than ordinary street bike helmets.

G4 is not only a communication device, it can also be wirelessly connected to mobile phones and BT MP3 players. Just pair the G4 with your Bluetooth device, and you can listen to your favorite music or answer calls you might miss during your trip. The G4 is easy to install, lightweight and fun to enhance the motorcycle experience between you and your passengers or riding partners. After we used the system in Laguna Seca for a week, we were attracted by the benefits of G4 PowerSet. Look for a full review of the $489.99 system in the coming weeks.

Related reading Scala Rider G4 Ver. 3 available to upgrade MotoGP racer get Cardo G4 PowerSet system Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Bluetooth communicator review

Best New Product Honor Award Shorai LFX Battery

With the introduction of lithium batteries, battery technology has made a leap, and Shorai LFX shows the future direction of development. Thanks to the new technology ("the world's only prismatic lithium iron battery") and carbon fiber composite shell, the weight of LFX is only one-fifth of the lead-acid battery, and its size is at least half the size of your old battery.

We are currently testing the LFX18A1-BS12 in the stubborn early 90s Ducati Supersport, and so far, it has left a deep impression on us. Not only is it lighter than an acre of carbon fiber (about 7 pounds), it also starts the old V-Twin faster than any other battery we have tried. The Duc, who rarely rides a bicycle, puts Shorai's claim to be maintenance-free (up to a year!), and its service life is said to have been increased by two to four times compared to lead-acid batteries. So far, Shorai LFX is by far the best battery sampled by the old Duc, it consumes many smaller batteries. Looking forward to a full review next month, but so far, we think the LFX18A1 is well worth its asking price of $187. The price of Shorai LFX ranges from US$99.95 to US$349.95, which is equivalent to the size of Ah from 7Ah to 36Ah.