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the best segment-defining motorcycles

About Our Selections

Our selections were made with the following criteria in mind:

Standard: We took the default definition of a standard motorcycle, that of a riding position that has a 90 degree bend at the knee, upright body with allowance for 10 to 15 degrees lean forward, and raised and back handlebars. This segment most often also includes the neo-retro style of motorcycle, so those are considered as well

Sport: Everything from a sport naked, sport tourer, supersport, or superbike was considered here. We did not default to the thought that the best sport bike must be a superbike, because the sport segment is so massive that superbikes are just one corner of it.

Cruiser: For this segment, we considered any motorcycle with a low and wide saddle behind a long fuel tank and pulled back handlebars as a cruiser, as their defining characteristic is their very relaxed riding position. While V-twins are the preferred engine in this segment, we did not limit ourselves to just that engine type.

Adventure: This segment includes any such bike that can perform both on-road and off-road duties, while also being robust, reliable, and capable of multiple day adventures away from the beaten path. By default, this segment does include dual-sport motorcycles.

Electric: Pretty much what it says on the label, for this segment we considered any motorcycle that is only propelled by an electric motor and battery combination.

Standard: 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900

About as close to the ultimate balance of rideability and power as a neo-retro standard can get

Sport: 2023 Yamaha MT-10

The power of a superbike, the agility of a supersport, the looks of a streetfighter, and the rideability of a sport tourer.

Cruiser: 2023 Honda Rebel 500

A controversial choice, for sure, but with a very important reason why we all agreed on it here at webBikeWorld

Cruiser Honorable Mention: 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

A new cruiser that "breaks out" from being just one type of cruiser, and is ready for almost anything you could throw at it

Adventure: 2023 BMW R1250 GS Adventure

From the company that started the ADV segment, they are still king of the hill

Adventure Honorable Mention: 2023 Honda CRF300L Rally

Never has a more capable and durable dual-sport adventure bike existed in the current generation

Electric: 2023 Energica Experia

After nearly 20 years of electric sport and dual-sport motorcycles, the Experia takes a bold and competent leap into the future