Blank pixel used during image takedowns
The Progressive International Motorcycle Show swung by New York City this pass weekend, filling the Jacob Javits Center with the newest and best motorcycles available. It's the largest traveling motorcycle expo, showcasing each major manufacturer's 2014 line-up. Take a tour through this year's exciting prospects with Complex's LUST and MUST picks.
RELATED: 10 Most Exciting Motorcycles from EICMA 2013
RELATED: The 10 Best Starter Motorcycles
Honda Lust: CB1100
Price: $9,999
Honda, having the curse of the cult, has had the unlucky history of building great bikes that flop when introduced, then flourish when discounted ("blame it on the Yen!" says the Hawk). The cafe-styled CB had a cult following in it's time, and the 1960s-70s bikes have become the coveted go-to hipster-cycle, mainly for it's classic styling and easy to ride function. But as many owner's found out, old bikes break down.
Triumph got hip to this when they introduced their modern Bonneville, which flew off the shelves. Honda was a little late to the party but has satisfied the cult by giving this demigod a new lease on life. We decided to put the CB 1100 on the LUST list because those die hard fans will often spend more time tinkering that riding. Save your time, ride more, buy new.
Honda Must: CB500F
Price: $5,499
When Honda put out the 500 last year, they answered the America's prayers. Most OEM's have been offering us a 600cc range, liter bike and beginner. Since the U.S. doesn't have a graduated license policy (not to mention lower speed limits than the rest of the world), it has always been in a funny predicament. The 471cc parallel-twin is the answer to an essential mid-range bike for everyone. If the motorcycle industry were a chess game, the CB500 R/Fs would be the rook; consistent, understated and capable.
Ducati Lust: Panigale S 1199 Matte Black
Price: $24,495
Sadly, Ducati didn't bring their $63,000.00 Superleggera to the show, or else it would certainly be a "LUST." But they did bring us a matte black edition of the "world's most sexy superbike," the Panigale 1199 S. The Italian company is the master of matte black and king of special editions, so it would only be fitting to outfit the already treasured Panigale in matte, "the only black."
Ducati Must: Monster 1200 S
Price: $15,995
Having ownership of one of the best names ever given to a motorcycle, Ducati's top selling Monster series evokes an almost religious experience. The V-twin's humble beginnings as a mishmash of other Ducati parts is now a household name just as identifiable as a Lamborghini. It's comfy tank nestled on top of its signature tubular frame and single-sided swing arm are enhanced with carbon-fiber bits to make for one of the most luxurious Monsters to date.
Kawasaki Lust: Tom Sykes
Price: Not for Sale
Congratulations to Tom Sykes on his WSBK Championship title this year. After his very close second place last year, the British rider earned his first WSBK crown on the Ninja ZX-10R. Although you can purchase a Ninja 1000, the track support of a WSBK race team is likely out of the picture.
Kawasaki Must: Z1000 Streetfighter
Price: $11,999
The 2014 Z1000 is the best looking streetfighter available, with its modern and mean shell. The Japanese 1049 inline-four has been favorably reviewed with an increase in power as well as improved brake performance, which is, of course, most important. But also generating buzz are the new LEDs and fantastic styling, surely giving the Europeans a run for their money.
Yamaha Lust: YZR-M1
Price: Not for Sale
Jorge Lorenzo's Moto GP bike Racebike! The M1 has been the holy freaking grail of Moto GP. Having carried six champion wins, the M1 dominated the 'oughts.' Being this close tp the two-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo's bike is actually very rare and should be intsagrammed immediately. But sadly, for those with deep pockets, this is still on your lust list, with the steep price of "priceless."
Yamaha Must: FZ 09
Price: $7,990
Yamaha obviously had their ear to the streets when they decided to bring out a triple! The displacement at 847 cc is right on the money, too, offering more mid-range to go with the very versatile output of a 3-cylinder. Focusing on throttle response, the linear power provided by the "Crossplane Crankshaft Concept" promises to perfect the "best of both worlds" theory with an efficient firing. For a buyer looking for a bike able to give low and mid torque, look no further, your chariot awaits.
KTM Lust: 1290 Superduke
Price: $16,999
Once known for their off-road bikes, KTM is painting the town more orange each year which their top-of-the-line street fleets. The 1290 Superduke is no exception; it's breaking the rules. With its aggressive 1301cc V-twin engine that produces 180 horses, this "beast" is almost as agile as it's knobby wheeled cousin's with a forgiving chassis and traction control. Priced a bit higher than KTM's Superbike, the Superduke demands to take over the streetfighter title.
KTM Must: 1190 RC8 R
Price: $16,499
Normally, the superbike of an OEM line-up would be on our "LUST" list, but KTM's 1195 RC8 made the MUST list. By far the coolest superbike available, the V-twin, 4-stroke has been wowing the road race world, following the lineage of its older brothers (RC8 1148) in 2008 and (RC8 1190) in 2010. The highly adjustable, handsomely styled bike, is race ready for any size rider who is worthy of the low-grunting, torquey power that the 1195 cc offers.