Motorcycle MPG Guide: Suzuki Singles & Vertical Twins

Yes, I know that the XL1220R is above 1201 cc but the lineage is Sportster, so it's in here rather than in "Harley-Davidson Big Twins".

• CH (1959 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• H (1959 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VRSCA V - Rod (2002 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 36 to 43 mpg - 15 to 18 km per litre - 6.5 to 5.5 litres per 100 km
• VRSCAW V - Rod (2007) - Fuel Economy Range: 36 to 43 mpg - 15 to 18 km per litre - 6.5 to 5.5 litres per 100 km
• VRSCB V - Rod (2004 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 36 to 43 mpg - 15 to 18 km per litre - 6.5 to 5.5 litres per 100 km
• VRSCD Night Rod (2006 - 2007) - Fuel Economy Range: 37 to 44 mpg - 16 to 19 km per litre - 6.4 to 5.3 litres per 100 km
• VRSCDX Night Rod Special (2007) - Fuel Economy Range: 37 to 44 mpg - 16 to 19 km per litre - 6.4 to 5.3 litres per 100 km
• VRSCR Street Rod (2006 - 2007) - Fuel Economy Range: 37 to 44 mpg - 16 to 19 km per litre - 6.4 to 5.3 litres per 100 km
• VRSCSE Screamin' Eagle (2005 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 31 to 37 mpg - 13 to 16 km per litre - 7.6 to 6.4 litres per 100 km
• VRSCX Screamin' Eagle (2007) - Fuel Economy Range: 31 to 37 mpg - 13 to 16 km per litre - 7.6 to 6.4 litres per 100 km
• XL (1973 - 1977) - Fuel Economy Range: 46 to 55 mpg - 20 to 23 km per litre - 5.1 to 4.3 litres per 100 km
• XL1200 (1986 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 43 to 51 mpg - 18 to 22 km per litre - 5.5 to 4.6 litres per 100 km
• XL1200C (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 44 to 52 mpg - 19 to 22 km per litre - 5.3 to 4.5 litres per 100 km
• XL1200L (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 44 to 52 mpg - 19 to 22 km per litre - 5.3 to 4.5 litres per 100 km
• XL1220R (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 44 to 52 mpg - 19 to 22 km per litre - 5.3 to 4.5 litres per 100 km
• XL883 (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• XL883C (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• XL883L (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• XL883R (1986 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• XL883R (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• XLCH (1970 - 1980) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• XLCR (1977 - 1978) - Fuel Economy Range: 39 to 46 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 6.0 to 5.1 litres per 100 km
• XLH (1970 - 1972 & 1978 - 1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• XLH1100 (1986 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• XLH1200 (1986 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 43 to 51 mpg - 18 to 22 km per litre - 5.5 to 4.6 litres per 100 km
• XLH883 (1986 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• XLS (1980 - 1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• XLX (1983 - 1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 44 to 52 mpg - 19 to 22 km per litre - 5.3 to 4.5 litres per 100 km

Motorcycle MPG Guide: Kawasaki Vulcans

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• VN1500 A1 - A13 88/1500 (1987 - 1999) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 B1 - B4 88 SE (1987 - 1990) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 C3/C4 1500L (1996 - 1997) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 D1/D2 Vulcan 1500 Classic (1996 - 1997) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 E1 - E7 1500 Classic (1998 - 2004) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 G Nomad (1999 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 J1/J2 1500 Drifter (1999 - 2000) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 L1 - L5 1500 Nomad FI (2000 - 2004) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 N 1500 Classic FI (2000 - 2002 & 2005 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 P1/P2 1500 Mean Streak (2002 - 2003) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 R1 - R5 1500 Drifter (2001 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1500 T6F 1500 Classic (2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 A1 - A3/A6F 1600 Classic (2003 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 B1/B2/B6F 1600 Mean Streak (2004 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 Classic (2006 - 2008) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 D1/D6F 1600 Nomad (2005 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 Mean Streak (2006 - 2008) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• VN1600 Nomad (2006 - 2008) - Fuel Economy Range: 42 to 50 mpg - 18 to 21 km per litre - 5.6 to 4.7 litres per 100 km
• VN2000 All (2004 - 2008) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• VN700 A1 (1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 50 to 60 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.7 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• VN750 A2 - A21/A6F 750 (1986 - 2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• VN800 A1 - A11 800 (1995 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• VN800 B1 - B10 800 Classic (1996 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• VN800 C1 - C2 800 Drifter (1999 - 2000) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• VN800 E1 - E5 800 Drifter (2001 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• VN900 B6F 900 Classic (2006) - Fuel Economy Range: 50 to 60 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.7 to 3.9 litres per 100 km

Top 50 Best MPG Motorcycles

Anyone who has purchased a car based on some "official" MPG figure and then found out that they are getting but a mere fraction of the economy they were promised will testify that fuel mileage figures are illusory at best. Fuel mileage is primarily determined by driving style and a driver who presses down on the accelerator as if he were trying to keep from cracking an egg under his foot can get as much as 50% better mileage than the green light drag jockey who believes that the accelerator is a toggle switch and it should be either ON or OFF.

Determining accurate motorcycle fuel mileage figures is even trickier than with automobiles. Not only is there no universal fuel mileage standard for two wheelers, but riding styles on motorcycles are only part of the equation. A couple of morbidly obese riders on their way back home from the Circus Circus Buffet are going to get far lower mileage on their 250 Rebel than a teenager on her way to ballet class. The passenger weight carried by a motorcycle is a far greater percentage of the total vehicle weight than in a car or truck.That is why this list of the 50 best fuel mileage motorcycles is approximate to the max and is most assuredly not definitive or all-encompassing. It is only a rough guide to some of the more fuel efficient motorcycles (not scooters) on the road today that get 50 MPG or more.

• Lifan 200 Sport : 84
• Yamaha TW200 : 75
• Honda 125 Varadero : 74
• Honda 200 Twinstar : 74
• Honda XL185 : 74
• Honda XL250S : 72
• Kawasaki Ninja EX250R : 72
• Yamaha Virago 250 : 71
• Honda Nighthawk 250 : 70
• Yamaha 125 Virago : 69
• Hyosung GV250 : 68
• Honda XL500 : 65
• BMW F650GS : 63
• Suzuki Intruder VL125 : 62
• Yamaha XV535 Virago : 62
• Buell Blast : 61
• Honda CMX 250 : 60
• Kawasaki Ninja 500R : 59
• Yamaha YZF600R : 59
• Yamaha XJ550 Seca : 58
• Honda Shadow VLX : 57
• Kawasaki KZ550 : 55
• Suzuki LS650 Savage : 55
• Suzuki GS425 : 54
• Suzuki S50 Boulevard : 54
• Suzuki V-Strom DL650 : 54
• Honda Shadow Aero : 53
• Suzuki Marauder 250 : 53
• Honda CB350 : 52
• Honda CX500 : 52
• Yamaha XJ900 Seca : 52
• Yamaha XS650 : 52
• Kawasaki GPX250 : 51
• Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic : 51
• Suzuki C90 Boulevard : 51
• Suzuki GS500 : 51
• BMW R850R : 50
• Honda CB400T Hawk : 50
• Honda CX500C : 50
• Honda V30 Magna : 50
• Kawasaki 125 Eliminator : 50
• Kawasaki 454 LTD : 50
• Kawasaki EN500 Vulcan : 50
• Kawasaki KLR650 : 50
• Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 : 50
• Suzuki C50 Boulevard : 50
• Suzuki Katana GSX 750 : 50
• Suzuki S83 Boulevard : 50
• Yamaha FJ600 : 50
• Yamaha FZ6 : 50

There seem to be some significant surprises in this list and not much should be made of them as the figures are anything but precise. However, we can look at the good showing put forth by the BMW F650GS, Buell Blast, Honda Shadow VLX, Suzuki LS650 Savage, and Suzuki V-Strom DL650 as indicators that there is some great mileage to be wrung out of the mid-range motorcycles. The Honda Shadow Aero as well as the Suzuki C90 Boulevard, Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic, BMW R850R and the super heavyweight Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 are the standouts in the big bike categories. You can only shake your head at why the Kawasaki 125 Eliminator gets the same mileage as its 1500 cc bigger brother! You know which one I'd rather ride!

Whichever motorcycle you decide to ride, you can always maximize your mileage by minimizing the weight it has to carry and the stress you put it under. Gentle acceleration and keeping just under the speed limit will work wonders for any motorcycle, from a Honda CB125 to a Triumph Rocket III 2300 cc.

Motorcycle MPG Guide: BMW

• Check out my lists of the fuel mileage of 700 motorcycles and 250 scooters!

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• F650 (1997 - 2000) - Fuel Economy Range: 51 to 61 mpg - 22 to 26 km per litre - 4.6 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• F650 Funduro (1994 - 1996) - Fuel Economy Range: 51 to 61 mpg - 22 to 26 km per litre - 4.6 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• F650 Strada (1997 - 1999) - Fuel Economy Range: 51 to 61 mpg - 22 to 26 km per litre - 4.6 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• F650 Strada SE (2000) - Fuel Economy Range: 51 to 61 mpg - 22 to 26 km per litre - 4.6 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• F650ST (1997) - Fuel Economy Range: 51 to 61 mpg - 22 to 26 km per litre - 4.6 to 3.9 litres per 100 km
• K1 (1990 - 1993) - Fuel Economy Range: 43 to 51 mpg - 18 to 22 km per litre - 5.5 to 4.6 litres per 100 km
• K100LT - ABS (1989 - 1991) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• K100LT (1987 - 1988) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• K100RS - ABS (1988 - 1989) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• K100RS (1985 - 1988) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• K100RT (1985 - 1988) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• K1100LT - ABS (1993 - 1997) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• K1100RSA (1993 - 1997) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• K1200GT (1998 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• K1200LT (1998 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• K1200RS (1998 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 40 to 48 mpg - 17 to 20 km per litre - 5.9 to 4.9 litres per 100 km
• K75 (1989 - 1995) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• K75 Low Seat (1989) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• K75C (1986 - 1988) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• K75RT (1990 - 1995) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• K75S (1987 - 1995) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• K75T (1986 - 1987) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• P65 (1985 - 1987) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R1100GS (1994 - 2000) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• R1100R (1995 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• R1100RS (1993 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• R1100RT (1996 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• R1100S (1999 - 2005) - Fuel Economy Range: 41 to 49 mpg - 17 to 21 km per litre - 5.7 to 4.8 litres per 100 km
• R50 (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• R50/2 (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• R50/5 (1970 - 1973) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• R50S (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• R50US (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 49 to 58 mpg - 21 to 25 km per litre - 4.8 to 4.0 litres per 100 km
• R60 (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R60/2 (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R60/5 (1970 - 1973) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R60/6 (1973 - 1976) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R60/7 (1976 - 1978) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R60US (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 48 to 57 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 4.9 to 4.1 litres per 100 km
• R65 (1978 - 1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R65LS (1982 - 1985) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R69 (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R69S (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R69US (1955 - 1969) - Fuel Economy Range: 47 to 56 mpg - 20 to 24 km per litre - 5.0 to 4.2 litres per 100 km
• R75/5 (1970 - 1973) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• R75/6 (1973 - 1976) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• R75/7 (1976 - 1977) - Fuel Economy Range: 45 to 54 mpg - 19 to 23 km per litre - 5.2 to 4.4 litres per 100 km
• R850C (2000 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 42 to 50 mpg - 18 to 21 km per litre - 5.6 to 4.7 litres per 100 km
• R850GS (2000 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 42 to 50 mpg - 18 to 21 km per litre - 5.6 to 4.7 litres per 100 km
• R850R (1995 - 2001) - Fuel Economy Range: 42 to 50 mpg - 18 to 21 km per litre - 5.6 to 4.7 litres per 100 km

Motorcycle USA Best of 2008 Award

Stock market crashes, a historic presidential election, roller coaster oil prices… A lot of memorable news stories have dominated the headlines for 2008. But make way, because it’s time once again for the Motorcycle USA staff to convene in a smoke-filled backroom to debate Best of 2008 honors. The ground rules are simple: Determine the best of the best from our 80-plus motorcycle reviews from 2008 – including numerous multi-bike shootouts. Enjoy the article and let us know what we got right and wrong by email at  info@motorcycle-usa.com. 

If you can just look past the steep price tag, you will see an absolutely amazing motorcycle.

2008 Motorcycle of The Year 
Ducati Desmosedici D16RR: At $72,500, it costs more than most high-end sports cars but there is simply nothing cooler on two wheels - Period. Leave it to Ducati to bring a true MotoGP bike to the street, and to do it oh-so right. Just being in the presence on this machine is enough to get one’s blood going and riding it takes the term ‘assault on your senses’ to a whole different level. The power, the sound, the look – this is motorcycling nirvana. (Stay tuned for an in depth Desmosedici Review in the upcoming weeks.) 

Best Open Sportbike (over 750cc) 
Honda CBR1000RR: Hot styling? Check. Big power? Check. Compact size? Check. The days of Honda domination in the literbike world are back. Universally loved by all who rode it, winner of our 2008 Superbike Smackdown and the smallest and most compact 1000cc of the bunch; for blending the worlds of racetrack and street together better than any of its competition, we give the award to the Big Red’s big-bore CBR. 

The GSX-R750 offers the rider middleweight handling with more oomph in the motor department than the supersport 600.

Best Middleweight Sportbike (under 750cc) 
Suzuki GSX-R750. Winner of not one, but two comparison tests in 2008, this middle Gixxer proved it has the ability to kick sand in the face of the 600s or the open-class steroid freaks. 

Best Street Bike 
2008 Kawasaki Versys: V is for versatility. Cheap, fun, quick, handles like a dream. If you are looking for an all-around street bike, look no further. Comfortable ergos, sporting disposition and an affordable price tag made us fans of the Versys. We enjoyed each and every mile spent on the jack-of-all-trades Kawasaki, not to mention how great gas mileage was, thus we needed to look no further when it came to selecting the best street bike for 2008. 

Honda knows a thing or two about building excellent motocross bikes like the CRF450R. The '08 CRF450R has the motor to get over any obstacle, the suspension to land it and a composed chassis the competition only wishes it had.

Best Motocrosser 
Honda CRF450R: Honda has been racking up shootout wins with the CRF450R and the 2008 model was no different. The CRF had the motor to get over any obstacle, the suspension to land it and the chassis to negotiate during flight. Sweeping every category and unanimously voted as the best 450 MXer in our 2008 comparison. 

Best Off-Road 
Honda CRF450X: The fleet of 2008 off-road bikes have far more distinct personalities than the motocrossers do. Deciphering which was our favorite was more difficult, but ultimately it was the Honda’s great ergonomics, build quality and monster motor that won us over. The 450X is definitely aimed at more open, rough and fast conditions like those found in the rocks and deserts out west. Adding the Honda Progressive Steering Damper really gives Big Red an advantage over other 450 enduro offerings in stock trim too. 

Kawasaki released the new KLR650 so long ago we almost forgot it is a 2008 model. What we didn't forget was how much it improved.

Best Dual-Sport 
Kawasaki KLR650: This early release model seems like it’s been around forever, but technically it’s a 2008 machine. It’s not much to look at, but this KLR is much better at long-distance dual-sporting than it was before, and still costs less than $6000. There are dual-sport machines that will go faster off-road, but few will go farther and with more comfort. 

Best Commuter 
Yamaha T-Max: A scooter for best commuter? Yep. This isn’t your average scooter though. Capable for doing well over 100 mph, the T-Max also provides ample under-seat storage and a mega-comfortable seat with tons of wind protection. Did we mention it handles like a sportbike? We spent several months commuting on the rippin’ little Yamaha and when it was time to give it back they literally had to pry it out of our hands – it’s that good.. 

You're looking at the 43mm Keihin throttle body on the 2008 RMZ450, the first-ever production Japanese motocross bike to sport EFI.

Best Economical Two-Wheeler 
Kawasaki Ninja 250R: Revised for the first time in 20 years, the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250 also saw a $500 bump in MSRP to a paltry $3499. With MPG figures in the consistent 60s, the little Ninja is a kick in the pants on the open road and is still the best bargain out there. The Ninja 250R is without question our pick for economical two-wheeler. 

Best Motorcycle Technology 
Suzuki Motocross EFI: Fuel injection is nothing new to motorcycling in general, but adapting it to the abusive needs of MX was apparently difficult. The hype about EFI being introduced was swirling heavily around the 2008 bikes, but when the new machines were unveiled, only the Suzuki had stepped up. A trick aluminum fuel tank to accommodate the EFI was an added bonus. 

Emergency Quick Release System will potentially save many from time wasted by EMS after a crash.

Honorable Mention – Ducati 1098R Production Traction Control 
Another example of racing technology trickling down to street models, traction control came stock on the production 1098R. And, no, this isn’t a quasi-TC system either. Pure Ducati racing tech, with incredible safety benefits on the track and street. 

Best Product Innovation
Shoei VFX-W Off-Road Helmet: Shoei’s new lid incorporates a host of new technologies, the foremost being the Emergency Quick Release System. It allows medical personnel to remove the helmet’s cheek pads, thereby facilitating safer helmet removal after an accident. The system is a potential lifesaver. 

Sometimes getting a taste of asphalt happens to even the best riders.

Best Crash 
Nip/Tuck’s John Hensley: The popular young actor and good friend of MotoUSA was recently invited to partake in our three-way GSX-R Shootoutand at the end of Day Two he tested every bit of lean possible from the Suzuki GSX-R1000 … and then some. It was the Hollywood star’s very first racetrack get-off and for that, plus doing it with utter style and grace, Mr. Hensley takes home the top honors. Much better than an Oscar, right John?

Fiolek was nominated as the WMA
Sports Female Rider of the Year
among other recognition.

Rider of the Year 
Ashley Fiolek: This 18-year old rider from Saint Augustine, Florida, put on an impressive debut in the Women’s Motocross Association by capturing the title in her rookie season, knocking off five-time champion, Jessica Patterson in the process. She guided her Red Bull/DRD/Honda CRF250R to four overall victories in the six-race WMA series en route to being nominated Sportwoman of the Year by the Women’s Sports Foundation. With her immediate success has come a whirlwind of publicity and she has embraced her status as a role model for female riders with her great attitude and engaging smile. Fiolek is at the forefront of women’s motocross and she will be instrumental in advancing the sport. 

PR Person of the Year 
Kawasaki’s Jan Plessner: From putting on some of the best intros and press events in the industry, to assembling an equally awesome staff, Jan is the Queen of Kawasaki. During her tenure she has turned the Green PR Machine into the envy of the industry. Her role in advancing the sport of motorcycling for women has been incomparable and her faith in her team’s ability to choose event locations and accommodations appropriate for the event has proven to be an asset for editors and readers alike. 

We had a hard time deciding which was more memorable, the Losail Circuit or our off-track debauchery.

Best Motorcycle Experience 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R Press Launch – Qatar: At the start of 2008, the all-new Kawasaki ZX-10R was launched at the Losail Circuit in Qatar. Located on the Arabian Gulf (That’s Persian Gulf to us outsiders) it is a mere 250-miles south of Iraq. The gang from American Kawasaki set us up at the posh 880,000-sq-ft, 160-room Al Sharq Resort. At the time, our new kid on the block Steve Atlas was working at Cycle News, so he and I were both there causing

Here's a glimpse of the Al Sharq Resort that was our home for the week in Doha, Qatar.

trouble. After the trackday was over we signed up for massages at the spa and that’s where things really started heating up. 

Steve got dibs on the open massage room, so I stripped down and covered up with a robe. A few minutes went by before a muffled explosion shook the building. I thought, ‘damn-it, everyone was right we shouldn’t have come here!’ But when I peeked out the locker room and sized up the threat it turned out the fireplace powering the sauna in the adjacent room had exploded into flames. A surging fire engulfed the far wall, igniting the massive ship-timbers that framed the stucco building as spa attendants struggled in vain to figure out the fire extinguishers. The incident quickly spun out of control. Flames overtook the entire wall and started burning the bottom of the second story in a matter of minutes. Long story short, we joined forces with the spa director and ended up helping pull a half dozen panicking patrons out of the burning building before the fire department showed up. It could have been a disaster but it turned into a tale we will remember for all time. 

We even got to ride quads on the dunes of Qatar. This truly had to be one of the most amazing adventures Kawasaki has sent us on to date.

Next adventure was an ATV tour of the Qatari desert. Our group found some big, easy jumps and we soared alongside brave locals who took the leap rocking Birkenstocks, Christian-Dior sunglasses and trick Louis-Vuitton-print bodywork without any helmets aboard their various bad-ass quads and Rhinos. We even stumbled across the Sheik’s mobile dune palace. Apparently he likes to play in the sand like the rest of us. Just don’t get too close because the guards looked scary. 

Capping things off was a boat tour of the Persian Gulf from the deck of an old Junk. After fending off an armed coast guard patrol vessel wondering why a dozen Americans were leaving the harbor at dusk with a crusty-

What a motley crew this is, with our old friend Duke Danger and our new pal Atlas enjoying the Arabian Leaf on board our tour boat in the middle of the Persian Gulf.

looking (but friendly) pirate crew, we set sail to some remote sandbar island somewhere a few miles off shore. There our hosts fed and shared their huka with us. As you can tell by the pics, everyone liked that part. We even had a chance to dive off the deck and take a late night swim, but the water tasted like diesel so it was only a short trip in the drink for us.

Oh, did we mention turning countless laps we turned over two days on the Losail Ciruit with fresh Pirelli tires on the new Ninja ZX-10R? It is only the most state-of-the-art facility in the Middle East. All of this made our decision to select the press introduction of the 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R as the most memorable trip of the year.