Honda VT750C2

VT750C was the best-selling cruiser in Australia in 2005, and though Honda sold even more in 2006, it was pipped for back-to-back victories by an all-new Harley Davidson Softail.

The changes for this 'C2' generation are minor - more a mid-life freshen up than problem-solving mechanical surgery. The front wheel and tyre steps up from 18 inches to 21 inches, and the 750cc V-Twin engine's fuel-injection map has been changed to smooth throttle response and power delivery.

The fuel injection changes also produce a smoother idle, knocking the sometimes annoying edge off that characteristic V-Twin thrum when stationary. Honda also claims a slight reduction in the engine's thirst for fuel, and improvements in exhaust emission levels. Dual shotgun exhausts contribute to this aspect, and also to the bike's aesthetics.

The engine's 30kW of power is never going to endow this middle-weight cruiser with neck-snapping performance, but that's not the idea. Honda offers bigger cruisers for those chasing more grunt, or some of the world's best sports bikes if you want even more. But the VT750C2 is not averse to a few winding roads or a quick strop across a mountain.

It really is an effortless bike to ride. The engine has a robust yet docile character that responds willingly to a twist of the wrist. There's no tacho because there's little need to be in 'exactly' the right gear, though dropping a cog or two does bring a more urgent response.

Harley Davidson Sportster XR1200

According to Autoblog, Harley Davidson have announced the future release of the Sportster XR1200 for Europe. This model moves away from the classic cruiser style to more of a standard or “naked” bike configuration including an aero tail and real rear-sets, not the centered or forward mounted controls found on American Sportsters. This may be pure speculation but it wouldn’t surprise me to see The Motor Company looking to extend its presence in Europe where riders are far more likely to ride the more upright standards or sport bikes than cruisers.

The XR1200 looks like an evolution of the Nightster, with a radical rear fender and tail treatment (for a Harley). I’m not sure how they’re going to get enough air into lump through that little snorkel but I’m sure the details are all being worked out. So is this just a less comfortable version of the venerable Sportster or is this the new world market entry for Harley? Time will tell.

MV AGUSTA BRUTALE S, 2003

MV’s design genius Massimo Tamburini lived up to his reputation with the Brutale, whose aggressive style was matched by superb handling and plenty of rev-happy performance from a 749cc, 127bhp four-cylinder engine.

KAWASAKI Z750, 2004

Essentially a down-sized version of the 2003-model Z1000, the Z750 lacks a few details including the bigger model’s four-pipe exhaust system, but gains by providing excellent all-round performance at a reasonable price.

BMW ROADRUNNER BIKESHOP V8

When German dentist and motorcycle dealer Dr Harald Geiling was looking for a project, he hit upon the idea of building a bike around the four-litre V8 engine from a BMW 740i saloon car. Several years and many hundred hours’ work later, the crazy machine was ready: weighing almost 500kg, producing 286bhp, and developing enough acceleration to loosen its rider’s shoulder sockets.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675

Triumph looks to have a big hit on its hands with the Daytona 675, a sleek super-sports middleweight powered by the division’s first three-cylinder engine. The 123bhp Daytona was launched to the world’s press early in 2006 at the Sepang circuit near Kuala Lumpur, and on the surrounding roads. The triple’s speed, flexible power delivery and easy handling were hugely impressive on both road and track.

2007 Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob

The 2007 FXDB Dyna Street Bob again proves less can be more taking minimalist styling from the “bobber” theme in the custom choppers of the 1970s. The Street Bob shuns components like a passenger seat and pegs. A solo seat at 655 mm high clearly states that this is a motorcycle for the individualist. Features like mini ape-hanger handlebars, the classic Fat Bob fuel tank, a wrap-around rear fender and chrome laced wheels combine with the Twin Cam 96 engine for a stylish and powerful ride with a whole lot of attitude. A wrinkle-black finish applied to the battery box, console and belt guard completes the street-wise look. The Street Bob is available in six solid colours and a new olive pearl/vivid black two-tone.

FXDB Street Bob features:
New vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96 engine
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission
New active intake and exhaust technology
Black powder-coated engine with polished covers
Chrome staggered shorty dual exhaust
Enhanced clutch lever interlock operations
Redesigned gauges with clock, 6-speed indictor light and LED
49 mm forks
29-degree fork angle/29-degree steering head angle
Mini ape-hanger handlebars
Fat Bob fuel tank
Street Bob air cleaner trim ring
Special tank emblems
Wrinkle-black console with turn signal indicators
Wrinkle-black battery cover with polished trim
Wrinkle-black belt guard
Tank-mounted speedometer
Solo seat
Mid-mount foot controls
Wrap-around rear fender
160 mm rear tyre
Chrome laced wheels
New Harley-Davidson Smart Security System