Happy New Year! Kenny Sagawa, the editor-in-chief of Webike news, selfishly ranked the new models that have been released last year. This ranking is a comprehensive evaluation of topics, attention, impact on society and usability. It's just an intuitive ranking, so I hope you'll enjoy it as a reference.
Furthermore, this is the total ranking of worldwide motorcycles. Also, pre-release models are excluded.Finally, I will announce the following ranking from 1st to 5th.
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◆ Top 10 2019 Motorcycle (Rank 6th-10th) Ranked by Kenny Sagawa
Rank 1st: HONDA CBR650R
Riders of the greatest common denominator can enjoy sports with confidence
The new model of HONDA full cowl middle sports "CBR650F" appeared by changing the name of the "CBR650R". In HONDA, "F" is a code that represents a universal type that can be used every day, while "R" is positioned as more emphasis on sports performance. As the CBR650R name suggests, the CBR traditional liquid-cooled inline-4 engine generates 95ps, which is 5ps higher from the previous model, and its lightness has also been improved due to mass concentration while decreasing the vehicle weight to 207kg, which is also 6kg lighter than the previous model. The inverted front forks and radial 4P brake calipers have been adopted even in the undercarriage, and it seems that sports purity has been increased while enhancing performance in all directions such as the riding position also slightly tilted forward.
The inline-4 engine produces an excellent acceleration stretch feeling and a high-frequency sound, and the precise rev feeling is unique to HONDA. Even so, it is not scary to ride with the throttle open a little wide by its moderate power, the response is gentle, and the traction control is also adopted. The CBR650R is designed so that the rider of the greatest common number can enjoy the sport, for example, the handling is not too sharp and the solid ground feeling of the front tire gives the rider a sense of security at all times. That's probably what HONDA's objective. The style and the quality of the details are impeccable, and the good value for the price is also wonderful. This is a motorcycle where you can be proud of Made in Japan.
Rank 2nd: TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE RS
The masterpiece machine of the series with Moto2 Pedigree
The STREET TRIPLE RS is a roadster model that Triumph, which is supplying the engine to the Moto2 from the 2019 season, has built using exactly that engine. The core of its appeal is the Moto2-based liquid-cooled 3-cylinder 765cc unit. While basing the conventional engine, it has been thoroughly developed in the top race that is required for ultimate performance and durability.
The world of pure and high-quality riding that is created by its mass-concentrated three-cylinder engine and toned body, flexible frame, and front and rear suspensions that are softly and surely moved like cat legs is truly fantastic! The flat torque unique to the three cylinders is even stronger and the rev feeling has been smoother. Since the throttle response is also accurate and easy to handle, the posture in the cornering is easy to stabilize, and the STREET TRIPLE RS traces corners with the agility that seems unlikely to be over 750cc.
In addition, somehow melancholy triple sound permeates to the heart. Anyway, the STREET TRIPLE RS is fun to attack more and more, and it is easy enough to ride on public roads because it is light with up-handlebar. I had several opportunities to ride with the RS in the circuit at the end of the year, and journalists, who were also there, also highly evaluated and commented similarly. The STREET TRIPLE RS is the STREET TRIPLE RS is the masterpiece of the series and has a Moto2 pedigree.
[Kenny Sagawa Related News]
◆ TRIUMPH New Street Triple RS Test Ride Review (Japanese)
Rank 3rd: SUZUKI KATANA
Modern KATANA that make fun to ride with bold
The base of the new KATANA is the current sports naked "GSX-S1000", and its engine adopts a liquid-cooled inline-4 unit of the old GSX-R1000 (commonly known as K5). This is because the full torque output characteristics of being close to low-mid range can be expected in the long stroke setting. However, the maximum output is 148ps, which is the top level in its class. In addition to the super sports body and suspension, the electric control is 3-mode, a system that makes you feel SUZUKI conscience, such as the "SUZUKI Easy Start System", which can be started with a single push, and the "Low RPM Assist", which is difficult to stall at extremely low speeds, are also installed.
The riding experience is solid. Once you open the throttle, you will be wrapped up in a roar like a beast that vibrate the acceleration of raging waves and energy. It's a really masculine motorcycle. With its wide, up and down handlebar, it is possible to switchback lightly and enjoy the dynamic, 1980s superbike-like ride. The intake noise that resonates like howling is also pleasant to hear. If you ride in the city, it will be attractive, and if you have skills on the circuit, you can also participate with SS. Although it is KATANA, it is cool as a motorcycle that is different from the old KATANA.
[Related News]
◆ 2019 KATANA Test Ride Review KATANA Family [Webike Motoreport]
Rank 4th: KTM 790 ADVENTURE R
100% pure adventure machine that broke through common sense
The 790 Adventure is a middle-class real adventure machine newly introduced by KTM, ruler of the rally world who has never lost in the Dakar Rally, which is said to be the world's toughest off-road race. The KTM's first liquid-cooled parallel 2-cylinder, commonly called LC8c engine mounted on the sports naked "790DUKE", is mounted on the frame made of Chromoly, and an adventure model with 100% commitment equipped with WP front and rear suspension and the latest electronic device.
It features a V-twin-like throbbing with a 75-degree phase crank and smoothness with a 2-axis balancer, and it's an amazing motorcycle that you can ride the same way in on-road and off-road. In addition to 3 types of riding modes and up & down shifters with full electric control, it is equipped with a cornering-compatible Traction Control and ABS, where you can pass on any type of road. The "R" specification, which has especially enhanced the undercarriage for off-road use, has a glowing effect, such as equipping the strongest "rally mode" specially designed for dirt riding. Of course, the recipe is inspired by the Dakar Rally.
When I hear this, I feel rather uncomfortable, but the biggest advantage is that it is extremely easy to handle this segment with a machine-like structure, such as a compact body, lightweight, and relatively good foot grounding. It is a great achievement to overturn the common sense of adventure.
[Related News]
◆ KTM 790 Adventure / R Overseas Test Ride Review (Japanese)
Rank 5th: HARLEY DAVIDSON LiveWire
The first electric sports bike with this perfection
HARLEY DAVIDSON's first electric sports motorcycle "LiveWire" finally debuted as a commercial model. "That HARLEY DAVIDSON that has kept the tradition with a V-twin line for more than 100 years since its foundation?" That's already a big topic, but, even more, surprising was its degree of perfection.
I had the opportunity to test-drive the mass-produced commercial model pre-released in the United States. In addition to the acceleration power equivalent to a large sports model with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 3.0 seconds, the torque characteristics unique to an electric motor, such as those shot out by a superconducting catapult, were a fresh feeling that I had never experienced before. The good foot grounding ability by HARLEY DAVIDSON's low seats and slim body, comfortable riding position, and easy-to-turn body make it easy to move around the city without any stress. I felt a quiet and smooth ride like a bullet train, a mysterious peace, engine models do not have, in the LiveWire.
The appearance impact of the LiveWire is also the largest class, such as its neo-retro design reminiscent of Art Deco style and simple structure like just attaching the front and rear wheels to a huge battery and electric motor. While issues such as cruising distance and charging infrastructure will remain, it is realistic to see that the future seen in the movie is coming this far. I gave the LiveWire this rank, including the surprise that the most classic brand was actually an innovator.
[Related Articles]
◆ Harley Electric Motorcycle "LiveWire" Overseas Test Ride Review (Japanese)
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See TRIUMPH Moto Index Page
See SUZUKI Moto Index Page
See KTM Moto Index Page
See HARLEY-DAVIDSON Moto Index Page
See Accessories for HONDA CBR650R
See Accessories for HONDA CBR650F
See Accessories for TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE RS
See Accessories for SUZUKI KATANA
See Accessories for SUZUKI GSX-S1000
See Accessories for KTM 790 ADVENTURE R
See Accessories for KTM 790DUKE
