Estoril's chicane is a challenging place, especially when it's damp. The uphill left-right flick is steep and tricky enough to make even good bikes feel unwieldy-and that's before you add a few wet patches to the surface of the notoriously slippery Portuguese circuit.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "The only V4 hypersport available."
We say: "And a damn good one at that!"26824655/firstrides/122_1003_2010_aprilia_rsv4r122_1003_01_o+2010_aprilia_rsv4r+left_side_view.jpgTrue

As two-strokes continue their march toward obsolescence (600cc four-strokes will have replaced 250s in MotoGP by the time you read this), manufacturers are scrambling to find viable options for entry-level roadracers. Moriwaki Engineering is ahead of the curve with the MD250H, a four-stroke featherweight designed to rival the performance of a 125cc two-stroke while being easier to ride.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "The new springboard for aspiring racers."
We say: "Aspiring racers with small bodies and big wallets, that is."32261355/firstrides/122_1003_moriwaki_md250h_motorcycle122_1003_01_o+moriwaki_md250h+left_side_view.jpgTrue

Wha...hey! I knew the Rocket III Roadster was going to have grunt, but I hadn't expected this. Pulling away from Triumph's Hinckley factory, the Roadster's enormous 240mm-wide rear Metzeler spun on the damp pavement as it was overwhelmed by the three-cylinder engine's monstrous torque.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "The ultimate in big-capacity thrills."
We say: "An 800-pound motorcycle has never felt so good."28043878/firstrides/122_1003_2010_triumph_rocket_iii_roadster122_1003_01_o+2010_triumph_rocket_iii_roadster+right_side_view.jpgTrue

Before we get into what the new Z1000 is, let's start with what Kawasaki says it isn't. First, it's definitely not a warmed-over '08 Z1000-don't look for transposable parts because there aren't any-and it's not a naked ZX-10 either. Your aesthetic inference and these photographs not withstanding, Kawasaki types don't use the word "naked" in its presence. Naked implies stripped, as in a dumbed-down pricepoint version of something else. Maybe that's why naked/standards haven't managed to light up American cash registers as they have in Europe. Kawasaki figures there's a gaping hole between naked mediocrity and race-replica extremism that can only be filled with something fast and comfortable, cool and affordable, with a selection of sporting tack that doesn't usually trickle down this far in the lineup. Whether this Z1000 fills that slot or not, one thing is clear: It's light years ahead of the old one.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey Say: "Faster, more nimble and better than ever."
We Say: "Return of the son of '73 Z-1"26789357/firstrides/122_1003_2010_kawasaki_z1000122_1003_01_o+2010_kawasaki_z1000+left_side_view.jpgTrue

The secret is out: Riding mini-bikes is just as much fun now that you're an adult as it was when you were a kid. After discovering that KLX110s are being ridden by parents as often as the children for whom they were purchased, Kawasaki decided to go with the flow and update the model to better suit kids of all ages. The result is the 2010 KLX110 and the all-new KLX110L.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "A KX450F-inspired ride for the aspiring little ripper."
We say: "And an entertaining toy for big rippers, too!"27668767/firstrides/122_1002_2010_kawasaki_klx110_and_klx110l122_1002_01_o+2010_kawasaki_klx110_and_klx110l+left_side_view.jpgTrue

By introducing the Honda Elite 110 scooter in the starlet- and paparazzi-heavy Brentwood area of Los Angeles, the "nicest people" people gave journalists a sense of what their latest little scooter is really good for: cruising quickly around a traffic-mad city with breezy ease and a playful attitude.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "All you could ever ask for-and more-in a scooter."
We say: "An around-town all-rounder, as long as you're not freeway-bound."26478476/firstrides/122_1002_2010_honda_elite_110122_1002_01_o+2010_honda_elite_110+left_side_view.jpgTrue

Back-to-back sessions on the Misano circuit had been exciting, exhausting and a great way of confirming the pace and poise of the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR. The smaller-engined 990R was enjoyably quick and sweet-handling, and the 1090RR that I rode immediately afterwards was better still.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "Prepare to be conquered."
We say: "In a kinder, gentler, Brutale kinda way."26500724/firstrides/122_1002_2010_mv_agusta_brutale_990r_and_1090rr122_1002_01_o+2010_mv_agusta_brutale_1090rr+right_side_view.jpgTrue

A generation ago, Americans scoffed at the English and European motorcycles rolling onto our shores. In the 1960s, many discounted the Japanese onslaught. Now, 21st-century America is in the midst of another Asian invasion, and Hyosung is leading the charge.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "A performance machine at a budget price."
We say: "That depends on your definition of performance."27698614/firstrides/122_1002_2010_hyosung_gt650r122_1002_01_o+2010_hyosung_gt650r+right_side_view.jpgTrue

Aprilia's RS125 is one European exotic you can buy today. But there's a catch: The little two-stroke's blue exhaust haze restricts U.S. usage to the racetrack.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "When the competition gets tough, there's no other bike like it."
We say: "How tough can the competition be in the 125cc class?"26478728/firstrides/122_1002_2010_aprilia_rs125122_1002_01_o+2010_aprilia_rs125+left_side_view.jpgTrue

There is no such thing as a bad trip to Italy. It's sunny and 68 degrees outside Via Cavalieri Ducati 3 in Bologna. Stepping inside for the obligatory pre-ride presentation, two things become clear halfway through the first double espresso: This new midsize Hypermotard isn't the fastest Ducati or the sexiest. But for an upscale brand in a decidedly down market, the 796 is Bologna's most important piece of news for 2010 for one simple reason: You can buy one for less than $10,000.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "The 796 rides the common ground between manners and madness."
We say: "Hypermotard Lite: same great taste, a little less thrilling."27714850/firstrides/122_1002_2010_ducati_hypermotard_796122_1002_01_o+2010_ducati_hypermotard_796+left_side_view.jpgTrue

I wish I had a photo of it, or better yet a video. And I really wish I'd done it on purpose, rather than by accident. But to be honest, I was just along for the ride.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "A new benchmark in terms of riding dynamics, safety and innovation.
We say: "You'll get no argument here."31928643/firstrides/122_1002_2010_bmw_s1000rr122_1002_01_o+2010_bmw_s1000rr+right_side_view.jpgTrue

If you're going to visit Texas, make it Hill Country. There are some legendary motorcycle roads out that way, and every time you throttle down you're likely to find some fine bluegrass music playing plus. And if you're lucky, pungent smoke pouring from a big, black pig-cooker. Texas: It's a big place to be. And a great place for Victory to introduce its big new baggers.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "Luxury cruisers with touring credentials."
We say: "Big baggers that boogie!"31600953/firstrides/122_1001_2010_victory_cross_country_and_cross_roads122_1001_01_o+2010_victory_cross_country+left_side_view.jpgTrue

Interacting with Japanese engineers is always entertaining, but this press dinner was getting more comical by the moment. After discussing the various and sundry details that make the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F revolutionary, the conversation inexplicably turned to television game shows. We all agreed that the original Japanese Takeshi's Castle was way better than the American rip-off Wipeout, and that MXC is better than both. Then one of the engineers mentioned Who Wants to be a Millionaire? "Is that your final answer?" we all said in unison, bridging the language barrier. Which got me thinking...inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "So forward thinking, everything else seems backwards."
We say: "That's what Cannondale thought."27418066/firstrides/122_1001_2010_yamaha_yz450f122_1001_01_o+2010_yamaha_yz450f+front_view.jpgTrue

To the less perceptive observer, it could pass for a warmed-over version of last year's Concours 14. Given the currently chilly financial climate, we didn't expect many changes for 2010 beneath the fresh coat of Candy Neptune Blue paint. The home office had a more ambitious agenda. When customer research came back with the same list of flaws in the original '08 design, Kawasaki Japan wanted them fixed. All of them.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "Engineered to surpass expectations of what a sport-tourer should be."
We say: "More than we expected for less than we'd expect to pay."26205797/firstrides/122_1001_2010_kawasaki_concours_14122_1001_01_o+2010_kawasaki_concours_14+left_side_view.jpgTrue

Nothing offends hardcore sport riders more than automatic transmissions. They see something sacred in manipulating clutch and shift levers in perfect synchronicity, demonstrating their mastery over a high-performance machine. At the same time, MotoGP and Superbike racers-the best riders in the world-use quick-shifters to circumvent their clutches, while Formula 1 drivers employ paddle-shifters to the same effect. Clearly, automatic shifting is not just for scooters anymore.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "For experienced hands who ride hard, ride far and ride often."
We say: "The Dual Clutch Transmission is an all-new experience for your left hand."31602558/firstrides/122_1001_2010_honda_vfr1200f122_1001_01_o+2010_honda_vfr1200f+right_side_view.jpgTrue

Benelli describes its new Tre899K as an entry-level sport-touring machine, and by the Italian firm's standards that is an apt description. Along with last year's TNT899, the Tre-K has the smallest engine and lowest price of Benelli's line of triples. And like its big brother, the Tre1130K, it's a softer, more relaxed alternative to the aggressive, naked TNT.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "Outside the known limits."
We say: "But promising, based on our limited knowledge."25792544/firstrides/122_0912_benelli_tre899k_motorcycle122_0912_01_o+benelli_tre899k_motorcycle+right_side_view.jpgTrue

Never have I ridden a dirtbike that attracts as much attention as this. Everyone who spies it does a double-take, makes a beeline for my pit area, gives the bike a good once-over and then waxes poetic about the futuristic styling: the shape of the frame, seat and plastic; the far-out front fender supports; the foam-covered air inlets in what appears to be the gas tank; and the dual exhaust outlets under the seat. Yet ironically, most don't notice the very feature that makes the Aprilia MXV 4.5 unique.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "Uncompromising ... the highest possible level of performance."
We say: "Hell yeah, and it looks bitchin' too!"26929240/firstrides/122_0912_aprilia_mxv122_0912_01_o+aprilia_mxv_4_5+right_side_view.jpgTrue

Over the years, Moto Guzzi has developed a reputation as a conservative firm, renowned for producing unique machines that retain a traditional style and charm. Although set in their ways, you can't accuse Italy's oldest bike manufacturer of being slow to act or reluctant to listen to criticism. Not anymore, anyway.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "A stronger and smoother Stelvio, now with ABS."
We say: "The bike Guzzi should have built in the first place."25790420/firstrides/122_0912_2010_moto_guzzi_stelvio_abs122_0912_01_o+2010_moto_guzzi_stelvio_abs+left_side_view.jpgTrue

It's Monday morning on a bright June day in the Italian Dolomites, and if there's a better place to be riding a motorcycle, then I'm not aware of it. The air is crisp, the mountain views stunning, and the road is twisty, smooth and almost deserted.inline_mediumwraptextrightThey say: "The most complete motorcycle on the market."
We say: "Completely different, yes."31134015/firstrides/122_0912_2010_aprilia_mana_850_gt_abs122_0912_01_o+2010_aprilia_mana_850_gt_abs+left_side_view.jpgTrue