TWELVE FAVOURITES
Over the years I've ridden hundreds of motorcycles, but only a handful have stayed with me long after I handed the keys back.
These are a dozen of the bikes that indelibly impressed.
2006
Position Filled
The Buell Ulysses looked unconventional from every angle, yet it tackled highways, gravel roads and adventure trails with surprising confidence. One of the most enjoyable and misunderstood motorcycles I've ever ridden. I bought one.
2006
Karma Please!
Motorcycle karma delivered one of Italy's finest. Beautiful, brutally fast and utterly intoxicating, the MV Agusta F4 1000 proved every bit as exciting to ride as it was to admire.
2007
BMW Lets Loose
'The HP2 Megamoto is an uncompromising street bike. At home in the urban jungle, tearing up country roads or a racetrack.' - Or so the brochure says.
2010
Winging It
An epic South Island tour aboard Honda's flagship Gold Wing revealed a luxury tourer that was anything but soft. Sweeping highways, mountain passes and back roads proved why the GL1800 has earned its legendary reputation.
2016
Indian Feel-good
Indian's Springfield blends classic heritage styling with surprisingly sharp handling. A week in the saddle proved it to be the sweetest, most refined and best-cornering Thunder Stroke model I'd ridden.
2018
Freewheeling Fun
After nearly 500 kilometres on Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee-Eight Freewheeler, I finally understood why trikes have such a loyal following.
2019
Surprisingly Capable
Triumph's Scrambler 1200 XE blends classic styling with genuine off-road ability. Great suspension, a brilliant engine and superb handling made this one of the most entertaining all-round motorcycles I've tested.
2020
Hail to the King
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King proved that big touring bikes can still surprise, handle beautifully and feel just right.
2022
Evolution of Awesome
A glorious fortnight with Triumph’s mighty 2.5 litre Rocket 3 GT. Huge torque, real polish and grin-inducing grunt.
2022
Bahnstormer
BMW's K 1600 B brings six-cylinder performance and cutting-edge technology to the luxury bagger market. Effortlessly fast, beautifully refined and packed with innovation, it's a genuine bahnstormer.
2022
La Vida LiveWire
A comprehensive look at Harley's most controversial motorcycle ever.Fast, smooth and eerily silent, it delivered one of the most unique riding experiences I've had. With caveats.
2023
Livin' The Dream
Harley-Davidson's flagship CVO Road Glide delivered one of the finest long-distance rides I've ever experienced.A 1,000-kilometre journey from Sydney to Brisbane proved a comprehensive test.