Since the dawn of the new century, motorcycle manufacturers have been churning out excellent rides one after another. And with each of the two decades that have passed, advancements in engineering and computing have led to these machines becoming meaner and meaner. There have also been a host of safety improvements, moreover. Today, we've decided to go down memory lane and list out what we think are the greatest motorcycles of the 21st century so far. Let's get going then.
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This is one iconic motorcycle from 2002 that changed a lot of things. Its hardened design allowed it to tread any kind of surface with ease, while its V-twin engine derived from the Suzuki TL1000S and TL1000R motorcycles allowed it to keep things light yet powerful. And who can forget the killer exuberance it exuded through its appearance?
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The KTM 950 Adventure was under production since way back in 1992, but 2006 turned out to be its final year. The model that came out offered a WP suspension and dual gas tanks that made it a favourite of adventure purists. It was also KTM's last bike to come with carburettors instead of fuel injectors.
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2008 Aprilia RSV4
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When it comes to superbikes, very few conversations are complete without a mention of the inaugural Aprilia RSV4. This is the same bike that Max Biaggi won nine podium finishes with during the World Superbike Racing in 2008. Its claim to fame was, of course, its 65-degree 999.6 cc V-4 engine.
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Triumph was making Bonnevilles decades before but the 2001 model changed the game for the company. Although it looked strikingly similar to the classics it succeeded, it was given a new 790 cc parallel-twin engine, which turned out to be the real winner.
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2009 BMW S1000RR
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Considered the best-equipped sportbike in the 1000 cc category at the time, this mean machine came equipped with ABS and dynamic traction control. Moreover, it even came with three riding modes (Wet, Sport and Race). Another first for this bike was that it was the first production motorcycle to offer an optional clutch-less quick shifter.
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This one had a limited production run from 2009 to 2012 but grabbed iconic status for its unprecedented sales and a return to the flat-track that was adopted by most manufacturers years later. It had an Evolution engine that was tuned to produce 91 bhp and also grabbed four-piston dual front disc brakes, and an aluminium swingarm.
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These are the top 5 bikes that we think deserve to the termed the greatest motorcycles of the 21st century so far. We're sure you might have a few options to add to it yourself. Tell us what they are.
