2008-2009 IBOTY: Cycle World, USA

1. Ducati Desmosedici RR

Simply outrageous best describes Ducati's Desmosedici RR, a modern marvel of moto tech that defies all rules of logic. Sure, this MotoGP refugee represents complete and total overkill on the street, but even more astounding is the fact this bike need not even exist. With no homologation rule within the sport's premier class, the D16RR provides 200 horses of heart-pounding proof that the storied Italian manufacturer truly is fueled by passion in its pursuit of performance excellence. We called it "magic in the streets" and "a masterpiece with a warranty." How could we not consider the world's first street-legal MotoGP replica to be anything less than Bike of the Year for 2008.

2. Suzuki GSX-R1000

Yes, this bike rips on the track. Yes, it kills in the quarter-mile. Yes, it melts the dyno with awesome peak power and an amazing torque curve. Yes, it does all this. What it also does is ride comfortably on the street, fueling flawlessly, steering neutrally and simply behaving exactly how we expect an incredibly sporting motorcycle to behave in every setting. So while there is no single element that truly sets the Suzuki GSX-R1000 apart, its combination of close-to-chart-topping performance in all measurable categories plus an absolute sweetness on the road simply allows it to be the best at doing everything. It is this overriding competence and fundamental rightness that makes the big GSX-R a true winner.

3. Kawasaki Concours 14

Where to begin? How about, "These are the nicest horsepower and torque curves we have ever seen." Or perhaps, "It moves with an athletic confidence and overpowerful ease like nothing else on the road. One minute it can whisper along in its overdrive sixth gear so smoothly and quietly at 80 mph it is almost like the bike isn't running. The next it is tearing out of a corner, front end light, leaving a black line and a shower of footpeg sparks in its wake." The fact is that sport-touring is about delicious movement, freedom to go slowly and relax or to turn the throttle and run, with just enough of your favorite stuff in the saddlebags. The Kawasaki Concours 14 does all that and more, elevating the performance level of the sport-touring class to new heights.