Honorable Mentions

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Ducati ST2

Que bella machina! We love Ducati's new sport-tourer, and while it was in contention for a Ten Best trophy in two categories, it ultimately failed to make the cut. Why? Two reasons: 1) In the Open Streetbike class, the Honda VFR offers better performance at a lower price; and 2) we just couldn't justify it as Best Touring Bike. If you knew how p.o.'ed the Gold Wing set got when we voted for the ST1100 and R1100RT, you'd understand...

Kawasaki Nomad

When the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic debuted in 1996, it received lukewarm reviews. Testers mostly liked the mega-cruiser, but none could overlook the paltry engine performance. This year, Kawasaki rectifled the Vulcan's power deficit, then upped the ante even further by introducing the $12,000 Nomad touring version. Suddenly, Road King owners aren't laughing.

Kawasaki KX250

If this had been any other year, the KX250 would have won Best Motocross Bike handily. It is, after all, the easiestto-ride two-stroke motocrosser, which diminishes its race-winning ability not one whit. Unfortunately, this is the year of the YZ-F, and the KX is merely secondbest. Unless Jeff Emig can prove otherwise, that is.

Moto Guzzi V11 EV

Moto Guzzi's first prize in our recent "Lucky 13" cruiser shootout will likely go down in Italian motorcycle lore alongside Paul Smart's Imola 200 win and Mike Hailwood's Isle of Man TT comeback. But as much as we like the sideways-Twin-which is a lot-it's tough to beat Polaris' combination of torque, handling and made. in-America style. V for Victory, indeed.

Kawasaki ZX-9R

Another example of poor timing on Kawasaki's part. If the omnipotent ZX-9R had debuted last year, there's little doubt it would have swept Best Superbike honors. Alas, this is the year of the YZF, and even a sword-wielding Ninja doesn't look so fearsome anymore.