Kawasaki ZX6R C1H 2005, when Kawasaki introduced the 636 variant of their 600 super sports track-intent is still present and correct, but thankfully the suspension is more responsive and less harsh. Its new slippery shape means that 170mph is just a following wind away. Also new for 2005 is a slipper clutch and petal discs.

Honda’s CBR600RR has been a solid staple when it comes to super sport market and this example has a shortened wheelbase and tightened up steering to make the Honda CBR600RR far sharper compared to previous generations. Combine that with the reduction in weight and it all makes this Honda CBR600RR a formidable track tool. It steers so well, you can really flick the motorcycle around and there so much feedback from the front tyre you can carry loads of brake into the turn.

Want something more practical than the GSX-R, the GSR is designed to compete with Yamaha’s FZ8 and Kawasaki’s Z750. It delivers supernaked looks in a usable, stylish middleweight body, with the 105bhp 749cc engine offering enough poke to have fun with.

Here we have a clean standard example of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R D6F with over 165 BHP as standard and speeds in excess of 170 MPH possible, what more do you need?

For a supersports machine that’s as easy to ride to the shops as it is round Donington Park the 2004 R6 comes close to spot-on. Launched as a rearguard action while the factory prepared their dinky, ride-by-wire ’06 hottie, this older version of the Yamaha YZF-R6 still comes with toys like radial brakes and is seriously underrated all for a fraction of the price of the 06 models

Puzzled? Don’t be. The simple truth is Ducati’s 796 slots nicely between the first-timer Monster 696 and the more powerful Monster 1100 and it’s one of biking’s easy-to-net pleasures. It’s not under or overpowered, not expensive to buy second hand or maintain, easy to ride and a looker to boot. Plus it carries one of the most recognisable brand names ever on its fuel tank: Ducati.

The 2009 Yamaha R1 is like no in-line-four cylinder sportsbike ever produced. It’s simply sensational.  The Yamaha R1’s ultra-short-stroke engine has a cross-plane crankshaft, with its crank pins set at 90° and has irregular firing intervals, which is technology lifted from Moto-GP. At a standstill the motor spins up like a two-stroke and on the move the R1’s ability to accelerate, no matter where you are in the revs is astonishing. Thanks to the clever engine design it grunts off corners like a V-twin, while giving superb feel through the rear tyre, and howls along straights like the mad, bad in-line-four it really is. Best of all is the noise this thing produces!

This is the last word in round-the-world motorcycling can do. With a monstrous 33-litre tank, grunty motor, shaft-drive and excellent reliability in all climes and conditions the BMW R1200GS Adventure redefines the adventure motorcycle class.