For 2012 Suzuki didn’t change much of the looks on the Gixxr thou which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but focused on improving some of the weak points such as upgraded Brembo brakes, improved mid range, more agile handling, and some cosmetic changes that only the trained eye would spot. This improved the package weather you use it on the road or take it to the track.

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!

Based on the CBR650F but with more naked styling looks brilliant and is good fun on the road. Its is simple and straightforward to ride and is also practical and versatile. In other words, this is old fashioned motorbiking before stupid fast became the norm

For the 2014 Z1000 Kawasaki went all out in design to bring it line with its fierce competition. Thankfully for the purists out there Kawasaki opted to stay away from the rider aids and focus on creating a thrilling analogue package and they did not disappoint. The honed throttle response, glitch-free engine delivery and refined top rate suspension and brakes is far more rewarding with 140bhp then the crazy unusable power from its rivals.

The K6/ K7 GSXR 750 was one of the best bikes Suzuki ever made and remains popular to this day. The 148 BHP produced by the motor was just right, combined with its lightweight of 163kg is what keeps this bike fighting with some of the latest super sports. At a fraction off the price and without the intrusive electronics featured on some modern models this certainly is the purists choice.

The Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S is a proper hooligans bike. Its comfortable but allows you to do some very fun things at sensible speeds. The handling is better than a super sports and is suited to tight twisty roads or nipping in and out of traffic. The S variant as seen above is not only 2 kg lighter than the standard model but features Ohlins rear shock, Marchesini light weight wheels, Brembo Monoblocs fro the Ducati 108 and a datatlogging facility. Pair all this with the Full Termignoni carbon exhaust with de-cat and you have a machine that is amazing all round.

Based on the MT-09 which is a quick, fun road bike and good laugh on the track the tracer makes it more tourer ready. The triple engine has plenty power and torque and you always feels safe with the combined ABS and traction control.

The Kawasaki ZZR1400 is not only the fastest, most powerful motorcycle you could buy in 2006, but happens to be an extremely capable all-round machine too. Limited to 186mph (300kmh) the Kawasaki ZZR1400 will do it with a gear to spare. Capable of commuting, two up sporty touring, track days, drag racing, posing – almost anything is possible on the big Kawasaki ZZR1400 - just don’t try taking it dirt riding.