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FEATURE I 2025 FAVORITE BIKES OF THE YEAR
Honorable Mention #1
2025 KAWASAKI
VERSYS 1100 SE
Kawasaki isn't the first manufacturer
I think of when the term sport tourer
springs to mind, but I was surprised by
how much I enjoyed my time on the Ver-
sys 1100 SE. A bigger motor, all the rider
aids you need, and massive 28-liter
side cases, all for a touch under $20K
make for a very compelling argument.
I noted in my test that I felt this
was a very complete motorcycle, one
that you'd likely hang onto for many,
many years down the road, as it has
everything you'd possibly need in a
sport tourer—except for that seat,
which wasn't very comfortable after
two hours on board. Buy a custom seat,
block the next week out of your life, and
hit the road.
Honorable Mention #2
2025 KTM 450 SMR
There was only one bike I rode (To-
prak's) in 2025 that made me blush like
the first time a girl smiled at me. But
since KTM's 450 SMR got a new frame,
new swingarm and new WP suspension,
matched to that raucous 450cc single-
cylinder this year, the result is a bike
that is so damn fun and effective to ride
at any pace. Especially so when you're
trying to crack out a lap time.
KTM's switch to a spring fork has
worked wonders, and you can absolute-
ly bury that front-end under braking.
There's so much feel from the chassis,
allowing you to push the limits of your
riding in a somewhat safe manner.
Supermoto riding should be way
more popular than it is. It's the best
road-race training you can get. No one
ever rode a KTM 450 SMR and came
away unimpressed. It was great to see
KTM back with a slide and a skid and a
big ol' bang.
