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JK, the Suzuki Hayabusa is not one of the most fun motorcycles to ride, according to you.
JK, the Suzuki Hayabusa is not one of the most fun motorcycles to ride, according to you. (Suzuki/)

We like to produce lots of “Top 5″ lists. But occasionally we shut up and listen to our readers about what’s best and why. A couple of weeks ago, Editor Adam Waheed posed the question to our US audience on the MotorcyclistMag Facebook page: “What’s the most fun motorcycle to ride?” Thankfully, lots of you answered.

Some of you got philosophical. “The first bike you ever owned. All other bikes after that are you chasing the vibe” was Thomas DeLoriea’s answer. That’s a cold fact. Nothing on earth makes me feel like my Yamaha 125 scooter when I was 16 and sneaking out of my parents’ house. Michael King echoed many with the simple observation, “Most fun? The one you’re on!”

The Motorcyclist staff pick (according to Waheed) was the Suzuki Hayabusa. But our readers are rich with opinions. Two-stroke nods went to the classic Yamaha RD350, with the Aprilia RS 250 and Suzuki RGV250 also mentioned. Classic Harley-Davidsons got a few nominations, of course.

Not many weighed in with adventure bike options, though. Same thing with off-road bikes. Guess they’re too busy hitting fire roads in Oregon. But a couple of bikes got more than a few mentions. Here’s the top five fun motorcycles to ride, as picked by faithful Motorcyclist readers who like to comment on Facebook.

As subtle as a barrelful of monkeys on meth. The Kawasaki ZX-14 R.
As subtle as a barrelful of monkeys on meth. The Kawasaki ZX-14 R. (Kawasaki/)
Power to weight, dollars to displacement. The Kawasaki ZX-14 does all right with the former but masters the latter.
Power to weight, dollars to displacement. The Kawasaki ZX-14 does all right with the former but masters the latter. (Kawasaki/)

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

In hindsight, this is kind of a no-brainer. There’s hardly a better way to threaten life and limb on two wheels. Kawasaki’s ZX-14 has existed since 2006, with the ZX-14R joining the party in 2012 with traction control and a slipper clutch. Our Cycle World comrades got a 0–60 mph time of 2.6 seconds. Couple this with Kawasaki’s long-held commitment to maximum horsepower per dollar and you’ve got a consensus pick. More people going very fast makes a motorcycle even faster, right? As Steven Livingston put it, “Banging open the throttle on something terrifyingly fast (in the best way possible) is awful hard to beat. I got a ZX-14.”

Fun fact: The ZX-14 is the only inline-four motorcycle on this list.

The corner exit wheelie, the hardest wheelie of them all. But a Ducati Streetfighter V2 could help you with that.
The corner exit wheelie, the hardest wheelie of them all. But a Ducati Streetfighter V2 could help you with that. (Ducati/)
A 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2, shown here awaiting fun riding and/or activities.
A 2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2, shown here awaiting fun riding and/or activities. (Ducati/)

Ducati Streetfighter V2

Ducati is hardly a value-based brand, but the Streetfighter V2 got quite a few nods. Not the new 2022 Streetfighter V4 variant, nor the Panigale V4 from 2018. Readers specifically called out the V2, and who can blame them? More than 50 years of 90-degree V-twin development speaks for itself, with Fabio Taglioni’s belt-driven Pantah 500 providing a template for the next 40-plus years of Ducati powerplants. The Streetfighter V2 is more of a concept than anything. While 2009–2012 Streetfighter V2 owners had a 1,099cc powerplant to work with, newer Streetfighter V2 owners track into the middleweight camp, with 848cc and 955cc mills. And while the V4 has supplanted the V2 atop the Ducati pecking order, the idea is

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By: Anders T. Carlson
Title: Top 5 Most Fun Motorcycles Chosen by Readers
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/top-fun-motorcycles-readers-choice/
Published Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

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Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck

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September 26, 2023

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Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors
The Glemseck 101 is the European event for anyone who loves fast, impractical, and highly imaginative machines. Those who partake in it do so with cult-like levels of obsession—returning year after year in a bid to outdo each other and themselves.

Rolf Reick is a regular face at the Glemseck 101. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, the perpetually cheerful industrial designer heads up a design school in the nearby town of Mannheim. But he also has years of experience building custom bikes—like this wild Kawasaki H1 two-stroke—under the banner of Krautmotors.

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors

Rolf has stockpiled a number of rad bits and pieces over the years. So he set himself a goal of building a drag bike for this year’s Glemseck 101 using only recycled parts from his personal stash, turning to external sources only when necessary. (It’s not the first time he’s used this approach.)

One of the parts that Ralf already had on hand was the triple-cylinder two-stroke engine from a Kawasaki H1 Mach III; the original ‘Widowmaker.’ But it was far from stock. It had previously been rebuilt by the Kawasaki specialist Ralf Gille, with a host of upgrades that included extensive head work, a new crankshaft, and a set of Mikuni carbs.

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/kawasaki-h1-krautmotors
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:01:55 +0000

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COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson

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September 25, 2023

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COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson
LOT #759 – 2020 ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA – NO RESERVE

In the dynamic landscape of the automotive world, a new era of collectible vehicles has emerged, blending contemporary innovation with cutting-edge technological advancement. These modern marvels have transcended the label of mere transportation, captivating the hearts of discerning enthusiasts and astute collectors alike. With cutting-edge technology, impeccable craftsmanship and limited production numbers, these automotive works of art selling with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Las Vegas Auction embody a new breed of collectible treasures.

LOT #759 – 2020 ASTON MARTIN DBS SUPERLEGGERA – NO RESERVE
Pictured above, this 2020 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is powered by a twin-turbo premium unleaded V12 engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Window grid diversity antenna, 21-inch gloss black 10-twin-spoke forged wheels, valet function, trunk rear cargo access, trip computer, Touchtronic 2 sequential-shift control.

LOT #709 – 2019 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 HENNESSEY CUSTOM EDITION “RESURRECTION” – NO RESERVE
Powered by a 6.2-liter engine with an LT5 supercharger paired with an upgraded 10-speed automatic transmission. Hennessey custom edition, Serial #01, that produces 1,200hp at 6,800 rpm. May not be emissions compliant in all 50 states.

LOT #457 – 2017 FORD MUSTANG FP350S RACE CAR – NO RESERVE
Limited production, #45 of 50. Powered by a 5.2-liter Ford Racing engine paired with a TREMEC 6-speed manual transmission. Not street legal. Sold on Bill of Sale. 

LOT #468 – 2013 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED – NO RESERVE
Le Mans Edition powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo engine producing 616hp mated to an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. With 53,953 actual miles.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: COVETED CARS OF THE MODERN ERA: Exploring the Allure of New Collectibles at Barrett-Jackson
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/coveted-cars-of-the-modern-era-exploring-the-allure-of-new-collectibles-at-barrett-jackson-las-vegas-no-reserve/
Published Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:24:11 +0000

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Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22

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September 25, 2023

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Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – June 16, 2022 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, will kick off its 2023 Las Vegas Auction at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention, June 22-24, by once again partnering with the Driven Project charity to provide a “supercar therapy” experience for 10 local children battling critical and chronic illnesses.

On Thursday, June 22, 10 little co-pilots and their families will arrive at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Awaiting their arrival will be Barrett-Jackson and Driven Project teams, as well as a wide range of supercars, such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis and McLarens. At 8:30 a.m. following their arrival, the co-pilots will embark on a supercar adventure that will begin by crossing Barrett-Jackson’s world-famous auction block in the passenger seat of a supercar. Each child will receive a hero’s welcome, be introduced to those in attendance by longtime Barrett-Jackson television personality Rick DeBruhl and get pictures taken on the auction block with the supercars. Next, the co-pilots and their drivers will enjoy a cruise down Las Vegas Boulevard before returning to the West Hall for a day of family fun at the auction, including a special scavenger hunt designed just for them.

“We are excited to once again partner with the Driven Project as we host many exceptional young children and their families to kick off another highly anticipated event in Las Vegas,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve partnered with the Driven Project several times to create special, unique and impactful experiences for these children, and I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces at Barrett-Jackson next Thursday. This is truly the perfect way to jumpstart our 2023 Las Vegas Auction.”

The Driven Project was founded by Kevin Gordon in 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, with one goal in mind: to provide “supercar therapy” to children who are battling critical and chronic illnesses and helping give them the strength to “keep driving forward” on their journey. Today, the Driven Project charity is now operating in the United States, Canada and Australia.  The “supercar therapy” experience provides these amazing children with a much-needed adrenaline-filled escape from reality, helping them stay strong through their battles and an opportunity to create memories alongside their family that they will cherish forever.

“The Driven Project is a wonderful organization, and we are delighted to once again work alongside them and their volunteers to create a day of fun and excitement for these families,” said Carolyn Jackson, Chief Philanthropy Officer for Barrett-Jackson. “Our commitment to the community has long been a foundational pillar for Barrett-Jackson and we look forward to providing another exceptional experience for these children in Las Vegas.”

Supercars will begin staging at the West Hall at 7:45 a.m. and the families will arrive at 8 a.m., with the event beginning at 8:30 a.m. Media wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive before 8:00 a.m. and are asked to please RSVP to Rodney Scearce at rscearce@barrett-jackson.com.

Click Here to view a recap video of the Driven Project at Barrett-Jackson’s 2022 Las Vegas Auction.

To learn more about the Driven Project, please visit drivenproject.com and instagram.com/drivenproject.

Join Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: Barrett-Jackson and the Driven Project Partner to Provide “Supercar Therapy” for Children in Need on Thursday, June 22
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/barrett-jackson-and-the-driven-project-partner-to-provide-supercar-therapy-for-children-in-need-on-thursday-june-22/
Published Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:35:58 +0000

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