Ten Best Motorcycles 2019

For 44 years, Cycle World has compiled a list of the ten best motorcycles for the current model year. These are the Ten Best Motorcycles of 2019.

We freely admit that any motorcycle is a good motorcycle. If you see one you like, buy it, and ride all the time. You won't be sorry. But since 1976, Cycle World has been on the job testing as many bikes as possible in a given year to honor those engineers, designers, and test riders who get to work early and clock out late to bring us better machines. Here, in 2019 and for the 44th time in a row, are the Ten Best Bikes.

Best Cruiser of 2019: Ducati Diavel 1260 S

It's long and low with a menacing demeanor, is powered by a massive V-twin engine, and it's Italian. Wait. What? That's right, the Best Cruiser of 2019 is straight outta Bologna. Revamped for 2019, the Diavel 1260 S gets a 1,262cc Testastretta DVT engine that cranks out 139 hp and 85 pound-feet of torque on the Cycle World dyno, but thanks to its DVT variable valve timing, that power is just as usable cruising down Main Street as it is sucking the doors off the local doctor's Corvette.

Unlike any other Ducati, the Diavel has a relaxed yet not totally laid-back seating position, and unlike most power cruisers, the 1260 S can hustle through corners. Cornering clearance is abundant compared to what's available in the rest of the cruising world, which the Ducati needs because its Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires and Öhlins fully adjustable suspension assist in sportbike-inspired handling levels. But that doesn't mean the Diavel 1260 S can't cruise; just back it down and let that 90-degree V-twin thump out its patata-patata. Just as this previous Ten Best winner did before, the Diavel again pushes the boundaries of what it is to be a cruiser.

Best Adventure Bike of 2019: KTM 790 Adventure R

While chasing KTM's Adventure badass Chris Birch across the Moroccan desert—at a speed that was more appropriate for dirt bikes—we quickly realized the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R is the new high mark of the adventure segment. The long-travel WP suspension eats terrain that would damage other bikes, a low-slung fuel tank provides light and flickable character, a snappy 799cc parallel twin is surprisingly controllable, and svelte and compact ergonomics enhance rather than hamper aggressive riding.

All of it makes for an absolute weapon in the right hands. But that weapon is also eminently accessible and usable in the hands of all riders. The intersection of a powerplant that isn't overbearing, like KTM's big-bore twins, and a lighter, more nimble chassis hits the bull's-eye of the middleweight adventure so true and definite, it nearly makes open-class machines irrelevant.

Best Enduro/Dual Sport of 2019: KTM 500 EXC-F

KTM's "ready to race" slogan flows through all its motorcycles, and the 2019 500 EXC-F lives up to that as much as a dual sport can in the face of toughening emission and noise rules. In reality, you could ride the 500 EXC-F to a GNCC, remove the mirrors and license plate, compete, and ride home—at least, if you lived within range of its 2.5-gallon fuel tank.

WP Suspension's Xplor fork and PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock are more than up to plowing over and through crunchy roots and rocks or pounding desert whoops, and the torque-rich power delivery from the SOHC single makes for control and poise in technical terrain. Then it rockets you forward when the trail unwinds. Slim ergonomics and the lightest weight in class just further the big EXC-F's capability. You may not be racing, but it's good to know you can.

Best Motocross Bike of 2019: Kawasaki KX450

Motocross is about building the most focused tool for speed, period. Sometimes it might be an amazing engine that stands out—or plush suspension or razor-sharp turning ability—and the rest of the bike just comes along for the ride. This year is about balance. The new-for-2019 Kawasaki KX450 (no more "F") takes the prize as Best Motocrosser for this very reason.

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