The Globe and Mail

1. BMW R1200 GS Adventure

Price: $19,990

Engine: 1,170-cc, air-cooled Boxer or flat twin

Horsepower/torque: 105 hp/85 lb-ft

The BMW R1200 GS and R1200 GS Adventure are bread-and-butter bikes for BMW AG's Motorrad division. The R1200 GS line is, says the company, the “most successful BMW motorcycle of all times.”

The heart of the thing is the air/oil-cooled Boxer Twin. This engine produces a load of smooth, usable grunt and the engine design itself helps lower the bike's centre of gravity. These bikes are everywhere in Europe and with good reason. The ride is stable and responsive, there is plenty of power and the durability is what you'd expect of a bike designed for touring on- and (mildly) off-road.

The GS Adventure looks the part of a safari bike, too. It's visually striking compared to the standard GS model. But this is also a very big bike and it is a handful for smaller, shorter riders.

One very cool feature is the ESA (electric suspension adjustment). This feature has been used on previous BMW street models, but only last year did BMW make this available on an enduro machine – with specific off-road settings. At the touch of a left-thumb button, the rider can choose appropriate preload and damping stages. The theory behind the system is to adjust for both terrain conditions and motorcycle load such as passengers or luggage.

The GS models are touring bikes first and foremost. They shine brightest when you take them out for long distances in the saddle. The rider accommodations are superb here. The seating position, controls, and all the rest are easy on the rider. Sure, these bikes can be heavy and overwhelming at times, but that is what makes them good touring machines.

2. Ducati Hypermotard 1100

Price: $17,995

Engine: 1,100-cc L-twin

Horsepower/torque: 90 hp/76 lb-ft

The Hypermotard offers all sorts of high-quality components and it's a fast, aggressive bike. But it's not for everyone. The high seat will be too much for short-legged riders and the narrow bike itself, along with the aggressive riding position, will appeal mostly to racy, aggressive riders. Mounted, you almost feel like you're perched over the front wheel.

Lots of power here. The air-cooled, two-valve Multistrada engine is strong and responsive and likes to rev. There is lots of torque even at low engine speeds. The six-speed gearbox delivers crisp, short throws.

This is not the ideal bike for long rides. The seat is narrow and hard and the bike tends to vibrate quite a bit. This bike shines brightest on back-country roads that twist and bend. The Hypermotard is a light bike (175 kg dry) and it is easy to throw into a corner, exiting with plenty of throttle. Apex to apex, this is one fun bike.

In short, the Hypermotard is a fast ride for aggressive riders. But it's not a touring bike by any means.

3. Harley Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle

Price: $21,869

Engine: 1,250-cc, liquid-cooled, Revolution V-Twin

Horsepower/torque: 125 hp/85 lb-ft

The V-Rod Muscle is, as the name implies, Harley-Davidson's muscle cruiser. The bike looks the part: big air scoops up front, chiselled airbox cover, tall handlebars, dual side-pipe exhausts and chopped rear end. No mistaking the message this bike sends: I'm a bad-ass.

The engine is the strong and smooth V-Rod motor with electronic fuel injection. This is a good, modern power plant with double overhead cams and five-speed transmission.

On the street, the Muscle rides and handles about the same as other varieties of V-Rod. So while this bike grabs eyeballs wherever you go, after about an hour you need to get off and stretch. The low seating position and foot-forward controls have you sitting right on your tailbone and that eventually gets to be a numbing experience. Smaller riders will also find the reach to the handlebars a big stretch.

That said, power pours from the engine, the handling is good given the riding position and the looks are stunning – the looks of the bike and its admirers.