Ten Best Bikes of 2026

MotorTrix collection of the best motorcycles on the market.

By MotorTrix

January 5, 2026

The best motorcycle in any category might already be sitting in your garage. But this list isn’t about contentment—it’s about ambition, about the constant pursuit of making the motorcycles we love even better. Year after year, manufacturers push forward with creativity and ingenuity, shaping the Ten Best Bikes categories and moving motorcycling ahead.

 

Along the way, we gain new abilities and experiences, sometimes through cutting-edge technology and other times by deliberately stripping it away. This year’s selections reflect both approaches. Features like connectivity and rider aids can elevate the ride, yet in certain cases they can also get in the way. Ultimately, it all comes down to purpose, and it’s the core character of a motorcycle that truly resonates with riders.

Whether more is more or less is more depends on what you seek. But as always, one thing unites the Ten Best Bikes of 2025: excellence.

 

Best Adventure Bike: 2026 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure

It’s hard to imagine now, but when the R 80 G/S debuted in 1981, it left nearly everyone scratching their heads. The idea of an “adventure bike” didn’t yet exist, and “GS” was far from becoming shorthand for an entire motorcycle category. Forty-five years of evolution later, there’s no ambiguity about what a GS represents.

The R 1300 GS pushes the definition of a big GS further than ever before. Nearly everything has changed, yet at its heart is a 1301cc boxer engine that amplifies the bike’s core character while elevating its performance to a new level. With 129 hp and 95 lb.-ft. of torque delivered to the rear wheel, the boxer can finally be described as fierce—something it never truly was before. Just as impressive is its refined low-end response, offering unmatched precision in the most demanding, low-traction conditions. A lighter, more agile chassis, sharper steering, and the most seamlessly integrated rider aids to date complete the package.

Among the many changes brought to the 2026 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure, perhaps none are more impactful than the 1301cc Boxer twin. With Shiftcam, increased compression, and other updates, the engine produced 129 hp and 95 lb.-ft. of torque. Even better, it produced more than 80 lb.-ft. from 2000-8000 rpm, a remarkable, useful spread that makes easy work of any terrain, on road or off.BMW

The nod goes to the R 1300 GS Adventure, primarily for its massive 7.9-gallon fuel tank—good for over 300 miles of roaming range—and its long-travel suspension (8.3” front, 8.7” rear). This is the machine for serious distance. Choose the optional Automatic Shift Assistant for a clutchless ride, or stick with the standard six-speed manual. Ultimately, whether you select this adventure-focused model or a more road-oriented GS variant, you get a supremely versatile motorcycle: a luxury tourer, a sport-touring weapon, and a true trailblazer. 

 

BMW’s R 1300 GS Adventure comes standard with the ability of travel to far-flung destinations. It’s equally ready to tackle a 1000-mile day on asphalt as it is capable of bashing down a washboard road in the middle of Africa. 

 

We selected the GS Adventure because it is the ultimate long-distance companion for any terrain, masterfully blending its iconic boxer heritage with essential comfort, versatility, and unique performance. Without question, the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure is our choice for the Best Adventure Bike of 2026.

Best Cruiser: 2026 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR

In motorcycling, few categories are as broadly defined as "cruiser." While personal interpretations may vary, most would agree that Harley-Davidson’s lineup—with rare exceptions like its adventure models—is the very heart of the genre. We consider a bagger to be a cruiser equipped with luggage, which places the CVO Road Glide RR squarely in this class. And when it comes to pure, unapologetic presence, there is virtually no debate: this is the most formidable production motorcycle Harley-Davidson has ever created.

The 2021 debut of MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers class was a leap into the unknown. It tapped into the popularity of heavyweight touring bikes, delivering the incredible spectacle of 620-pound motorcycles chasing Supersport lap times. The class quickly became a fan favorite, making Harley-Davidson's next move inevitable: a street-legal replica of its championship-winning Road Glide, built for just 131 owners.

The RR’s heart is Harley’s 131 cubic-inch crate engine, now producing a claimed 153 horsepower and 150 lb.-ft. of torque. Its chassis is a bagger revolution, featuring a massive CNC-machined swingarm, top-shelf Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes worthy of a racebike, and real cornering clearance. True to its CVO lineage, it’s wrapped in stunning paint and finishes, complete with a premium audio system. The result is simply one of the most incredible cruisers we’ve ever ridden.

 

Best Touring Bike: 2026 Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT

We love the idea that any motorcycle can be a touring bike—just pack it and go. But when the goal is effortless, continent-spanning comfort, nothing surpasses the original luxury tourer: the Honda Gold Wing. For maximum ease, the optional DCT automatic transmission is the ultimate upgrade. It delivers seamless clutch-free shifts across seven gears and even features a "walking mode" to help you maneuver in parking spots with uncanny control.

Need to cross the country without a plane ticket? The Honda Gold Wing Tour DCT is your ticket. The comfort extends to a superb riding position for both rider and passenger, heated seats, and full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Powering it all is the legendary 1833cc flat-six, which produces a remarkable 100 lb.-ft. of torque from just 1000 rpm—an authoritative smoothness and effortless pull that simply has no rival on two wheels.

This year marks an extraordinary 50-year milestone for the Gold Wing, a tenure matched only by its impressive 26-year run on Ten Best Bikes list. Back in 1975, neither Honda nor the American riding public could have envisioned the legacy of that first 1000cc flat-four—a machine that began simply as Honda’s first liquid-cooled streetbike: smooth, fast, and uniquely capable.

Yet that original design resonated deeply with riders. It met American touring culture in its infancy, and a burgeoning aftermarket responded with fairings and saddlebags, helping forge a dynasty. What followed was the birth of a lasting partnership with riders who value competence, confidence, and the ability to take everything along for the journey.

The true magic of the Gold Wing isn’t just that it can effortlessly handle a 1,000-mile day—or several in a row—it’s that, aboard this machine, you genuinely want to.

Best Standard: 2026 Royal Enfield Bear 650

The 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 is a capable and straightforward scrambler, signaling the smart expansion of the brand's popular 650 platform. It delivers a classic scrambler look and versatile middleweight performance at a price that undercuts its rivals. With its neutral ergonomics and familiar silhouette, the Bear 650 offers no-nonsense appeal to a broad range of riders, making its $6,849 price tag a standout value.

The 2026 Royal Enfield Bear 650 builds its on- and off-road capability on a long-travel inverted fork and heavy-duty twin shocks. Braking is confident and linear, courtesy of an axial-mount front caliper on a 320mm disc. Spoked wheels wrapped in blocky MRF tires offer ample grip, whether navigating pavement or gravel. On the street, the 472-pound Bear feels stable and composed, turning in easily and holding its line without fuss—a neutral-handling companion that demands little extra effort.

Power comes from an air- and oil-cooled 648cc parallel-twin tuned for flexibility over peak performance. Its linear delivery and broad torque spread make it equally usable in traffic or on backroads. The 270-degree crank gives it a V-twin-like soundtrack, while a counterbalancer keeps vibration in check, resulting in an engine that's smooth, characterful, and perfectly suited to everyday riding.

Around town, the Bear 650 is nimble and comfortable, with a natural riding position and forgiving suspension that make commuting or light exploring a pleasure. It’s efficient, attractive, and capable enough for short trips or mild off-pavement detours. In an era of rising prices, the Bear 650 stands out by delivering classic scrambler style, versatile performance, and genuine value at $6,849—qualities that earn it the title of Best Standard for 2026.

Best Sportbike: 2026 Yamaha YZF-R9

Don't just take our word for it—look at the results. In its debut season, Yamaha's 2026 YZF-R9 has dominated race circuits worldwide. In MotoAmerica, Mathew Scholtz captured his second consecutive Supersport title (his first on the R9) with 11 wins, while Blake Davis secured third with three victories. In the World Supersport Championship, Stefano Manzi took the title with nine wins, as Can Öncü followed closely with six.

 

These wins are more than just trophies; they answer a crucial question asked when the R9 was announced: "Can it truly replace the legendary YZF-R6?" The podium speaks for itself.

Yamaha has finally delivered the sportbike fans have clamored for since the original FZ-09 (now MT-09) arrived: a true, fully-faired R model. The YZF-R9 is far more than an MT-09 with fairings—it's a purpose-built, track-ready sportbike that remains remarkably street-friendly.

While designed to be more accessible and comfortable than the R6, it sacrifices little of its track DNA. Our testers have long praised the brilliant 890cc CP3 triple found in the MT-09, Tracer 9, and XSR900 (all previous Ten Best winners), often wishing it was wrapped in a full sportbike chassis. The R9 is that wish granted.

On the street, the CP3 engine delivers fun, accessible power without the frenetic, high-strung demands of a traditional inline-four supersport. On track, its wide, forgiving powerband allows strong lap times with less precise rpm management.

Complementing this is a riding position that’s committed yet less extreme than a pure race replica, making it far more livable day-to-day. The package is completed by a fully adjustable, high-spec suspension, a track-capable braking system, and a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids.

 

Together, these elements make the 2026 Yamaha YZF-R9 not just a worthy successor, but Best Sportbike of 2026—a machine that makes every ride, whether on circuit or backroad, more capable and more fun.

 

Best Middleweight Streetbike: 2026 Honda CB750 Hornet

A clear trend has emerged in our Motortrix Ten Best Bikes voting: for the last five years, middleweight supremacy has belonged to the parallel twin. That dominance continues in 2026 with the Honda CB750 Hornet, a model finally arriving on US shores. Why does this configuration keep winning? The answer is simple: accessible, real-world performance.

For riders seeking excitement on the street rather than the track, instant gratification comes from low- and midrange torque—and the Hornet’s 755cc parallel twin delivers it in spades. This versatile engine character is matched by an electronics package that strikes the perfect balance: sophisticated enough to enhance every ride, yet intuitive enough to stay out of the way. With three standard modes (Rain, Standard, Sport) plus a customizable User setting, a standard up/down quickshifter, a crisp TFT display, and full LED lighting, the Hornet feels a class above its $7,999 price tag.

Its handling is sporty and engaging, offering just enough adjustability to fine-tune the ride without becoming harsh. The ergonomics are open and relaxed, aided by an accessible 31.3-inch seat height and an upright bar position that provides both leverage for spirited riding and comfort for daily commutes.

Balancing just enough tech, rider-friendly features, and accessible power, the 2026 Honda CB750 Hornet embodies the ideal modern middleweight. It’s a do-it-all machine executed so well that it earns its place as Motortrix’s Best Middleweight Streetbike of 2026.

 

Best Lightweight Streetbike: 2026 Royal Enfield Himalayan

Historically, our Best Lightweight Streetbike category has been ruled by small sportbikes and nakeds. But every so often, a sub-500cc machine arrives that is as capable off-road as it is on—and in 2026, that standout is the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Not only can it tackle jobs usually reserved for larger adventure bikes, it does so with undeniable value, starting at just $5,799.

Royal Enfield has completely reimagined its entry-level ADV, replacing the air-cooled 411cc single with a new 452cc liquid-cooled engine. This new powerplant steps away from the old tractor-like character, bringing modern performance through dual overhead cams while still retaining the accessible, torquey feel the model is known for. Paired with an inverted fork, selectable ride modes, and a crisp TFT display, the Himalayan enters the modern era without losing its authentic Royal Enfield soul.

 

The numbers tell the story: on the Motortrix dyno, the new Himalayan produces 37.4 hp and 27.4 lb.-ft. of torque—a gain of over 15 hp compared to its predecessor. This translates to confident highway commuting and enough grunt for mountain passes.

On the road, the Himalayan is surprisingly quick and nimble, with firm yet compliant suspension. Off-road, the 43mm Showa inverted fork and monoshock perform well above expectations—a theme that repeats across the entire bike. Whether it’s capability, character, or outright value, the Himalayan consistently surprises, earning its title as Motortrix’s 2026 Best Lightweight Streetbike.

Best Open-Class Streetbike: Ducati Panigale V4 S

 

It’s been eight years since Motortrix last named a top-tier superbike as Best Open-Class Streetbike. Machines with such an intense performance focus rarely excel as great all-around street machines—but that’s what makes our 2026 choice so remarkable. This year, the Ducati Panigale V4 S earns the title by becoming a vastly better street motorcycle without sacrificing a single ounce of its track-shredding ability.

In the past, we’ve honored various Panigale models as Best Superbike, but their single-minded pursuit of lap times historically demanded extreme skill and focus. For 2026, Ducati has rewritten the script. With a revised chassis, more relaxed ergonomics, and next-generation electronics, the Panigale V4 S is now more accessible and less fatiguing than ever, while remaining every bit as potent. Updated aerodynamics not only improve handling stability at speed but also reduce wind buffeting, aided by a larger, more accommodating cockpit.

Power comes from Ducati’s legendary Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V-4, producing 209 hp in U.S. spec. That immense performance is now harnessed by the sophisticated Ducati Vehicle Observer electronic suite, which uses IMU data to keep everything under control, inspiring confidence whether on track or on the street. Further enhancing feel and forgiveness is a new double-sided swingarm tuned for slightly less lateral stiffness—a change that improves feedback while punishing rider mistakes less harshly.

The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 S captures everything an Italian superbike should be: breathtaking looks, cutting-edge technology, and dominating performance. Yet now, it’s also a motorcycle you can actually live with. And that’s why it stands as Motortrix’s Best Open-Class Streetbike for 2026.

 

Best Dual Sport/Off-road: 2026 Husqvarna FE 350s

 

2025 has been an exceptional year for dual-sport and dual-sport-adjacent motorcycles, with several compelling new entries. Yet none have risen higher than the Husqvarna FE 350s. A previous category winner in 2023 and recipient of a comprehensive redesign, this lightweight machine returns to the top as a Motortrix Ten Best Bikes honoree.

 

Priced at $12,749, the Husky sits at the premium end of the dual-sport spectrum. In return, it delivers performance, capability, and componentry that justify every dollar. At its heart is a 350cc single-cylinder engine and chromoly steel frame, both derived directly from Husqvarna's FC 350 motocrosser. It’s equipped with fully adjustable WP Xact suspension offering over 11 inches of travel, powerful Brembo brakes, and a wet weight of just 265 pounds.

 

On our Motortrix dyno, the FE 350s produced 30 hp and 20.3 lb-ft of torque. Its real strength, however, is how it delivers that power. The engine is quick-revving, with tractable low-end grunt, a punchy midrange, and usable top-end power that pulls to 11,000 rpm. While it can vibrate on the highway and demands more maintenance than a street-focused machine, that's the trade-off for true competition-level performance.

 

Where the FE 350s truly excels is in the dirt. Whether navigating flowing fire roads, tight single-track, or technical rock gardens, it behaves like a purpose-built enduro racer. When the trail ends, it transitions seamlessly to pavement, capable of covering the miles to the next adventure.

 

Most dual-sport rides include street sections, and the FE isn't a plush highway cruiser. But when the road turns twisty, it transforms—carving corners like a supermoto, ready to lift the front wheel or slide the rear. The Husqvarna FE 350s earns its title as the best dual-sport because it makes the fewest compromises. On-road or off, there’s almost nothing this capable machine can't do.

 

Best Motocrosser: 2026 Honda CRF450RWE

Honda's CRF450R is a frequent champion in the Motortrix Ten Best awards, having held the title of Best Motocrosser from 2002–2009 and again in 2017 and 2018. Now, Japan's iconic red rocket returns to our coveted list—this time in its ultimate Works Edition form. Based on the 2026 comparison-test-winning CRF450R, the CRF450RWE elevates the platform with premium components and even greater performance.

 

Producing 54.6 hp and 34.4 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel, the CRF450RWE ranks among the top five most powerful dirt bikes we’ve tested on the Motortrix dyno. That impressive power is delivered with exceptional control, feeling even smoother and more manageable than the standard model. Honda's fuel-injected, liquid-cooled SOHC 450cc single provides a broad, usable powerband that suits both 450cc newcomers and seasoned pros.

The suspension performs as impressively as it looks. Beyond its eye-catching coatings, the Showa 49mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork and upgraded shock (featuring a beefier 18mm shaft compared to the standard 16mm) are tuned with competition-focused settings. The result is a firm yet fluid feel with excellent holdup, inspiring confidence when pushing the pace.

While retaining the quick, agile handling of its predecessors, the 2026 CRF450RWE brings significant gains in predictability and stability—a rare combination in motocross. Paired with Honda’s renowned ergonomics, the Works Edition strikes a balance between razor-sharp agility and planted composure, making it one of the most capable and confidence-inspiring CRF450R models ever built.