Motorcycles have to be just about the most relative machines on wheels, as everything we enjoy about the way they accelerate, corner and handle terrain is relative to what else you’ve ridden and how you ride. We buy based on carefully selected factors, and while Honda might fit best for you, your buddy may insist on Husqvarna.
When it comes down to it, though, I’m sure we can all identify bikes that have a certain panache—a little extra spice that makes them the one you’d pick in a crowd—even if it’s just once to see what it’s all about. We distill that whole concept into a segment we call Most Thrilling by Genre, and the following six bikes are our (somewhat) intentionally controversial picks from their respective stables of new machines.…