Cycle News tested some incredible motorcycles in 2025—too many to pick just one as the top dog of all. However, we did have our favorites, whether they were the best or not.
Another year has gone under the Cycle News wheels, and we’ve been fortunate enough to test some truly excellent machines. True to our past, we don’t nominate one “Bike of the Year,” simply because there are too many great bikes out there to give the gong to just one.
Instead, we allow each staff member to pick their favorite and a pair of runners-up out of the plethora of machines they’ve ridden this year. Among the five of us, we’ve tested everything from production bikes to factory race bikes to project bikes to electric bikes that gave more performance or, more importantly, a bigger smile on our faces than we might have expected, so without further ado, here’s our Cycle News’ favorite rides of 2025.
Rennie Scaysbrook
Favorite | Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK M 1000 RR
It might be a little unfair to everything else I rode in 2025 to give my favorite award to Toprak’s torpedo, but then, how often do you get to ride the current World Champion’s race bike?
I got three laps on the factory BMW M 1000 RR at Cremona in Italy. It is, quite simply, the best sporting motorcycle I have ever ridden.
With well north of 230 rear-wheel horsepower, matched to the best suspension and brakes that the BMW factory could throw at it, Toprak’s bike was impossible to fault at the pace I was prepared to push it. I was acutely aware that if I crashed it, I’d better make a run for it, and fast.
The M 1000 RR turned with the speed of a 250 but had a motor that sounded like a V8 from behind the handlebars. It was mind-meltingly fast, but it was also so easy to ride I could have used it as a commuter.
Watching what Toprak did on that bike this year, then getting to ride it, gave me a glimpse into not just how finely tuned a weapon it is, but just how good Toprak himself is.
What an experience those three laps were.
Click here to read Riding Razgatlioglu’s BMW M 1000 RR in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #1 | 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE
Kawasaki isn’t the first manufacturer I think of when the term sport tourer springs to mind, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed my time on the Versys 1100 SE. A bigger motor, all the rider aids you need, and massive 28-liter side cases, all for a touch under $20K make for a very compelling argument.
I noted in my test that I felt this was a very complete motorcycle, one that you’d likely hang onto for many, many years down the road, as it has everything you’d possibly need in a sport tourer—except for that seat, which wasn’t very comfortable after two hours on board. Buy a custom seat, block the next week out of your life, and hit the road.
Click here to read the 2025 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT ABS Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #2 | 2025 KTM 450 SMR
There was only one bike I rode (Toprak’s) in 2025 that made me blush like the first time a girl smiled at me. But since KTM’s 450 SMR got a new frame, new swingarm and new WP suspension, matched to that raucous 450cc single-cylinder this year, the result is a bike that is so damn fun and effective to ride at any pace. Especially so when you’re trying to crack out a lap time.
KTM’s switch to a spring fork has worked wonders, and you can absolutely bury that front-end under braking. There’s so much feel from the chassis, allowing you to push the limits of your riding in a somewhat safe manner.
Supermoto riding should be way more popular than it is. It’s the best road-race training you can get. No one ever rode a KTM 450 SMR and came away unimpressed. It was great to see KTM back with a slide and a skid and a big ol’ bang.
Click here to read the 2025 KTM 450 SMR Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Kit Palmer
Favorite | 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
This one is easy: the Suzuki DR-Z4S.
I always feel a little sentimental about the DR-Z400S, the earlier model designation of the new DR-Z4S. I’ve owned a few over the years, drawn to them for their simplicity, gentle disposition, practicality and affordability. Believe me, I know: the DR-Z400S is far from perfect, but it didn’t take much tinkering to improve the few issues that it had to turn it into a pretty darn good dual sport bike. Still, the DR-Z400S needed a reboot, and after so many years, the ol’ girl finally got one. So much so, it was rebadged.
In a nutshell, the DR-Z4S is improved in every way over the previous generation. It’s simply a far better performing bike, both on and off the road, and it didn’t lose hardly any, if any, of its previous DR-Z charm, even with the switchable engine modes, traction control, and some of the other modern trickery that was added.
I know the 4S has a few drawbacks: it’s pricey, and it still uses a five-speed transmission, but I don’t mind the five-speed at all, though I know many of you do, and I get that.
So, is another DR-Z in my future? I’d say of all the motorcycles out there right now, yes.
Click here to read the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #1 | 2025 Beta 300 RR X-Pro
I don’t think I’ve ever met a 300cc two-stroke off-roader I didn’t like, but the Beta 300 RR X-Pro is one of the best I’ve ever ridden, let alone just this year. It’s another bike that is simple in design, still using a carburetor (a very good one) and a mechanical power valve, and oil injection makes life much simpler. I’m all about that. Even though I’m just over six feet tall, I prefer the lower seat height of the X-Pro to that of its full-race Beta cousins and rivals. And I wouldn’t hesitate to race the X-Pro against them, either. It’s just an outstanding all-around off-roader. What else can I say?
Click here to read the 2025 Beta RR X-Pro 300 Two-Stroke & 390 Four-Stroke Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #2 | 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650
I’m cheating a little bit. I first rode the Royal Enfield Bear 650 late last year at the bike’s world press launch in Palm Desert, California. I enjoyed riding the bike so much that when Royal Enfield invited me to ride it again this year in a small, more intimate setting for a sort of relaunch, I was all over it. A chance to ride the Bear 650 again? You bet.
Last year, the Royal Enfield Himalayan was my bike of choice, but for pure, easy street riding, the Bear 650 was the bike I enjoyed most this year. Royal Enfield makes some pretty darn good bikes. The Bear 650 might not excel spectacularly in any one area, but it does everything so well. Its 648cc parallel-twin engine is plenty spunky, it handles great, is very comfortable, and best of all, has cool styling with several color options to choose from. They all look great (especially that Eddie Mulder Edition). All I can say is I hope they relaunch it again next year!
Click here to read the 2025 Royal Enfield Bear 650 Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Ryan Nitzen
Favorite | 2026 Yamaha YZ450F
When racking my brain for all the bikes I’ve ridden this year, the 2026 Yamaha YZ450F sticks out. This bike was already a shootout-winning machine, so how would Yamaha make it any better? Instead of leaving it alone, Yamaha brought out its 2026 model with a surprising number of changes for a mid-generation machine. Making this bike easier to ride all around did the trick for me and landed it at number one for 2026.
The 2025 YZ450F is a race bike in the fullest meaning, but it was hard to control. The all-out power felt hard to ride for more than three laps, and the nimble frame felt twitchy at the higher speeds that the engine demanded. For 2026, the bLU cRU smoothed out the power curve without giving up too much of its trademark engine character. Instead of immediately choosing a mellow map on the Power Tuner app like in years past, I chose a more aggressive option. This time around, I felt like I was riding the bike rather than the bike riding me.
The relaxed chassis and class-leading suspension further reinforced my decision. The updates for 2026 felt like splitting the difference between the stability of the previous 2022 model and the agility of the new 2023+ generation. In short, I felt like I could ride this bike all day without putting a wheel wrong.
Click here to read the 2026 Yamaha YZ450F Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #1 | 2025 Honda CRF450RX
I lived with multiple versions of the freshly updated Honda 450 this year, and the 450RX model stands out as a favorite. This bike in stock form was my weapon of choice for the NGPC series and multiple camping trips. Strong power, different engine modes, a nimble chassis, and off-road necessities like a larger fuel tank, handguards and an 18-inch rear wheel made it the go-to when choosing only one bike to bring. This is a bike I could just get on and go, feeling comfortable right away in any condition. The 450RX’s overall versatility made it a front-runner in my bike-of-the-year breakdown.
Click here to read the 2025 Honda CRF450RX Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #2 | 2026 Triumph TF 450-E
In sticking with this year’s 450cc theme, the Triumph TF 450-E finds its way to the honorable mention category. This is the British brand’s first real crack at an enduro bike, and Triumph knocked it out of the park. Triumph’s goal was to put this bike up against the likes of other well-rounded options, like Honda’s 450X, Yamaha’s WR and KTM’s XCF-W lineup. Based on the TF 450 motocrosser, the E retains that free-revving engine, six-speed transmission, nimble chassis, Brembo brakes and KYB suspension. Add in an LED headlight, a butter-smooth quickshifter, and multiple power modes, and the TF-E feels much more fun to ride than the other machines. Triumph is all-in on off-road, and its TF450E is another viable option in the enduro world.
Click here to read the 2026 Triumph TF 450-E Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Sean Finley
Favorite | Slavens Racing Project 2025 KTM 300 XC-W
The KTM 300 XC-W is a great motorcycle, and Slavens Racing let me ride their Dream Bike that had a whopping $13,000 worth of aftermarket parts installed. I also got to ride it on some epic trails with a great group of riders in Colorado the day after heavy rain. So, it was the perfect storm.
The Slavens crew is famous for providing top-quality performance parts and gear for off-road motorcycles, and this KTM highlights their favorite parts. It started with the MX-Tech Complete Fork and National Shock, both handmade in the USA and engineered to Slavens’ off-road specifications. They are expensive, but they were the best-performing suspension I have ever ridden.
To fine-tune and liven up the motor, Slavens installed a Two-Stroke Performance (TSP) high-compression head, oversized power-valve cover and a TSP ERM (ECR Reflash Module) that allows you to tune the bike. A Rekluse Radius X 4.1 auto clutch was also tuned to perfection, and Rekluse’s slave cylinder provides an easier pull.
The right tire setup is critical for off-road performance and the Nuetech TUbliss system combined with a Bridgestone X31 front and IRC VE-33 S rear tire got the job done.
The bike also utilized all the best protection items from Bullet Proof Designs, Molecule Motorsports and E Line. Plus, a Seat Concepts seat and XCGear Mako 360SX bar mount added to the comfort.
The Slavens KTM 300 XC-W project is a dream bike that really performs like a dream.
Click here to read the Slavens Racing KTM 300 XC-W Project in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #1 | 2025 CFMOTO IBEX 450
I spent more time on the CFMOTO IBEX 450 than any other bike this year, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The performance, features and build quality are great, especially when you consider the MSRP is just $6500. The motor has enough power to have fun, and it sounds very cool. The KYB suspension works well, the brakes are good, and it is comfortable to ride on or off-road for hours. Straightforward design features like an adjustable windshield and a simple ABS/traction control on/off button get bonus points. It is not as fast as larger displacement, more expensive ADV bikes, but it is a lot of fun.
Click here to read the 2025 CFMOTO IBEX 450 Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #2 | 2025 Stark Varg EX
Stark markets the new Varg EX electric bike as a street-legal dual sport bike, and in my opinion, the battery does not provide the range necessary for highway or high-speed trail or fire-road use. We got a maximum of less than 60 miles of open trail riding, and less than that if you dial up the power and twist the throttle a lot. But if you want to ride slower speed trails and limit your rides to less than four hours, this bike will surprise you with ease of use and performance. You don’t need to worry about shifting or stalling, and the power is tunable to suit any riding conditions.
We primarily rode it in the 25- to 35-horsepower levels (far from the 60 max) and found that to be the sweet spot. The KYB suspension is tuned for more aggressive riding than most dual sport or trail bikes, and the chassis feels very planted. The Stark Varg EX is breaking new ground, and for the right type of riding, it is fun and will surprise you with how easy it is to ride. That is why I put it on my list of favorite bikes. I have put over 20 hours into the Varg EX so far, and we will have a long-term test in an upcoming issue.
Jesse Ziegler
Favorite | 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R
This is the king of KTM 390s and the most impactful orange bike in decades. It’s the first R-worthy “entry-level” bike from KTM and continues to bring people into the KTM world at an approachable, less-intimidating point.
It offers class-leading comfort, technology and capability, all while bringing full-size ADV-machine performance and tech. And its sub-$7000 starting price makes it a ruthless price-war combatant.
A 3D IMU powers advanced lean-angle-sensitive traction control and ABS through three ride modes. The brilliant five-inch, full-color TFT dash is backed up by full LED lighting and ride-by-wire throttle control. You can add Quickshifter+ and cruise control for an upcharge.
If you feel an impressive e-suite is overrated here, this KTM backs itself up with simple performance. The bike works across all ADV terrain. I’ve ridden in towns, across freeway expanses, and over technical trails in Colorado. It has proven itself a worthy steed.
There are some growing pains, with EFI mapping and a floppy kickstand leading the misses. But with an aggressive development team pushing updates, it should just get better from here.
Click here to read the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure R Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #1 | 2025 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT
This Africa Twin is so good it can’t go without recommendation. And the Adventure Sports ES DCT is the mega-touring choice in the AT line, with more fuel, more wind protection, electronic suspension, a 19-inch front wheel, and clutchless/no-shifter shifting. I rode this bike a lot in 2025 and was comfortable and happy letting the electronic suspension and DCT transmission do the heavy lifting of adventure touring. It’s just easy to ride and provides surprisingly sporty performance for what is essentially an autopilot bike. Also, it has the coolest retro-rally graphics in the game, no debate.
Click here to read the 2025 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Honorable Mention #2 | 2026 Rieju MR Pro 300i
Rieju has lagged behind in modern enduro tech and performance for a few years. Those years are over with the advanced MR Pro 300i. It’s massively modern with a TFI (Throttle-Body-Fuel Injection) pre-mix-fueled, counterbalanced motor boasting triple power maps, an electronic exhaust valve and a modern diaphragm-spring clutch.
The motor rips with a traditional two-stroke punch, mixed with clean fueling, and is supported by an all-new chassis, KYB 48mm fork, and linkage-mounted shock, making it a very confident race weapon. How confident? Rachel Gutish just became the first American FIM Enduro World Champion, ever, on this bike. Enough said.CN
Click here to read the 2026 Rieju MR Pro 300i Review in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
Click here to read the Cycle News Magazine 2025 Favorite Bikes of The Year in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
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