2008-2009 IBOTY: Moto Magazine Israel, Israel

1. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

For the past 12 years, Fireblades had to constantly apologize, saying the street is not a racetrack, safety and durability comes first (excitement not even second...), and please don't forget, no other sportbike retains that "click" of the rear footpegs folding up after 100,000 km. Well, we were happy to discover the all-new 'Blade has nothing to apologize for. It's a full-power liter engine in a bike that is the lightest in the class, offering the best power-to-weight ratio among all production bikes. In spite of the potent engine, the dimensions are tiny, handling is 600cc heaven, brakes are brilliant. This CBR won the '08 MasterBike track test—and still retains that "click" of the rear foot-pegs...

2. Kawasaki Ninja 250R

These are economy-agony times, and no major motorcycle manufacturer was prepared for it better than Kawasaki. As early as 2006 it came up with the 650cc budget-Twins (Ninja, ER, Versys), followed by the all-new 2008 Ninja 250. This mini green machine offers gorgeous looks and charisma for the price of a 250 scooter, great thrills and great gas mileage, and is by no means for entry-level only—a good, experienced rider will enjoy himself immensely on it. As far as value for the money, it's one of the best Japanese answers so far to the growing threat of the Chinese/Koreans.

3. Harley-Davidson FXCW Rocker

Under attack in recent years by dozens of cruisers—foreign, domestic and catalog one-offs—Harley launched a great response in 2008, the Rocker. This is a production Softail that you could swear came from Jesse James/Orange County Choppers.