Ten Best Bikes 2009

Amid seemingly intergalactic economic uncertainty and the appearance that the world as we know it is crumbling, it is nice in 2009 to be able to count on at least one thing: awesome motorcycles.

Yes, things are weird out there, but with 550 or so models available for sale in the U.S. this year--an amazing array of excellent machines you can buy right now--motorcycle enthusiasts have never had it so good.

But these 10 two-wheelers are different. They aren't just about being good: The machines on the following pages are the Ten Best Bikes of 2009.

Some win on the sheer audacity of their design, some on their overriding performance superiority, some on being simple, approachable fun. But while there are many factors that play into the selection of a motorcycle as the best in its category, at the core remains the simple fact that these are motorcycles you truly want to ride.

It’s nice to have something to count on.