Adventure bikes seem to take the limelight in the 2013 line up of best bikes however whatever your background, need or want there´s surley a model to spice your apetite. Whilst still in the first month of the year, here are the top 10 contenders for the Bike of the Year title so far as reported in motorcycle .com

Aprilia Caponord 1200
Initially unveiled at EICMA 2012 and based on the aforementioned Dorsoduro 1200, the Aprilia Caponord 1200 has the underpinnings for a great long-distance machine. Throw in the hard panniers, RSV4-inspired styling, ABS, traction control, multiple ride modes, adjustable windscreen, hand guards, and Aprilia´s Dynamic Damping and you get the techy Caponord.

BMW R1200GS
Probably the worst-kept secret for 2013 was BMW sticking radiators on its all-new R1200GS. The new liquid-cooled GS is the most anticipated motorcycle this year. A true icon in the moto world and BMW’s best seller this liquid-cooled model is critical to Motorrad’s success and will likely reset the Adventure-Touring bar.

On the technology front, the “E-gas” ride-by-wire throttle enables cruise control, five different ride modes, and Automatic Stability Control (ASC). Of course ABS is included, and as the company that pioneered electronic suspension adjustment (ESA), the Bavarian one-ups itself with the inclusion of dynamic ESA, similar to the system seen on the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 and Ducati Multistrada.

Ducati Hypermotard 821/Hyperstrada
The new Hypermotard with its all-new engine, the fresh 821cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin takes the Hypermotard into a new era, with more power than ever offered in the Hyper range.

Meanwhile, a new hybrid model also utilizing the 821cc, 11-degree engine, the Hyperstrada, combines some of the traits of the Hyper and Multi into one package. Though the Hyperstrada may be the more sensible choice, both models still pose a threat to your license. Both bikes feature three riding modes, highly capable suspension, and comfortable, all-day long ergonomics. With a crankshaft rating of 110 hp, the new four-valve-per-cylinder engine pumps out more power than the air-cooled, two-valve 1100cc mill could.

The Hyperstrada adds a touring windscreen, saddlebags, centerstand, mud and engine guards, taller bars compared to the Hypermotard, plus a broader seat.

Honda CB500F, CB500X and CB500R
The CB500 platform is not just an interesting direction for Honda, it’s an interesting twist to this list, as these three models are undoubtedly the most technologically modest bikes here. But low-tech doesn’t mean low fun, and without the intimidation of 150-plus horsepower these three could be a joy.

Whether you’re into sport riding, naked bikes or faux Adventure-Touring, the big question is whether the 500cc parallel-Twin in the CB500F, CB500X and CB500R will be enough to attract people to showrooms.

KTM 1290 Super Duke
KTM’s been making big splashes on the dirt side recently, leaving street guys with the RC8R, 990 SM-T and 990 Adventure series, but now has launched the new 1290 Super Duke. The new Duke is powered by a reworked version of the LC8 1195cc V-Twin found on the RC8R, has ride-by-wire, and is one which KTM itself calls a beast.

With defeatable ABS and traction control, aluminum wheels, Brembo brakes, WP suspension, single-sided aluminum swingarm and distinct trellis frame, the beast should be able to tear up a twisty road as well as it eats up inferior machines.

Moto Guzzi California 1400
The quirky California, introduced in 1971, never reached beyond niche appeal in the U.S., and production was scaled back after Piaggio acquired Guzzi in 2004. Two-thousand-ten saw the introduction of the Black Eagle, a custom-style California using Guzzi’s long-serving 1064cc V-Twin, but by 2012 only a limited-edition California 90 was produced.

Under Piaggio’s wing, Guzzi has redesigned the big cruiser for 2013, giving it a new 1380cc engine – the largest European V-Twin ever. Cruise control, ABS, switchable ride modes and traction control are also new additions. The result is a fantastic package slated for U.S. showrooms in two forms by spring 2013. First is a fully dressed Touring model and the standard Custom. A Limited Edition is also in the works.

MV Agusta Rivale 800/Brutale 800
Ducati isn’t the only Italian company launching two bikes with the same engine this year. Not to be outdone, the MV Agusta’s Rivale 800 and Brutale 800 are looking to steal some of that limelight from its rivals in Bologna. Both are powered by a beefed up version of the 675cc Triple powering the F3, punched out to 800cc.

While the Brutale platform isn’t new, the addition of the mid-level 800cc engine and its accompanying electronics package, ride-by-wire, traction control and power modes, should pose a serious threat to anyone considering the Triumph Street Triple or Ducati Streetfighter 848.

Meanwhile, the new Rivale should give the Ducati Hypermotard – and anything else in the muscle-motard category – a run for its money. With a commanding riding position, Brembo brakes, slim chassis and 125 hp, it’s not hard to imagine why this is one of the most hotly anticipated machines of 2013.

Triumph Daytona 675/R
A more oversquare (76mm x 49.6mm vs. 74mm x 52.3mm) 675cc inline-Triple highlights the new machine, though a new chassis, updated suspension and a switch to a side-exit exhaust all help create a fantastic handling machine that carves corners like a hot knife through butter.

Vespa 946
Inspired by the MP6, Vespa’s original prototype from 1946 (the year which lends itself to the new model’s name), the 946 ushers in a new era for perhaps the world’s most well-known scooter brand.

Underneath the supermodel-like curves, the 946 sports an aluminum alloy frame and horizontally-mounted shock with four preload settings (both firsts for Vespa). Powered by a 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, power output is a claimed 11.4 hp and 7.9 ft.-lbs. Not staggering numbers by any means, but consider it can also return a claimed 130 mpg.

Despite the meager power, the 946 doesn’t skimp on safety features, as it’s also fitted with traction control and ABS, making it one of the most technologically advanced scooters on the market. So while its looks will undoubtedly be the first thing one notices on the stroll to and from the local cafes, the 946’s beauty truly is more than skin deep.

The Entire Zero Lineup
The e-bike market continues to evolve at an astonishing rate, and Zero likely holds the biggest market share.

The flagship S and DS models deserve the most attention, with up to 11.4 kWh battery capacity, a purported 137-mile range, and motors capable of 54 hp and 68 ft.-lbs and with the ability to recharge to 95% capacity in an hour, it’s exciting to be on the front lines of e-bike developments.

Source: motorcycle.com