10 Best Summer Travel Options on Two Wheels

Suzuki GSX-R750
Starting price: $12,200

This has all the looks of an A1A South Florida street bike, but 121 horsepower that would be just as much at home on the track. Not the bike you want to try to beat off the line when the light goes green.

Honda(HMC) CB1000R

This nearly 1000cc standard isn't the most powerful bike in its class or the flashiest, but it's a workhorse with a lot of torque and a really comfortable ride. It's not going to win you an interstate shootout, but it'll get you from Point A to Point B on a sunny summer day in style.

Triumph Thunderbird Storm
Starting price: $14,800

It turns out the Brits know more than a little about building a highway beast of their own. With 1700ccs, 97 horsepower and a giant steel-horse frame that eschews chrome for a matte black finish, the Thunderbird Storm looks like it could handle a rally in Sturgis just as easily as a summer in Brighton.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000
Starting price: $11,199

At one time, "Ninja bike" was the genericized trademark for any speedy, candy-painted race bike that buzzed by. The Ninja's grown up a bit since and now lures the more mature rider with its 500-pound frame, 130 horsepower and optional hard saddlebags, top box and heated grips.

Zero Motorcycles S ZF6
Starting price: $11,495

The electric motorcycle or e-bike is still in its infancy, but Zero has come the closest to perfecting its technology. It's only about as punchy as a 150cc to 250cc model (about 30 horsepower with a top speed of 67 mph), but it recharges in any 110- or 220-volt outlet and has a roughly 60-mile range.