We are used to being bombarded with new models at this time of year. Times have changed and the industry is responding by producing fewer new models, but better ones; bikes that threaten to raise the bar still further. Here are a few favourites carried over from 2015.

Tourers
BMW’s R 1200 RT was the king of the tourers, especially as it didn’t really have any serious competition. The Kawasaki 1400GTR received a mild update with some extra low down grunt and a shorter first gear, plus a new screen, saddle and rev counter. But you’d have to go right back to the drawing board to pose any real threat to the R 1200 RT. The German bestseller is a winner thanks to the luxurious comfort, roadster agility and, since the introduction of the water-cooled engine, impressive acceleration. The electrically adjustable windshield provides ideal protection, the panniers are practical and the additional extras are endless. The RT is BMW at its best.

Sports
Despite Aprilia, BMW and Ducati producing worthy contenders, Yamaha’s R1 has to be the best sports bike. Not just because it proved to be the fastest on track, but it also comes with an exclusive M-badged sidekick. The standard version doesn’t have the M’s electronic prowess but is still very special, both technically and aesthetically. It is progressive, elegant and has the best electronics package currently available on the market. With its titanium con-rods, magnesium wheels, improved braking with Race ABS and lightning-quick steering, in terms of looks, sound and feel, the R1 is the closest you’ll get to a MotoGP bike, and yet it’s accessible and ridable for us mere mortals.

Best outsider
But the best outsider for 2015 is undoubtedly Yamaha’s MT-09 Tracer. The stylish MT-09 is everything you need on wheels. It has an exciting three-cylinder engine that’s packed with character, it has decent brakes, an impressive nimbleness and agility, an uncluttered dashboard, adjustable screen and plenty of rider comfort for solo or two-up trips. So you see, 2015 has been a great year for motorcycling... and 2016 looks set to be even better.

All-rounders
BMW’s S 1000 XR is another fine example of German expertise when it comes to all-rounders. The XR offers the perfect combination of comfort, practicality and the heady performance of a full-on superbike. The 999cc in-line four engine was retuned to 160bhp, but as with the naked S 1000 R, the hallucinatory midrange can still feel brutal. With its quick-shifter and semi-active suspension, the S 1000 XR is a rocket, a scalpel and a flying carpet all rolled into one. And the sheer intensity of the riding experience means that it is a firm favourite for anyone who has ridden it.

Left-field
There were a few interesting outsiders in 2015. Some bold, some extravagant, and some were simply insane. Kawasaki’s H2 and H2R belong to the latter category, especially the 250bhp, not-for-road-use R version, which could probably challenge a fully-fledged MotoGP machine. Honda tried to capture the imagination of younger customers with their NM4 Vultus that looks like something Batman designed. Unfortunately, despite being pretty good it was a bit pricey. Kawasaki gave us the Vulcan S, a modern interpretation of the Yamaha XV535, but with a punchy parallel twin and easy handling.

Naked
Strip the plastics off a bike and you’ve got yourself a naked, although these days the term ‘naked’ covers a broad spectrum of motorcycles. There are more expensive, higher performance models than Ducati’s Scrambler but it’s still one of 2015’s best naked motorcycles, if only because of the impact it has had on the market. The Scrambler has made motorcycling cool and accessible to just about anyone, plus it literally begs to be personalised and customised with Ducati’s endless accessories list.

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