Rush hours just got easier!

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 28, 2006

If you're a true motorcyclist at heart, then scrap the scooter idea. You'll want the real thing for your daily commute.

There are plenty of new-for-2006 machines that suit the bill, and Honda's CBF1000 is just one of them.

This bike is pitched at riders after their first machine in the litre class, with stacks of low rev torque and easy riding manners.

But if you prefer fewer ccs, try the equally sensible Deauville. Honda has revamped the Deauville for 2006, upping capacity to 580cc and giving it bigger panniers and a more modern look.

For 2006, BMW launched two models of a new family of parallel twin middleweights: The sportier F800S and more upright F800ST. These entry-level sports bikes with maintenance-free belt final drive make robust long-distance commuters.

Naked bikes have always been popular for commuting too. Yamaha's Fazer 1000 got a complete overhaul this year, with new styling and chassis and an R1-derived engine producing some 148bhp. An unfaired FZ1 version is also available.

But this year's most original looking naked bike is the new Suzuki GSR600, with styling derived from the B-King concept bike.

The engine comes from the GSX-R600 and the chassis is as agile as they come. However, the bike's style remains its main selling point.

And if style is what you like, then Triumph's new Bonneville-based Scrambler is a fabulous town bike. It sells on those Steve McQueen, Great Escape 60s looks, and like all Triumphs, it handles a dream in city traffic.

Alternatively, Ducati's stunning new Sport Classic range will have people staring at the lights.