Naked power

Muscle & Fitness, June, 2004 by Ben Hewitt

* After a long period in which bike engines were shrouded in plastic and hidden from the world, manufacturers are putting powerplants back on display. With great prices and impressive looks, these two-wheelers put the motor in motorcycle

BUELL FIREBOLT XB12R By stuffing fat, rumbling Harley twin-cylinder engines into a sport-bike chassis, Erik Buell proves he's not afraid to do things differently. That approach continues with the Firebolt XB12R, which dispenses with a traditional gas tank, instead carrying its fuel in hollowed-out frame tubes. The result? A lower center of gravity, which improves handling, particularly in the twisties. $10,995, buell.com

KAWASAKI Z1000 Can you say "classic"? Sure you can. And you can probably say "holy s--t," too. The former will be your reaction to the looks of the Z1000, which features clean lines, 17-inch rims and stainless steel quad mufflers heat-treated to an eye-catching gold. The latter will pass your lips once you crack the whip and feel the pull of 1000ccs of Ninja-based power. $8,499, kawasaki.com

SUZUKI SV1000S Like the Kawasaki, Suzuki's SV1000S trades on classic, uncluttered styling and no-compromise performance. But unlike the Kawi, it's propelled by a thumping twin-cylinder motor. Although it lacks the top-end howl of the big Z, the SV's liquid-cooled, 996cc engine demands less of its rider, pulling like a freight train throughout its range. $8,599, suzuki.com

HONDA RUNE When Honda unleashed this bike last summer, the traditionally staid Japanese maker silenced every critic of its "substance over style" design ethic. Not that the gorgeous Rune lacks the former; it's powered by a hot-rodded version of the same 1832cc, six-cylinder motor that moves the company's Goldwing. Style, meet substance. Hold on tight. $24,499, hondamotorcycles.com