2018 is almost behind us. Time to look back at the bikes we tested this year and pick our favorites. Jan F rode five bikes in 2018 and chooses his number one. I tested twelve motorcycles. This is my top three:

3. Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Kicks, power, adrenaline! Sure it’s fun but it isn’t always crucial to me. Sometimes an impeccable mix of elements does the trick. That’s why the Ducati Scrambler easily makes it to this list. Great aesthetics, a wonderful sound and an engine that nicely blends accessibility and Italian fury.

Read the review of Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special.

2. Yamaha Niken

The Niken is one of the most polarizing motorcycles of recent years. Even though it’s not always greeted with enthusiasm, after a test ride you’ll find it hard to say goodbye. In my case, less than two hours in the saddle was enough to convert me. What a unique, amazing experience.

Read the review of Yamaha Niken.

1. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Beastly but perfectly controllable power, that’s the greatest asset of the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S. But only that wouldn’t be enough to deserve the first spot. The Super Adventure S cleverly blends its massive power with a distinctive design, excellent handling, sufficient comfort, lots of handy (and standard equipped!) technology and a price tag that could thin out the GS Club. Very convincing package on the whole.

Read the review of KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.

Jan F’s number one: Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory

You won’t come short of kicks, power, adrenaline on the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory. This purebred Italian isn’t the most comfortable or the most practical motorbike but its engine easily put the biggest smile on my face. The thundering sound, the total control through perfect electronics, the powerful V4, the killer looks. What a machine!

Read the review of Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory.