1- 2011 Triumph Street Triple R: Already banking on a lean, lightweight and powerful triple-cylinder engine and class-leading dynamics, the Street Triple R adds a suspension and brakes derived from the sportiest of all Triumphs, the Daytona 675. Capable of taking you to work on weekdays, it can also send you to nirvana on your favourite weekend tracks. Be careful, though: this efficient yet borderline-delinquent Brit requires a smooth, confident hand – seasoned riders will love it. For about $1,000 extra, the R variant (MSRP: $11,199) solves the little flaws of the regular Street Triple and becomes our #1 bang-for-the-buck street bike.

Photo: Dustin A Woods