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Style and substance are two qualities that rarely come together. But surely, that's the whole point of having a motorcycle show in Milan, right? Here are the bikes that manage to do both and more. These are the five best motorcycles of 2013 EICMA. 

Five:

2014 Kawasaki Z1000

Bike Name: 2014 Kawasaki Z1000

Why We Are Excited About It: The Z1000's always been a looker, but this thing takes that to a whole new level with a pretty daring design from a traditionally conservative Japanese bike manufacturer. Plus, it has more power and electronic rider aids too.

What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We're looking forward to seeing it in person, out on the street. Should turn a few heads!

Why You Should Be Excited About It: A lot of power and practicality in a very affordable package. Buy one of these, not a Diavel.

Four:

2014 Honda CTX1300

Bike Name: 2014 Honda CTX1300

Why We Are Excited About It: The Pan European's 1,261cc V4 has always been a great engine, it just hasn't yet had a great home. We're hoping this bike fixes that. And, just look at those headers.

What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Honda swears to us that this thing handles. Judging by the general epic-ness of its F6B big brother, we're cautiously optimistic.

Why You Should Be Excited About It: The cruiser world is finally evolving beyond bad tattoos and awful, ill-handling bikes.

Three:

2014 Honda VFR800

Bike Name: 2014 Honda VFR800F

Why We Are Excited About It: How can we put this nicely? The VFR1200 is a dud. It's much heavier than the old 800 and not a pinch faster. It also costs a ton more. So, take the old VFR800, lighten it up, give it new styling and, voila, a practical, affordable, sport tourer.

What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We're really hoping the VFR800 comes to the U.S.

Why You Should Be Excited About It: You like bikes that are both fun to ride and all-day comfortable that don't cost more than a mid-size car, right?

Read More, Page Two >>

Two:

2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Bike Name: 2014 Ducati Monster 1200 S

Why We Are Excited About It: Big power, reasonable price, high-quality components. All that's nice, but factor in humane ergonomics and you've got a real winner.

What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: We just want to ride it right away.

Why You Should Be Excited About It: Ducati's finally packaging its legendary performance into bikes you can live with day to day and ride for more than 15 minutes at a time without getting back spasms. Italian exotica for the masses.

One:

Bike Name: 2014 KTM RC390

Why We Are Excited About It: Low weight, reasonable power, high quality and what should be a low price tag.

What Additional Info We Hope To Learn: Price and availability in the U.S.

Why You Should Be Excited About It: For living memory, American motorcyclists have had to choose between bikes they can't handle (liter bikes and 600s) or crummy little learner bikes that look terrible and perform worse. No longer. This thing is the Mazda Miata of motorcycles and should initiate a whole new generation of rider into the sport of motorcycling.

More 2013 EICMA News >>

Related Links:

Sheer Practicality: 2014 Honda NC750X

Start Here: 2014 Honda CBR300R

The Unicorn: MV Agusta Turismo Veloce

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