2014 ET ZigWheels Awards Jury Round Import Bike of the Year

Nominees:

1. Harley-Davidson Breakout 

2. Indian Scout 

3. Triumph Thunderbird LT 

4. Kawasaki Z1000 

5. Triumph Rocket III Roadster

While options in the premium performance segment were restricted a few years back, gladly circumstances has changed. Such has been the demand that most of the two-wheeler giants have their flagship offerings on sale in our market. Harley-Davidson ended 2014 by riding in the in our face Breakout. With its raked out forks, chopper inspired styling, tones of chrome and a rear tyre that will put to shame many a supercars, the Breakout has to be among the most visually arresting motorcycles to be launched in our country. The Scout has made the Indian Motorcycle brand more accessible to customers apart from its gorgeous styling and great handling dynamics to make it among the most fun to ride cruisers.

While the Triumph Thunderbird is all stealth with its flat black colour scheme, the Thunderbird LT is all about bling. Chrome overdose, large fuel tank, leather saddle bags and windshield are the perfect recipe for a big American cruiser but one will surprised by its handling capabilities. One has to hand it over to Kawasaki for being eccentric with its styling, a gleaming example of it is the Sugomi design philosophy inspired Kawasaki Z1000 that would look completely at home with an alien aboard it. It just isn’t its styling that’s impressive, a lively motor and decent handling dynamics make it a complete streetbike package. If 2,294cc motor pushing out 221Nm of maximum torque in a motorcycle doesn’t grab your attention then we guess you need help. With its outrageous powerplant, renegade styling the Rocket III Roadster does make other cruiser look a bit, umm, pedestrian and to be honest the bike is more of an indulgence than anything else.