Kawasaki ZX-10R-based Asphaltfighters Stormbringer.

This is the most extreme road-going 1000cc sportsbike in the world: 280bhp, Kawasaki ZX-10R-based Asphaltfighters Stormbringer.

Built in Germany, the Stormbringer takes a standard 165bhp Kawasaki ZX-10R and modifies it almost beyond recognition.

The main feature is the engine – still kept at 999cc, the motor is fully reworked internally by German tuner Sepp Buchner, who has done extensive work on the top end.

This results in 220bhp – but for a few seconds the rider can activate a ‘booster mode’ which is claimed to push power temporarily to 280bhp!

The bike’s electronics prevent it being activated below 180km/h (111mph) so it won’t wheelspin or wheelie.

Ducati Desmosedici RR

There’s no other way to describe the Ducati Desmosedici RR than as a MotoGP bike with lights; it really is that close to the real thing. The 200bhp motorcycle is a replica of Ducati’s Desmosedici GP6 MotoGP machine, which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau rode in the 2006 World Championship and features the same chassis layout, bodywork and ‘long bang’ 989cc V4 engine architecture. There has never been a road motorcycle like the Ducati Desmosedici RR and it’s so stiff, fast and focussed that it makes R1s seem soft and cuddly by comparison.

Ducati Hypermotard 1100

Ducati has come up with a genuinely and refreshingly different motorcycle with the Ducati Hypermotard. It offers all the fun of a conventional supermoto motorcycle with its light and agile handling, and a pathological penchant for wheelies, but thanks to its big n’smooth 1078cc V-twin engine, comfy seat and roomy riding position the Ducati Hypermotard is practical too. Kind of!

Ducati 1098

This is the Ducati motorcycle we’ve been waiting for since the original Ducati 916. It’s a Ducati motorcycle in the truest form. Blood red, stunning to look at and absolutely pure in its purpose. It’s been a long time coming but it finally looks like Ducati has built a sports bike that can run with the best. The Ducati 1098 finally stands for what a Ducati motorycle means - pure unadulterated sports bike heaven.

Ducati Monster 695

The Ducati Monster 695 is the latest version of junior Monster and is revitalised with more capacity, better equipment and brakes and all-new paintjobs. Cheeky handling, verve and novice-friendliness are unchanged, however. The Ducati Monster 695 is the cheapest way into Ducati style.

Ducati Multistrada 620

Yet another entry level Duke but the Ducati Multistrada 620 is more of an ‘all-rounder’ motorcycle to the Monsters’ ‘roadster’. The looks are an acquired taste and it’s not got a whole lot up top in the power department but the Ducati Mulitstrada 620 is a good, practical first big motorcycle. A bit more oomph and a bigger tank would have made it even more so.

BMW F800S

A revolutionary addition to the BMW stable, the BMW F800S has filled the yawning chasm between the marque’s 650 motorcycles and 1200 motorcycles with power, style and charisma. The BMW F800S has an excellent engine, superb handling and everyday usability to make it a bike you could learn to ride on yet keep, and enjoy, a very long time after you’ve got your motorcycle licence.