SPORTSBIKE OF THE YEAR 2014
HONDA FIREBLADE SP vs MV F3 800 vs DUCATI 899 PANIGALE vs APRILIA RSV4 FACTORY vs BMW HP4 vs KAWASAKI ZX 10 R vs TRIUMPH DAYTONA 676 vs DUCATI 1199 PANIGALES
you’ll be aware of the shift in power. That there are just two Japanese bikes making the trip to the Algarve is a chronic sign of the times. The only bikes that don’t have a quickshifter as standard are the Japanese bikes. Back in Europe, everything gets chucked at the blue riband models – topspec brakes, electronics lifted straight from WSB bikes, semi-active suspension and the full hit from near 200bhp motors.
There’s always seemed to have been a gentlemen’s agreement between the Japanese brands, although Kawasaki is the only manufacturer taking it to the Europeans. A lack of Team Green in MotoGP has been a masterstroke, not only for the world superbike championship, but for the end product on the streets. Tech from racing has been slowly filtering down to the showroom and 2015 already
looks set for another launch frenzy.
This year, only eight bikes made it on the ferry to the continent. Sportsbike of the Year is supposed to be the best of the best, the crème de la crème, so picking bikes to make up the numbers was never going to happen. Hey, life's tough.
But all the new models get an automatic ticket to the Algarve. Honda (cleverly) launched the new Fireblade SP in Qatar at the Losail Circuit, but a sterner, more technical test awaits at Portimao. Ducati’s 899 Panigale is another fresh model for 2014, so the self-acclaimed supermid joins its bigger brother, the 1199 in S form for some family fun and frolics.
Another new supermid is the beautiful MV Agusta F3 800. Due to the recent turmoil at the UK’s arm of the company, we had to go direct to the factory for a bike – hence the lack of reg-plate and mirrors. But big up to MV for coming to join the party. We told you it's important...
Class leaders, like the Triumph Daytona 675R and Kawasaki ZX-10R join the lavish BMW HP4 and the triple SBOTY-winning Aprilia RSV4 Factory.
Eight bikes, three riders, one circuit and a shit-load of shredded rubber. Ladies and gents, we give you 2014's SBOTY.