Cruiser

Kawasaki has finally outdone Harley by going back to the cruiser roots and producing a gorgeous eye-catching machine with bags of torque, top build quality, performance and handling on a par with any rival

It really looks the part, but ultimately it fails to stir the soul as standard. Shame, ’cos those looks are ‘the real thang...’

It’s a good bike, but Honda’s own Valkyrie is a better looker and performer, so is Harley-Davidson’s V-Rod

Delivers a mixed message – looks like a streetfighter, is in fact a boulevard cruiser. Soft core motorcycle for those that want heavy metal with manners

The first Harley for years which is actually very different, while still being a Harley. Confused? Don't be, it's a great-looking, superb bike

Excellent price and good ride quality mostly out-weighed by cheap finish and lack of any real character. Bikes like this are as much about how they look and make you feel as how they are to ride

Honda out-retros Harley, but irons out character in the process

Decent looking, decent performing, decent all-round, without ever really being much more than that

Possibly even worth considering over and above the mighty Fat Boy, due to its lower weight and good performance (for a traditional Harley)

It's a Harley, but shinier

Possibly the best (affordable) entry point into Harley ownership

A big, thumping Harley in the grand old tradition, but the low price comes at the expense of finesse

Now, this is more like it - this is where Harleys become real Harleys

The Wide Glide is something of an icon to the non-biker, but Harley itself does more useable models, such as the Fat Boy

A proper Harley, with all that entails - chugging engine, clonking gears, lazy steering - and bags of character

This Harley rides a hell of a lot better than it looks and is very comfortable for long stints

Something of a tart's handbag, the Drag Stars are enduringly popular, if shall we say, a little like Milletts: camp.

1552cc of all-American, no waitaminute, all-Japanese Iron Horse that may actually have the measure of the house of Harley

If you want Harley cool, combined with the ability to tour on a retro steed, it's the Road King Classic you're after

The most laid-back baby Harley

A stylish Moto Guzzi in an understated way

The Harley-Davidson Sportster range, consisting of entry-level bikes, has been revamped for 2004 - the first serious update since 1986. There are so many changes, yet they still look the same.

Named after a town in New York State, the new R1200 C Montauk boasts more chrome and retro styling than a fifties diner. But it's also BMW's most successful foray into the cruiser market to date