There are only a few bikes that can claim to belong in the category defining the best long-distance bikes in the world. We tested two of them, the Honda Gold Wing and the BMW K1200LT-E - both outstanding touring bikes but very different.

Cruisers are getting bigger, longer, lower and heavier. A distinctly American style of riding, cruising is the manifestation of a major market both here and abroad. And two Japanese companies seem to have learned their lessons very well with the VTX1800 and Vulcan 1600 Classic proving they can convey and deliver that feeling of freedom and relaxed riding.

Cruisers are getting bigger, longer, lower and heavier. A distinctly American style of riding, cruising is the manifestation of a major market both here and abroad. And two Japanese companies seem to have learned their lessons very well with the VTX1800 and Vulcan 1600 Classic proving they can convey and deliver that feeling of freedom and relaxed riding.

To compete with Yamaha's FZ1 and Kawasaki's ZRX1200R, Honda brought out the 919 this year. Big Red's nimble, naked bike comes with a fuel-injected engine and a design concept crammed with high-tech goodies.

For the model year 2002, Honda's successful Interceptor was totally revised. As well as sporting a brand-new look, the engine underwent a good deal of transformation. VTEC technology, well known from the brand's automobiles, is now also used in a Honda motorcycle.