2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Prices and Specs

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price: $7,499 (MSRP)

• Type: Sport Bike
• Engine Configuration: Parallel-twin
• Available Colors: Metallic Spark Black, Candy Lime Green, Passion Red

With Honda's NC700X and Kawasaki's Ninja 650 winning both 2012 Best Value categories, displacement moves from 250cc bikes (Ninja, CBR and TU) of the past few years and refocuses on mid-displacement models. Experienced motorcyclists enjoy a bargain just as much as new riders. Unlike the utilitarian nature of the NC700X, the Ninja 650 is a more sport-focused model appealing to newer, younger and performance-oriented riders. The revamped 650 entered 2012 in more aggressive fashion, taking cosmetic cues from its high-performance Ninja brethren. The Ninja's 649cc, liquid-cooled parallel-Twin is updated with several small improvements to the intake and exhaust to deliver a modest bump in midrange torque and a claimed 10% boost in fuel economy.

2012 Honda NC700X DCT Prices and Specs

2012 Honda NC700X DCTPrice: $8,999 (MSRP)

• Type: Standard
• Engine Configuration: Parallel-twin
• Available Colors: Light Silver Metallic

For the second year running, Honda has captured our Best Value award. Last year with the CBR250R, this year the NC700X. The oddly-styled NC shines because it doesn't try to fit within a pre-existing category, but more so because it blends them - all for $6999. With an eye toward practicality, affordability, versatility and fun, the NC styling hints at off-road worthiness but is really meant for a commanding presence on-road. Its 670cc parallel-Twin is a competent performer and gets excellent mileage (another plus in the value category), but more importantly, its forward-slanting cylinders allow the faux fuel tank area to be used as a 21-liter storage compartment, big enough for a full-face helmet. The NC is also a platform for Honda's optional second generation DCT, or Dual Clutch Technology, allowing both upshifts and downshifts at the push of a button.

2012 Zero S Prices and Specs

2012 Zero S

Price: $9,995 (MSRP)

• Type: Standard
• Engine Configuration: Electric
• Available Colors: Black, Red

Having surprised us in the past with its performance and lack of any real competitors, the Zero S and its DS cousin take the silver medal this year. For the everyday rider/commuter not interested in breaking land speed records, both Zero models provide the same performance, comfort and practicality as a small-displacement motorcycle. Both Zeros are available with six- or nine-kWh batteries, though the larger version is really the one to get when trying to navigate city streets, as its extra capacity comes in handy. With the DS model and more dirt-oriented tires, attacking challenging single-track is within its capabilities. And while the S model was never meant to be a racer, that doesn't stop some people from trying, as our own Associate Editor proved by winning a recent race. So far, Zero has the lead when it comes to building an infrastructure to promote electric motorcycles and support its customers. This alone is a major accomplishment. But ultimately, the S and DS successfully ch.