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YAMAHA MT-10

A naked R1? Yes, please!

YAMAHA MT-10

This is the easiest and most obvious machine to get American hearts pumping and, subsequently, shoulders drooping when they realize it won’t make it to the US of A. Simply put, it’s a naked Yamaha R1, and considering how scintillating the open-class naked category has become we almost can’t stand not riding this bike.

Features include three ride modes, cruise control, three-level TC, standard ABS, fully adjustable suspension, and LED lighting all around. Along with the upright riding position comes styling straight from a Transformers movie—we’ll let you make your own judgment on that. As with most superbikes these days, we find ourselves smitten but wishing they were more livable, which is why we’re positively enamored with BMW’s S1000R, KTM’s Super Duke R, and Aprilia’s Tuono V4. Please, Yamaha, send a few to us Yankees!

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KAWASAKI Z125

Honda Grom versus Kawi Z125? Not this year.

KAWASAKI Z125

Destined only for the Japanese market at press time, Team Green’s Z125 looks like a hoot. Powered by a SOHC, two-valve single laid down in a basic frame with a seat height under 31 inches and weighing just 223 pounds, the Z125 positively screams to be compared to Honda’s Grom. Bearing in mind the Grom’s mighty sales success, why not ship it to the US and Europe, Kawasaki? Waiting with bated breath, Motorcyclist.

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YAMAHA MT-03

But a stripped-down R3 sounds like such a great idea…

YAMAHA MT-03

We probably don’t need to tell you why a stripped-down version of Yamaha’s R3 sounds like a good idea. This MT-03 uses the R3’s punchy 321cc engine, has less plastic to damage, and comes with standard ABS (which the R3 does not have). With the sporty R3 priced at $4,990 the “FZ-03” would likely be cheaper still, making it a terrific option in the class and stiff competition for similar bikes from BMW, KTM, and Honda.

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HONDA CB4 CONCEPT

Wouldn’t you throw a leg over this CB650F-based streetfighter?

HONDA CB4 CONCEPT

To be fair, nobody is getting the Honda CB4 yet. But seeing as we don’t even get the bike this concept was based on (Honda’s naked CB650F), it leaves us extra sour that this sleek standard isn’t bound for US shores. A single-sided swingarm and twin mufflers add some panache, while the bike’s stripped-down aesthetics accentuate the swoopy quad-headers in a way that reminds us of the legendary CB400F.