Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/887355
maltatoday SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER 2017 IV Motoring Brits still love their motorcycles. Already in 2017 riders have conducted no fewer than 36 million new and used bike searches. That's why AutoTrader has once again held its annual Best Bike Awards. Over the past two decades, the number of qualified riders in Britain has risen by a massive 74 percent. Growing numbers of people are discovering the money-saving, traffic- dodging benefits of scooters and entry-level motorcycles, while others are rediscovering motorcycles with a modern retro or adventure bike. Once again, there's a new motorcycle for everyone – but which are the finest in each category? That was the task of the 2017 award's judging panel… Best Bike Awards 2017: Britain's Best Scooter – Vespa GTS300 The smart-looking Vespa GTS300 is a UK scooter favourite. It's pow- erful, has advanced traction control and ABS, and you can even pair it to your smartphone to get extra display read- outs. For busy city users, it's a dream ride. Best Tourer – BMW K1600GT The big BMW brings the firm's famous straight-six engine to the touring motorcycle class, with impeccable sophistication. This is the machine to cross the globe on in 2017; it has an abundance of power and ability, brilliant rider protection, some amaz- ing equipment features and even the reassurance of automatic emergency response call-out in the event of an accident. Best Retro – Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled The retro Ducati Scrambler has been an enormous success for the Italian firm and now it's expand- ing upon the theme with the evocative- looking Desert Sled. This is a phenome- nally capable machine across all terrains, brilliantly combining modern ability with classic looks Best Naked – Aprilia Tuono 1100 Factory The exceptional Aprilia Tuono 1100 is a mighty all-rounder with a simply divine 175hp V4 engine. It sounds brilliant and is seriously fast, while both handling and comfort are enough to have you in the saddle all day long and still left wanting more.