Top 10 Most Watched Videos of 2012

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

Creating a continuous flow of motorcycle videos ain’t easy. Finding the balance between excitement, fun and entertainment while also delivering usable information about the bikes being reviewed in a five-minute-or-less timeframe poses enormous challenges.

None of the MO editors are actors. First and foremost we’re motorcyclists. Secondly we’re journalists trained to write coherent, well-structured prose while maintaining the codes of ethics, objectivity and accuracy taught to us in college. Modern media practices have thrust us into the camera’s spotlight adding the title Broadcast Journalist to our resumes.

So, we sometimes inadvertently tap the fuel tank while speaking, say “um” too many times or occasionally mispronounce names, but we’re always striving to better our performances.

The quality of our videos for 2012 has surpassed previous year’s efforts and we’re proud of our accomplishments. After recording nearly 24,000,000 total video views on our YouTube channel, we thought we’d take this opportunity to showcase the top videos of 2012.

10. 2012 Zero DS Motorcycle Review – An electric bike worth talking about

44,584 views (and counting)

Electric motorcycles have crossed a new threshold. No longer just play things for the Earth-conscious and tree huggers among us who crave propulsion on two wheels, the Zero DS is a glimpse into the future of motorcycling. And we like it!

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9. 2012 Honda NC700X Review – Big fun at a small price

57,569 views (and counting)

In today’s economic climate, motorcycle manufacturers are well aware consumers are looking to get the most value for their hard-earned dollar. At the same time, OEMs are trying to introduce new riders to the sport. Honda’s NC700X is aimed at both these markets, boasting incredible fuel economy and ultra-convenient storage beneath its faux fuel tank.

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8. 2012 Literbike Streetfighter Shootout

60,562 views (and counting)

The naked sportbike class is one of our favorites. They can deliver near-equal performance to a pure sportbike, but they offer upright ergonomics better suited to street use. This year we’ve assembled the aristocrats of the literbike streetfighter class — Aprilia Tuono V4 R APRC, MV Agusta Brutale R 1090 and Triumph Speed Triple R — to determine the hierarchy of the naked elite.

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7. 2013 MV Agusta F3 675 Review – New middleweight sportbike makes exotica almost affordable

61,377 views (and counting)

With MV Agusta’s latest model, the F3 and its 675cc three-cylinder engine, the hallowed Italian marque is dramatically expanding its market. The F3 carries on MV’s tradition of building sex on wheels but now includes high-tech sophistication at a price ($13,999) that almost seems inexpensive.

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6. 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Motorcycle Review – Making the Gixxer Thou better than ever

75,266 views (and counting)

Suzuki has given its GSX-R1000 sportbike some notable tweaks for 2012, including improvements to the engine’s low-end power and some new Brembo brakes. We had a chance to test it out at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.

5. 2012 Ducati Diavel Cromo vs Star VMAX – Arm-wrasslin’ among titans

113,994 views (and counting)

The Diavel vs VMAX is certainly a bout for the ages between the brute finesse of the Ducati and the cudgeling strength of the YamaStar. We ride ‘em on the street and in the canyons, but our favorite part of testing was blasting through the quarter-mile dragstrip in less than 10 seconds!

4. 2012 650 Adventure-Touring Shootout: BMW G650GS vs. Kawasaki Versys vs. Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS

152,489 views (and counting)

If you’re on the hunt for an all-in-one, Swiss Army Knife-type of motorcycle, consider the BMW G650GS, Kawasaki Versys and Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. They can do it all for a relatively paltry price.

3. 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 Review – The most capable sportbike ever built?

209,158 views (and counting)

If the Japanese and Italian sportbike manufacturers weren’t yet quaking in their boots by the fabulously engineered BMW S1000RR, the HP4 will surely make them fret. We cane BMW’s best-ever sportbike around Spain’s Jerez GP circuit.

2. 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Review – A game-changing sportbike from Italy

317,182 views (and counting)

When a motorcycle company starts with a clean-sheet design, there are so many ways to go wrong. Often it’s best to wait for Version 2.0. But Ducati has knocked one out of the park with its sensational new 1199 Panigale. We sample it at the exotic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

1. 2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout – Road Test

405,810 views (and counting)

It has been a couple years since we last did a Japanese literbike shootout, because, frankly, the field has been quite stagnant for a while (save for Kawasaki’s total revamp of the ZX-10R last year). But for 2012, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all tweaked their respective contenders. The CBR1000RR, GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1, have significant changes, while Kawasaki returns for 2012 with the same traction-control-equipped machine it introduced last year, confident of its chances.

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

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