Top 5 Best Looking Motorcycles Of 2019

Looks might not be at the top of the list of considerations when shopping around for a new motorcycle, but it’s undeniable that they can sway a decision. For some, it might actually be a big reason why they’ve decided to part with their cold hard cash. And, of course, looks are entirely subjective and opinions vary widely. Why not make some bold assertions and stir the pot?

So let’s get superficial and take a look at some of the best-looking motorcycles released for 2019.

The 2019 Panigale V4 R is a finely crafted Italian missile. The thing about this bike is not only does it look like a mechanical manifestation of speed, but it also carries with it an air of precision and grace. The sharkfin vents on the side panels, the minimalist tailsection, the flashes of carbon fiber, and the movement of lines from the tip of the nose across the entire bike are gorgeous. I'm a little ambivalent about the winglets; it would look more sleek and sexy without them, but they add a fighter jet aspect to the face of the bike that's compelling. I'm a fan of the aluminum tank too, as the exposed metal adds a touch of raw-yet-elegant flair to the machine.

Indian Motorcycle is doing a phenomenal job creating striking motorcycles these days. But the winner for me in the looks department for 2019 is the FTR 1200 S. It's got the customized look right off the showroom floor, with meticulous attention to detail throughout, from the design of the LED headlight to the paintwork on the tank, to the sweep of the pipes up to those two eye-catching Akrapovič canisters. The exposed internals are another pleasing element of the aesthetics of this bike, adding a coarse aspect to an otherwise extremely polished motorcycle.

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure isn't going to win any modeling contests, but sometimes good looks evoke an entirely different type of feeling. When I see the 1250 GS Adventure, I see a motorcycle that will take me anywhere I want to go. The build is functional and the finish is high quality, even if it's a bit bulky at the front and has a strange headlight and somewhat off-putting beak. This bike's looks make me want to quit my day job and ride across continents, to live in a tent for months on end chasing gorgeous vistas in unexplored parts of the world.

Retro-style bikes can be polarizing. After all, a few bits of nostalgic bodywork tossed on to an existing machine with a marked-up MSRP doesn't indicate much beyond wanting to get on the bandwagon before it's out of sight. But the 2019 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE inhabits that retro space with a machine that is extremely well-designed, the pinnacle of what riders were trying to achieve with their customs back in the scrambler style heyday. All of Triumph's new modern classics are meticulously crafted, and the 1200 XE is no exception. Plus, its rugged, off-road looks are up to the task. Similar to the R 1200 GS, this bike is appealing because of what it suggests. Adventure, exploration, capability in a wide variety of situations, and fun.

MV Agusta creates some of the most alluring motorcycles on the market today. They're expertly crafted down to the last detail, prizing a compelling aesthetic as much as performance. But the Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS adds another element to the MV Agusta stew, and that's usability. This sport-touring beauty has the undulating lines that are a hallmark of the brand, moving fore and aft like a rippling wave, but it's also practical, at least when compared against other models from the marque. The upright seating position, tall windscreen, saddlebags, and passenger perch show that a gorgeous machine can also be useful. It's one of my favorite-looking motorcycles of the year.

But as I noted above, this is all subjective. Maybe you agree with some of my picks, maybe you think they’re all rubbish. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.