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1. Triumph Speed Triple

This is the bike that made Triumph relevant again following the rebirth of the company in the 1990s, based largely on the appeal of its soulful three-cylinder engine. It’s not only one of the most tuneful motorcycle engines ever made, it’s also endowed with a ripping midrange-power wallop that relishes hoiking up a front wheel. It has a long, flat torque curve and predictable throttle response that abets long-distance mono-wheeling.

And you’ll look sharp on the fashionable Speed Trip on your way to Wheelieville. Its stripped-down and clean style is enduring, with a lovely single-sided swingarm and its iconic dual headlights (even though I still prefer the pre-2011 round lamps). It’s a hooligan’s hooligan, and it tops our list of favorite motorcycles to wheelie on.

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2012 Triumph Speed Triple R Review

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2009 Streetfighters Shootout: Aprilia Tuono 1000 R, Buell 1125CR, Triumph Speed Triple

2008 Triumph Urban Sports Review