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The award, to be announced in the November issue of twowheels is judged on performance in four categories after three days of rigorous testing.
The first criterion is the fulfilment of intended design, designed so that the sometimes wildly different motorcycles can compete on a level footing and allowing comparisons between, say, a postie bike and a superbike.
The second is the appropriate use of technology. Does the latest gizmo contribute to safety? Or merely to closing the deal on the showroom floor? This is where the magazine can give credit to significant advances in technology such as ABS or traction control, two recent developments that have had a big impact on motorcycle safety.
Quality of manufacture and value for money are the two final criteria, and these really speak for themselves as the great levellers in the competition.
The eight finalists, drawn from the new model releases for the 2008 model year are, in alphabetical order:
Aprilia Mana 850: This is a groundbreaking model that combines a CVT automatic transmission with a seven-speed tiptronic, clutchless gearbox. In addition, there are three selectable ignition maps to allow for full power for sports riding, better fuel consumption for touring riding, and a soft power setting for safer riding in the rain. It's the way of the future, but here today.
BMW F 800 GS: BMW has cornered the adventure touring market with its dominant R 1200 GS machine, and now there is a lighter, slimmer version using the twin-cylinder engine from the F-series range. With switchable ABS, a choice of set heights and rider luxuries such as heated hand-grips, the F 800 GS opens the door to adventure for a wider rage of riders.
Buell 1125R: It may not be the most recognisable of the motorcycle brands but Buell, founded by engineer Erik Buell and now a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, is a company that reduces motorcycle to first principles. There are lots of differences from the normal bike, and lots of reasons for its inclusion here, not the least of which is the all-new liquid-cooled engine.
Ducati 696: The new Monster is a very important motorcycle, marking as it does the first major upgrade to the best-selling Ducati family ever. The original Monster created a market niche for urban cool motorcycles and is the standout must-have in the class. The new bike features numerous improvements and controversial new styling.
Honda CBR100RR: Honda's new Superbike embodies all the years of development that have gone into the company's sporting flagship since it was introduced in 1992. Today's version is, of course, barely recognisable compared with the original but it's still winning Superbike races and record sales across the country.
KTM RC8: Austrian firm KTM is a relative newcomer to the roadbike market, but wants to be Europe's number one. The newly released superbike, the RC8, is a gauntlet thrown down to the four Japanese companies, and Aprilia and Ducati. With potent performance and unmistakably striking styling, the RC8 is sports motorcycling in its purest form.
Moto Guzzi Griso 8v: Since its takeover by Italian giant Piaggio, Moto Guzzi has been releasing increasingly interesting and reliable models, culminating with a new eight-valve engine fitted to the Griso, a show bike put into production.
Triumph Street Triple: Triumph took the 2006 Bike Of The Year, the winning Daytona 675 bike, being raced in the World Supersport Championship, tripped off the bodywork and tweaked the engine to create a punked-up streetbike.
For more details on the Bike Of The Year, and for your chance to win some great riding gear, check out the September issue of twowheels, on sale Wednesday.
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