Big bucks for 2 wheels

Price: $23,200
BMW Motorcycles

An all-new luxury-touring mount, the K1600 GTL brings a new level of agility and performance to the class. A 160-horsepower 1600cc inline 6-cylinder engine rests in a chassis supported by Duolever modified-parallelogram front suspension and single-sided Paralever rear suspension. Aerodynamic bodywork and an adjustable windshield protect rider and passenger, while standard side and top cases handle the luggage. A $2,645 Premium Package adds self-aiming xenon headlights, traction control, tire-pressure monitors, electronic suspension adjustment, a central locking system, anti-theft alarm and LED fog lights. The audio system incorporates communication and entertainment systems, but oddly, a Garmin GPS navigation system is an option.

Price: $21,999
Ducati USA

This track-ready, 370-pound Italian superbike uses Ducati MotoGP technologies, including traction control, an on-board data analyzer and electronic Ducati Quick Shift. The Testastretta Evoluzione L-twin 1198cc engine makes 170 horsepower and carries an exhaust note that's simply sensuous. A $5,000 upgrade from the standard 1198, the SP model includes a lightweight aluminum fuel tank, adjustable race-spec Öhlins front and rear suspension, a carbon-fiber front fender, lightweight 7-spoke Marchesini wheels and a "slipper" clutch to reduce the destabilizing effect of aggressive downshifting — all perfect for charging into Turn Five at Road America, or your driveway.

Bing Video: Ducati Race

Price: $27,999
Victory Motorcycles

Victory turns custom-bike builder Arlen Ness loose on its already outrageous Vision Tour motorcycle, and the result is this black and chrome beauty. Ness adds scrollwork details to the engine covers, bodywork, cut-down windshield, hand grips and billet-aluminum wheels, while chrome gleams on the footboards, controls and handlebars. The cylinder fins of the 1731cc V-twin engine receive a diamond-cut treatment, while the exhaust has a deep rumble. Under its swoopy bodywork, the Vision Tour offers 29.2 gallons of storage capacity, a 4-speaker audio system, anti-lock brakes, an adjustable windshield and heated seat and grips — everything you need for long-haul touring, plus the Ness flash.

Price: $35,499
Indian Motorcycle

Since its demise in 1953, Indian, a brand that once rivaled Harley-Davidson, has seen a number of attempts at revival. Now on solid ground, Indian was recently acquired by Polaris Industries, which also builds Victory bikes. The Vintage, built in Kings Mountain, N.C., is one of five Chief variants that share a chassis and an air-cooled PowerPlus 105-cubic-inch V-twin engine. The styling evokes the classic lines of motorcycles from the 1940s; for example, it has a deeply skirted front fender, topped with the illuminated Indian-head running light. The bikes are hand-assembled to order by a two-man team, and the paint and chrome finish is flawless, a fitting tribute to a classic American brand.

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Price: $39,900
Dirico Motorcycles

Created in partnership by Aerosmith frontman, "American Idol" judge and avid motorcyclist Steven Tyler and his brother-in-law, Mark Dirico, the Speedster is one of five models in the built-to-order Dirico custom-cruiser lineup. The major mechanical components are stock Harley-Davidson, including the Screamin' Eagle Twin-Cam 110-cubic-inch engine and the electrical system, which ensures reliability and ease of maintenance. The frame is a Kraft-Tech Softail, which mimics the look of a vintage chassis and hides the rear suspension under the engine. Tyler reportedly is responsible for styling, which incorporates a number of vintage cues. His signature is an option.

Price: $36,499
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations creates limited-production models that feature exclusive accessories, intricate paint and a high-performance Screamin' Eagle 110-cubic-inch V-twin engine not available on standard Harley models. CVO gives this Electra Glide a Black Ember and Rio Red flamed paint job, and then covers almost every other surface in dazzling chrome. Other special features include a suspended and heated seat, Road Tech Zumo 660 GPS with verbal commands, chrome Roulette wheels, Harman Kardon audio with CB/intercom, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, a power-lock system, carry-out luggage liners, a bike cover and even a special CVO key. Production is limited to 1,500.

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Price: $39,995
Erik Buell Racing

Erik Buell is back. Since Harley-Davidson pulled the plug on its Buell sport-bike subsidiary in 2008, the founder and innovative engineer has been building race bikes while waiting for a noncompete agreement to expire. That day has come, and with it the new EBR 1190RS, the street motorcycle Buell didn't get to build at Harley. The EBR 1190RS has a new frame and bodywork, and a revised 1190cc V-twin engine that makes Ducati-like power. Signature Buell elements — fuel is carried in the frame, and the front brake disc mounts to the wheel rim — are retained. The bike is built in Wisconsin, and initial production will be limited to 100.

Price: $54,000
Boss Hoss

Before there were "build a bike" TV shows, there was Boss Hoss. Founder Monte Warne built his first Chevy V8-powered motorcycle in Dyersburg, Tenn., in 1990 and has been refining the design ever since. These massive motorcycles seem at first cartoonish — 17 inches longer and 243 pounds heavier than a Harley bagger — but fire up that V8, ease out the clutch, and the Boss Hoss reveals itself to be a well-mannered, if extremely powerful, custom street machine. This LS3 model features a 6.2-liter Corvette V8 tuned to 445 horsepower, and makes so much torque it only needs a 2-speed transmission. That's nuts, but lots of fun.

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Price: $75,000
Confederate Motorcycles

This raw-aluminum power cruiser celebrates the beauty of pure function. Machined aircraft-grade aluminum side plates bolt directly to a counter-balanced, 160-horsepower JIMS V-twin engine, making it an integrated part of the chassis. The frame's top tube holds an oil reservoir within clear Lexan side plates. The double-wishbone front end is crafted out of solid aluminum. BST carbon-fiber wheels, Race Tech shocks and Brembo radial brakes are among its premium components. The rider sits on a small pad just 27 inches off the deck. A 240-millimeter rear tire transmits thrust to pavement. Production, which should be completed this year, is limited to 63.

Price: $300,000
Ecosse Moto Works

"Industrial Hermès" best describes the highly capable, bespoke bikes that have been rolling for a decade from the Ecosse facility near Denver. It takes more than 2,000 hours to create each of the 13 examples of this new flagship model, including 30 days to weld the titanium frame and exhaust. A new 225-horsepower supercharged 2409cc V-twin engine is machined from billet aluminum. The wheels and bodywork are carbon fiber. The Öhlins suspension and IRS brake components are top-shelf. Luxurious Berluti leather covers the seat. Every metal surface is meticulously machined with some fascinating detail. Rolling art, perhaps, but much more fun than an Andy Warhol print.

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Veteran moto-journalist and Wisconsin-native Charles Plueddeman has been driving, riding and testing automobiles, motorcycles, boats, ATVs and snowmobiles for more than 20 years. He is a regular contributor to Boating Magazine and Outdoor Life, and his product evaluation articles have appeared in Popular Mechanics, Men's Journal, AutoWorld, Playboy, Boats.com and many other national publications and Web sites.