iMotorbike 10 Best Bikes of 2025 (Review by iMotorbike)

Our first-ever year-end wrap-up, powered by more than 20 machines we reviewed throughout 2025. Here are the Best Bikes of 2025 (Review by iMotorbike)

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As we finally hit the last month of the year, it’s time to wrap up everything we’ve ridden, tested, abused, and fallen in love with. This year marks our first “Best Bikes” list and trust me, narrowing it down wasn’t easy. From daily commuters to long-haul touring monsters, we tested over 20 motorcycles, each with its own charm.

This list isn’t about which bike is “technically” the best on paper. It’s about which bikes impressed us the most in their categories with real-world riding, real-world moments, KL traffic nightmares, off-road thrills, fuel stops at 2AM, speed traps (yes…), and everything in between. So here it is! Our top 10, from number 10 all the way to our Motorcycle of the Year.

10. Best Kapcai 2025: Yamaha PG-1

The Yamaha PG-1 proves that you don’t need horsepower to have fun, just pure motorcycling heart and passion. I first rode it during the PG-1 Trail Xperience at Most Fun Gym, and immediately, this little “muscle cub” left a strong impression.

The 4-speed gearbox, chunky knobby tyres, and low 780 mm seat height make it a perfect do-it-all machine. I took it through tight forest trails at MFG and days later used it in PJ rush-hour traffic, honestly, it felt equally at home in both.

It’s small, tough, lightweight (only 107 kg), and ridiculously enjoyable. The type of bike that reminds you why you fell in love with riding in the first place.

9. Best Scooter: MODA Sporter S 250

The MODA Sporter S 250 almost slipped through the cracks since it launched so early in January, but you simply can’t ignore how everywhere this scooter is now.

I rode this bike through KL’s worst rush hours, and its combination of power (24.8hp), agility, and comfort kept surprising me. Even at traffic lights, people kept turning around asking, “Bro, scooter apa ni? Cantik gila.”

What’s crazy is how stable it feels with the 15-inch front / 14-inch rear wheels. Even at higher speeds, it didn’t wobble or feel nervous. On one morning ride to Shah Alam, I held a steady 110–120 km/h without breaking a sweat.

For a local CKD brand under AMI, the same distributor of Suzuki, I’m genuinely impressed. It’s the scooter I easily recommend to anyone looking for something under 250cc.

8. Best Sportbike: Suzuki GSX-8R

The GSX-8R is the silent killer of this year’s sportbike category. No flashy inline-four scream, but that 776 cc parallel-twin with 82 hp packs serious punch.

I rode this bike from my home to the office one morning and literally reached five minutes faster than usual, without even trying. The torque delivery is so smooth and punchy that you end up riding quicker than you realise.

The quickshifter is addictive, especially when blasting between cars or attacking corners. I took it through some familiar twisty routes and the handling was impressively precise. Stable, confident, and surprisingly forgiving.

While everyone is busy crying for high-revving inline-fours, Suzuki quietly made one of the most usable, everyday-fun sportbikes of the year.

7. Best Naked Bike: Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

The Triumph 765 RS is pure Moto2 DNA for the street, and when I rode it, you could feel every bit of that racing heritage.

The 128hp triple engine has a raspy, angry sound that tickles your soul every time it climbs the revs. It’s one of those bikes that makes you grin inside your helmet even before you leave the parking lot.

Cornering with this machine? A dream. I took a few fast sweepers and the bike just wants more. The combination of Showa SFF-BP USD forks, Öhlins STX40 monoshock, Pirelli Supercorsa tyres, and Brembo Stylema brakes makes it unbelievably composed.

It’s the most “complete” middleweight naked bike we rode this year, thrilling for weekend rides yet refined enough for daily commuting.

6. Best Touring Bike: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX

The GSX-S1000GX surprised me the most in the touring segment. Despite weighing 232 kg, it handles like a much lighter bike.

On one wet morning test ride, the stability blew me away even in slippery corners, the chassis stayed planted. The 999cc inline-four (from Suzuki’s K5 superbikes) pulls hard in every gear. In fact, the gearing is so short that overtakes become effortless.

I took it for a long-haul ride through PLUS Highway, and comfort-wise, Suzuki nailed the formula. Smooth, powerful, and stable, just ideal for Malaysia’s long-distance touring routes.

5. Best Adventure Bike: Suzuki V-Strom 800RE

This was one of my favourites of the entire year. I already loved the GSX-8R’s engine, so riding the V-Strom 800RE was like discovering its long-distance, adventure-ready twin.

During my test run on the ELITE Highway, the torque delivery made cruising ridiculously enjoyable. The Comfort mode is perfect for everyday riding, while Active mode wakes the bike up when you feel playful.

It’s not pretending to be a hardcore off-roader, but as an adventure-tourer, it hits the sweet spot. Long legs, smooth engine, comfortable seating, and proper Japanese refinement. From the start of planning this list, the V-Strom 800RE was already in my Top 5.

4. Best Cruiser: Hanway Heritage 400

The Hanway Heritage 400 might be the unexpected hero of this year. It’s a Chinese-built, Malaysian-assembled bobber that shocked us with how good it is.

I rode it through city streets at night, and the amount of heads turning was insane. That low-slung bobber stance, the fat tyres, the glossy paint,  it just shines under streetlights.

Power delivery is smooth and surprisingly lively. The parallel-twin responds well, and even filtering traffic wasn’t as difficult as I expected from a cruiser.

The interchangeable single or pillion seat is a nice touch, solo bobber vibes or practical cruising, you choose. For a brand-new entry into the retro-cruiser segment, Hanway nailed it.

3. Best Trail Bike: SYM ADXTG 400

Trail bike? Trail scooter? Who cares.. the ADXTG 400 kills both roles. I picked up and tested it in city traffic first recently, slicing through Old Klang Road and NPE jams like a pro. Even with a pillion, the scooter felt balanced and confident.

Then came the fun part, I took it off-road. And surprisingly, the ADXTG didn’t struggle. That central-mounted 399cc engine and chain-driven rear wheel give it a stable, planted feel that most scooters simply don’t have.

It’s no surprises that Mforce Bike Holdings received the “2025 ADXTG Best Seller” award at EICMA Milan this year. This thing is truly Malaysia’s favourite for a reason.

2. Best EV Bike: BMW CE 04

The CE 04 is the electric scooter that looks like it shouldn’t exist in this universe, but thank God it does. I rode it through KL one full day and the instant torque was mad. One throttle twist and BOOM, the thing shoots forward silently. In fact, I compared it side-by-side with the Honda X-ADV 750 and the CE 04 actually feels punchier at low speeds.

Despite weighing 231 kg, once it’s moving, it glides smoothly. People literally stare at it like it came from the future. Long, low, futuristic, riding it feels like starring in your own sci-fi movie with KL as the background.

1. Motorcycle of the Year: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

This one needs no debate. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R is our 2025 Motorcycle of the Year and it absolutely deserves the crown.

I rode this bike from Petaling Jaya to Gurun, Kedah and back in a single day for Modenas’ Raya Open House. The whole trip was fast, smooth, and honestly addictive. That’s when I… Well, I got sniped by AES speedtrap. Enough said.

The 636cc inline-four loves to scream. Thanks to the RAM-air intake, the bike breathes better the faster you go. I managed to hit 247 km/h on LEKAS (during midnight with less traffic) before the limiter stepped in.

Cornering? Sharp. Acceleration? Fierce. Road presence? 10/10. Everywhere I stopped, people stared. Fuel consumption? Umm… let’s skip that part. It’s a 17-litre tank, but if you ride it the way it begs to be ridden, expect frequent fuel stops. To conclude, this bike is the perfect mix of speed, style, aggression, and pure Kawasaki soul. A true supersport reborn. 

So there you have it, the Top 10 Best Bikes of 2025 (Review by iMotorbike). Each one shines in its own way, whether it’s the punchy acceleration, confident cornering, addictive top-end speed, or just that feeling of freedom when you take it out on the open road. These bikes prove that riding isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it’s about the experience, the vibe, and the connection you build with your machine. 

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