Well to me it seems that the moto journalists generally have had a love affair with anything european for the past few years and in CW's defense these "awards" are usually given to bikes that have been
substantially redesigned or a clean sheet new model - that will usually disqualify HD right there.
BMW warrants some love for their technological advances like selectable ride modes and electronically adjustable suspension on the flagship touring model and I admit to drooling over the S1000RR. KTM makes a great dirt bike and therefore their supermoto is superb again this one has the full electronic package. Ducati is, well, Ducati and they build some of the most beautiful sport bikes on the planet - always have.
Honda has some nice offerings, origami styling aside, but lately seems to concentrating on developing "entry level" bikes - those under 750cc - and the wing is getting long in the tooth and due for an update, not just some cosmetic changes --oh wait they stole
our playbook

Suzuki has been sorta quiet with "new" offerings. Kawasaki is trying to build a super sport tourer with the 1400 ninja and an entry level with the ninjet 300.
Now if HD went and put electronically adjustable(or at least adjustable) suspension , selectable riding modes and an adjustable windscreen on a fully water cooled touring bike with a quality sound system/electronics package - then they would ride away with all the awards. But it seems we as faithful buyers have established that the current state of the product is what we want whether that's because of the beautiful styling, glorious sound or we just like to modify our bikes - who am I to say, for me it's a little of all three and that makes the HD offerings appear on MY list
So I guess all this rambling translates to while I don't necessarily agree with any of the moto journalists "best" lists, there are plenty of bikes out there to suit whatever your tastes, desires and riding styles are and it's up to the consumer to decide what bike is "best" for them. If your lucky like me your better/smarter half will let you keep a few different makes and models in the garage so then you can pick the one that suits your needs/mood for the days ride
