There are more motorcycles on the road than ever before, especially here in the United States. The numbers tell the story: According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a not-for-profit national trade association created to promote and preserve motorcycling and the U.S. motorcycle industry, 11 million 2-wheelers were in use last year, an increase of 500,000 compared with 2008. Miles driven on bikes also increased, up 5 percent from 2008, to about 1.3 billion miles. 

Based on those statistics, you’d think the industry was booming. Instead, it has fallen prey to the same economic downturn that nearly felled the auto industry. After six straight years of selling more than 1 million units, U.S. sales of motorcycles fell to just 655,000 in 2009 -- and then dropped an additional 15 percent in 2010.

Just like the auto industry, though, motorcycle sales are showing signs of recovery. The reasons are obvious: They're relatively inexpensive compared to their 4-wheeled counterparts; they get better fuel economy; and they provide riders with a greater sense of freedom. More importantly, it’s a buyers market, with bike makers cutting prices and offering attractive financing deals on all sorts of machines. And if there's anywhere you want to be when contemplating a new 2-wheeled ride, it's the 2011 Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which took place in New York last weekend.

Here are our picks for the top motorcycles at the show:

2011 Honda CBR250R

Honda’s new fuel-injected CBR250R is a smart, capable and affordable entry-level motorcycle, starting at just $3,999. It's also lightweight -- a good 30 pounds lighter than its competition -- has a power band that's user-friendly, and gets excellent fuel economy. Plus, it can be fitted with anti-lock brakes for an additional $500.

2011 Honda CB1000R

“This naked bike is designed for boomers that grew up riding sport bikes,” says Ty van Hooydonk, Motorcycle Industry Council spokesman and industry analyst. “They want something that is athletic, but has a more upright riding position. That’s this bike.” The CB1000R is powered by a fuel-injected 4-cylinder 998cc power plant tuned for loads of right-now power, and a roomy seating position that delivers excellent rider comfort and tremendous versatility for both long-distance travel and two-up riding.

2011 Triumph 800 TigerXC

Adventure-touring bikes are fast becoming the most popular machines on two wheels. “It’s the new hot segment,” says Popular Mechanics Senior Editor Mike Allen. And for good reason: They are great for commuting, touring or just riding for fun. And you don’t have to take them off-road -- something evident with the Triumph 800 Tiger XC. “It’s lightweight, capable and powerful enough to handle any situation,” Allen says. Plus, it’s designed for guys with a shorter inseam. “Unlike many of its peers, those with shorter legs can now ride an adventure bike without having to balance on their tip-toes at traffic stops,” he says.

2012 Yamaha Super Ténéré

Yamaha’s Ténéré line, famous in Europe, is now coming stateside. The Super Ténéré is Yamaha's answer to such bikes as the BMW R 1200 GS, Triumph Tiger 1050, KTM Super Moto Touring SMT and Ducati Multistrada 1200. It's powered by a slim and compact fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve-per-cylinder​ 1199cc Parallel Twin engine -- ideal for carving tight lines on twisty mountain roads.

2011 BMW K 1600

The new K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL touring motorcycles are now offered with the company's 6-cylinder in-line engine -- a 160-horsepower unit with a maximum torque of 175 Nm. The new tourers also pack some top-shelf tech: Aside from the adaptive headlight-control option, which significantly enhances safety while cornering at night, they are also fitted with a ride-by-wire system (or "e-gas," as BMW calls it) and feature three engine modes -- Rain, Road and Dynamic -- which combine with Dynamic Traction Control to suit myriad riding conditions. According to Allen, the K 1600 “promises to be fast, capable and comfortable -- and ready for day after day of freeway burning or back-road sightseeing.”

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero

Kawasaki pitches the latest steel horse in its Vulcan 1700 stable as a solo touring cruiser, splitting the difference between the Voyager and Nomad models. Styling takes center stage on the Vaquero, with a bagger aesthetic that Kawasaki describes as aggressive and sporty -- and it has the low, flowing lines to prove it. It's propelled by a liquid-cooled 52-degree 1700cc V-Twin mated to a 6-speed transmission.

2011 Kawasaki ZX10R

The ZX10R is Kawasaki’s latest top-of-the-line sport bike. It puts out 187 horsepower and weighs just 436 pounds. That’s an incredible power-to-weight ratio for a street bike. “It also has the most advanced electronics of any motorcycle on the market,” van Hooydonk says. “Traction control, ABS, and it can be configured for use on any pavement or riding condition at the push of a button.”

 2011 Suzuki GSX-R 750

“This bike lands smack in the sweet spot between power and lightness,” van Hooydonk says. “It has just enough power to be fast (Editor's note: That's 130-plus ponies), but it's not overpowering for its size.” Compared to the model it replaces, the GSX-R750, this bike has a blunter nose and a completely redesigned exhaust. And at $11,999, it's only $400 more than its less capable sibling, the GSX-R600.

2011 Star Motorcycles Stryker

The chopper-esque Stryker is a middleweight cruiser powered by a 1300cc fuel-injected liquid cooled V-Twin engine. It is a synergy of raked-out, custom-inspired styling and modern performance -- and at an attractive price; the Stryker starts at $10,990. It also has a comparatively low seat height of 26.4 inches, which allows shorter riders to put both feet on the ground when stopped.

2011 Harley-Davidson Blackline

This Harley-Davidson is designed to appeal to 20-something hipsters. A new Softail-based cruiser, the Blackline is designed to provide a riding experience for younger riders who want a bike that they can grow into -- but don't have to grow out of. Chromed to a minimum, it features a slick black powder-coat finish with flat black accents, a new fuel tank and split-drag handlebars. Like other bikes on this list -- we noticed a theme -- the Blackline also has a dramatically lower seat height, making it more comfortable for shorter riders.