Here's what our top five test riders had to say about the 2005 Performance Cruiser Shootout. If we were to buy one of these bikes - which one would it be?

Brian Korfhage: For My Money... To me, selecting the Warrior is a no-brainer. It has everything you would seemingly want in this test. It may not be the best looking, but it does look pretty tough and the performance is second to none (well, it's second to the Street Rod). It's got a few warts that I would take care of if I purchased one, namely the huge can and awkward tach. But other than those components, I love the Warrior and it just barely beats the big VTX for my cash-o-la.

Ken Hutchison: For My Money... I have to choose the Hammer. Once you get past the odd handling characteristics of the wide tire it actually goes very well in the twisty stuff. The bike is not as smooth as the Warrior or the VTX but it has them beat in the cool department. It was more exciting to ride than the others and this is a cruiser test and your machine is supposed to be bad-ass, and that's just what the Hammer is.

Don Becklin: For My Money... There were three really fun bikes in this shootout and all for different reasons. Ultimately I'm going to choose the Yamaha Warrior because it was a fun, competent bike. Some of the guys didn't like the look but I think it's kinda cool in an Icon-wearin', burn-out roastin' kinda way. The torque of the motor is what impressed me the most. While it doesn't rev to the moon, that initial hit is strong and sets it apart in this crowd. And it handles pretty good for a cruiser. Good is subjective for a cruiser but it certainly stayed composed while grinding the b-Jesus out of the pegs, frame rails, muffler and whatever else is down there.

Joe Wallace: For My Money... The Hammer. This thing is tough. It has the look of a full on custom bike that you would see being built in one of the latest bike building reality TV shows. Victory did a great job in the style department they seemed to cover all the details. I especially liked the rear of the bike the way the seat fender and fat tire all come together. Then you have the American built V Twin persona to go along with it. It's a little sketchy to ride due to the 250 series tire on the rear, but to me that is part of what made it fun to ride.

Kevin Duke: For My Money... Yamaha's Warrior best defines the performance cruiser class. The Mean Streak has been overshadowed since soon after its debut in 2001, and that's even more true today. The Street Rod, despite the logo on its tank, is no cruiser, but it's the best all-round bike in this group. The VTX is a well-engineered piece, but Honda has polished its edges so finely that it just seems too nice to win this contest. The Hammer is the bike for those who never got enough attention in high school, but that fattie out back induces too many dynamic compromises. The Warrior is the most cohesive package of the group, blending plenty of grunty low-end power with a surprisingly athletic chassis, all for a price that turns out to be the bargain of the bunch.

Sean Brown: For My Money... I would have to buy the Yamaha Warrior. It was not the coolest looking bike or the best performing bike in the bunch. It wasn't the best cornering or even the most comfortable ride I sat my butt in. What was special about the Warrior was that it did everything you would want a performance cruiser to do really well. It is a sharp looking ride with a very deep exhaust tone. It gets off the line quickly and corners very comfortably. When you factor in the under $13,000 sticker, I don't see why you would throw your cash in any other direction? This is definitely the ride for me.