Honda’s latest generation of 600 cc, CBR supersports toes the family line with its race-winning blend of power and maneuverability all packed onto a MotoGP-inspired chassis. Much like the original CBR600RR that hit the streets back in ’03 and was built as a racebike replica, the current model features a strong engine along with a front suspension featuring Honda’s 41mm Big Piston Fork for superb handling and snappy action, plus MotoGP-inspired bodywork in a race-tested aerodynamic supersport design.

Kawasaki put together its KLX300 model with dual-sport riders in mind and a definite bias for the off-road work. Suspension stroke and ground clearance point to a capacity for fairly rugged terrain, while the mirrors and full all-around lighting make it street legal. Whether you plan on proper adventure riding, or just want to forego the trailer action every time you want to hit your favorite trails, the KLX300 has you covered.

Honda expanded its Neo-Sports Café lineup with the new-in-2019 CB300R that brings more of the same café-tastic vibe as with the CB1000R, just in an entry level-size package. This naked little pocket crotch-rocket — or “Sport Naked” as the factory has dubbed the style — looks to pull in younger riders with a user-friendly, 286 cc powerplant and lightweight design. After a race to the bottom of the usable displacement range for the sport and naked genres, Honda is refining its bottom-tier rides.

Honda hit its CBR500R with a whole battery of tweaks and improvements for MY2022 that go far beyond the cursory BNG treatment that frequently marks “updated” models. The frame rocks a new lighter swingarm assembly with re-tuned flexion baked right in. Showa provides their SFF-BP stems up front along with a weight shift forward to improve the front contact patch integrity. Tuned-up fuel injection delivers more of what the factory calls “torque feel and character” to complete the major improvements over the 2021 model.

Kawasaki took the next step in the struggle to find that perfect balance between displacement, performance, and affordability with the new-from-2018 Ninja 400. This ride delivers the aggressive styling that you expect from the Ninja family with a host of improvements over the previous generation. More power, less weight, and a mature presentation should hold the new Ninja in good stead in the highly-competitive small-displacement sportbike market that serves as the main battlefield in the contest to instill some brand loyalty in the increasingly important new buyer base.

Honda extends the shelf life of its naked-streetfighter middleweight hitting its CB500F with a battery of new improvements. Powerful new LED lights join with new suspension components and a reworked swingarm assembly. Plus, a handful of weight-saving measures lighten the load and shift the balance point even further forward for sharper handling.

After a race to the upper displacement range and a subsequent search for the bottom usable cubeage, Honda revisited its midrange and spruced up its CB650R ahead of the 2019 model year. That’s right sports fans; the Neo Sport Café concept has gone to production under this new moniker, and it rolled into MY2019 with a handful of tweaks that brushed up the looks and carved off a little fat. The powerplant also took a beating from the buffhammer to turn out a 5-percent increase in power with changes to improve rideability and safety.

Harley-Davidson cultivates the “performance bagger” build within its Grand American Touring ranks with its new-for-2022 Road Glide ST. This is the fixed-fairing sibling of the Street Glide ST, and it rocks much of the same yummygoodness with the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 to push it all down the road. Infotainment and luggage come stock, but the factory holds its cornering-sensitive rider aids in reserve as part of the optional gear package.

Kawasaki adds to its dual-surface capabilities with the net-new-from-2021 KLX300SM “Super Moto” model that comes set up to tackle both on- and off-road work. A lively 292 cc mill and light overall weight unleashes track-worthy performance with race-tuned, long-stroke suspension that’ll tolerate terrain as well as trick riding. Aggressive Super Moto looks and oodles of hooligan capability seal the deal to make this new model a capable competitor right off the showroom floor.

Harley-Davidson adds some much-needed vim, vigor, and vitality to its Grand American Touring lineup with the new-for-2022 Street Glide ST model. This is a bagger based on the large tourbike frame with the classic Batwing fairing up front and lots of long distance-comfort items on board. Best of all, it comes with a performance bent due to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powerplant and optional electronic engine-management goodies.

KTM juiced up its 790 Duke platform with a more powerful engine, beefed up electronics, and improved suspension for its 2021 release in the U.S. market. New graphics are available on this new platform that comes with a robust electronics suite to help you keep the thing dirty-side down. It rocks a price tag that’s a full grand less than the more-racetastic “R” variant for an ever so slightly more-relaxed type of rider.

BMW built the R 18 Classic with an old-school tourbike trim package on the base-model R 18 First Edition. In spite of its Bavarian origins, this model serves up a heaping helping of Americana with classic elements such as the large screen, passing lamps and saddlebags as part of the stock equipment package. Beemer’s most powerful boxer-twin to date pushes it down the road with modern rider aids to complete the package and make it a thoroughly modern machine.

Honda rolls into the new decade with the first overhaul to its newest-generation Rebel range. It has only been a few years since the classic Rebel line was replaced by the current iteration, and the added features are largely due to feedback from the new rider base. New suspension components improve the ride along with upgrades to the lighting and clutch pack to increase overall safety and expand its buyer base.

Kawasaki takes its Superbike racing program to the bank with its made-for-public Ninja ZX-10R platform that brings an uncommon level of performance to the streets. A newly-updated engine carries improved cooling features and exhaust components with a new bundle of ride-control and ride-safety electronics to keep it all under control. Next-gen bodywork wraps up the package with windtunnel-tested efficiency and some interesting paint choices.

Indian Motorcycle carried over its popular Chieftain Dark Horse into MY2020 with much the same custom panache, but repowered it with the Thunder Stroke 116 engine. Classic historical touches abound on this ride for a healthy dose of nostalgia, but of course, it rocks all of the factory’s electronic fandanglery to make it a thoroughly modern machine. Whether you want to do some light touring or just do some boulevard cruising, the Chieftain Dark Horse brings something to the table for you.

Indian Motorcycle rolled into MY2020 with an all-new model family – the Challenger – that comes complete with a new look, powerful 122-horsepower PowerPlus engine and improved safety equipment to keep America’s oldest bike builder competitive against challengers domestic and abroad. The inaugural year sees a trio of packages ready for public consumption, but it’s the sinister, boulevard-bruiser blackout Dark Horse version we’re going to look at today. Like the rest of the Dark Horse category, it makes a visceral connection to the custom-life underbelly of American motorcycling and brings a showroom-custom vibe to the new Challenger line.

Triumph tuned up its Bonneville 900 High Torque plant that powers the modern-classic T100 ahead of MY2021. The new version is both cleaner and stronger with snappier throttle responses than ever before along with a higher red line. New forks float the lighter chassis with new top-shelf Brembo brake components to make the T100 more fun to ride and safer to boot.

Triumph punches up its Tiger 1200 Rally Pro with a number of improvements that increase comfort, performance, and rideability over that of its predecessor. Significant weight-saving measures were taken to put it over 55 pounds lighter. Plus it comes with new ergonomics to go with the new suspension components. The Rally Pro also receives a dedicated 21/18 wheel size and cornering ABS to give safety and peace-of-mind a little extra boost.

Triumph beefed up its Bonneville lineup ahead of MY2021 with an updated Speedmaster model. This popular variant on the Bonneville Bobber platform comes with a cleaner engine this year, along with higher-spec suspension components, and improved pilot/passenger comfort features for longer spells in the saddle. A robust accessories selection stands ready to help you get set up just how you like whether you’re into touring, commuting, or just cruising and grocery-getting.

Suzuki continued with the evolution of the SV650 line with the all-new-in-2017 SV650. Built on the success of the original SV650 that covered 1999 through 2008, and its offspring, the SFV650 “Gladius,” the new ride carries the SV DNA into a new generation. With a revamped 645 cc engine, it has more horsepower than ever before.

The 2021 model year marked an important milestone for BMW’s “GS” platform as the 40th year of adventure-enduro magic to come out of Germany. There’s a special limited-edition model year of the R 1250 GS Adventure to celebrate the GS line’s success through a special trim package and color selection, but even the base platform was improved, largely due to feedback from riders of the previous generations. New features join equipment that was previously considered optional along with an expanded range of ex werke features and gear.

BMW rolled into 2021 with what it calls a soft re-imagination of its plucky little roadster, the G 310 R. Not only did BMW tuneup the looks, but the new G 310 R sports a number of tech upgrades and safety equipment to boot. The engine is a carryover from 2020 even though it, too, hits the showroom floor with buffed engine-control electronics and mechanical features. New paint packages finish out the details that make their model debut in MY2021.

BMW launched into MY2021 with a freshly updated R 1250 GS base model accompanied by a 40th year anniversary model that sports the Option 719 “bumblebee” livery. The boxer-twin powerplant remains the same mechanically but comes with improved ride-control and safety electronics along with some long-requested optional comfort gear and a full line of ex-werke accessory equipment to boot. BMW brings its on- and off-road experience together to make a truly capable globetrotter, and decidedly not the two-wheeled equivalent of a soccer mom’s SUV.

BMW rolled into MY2021 with a handful of improvements to its base-model R nineT. The updated engine meets EU-5 emissions standards and the electronics suite delivers more safety- and ride-quality features right off the showroom floor. New suspension components boost comfort as well to finish out the improvements for the R nineT model.

BMW finally resolved the curiosity it cultivated with the buildup prior to the unveiling of its boss new cruiser, the R 18. This model wants a chunk of the retro-cruiser market with a faux rigid rear end and old-school geometry, but it ain’t all about the looks. This machine carries the largest boxer-twin engine that Beemer has ever mounted in a bike frame. In spite of its simple, clean look, there is plenty of ride-control wizardry under the hood.

Harley-Davidson looks both forward and back on its newest addition to the new Sportster lineup, the Nightster. The basic Sportster silhouette remains intact, but everything else was subject to the MoCo’s efforts to remain competitive in a progressively high-tech market. A new powerplant and high-end ride-quality electronics put this newest Sportster far beyond the previous models with the same name.

Honda goes a bit beyond the cursory “Bold New Graphics” package that frequently heralds a new model-year with new bodywork and a blackout paint package on the Honda CB1000R that sets it well apart from the previous version to make it the “Black Edition.” Improved electronics join with the new looks for some under-the-hood improvements increasing its utility as a commuter, and a fun one at that. The punchy four-banger reprises its role as the beating heart with throttle-by-wire and riding modes on board to help with engine management.

When Harley-Davidson makes changes to the Iron 883, they stay faithful to at least one important aspect – performance. While XL models have never been known as ’fast’ bikes, they certainly have a well-deserved reputation as ’quick’ bikes. Nothing in the Harley world comes out of the hole like a Sporty, or handles the corners like one, and the Iron 883 maintains that tradition with aplomb. Bikes like this show how the XL line has not only survived, but also thrived in the entry-level and sport-minded American markets.

Harley-Davidson expands the Sportster family with the new-in-2018 Iron 1200. Retro is in, so the ’70s-esque paint and custom touches drawn from that era give the Iron 1200 plenty of nostalgic value. Power comes from the venerable Evolution engine to the tune of 73 pound-feet of torque to give this ride modern performance that belies the dated veneer. A classic dish with custom spices, the new Iron 1200 raises the Iron stable’s displacement ceiling to draw new customers from a market that has been in decline for over a decade.

Harley-Davidson’s CVO Road Glide is a bona fide showroom showstopper with lots of chrome and a trio of new paint packages. Powered by a top-shelf Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine – the largest production engine from the MoCo to date – this machine rolls with stock ride safety-control features that keep all that power under control. Stock bags and fairings complete the bagger ensemble to make this a viable bike for performance-minded riders looking to tour, cruise, or just boulevard bruise.

Indian Motorcycle cashes in on its deep design roots with the Springfield model that hit the market in ’16 and has been carried over into the 2022 model year with nary but a few adjustments to the color palette. Power comes from what was Indian’s largest production engine prior to 2020, along with ABS and keyless ignition on board, but it’s the classic, old-school bagger looks that drive sales of this particular unit. Best of all, it’s among the least expensive of the available baggers, and that positions it well within the boulevard-bruiser/light-tour categories.

Indian Motorcycle is proving to be quick to capitalize on popular products, and the Springfield Dark Horse is yet another example that drives the point home. The Springfield Dark Horse seeks to ride on the success of the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition model that made such a splash at Daytona. Bad-boy blackout is a constant throughout the paint packages up for grabs this year, as are the factory-custom touches that set this model apart from the crowd. Best of all, Indian powers it with the Thunder Stroke 116 that boosts power and performance even further with over 120 pound-feet of torque on tap.

The Forty-Eight from Harley-Davidson’s Sportster stable has that signature bulldog stance with beefy front forks and fat tires on a narrow frame. The 1,202 cc Evo engine comes blacked out with chrome blings, fed by a ’peanut tank’ that appeared on Sporty’s throughout its history. Low, low seat height and Dark Custom attitude give the Forty-Eight that low-slung, lean, mean look.

Ducati rolls into 2022 with a freshly updated Streetfighter V2 model that displays copious amounts of Panigale DNA, but in a more street rider-friendly package. New ergonomics strike a balance between sport-tastic handling and comfort to appeal to a wide swath of riders. Performance and ride-control electronics remain on the top shelf.

Based on the success of its Chieftain Dark Horse, Indian Motorcycle expanded its Dark Horse lineup in 2020 with the new Roadmaster Dark Horse. It brings blackout treatment to the table along with Indian’s newest technological treats. Touring amenities and comfort features join with the Ride Command electronics and 200-Watt sound system for your riding enjoyment. If you’re into power, then the Roadmaster Dark Horse has you covered with Indian’s Thunder Stroke 116 engine that churns out over 120 pound-feet of grunt.

With its recent success on the Flat Track circuit and burgeoning footprint in the worldwide market, it’s easy to forget that Indian Motorcycle is actually America’s oldest bike manufacturer, and the marque reminds us of its deep roots with the new Scout Bobber Twenty model. This bike takes us right back to the custom bikes of the early 1900s with bobbed sheet metal, blackout treatment, and laced wheels on a modern chassis that mimics the geometry of the old-school hardtail bikes. A modern V-twin delivers 100 ponies for your riding pleasure, and ABS protection is available on all the colorways to deliver some modern safety as well.

Harley-Davidson kicked the Road Glide Ultra to the curb from its touring lineup ahead of MY2020 in favor of its new FLTRK Road Glide Limited. The Road Glide Limited takes touring comfort and safety up a notch with a host of new electronic features to go with its already-fabulous Infotainment system, and it all comes wrapped in a premium paint along with special bits of bling to finish off the package. Best of all, Harley powers the Road Glide Limited with its second largest production engine, the 1,868 cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 that brings over 100 pounds o’ grunt to the table for your touring enjoyment.

Harley-Davidson brought together two of its best subcategories – the Limited line – to field the 2022 CVO Road Glide Limited. This machine sits at the tippity-top of the food chain with the best of just about everything the MoCo has to offer as far as touring goodies go along with the largest production Big Twin to date. As always, the King Of Paint has some sizzlin’ hot combinations on the palette to set it even further apart from the pack.

Kawasaki lets the good times roll with a street-legal, budget-friendly version of its WSB Championship bike in the new Ninja ZX-10RR. Easily converted for track use, the “10RR” doubles as an entry-level racebike as an affordable alternative for unsponsored pilots. Titanium components and top-drawer electronics complete the package with even more track-worthy performance and control features.

Honda buffed up its CBR1000RR-R SP ahead of MY2022 with a number of improvements under a milestone motley meant to mark its 30th anniversary. Power output saw a boost right along with measures meant to wring even more speed with electronics tweaks to improve rider control and overall throttle response. This latest Fireblade variation brings even more race-tastic yummygoodness to the table for the bona fide pegdraggers and would-be racers among us, and comes with features that elevate it significantly beyond the non-SP version, all the way to the track.

Ducati touts a ground-up beating with the buff hammer ahead of MY22 for its Panigale V4 super-de-duper bike. As always, Ducati’s racing tech makes its way over to the civilian sector on the V4 platform to bring a comparable level of performance. Whether or not that’s a good idea on public roads is a debate for elsewhere, but the capacity for stupidfast speeds is certainly there. The factory calls this model the most significant evolution of the Panigale V4 to date, and indeed, it carries lots of new goodies to make it the new “new.”

Harley-Davidson’s design team pulled out all the stops for its “Special” version of the new Pan America 1250 platform, and it shows throughout the details. Electronic suspension controls join with a TPMS and high-output, adaptive headlight that responds to changes in lean angle as you stoop to a corner. The addition of heated hand grips and brush guards increase the Special’s cold-weather and off-road utility, plus it rolls with a center stand that helps ease the pain of trail-side stops. To enhance its adventure worthiness, the engine has a variable valve-timing feature that broadens the tractable power band, and the suspension sports an optional Adaptive Ride Height feature in an industry first. The Special is a more appropriate machine for riders who are more likely to head off-road than its more street-centric base model sibling, the Pan America 1250.

Honda went far beyond the cursory Bold New Graphics treatment for 2021 with a newly rebuilt and rebranded PCX for riders seeking an affordable urban-mobility solution. The ground-up redesign features a new frame with an equally-new-and-improved engine, all wrapped up under newly refined bodywork. You are given a choice between a base model and an anti-lock brake version that won’t break the bank and promises to be inexpensive to operate as well.

Harley-Davidson ditched the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and repowered its Street Bob platform ahead of MY2021 with the powerful Mil-8 114 to give it a performance boost over its predecessor. This made it the least expensive stoplight burner in the 2021 lineup, as well as the lightest Big-Twin to carry the up-sized Milwaukee engine. The homejob-custom look is a carryover from last year but the graphics package is unique to this year-model setting it apart from its peers.

Heavily bobbed and blacked-out, the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob came with a choice of engine — the 107-inch Milwaukee-Eight or the 114-inch version – up until 2020 when only the 114 was carried forward. These grunty powerplants, along with a (relatively) sporty new suspension system from the redesign in 2018 give the Fat Bob an aggressive bent meant to appeal to a younger generation of rider. The Fat Bob saw a complete do-over in 2018, so if you rode it before and weren’t impressed, know that you haven’t ridden this Fat Bob.

Harley-Davidson updated its sharknosed Road Glide in 2017 and replaced the little-loved Twin Cam engine with its new Milwaukee-Eight powerplant, a combination that persists into model-year 2022. There were a handful of aesthetic adjustments made over that span, but the model remains pretty much as it was when it hit the showroom floors in MY17. On the current-year model, top-shelf infotainment capabilities join with a plush suspension system and premium paint packages to deliver the comfort and style H-D riders expect, and the Mil-8 107 engine turns out the torque that we demand.

Good news sports fans! Honda spruced up its dual-sport CRF300L base model and its Rally variant ahead of 2021 with a solid 15-percent increase in displacement, a concurrent 10-percent increase in power, reduced weight, and improved off-road performance. The Rally model brings even more off-road prowess to the table with its Ricky Brabec-inspired equipment package for riders looking to do some actual trailblazing/globetrotting work.

BMW’s K 1600 GT bridges the gap between the straight-up bagger K 1600 B and the K 1600 GTL tour bike that all saw a host of improvements ahead of MY2022. A revised powerplant brings more torque than before along with new electronics to help it meet its EU-5 emissions rating. Adaptive lighting moves from the options list over to the standard equipment package along with a new multi-function TFT instrument interface and new optional gear from which to choose.

Harley-Davidson gives us a glimpse of the near future of the Sportster lineup with the release of its all-new Sportster S model. The MoCo breaks with 35 years of tradition by moving away from the powerplant and base design that first rolled back in ’86 in favor of a new, from-the-ground-up re-imagination that bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Modern chassis design and high-performance V-Twin power set the tone for the newest Sportster addition as the factory looks to become more competitive in its sub Big-Twin range.

Harley-Davidson repowered its Low Rider S model ahead of MY2022 with its biggest production Mil-8 engine to date. Overall looks remain the same with that West Coast/club vibe in full effect from the front end arrangement. Blackout paint completes the package to lend the “S” even more of a sinister undertone and homemade look.

Kawasaki buffed up the road-adventure chops of its mid-range, base-model Versys 650 ABS platform and its tour-tastic sibling, the 650 LT. New bodywork encapsulates the innards, and protects the new instrumentation along with a new LED headlight arrangement to set this model apart from its forebears. To help you keep it all under control, a new electronic Rider Aid package delivers the goods.

Indian Motorcycle is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its iconic Chief family line, and part of that party belongs to the new Chief Bobber that’ll bring to mind the gassers of yesteryear. Old school lines join with early performance tinkering to give the Bobber a charm all its own even while it makes connections to models from Indian’s own rich history. The Thunder Stroke engine ties it all together with its faux-flathead construction that turns in a thoroughly modern performance that will serve you well in the urban jungle of your choice.

Honda rolled out its Grom 125 ahead of 2022 with a handful of improvements to go along with a reworked, retro-styled body. It carries a new transmission ahead of a cleaner engine in terms of emissions, and sports a larger fuel tank to extend the good times. In spite of its new look, it’s still readily recognizable as a Grom ’cause the monkey-bike charm still shines through to make that crucial connection to Honda’s own rich history and the 1963 model that started it all.

Triumph’s Tiger line has long been a dominant force in the ADV-bike world, but the factory focused its efforts on 800 cc models and up. All that changes for MY2022 with the release of the new Tiger Sport 660. Built as a street-centric adventure machine, the “Sport” extends the Tiger lineup deep into the mid-range to appeal to a wider range of rider.

Triumph rolls into MY2021 with an all-new street bike in its Trident 660. Just think of this as the British giant’s ambassador – or perhaps recruiter would be a more apt as a title – to the entry-level segment. It qualifies for a number of reasons, chief among them is the tractable power delivery, ride-safety electronics, and even the price. Lean, clean, and essential, the new Trident 660 brings a rare level of accessibility to the market, all wrapped up in one sporty package.

Ducati rolled into 2021 with a pair of new additions to its famous Monster family. Built to be light, easy to control, and above all fun, the chassis is compact and sporty with ample Monster DNA on display, but its the twin-cylinder Testastretta that really steals the show. In spite of its low overall weight, this is decidedly not a machine for the uninitiated.

Kawasaki expands its Z900 supernaked family with the new-for-’22 Z900 SE. New suspension hardware joins with new brake goodies to set this model apart from its siblings, though the engine and sugomi design philosophy are direct carryovers. The factory also claims better handling and improved performance over previous Z900 units.

Harley-Davidson continues to expand its Softail cruiser family with the MY2022 Low Rider ST sport-tourer. It borrows from an ’80s design for a classic look, but the underpinnings are all modern with the new Softail chassis, and 117 cubic-engine to push it all down the road for a nice balance of features.

MY2021 brought with it the return of the KTM 450 SuperMoto to the paddock after a seven-year hiatus, and it looks like just what the doctor ordered if power-drifting, racing, and stunt riding – or any combination thereof – is your thing. It sports the proven 450 engine that comes with a smattering of rider-aid electronics so you can dial in the bike’s personality as you like. Additionally, the frame is adjustable, and the suspension comes off the top shelf to finish off the package.

Indian Motorcycle rolled into MY2020 with a net-new bagger family powered by an all-new powerplant with some serious ride-quality and safety features as the icing on the cake. The “Challenger” range marks a new era for America’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer with impressive power numbers and a look that’s borrows from the past even while it reaches for new territory and, I’m sure the factory hopes, an expanded buyer base. Fixed fairings, new electronics, and a powerful engine are the hallmarks of this machine, and it’ll be interesting to see how it performs in the market against its longtime domestic foe, Harley-Davidson.

Honda finally exports its little, entry-level Navi to our side of the pond for a net-new model in the U.S. market. Built mainly for new riders, the Navi brings its pit-bike panache and twist-and-go operation to the table along with a very agreeable price that puts it well within the realm of possibility for the young riders it so clearly targets.

Yamaha’s Ténéré line expanded down into the mid-range with the all-new-in-2021 Ténéré 700 (XTZ700). The “700” brings solid dual-sport capability to the adventure-touring range with an off-road bent that definitely favors soft terrain. Yamaha’s CP2 engine delivers the goods with a transmission and chassis tuned specifically for trips off the beaten path, much more so than its bigger brothers in the Super Ténéré family. After a race to the top, this model marks a new front in the battle for market supremacy as the factory seeks to fill in under the 1,200 cc units.

The race to grab a slice of the burgeoning Millennial market is heating up, and Kawasaki enters the fray with its sizzlin’ hot, retro-style Z900RS. Built as a tribute of sorts to the legendary Z1 superbike, the new-in-2018 RS packs a punch that does its predecessor justice with 111 horsepower ready to go with a twist of the mechanical throttle control. Suspension components are thoroughly modern as well, and at a glance, it seems Kawi has nailed the balance between nostalgia and nouveau with this ride.

Yamaha expands its MT lineup with an all-new-in-2020, entry-level model, the MT-03. Previously available in other markets, it joins the MT-07, -09 and -10 within Yamaha’s hyper-naked range it touts as the “Dark Side of Japan.” The MT-03 toes the family line with minimalist appointments that waste not an ounce on superfluous details. Power delivery is both smooth and predictable to reinforce its rider-friendly nature. ABS protection provides an extra safety net to help make sure you keep it rubber-side down.

Ducati’s adventure family continues to evolve, and this progress comes in the form of the new DesertX. Truly a model for every surface, the DesertX rocks a tough-looking build that’s supported by a robust frame, driven by a torquey twin, and backed up by a sweet electronics suite to manage it all.

BMW buffs up its long-distance touring chops with a freshly updated GTL model built on the K 1600 platform. The engine is cleaner with a tad more torque, plus it boasts a new electronic engine control system and expanded ride controls electronics. A top case and relaxed ergonomic profile complete the package for this American-style touring machine.

Honda’s humble little Super Cub maintains its position as the most prolific motorcycle in the world with yet another generation for MY2022. Reduced overall heft makes the new engine even more efficient than before for a net improvement in performance. Classic bodywork keeps it all under wraps while paying the appropriate amount of homage to the original design.

Triumph beefs up its globetrotting Tiger family with an addition to the mid-range displacement bracket in the new Tiger 850 Sport. The “Sport” borrows from its big brother — the Tiger 900 — and brings its own blend of on- and off-road capabilities to the table to set it apart from its siblings. Though capable all-around, the Sport comes built with a street-centric bias that will be more useful on urban/civilized roads, thus making it a viable tourbike/commuter/grocery-getter.

Indian expands its top-shelf touring lineup for MY22 with a total of two distinct models, each with two trim levels for a net gain of four motorcycles. Built primarily for performance-minded touring riders, the Pursuit Limited and Pursuit Dark Horse also serve admirably as grocery getters, cruisers, and boulevard bruisers. Power comes from Indian’s PowerPlus engine with over 120 horsepower on tap.

Kawasaki maintains the momentum it garnered in 2018 by rolling its popular Z900RS CAFE straight over into MY2022. And, why not? It’s hard to argue with success, and the retro-tastic looks and modern performance make excellent bedfellows, especially with the Seventies-fabulous graphics as the icing on the proverbial cake. The “CAFE” falls at the southern edge of liter-bike territory, which could potentially be dangerous for a new rider, but it carries all the requisite safety equipment needed to keep it dirty-side down.

KTM reimagined its 790 Adventure for model-year ’21 with a host of improvements across the board to bring us the 890 Adventure. Upgraded suspension components turn in better handling for this street-centric machine with improved electronics and a gruntier powerplant to sweeten the deal. Built with a road bias, this base-model 890 Adventure nevertheless maintains some off-road capabilities for travel on gravel and other loose materials.

Suzuki adds to its streetwise GSX-S saga with another chapter in its 2022 GSX-S1000. This is the base-model that serves as a platform for a handful of units, and is a good candidate as someone’s first road-use literbike with tractable power and baked-in safety features as part of its upgraded package.

The BMW K 1600 Grand America carries a number of upgrades worthy of the de facto family ambassador into the ’22 model year. Improvements in the lighting, power delivery, and the addition of standard features that were once optional, or not available at all. Next-generation electronic suspension and a high-vis TFT display round out the new goodies.

Yamaha expands its “Faster Sons” footprint in 2022 with the new XSR900 naked/roadster model. This sled has the distinction of relying on ’80s design inspiration for its looks, while under the hood, its performance chops are respectable with plenty of modern amenities and electronics to make it a thoroughly contemporary ride.

Honda expands its adventure-bike range downward into the scooter category with the early release of its 2021 ADV150. Subtle off-road touches join fairly robust rider-protection features to make this bike viable as both an urban commuter and a backroads explorer. Long-stroke suspension and ABS protection to supports those different modes of travel. All of this comes with the usual twist-and-go operation and a price tag under $5k.

Indian Motorcycle steers its Scout platform into decidedly darker territory with the new Rogue and Rogue Sixty models. Not so much because of the blackout treatment, but because of what I’m going to call a West Coast clubber’s bike. No matter if you call it a club or gangstah, the look remains the same and these two bikes start out well down the custom-club path. Plus, they come with plenty of accessories that let you make your own mark and set it even further apart from its ilk. Just think of this pair as Scouts with street cred, or as the factory terms it, a “rogue spirit.”

Triumph rolls into MY2022 with a new High-Power Bonneville Twin for its multi-surface Scrambler 1200 XE. The “XE” maintains its design as a proper crossover model melding turf- and tarmac-capability with a homespun look that brings to mind the earliest scrambler models built on UJM platforms, or in this case, most likely some old Bonneville model. Spartan in its appointments but rich in power with top-shelf suspension and electronic ride-quality features, the XE is a real sleeper that should prove to punch above its weight.

BMW beat its K 1600 tourbike platform mercilessly with the buffhammer for the ’22 model year, and the result is a marked improvement over the previous generation for its bagger-tastic “B” variant. Updated electronics and out-of-this-world graphics join a souped-up engine and specialized LED lighting to make this a significant upgrade worthy of the “new” tag. This model is clearly aimed at the U.S. market, or at least at riders interested in a proper Boulevard Bruiser with strong, American-style touring capabilities.

Yamaha beefs up its MT-07 ahead of 2021 with a handful of improvements and updates on the menu. This marks the first major update for the Master of Torque since it was renamed from the FZ tag it carried for so long in the U.S. market. Engine tuning, design updates, safety equipment adjustments, and ergonomic tweaks all made it onto this newest iteration of the hyper-naked MT-07.

It’s out with the old and in with the new for Yamaha’s Tracer model that saw a ground-up rebuild ahead of MY2021. That’s right, Yamaha went for the trifecta with an all-new engine and upgraded electronics, all in a spankin’-new frame. This newest Tracer replaces the previous version, the Tracer 900 GT, and represents a natural evolution of Yamaha’s sport-touring design philosophy.

Yamaha tweaks its Zuma 125 scooter platform ahead of MY2022 with a handful of improvements across the board. Fuel-efficient power comes from a new “Blue Core” engine sporting some pretty fancy fandanglery in the valvetrain. Rugged new bodywork and a re-imagined headlight area seal the deal to further separate this newest-generation adventure scooter from its predecessors and peers.

Yamaha brought the XMAX to the U.S. market with a 27.6-horsepower mill that promises enough speed to be safe, even comfortable, at highway velocities, and that’s muy importante in the American market. This performance comes bundled with a decidedly modern and mature look that just screams metro-commuter.

Honda carries its CBR1000RR superbike, a.k.a. ’Fireblade’, into 2022 with little in the way of changes. That’s hardly surprising given the scope and scale of the revisions done prior to MY17 that brought us the newest gen of Honda’s Total Control initiative with a host of electronic goodies to help keep the 189-horsepower engine (10 more ponies than the previous gen) under control. It’s Honda’s first inline four-banger to run a throttle-by-wire induction control, and the factory piled on with Riding Modes, Wheelie Control, and more to make the ’Blade serve as a model flagship for the affordable-supersport sector with plenty of influence from the racing department for the ’everyrider’.

Done properly, brand indoctrination starts early, and the updated-in-2019 YZF-R3 is Yamaha’s primary bid for the supersport larvae it needs to support the rest of the range. The”R3” presents a race-tastic face to the world with design elements borrowed from its big brothers, the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1. It sports lower-drag bodywork and the same powerplant as the ’18 model for a net performance gain, however slim, and maintains its agile nature/fun factor for experienced pilots.

Honda’s adventuresome NC750X got a facelift ahead of the 2021 model-year that includes refined front fairings for improved penetration and an enlarged cargo space to contribute to its utility as both an adventure bike and a commuter cycle. The engine also enjoyed a few mechanical tweaks along with an improved electronic-control system, and the lump lost some weight so even more of that power is converted into acceleration. A new slipper-type clutch and re-calibrated transmission completed the MY2021 package with a concurrent gain in safety. Shorter gear-ratios for the first three gears let you come out of the hole like a champ while remaining in the usable powerband.

Ducati expands its V-twin footprint ahead of MY2022 with a truly capable, twin-powered model on the Multistrada platform in the all-new Multistrada V2 and V2 S. Comfortable ergonomics, a powerful engine, and top-shelf electronics bring big-bore functionality together in a somewhat more compact, and decidedly lighter, globetrotting platform. You could call it an entry-level machine, but one that’s capable of being someone’s destination bike, and not just a stepping stone or transitional model.

Part of Yamaha’s “Faster Sons” lineup, the XSR700 is based largely on the proven MT-07 platform. It is a reinterpretation of a vintage design for a modern-retro look, clearly meant to draw in the hipster/Millennial crowd, as well as those with an appreciation for classic design elements. It’s not all about looks, though, the mill churns out a claimed 73.8 horsepower and 50.2 pound-feet of torque to push the 410-pound wet weight, so there’s no shortage of thrills to be had on Yamaha’s mid-size roadster.

Honda greeted the new decade with a buffed-up, base-model Gold Wing range that’s best described as a BNG-Plus treatment with a few extra goodies thrown in. Updated damping values tune up the suspension system along with improved electronics to complete the package. Of course, this is all accompanied by the performance and handling that has always held the Gold Wing in good stead and keep the line in an excellent competitive position within the U.S. Market.

Zero Motorcycles maintains its position at the cutting edge of the rapidly-burgeoning EV motorcycle market with its revised and improved for MY22 SR/S sportbike. It maintains the same sporty looks, but backs them up with a more efficient drivetrain and remarkably fast recharge times. The new Cypher III+ operating system manages it all, and comes ready to receive downloadable performance upgrades that let you tune up without ever touching a wrench.

Honda shows its commitment to continual improvement with its 2022 array of top-shelf, tour-tastic Gold Wing models. The Gold Wing range received a handful of improvements to include reworked heads and cylinders that reduce the weight of the drivetrain plus stock foglights and revised ergonomics to boost performance, safety, and comfort across the boards. Of course, this comes on top of the speed and handling for which the Gold Wings have long been famous to make it a serious competitor in the U.S. touring market.

Kawasaki brings back the mid-size seventies-style UJM cruiser look with a new addition to its naked-sport family, the 2022 Z650RS. Classic design elements join with a modern engine and chassis plus a handful of electronic safety systems to round out the package. This new Z650RS can serve as an entry-level machine, but should be entertaining enough for riders with some smaller-displacement experience.

Kawasaki raised the bar for its Versys adventure-bike range with the new-in-2019 1000 SE LT+. The Special Edition rocks a host of new comfort- and safety-related features to put it on Kawi’s top shelf and make it the flagship of the Versys family.

Indian rolls out its MY22 Super Chief Limited in the 2021 season to add a nostalgic note to the new Super Chief platform. Powered by a Thunderstroke 116 plant, the “SCL” bundles modern performance and electronics with old school custom looks that hail all the way back to the years immediately after the end of WWII. Chrome and blackout combine to complete the homegrown panache that the SCL wears so well.

Indian’s “R Carbon” serves as the flagship model for the road-friendly FTR family with a special trim package and exotic materials that set it well apart from the rest of the flat-tracker range. Power comes from the same liter-size, 120-horsepower V-twin engine that drives the rest of the FTR bracket along with top-shelf ride-quality electronics and suspension components to complete the package.

For 2022, Ducati punches up the sport-tastic yummygoodness for its already top-drawer Pikes Peak line with the next-gen Multistrada V4. This newest Pikes Peak model brings all of the electronic rider aids you could want along with a 170-horsepower powerplant that delivers the goods to make this sled an absolute beast on the streets and even competitive on the track. New livery and body elements change the overall look to set it apart from its kin.

Husqvarna rolls into MY2022 with a significant addition to its lineup. Launching the adventure-bike sector, Husky introduces its ambassador, the Norden 901. Built with an off-road bias, the dual-sport “901” is nevertheless street legal to give it all-around globetrotting capabilities. A powerful, 899 cc engine delivers the goods with over 100 horsepower on tap, and comes partnered with a top-drawer electronics suite for safety, comfort, and control.

Suzuki replaces the GSX-S1000F sport-tourer with an all new “GT” version on the GSX-S1000 platform for the 2022 model year. Long distance comfort and sportbike performance combine on the new GT and its GT+ sibling, along with top-shelf stability and ride-quality electronics to complete the package.

Triumph revised its Street Triple R ahead of MY2020 with a number of improvements across the board. A more extreme nose-down look adds to its racing credentials, and it all comes powered by a new three-banger that generates 11.3-percent more oomph than the superseded model. It’s also available in a “Low” configuration that drops the seat almost two inches closer to the deck.

Triumph updated its Bonneville Bobber platform ahead of MY2021 with a number of improvements. Brake and suspension components were spruced up, along with a larger fuel tank and the extra range it brings. The engine itself is cleaner than ever and it spools up faster than ever for a double whammy in the drivetrain, plus the suspension and brake components come off a higher shelf to finish the practical changes. New paint packages and expanded blackout treatment gives this year-model a unique look, in spite of Triumph’s efforts to channel the soul of a decades-old design.

Kawasaki leaps ahead to its 2022 model-year lineup with a new KLR 650 family. The base model comes with a number of improvements to the engine and electronics, all wrapped up under new bodywork. Fuel injection replaces the carburetor this year to modernize the powerplant along with a new instrument panel and updated lighting that does the same for the rest of the bike. If the base model isn’t exactly as adventure-tastic as you’d like, the factory put together an “Adventure” accessory pack and a touring “Traveler” trim package for a pair of bona fide adventure bikes that are good to go right off the showroom floor.