2020 is a new decade, a new year for all of us to leap and move forward fearlessly. To re-invent and to make room for things which really matters, things that will uplift you physically, mentally, and spiritually.
OR } }
Throw up your arms, wash off that alcohol stink, and go get yourself a new motorcycle. Works just the same.
Here’s our top twenty production motorcycles coming in 2020 that does all of that, and more.
1. 2020 Kawasaki W800
Finally, after much hula-hoops, Team Green has announced that the W800 is coming to America for 2020. Although there was the W800 Café, some hated the drop-down handlebar. Now though, the OG W800 is here with some sensible riding position, bench seat, chrome fenders, classic large LED headlight, round turn signals with orange lens covers, silver 19” laced wheels, tank badging, and polished gaiter fork tubes.
The same 773 air-cooled parallel-twin engine churns out 47 ponies and 44 pounds of grunt and comes with an assist-and-slipper clutch. The tubular steel chassis starts with the 41mm hydraulic fork and ends with the preload-adjustable dual rear shocks. 2-channel ABS comes as standard on the 2-piston calipers at both ends. MSRP: $9199.
2. 2020 Indian FTR Rally
This FTR Rally is a grownup FTR that launched last year and is developed for both everyday ride comfort and to tear up the dirt any given time with “authentic retro styling.” The new additions include new aluminum spoke wheels with red pinstripe wearing blocky dirt-ready Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, taller Rally handlebars, low windscreen, a wide brown aviator seat, USB fast-charge port, LED headlight, and a new Titanium Smoke paint job. It can still be uplifted with more than 40 accessories from Indian.
The same liquid-cooled, 60-degree 1,203 cc V-twin will also be putting out the 120 ponies and 89 lb-ft of torque on this FTR. Tethered to a similar trellis frame are the same USD forks, radially mounted dual Brembos, while the electronics now get cruise control as standard.
3. 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Twenty
For the Scout’s 100th anniversary, Indian launched a new Bobber Twenty with styling inspirations from Scouts of yore. It gets wire wheels, a floating solo saddle, a mix of chrome and blacked-out finishes, and 10-inch ape hanger handlebars. The same liquid-cooled, 60-degree 1133 cc V-twin does the job here and puts out 94 ponies and 72 pound-feet of torque.
The seat height is also maintained at a low 25.3 inches to accommodate all sizes of riders and helps in achieving a light and responsive steering inputs. The suspension sees cartridge forks and dual hydraulic coil springs. For 2020, all Scouts receive improved braking components, including new master cylinders, calipers, and floating rotors. MSRP: $11,999 for non-ABS, and $12,899 for ABS.
4. 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R / GT
When Triumph launched a limited edition Rocket 3 TFC, it came with the largest production engine on a motorcycle, a 2,458cc triple. Now, the Brits have two production models making 165 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque from the same mill, which is bone new, including the crankcases and all internal parts. The new Rockets roll at 88 pounds lighter than their predecessors, botched rear fender for a full sheet metal job, and a few other weight-saving acts commissioned for a 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds only.
The electronics suite combines ride-by-wire throttle, corner-optimized traction control, a Hill-Hold control, cruise control, and riding modes. LED lighting, TFT screen, heated handgrips, USB port adds to the modern touches. The Rocket 3 R gets mid-mount foot controls, while the GT has forward foot controls. An all-new aluminum frame gets Showa suspension setups, Cast aluminum wheels, and Brembo monoblocks. MSRP: Rocket 3 R roadster: $21,900, and the Rocket 3 GT touring cruiser $22,600.
5. 2020 ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1
The flagship for Keanu Reeves’s motorcycle company, the 2020 KRGT-1, is a power cruiser that boasts of a potent 124ci/2032cc V-twin powerplant from S&S with 122 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. At least 20 significant changes and more than 150 newly designed and manufactured components are made from aluminum and carbon-fiber. It also gets J.W. Speaker Adaptive 2 headlamp with cornering function, Magura clutch and front brake assemblies, Yoshimura carbon-fiber exhaust, and more.
The KRGT-1 wraps itself around this frame with an in-house machined billet aluminum subframe and race-inspired swingarm. To up its badassery status, the machine now gets bestowed with beefier purpose-built ISR monoblocs, Arch spec Öhlins proprietary FGRT forks and monoshock, lightweight BST carbon fiber five-spoke wheels, Bosch integrated twin-channel anti-lock brakes. For MSRP: $85,000, the bike can be tailored fit for every individual customer.
6. 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4/S
Returning after a while, Ducati’s streetfighter program gets the Panigale V4 architecture sans the bodyworks but gets the alloy wheels, and an upright handlebar. It boasts of “biplane aerodynamic wings,” Showa suspension kits with a Sachs steering damper, Brembo Stylema brakes, TFT instrumentation, and LED lighting. The same 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 punches 208 hp at and 90 lb-ft of torque.
The up-spec V4S takes things more serious with Ducati’s electronic suspension units with Ohlins steering damper and Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 control system. It also gets forged aluminum Marchesini wheels. Both models get the updated Evo2 that include IMU-based electronics, riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, Power launch, quickshifter, and Engine brake control. MSRP - Streetfighter V4: $19,995, Streetfighter V4 S: $23,995.
7. 2020 BMW F 900 R
This is the Bavarian manufacturer’s latest additions to its naked streetfighter category and is powered by the same engine as the F 850 GS with the displacement bumped up to 895cc. The parallel-twin now produces 105 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, sipping juice from an ultra-lightweight, plastic-welded fuel tank – the first in the industry.
Along with the engine, it also borrows the steel bridge frame and a new bolt-on steel rear frame. This is tethered with an upside-down 43mm telescopic fork and a fully adjustable shock. It features a 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity and gets two riding modes, ABS and ASC, as standard. Also available as options are quickshifter, traction control, electronic suspension, cornering lights, keyless ignition, quickshifter, and an emergency call system. MSRP is $8,995.
8. 2020 Harley-Davidson Bronx
The Bronx is the Milwaukee Brand’s entry into the hot streetfighter market and is powered by its brand new 60-degree V-twin Revolution Max motor that will displace 975cc to produce over 115 hp and 70 lb-ft of peak torque. Although it is not at a full production state, we know it’ll get a TFT instrumentation, LED lighting, and minimalistic angular bodywork.
The tubular steel frame is probably borrowed from the custom/roadster unit but gets an all-new swingarm setup to heighten handling experiences. Beefy USD forks and mono shocks will be handling the suspension while dual Brembo Monobloc radial calipers up front with massive 320 mm disks will halt the machine. Harley has collaborated with Michelin and Brembo to work on bespoke designs and setup for the Bronx that “combines sharp edges and softer curves.” MSRP: 15,000 (Est)
9. 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700
With the middleweight ADV segment getting hotter by the day, Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 takes on the Brit’s Tiger 800 at its own game. Yes, the 698cc parallel-twin “Crossplane Concept” engine might punch 20 fewer horses or lesser grunt than its competition, but it makes it all up with its rugged rally-inspired character that oozes out of this Dakar inspired looks. This is the same engine that runs on the MT-07 naked, which, of course, will be tuned to suit the harshness on the tarmac and dirt, while its mass-centralized layout and low weight contribute to the bike’s agile handling characteristics.
The Ténéré 700 starts off with the front cowl equipped with a Dakar-esque 4-projector headlight assembly, state-of-the-art instrumentation with a mounting bracket to hold your GPS and/or smartphone, laced wheels and street-knobbies, and a low 34.6” upswept bench seat. USD 43mm forks and rear monoshocks will be handling the undulations while dual, twin-piston Brembo calipers provide the needed stopping power. The 700 will be available in the Ceramic Ice, Matte Black, and Intensity White color schemes, with all three models carrying an MSRP of $9,999.
10. 2020 Harley-Davidson Pan-America
Paving the way for Harley into the ADV touring category, the Pan-America will be powered by the company’s new 60-degree V-twin Revolution Max engine that will displace 1250cc to produce over 145 hp and 90 lb-ft of peak torque. The functional fairing houses the LED headlights with signature daytime running lights (DRL) and will get a big adjustable touring screen. A new TFT instrument cluster can be controlled using the ergonomically positioned switch cubes on the handlebar. Engine protection bars and radiator guards will probably come as standard fitment.
Harley has developed a chassis with a Tubular steel Trellis frame with electronically adjustable USD forks and mono shocks that will be handling the suspension while dual Brembo Monobloc radial calipers up front with massive 320 mm disks will halt the machine. Harley has collaborated with Michelin and Brembo to work on bespoke designs and setup for the Bronx that “combines sharp edges and softer curves.”
11. 2020 BMW F 900 XR
This is the Bavarian manufacturer’s latest additions to its touring category and is powered by the same engine as the F 850 GS with the displacement bumped up to 895cc. The parallel-twin now produces 105 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, sipping juice from an ultra-lightweight, plastic-welded fuel tank – the first in the industry.
Along with the engine, it also borrows the steel bridge frame and a new bolt-on steel rear frame. This is tethered with an upside-down 43mm telescopic fork and a fully adjustable shock. It features a 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity and gets two riding modes, ABS and ASC, as standard. Also available as options are cornering lights, quickshifter, traction control, electronic suspension, cornering lights, keyless ignition, quickshifter, and an emergency call system. MSRP is $11,695.
12. 2020 Indian Motorcycle Challenger Limited
An all-new bagger platform from Indian, this machine will feature the new liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-twin - a 1,768cc mill that claims 128 lb-ft of torque and 122 horsepower. The new frame-mounted fairings get a shark nose design with LED lighting, electrically adjustable windscreen, and excellent wind protection. Bells and Whistles include supportive seats, rubber-mounted footboards, saddlebags with remote locking, keyless ignition, Ride Command infotainment with TFT dash, navigation, and a 100-watt audio system.
This Challenger Limited gets contrast-cut 19-/16-inch wheels tethered with 320mm front rotors carrying 4-piston Brembo monoblock radial calipers. Non-adjustable 43mm upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable hydraulic Fox rear shock handle the undulations. Electronics include cruise control, riding modes, and a Smart Lean Technology that comes with a Bosch IMU for cornering ABS and traction control, as well as Drag Torque Control. MSRP: $28,749
13. 2020 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R
Starting off with this new lightweight Sportsbike from the Japanese Green Team, the four-cylinder quarter-liter makes an entry after two decades. The styling has been picked up from its elder siblings, the Ninja 650 in particular, and gets a ‘large-volume bodywork’ that offers better wind protection to the rider. It also shares the same instrument cluster with the Ninja 650 and gets LED all around.
It uses a 249cc inline-four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 16 valve engine with DOHC producing 43 hp of max power, and 19 lb-ft peak torque. A high-tensile steel trellis frame gets attached with Showa SFF-BP fork, horizontal back-link rear suspension, and radial-mount monoblock caliper. Electronic aids will include traction control, quickshifter, riding modes, and ABS.
14. 2020 Aprilia RS 660
Venturing into new territory, Aprilia announced their entry into the mid-weight sportsbike segment with this potent twin-cylinder RS 660. The engine is literally the front-half of the 1100cc RSV4 powerplant said to make 100 horsepower, wrapped around a 373 lb machine and an aluminum frame. It gets a “double fairing” design with LED lighting with cornering feature, TFT instrumentation, smartphone connectivity, and more.
Chassis setup sees adjustable Kayaba forks, Brembo radial front calipers with twin 320mm discs. Electronic aids harnessed here takes this game to some serious levels. A six-axis IMU-based APRC electronic package with five riding modes that adjust throttle response, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking, cornering ABS, as well as cruise control and a quickshifter.
15. 2020 Ducati Panigale V2
Replacing the Panigale 959, this new twin-cylinder superbike from Ducati gets all-new bodywork borrowed from its elder sibling, the Panigale V4. The Superquadro V2 makes a claimed 155 hp and 77 lb-ft of torque and comes with new injectors and inlet ducts. A new single-sided exhaust makes the scene here along with TFT dash, longer saddle, LED lighting, and more.
It uses the aluminum monocoque frame and an aluminum single-sided swingarm, and tether to this are Showa Big Piston Fork, Sachs shock, a Sachs steering damper, Brembo M4.32 monoblock front calipers, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires. Electronic aids include three riding modes, cornering ABS, quickshifter, engine brake control, traction control, and wheelie control. MSRP: $16,495.
16. 2020 MV Agusta Superveloce 800 / Serie Oro
After yearlong speculation, the house of MV unleashed their uber-cool superbike, the Superveloche 800. It is based on the F3 800 but gets new ergonomics, retro fast styling, and a different powertrain characteristic. The in-line three-cylinder makes 148 horses, while the Series Oro gets 153 horses, courtesy a bespoke Arrow exhaust system. Both machines get clip-ons, retro fairings made from carbon-fiber for the Series Oro rather than plastic on the regular, LED lighting, and wire wheels for the series Oro.
The ALS steel trellis gets combined with an aluminum swingarm, Marzocchi USD forks, Sachs shock, and 4-piston Brembo Monoblock with Bosch ABS. Electronics include Four power modes, quickshifter, and traction control comes as standard while the Series Oro additionally gets cruise control, gold DID chain, GPS sensor, unique fuel cap with a leather strap, Alcantara saddle, and a bespoke cove.
17. 2020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Overgoing a complete overhaul, the new Fireblade is touted to smash the competition out of the ballpark. Equipped with an all-new 999cc inline-four, it accomplishes 215 horses and 83 ft/lbs of peak torque. Courtesy, MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics with winglets, ram air intake, titanium connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, DLC treatment, and a bespoke Akrapovič exhaust unit.
An all-new twin-spar aluminum frame comes tethered with Öhlins electronic suspension, Brembo Stylema components, five power modes, three engine-braking levels, multi-level traction control, two-level cornering ABS, three-level wheelie control, start mode, as well as a quickshifter system. The seating position on this is more aggressive with the grips moved forward, and the pegs moved up and back.
18. 2020 Zero SR/F
ZERO Motorcycles has been at the epitome of electrically powered machines on two wheels. Showing the world how to do it right all this while, the folks have upped their game for 2020 with this brand new streetfighter, the SR/F. The bike will feature a new “Cypher III” operating system that brings in Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control and a multitude of data onto the TFT dash. USB charging ports, LED lighting, storage space, a fly screen, heated grips, and aluminum bar ends adds to the oomph factor.
Powered by a new ZF75-10 motor, this is the most powerful electric bike released by ZERO to date. The ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery pumps enough juice to bring out 140 pound-feet of torque and 110 hp that will help it reach 124 mph. The charging system comes with a 3.0-kW and a 6.0-kW option. The SR will come with riding modes, cornering ABS, regen, traction control, and torque control. The chassis is equipped with Showa 43mm Big Piston SFF and 40mm Showa shock, J.Juan brakes, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tires. MSRP: $18,995 - $20,995.
19. 2020 Energica Eva Ribelle
Bringing in a brand new streetfighter, the Ribelle carries a larger 21.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack that powers an oil-cooled synchronous motor borrowed from their experience in the MotoE championship. It develops 145 hp and 158 pound-feet torque that’ll pull this machine to a top speed of 125 mph. It gets a TFT dash that includes GPS and Bluetooth functionality, Alcantara seats, cast aluminum rims from OZ Racing shod in Pirelli Diablo Rosso III rubber, and more. Optional extras include Öhlins suspension, carbon fiber panels, keyless ignition, heated grips.
A claimed 250 miles of range is courtesy an on-board three-watt charger. A DC fast charger will charge 80% in 42 minutes. The red steel trellis frame carries Marzocchi 43mm USD forks, rear monoshock, Brembo Radial-mount 4-piston calipers with dual 330mm discs, and a host of electronic aids like the riding modes, regen, traction control, ABS, and cruise control.
20. 2020 Italjet Dragster
Italjet Moto is the only mass-produced scooter manufacturer to equip its products with a radical forkless front suspension and a spaceframe. The wacky design and construction of the Italjet are all credited to the cyborg worthy naked steel trellis frame with aluminum diecast plates, hub-steering, Pirelli Diablo tires, and frontally mounted radiator. The aggressive appearance is in authentic Italian flair with the stylish yet aerodynamic fascia and the sleek tail-end with minimalistic panels.
The front-end is dominated by the Italjet’s patented Independent Steering System (ISS), which is similar to the ones we saw in the Bimota supercharged Tesi H2. The handlebar unit, MotoGP-style hand-lever guards, passenger footpegs and handrails, all seem to be CNC-machined out of billet aluminum. But unfortunately, this cyborg machine won’t make it onto our shores until the end of 2020, but our European readers will be able to pick this one up at €5,100 ($5600) for the 125cc and €5,600 ($6200) for the 200cc. Be sure they are a limited edition affair (for the first 499 units only). It will, however, enter mass production by March 2020.