Motorcycles

Yamaha plugs the hole in its YZF line between the R3 and R1 Supersports with the all-new-for 2022 YZF-R7 model. Power comes from the proven CP2 plant with a new LCD instrument bundle, all LED lighting, and adjustable KYB suspension as part of the stock equipment package. All of this is built around the narrowest YZF platform that also incorporates the pilot’s body in the overall shape to maximize penetration. This is also the first YZF model to come stock with a slip-and-assist clutch for an extra layer of safety on the street, and even the track if you’re into that sort of thing.

Indian Motorcycle’s famous “Chief” branding first saw light of day way back in 1921, so the factory put together an all-new, 100-year-anniversary model Chief to mark the occasion. A post-war panache joins classic-custom chops and contemporary technology to complete the antique-looking package and ensure modern performance parameters. Indian powers this platform with its powerful Thunder Stroke 111 engine.

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.

Aprilia revamped its RS 125 ahead of MY2021 with a number of improvements on its proven eighth-liter platform with a fresh design, newer more powerful plant, and updated electronics. All of this comes on the heels of a quarter-century of racing success to bring a bona fide racebike experience to all those nascent pegdraggers out there. Choose between the base-model RS 125 and its GP Replica variant that brings even more racetrack yummygoodness to the table.

Triumph spruced up its interminable Bonneville lineup for 2021 with a fairly major update to its T120 platform. The newest version of the interminable T120 and T120 Black both roll with lighter components, an updated Bonneville powerplant, and tweaked chassis components to make these the quickest and most nimble specimens to date. Even the electronics took a whack from the buff-hammer with new standard equipment and enhancements to the Riding Modes feature. Modern performance and control mate with old-school British charm to make this pair worthy of their rich pedigree.

Yamaha took a little hiatus from the full-dresser market to the tune of almost a half-decade, but the Tuning Fork Company broke its fast in 2018 with the release of the all-new Star Venture. This ride clearly comes geared to take on Harley-Davidson’s touring line in general, and the Road Glide Ultra specifically. Ambitious? You betcha, but Yamaha did its homework and put together a machine that brings a torquey, big-inch, V-twin to the U.S. market in a rather tour-tastic package with over 37 gallons of dry storage across the two hard bags and trunk box.

Part of Yamaha’s700 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.

Indian Motorcycle revamped and rebranded its FTR 1200 model as the FTR ahead of 2022 to maintain the momentum of the civilian-version of its proven Flat-Track platform. A new paint package dresses up the new version that comes complete with standard goodies such as a top-drawer suspension system and a retuned engine that now comes with Rear-Cylinder Deactivation for improved comfort.

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.

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.

Kawasaki’s H2 Special Edition comes built around the Z-family flagship model with all of the supercharged yummygoodness of the previous version plus a handful of improvements for MY2021. New for this year, the electronic suspension control now comes with the stock equipment package and a beefed up brake system for even more stopping power. Sugomi styling remains a constant along with an electronics suite that rivals the best in the world to make this “SE” a solid competitor within the Hypersport sector specifically and among barely street-legal stoplight burners in general.

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.

Triumph subjected its Speed Triple 1200 to a ground-up reimagination to turn out the 2021 RS variant. This is it folks, the most powerful Speed Triple to date with more cubes, grunt, and power than ever before. It’s also lighter and narrower to get the most out of that extra juice, and comes complete with a well-rounded, performance- and convenience-driven electronics suite. Tuned up lines and an all-new look finish out the package in style.

Triumph cleans up its act ahead of MY2022 with a newly-adjusted, lower-emissions Bonneville powerplant for its “all-road” Scrambler 1200 XC platform along with improved heat distribution with no loss in power. The genuine classic scrambler looks remain the same this year, as does the custom panache that serves as a common thread with scramblers the world around. Clean lines and an old-school finish meet with modern tech under the hood to make this model a capable contender on the world stage.

Kawasaki adds to its dual-surface capabilities with the net-new-for-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.

BMW launches 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 this thing a truly capable globetrotter, and decidedly not the two-wheeled equivalent of a soccer mom’s SUV.

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.

Triumph generally spruced up its Bonneville-powered models ahead of MY2021 with special attention paid to the Street Twin model. This year, the 900 cc twin is cleaner so it qualifies for the Euro-5 emissions rating, and the seat was padded with deeper foam for better long-distance comfort. New bodywork and detailing sets this bike apart from its forebears, but under the hood, the Street Twin carries ride-quality and safety electronics to rival that of many larger machines currently on the market.

Kawasaki doubled down on its dual-sport lineup for 2020 with the all-new KLX230 and KLX230 ABS. Set up primarily as an off-road machine complete with knobby tires and long-stroke suspension, it also carries all of the requisite equipment to qualify as a street-legal machine that’ll go just about anywhere, trail or tarmac.