Two American brands — Indian and Harley-Davidson — have been hogging the headlines prior to this 2014 motorcycle riding season. Polaris Industries relaunched the historic Indian brand with a trio of retro-cruisers. Harley produced major enhancements to its best-selling Touring motorcycles, and then revealed the Street 750/500, its first all-new platform in 13 years. Not to be outdone, Honda released a flurry of new bikes in two waves, including its own millennial-generation bike, the perky Grom 125. The motorcycle industry is clearly resurgent as the economy recovers. Here are 22 new bikes ready for the open road.
BMW R nineT
Price: Starts at $14,900
This retro-themed roadster will appeal to riders who appreciate classic lines and an opportunity to personalize with a wide array of BMW accessories — a page from the Harley-Davidson playbook. In its stock form, the R nineT features minimal chrome and multiple textures. A 110-horsepower air- and oil-cooled 1170cc boxer-twin engine is a stressed member of a modular tubular-steel frame. The fuel tank is aluminum, with brushed side panels that match an accessory tailpiece that's sure to be popular.
BMW S 1000 R
Price: Starts at $13,150
This new "undressed" version of the potent S 1000 RR uses that bike's aluminum frame and 999cc 4-cylinder engine, retuned from 193 to 160 horsepower with better low- and mid-range power that's more useful in an urban setting. The S 1000 R also has less bodywork and more upright ergonomics. Stability control, ABS and two power modes (Road and Rain) are part of the package. The instrument cluster features a liquid-crystal multifunction display, a large analog tachometer and a lap timer. This bike is not only comfortable, it's also very fast.
Ducati 899 Panigale
Price: Starts at $14,995
Ducati calls the 899 Panigale a "super-mid," a sort of gateway to the world of exotic high-performance bikes. The price of admission is $4,000 less than that of the mind-blowing 1199 Panigale. The 899 offers the same edgy styling as the 1199, a 90-degree V-twin Superquadro 899cc engine rated at 148 horsepower, a die-cast aluminum monocoque frame, eight-level traction control, three-level ABS and ride-by-wire throttle with three performance settings (Race, Sport and Rain). Ducati Quick Shift allows race-style clutchless upshifts; Monobloc M4 32 Brembo brake calipers haul you out of orbit.
Ducati Monster 1200
Price: Starts at $13,495
Twenty years ago the original Monster created the naked-bike segment, which combines the performance of a sportbike with an upright riding position and a "hooligan" attitude. This third-generation Monster is the first with a liquid-cooled engine, its Testastretta 1198 V-twin tuned to make 135 horsepower (145 in the $15,995 1200S). Three riding modes — Urban, Touring and Sport — offer escalating power and response. The new Monster 1200 is longer and heavier than previous models, but it is also more comfortable. The S adds fully adjustable Ohlins suspension, lightweight wheels and upgraded brakes. Both versions have ABS and traction control.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
Price: Starts at $25,899
Informed by Project Rushmore — a Harley-Davidson product development process that leveraged "voice of the customer" feedback — this flagship Electra Guide touring model has more than 100 updates, including liquid-cooled cylinder heads on a more powerful twin-cam 103-cubic-inch engine, Reflex linked braking with ABS, LED headlamps, a class-leading Boom! Box infotainment system with Bluetooth, voice recognition and GPS navigation, and little details like one-touch latches on the luggage compartments. A new vent in the fairing reduces head buffeting. Even with all the changes, this Harley retains its iconic styling and unmatched finish quality.
Harley-Davidson Street 750/500
Price: Not yet announced
Harley's first new platform in more than decade is designed for sale around the globe, aimed at young urban riders seeking a nimble midweight bike that projects authentic Harley-Davidson styling. A liquid-cooled V-twin engine has a narrow profile and is tuned to deliver strong midrange power. A low seat height and control placement instills rider confidence. The Harley plant in Kansas City, Mo., will build the Street for U.S. sale, while a new facility in India will build the Street for sale in that country and other global markets. Bikes should reach U.S. dealers in early summer.
Harley-Davidson SuperLow 1200T
Price: Starts at $11,799
By adding locking saddle bags, a detachable windshield and a 1200cc V-twin engine to its easy-handling Sportster SuperLow chassis, Harley has created a motorcycle for riders with touring aspirations who don't care to manage the mass of its Big Twin models. More than 100 pounds lighter than Harley's Switchback bagger, the SuperLow has ergonomics designed specifically for riders less than 5 feet 7 inches tall and a seat that puts most feet flat on the ground at stops. An adjustable rear suspension accommodates the weight of a passenger and gear, and it's ready to accept an accessory luggage rack and backrest.
Harley-Davidson Low Rider
Price: Starts at $14,199
This new cruiser revives a classic Harley model name and offers styling cues — including the headlamp eyebrow, cast-aluminum wheels and wrinkle-black paint on the instrument console — borrowed from the original and influential 1977 Low Rider. Key features include a removable seat bolster and adjustable handlebar risers that work with repositioned foot controls to offer a comfortable, confident fit for almost any rider. Harley says the Low Rider is designed to accommodate riders from 5 -feet-1-inch to 6-feet-1-inch in height. A twin-cam 103-cubic-inch V-twin produces a stirring rumble through a 2-into-1 exhaust.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
Honda CTX 1300
Price: Starts at $15,999
The latest model in the Honda CTX (Comfort Technology eXperience) series is powered by a retuned version of the 1300cc V4 engine from its ST1300 sport-touring model. The comfort part of the equation is delivered by a laid-back riding posture, swept-back handlebars and a low 29-inch seat height. The hard saddlebags hug the motorcycle so they won't snag urban traffic, and they will hold most full-face helmets — great for commuting. Brilliant LED headlamps are standard. A deluxe version adds ABS and an audio system with Bluetooth.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
Honda Interceptor
Price: Starts at $12,499
Available in the United States for the first time since 2009, this new Interceptor remains a "gentleman's sportbike," with conservative styling, more upright ergonomics and the smooth, sophisticated power and distinct exhaust note of a signature 782cc V4 engine. The engine is equipped with VTEC variable valve timing that broadens the powerband. A Deluxe version ($13,499) adds ABS, adjustable forks, traction control, self-cancelling turn signals, heated grips and a center stand. LED lighting and adjustable seat height are standard on both models, which should reach Honda dealers in May.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
Honda CBR650F
Price: Starts at $8,499
Honda adds to its middleweight line with this new 4-cylinder 650 that's a step up from the CBR500R twin, but it is much less aggressive — and $3,000 less expensive — than the race-ready CBR600RR. The 649cc engine is tuned for real-world street riding with its great low- to midrange torque, and it is tilted 30 degrees forward to lower the center of gravity and improve handling. The steel frame, nonadjustable fork, and 2-piston brake calipers are a step down from uber-sport models, but the CBR650F offers tremendous bang for the buck. It reaches dealers later this summer.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
Indian Chief Vintage
Price: Starts at $20,999
Minnesota-based Polaris Industries reprises the Indian brand — a rival of Harley-Davidson before it went out of business in 1953 — with a new line of heavyweight bikes that are thoroughly modern but linked to the past with classic Indian styling cues, including a deeply valanced front fender topped with an illuminated "war bonnet" ornament. A rigid cast-aluminum frame cradles a Thunder Stroke 111 V-twin engine that pumps out 119 lb-ft of torque and a soul-stirring exhaust tone. The Chief Vintage features a brown leather seat and fringed saddlebags, a detachable windshield, ABS, cruise control and keyless ignition.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
Kawasaki Z1000 ABS
Price: Starts at $11,999
In its first update since 2010, this Z1000 street-fighter version of the Ninja 1000 features the radical low-nose, high-tail styling Kawasaki calls "Sugomi," a Japanese term that implies "someone or something inspiring awe and commanding respect." The 4-cylinder 1043cc engine is retuned for more bottom-end power and sharper throttle response, while shorter gearing improves acceleration. Suspension upgrades include a new Showa Separate Function-Big Piston Fork (SSF-BP). New cast-aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight by 3.3 pounds. Fuel capacity is increased to 4.5 from 4.1 gallons, and a redesigned dash features a new information interface.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
KTM 1190 Adventure
Price: Starts at $16,499
A more refined street bike than the trail-ready 990 Adventure it replaces, the new 1190 Adventure offers sport-bike performance and touring comfort with the ability to travel over almost any road condition. The 1195cc LC8 V-twin engine delivers class-leading power, and a suite of sophisticated electronics includes Bosch 9ME ABS, lean-angle-sensing traction control and multiple power modes. An electronic damping system suspension and ABS are also standard. Seat height, bar and footpeg position, hand-lever span, and windshield height can all be adjusted. The Adventure R ($16,799) has off-road wheels and tires and longer-travel suspension.
BEST NEW MOTORCYCLES OF THE 2014 RIDING SEASON
MV Augusta Brutale 800 Dragster
Price: Starts at $14,798
Extreme performance and styling come together in this naked sportbike, the latest interpretation of the MV Brutale platform. The most distinctive element of the Italian stallion is its 200mm Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rear tire, which is exposed between the seat and a compact fin meant to deflect spray and hold the license plate. A steel trellis frame carries the 125-horsepower, 800cc 3-cylinder engine. Electronic controls include three power profiles plus a fourth that can be set up by the owner using a laptop, plus 8-level traction control and ABS, all of which make theAugusta Brutale 800 a fast, flexible ride.
Suzuki V-Strom 100 ABS
Price: Starts at $12,699
This all-new adventure-touring motorcycle is skewed to the pavement side of the off-road/on-road equation. Designed to be lighter than other big-bore ADV bikes, the 503-pound V-Strom offers the rider a confident, upright position and long-travel suspension. Traction control helps keep the rear wheel in line in the wet or the dirt, given the prodigious power of a 1037cc V-twin engine that has been retuned for stronger midrange performance. Detachable saddlebags are an option, but they come standard on the Adventure version ($13,999), which also features a taller windscreen, hand guards and crash bars.
Triumph Thunderbird LT
Price: Starts at $16,699
Triumph says the LT stands for "light touring," and this new model features a detachable windscreen and removable leather saddlebags for quick conversion to cruiser mode. Classic features include footboards, wire wheels with whitewall radial tires, an art deco taillamp, a large headlamp flanked by auxiliary driving lamps, and a bucket of chrome. A 1699cc parallel-twin engine — the biggest motorcycle twin available — pumps out 93 horsepower. A new chassis provides space for a wider, lower seat. The Thunderbird LT reaches dealers this spring.
Victory Gunner
Price: Starts at $12,999
The Gunner takes aim at the blacked-out urban-bobber look with clipped fenders, a solo seat and Titanium Suede paint. The 24-spoke cast aluminum wheels — finished in black with machined highlights — are new, but the Freedom 106 V-twin (1731cc) engine and chassis geometry is the same as that of the great-handling Victory Judge. Seat height is just 25 inches, and foot control placement and pull-back handlebars put the rider in a commanding, upright position. The Gunner arrives at Victory dealers in early April.
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