The Yamaha YZF-R7, introduced in 2022 and based on the MT-07, is updated for 2026 with changes to the chassis, electronics, and styling. Additionally, Yamaha celebrates its 70th birthday with special 70th Anniversary Editions of the R-series models, including the R1, R9, R7, and R3, featuring white and red livery inspired by the 1999 YZF-R7 superbike.
2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 70th Anniversary Edition
A new 6-axis IMU informs rider aids like traction control, slide control, front wheel lift control, brake control, engine brake management, and launch control. The R7 also gets a Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle for 2026. Ride modes now include Sport, Street, and Rain, as well as two Custom modes and four Track modes.
The R7 gets a new TFT display with selectable display modes.
The bike’s high-tensile steel tubular frame and asymmetrical swingarm have both been revised for optimized rigidity. New 10-spoke aluminum spin-forged wheels are wrapped in Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires.
The fairing has been redesigned for 2026.
Ergonomics have also been slightly changed, with the handlebar now positioned higher and closer to the rider and the seat lowered. A new fuel tank shape was implemented to improve the rider’s grip.
2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 in Breaker Cyan/Raven Black
The R7’s styling is updated with a more compact fairing and new winglets. LED turnsignals are now integrated into the mirrors.
The fuel tank was reshaped for 2026 to offer better knee grip.
The bike gets a new 5-inch full-color TFT display with four display backgrounds and a track display background. The display comes with smartphone connectivity for phone notifications, music, and navigation. Yamaha’s third-generation Quick Shift System, allowing clutchless up- and downshifts, has also been added to the R7.
The R7 gets new spin-forged wheels.
The bike also gets new compatibility with Yamaha’s Y-TRAC Rev app. Through this track-focused app, riders can receive messages from the pit crew while on track and analyze riding data and record lap time.
The R7’s seat has been slightly lowered and reshaped.
Other updates include a new Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter, MotoGP-inspired triple clamp, Rear ABS Off feature, black anodized brake and clutch levers, footpegs, handlebar switchgear, self-canceling turnsignals, and cruise control.
The 2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven Black, or Breaker Cyan/Raven starting at $9,399. The 70th Anniversary Edition will be priced at $9,699.
2026 Yamaha YZF-R7 in Raven Black
The other R-series models that will be available in 70th Anniversary Editions include the R1 priced at $19,699, the R9 priced at $12,899, and the R3 priced at $5,699.
The retro-styled Kawasaki Z900RS is updated for 2026, including the standard model, the Z900RS SE ABS, and the Z900RS Cafe ABS. Changes include updates to the engine and exhaust, new electronics, and revised ergonomics.
The SE version gets an orange-on-black colorway.
The liquid-cooled 948cc inline-Four engine that powers the Z900RS features revised cam profiles, a higher compression ratio of 11.8:1 (up from 10.8:1), a re-engineered intake system, a redesigned crankshaft, refined ECU settings, closer gear ratios, and a new 43-tooth rear sprocket. The Kawasaki Quick Shifter and electronic cruise control have also been added, and the bike comes with a slip/assist clutch.
The megaphone-style muffler is new for 2026.
The 4-into-1 exhaust features a new megaphone-style muffler with a stainless-steel prechamber and revised dual-wall header pipes that have a more forward-extended shape.
2026 Kawasaki Z900RS
The bike also gets new rider aids and tech, including the Kawasaki Cornering Management Function and traction control. It features classic analog-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer paired with a multifunctional LCD screen, and Bluetooth connectivity is included, allowing riders to pair their motorcycles with Kawasaki’s Rideology app.
The Z900RS features two analog gauges and an LCD screen between them.
The Z900RS also gets revisions to its ergonomics for 2026. The bike now has a more neutral seating position with a raised front and lowered rear. Suspension comes in the form of a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork and a horizontal backlink rear suspension system with rebound damping and preload adjustability. Dual 4-piston radial monoblock calipers with 300mm discs provide front braking, and a Nissin ABS unit comes standard. The bike’s cast wheels are wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires.
2026 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe ABS
Leaning into the heritage of the Z1, the inspiration for the Z900RS, the bike features a teardrop 4.4-gallon fuel tank, an oval LED taillight, side covers and knee grips, round mirrors, and a double-stitched seat. All lighting is LED, and the bike comes with vibration-damping footpeg pads and adjustable brake and clutch levers. Seat height is 32.8 inches.
This headlight cowl distinguishes the Cafe model from the other two Z900RS models.
The special-edition Z900RS SE ABS upgrades the experience with Brembo M4.32 radial monoblock front calipers, a Nissin radial-pump master cylinder, and stainless-steel braided lines. It also adds an Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster. The fork gets revised damping settings and gold-colored outer tubes, and the SE includes a USB-C outlet.
This grab bar is available as an accessory.
The Z900RS Cafe ABS features cafe-racer styling with a signature front cowl, a black drop handlebar, a custom seat, a special finish on the muffler and exhaust heat guard, and special graphics.
2026 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe ABS
The 2026 Kawasaki Z900RS will be available in Ebony starting at $12,899. The Z900RS SE ABS will be available in Metallic Spark Black with Fireball accents starting at $14,599. The Z900RS Cafe ABS will be available in Ebony starting at $13,299.
The 2027 BMW F 450 GS will arrive to the U.S. in late 2026 or early 2027. The GS Trophy variant is shown in these photos.
Fulfilling its promise made last year, BMW has revealed a production-ready version of the BMW F 450 GS adventure bike with full specs that’s slated to be a 2027 model. The production version is very similar to the concept, with the only noticeable differences being a weight gain of 9 lb and less suspension adjustment as standard.
This ADV features a new liquid-cooled 420cc parallel-Twin engine with a bore and stroke of 72 x 51.6mm that is said to deliver 48 hp at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. It has a crankshaft with crankpins offset by 135 degrees and a counterbalance shaft, which BMW says allows for smoother operation. It comes with a 6-speed transmission and a stainless-steel exhaust system.
The GS Trophy variant adds some new tech to the shifting process. It includes Gear Shift Assistant Pro and Easy Ride Clutch. Working together, these two systems allow the rider to ignore the clutch lever altogether, with clutchless up- and downshifts possible right from the start. This variant still includes a clutch lever than can be used whenever the rider wants to use it, but it isn’t necessary for normal operation of the motorcycle.
Standard equipment includes three ride modes (Rain, Road, and Enduro; Enduro Pro is added to GS Trophy variant), lean-sensitive ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, and Engine Drag Torque Control.
The bike features a tubular steel frame, a wheelbase of 57.7 inches, a rake of 28.1 degrees, and trail of 4.5 inches. It uses KYB suspension, including a 43mm inverted telescopic fork (adjustable for rebound and compression) and a central rear shock (adjustable for preload and rebound), both offering 7.1 inches of travel.
Brakes are supplied by Brembo and include a single 4-piston caliper up front pinching a 310mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper with a 240mm disc. The production version keeps the concept’s cross-spoke wheels, measuring 19 inches in front and 17 inches in the rear and fitted with tubeless tires.
Ergonomics were designed to strike a balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability. It has an aluminum handlebar that’s positioned high and close to the body, and its fuel tank holds 3.6 gallons. The standard two-piece seat sits at a height of 33.3 inches, with a low seat and high Rallye seat available as options. The handlebar levers and foot levers are adjustable. Also included as standard are heated grips and a USB-C charging port.
The bike also includes a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity to manage phone notifications, music, and navigation. Taking the lead from its R 1300 GS big brother, the F 450 GS includes the X-shaped LED headlight, as well as LED tunsignals and control lamps.
The GS Trophy variant comes equipped with a list of additional features. It has a Racing Blue Metallic paint, wider off-road footpegs, white handguards, a white main frame, an aluminum engine guard, Ride Modes Pro, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Easy Ride Clutch, adjustable sport suspension, and a Rallye windshield.
Individual options and accessories are many and include an Akrapovič stainless-steel silencer, a tank pad, low and high seats, a touring windscreen, navigation preparation, handlebar risers, protective pieces, plentiful luggage options, and more.
Pricing has not yet been announced, and the 2027 BMW F 450 GS is expected to arrive to the U.S. market around the end of 2026 or early 2027. Visit the BMW website for more information.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which has won seven World Superbike titles, has been updated for 2026 with sharper styling, new winglets, new features, and updates to the chassis geometry and suspension settings.
New winglets are added to the Ninja ZX-10R.
The overall appearance of the bike has been revised, highlighted by the new winglets and headlights. Kawasaki claims that the winglets increase downforce by 25%. The fairing has been redesigned for a sharper look, and it has more surface area than the previous model.
The new headlights are a compact hybrid projector/reflector system. Low beams consist of a mono-focus LED projector, and the high beams and position lamps have deep-set reflectors.
Compare the differences between the outgoing model on the left and the updated model on the right, including the new headlight, winglets, and fairing.
Kawasaki claims the downforce produced by the new winglets was a consideration in the chassis updates. To improve rear-wheel traction, the swingarm pivot position was raised by 2mm. The 43mm Showa Balance Free Front Fork has a stronger lower triple clamp and more rigid fork outer tubes, and the fork height has been slightly reduced to create a less forward-leaning stance. Damping settings have also been updated. The Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion shock gets revised rear linkage components, and the spring rate has been tuned, along with updated damping settings. An adjustable Öhlins steering damper is standard.
The instrumentation has been updated with a larger 5-inch TFT display. The TFT offers auto-adjusting brightness, white and black modes, and two display options. Type 1 is for street use, while Type 2 is designed for the track with a bar-style tach and a lap timer. Riders can connect their Ninja ZX-10R to Rideology, Kawasaki’s app, to access navigation, call and message notifications, a riding log, vehicle data, and more.
The new TFT display is larger than before. Shown here is the Type 2 display mode for track use.
The Ninja ZX-10R offers three ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) and four user-customizable modes (Rider 1-4). Also included is the Kawasaki Quick Shifter, the Cornering Management Function, Sport Kawasaki Traction Control (five modes), launch control (three modes), engine brake control, three power modes, and electronic cruise control.
The bike remains powered by the 998cc inline-Four, with updates to provide cleaner emissions. Its brakes and wheels also return unchanged. Dual Brembo M50 monoblock radial 4-piston calipers pinch 330mm discs up front, and rear braking is handled by a 1-piston caliper and 220mm disc. The previous Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tires have been replaced with Bridgestone Battlax RS12 tires.
The race-ready Ninja ZX-10RR features the removal of intake funnels in the airbox, titanium connecting rods by Pankl, lighter weight pistons, one less piston ring than the standard model, titanium coating on the outer surface of the fork’s inner tubes, and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tires.
The 2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R will be available in Lime Green/Blue 24 or Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray/Metallic Spark Black/Pearl Storm Gray, and the model with ABS is available in the same color options. The ZX-10RR ABS will be available in Lime Green. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Indian Motorcycle’s 2026 lineup kicks off with the introduction of the new Indian Sport Scout RT, a Sport Scout with accessories added as standard equipment and only available with the Limited + Tech package. Indian has also announced new color options for several models, as well as new accessories.
2026 Indian Sport Scout RT
For model year 2025, Indian’s Scout lineup was significantly updated, with the introduction of five versions of the Scout. For 2026, the family gets a sixth member in the form of the new Indian Sport Scout RT, fitted with factory accessories for an aggressive style.
The Sport Scout RT comes with color-matched locking hard saddlebags.
Distinguishing the Sport Scout RT from the other Scouts is the addition of locking hard saddlebags offering 10 gallons of waterproof storage (available as accessories for other Scout models) and color-matched fenders and quarter fairing. It shares all other features with the regular Sport Scout, including gloss-black 5.5-inch bar risers with machined highlights, machined triples, a sport solo seat with lower back support, bar-end mirrors, and a 19-inch front wheel.
Like the other Scouts, the Sport Scout RT is powered by the liquid-cooled SpeedPlus 1250 that debuted in the updated model family for 2025. Power is listed as 105 hp, and torque is 82 lb-ft. It also gets the new-for-2025 steel-tube frame with a 61.5-inch wheelbase, 29-degree rake, and 4.8 inches of trail. It has a 25.7-inch seat height and a wet weight of 568 lb (20 lb more than the Sport Scout).
2026 Indian Sport Scout RT in Chalk
Standard equipment includes the Limited + Tech package with ABS, a 4-inch TFT display powered by Ride Command, keyless ignition, ride modes, a USB charging port, cruise control, and traction control.
The 2026 Indian Sport Scout RT will be available in Sunset Red Metallic, Black Smoke, or Chalk starting at $16,999.
2026 Color Options
Several models in the Indian lineup will be available in new color options for 2026.
This new color option is called Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accents. Available for the 101 Scout, Chieftain PowerPlus, and Challenger.
Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accents will be a new color option available for the 101 Scout, Chieftain PowerPlus, and Challenger.
Deep Blue Metallic will be available for the Scout Classic, Chief, Chieftain, Chieftain PowerPlus, Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Pursuit.
Chalk will be available for the Sport Scout RT, Super Chief, Challenger, Roadmaster PowerPlus, and Pursuit.
Black Crystal and Super Graphite with Championship Gold accents
Indy Red will be available for the Sport Chief.
Cascade Green Metallic with Black Metallic will be available for the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Pursuit.
Deep Blue Metallic with Silver Quartz Metallic will be available for the Roadmaster.
Finally, several Chief models will get refreshed tank graphics, including the Chief Dark Horse, Sport Chief, Super Chief Limited, and Super Chief Dark Horse.
2026 Indian Accessories
New accessories for the Scout, Chief, bagger, and touring models have been added to the catalog for 2026.
This PowerBand Audio Bluetooth Speaker is available as an accessory for the Scout models.
Available for Scout models will be a PowerBand Audio Bluetooth Speaker. This speaker is secured between the bar risers and quarter fairing and includes two 2.5-inch midrange speakers, one 4.5-inch subwoofer, and two tweeters, offering 90 watts of audio. Also available are locking hard saddlebags with 10 gallons of waterproof storage, adjustable brake and clutch levers by Gilles Tooling, and 8-inch pullback handlebar risers.
The Spirit Lake wheeled touring bag will be available for Thunderstroke and PowerPlus bagger and touring models.
For Chief owners, new accessories include a two-up two-tone high bolster seat, a syndicate reduced reach seat, a 2-inch pullback handlebar, and 8-inch pullback moto handlebar risers.
The Spirit Lake trunk liner travel bag is available for Thunderstroke and PowerPlus bagger and touring models.
Thunderstroke and PowerPlus bagger and touring models will have three new accessories in their catalogs. The Spirit Lake saddlebag liner travel bags and Spirit Lake trunk liner travel bag fit inside Indian’s flat-top saddlebags or touring trunk and feature a two-tone black and gray design. The Spirit Lake wheeled touring bag allows for easy transportation of gear with the addition of integrated wheels and a telescoping handle. It attaches to a sissy bar or passenger backrest. These accessories are named after the home of Indian production in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
For riders who want Aprilia’s famous Tuono (Italian for “thunder”) but have a limited budget, the Aprilia Tuono 457 has arrived. Built on the 457cc parallel-Twin platform that debuted last year with the fully faired RS 457, the built-in-India Tuono 457 has a peppy engine, modern tech, plenty of character, and an affordable price ($6,599) – qualities that are likely to draw new customers to the Italian brand.
Keep up with the latest in motorcycling gear, parts, accessories, and products with Rider’s New and Cool Motorcycle Gear monthly installments. The items in this list are available now.
Kriega OS-Base
The Kriega OS-Base fits all BMW GS models and offers versatile luggage options. This system is rackless, consisting of a lightweight harness that doesn’t require extra hardware, frames, or brackets. The base fits up to three Kriega OS-Adventure Packs, including the OS-6 (6 liters, $119.99), the OS-12 (12 liters, $139.99), and the OS-18 (18 liters, $159.99). The packs can be mixed and matched according to your needs, and they’re 100% waterproof. Riders can also use the subframe loops to mount a single pack on the seat without the OS-Base. The OS-Base is available for $199.99.
The Tracker accessories package for the BMW R 12 nineT adds flat-track styling, including a sporty rear section, a cockpit fairing, and number plates. The package includes the short Tracker rear-end trim in Black Storm Metallic, the license plate relocator mount, a black solo seat with cross stitching, the Tracker cockpit fairing in Black Storm Metallic, left- and right-side number plates in Black Storm Metallic, Tracker stickers, and a front fender in Black Storm Metallic. It’s available for $2,595. The accessories in the package can also be bought separately.
IMTBike offers three new tours on its 2026 calendar, in addition to many returning favorites. The 16-day Best of Southern Spain tour takes riders through Andalucia, including places like Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba, Málaga, and Ronda. The 12-day Mediterranean Mountain tour travels from Málaga in the south of Spain up to Barcelona along the Mediterranean coast. The 11-day Costa Brava Catalunya tour includes diverse natural landscapes and historic, culture-rich towns. Other tours include destinations in Europe plus Morocco, Japan, Thailand, and more.
Add storage to your Moto Guzzi V85, Stelvio, or V100 with eGlide Goodies’ Engine Guard Bag Mounts. The mounts are compatible with a variety of luggage options in the 5- to 10-liter range. They’re made of lightweight aluminum and finished in matte black powdercoating. They also include four sets of mounting hole positions to allow for adjustment, and the mounts are easily removable when not needed. The mounts are available for $119.99. Mounts with single-hole brackets and hardware are $159.99, and mounts with double-hole brackets and hardware are $219.99.
Between now and the next Mecum motorcycle auction in Las Vegas, which takes place Jan. 28-31, 2026, at the South Point Hotel & Casino, we’ll be previewing some of the collectible machines that will cross the block.
In our previous post, we previewed American motorcycles. This post focuses on racing motorcycles. Many highly desirable motorcycles are already listed on Mecum’s website, and new lots and collections are being added daily.
Let’s kick it off with a truly special racebike, a super rare 1978 Ducati NCR900 Factory Racer (lot R461). This Italian stallion was only ever ridden for parade laps in 2011 in New Zealand by legendary Grand Prix racer Paul Smart, and Mecum says it gets Ian Falloon’s stamp of approval as the real deal. This original NCR factory racebike has a 905cc air-cooled squarecase L-twin engine with bevel-driven camshafts, desmodromic valves, and race-modified Dell’Orto PHM 40 carbs. Wrapped around the engine is a Daspa frame, and the chassis includes Marzocchi suspension and magnesium Campagnolo wheels with original Michelin S41 front and rear TV4 race tires. The whole thing is housed within a hand-laid fiberglass fairing with red and silver livery. Molto bello!
Another drool-worthy bike from Bologna coming up for auction is a 1972 Ducati 750 Imola Race Replica (lot R479) that was also ridden by Paul Smart for demonstration laps during the New Zealand Classic in 2011. This tribute to the legendary 1972 Ducati Imola 200 racebikes has an air-cooled 748cc roundcase L-twin engine with bevel driven camshafts, desmodromic valves, and twin 40mm Dell’Orto carbs. Its fiberglass bodywork and race petrol tank with clear fuel level stripe are painted silver, and the frame is painted blue. This bike is a runner, and it was displayed in the Museo Ducati on the grounds of the Ducati factory in Italy prior to its current ownership.
2026 Mecum Auction Preview: 1994 BMW R1100RS Battle of the Legends (lot N319)
For you Beemerphiles, the 1994 BMW R1100RS that Gary Nixon campaigned in the Battle of the Legends series is up for sale (lot N319). Nixon certainly qualifies as a legend: He was AMA Grand National Champion in 1967 and 1968, winner of 19 AMA Grand National Races, and winner of the 1967 Daytona 200. Nixon came in 1st at Daytona in the BMW Legends Series in 1995 on this bike, and he placed 2nd in overall points for the entire series, 1992-1996. This 1,085cc air-cooled Boxer still has its safety wiring, tech inspection sticker, and Nixon’s number plates, and the bike comes with Nixon’s BMW Legends windbreaker, BMW series race videos, Legends book, and Legends baseball cap.
If you like early 20th century European iron, you can bid on a 1926 Moto Guzzi C2V Race Bike (lot R575) that was the 2nd Place winner at the 2024 Quail Motorcycle Gathering, or a 1934 Rudge JAP Speedway racer (lot N297) that comes with a steel hot shoe custom-made by Ken Maely in 1967.
2026 Mecum Auction Preview
Like classic Honda GP bikes? How about a 0-mile 2004 Honda CB50R (lot N20), one of only 440 limited-production, race-only replicas of the 1962 RC110, Honda’s first 50cc Grand Prix racer. This silver bullet has a high-performance 49cc single-cylinder DOHC engine rated at 7 hp. It’s bump-start only but has never been fueled, started, or ridden. This featherweight machine has a fuel tank, fenders, and other components made of aluminum, and it even retains factory torque marks on bolts. This CB50R has been part of an indoor static display in a private collection since 2017, so it might look sweet in your office or living room.
When the Indian FTR750 was raced in American Flat Track, it dominated the series, winning seven consecutive SuperTwins championships from 2017-2023. It would probably have won an eighth championship in 2024 if not for a rule change that banned the FTR750 from competition. You can bid on one of these legendary factory racebikes, a 2017 Indian Scout FTR750 Flat Track Racer, serial No. 11 (lot N409). It has a 748cc four-stroke V-Twin, a 4-speed gearbox, an ultra-light steel frame, carbon fiber bodywork, Öhlins suspension, and forged Roland Sands Design wheels.
Speaking of Indians, in our American motorcycles post, we highlighted a 1912 Hedstrom 8-Valve Board Track Racer (lot N358), two 1916 Harley-Davidson 8-Valve Board Track Racers (lot N360 and lot R706), and a 1922 Harley 8-Valve Board Track Racer (shown above, lot N361) that will all cross the block in January. Antique bikes like these often command the highest bids at auction, so these will be bikes to watch.
If knobby tires are your thing, check out a 1976 Penton 250 MC5 (lot W143) built to commemorate the life of John Penton, who passed away in September at the age of 100. Though this MC5 has never been raced, it’s primed and ready for vintage motocross. It has an air-cooled 250cc 2-stroke single-cylinder engine rated at 47 hp, a 6-speed transmission, a chromoly frame, and Works Performance air shocks.
Stay tuned for future posts where we’ll highlight more cool motorcycles that could be yours – all you need to do is be the highest bidder!
To see the full listing of motorcycles up for auction in January, go to the Mecum website, click on the Buy tab, and select Motorcycles. You can also register to bid at the auction, either in-person, online, or by phone.
The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 is a new naked bike based on the RS 457 sportbike and powered by a 457cc parallel-Twin. (Photos by Joe Jackson)
For riders who want Aprilia’s famous Tuono (Italian for “thunder”) but have a limited budget, the Tuono 457 has arrived. Built on the 457cc parallel-Twin platform that debuted last year with the fully faired RS 457, the built-in-India Tuono 457 has a peppy engine, modern tech, plenty of character, and an affordable price ($6,599) – qualities that are likely to draw new customers to the Italian brand.
The Aprilia dealership Moto Bello Orange County was kind enough to allow me to borrow a Tuono 457 for a proper shakedown. Leaning into the aesthetics of its bigger siblings, the Tuono 660 and Tuono V4, with sharp, angular lines, a muscular tank design, and a minimalist tailsection, the 457 doesn’t look like a starter bike. It leans into the wind with fork-mounted headlight nacelle that houses a triple full-LED cluster and a red spoiler.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is available in two colors: Piranha Red (above) and Puma Gray.
Beneath the tank sits a liquid-cooled 457cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crank that produces a claimed 47.6 hp at 9,400 rpm and 32.1 lb-ft of torque. These figures put it almost neck-and-neck with its closest competitor, the Kawasaki Z500, whose 451cc parallel-Twin makes a claimed 51.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 31.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,500 rpm.
The Tuono 457’s liquid-cooled parallel-Twin has DOHC with 4 valves. Its 69 x 61.1mm bore/stroke yields 457cc. The engine is a stressed member of the twin-spar aluminum frame.
Though they share the same engine, the Tuono 457 feels a bit peppier than the RS 457 thanks to an extra tooth in the rear sprocket, giving it quicker acceleration. In city traffic, the torque delivery is smooth and linear, making for a stress-free ride, and it was an absolute blast to ride in the canyons. Twist the throttle in Sport mode, and the bike comes alive. The engine is eager to rev, with a decent pull in the low-to-midrange and a noticeable step up in urgency past 7,000 rpm, making highway on-ramps and twisty roads a blast. Higher revs also bring noticeable vibration, but rubber dampers in the handlebar mount and inserts in the footpegs help to keep the buzz at bay.
With its engine making 47.6 hp and weighing just 385 lb, the Aprilia Tuono 457 has a good power-to-weight ratio.
In addition to street riding, two days at California’s Buttonwillow Raceway Park allowed me to explore the Tuono 457’s capabilities. Initially, I wasn’t confident on the Eurogrip Protorque Extreme HR tires, so feeling the bike out was a struggle. Eventually, I found a sweet spot with the air pressure in the tires, but they never delivered the feedback one gets from higher-spec rubber.
The Tuono 457’s tires are a weak point – their grip is adequate but they feedback is vague. Brakes are single-disc front and rear, and ABS is standard.
Even with the blistering 105-degree heat, I loved riding the Tuono 457 on the track. With stock components and no performance mods, it was plenty of fun but started to flatten out after 9,000 rpm. While seasoned riders may wish for more outright power, the Tuono 457 finds a balance between fun and control, especially for newer riders who still want performance with intimidation.
Adding to the ride quality is a slip/assist clutch that makes downshifting smooth and drama-free. This certainly helped at the track when I started to ride more aggressively. And the light clutch pull and positive engagement of the 6-speed transmission make gear changes slick and precise. Aprilia offers an optional up/down quickshifter, which would be a great upgrade.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is a playful bike on playful roads.
The Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) suite of electronic rider aids has been available on other Aprilia models for years. On the Tuono 457, however, APRC is limited to three ride modes (Sport, Eco, and Rain), traction control with three levels, and ABS. TC and ABS are not lean-sensitive, though ABS can be turned off at the rear; TC can be fully deactivated by holding the down arrow on the left switchgear.
Pertinent ride info and APRC settings are shown on a bright, full-color 5-inch TFT display that’s uncluttered and easy to read in both bright sun as well as low-light conditions. The Tuono 457 also has backlit switchgear, giving the bike an upscale feel and making night rides more convenient.
The Tuono 457’s 5-inch TFT display is clear and easy to read.
True to Aprilia’s racing pedigree, the Tuono 457 has a twin-spar aluminum frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, giving it a solid, responsive feel. Weighing just 385 lb wet, with its 3.3-gallon tank full, the Tuono is nimble and easy to maneuver, both at low speeds and when leaning through corners. Compared to my track-focused KTM RC 390, the 457’s chassis feels similar but slightly more direct. Even going full throttle for most of my time at Buttonwillow, I managed an average of 45 mpg in Sport mode and 60 mpg in Eco mode.
The suspension setup includes a 41mm inverted fork and a rear monoshock, both adjustable for preload only. Despite the lack of adjustability, which is common at this price point, the suspension delivers a planted ride, and it handled well enough to make me want to keep riding all day. On the track and in the canyons, the bike handled the twisty and uneven pavement well. While riding on the highway, the bike bounced around over seams and imperfections.
The Aprilia Tuono 457 brings Italian style and performance to the small naked bike segment.
Braking duties are handled by ByBre (Brembo’s India-based subsidiary), with a single 320mm front disc with a radial-mount caliper and a 220mm rear disc. The brakes provided decent initial bite but never increased in stopping power no matter how hard I squeezed. This was surprising since the brakes use steel-braided lines, so the axial master cylinder is the likely culprit. The rear brake was adequate for everyday riding, but more importantly, it was perfect for balance-point wheelies!
The 31.5-inch seat height makes the Tuono 457 easily accessible for a wide range of riders, even those on the shorter side, like myself at 5-foot-5 with a 28-inch inseam. I was able to put both feet flat on the ground and easily move the bike forward and backward using only my legs. Compared to the fully faired RS 457, the Tuono’s handlebar is 5 inches higher and 1 inch closer to the rider, resulting in a much more upright seating position. The riding position feels natural, placing the rider in a slightly forward-leaning stance that suits both commuting and sporty rides.
Compared to the RS 457 its based on, the Tuono 457 has a much more upright seating position.
There’s enough room to move around on the bike, and the pegs are positioned to give just the right amount of cornering clearance without putting excessive bend in your knees. Commuting through stop-and-go traffic was easy and more comfortable than on my Tuono V4. For riders thinking long-term or about weekend trips, the optional touring accessories, like panniers, a tankbag, and a USB socket give the Tuono extra practicality points.
The 2026 Aprilia Tuono 457 joins a crowded class of small-displacement naked bikes that includes not only the Kawasaki Z500 ($5,699) but also the CFMOTO 450NK ($5,399), Honda CB300R ($5,149), KTM 390 Duke ($6,499), Triumph Speed 400 ($5,395), and Yamaha MT-03 ($4,999). At $6,599, the Aprilia carries the highest price in the class but isn’t the best-in-class in any particular area. Power, performance, components, and features are as good or better on some of its competition, which brings the Aprilia’s value proposition into question in a price-sensitive segment. The Tuono 457 is a fun, stylish bike that should keep both new and experienced riders entertained, but for the price it’s lacking some thunder.
2026 Triumph Trident 800 in Carnival Red with Graphite (left) and Ash Gray with Diablo Red (right). The Carnival Red model seen here includes optional bar-end mirrors and Akrapovič silencer.
As part of its 2026 model-year launch of 33 new and updated bikes, Triumph’s latest new model is the Triumph Trident 800 roadster. This 3-cylinder model is meant to fill a gap between the accessible Trident 660 and the performance-oriented Street Triple 765 RS. Triumph has also announced that the Street Triple 765 R will not return for 2026.
Powering the Trident 800 is a new 798cc Triple that makes a claimed 113 hp at 10,750 rpm and 61.9 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and Triumph Shift Assist (up/down quickshifter).
While the dimensions and geometry of the Trident 800 are similar to the Trident 660’s, the 800 has an all-new chassis to fit its three throttle bodies (the 660 only has one) and redesigned airbox. It has a tubular-steel frame, a wheelbase of 55.2 inches, a seat height of 31.9 inches, a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, and a wet weight of 436.5 lb.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension includes a 41mm inverted SFF-BP fork (4.7 inches of travel) and a monoshock (5.1 inches of travel). Brakes include dual 4-piston radial front calipers pinching 310mm discs and braided steel lines. As with other new/updated models in Triumph’s 2026 lineup, the Trident 800 includes Optimized Cornering ABS and Traction Control.
Other standard tech features include cruise control and three ride modes (Road, Sport, and Rain) that alter throttle response and traction control. Through its round 3.5-inch TFT screen, riders can access the My Triumph Bluetooth system for calls, music, and navigation. All lighting is LED.
The bike also comes with cast-aluminum wheels in a gold color wrapped in Michelin tires. A belly pan and flyscreen are included, and the split seat features an embossed logo. Options include an Akrapovič silencer, bar-end mirrors, and scrolling turnsignals.
The 2026 Triumph Trident 800 will be available in Ash Gray with Diablo Red, Carnival Red with Graphite, or Jet Black starting at $9,995.
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