The 2025 BMW R 18 family is updated with more torque from the boxer engine as well as ergonomic and style updates across five models.
First launched in 2020, the BMW R 18 family of five models is updated for 2025 with more torque from their shared boxer engine, as well as ergonomic and stylistic changes specific to the individual models.
The air/oil-cooled boxer that powers the R 18 family of models is upgraded with 4 lb-ft more torque than previous.
Common to all five R 18 models is an update to their engine. The air/oil- cooled 1,802cc boxer-Twin gets a boost in torque from 116 to 120 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm, a bump of 4 lb-ft. BMW claims that more than 110 lb-ft of torque is available between 2,000-4,000 rpm. Horsepower remains the same at 91 hp, and the engine now meets Euro 5+ emissions standards.
Also new for all 2025 BMW motorcycles is the no-cost Ultimate Care Break-In Service, which offers free maintenance on new BMWs when brought in at a maximum of six months from the in-service date or a maximum of 750 miles, whichever comes first.
2025 BMW R 18
2025 BMW R 18 Style Blacked Out in Two-Tone Brooklyn Gray Metallic
The standard R 18 variant receives a new 18-inch rear wheel (previously 16-inch), as well as newly designed front and rear fenders. The front fender now features a more modern appearance with a resculpted raised center section, and the front fender, gas tank, and rear fender now appear more seamlessly connected. The bike also gets new silencers with a circular cross-section. A resculpted solo seat includes 0.4-inch thicker foam for more comfort. With the new seat and rear tire, the seat height is raised from 27.2 inches to 28.3 inches. The addition of the new rear wheel also resulted in new spring/damping rates for the shock. Additionally, the standard R 18 now includes a USB-C charging port as standard.
The R 18 gets a larger rear wheel and a plusher seat than the previous version.
The R 18 will be available in Black Storm Metallic as standard. The Option 719 Olivine variant is finished in Velvet Green Metallic. A Style Blacked Out version is also available. Pricing starts at $15,395.
2025 BMW R 18 Classic
2025 BMW R 18 Classic in Option 719 Aquamarine
The R 18 Classic features nostalgic details and gets a few updates for 2025. Adopted from the R 18 B is the new front fender, and the Classic also gets a new 19-inch spoke front wheel (previously 16-inch). The front fender now extends lower than previous. The Classic’s seat height is raised from 28.0 inches to 28.7 inches. Additional features include newly designed side covers and a USB-C charging port.
2025 BMW R 18 Classic in Mineral Gray Metallic Matte
The R 18 Classic will be available in Black Storm Metallic. Also available is the Option 719 Aquamarine version (finished in Blue Planet Metallic/Oriental Blue Metallic) and the Style Blacked Out version. Pricing starts at $18,395.
2025 BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental
2025 BMW R 18 Roctane in Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic
The last three models in the R 18 family receive a small handful of updates. Now available for the Roctane and R 18 B are optional body-colored filler panels to cover the gap between the side cases and the rear fender. The R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental get a new favorites button to replace the central locking system switch on the right-hand switches. The favorites button provides quick access to functions like grip heating without having to go through the menu to find the function.
The R 18 Roctane will be available in standard Black Storm Metallic, optional Mineral Gray Metallic Matte, or the new optional Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic. Pricing starts at $18,995.
The R 18 B will be available in standard Black Storm Metallic, optional Style Blacked Out (finished in Mineral Gray Metallic or Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic), or Option 719 Black Pearl. Pricing starts at $20,375.
2025 BMW R 18 Transcontinental in Black Storm Metallic
The R 18 Transcontinental will be available in standard Black Storm Metallic, new standard Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic, or Option 719 Tanzanite (finished in Blue Planet Metallic/Asian Blue Metallic). Pricing starts at $24,395.
The Benda Napoleon Bob 500 seen here is one of three Benda cruisers that will be introduced to the U.S. market in the spring of 2025.
Keeway America, the company that distributes Benelli and Keeway motorcycles in the U.S., has added a third feather to its cap in the form of a partnership with Hangzhou-based Benda Motorcycles. In the spring of 2025, Keeway will bring three affordably priced Benda V-Twin cruisers to the U.S. market: the Chinchilla 300, the Chinchilla 500, and the Napoleon Bob 500.
Benda was founded in 2016 and established its engine division in 2017. Its manufacturing plant in China has a production capacity of 100,000 per year, and its R&D center is located in Austria. In 2020, Benda came out with its first model, the Chinchilla 300 sport cruiser, which sold about 80,000 units in China in its first year. In its home market, Benda offers 10 cruiser models and one naked bike.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 300 in Black
2025 Benda Chinchilla 300
The Benda Chinchilla 300 is one of three models coming to the U.S. this spring. It features a low cruiser design with blacked-out components. The Chinchilla 300 is powered by a liquid-cooled 298cc V-Twin with SOHC, making a claimed 19.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm and 30 hp at 8,5000 rpm. It includes a 6-speed gearbox, belt drive, and a low-slung 2-into-1 exhaust.
Featuring a classic cruiser riding position, the Chinchilla 300 includes forward-mounted footpegs and a wide handlebar with bar-end mirrors. It has a wheelbase of 55.9 inches, a fuel capacity of 3.9 gallons, and a seat height of 27.1 inches. Keyway lists a dry weight of 367 lb but doesn’t state a ready-to-ride curb weight.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 300 in Gold
Suspension up front is provided by an inverted fork offering 4.7 inches of travel and twin rear shocks with 1.7 inches of travel. It has a 300mm front brake disc paired with a radial caliper and a 240mm rear brake disc and comes standard with ABS.
A round LCD display shows a tach, gear indicator, speed, fuel level, odometer, and a clock. The bike also gets a round LED headlight.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 300 in Silver
The 2025 Benda Chinchilla 300 will come in three options, all with mostly black paint. The gold option includes a brown seat and gold-colored cylinder heads. The silver option includes the brown seat, silver cylinder heads, and silver on the fork. The black option is simply all black. MSRPs start at $4,899.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 500
The Chinchilla 500 offers a step up from its smaller sibling with a longer stance, bigger engine, and more fuel capacity. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 475cc V-Twin with DOHC that makes a claimed 47 hp at 9,000 rpm and 31 lb-ft of torque at 7,200 rpm, with a top speed of 90 mph. Like the 300, it has a 6-speed gearbox and belt final drive.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 500
The 500’s suspension includes an inverted fork with 5.1 inches of travel and twin shocks offering 2.6 inches of travel rolling on 16-inch wheels. A single 320mm disc slows things down up front, and the rear uses a 260mm disc. ABS is standard.
The 500 is powered by a 475cc V-Twin.
Compared to the Chinchilla 300, the 500 has a larger 4.2-gallon fuel tank, a longer wheelbase of 61.0 inches, and an actual curb weight of 473 lb. Seat height is 27.8 inches, and the bike includes a round color TFT display and an LED headlight.
The 2025 Benda Chinchilla 500 comes with a round TFT display to replace the LCD unit on the 300.
The 2025 Benda Chinchilla 500 will be available in black or gray with an MSRP of $5,999.
2025 Benda Chinchilla 500
2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500
The Napoleon Bob 500 is a bobber-styled cruiser, with a floating-style seat, scimitar-shaped front end, and Benda’s “Flying Wing” handlebar. It’s powered by the same 475cc V-Twin as in the Chinchilla 500 described above.
2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 in Gold
The Napoleon Bob 500 stands out with a few key details. It rides on 16-inch wheels with wide tires (150/80-16 front, 180/65-16 rear), and on the gold color option, the gold wheels match the gold finishes on the engine. It has stubby fenders and a teardrop tank that narrows toward the floating seat. The bike’s conventional fork is encased in angular bodywork with gold detailing. The “Flying Wing” handlebar is another unique detail, made to mimic the look of clip-on bars.
The Napoleon Bob’s front end includes scimitar-shaped bodywork around the fork, a “Flying Wing” handlebar, and a round LED headlight.
Like the Chinchilla 500, the Napoleon Bob 500 has a round TFT display, a wheelbase of 61.0 inches, a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons, and a curb weight of 473 lb. Its seat height is a bit shorter than the Chinchilla’s at 27.4 inches. It replaces the Chinchilla’s twin shocks with a single rear shock that offers 1.2 inches of travel and preload adjustability. The single 320mm front disc is gripped by a 4-piston radial-mounted caliper, and the rear gets a 260mm disc. ABS is standard.
The Napoleon Bob has a teardrop tank with a couple stripes of off-center gold paint.
The 2025 Benda Napoleon Bob 500 is available with gold wheels or black wheels. On both options, most components are black except for gold and titanium details on the engine and gold stripes on the fork. Pricing starts at $6,399.
Harley’s best-selling models include the Street Glide (center), the Road Glide (left), and the Road King Special (right).
Harley-Davidson has revealed motorcycles in its 2025 lineup, with new colorways for several returning models, plus its new Factory Custom Paint & Graphics program which adds eye-catching paint-and-graphics schemes.
Bigger news from H-D will arrive on January 23 when new models will be announced along with the latest Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) collection of bikes.
This program offers premium paint-and-graphics schemes on select motorcycle models. Customers receive a motorcycle with exclusive paint and graphics without the expense or downtime associated with custom paint applied by a third party, and it’s backed by a full factory warranty.
For 2025, three Harley-Davidson Factory Custom Paint & Graphics offerings will be available on select models. Each paint set features a special black tank medallion with chrome accents and a mother-of-pearl textured background in either purple or orange.
Mystic Shift offers a dramatic hue shift which travels from a dark gunmetal to purple to blue to almost orange and is especially apparent in full sunlight when walking around the motorcycle.
The Firestorm option is available in two colorways, responding to the trend for flame details in paint. They feature a “ghost fade” or inner-fade effect, in which the fade color is slightly brighter than the basecoat. In certain angles, the flames pop dramatically but are subtle in others.
The Street Glide is back in black for 2025, here in its Midnight Firestorm colorway with ghost-flame accents from Harley’s Factory Custom Paint & Graphics options.
The Midnight Firestorm features ghosted flames over a Vivid Black base with a charcoal inner glow. Whiskey Firestorm features an added mid-coat for a deeper orange shade with Ember Sunglo ghost flames and a brighter orange inner glow.
The Grand American Touring platform comprises Harley’s best-selling models, including the Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King Special, from “the company that invented the cross-country experience.” New colors are available for each model, with prices starting at $25,749.
The 2025 Road King Special can be had in this rich Whiskey Fire colorway.
Harley-Davidson Trike models offer an option for anyone who appreciates the confidence of a three-wheel platform. Returning models include the Road Glide 3, Freewheeler, and Tri Glide Ultra motorcycles.
Trike models returning for 2025 include the Tri Glide Ultra (center), the Freewheeler (left), and the Road Glide 3 (right).
These bikes are now available at Harley-Davidson dealerships globally. More info at H-D.com.
The Freewheeler is the most affordable trike option in Harley’s lineup, with prices starting at $31,999.
Triumph’s Bonneville Bobber is one of its most commonly customized models, with its minimalist design offering ample opportunity for personalization. The new 2025 Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC takes advantage of the possibilities of Bobber customization with its own unique details, a special gold paint design, and updated engine mapping. Only 750 individually numbered units will be available, and they’ll arrive at dealerships in February 2025.
The side panels feature hand-painted gold accents.
“TFC” in the model’s name stands for “Triumph Factory Custom.” The Bobber TFC is recognizable by its two-tone paint with hand-painted marble gold textured accents on the tank and side panels, and the tank includes the artist’s signature on the underside. Replacing the standard Bobber’s handlebar are clip-ons, and the standard Bobber’s 16-inch front wheel is replaced by a 19-incher on the TFC.
The Triumph Bonneville Bobber also gets a pair of slash-cut Akrapovič silencers with carbon-fiber end caps. It swaps out the standard Showa suspension for Öhlins suspension front and rear, including a gold-anodized 43mm NIX 30 inverted fork and a hidden rear shock. Adding more splashes of gold to the bike are the billet-machined engine-cover badges and the drive chain, as well as details on the ignition key. The premium leather seat is embossed with the triangular Triumph logo.
The Bonneville Bobber TFC is limited to only 750 individually numbered units and swaps the standard Bobber’s handlebar for a pair of clip-ons.
The liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-Twin produces the same peak power and torque as in the standard Bonneville Bobber, but in the TFC, those numbers arrive lower in the rev range, with peak power of 77 hp arriving at 6,000 rpm (6,100 rpm on the standard) and peak torque of 78.2 lb-ft arriving at 3,750 rpm (4,000 rpm on the standard). The TFC also gets Sport riding mode in addition to the standard’s Road and Rain modes, and traction control and ABS are standard. Overall, the TFC weighs 30 lb less than the standard Bobber, with a claimed wet weight of 523 lb.
2025 Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC
The 2025 Triumph Bonneville Bobber TFC will have an MSRP of $18,495. Visit the Triumph website for more information.
The full 2025 BMW motorcycles lineup has been announced, including new, updated, and returning models. All new or significantly updated models in the following list include a link to our ride review or preview post with full details and information.
One update for 2025 common to all models is the addition of BMW’s Ultimate Care Break-In Service to provide customers with service after the first 600 miles.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1300 GS
The iconic R-series GS was completely redesigned in 2024, including a larger engine, more horsepower and torque, less weight, a new laser-welded sheet-metal main frame and cast-aluminum subframe, next-gen EVO Telelever and Paralever suspension, and more.
We rode the new R 1300 GS both on- and off-road in southern Spain and were impressed with the more powerful, capable, and sophisticated revamped model. We enjoyed the machine so much that it received our 2024 Motorcycle of the Year award.
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS will be available in Standard Light White, Style Triple Black Style GS Trophy, or Style Option 719 Aurelius Green Metallic starting at $19,495.
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure
2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure in Racing Red
The GS Adventure includes the GS’s 2024 updates, including the new engine, frame, bodywork, suspension, and more. The GSA has a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank with rubberized trays on the side, longer suspension travel at 8.3 inches front and 8.7 inches rear, a taller seat height at 34.3-35.0 inches, spoked wheels, a large windscreen, an engine guard, and a centerstand.
The 2025 BMW R 1300 GS Adventure will be available in Racing Red, Style Triple Black, Style GS Trophy, or Option 719 Karakorum with prices starting at $22,745.
2025 BMW M 1000 RR
2025 BMW M 1000 RR in Standard Light White with No. 60 Michael van der Mark
This model’s engine is revised with newly designed full-shaft titanium valves, an increased compression ratio, new oval-shaped intake and exhaust ports, an adapted airbox geometry, and more. Its winglets have been redesigned to produce more downforce, and the windscreen and fairing are both updated. Slide Control is added to the standard Dynamic Traction Control feature. It also gets M Quick-Action Throttle.
The 2025 BMW M 1000 RR will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport, or M Package White Light. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW S 1000 RR
2025 BMW S 1000 RR in Light White
This model benefits from updated winglets that produce more downforce and a redesigned front fender for optimized airflow around the fork and brake calipers. Like the M 1000 RR, it also gets the M Quick-Action Throttle. The previously optional Pro Riding Modes becomes standard.
The 2025 BMW S 1000 RR will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Bluestone Metallic, or M Package Light White. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW M 1000 R
2025 BMW M 1000 R in Black Storm Metallic
The M 1000 R gets revised Dynamic Traction Control for 2025, with mapping derived from the RR models. It also gets a new dual-flow LED headlight, new M winglets, and the M Quick-Action Throttle.
The 2025 BMW M 1000 R will be available in Light White, White Aluminum Metallic, or Black Storm Metallic. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW S 1000 R
2025 BMW S 1000 R in Optional Style Sport in Bluefire with Mugiallo Yellow rear frame
The S 1000 R gets more power, bumping horsepower to 170 due to revised geometry of the intake ports and adjusted mapping. The bike also gets a shorter final-drive ratio. The quickshifter is revised for smoother up and downshifts, and it gets revised Dynamic Traction Control and the dual-flow LED headlight. Also new is standard Drag Torque Control, a short license plate holder, a USB-C charging socket, Intelligent Emergency Call, and the M Quick-Action Throttle.
The 2025 BMW S 1000 R will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Bluefire with Mugiallo Yellow rear frame, or M Package Light White. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW S 1000 XR
2025 BMW S 1000 XR in Gravity Blue Metallic
The BMW S 1000 XR was updated in 2024 with increased power to 170 hp at 11,000 rpm. Ergonomics were also updated with a 0.4-inch taller seat height (33.5 inches total), updated seat shape, and redesigned handlebar clamp. Headlight Pro, Keyless Ride, and Intelligent Emergency Call were added as standard equipment.
The BMW S 1000 XR returns unchanged for 2025. Color options are Black Storm Metallic 2, Gravity Blue Metallic, or Light White. Pricing starts at $17,995.
2025 BMW M 1000 XR
2025 BMW M 1000 XR in Black Storm Metallic
The BMW M 1000 XR was introduced in 2024 and is powered by a liquid-cooled 999cc inline-Four that produces 201 hp at 12,750 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. The engine uses BMW ShiftCam technology. Included are four ride modes, Dynamic Traction Control, three throttle maps, Launch Control, Pit Lane Limiter, Brake Slide Assist, and Hill Start Control. The M XR’s suspension and chassis are based on the S 1000 XR with an aluminum bridge frame, a 45mm inverted fork, and electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control.
The bike returns unchanged for 2025. Color options are Light White or Black Storm Metallic. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW R 12 nineT
2025 BMW R 12 nineT in San Remo Green Metallic
Replacing the R nineT for 2024 was the R 12 nineT, with the “12” in the model name referencing the bike’s 1,170cc boxer Twin. It received a new airbox integrated under the seat, a new twin pipe exhaust system, a new one-piece trellis steel main frame, new suspension, new instrumentation, and more.
For 2025, the R 12 nineT gets a couple changes to options packages. The optional Premium Package now comes with Headlight Pro Black in place of the previous Headlight Pro Aluminum, and optional Connected Ride Control now comes with a USB-C outlet.
The 2025 BMW R 12 nineT will be available in Black Storm Metallic, San Remo Green Metallic, or Aluminum. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW R 12
2025 BMW R 12 in Aventurin Red Metallic
The R 12 was a new model released in 2024 as a cruiser-styled spin on the R 12 nineT. It shares the nineT’s engine, frame, brakes, and suspension. The R 12 gets 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels (nineT has 17-inchers front and rear), a longer wheelbase, longer rake and trail, less suspension travel, and a lower seat height of 29.7 inches – all adding up to give the R 12 its cruiser stance and appearance.
For 2025, the R 12 gets the same changes to its optional packages as the R 12 nineT above.
The 2025 BMW R 12 will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Aventurin Red Metallic, or Avus Silver Metallic. Pricing has not yet been announced.
2025 BMW F 900 GS / Adventure
2025 BMW F 900 GS in Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red
The F 900 GS and F 900 GS Adventure were updated for 2024. Displacement of the bikes’ parallel-Twin went up from 853cc to 895cc with peak power of 105 hp (10 hp more than before), and overall weight went down. The fuel cells changed from steel to plastic to shave weight, and the new Akrapovič muffler and new lower tailsection are also lighter. They feature upgraded suspension with a fully adjustable 43mm Showa fork and single linkage shock with spring preload and rebound adjustment.
The F 900 GS only gets one change for 2025: the removal of the M Endurance Chain from the Premium Package. It’s still included in the Enduro Package Pro and Off-Road Package. The Adventure returns unchanged.
The 2025 F 900 GS will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Sao Paulo Yellow, and Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red. Pricing starts at $13,495.
The 2025 F 900 GS Adventure will be available in Black Storm Metallic or White Aluminum Metallic with prices starting at $14,495.
2025 BMW F 800 GS
2025 BMW F 800 GS in Racing Blue Metallic
The F 800 GS receives the same updated 895cc parallel-Twin engine as the F 900 GS but with peak power of 87 hp at 6,750 rpm (10 hp more than before). Like the 900s, the 800 comes standard with two ride modes (Road and Rain) and Dynamic Traction Control.
For 2025, the optional Premium Package is updated to include Headlight Pro, heated grips, and handguards.
The 2025 BMW F 800 GS will be available in Light White, Black Storm Metallic, or Racing Blue Metallic, with prices starting at $10,495.
2025 BMW K 1600 GT, GTL, B, Grand America
2025 BMW K 1600 GT in Option 719 Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic
The K 1600 GT and GTL get a minor change for 2025: a centerstand added to the optional Premium Package. The GT, GTL, B, and Grand America receive new color options.
2025 BMW K 1600 GTL in Option 719 Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic
The 2025 BMW K 1600 GT will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Style Sport Racing Blue Metallic, or Option 719 Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic. Pricing starts at $24,745.
2025 BMW K 1600 B in Style Exclusive Mineral Grey Metallic
The 2025 BMW K 1600 GTL will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Style Exclusive Gravity Blue Metallic, or Optional 719 Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic. Pricing starts at $27,745.
2025 BMW K 1600 Grand America in Style Exclusive Mineral Grey Metallic
Th 2025 BMW K 1600 B and Grand America will be available in Black Storm Metallic, Style Exclusive Mineral Gray Metallic, or Option 719 Ionic Silver Metallic. Pricing starts at $23,395.
The G 310 GS returns unchanged for 2025. It will be available in Cosmic Black 3, Polar White/Racing Blue Metallic, or Racing Red. Pricing has not yet been announced.
The G 310 R also returns unchanged for 2025. It will be available in Cosmic Black 2, Racing Blue Metallic, or Granite Grey Metallic. Pricing has not yet been announced.
This electric scooter returns with an update to its optional Premium Package to include an adaptive headlight, Ride Modes Pro, ABS Pro, and a tire-pressure monitor. Heated seat is now a stand-alone option.
The 2025 BMW CE 04 will be available in Light White or Imperial Blue Metallic starting at $12,195.
2025 BMW CE 02
2025 BMW CE 02 in Cosmic Black 2
The CE 02 was introduced in 2024 as a practical yet playful electric bike. It’s available in an 11 kW (15 hp) version and a 4 kW (5 hp) version. The 11 kW has a claimed top speed of 59 mph and a range of 55 miles, and it can be charged with standard household sockets from 20-80% in under three hours. It includes two ride modes (Flow and Surf), a reverse gear, traction control, and ABS.
For 2025, BMW Connected Services are no longer available on the CE 02.
The new 2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 is built on the Super Meteor 650 platform and borrows the Classic 350’s post-war British retro styling, providing a larger and more capable option for vintage-style fans.
Much of Royal Enfield’s motorcycle offerings feature retro-inspired designs, but none to the same degree as the Classics. The Classic 650’s teardrop fuel tank, round headlight, and curved fenders, along with plenty of chrome, draw direct inspiration from Royal Enfield models of the mid-20th century. Hidden in the Classic 650’s vintage design are modern conveniences like standard ABS, LED lighting, an inset LCD screen, and a USB-C charging port.
2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 in Vallam Red
“The Classic is what keeps us rooted and real to our philosophy of pure motorcycling,” said B. Govindarajan, CEO of Royal Enfield. “The new Classic 650 not only upholds and embodies this spirit, it serves it up in a double measure on our world-class 650 Twin platform.”
The Classic’s 648cc parallel-Twin carries over directly from the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650 with no changes, producing a claimed 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft of torque. Also borrowed from the Super Meteor and Shotgun is the steel-tube frame. Its wheelbase is 58.1 inches, and claimed curb weight is 536 lb with the bike’s 3.9-gallon fuel tank 90% full – making the Classic 650 the heaviest model in Royal Enfield’s lineup.
2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 in Teal
The bike’s 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are spoked, and brakes include a 320mm front disc with 2-piston floating caliper and a 300mm rear disc with 2-piston floating caliper. Suspension is provided by Showa, with a 43mm telescopic fork and twin shocks, but neither are adjustable.
2025 Royal Enfield Classic 650 in Bruntingthorpe Blue
The Classic 650 will be available in Vallam Red, Bruntingthorpe Blue, Teal, or Black Chrome. Pricing for the U.S. has not been announced, but the Classic 650 will start at £6499 in the U.K. (about $8,147 at current exchange rates), putting it lower than the Shotgun and Super Meteor starting prices.
Indian Motorcycle’s Scout Sixty series is back for 2025, with the faired Sport Sixty in front of a pair of Bobber Sixtys and a Sixty Classic.
Indian Motorcycle has unveiled additions to its bike portfolio for the 2025 model year, which are highlighted by the reintroduction of Scout Sixty models with prices starting at only $9,999. They’re joined by a limited-production Elite version of its Roadmaster touring bagger.
The Scout Sixtys are powered by a 999cc version of the 1,250cc SpeedPlus V-Twin that debuted last spring in the redesigned Scout platform. It retains a 73.6mm stroke, but the bore size drops from 104mm to 93mm to yield 60ci, which is how the Sixty gets its name. The smaller displacement is claimed to deliver 65 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, peaking with 85 hp. That’s down 27 lb-ft and 20 horses compared to its bigger Scout sibling.
“The new Scout Sixty lineup builds upon our iconic Scout platform and offers a more accessible lineup for riders of all skill levels,” said Aaron Jax, vice president for Indian Motorcycle.
The Scout Sixtys use a 999cc version of the 1,250cc PowerPlus V-Twin seen earlier this year in the comprehensively redesigned Scout lineup.
The Scout Sixty lineup consists of three models, all of which use a 5-speed transmission instead of the 1,250cc Scout’s 6-speeder. All Sixtys are fitted with mid controls for a more accessible rider triangle and better control. Standard trim includes the Scout’s LED lighting, antilock brakes, and a recently introduced fuel gauge in the analog instrument panel.
Riders who desire more features will want to upgrade to the Limited trim package, which includes traction control, cruise control, and Ride Modes with three throttle response choices to suit different riding styles. Limited models also feature a USB charging port and special badging on the engine and frame.
The Scout Sixtys, including this Bobber version, are fitted with mid controls and use a 3.4-gallon fuel tank.
The Scout Sixty’s tubular steel frame is the same as used on the bigger Scouts, and most of the running gear also carries over. Brakes consist of a single 298mm semi-floating front rotor with a 2-piston caliper backed up by a 298mm rear rotor with a 1-piston caliper. Suspension is via a nonadjustable 41mm telescopic fork with 4.7 inches of travel and preload-adjustable dual shocks with 3.0 inches travel (2.0 inches on the Bobber version).
Indian Scout Sixty Bobber
Boasting an appealingly low $9,999 base price, the Sixty Bobber is the least expensive way to get into Scout ownership. And at 516 lb (as shipped, tank empty), it’s also the lightest Scout on the market. Like the 1,250cc Scout Bobber, this one has a stripped-down appearance and a low stance for a minimalist bobber look.
The Scout Sixty Bobber can be had for only $9,999. It features a bobber-style seat, short-cropped fenders, a black headlight bucket, slammed suspension, and squat 16-inch wheels.
The chassis of the Sixty Bobber mimics its bigger brother, with a 29.4-degree rake angle and 4.9 inches of trail packed into a 61.5-inch wheelbase. Short riders will appreciate its class-leading low seat height of only 25.6 inches, partially due to its shorter-travel shocks. Adding Limited trim vaults the MSRP to $11,699 and higher, depending on paint options.
Indian Sport Scout Sixty
Prices for the 528-lb Sport Scout Sixty start at $11,499 for the Black Metallic version. Adding the Limited trim brings the MSRP to $12,199, going up to $12,699 for Sunset Red Smoke, Black Smoke (seen here), or Blue Dusk matte paint.
The Sport Scout Sixty is basically a Sport Scout with a smaller-displacement engine, offering a small fairing around the headlight and a mini-ape handlebar for a more aggressive riding position. A sport-style seat, along with 3 inches of rear suspension travel, provides more comfort than the Bobber. A 19-inch aluminum front wheel with a 130/60-19 tire delivers greater feedback than the stubby 130/90-16 on the Bobber and Classic.
Indian Scout Sixty Classic
As the name implies, the Scout Sixty Classic features a heritage-inspired design with flared fenders and extra chrome. It shares the same chunky (130/90B-16, 150/80B-16) Pirelli Night Dragon tires as the Bobber, but they are mounted on cast-aluminum wheels with polished highlights. The extra brightwork inflates MSRPs to $11,999 for the Black Metallic base version. Opting for Limited trim boosts the price by $700, rising to $13,199 for Springfield Blue and Frost Silver color options.
The Scout Sixty Classic is the priciest and heaviest (531 lb) model in Indian’s Sixty lineup, which are on their way to dealers now.
The Scout Sixty platform can be personalized with more than 100 Scout accessories, including a round 4-inch touchscreen display that offers GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and selectable ride modes. Options for handlebars, seats, and foot controls provide 32 different ergonomic configurations. Also available are quick-release windshields and saddlebags.
Indian Roadmaster Elite
The Elite series is Indian Motorcycle’s most exclusive bikes, akin to Harley-Davidson’s CVO models. They boast custom-inspired styling, premium paintwork, and high-end features. For 2025, the air-cooled Thunderstroke-powered Roadmaster gets the Elite treatment.
The Roadmaster Elite brings eye-catching paintwork and luxurious features to Indian’s premium air-cooled touring bike. Only 300 will be built. It’s priced at $41,999 and is currently on its way to dealers.
“We welcome the return of our ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite,” Jax said, “designed with obsessive attention to detail, loads of rider-centric technology, luxury comfort, and premium American craftsmanship.”
Only 300 Roadmaster Elites will be built, and each is highlighted by serialized and individually numbered Elite badging. Adding to the bike’s distinctiveness is a beautifully finished tri-tone paint scheme that pulls colors from Indian’s antique era, blending a rich Springfield Blue Candy with a Black Candy fade over a Silver base coat. The paint is highlighted by hand-applied Champion Gold pinstriping, including on the vintage headdress tank logos. Chrome adorns the bike from front to back.
Naturally for an Elite, this Roadmaster is equipped with all the latest comfort and convenience technology, including a bangin’ PowerBand audio system pumping out sounds though 12 speakers arrayed in the fairing, saddlebags, and tour trunk. Impress your friends at bike night with Indian’s UnderGlow lighting in the speakers.
Instrumentation is provided by a 7-inch TFT touchscreen that offers Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, and ride stats. The Ride Command+ system adds a bike-locater function, bike-health data, and Apple CarPlay. Airflow management is handled by a Flare windshield that is electrically adjustable over a 4-inch span. An adaptive headlight keeps light shining into corners as the bike leans, and the front fender is capped by an illuminated Indian headdress.
Indian’s 116ci Thunderstroke air-cooled V-Twin glistens under lustrous paint and hand-applied pinstriping on the Roadmaster Elite.
The seating is luxurious, with Indian logos stitched into broad seats that provide heating and cooling functions under a graphene material that enhances the heating and cooling effects. Passengers will appreciate the armrests and roomy footboards. Remote-locking luggage adds convenience.
Indian Thunderstroke Models
Indian’s air-cooled V-Twin models comprise the Springfield, Chieftain, and Roadmaster models. For 2025, they feature new paint color offerings, and all Roadmasters are now fitted with heated-and-cooled seats.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE in Flare Orange Metallic
For 2025, the Honda Rebel 1100 platform adds a fifth trim version to its lineup: the premium-level Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE, equipped with extra features and accessories as standard. Additionally, all Rebel 1100s receive a few improvements for 2025. Also included in this announcement are seven returning models with 2025 pricing and colors.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100
The seat on all Honda Rebel 1100 trim options is now thicker for more comfort.
Changes to all Rebel 1100 trim options include a revised riding position and a plusher seat, with the cushion being 10mm thicker for more comfort on longer rides. The handlebar grips are now 12mm (about a half inch) higher and 28mm (about 1 inch) farther back, and the footpegs are 50mm (nearly 2 inches) farther forward. Its liquid-cooled 1,083cc parallel-Twin remains unchanged.
The Honda Rebel 1100 instrumentation allows phone connectivity through the RoadSync app.
The Honda Rebel 1100 also becomes the first U.S. Honda model equipped with RoadSync, which is standard on all trim levels. RoadSync is compatible with iOS and Android and connects the bike to the Honda RoadSync app to enable navigation, listening to music, checking the local weather forecast, and more.
Also new for all trim levels is a USB socket near the handlebar and a new visor that shields the LCD display from the sun for improved visibility.
The Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE is a new trim option that comes with fork boots, handlebar-end mirrors, a color-matched headlight cowl, a short front fender, and a special seat.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT in Gray Metallic
The 2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT SE will be available in Flare Orange Metallic with an MSRP of $11,099. The Rebel 1100 DCT ($10,299) and Rebel 1100 ($9,599) will be available in Matte Black Metallic or Pearl Hawkeye Blue. The Rebel 1100T DCT ($11,499) and Rebel 1100T ($10,799) will be available in Gray Metallic. All Rebel 1100 options will arrive in dealerships starting in December 2024.
2025 Honda Rebel 1100 DCT in Pearl Hawkeye Blue
2025 Honda Fury
Returning for 2025 is the Honda Fury with its distinctive design, low-slung riding position, and stretched wheelbase. This chopper-inspired cruiser is powered by a 1,312cc V-Twin, and it features a chrome exhaust, a shaft final drive, a 5-speed transmission, a long and slim 3.4-gallon fuel tank, and an extra wide rear tire.
2025 Honda Fury in Adventure Green
The 2025 Honda Fury will be available in Adventure Green with an MSRP of $11,499, and it’ll begin arriving in dealerships in November 2024.
2025 Honda Shadow Phantom
The Shadow Phantom returns unchanged for 2025 after stylistic changes last year, including the two-tone fuel tank and redesigned handlebar and handlebar clamps, headlight cover, air-cleaner cover, instruments, turnsignals, and machine-cut cylinder-head fins.
2025 Honda Shadow Phantom in Deep Pearl Gray
The Shadow Phantom is powered by a liquid-cooled 745cc V-Twin, and it has a 5-speed transmission and a shaft final drive. It also features bobber-inspired styling with blacked-out and matte finishes, minimalist front and rear fenders, fork gaiters, and a low 25.6-inch seat height.
The 2025 Honda Shadow Phantom will be available in Deep Pearl Gray or Flare Orange Metallic with an MSRP of $8,699. It will arrive in dealerships starting in November 2024.
2025 Honda Africa Twin
The Honda Africa Twin returns unchanged for 2025. This adventure bike will be available in standard or Adventure Sport options, both of which will be available with either a manual transmission or a dual-clutch transmission.
2025 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT in Pearl White
The Africa Twin is powered by a water-cooled 1,084cc parallel-Twin. The standard Honda Africa Twin features a 5.0-gallon fuel tank, 21-inch front wheel, 18-inch rear wheel, suspension travel of 9.0 inches up front and 8.7 inches in the rear, and a wet weight of 510 lb.
The touring-focused Adventure Sport ES option increases fuel capacity to 6.6 gallons and exchanges the 21-inch front wheel for a 19-inch front wheel, with 8.3 inches of travel up front and 7.9 inches of travel in the rear. The Adventure Sport ES option weighs 535 lb. This version also includes Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment with suspension that automatically adjusts to conditions.
On both versions, the DCT option adds about 25 lb. Both options also feature a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen display and a smaller LCD screen. The TFT comes with three display arrangements and background colors and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2025 Honda Africa Twin DCT in Matte Black Metallic
The 2025 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES is available in Pearl White, with the DCT version priced at $18,399 and the manual version costing $17,599. The standard Africa Twin is available in Matte Black Metallic, with DCT at $15,599 and with manual at $14,799. The Africa Twin will arrive in dealerships in December 2024.
2025 Honda NX500
2025 Honda NX500 in Pearl White
Honda’s smaller ADV for entry-level adventure riders or those looking for a compact commuter or weekend touring bike was originally launched in 2013 as the CB500X and is powered by a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin. It features a slim seat with a height of 32.8 inches, an upright riding position, and 7.1 inches of ground clearance. A 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork with 5.2 inches of travel and a single shock with 5.3 inches of travel and five-step preload adjustment provide suspension. Wet weight is 432 lb.
The 2025 Honda NX500 will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $7,399, and it’ll arrive in dealerships in December 2024.
2025 Honda XR650L
2025 Honda XR650L in White
The Honda XR650L dual-sport has a storied racing pedigree, earning wins and podium finishes in the desert and especially Baja. It’s powered by an air-cooled 644cc single-cylinder engine and has a semi-double-cradle steel frame with a 43mm Showa fork and a Pro-Link rear suspension unit. It has a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear wheel, lightweight spoked rims, a motocross-style seat, large fenders, a tubular engine guard, and flex-mounted turnsignals. Ground clearance is 13.0 inches, fuel capacity is 2.8 gallons, and wet weight is 346 lb.
The 2025 Honda XR650L will be available in White with an MSRP of $6,999, and it’ll arrive in dealerships in January 2025.
2025 Honda CBR500R
2025 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red
The Honda CBR500R sportbike takes styling cues from Honda’s flagship CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP while remaining an affordable and reliable midsized option. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin. It has a steel diamond-tube mainframe, a 41mm inverted Showa SFF-BP fork with 4.7 inches of travel, and a shock with five-step preload adjustment and 4.7 inches of travel. Dual 296mm petal-style discs and Nissin radial-mounted 4-piston calipers slow things down up front. The CBR500R’s wet weight is 421 lb, the fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons, and seat height is 31.1 inches.
The 2025 Honda CBR500R will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $7,399, and it’ll arrive in dealerships in December 2024.
2025 Honda CB500F
2025 Honda CB500F in Matte Black Metallic
This naked bike shares its engine, frame, suspension, and brakes with the CBR500R but features streetfighter-inspired styling and ergonomics. Replacing the CBR500R’s clip-ons is a tapered handlebar, and the riding position is more upright and neutral. Both bikes have a 5-inch TFT display with three display options. The CB500F has a wet weight of 414 lb, 7 lb less than the faired CBR500R.
The 2025 Honda CB500F will be available in Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $6,899, and it’ll arrive in dealerships in December 2024.
In Rider Rewind, a special section in 2024 issues that celebrates moments in Rider’s 50-year history, we showcased Motorcycles of the Year for 1990-2006 in the October issue and for 2007-2023 in the November issue.
Our May 1990 issue included our Touring’s Top Ten Awards, the precursor of the Motorcycle of the Year award.
For the past 35 years, Rider’s editors have reviewed the annual batch of new and significantly updated motorcycles and narrowed them down to a handful of finalists. The Motorcycle of the Year is the bike we believe best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.
Our May 1990 issue states “Among the eight motorcycle and two miscellaneous categories, there will be no ties, no honorable mentions. Just Touring’s Top Ten as determined by the Rider staff.”
In the early days, we published the Touring Top Ten, which included the best seven motorcycles in various categories, two general categories (such as Top Innovation), and a Motorcycle of the Year. We limited motorcycles to those in the current model year, and production timing used to be so early that we published the Touring Top Ten in the May issue.
As the magazine’s mission expanded, our annual awards evolved. In 1999 – our 25th anniversary – they became Rider’s Top Ten. In 2003, we adopted our current format of selecting a top tier of finalists and one winner. Production timing has changed such that the MOTY selection was pushed later into the year, and we began to include current and upcoming model years because they now often overlap.
The 1990 Bike of the Year was the BMW K1: “And even if the K1’s sizzling paint and aerodynamic bodywork fails to impress, with its unique Motronic ignition/fuel injection, Paralever rear suspension/swingarm that eliminates shaft-drive jacking and innovative approach to various rider conveniences – not to mention ABS – the K1 is truly a technological achievement for BMW, if not the motorcycle industry.”
For the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year, there were nearly 100 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one winner.
Re-entering the motorcycle market after a decades-long hiatus, Can-Am has embraced the electric future with the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster, which are propelled by a 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. The bikes have innovative features like active regeneration and an enclosed drive chain in an oil bath with an automatic tensioning system.
CFMOTO has been selling motorcycles in the U.S. for only a few years, and it continues to expand its lineup. Its new Ibex 450 is a highly capable rally-style adventure bike powered by a 449cc parallel-Twin that makes 44 hp and 32.5 lb-ft of torque. Priced at just $6,499, it’s equipped with tubeless spoked wheels, switchable ABS and TC, adjustable suspension and seat height, and more.
Honda’s CB650R naked bike and CBR650R sportbike received expected updates like new styling, a TFT display, and revised switchgear. Unexpected was the new E-Clutch, which enables riders to start, stop, and change gears without using the clutch lever. Riders can switch between automatic and manual clutch operation, giving newbies a helping hand and veterans more flexibility.
In the evolution of the Husqvarna Svartpilen from 701 to 801, its 673cc Single was replaced with the 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in KTM’s 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. Compared to the 701, the 801 has more horsepower (105), more torque (64.2 lb-ft), and a higher power-to-weight ratio. The “Black Arrow” is brimming with useful tech, is a full-tilt backroad bomber, and won’t break the bank at $10,899.
A decade after its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout platform got a full makeover. The cast-aluminum frame was replaced with a tubular-steel unit, and the entire lineup is now powered by the SpeedPlus 1250 V-Twin, which produces 105 hp (110 on the 101 Scout) and 82 lb-ft of torque. Five models – Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout – are available in three trim levels.
SMT stands for “Supermoto Touring,” two words not normally used together to describe one motorcycle. The original 2010-2013 KTM 990 SMT was a touring variant of a big-bore Supermoto platform, while the new 890 SMT is a sport-touring variant of the 890 Adventure R mixed with some 890 Duke bits. With 17-inch wheels shod with sticky tires, it’s a hooligan’s dream with enough comfort for weekend getaways.
When Royal Enfield’s Himalayan adventure bike debuted in 2016, it was a solid but low-power, low-tech machine. It got a major overhaul this year, with a new liquid-cooled 452cc Single that makes more power (39.5 hp, up from 24) and torque (29.5 lb-ft, up from 24), a new chassis, and more modern features and styling. We were impressed with its capabilities when we tested it in the Himalayas.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 MOTY, delivered “all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable [price].” The new GX+ version is taller with a more upright riding position, blending sport-touring with attributes of an ADV to be the “supreme sport crossover.” It also has a 6-axis IMU and Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system.
Known for its 675cc-and-up sportbikes, ADVs, roadsters, and neo-classics, Triumph expanded its lineup with the Speed 400 roadster and Scrambler 400 X, both powered by a 398cc Single. They’re fun, stylish bikes that are beginner- and budget-friendly – just $4,995 for the Speed 400 and $5,595 for the Scrambler 400 X. If we’re going to attract the next generation, we need more bikes like these.
The MT-09 is a hugely popular bike for Yamaha, so much so that it is now in its fourth generation since being introduced in 2014. We’ve always been big fans of its rowdy inline-Triple. Updated for 2024, the bike is a riot to ride yet offers a high level of refinement and sophistication for $10,599. The SP version, which gets up-spec suspension and brakes, is even better.
Thousands of street-legal motorcycles have been released over the past 50 years, and we’ve ridden and evaluated as many of them as we could get our hands on. Most have been good, some have been great, but only a few have achieved icon status.
Two such motorcycles – Honda’s Gold Wing and BMW’s R-series GS – certainly qualify as icons, and both have won Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award twice. The Gold Wing won in 2001 and 2018, and the BMW R-GS won in 1995 and 2005.
With the introduction of the R 1300 GS for 2024, BMW’s R-series GS can add a third Rider MOTY title to its long list of awards and accolades.
BMW R 1300 GS
Over the past two decades, the adventure-bike segment has exploded, and nearly every manufacturer offers multiple adventure models, ranging in size from less than 400cc to well over 1,200cc. The genesis of this trend – one of the few bright spots in the motorcycle industry since the Great Recession of 2008 – can be traced back to 1980, when BMW launched the R 80 G/S. It was the first motorcycle that delivered on-road comfort and performance and genuine off-road capability in equal measure.
The R-series GS evolved steadily over time, with engine displacement increasing, new features and technology being added, and market share growing. The R-series GS is BMW’s bestselling model, and the one-millionth boxer-powered GS was built in mid-2023. Last September, on the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s first production motorcycle, the new R 1300 GS was unveiled.
BMW R 1300 GS
Development of the R 1300 GS started seven years ago – two years before the R 1250 GS was introduced. Having squeezed as much as possible out of the existing platform, which started with the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, BMW knew that taking the R-series GS into the future and maintaining its position in the market required a clean-sheet design. Only the butterfly valves and a few bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS.
The design objectives were to make the R 1300 GS lighter, more compact, more powerful, and more capable than its predecessor. The new GS weighs 26 lb less than the R 1250 GS. Displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, peak horsepower was boosted from 136 to 145, and peak torque increased from 105 to 110 lb-ft.
BMW R 1300 GS
The R 1300 GS has new electronic rider aids, a completely new frame, and upgraded EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever suspension with optional adaptive vehicle height control. The GS’s new styling has been somewhat controversial, particularly its more aerodynamic bodywork and X-shaped matrix headlight, but BMW designers wanted to set the R 1300 GS apart from its predecessors.
After test riding the R 1300 GS on- and off-road at its global launch, we had this to say: “Hands down, the R 1300 GS is the best GS yet. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are known for – engine character, balance, comfort, and versatility – are better than ever. It looks and feels much slimmer than before, and the increased power and torque are impressive.”
Congratulations to BMW for the R 1300 GS, Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year!
The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is a custom-ready solo cruiser. (Photos courtesy Royal Enfield).
Before writing this 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 review, I looked through back issues of Rider magazine to identify some of our favorite ads over the past 50 years, which were published in the Rider Rewind section of our September issue (available exclusively to subscribers). One that caught my eye was a Royal Enfield ad that ran in our September 2003 issue announcing the addition of an electric start to its iconic Bullet.
A Royal Enfield ad that ran in the September 2003 issue of Rider magazine.
Proclaiming “What’s Next…Astro Turf at Wimbledon?”, that ad was certainly cheeky – as was one that ran a couple years earlier that celebrated living in the past – yet it accurately characterized the company that built its first motorcycle in 1901, existed in the U.K. for more than half a century, and ultimately became an Indian manufacturer based in Chennai, spanning 123 years of continuous motorcycle production.
A Royal Enfield ad that ran in the April 2000 issue of Rider magazine.
By the time those ads were published, change was already under way. Under the direction of Siddartha Lal, who became CEO of Royal Enfield in 2000 at the age of 26 (he’s the son of Vikram Lal, who was CEO of Eicher Motors, Royal Enfield’s parent company, until Siddartha succeeded him in 2006), the company began a steady march towards modernization. Siddartha Lal is a motorcycle enthusiast, and he wanted to transform Royal Enfield from an antiquated, niche brand into a global player.
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Stencil White
In 2009, Royal Enfield introduced an aluminum, unit-construction, fuel-injected 499cc OHV Single that replaced the decades-old cast-iron, carbureted mill. In 2014, Royal Enfield introduced the Continental GT cafe racer, which had been developed in partnership with assistance from Harris Performance (which RE later acquired).
Royal Enfield kicked it into high gear when it introduced the Himalayan adventure bike in 2016 (it made its U.S. debut in 2018) and its first twin-cylinder motorcycles, the Continental GT 650 and INT650, in 2019.
Royal Enfield was established in 1901. The Rock Store, a popular motorcycle hangout on Mulholland Highway near Los Angeles, was originally a stagecoach stop built from volcanic rock in the 1910s.
After a brief pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, more new models followed: the Meteor 350 in 2021; the Classic 350 in 2022; the Scram 411 scrambler, Super Meteor 650 cruiser, and Hunter 350 roadster in 2023; the updated and liquid-cooled Himalayan and Shotgun 650 in 2024; and the Guerilla 450 roadster recently announced for the 2025 model year. That’s six new models in the past four years plus another one on the way.
All Royal Enfield motorcycles are built in an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility, and they are backed by a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with roadside assistance.
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 (shown here in the Plasma Blue colorway) can be customized with more than 30 factory accessories.
The focus of this review, the Shotgun 650, is a modular cruiser that Royal Enfield says is inspired by – and ready for – customization. Multiple colorways and accessories allow owners to tailor the bike to their personal preference. In stock trim it’s a stylish solo-seat cruiser, but with a few bolt-on parts, it can be transformed to accommodate a passenger or become a lightweight tourer.
As its name suggests, the Shotgun 650 is built on the same 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel-Twin platform as the INT650, Continental GT 650, and Super Meteor 650. Designed to have classic British style, the Twin has large cooling fins and hand-polished aluminum covers. A single overhead cam actuates four valves per cylinder, and a single-piece forged, counterbalanced crankshaft with a 270-degree firing interval allows the engine to rev up smoothly and generate a mild, rumbling exhaust note.
The standard 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 comes with a solo saddle, but a passenger seat can be added.
Built to be a global model that will be pressed into duty in places outside of its home country of India, the engine has a mild 9.5:1 compression ratio, burns regular fuel, and relies on Bosch systems for fuel injection and engine management. With claimed output of 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm (redline is 7,500) and 38.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,650 rpm, performance is more workhorse than thoroughbred.
I opted for a Shotgun 650 in the Stencil White colorway, a $200 upgrade over the standard Sheet Metal Gray. The floating solo seat is perched at an agreeable 31.3 inches above the ground, and it is firm and supportive but doesn’t allow the rider to move around much. Built around a beefy tubular-steel spine frame, the Shotgun 650 is claimed to weigh 529 lb with a 90% fuel load, which is heavy for a bike in this class (the Kawasaki Vulcan S, a comparable 650cc cruiser, weighs 494 lb).
The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has a classic style and a carefree spirit.
But out on the road, the Shotgun doesn’t feel heavy, and its upright riding position, mid-mount footpegs, and compact dimensions give it a playful sensibility. It cruised along comfortably on L.A.’s rough, poured-concrete freeways, with all but the worst bumps absorbed by the nonadjustable inverted Showa Separate Function-Big Piston fork with 4.7 inches of travel and Showa twin shocks with 3.5 inches of travel and five-step preload adjustability.
The Shotgun 650 rolls on cast-aluminum tubeless wheels, with an 18-inch front and a 17-inch rear. Each wheel has a single-disc brake with a 2-piston caliper, the front pinching a 320mm rotor and the rear pinching a 300mm, and ABS is standard. The brakes get the job done, but the front lever requires firm pressure, and it doesn’t offer much feedback.
Our test bike was fitted with accessory bar-end mirrors.
On canyon roads through the Malibu hills, the Shotgun was a blast (ha!). It handles easily and feels solid and reassuring. Cornering clearance is limited, but this isn’t a bike for strafing apexes. Taking wide, gliding lines through curves rewards the rider with a sense of pleasurable ease. The definition of cruise is to “travel smoothly at a moderate or economical speed,” and that’s the sort of riding at which the Shotgun excels.
Up front is an LED headlight, a large round analog gauge with a digital inset, a small round display for the Tripper navigation system, and a USB charging port. Should you want to customize the Shotgun, Royal Enfield offers more than 30 dedicated accessories, including everything from auxiliary lights, bar-end mirrors, and a windscreen to a flatter handlebar, a passenger seat, contrast-cut billet wheels, two different skid plates, four types of highway bars, and luggage.
The Shotgun 650 is a worthy addition to the unique and diverse line of Royal Enfield motorcycles that caters to those who prioritize style, function, and value. They are straightforward, no-nonsense bikes that capture the true spirit of riding without pretense.
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