In a reported nod to Honda’s history, dating all the way back to the 1960s when the CL72 and CL77 were offered, American Honda recently announced a new 2023 Honda SCL500 scrambler-style motorcycle that is coming to the U.S. market and is based on the Rebel 500 platform. Honda says the SCL500 “combines modern ride quality and comfort with authentic retro styling, and delivers the result at an attractive price.”
Honda also announced the return of several other models, many of which have received improvements, including the bobber-style 2024 Shadow Phantom cruiser, the 2024 Shadow Aero classic cruiser, and the 2024 ADV 160 scooter. The 2023 PCX scooter and 2024 Grom miniMOTO will return unchanged.
“More than any manufacturer, Honda has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver fun, retro motorcycles that scratch a nostalgic itch while offering the performance and reliability for which Honda is so well known,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda manager of Sports & Experiential. “That’s the case with the all-new SCL500, and we’re confident it will be a hit with American customers. ”
2023 Honda SCL500
2023 Honda SCL500 in Matte Laurel Green Metallic
The all-new SCL500 features all the key “scrambler” styling elements – upright riding position, high-routed exhaust, block tires, ample suspension travel and a retro aesthetic – in a bike that Honda says will be enjoyable for both new riders and more seasoned enthusiasts.
The SCL500 shares the liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin engine of the Rebel 500 and is mated to a 6-speed transmission and slip/assist clutch. A 41mm front fork provides 5.9 inches of travel, and in the rear, a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability offers 4.5 inches. For stopping power, a 2-piston caliper grabs a 310mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, and ABS is standard.
The SCL500 rides on multi-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, 19 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, wrapped in Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires. It has 6.1 inches of ground clearance and a 31.1-inch seat height. With a 3.2-gal fuel tank, the bike comes in with a curb weight of 419 lb.
Because personalization is vital to many fans of the scrambler genre, a wide range of Honda accessories is offered for the SCL500.
The 2023 Honda SCL500 will be available in June and will come in Candy Orange or Matte Laurel Green Metallic starting at $6,799.
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic
For the 2024 model year, the Honda Shadow Phantom cruiser will return with the same liquid-cooled 745cc 52-degree V-Twin, 5-speed transmission, and shaft final drive, but it will include updates to its bobber styling and with improved performance.
Styling updates include a two-tone gas tank, new handlebar, handlebar clamps, headlight cover, air-cleaner cover, display instruments, turn signals, and machine-cut cylinder-head fins. The Shadow Phantom also has an updated single seat, and a passenger seat and footpegs are offered for those who want to bring a plus-one along for the ride.
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom in Orange Metallic
From a performance standpoint, a new ABS version is available for the new model year, and a 276mm rear disc brake replaces the drum brake of the 2023 model. Otherwise, braking in the front will still be provided by a 2-piston caliper gripping at 296mm disc.
Travel in the front has been increased by half an inch (from 4.6 inches to 5.1 inches) but remains the same 3.5 inches in the rear courtesy of dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability.
Seat height has dropped slightly, from 25.8 inches to 25.6 inches, and the 2024 model shaved 6 pounds off the curb weight for a total of 543 lb. And at 3.9 gal, the fuel tank holds an additional two-tenths of a gallon over its predecessor.
The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom comes in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic or Orange Metallic starting at $8,399 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or the $8,699 for the ABS version.
2024 Honda Shadow Aero
For the 2024 model year, the Honda Shadow Aero classic cruiser, which features the same engine and drive train of its Shadow stablemate, is updated with new colors, as well as the new 276mm rear disc brake for the standard version, a feature that was previously reserved for the ABS trim level.
Braking in the front is the same as the Shadow Phantom, as is rear suspension and travel. However, in the front, the 41mm fork offers 5.5 inches of travel over the 5.1 inches of the Shadow Phantom.
Seat height is slightly taller at 26 inches, and with a 3.7-gal fuel tank, the bike comes in with a curb weight of 560 lb.
Black has replaced the Ultra Blue Metallic colorway on the 2024 Honda Shadow Aero, and the bike starts at $7,949 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or $8,249 for the ABS version.
2024 Honda ADV160
2023 Honda ADV160 in Red Metallic
Renamed for the 2024 model year, the ADV160 touts a new, larger-displacement engine that delivers improved performance and reduced emissions. Also incorporated are updates that Honda says are aimed at boosting comfort and convenience, but the company added that the “capable-but-rugged ‘City Adventure’ concept remains, delivering an enjoyable sense of exploration on even the most mundane urban commutes.”
The 2024 Honda ADV160 has a liquid-cooled 157cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. The engine, drive train, and 2.4-gal fuel tank are mounted low in the frame for a low center of gravity. It has Showa suspension, with a 31mm telescopic fork and twin shocks providing 5.1/4.0 inches of travel front/rear. When it comes to stopping, it has a single 240mm front disc with ABS and a rear 131mm drum brake.
2024 Honda ADV160 in Pearl Smoky Gray
From a practicality standpoint, the ADV160 has a low curb weight (294 lb), automatic transmission, a two-stage tool-free adjustable windscreen, ample underseat storage (big enough for a full-face helmet), and the Honda SMART key system.
The 2024 Honda ADV160 will be available in July and will come in Red Metallic or Pearl Smoky Gray starting at $4,499.
The new black midrise handlebar and blacked-out powertrain on the R 18 Roctane definitely make it stand out from its siblings.
In my early days with Rider, the BMW R 18 caught my eye. I had never ridden a BMW, and as a cruiser guy it was right up my alley. When one of my fellow editors, Allison Parker, got a chance to ride an R 18 at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy, I expressed interest to Rider EIC Greg Drevenstedt about doing the same.
A few weeks later, BMW announced a new R 18 – the Roctane – and invited Rider to get a first ride on the bike in Germany, so I made my pitch. The ride would coincide with the recently opened 100 Years of BMW Motorrad exhibition at the BMW Museum in Munich, so I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to get a little additional perspective on how we got to this point.
I came away from the trip not only wiser but after two days of riding through the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, much happier.
BMW R 18: A Growing Family
At this stop by Lake Plansee in Austria, it was hard to know what to pay more attention to, the Roctane or the scenery.
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member of the R 18 family, which launched its first model in 2020 and was inspired by the iconic BMW R 5 from the 1930s. The Roctane, which BMW describes as a “cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between,” joins the standard R 18, the R 18 Classic, the R 18 B (Bagger), and the R 18 Transcontinental.
The increased trail on the R 18 Roctane contributes to better straight-line stability, an attribute that BMW believes will be appealing to American cruiser riders.
As with the other R 18s, the Roctane has an air/oil-cooled “Big Boxer” Twin engine displacing 1,802cc (or 110ci in the parlance of American cruisers) and mated to a 6-speed transmission, a single-plate dry slipper clutch, and a nickel-plated driveshaft. We dyno’d the 2021 R 18, and it made 109 lb-feet of torque between 2,000-4,000 rpm at the rear wheel.
It’s hard not to argue that if you saw this bike coming your way, you’d want to get a second look as it passed you by.
This thing is a monster, figuratively and literally. The afternoon I arrived in Munich, I went to the BMW Museum. There are some amazing sights to be sure (more details are available here), but one area of note is dedicated to the R 18. It includes a display stand with the 1,802cc Boxer mounted on it. I had seen this display in a photo, but it wasn’t until I was standing in front of the massive engine that I truly realized why it is called the “Big Boxer.” With the partial exhaust pipes coming out of the cylinder heads and hooking down in front like mandibles, it looked like a giant alien insect head dipped in chrome.
Of course, that could’ve been the jetlag and an overactive imagination, but it was still pretty striking.
The insect overlord is here to lead the R 18 troops into battle. OK, I definitely needed sleep at this point in the trip.
Beyond the engine, the R 18 Roctane also shares the same braking and suspension systems as its siblings, with 4-piston calipers biting dual 300mm discs up front and a single 300mm disc in the rear and a 49mm telescopic fork and central rear shock with travel-dependent damping, adjustable spring preload, and 4.7/3.5 inches of travel front/rear.
As to what makes the Roctane unique from other bikes in the R 18 family, one only had to step back and look at it next to other R 18 models at the launch, including the beautiful 100 Years Edition.
Although the R 18 Roctane has the same Rock, Roll, and Rain ride modes as the other R 18s, on a day like this, I’d say there is really only a need for one: Rock.
The Roctane has a blacked-out engine and drivetrain, a Dark Chrome exhaust, a black midrise handlebar, and a larger 21-inch front wheel.
The Roctane’s chassis geometry and seating position falls between that of the standard R 18 cruiser and the R 18 B(agger). Its 7.3 inches of trail is 1.4 inches longer than the R 18 but similar to the R 18 B, while its 67.7-inch wheelbase is right in the middle of the two bikes. At 28.3 inches, its seat height is about an inch taller than the R 18 and again similar to that of the R 18 B.
I didn’t mind the Big Boxer cylinder restricting the forward movements of my legs, but I would’ve preferred bigger footboards and better shift lever and brake pedal positioning.
In the BMW Museum, there was a fascinating wall display of some of the different instrument panels used on the company’s motorcycles over the years, starting with the round analog speedo of the 1930s BMW R 61 and R 71 progressing to the much larger, rectangular display of the present-day BMW R 1250 RT and K 1600 GT.
This display at the BMW Museum shows how the times have been a-changin’, but the instrument cluster on the R 18 Roctane turns back the clock. (Don’t mind the BMW Museum typo next to the bottom TFT display.)
BMW took a different tack with the newest member of the R 18 family. Again inspired by the 1936 R 5, the Roctane’s instrument cluster is incorporated into the top of the metal headlight nacelle, with a classic analog speedometer and an inset multifunction digital display. Some may wish for a little more than the understated display, but for a cruiser, the simplicity works. On the Roctane, in addition to speed, ride mode, and gear selection, you can scroll through other info such as rpm, time, odometer, trip meters, and fuel economy.
But wait, where’s the fuel gauge? Seriously, no fuel gauge? I’d like something more than just a warning.
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane has a minimalist instrument cluster built into the headlight nacelle. The time of day is displayed in this photo, but the rider can also choose from a number of other options.
Personally, I love that the ride modes of the R 18 family are called Rock, Roll, and Rain. While somewhat unorthodox, there’s no question of what you’re getting here, and I sampled all three modes on our ride – Rain not necessarily by choice, but it sure is pretty in Germany this time of year.
Each mode moderates throttle response, traction control, and ABS but not the power, and while Roll and Rain were more sluggish, even in Rain, during a couple moments when I needed to overtake a car, the Roctane had what I needed. I just had to twist the throttle harder to get it. In Rock, there was no hesitation, and I was pleased to find that it wasn’t snatchy. Throttle response was immediate, powerful, and smooth, even polishing out some of the engine vibration present in Roll.
The Metzler Marathon Ultra tires were tested – and performed admirably – in a variety of weather conditions.
I would argue – and a BMW rep actually agreed with me – there isn’t really a need for Roll. Besides starting off the ride in Roll and using it coming down from the breathtaking cliffside Burghotel Falkenstein on some narrow, frost-heaved switchbacks that were wet from the previous night’s rain, I mostly kept it in Rock or Rain.
When it came to rocking, the Roctane’s ample trail contributed to reassuring straight-line stability. Blasting down the autobahn at 140 kph (that’s about 87 mph to you and me, kids), it felt solid. There was a decent amount of windblast at those speeds, so if I had to do much of that, I’d be inclined to install one of BMW’s accessory windshields.
The Roctane’s blacked-out engine nicely complements the high gloss chassis bits and Dark Chrome exhaust.
Among the journalists on hand during our ride, the general consensus was that the Roctane would be a better bike for cruising wide-open roads in the U.S. than bending through all the twists and turns in the Alps. Besides the highway stints, most of our high-speed riding over the two days consisted of long sweepers rather than twisties. Those were a true joy on the Roctane, but even for the few spots that were a little tighter, I didn’t have any problem flopping the bike from side to side, even with its 825-lb curb weight.
I was also pleased with the Metlzer Ultra Marathon tires, which were grippy in all conditions, from dry to wet to really wet on some occasions. This is a bike I would gladly take over the well-known Hogback of Scenic Byway 12 in my home state of Utah.
One of the many sweeping corners on our test route, this one wrapping around Lake Plansee in Austria, enhanced the joy of riding the Roctane.
And even though the Roctane is a long, heavy bike, the Big Boxer helps keep the weight low and provides better than expected balance and maneuverability at low speeds. The R 18 Roctane can also be equipped with optional Reverse Assist and Hill Start Control, both of which would be especially handy if the bike was loaded to capacity.
There are a few areas in which the R 18 Roctane could be improved, the first being the position of the foot controls. As we noted in our review of the R 18 Classic, the location of the shift lever relative to the footboard made it nearly impossible to get my boot underneath it. I was able to upshift with the side of my big toe sometimes, but more often than not, I just used the heel shifter. However, given the midmount controls and my 32-inch inseam, it felt awkward. The rear brake pedal seemed similarly difficult to access with my boot. I love the long footboards on my cruiser at home, but on the Roctane, I found myself envious of the guys riding the R 18s with footpegs.
“Filler stripes” that cover the space between the 27-liter top-loading, locking hard cases and the bike can be selected as accessories.
The second area in need of improvement is braking. Like other R 18s, standard equipment on the Roctane includes BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, where the hand lever applies braking force to both wheels but the foot pedal applies braking force only to the rear wheel. This is the first bike I’ve ridden with integral ABS, and while I was able to shed speed when necessary, I was surprised that the brakes didn’t feel more responsive, especially considering those big dual discs up front. I had to apply more pressure at the lever – while also trying to get my boot on that elusive rear pedal – than I would’ve guessed.
The Roctane shares the same braking as other members of the R 18 family, with 4-piston calipers biting dual 300mm discs up front and a single 300mm disc in the rear.
Finally, the top-loading, locking hard cases are stylish and easy to use, but at just 27 liters of capacity in each side, they are on the small side. (The saddlebags on the R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental are the same size.)
What’s Next for the BMW R 18 Roctane? A Matter of Faith
BMW may not be aiming to be “the better Harley-Davidson,” but that new 21-inch front wheel on the Roctane feels like all-American cruiser.
Those who are considering the R 18 Roctane probably fall into one of three groups: 1) Those who appreciate cruisers and are curious about this one; 2) Those who love all-things-BMW Motorrad; or 3) Those who like Harley-Davidsons and have an open mind.
In any discussion of heavyweight cruisers, Harley-Davidson is always the elephant in the room, even if everyone tries to ignore it. At dinner on the first night, I had an illuminating conversation with Christian Pingitzer, BMW Motorrad’s head of product management, after he asked me about my personal bikes and I told him my main ride is a 2004 Heritage Softail Classic.
“We’re not trying to be the better Harley-Davidson,” he said at one point. “Harley is like a religion.”
One of the beautiful stops along the way during two days of riding the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane.
It’s no secret that the R 18 models have not sold as well on this side of the pond as BMW might have hoped, and there’s no denying the Roctane bike looks more the part of an American cruiser than its predecessors. On the second day, Tim Diehl-Thiele, head of communications, said that the company was “fully on track” with sales of the R 18s in China and Europe, but “in the U.S., we need time.”
Then he went on to call H-D a “super cool brand” and also referred to it as a religion.
This is interesting to me. I’m a cruiser guy and I’m not religious, but I do agree that Harley-Davidson is like a religion. However, what I’ve come to believe since I’ve been with Rider is that BMW is something of its own religion, and they have their own passionate adherents who love the brand and ignore all the others.
The 1,802cc “Big Boxer” Twin engine is an imposing feature of the R 18 family, but it’s also a unique look that drew me to the cruisers.
Similar to how I choose to dabble when it comes to matters of faith, I also enjoy dabbling in a lot of motorcycle brands. When it comes to the Roctane, I enjoyed the thrill of the power coupled with the confidence it inspired and the comfortable cruising. And I look forward to seeing – and hopefully dabbling in – the future developments of the R 18 lineup.
BMW Motorrad has announced details on the 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane, the fifth member of the R 18 family and a bike the company calls “a cruiser, a bagger, and everything in between.”
The Roctane joins the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental but borrows styling cues from other past BMW models, such as the 1936 BMW R 5, where the iconic air/oil-cooled Boxer engine is the epicenter of the “streamliner” design. Other key design features drawn from the past include the double-loop frame, exposed drive shaft, and rigid-style rear.
What Makes the BMW R 18 Roctane Rock?
The heart of the new BMW R 18 Roctane is the 1,802cc “Big Boxer” opposed Twin, mated to a 6-speed transmission and a single-plate dry slipper clutch and a nickel-plated driveshaft.
When we put the 2021 BMW R 18 on Jett Tuning’s dyno, it sent 80 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 109 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel at 2,900 rpm.
The new R 18 Roctane can be equipped with optional Reverse Assist and Hill Start Control, and the bike comes standard with keyless start and the same three ride modes R 18 riders are familiar with: Rain, Roll, and Rock, with distinct throttle maps and settings for Automatic Stability Control and Engine Drag Control in each mode.
The R 18 Roctane stands apart from its siblings with a blacked-out engine and drivetrain and a Dark Chrome exhaust system. The larger 21-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels, combined with the mid-rise, black-coated handlebar give the Roctane what BMW calls “a more purposeful look.”
The 3.5-inch-wide front wheel is shod with a 120/70 B21 tire, while a 180/55 B18 tire wraps around the 5.5-inch rear wheel. The 21-inch front wheel extends the trail to 7.3 inches on the R 18 Roctane (vs. 5.9 inches on the standard R 18) for better straight-line stability.
Braking comes from 4-piston fixed calipers biting dual 300mm discs up front and a single 300mm disc in the rear, and BMW Motorrad Integral ABS is standard. The R 18 Roctane has a 49mm telescopic fork and a central rear shock with travel-dependent damping and adjustable spring preload, providing the same 4.7-inch/3.5-inch front/rear travel as the R 18.
Also inspired by the 1936 BMW R 5 – and almost all BMW motorcycles until the early 1970s – the R 18 Roctane’s round instrument cluster is integrated into the metal LED headlight housing and includes information such as engine rpm, gear indicator, status inquiry, and trip computer details. An adaptive headlight is still optional and works by activating separate LED elements in the main headlight depending on the lean angle.
The R 18 Roctane features a slim two-level seat that tapers towards the rear, with rear passenger straps, and is equipped with footboards and a heel-toe shifter. The 28.3-inch seat height puts the R 18 Roctane an inch higher than the standard R 18 but right about on par with the R 18 B.
The R 18 Roctane is also equipped with body-color painted saddlebags with integrated LED taillights. They offer 27 liters of storage capacity on each side and optional removable liners are available. The “filler stripes” that cover the space between the bags and the bike can be selected from the available accessories. The original BMW Motorrad Accessories range also offers soft luggage options such as the rear bag or frame bag made of waxed canvas with leather trim.
The bike has a 4.2-gal fuel tank and a claimed wet weight of 825 lb.
The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane will come in Black Storm Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic Matte, and Manhattan Metallic Matte starting at $18,695. It’s expected to launch in the third quarter of 2023, but Rider will be heading to Germany in late May for a first ride, so we’ll share our impressions soon.
Big news out of Harley-Davidson today with the release of two new Harley-Davidson CVO models that feature significant styling updates for the popular Street Glide and Road Glide models. Just as significant, if not more so, is the debut of a new 121ci Milwaukee-Eight motor that includes a new variable-valve-timing system.
H-D’s premium CVO line regularly features new components that eventually make their way into the MoCo’s regular product portfolio. These mid-2023 models will have their public reveal at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming extravaganza in July.
“With the introduction of the all-new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide, we’ve completely reimagined two of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic motorcycles and redefined the boundaries of CVO in the process,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson.
Full details of the new bikes won’t be released until their official premiere on June 7, but here’s what we know so far.
The Street Glide’s iconic batwing fairing has been resculpted into an edgier design, with an undercut headlight panel that vaguely resembles the LiveWire One. The windscreen is laid back for a faster profile, and it’s likely that it now includes electric adjustability. Turnsignals are now integrated into the fairing rather than using unsightly external signals.
2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide
The Road Glide’s sharknose fairing also receives a freshened treatment with added creases in its design to create a more modern look. The LED headlamp has been styled to emulate the twin headlights of earlier designs, and turnsignal lamps are integrated within the outer portions of the fairing. An electric adjustment for the windshield is also probable here.
2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide
“These all-new designs bring a cohesive and dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design and Creative Director. “Achieving a greater degree of visual change than any generation prior, the design of these CVO models are revolutionary takes on the historical art of evolution. Like all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, these new models are meant to instill a sense of timeless desire.”
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Both models feature a new inverted fork and Brembo radial-mount brake calipers, along with a new wire-spoke wheel design that will allow for tubeless tires. Two paint/finish options will be available, but we’ve only seen the gray colorway in these photos. New infotainment systems are also teased but not seen. We expect a large TFT screen, perhaps around 10 inches, to navigate the controls and settings. A 6-axis IMU will likely be included to inform electronic rider aids like cornering ABS and traction control.
The most interesting item in these new CVOs is the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, a step up in displacement from the 117ci power units that were once the exclusive domain of CVOs but have now migrated to regular Harleys. H-D has thus far provided no details about the new V-Twin, but certification filings in Australia reveal that it displaces 1,923cc and has a peak output of 103 hp. Its variable valve timing is intended to broaden the motor’s range of power to pull strongly from down low and also rev out on top. It may also serve as a way to extend the life of the air-cooled V-Twins in the face of stricter emissions regulations.
“By rethinking these two models from the ground up,” Zeitz added, “we are ushering in a new era of innovation, design, engineering, and technology, while expanding the definition of Harley-Davidson CVO and taking the Grand American Touring experience to another level. The new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide break the mold and reset the bar for the pinnacle Harley-Davidson riding experience.”
Pricing for the new CVOs has yet to be announced, but they’ll surely carry MSRPs higher than the $42,000 of last year’s CVO Street/Road Glides.
Further details will be announced on June 7, 2023. For more information, visit the Harley-Davidson website.
Following the announcement last November of the 2023 Challenger Elite, Indian Motorcycle recently announced the release of the new Indian Pursuit Elite and the return of the Chieftain Elite. Like other bikes in the Elite lineup, both bikes will be limited in production and feature premium options. These new bikes in the 2023 Indian Motorcycle lineup will begin shipping to dealers in spring 2023.
The Chieftain Elite was the first bike in Indian’s Elite program, introduced for the 2018 model year. Aaron Jax, vice president of Indian Motorcycle, said the idea was to create an offering that was “not just limited in quantity, but exclusive in nature with custom details straight from the factory.”
“Today, with jewel-like finishes, our Elite line of baggers and touring models truly represent the best-of-the-best and deliver a statement like nothing else on the road,” Jax said.
There will be only 150 units available worldwide of the Indian Pursuit Elite, a touring bike that Indian says is “designed for riders who value the journey as much as the destination.”
The Indian Pursuit Elite has electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox that is managed from the bike’s infotainment system. Braking comes from radially mounted Brembo 4-piston calipers biting dual semi-floating 320mm discs up front and a 2-piston caliper and floating 298mm disc in the rear.
The bike rides on 5-spoke precision-cut wheels (19 inches in the front, 16 in the rear) with tire pressure monitoring and wrapped in Metzeler Cruisetec tires. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 108ci PowerPlus V-Twin making a claimed 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch.
The Indian Pursuit Elite offers Smart Lean Technology using a Bosch IMU to manage traction control, ABS, and torque. Backlit switch cubes improve the rider’s ability to see the bike’s controls at night, and the Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight combined with Pathfinder S LED driving lights and saddlebag lights deliver improved visibility. Both rider and passenger get a heated seat with adjustable controls on the seat and infotainment system.
The Indian Pursuit Elite is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen powered by Ride Command and offers Apple CarPlay integration, turn-by-turn navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, one year of Ride Command+ connected features, and more. The bike’s Powerband Audio includes built-in amplifiers, a nine-band equalizer, and 16 speakers.
Offering more than 35 gallons of remote-locking storage, riders can keep all cargo protected inside weatherproof saddlebags and trunk, and for those looking to achieve further customization, a quick-release low-profile trunk is available as a color-matched accessory.
The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite comes in premium Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. Color-matched Elite badging and premium components complete the bike’s design. Pricing starts at $39,999.
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2023 Indian Chieftain Elite
Limited to only 175 units globally, the 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite features what the company says is “meaner and more aggressive styling with custom-inspired details straight from the factory.”
The Chieftain Elite bagger features Indian’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, which delivers a claimed 126 lb-ft of torque. While this is the same mill as the 2022 Chieftain Elite, the standard Chieftain is powered by a 111ci engine making a claimed 119 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Chieftain Elite’s open fender showcases a new 10-spoke precision machined front wheel. Similar to the Indian Pursuit Elite, the wheels are 19-inches in the front and 16-inches in the rear with tire pressure monitoring and shod in Metzeler Cruisetec tires.
Like other Chieftain models, rear cylinder deactivation improves rider comfort when riding through slower traffic, while three selectable ride modes – Tour, Standard, and Sport – allow riders to adjust the bike’s throttle response to match their riding style.
The 2023 Chieftain Elite has a 46mm inverted fork and air-adjustable single rear shock. Stopping power comes from dual 4-piston calipers and 300mm floating discs up front, with a 2-piston caliper and 300mm floating disc in the rear. ABS is standard.
From a style perspective, the Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and rear saddlebag LED lights on the 2023 Chieftain Elite provide good visibility at night, as well as some head turns. An adjustable tinted flare windscreen raises or lowers to the rider’s preferred position with the push of a handlebar-mounted button.
Like the Indian Pursuit Elite, the 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite features the 7-inch touchscreen display powered by Ride Command with Apple CarPlay, GPS with navigation, and Ride Command+ features, like live traffic and weather overlays, and a vehicle locator feature. The bike has backlit switch cubes, an integrated PowerBand audio system, keyless ignition, and weatherproof and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons of storage. For riders looking to personalize their ride, color matched accessories are available, including a quick-release low-profile trunk, as well as lower fairings.
The new Chieftain Elite’s paint scheme features Super Graphite Smoke complemented by premium Shadow Bronze chrome finishes and Indian Motorcycle headdress floorboards. Pricing starts at $35,499.
The custom BMW R 18 B ‘Heavy Duty,’ designed by Fred Kodlin and his son Len, was unveiled at this year’s Daytona Bike Week. The bike features modifications to the frame, the addition of an air suspension system, a custom paint job by tattoo artist Marcel Sinnwell, and adaptations to the body that serve both for function and, in the case of the winglets, strictly for the sake of form. For more information, read the press release from BMW Motorrad below.
Anyone who talks about the U.S. customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, from radically modified creations to sophisticated new designs. Since the 1990s, he has been incredibly successful with his custom bikes and was able to win various important Daytona shows regularly. He was the very first non-U.S. citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.
For the first time, Kodlin has now set about customizing a BMW together with his son Len: the BMW R 18 B. “The R 18 B Heavy Duty was a real father-son project,” said the boss of Kodlin Bikes in Borken, Germany, happily. “There was a lot of creative input from Len, which also goes to show that the next generation at Kodlin Bikes is already in the starting blocks.”
The biggest challenge in customizing this year’s crowd puller at the Daytona Bike Week in Florida was undoubtedly the frame. “We have completely remanufactured the upper tubes to lower the fly-line and thus the seat height of the R 18 B,” explained Fred Kodlin. “We also redid the steering head and the triple clamps so that the caster fits despite the changed steering angle and so that the bike rides well.”
The result was the R 18 B Heavy Duty, a bike in typical Kodlin style. Viewed from the side, the fly-line drops sharply to the rear from the chopped windshield taken from the Original BMW Motorrad Accessories range and finally runs harmoniously into the side cases made by Kodlin out of glass fibre-reinforced plastic and the low rear end. From the top, the R 18 B Heavy Duty is characterized by a strong waistline in the seat area and a flowing connection to the side cases.
Finally, the technical chassis highlight is an air suspension system at the front and rear, supported by a compressor placed barely visibly behind the left side case. This allows the R 18 B Heavy Duty to be lowered and raised in a fraction of a second. This is both as useful as it is spectacular: To park, lower the chassis, and it rests on hidden support points letting the bike crouch just a few centimeters above the asphalt, waiting for the next ride.
The Kodlin team also delved deeply into the subject of body construction for a good three months. A completely new sheet metal tank was created – longer than the original, flowing in shape and with indentations on the sides. The connection of the tank and rear frame was also modified for this purpose. The original mobile phone charging compartment, on the other hand, has been taken over from the R 18 B.
A front spoiler, including a three-color underfloor lighting system – a popular feature, not only in Daytona – and a front fender are also made of sheet metal, the fender fitting snugly around the 21-inch front wheel. Finally, Kodlin created a corresponding counterpart for the rear wheel from two R 18 B rear fenders joined together, in which the rear and side indicator lights are integrated in a very discreet manner.
The two side covers made of sheet metal, which form a smooth transition to the side cases, are completely custom-made. Speaking of side cases, R 18 B loudspeakers by Marshall and an amplifier are fitted inside. Kodlin’s attention to detail is also evident in the aluminum milled hinge panels of the cases in the style of the original R 18 B components.
The so-called winglets above the cylinders are another design element. They are also made of metal but do not fulfil any function in the actual sense. Rather, they underline the design of the R 18 B Heavy Duty and make it appear unmistakable, especially when viewed from the front. The customizing job is rounded off by a seat made by Kodlin and an instrument cover with covers made of Alcantara and imitation leather, as well as specially made handlebars and a self-created exhaust system.
Elaborate Paintwork by Tattoo Artist Marcel Sinnwell
Marcel Sinnwell has painted other Kodlin showbikes in the past, but these days, he only rarely picks up a spray gun for very special jobs. For example, when he paints yachts or an R 18 B Heavy Duty.
For this project, the color gradients were completely airbrushed with translucent paint. The inspiration for this was the mixing of color pigments in the paint and especially the way form streaks in the milky basecoat when first stirred. The result goes along very well with Daytona Bike Week, where complex and colorful paint schemes are more than just good form.
Additional design touches on the R 18 B Heavy Duty are provided by hand-painted pinstripes and an airbrushed pattern on the rear fender that combines Kodlin and “100 years of BMW Motorrad.” The brake calipers, gearshift, and foot brake levers and footrests, however, are BMW Motorrad standard components that have been color-matched.
BMW R 18 B: The Perfect Bike for Customizing
But Fred Kodlin by no means laid his hands on all the assemblies and parts. He said what was a particularly positive surprise for him was the bolts. “They are all made of stainless steel, with a nice Torx head,” he said. “That’s not the way it is on other bikes. The basic bike and especially the engine are very, very cleanly finished. All the electrical cables are already nicely hidden, so we didn’t have to do anything to the engine.”
For this reason, numerous R 18 B components were deliberately not replaced but at most modified. For example, the shortened hand levers and handlebar end weights. Likewise, the engine remained unchanged from a technical point of view. Only the cylinder head covers, belt cover, and intake snorkel were painted in metallic black.
Cruise control with distance control, reverse gear, and eCall have remained unchanged. These are absolutely unique features of the BMW R 18 B in the cruiser world, where these functions are not offered by any other manufacturer.
Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.
In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers.
This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.
The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list.
The Indian Challenger RR will be built to the same specifications as Tyler O’Hara’s King Of The Baggers championship-winning Challenger.
When you’ve got to have the baddest bagger on the block, Indian Motorcycle is now offering the Indian Challenger RR to the public. It’s built to the same specifications and by the same hands as the bike Tyler O’Hara raced to the 2022 King Of The Baggers championship.
Just 29 will be built, a nod to O’Hara’s #29 championship-winning bike, and they’re a near duplicate of the bike O’Hara rode during the 2022 season, including a hot-rodded V-Twin that likely produces in excess of 170 hp.
“Originally, the thought of roadracing baggers was perplexing to many, and even downright offensive to some road racing purists,” said Gary Gray, Vice President of Racing, Technology, and Service for Indian. “But in just three short years, King Of The Baggers has emerged as the hottest thing in motorcycle racing as these bikes have rapidly evolved in their sophistication, and we thought it would be awesome to give people the opportunity to own the bike that holds the crown.”
As you might expect with a race-tuned bagger, this motorcycle is not street legal, but it is a true racebike that will get your blood pumping on the track. As Gary Gray said, “Put in the right hands, it will reach the podium in MotoAmerica’s Mission King Of The Baggers race series.”
Those courageous enough to own one will have to fork up $92,229, which sounds like a lot until you take a look at the extensive list of components and R&D that have gone into making the Challenger the class of the KOTB field.
Indian Challenger RR Specifications
S&S 2-1 race exhaust
17-inch race rims
Dunlop race tires
S&S billet adjustable triple clamps
Ohlins FGR250 forks
TTX Ohlins rear shock
S&S chain drive conversion
Carbon fiber saddlebags
Fiberglass rear fender
Saddlemen raised race seat
S&S adjustable fairing mount
Aero headlight insert
Aero windshield
S&S belly pan
S&S rear set foot controls
S&S camshafts
112 CID big bore cylinder/piston kit
S&S air intake system with 78mm throttle body
CNC ported cylinder heads
S&S Billet adjustable rockerarms
Hayes rear caliper, EBC rear rotor, and SBS pads
Brembo M4 front calipers, 330mm rotors, and SBS pads
S&S automatic chain tensioner
Maxx full adjustable ECM
AIM DL2 data logger/dash
Quickshifter kit
S&S billet clutch cover
S&S adjustable handlebars
S&S race modified swingarm
To learn more about the Indian Challenger RR, visit Indian’s website.
Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s have partnered up to create a special Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Limited to only 177 units, this hand-painted motorcycle takes inspiration from Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and was co-developed with Klock Werks Kustom Cycles.
A key feature that makes this motorcycle unique is the paint, which is Super Graphite Metallic with real Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 whiskey mixed in. The iconic whiskey brand further touches this bike in the Jack Daniel’s design elements throughout, such as Jack Daniel’s branding on the front and rear fenders, on the solo seat, and on a Montana Silversmiths Badge with each bike’s serial number. The Jack Daniel’s signature can also be found etched into the exhaust and on the rear fender.
“The Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse is yet another powerful and dynamic representation of the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail that is core to both of our brands,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President for Indian Motorcycle. “This time, we decided to pay homage to Jack Daniel’s iconic Old No. 7 – the most iconic of Jack Daniel’s whiskeys – pairing it with the Chief Bobber Dark Horse. Both products are timeless American originals that share a combination of no-nonsense simplicity and premium quality.”
The whiskey-inspired styling is paired with the Indian “I” painted on the tank, and the Thunderstroke 116 engine features non-machined highlighted cylinders and heads and Cloud Silver-painted rockers and pushrod tubes for a vintage raw metal appearance. The bike is also equipped with white center rims, a tinted Klock Werks flared deflector, and a Pathfinder adaptive LED headlight, which monitors the bike’s lean angle to optimize nighttime illumination when cornering. The bike comes with three ride modes, a 4-inch TFT display with Ride Command, turn-by-turn navigation, ABS, cruise control, keyless ignition, and other premium features.
“At Jack Daniel’s we live by the motto, ‘Every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can’,” said Greg Luehrs, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships for Jack Daniel’s. “Indian Motorcycle shares that philosophy, which is why this partnership has been such a success.”
The 2023 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse retails for $24,499. Visit Indian’s website or your local dealer for more information.
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is adds a cruiser to the company’s 650 Twin lineup, which includes the Continental GT cafe racer and INT650 roadster. (Photos by Brandon Bunch & Josh Shipps)
Built on the 650 Twin platform, the new Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 cruiser joins the INT650 roadster and Continental GT cafe racer in the company’s 2023 lineup. We traveled to India for the global press launch to get a first ride on Royal Enfield’s latest model.
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 48 hp and 39 lb-ft of torque. It has styling that leans more British classic than American traditional. Chrome is found only on the dual exhausts and mirrors, while most other finishes are black or satin silver. It’s available in standard trim as well as with Solo Tourer and Grand Tourer accessory packages.
