For the past 32 years, Rider has selected a Motorcycle of the Year. With the exception of two years when we made a People’s Choice selection by popular vote among readers (the Honda F6B in 2013 and the BMW R 1200 RT in 2014), it has been up to the Rider editorial team to choose a winner based on our collective experience with the year’s eligible contenders.
We ride as many of the new or significantly updated motorcycles released over the past year as possible, and we evaluate them within the context of their intended use.
Since we announced last year’s winner, we’ve tested cruisers, baggers, sportbikes, adventure bikes, naked bikes, minibikes, sport-tourers, luxury-tourers, cafe racers, standards, dual-sports, and even an electric dirtbike for kids.
Narrowing down such a diverse range of motorcycles into a single “best” isn’t easy. Our goal is to identify the one that best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.
We haven’t always hit the mark. The BMW K1 we selected as our first MOTY in 1990 proved to be a flop, and the forkless Yamaha GTS1000 we selected in 1993 was the answer to a question no one asked.
Even if some of the selections we’ve made don’t stand the test of time, we stand by them because they were impressive motorcycles within the context of their eras. Others are easier to defend, like the 2001 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, the 2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS, and the 2017 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Touring lineup.
For 2022, there were more than 60 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one ultimate winner.
Winner of Rider’s 2012 MOTY award, BMW’s top-of-the-line luxury-tourer got its most significant update yet for 2022. Its ultra-smooth 1,649cc inline-Six makes 160 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque, its full suite of electronic rider aids was upgraded, and it has a huge 10.25-inch TFT, an air-conditioned smartphone compartment, and other new comfort and convenience features.
Competing head-to-head with the Kawasaki Versys 650LT, the all-new 650 ADVentura is powered by a 649cc parallel-Twin that makes 60 hp and 41 lb-ft of torque. It has an adjustable windscreen, a TFT display, LED lighting, a slip/assist clutch, standard ABS, Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires, and hard-shell saddlebags. At $6,799, it undercuts the Kawasaki by $3,200.
2022 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak. Photo by David Schelske.
The range-topping Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak’s 1,158cc Grandturismo V4 cranks out 170 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque, and its apex-strafing game gets elevated with a new Race mode and revised quickshifter. It’s equipped with a full electronics package (including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection), Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, and more.
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster. Photo by Kevin Wing.
The spiritual successor to the air-cooled Evo-powered Sportster, the all-new Nightster is a performance cruiser built on Harley’s modular liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine platform, in this case with a 975cc V-Twin with variable valve timing that produces 90 hp. Classic styling cues include a peanut “tank” (actually an airbox cover), a round air intake cover, and exposed rear shocks.
Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and a step-over motorcycle, the all-new Honda Navi borrows the fan-cooled 109cc Single and CVT transmission from the Activa 6G scooter and the Grom’s popular design language. The 8-hp Navi weighs just 236 lb, has a 30-inch seat height, and is priced at just $1,807, making it an ideal gateway to the world of motorcycling.
Indian’s Challenger bagger, powered by the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin that makes 108 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, was Rider’s 2020 MOTY. Touring capability gets a boost on the Pursuit Limited (or Dark Horse), which adds fairing lowers, a tall adjustable windscreen, a Touring Comfort seat, heated grips, and a trunk with an integrated passenger backrest.
2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke Evo. Photo by Kevin Wing.
Known as “The Beast,” the 1290 Super Duke R added “Evo” to its name and was updated with WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension available with six modes and automatic preload adjustment, a revised throttle-by-wire system, and more. Its 1,301cc V-Twin cranks out 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque, and its electronics allow riders to tame or unleash The Beast as they see fit.
2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350. Photo by Brandon Bunch.
The Classic 350 brings back the styling that made the Royal Enfield Bullet – built from 1931-2020 – such an iconic bike and pairs it with a 349cc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox. Available in nine color-style combinations and priced as low as $4,599, the Classic 350 is the embodiment of simple, fun, affordable motorcycling.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200. Photo by Kingdom Creative.
Triumph completely revamped its Tiger 1200 adventure bike platform for the 2023 model year, shaving off 55 lb of weight, bolting in a 147-hp Triple from the Speed Triple, and equipping it with a new chassis and upgraded electronics. Five variants are available: the street-focused GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer and the off-road-ready Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
At the top of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked pecking order is the MT-10, a descendent of the FZ1 that was Rider’s 2006 MOTY. This “Master of Torque” is powered by a 160-hp crossplane inline-Four derived from the YZF-R1. It was updated for 2022 with new R1-derived electronics, upgraded brakes, revised styling and ergonomics, a new TFT display, and more.
And the 2022 Motorcycle of the Year Winner is…
SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT+
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Photo by Kevin Wing.
Here at Rider, we’re big fans of performance. That’s an often overused and general term, but it encapsulates so much of what we love about motorcycles. Powerful, thrilling engines. Strong, responsive chassis – everything from the frame to the suspension, brakes, and tires. And these days, electronic rider aids that allow responses to be tailored to different conditions or rider preferences.
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Photo by Kevin Wing.
We’re street riders. We may do the occasional track day or school, but it’s usually to help us sharpen our skills so we can ride more confidently and safely on the street. We want performance that is exciting yet still manageable on public roads.
At the same time, we like to go the distance. Rider was started in 1974 just as the touring segment was taking off, and motorcycle travel has been one of the magazine’s hallmarks. We’ve tested thousands of motorcycles over the years, and we gravitate toward bikes that are comfortable, reliable, and versatile yet still get our performance juices flowing.
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Photo by Kevin Wing.
Our 2021 Motorcycle of the Year was the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, an adventure-style sport-tourer that’s lighter and more affordable than traditional heavyweight sport-tourers like the BMW R 1250 RT, Yamaha FJR1300, and Kawasaki Concours 14 – every one of which has worn Rider’s MOTY crown at some point. In fact, eight of our 32 previous MOTY winners have been sport-tourers.
And now, make that nine. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ (the ‘+’ denoting the model with standard saddlebags, whereas the base GT model goes without) delivers all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable MSRP of $13,799. It checks all the right performance boxes while also being practical and providing – as George Carlin would say – a place for our stuff.
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Photo by Kevin Wing.
The GSX-S’s 999cc inline-Four is adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5, a bulletproof, championship-winning engine. Tuned for street duty, it churned out 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 9,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno.
As we said in our road test in the July issue, “The GSX-S engine is a gem with no rough edges. From cracking open the throttle above idle to twisting the grip to the stop, power comes on cleanly and predictably.”
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. Photo by Kevin Wing.
The GSX-S1000GT+ is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which includes three ride modes that adjust throttle response, power delivery, traction control, cruise control, and other systems. It has the best up/down quickshifter we’ve ever tested, and thanks to its street-tuned, sportbike-spec chassis, the GT+ offers predictable handling, unflappable stability, and impeccable smoothness.
Touring amenities include comfortable rider and passenger seating, 25.7-liter side cases that can accommodate most full-face helmets, and a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Suzuki’s mySPIN smartphone app. With its angular sportbike styling, the GSX-S1000GT+ looks as fast as it goes, and the side cases can be easily removed for an even sportier look.
As we concluded in our road test, “The GSX-S1000GT+ strikes an excellent balance between performance, technology, weight, comfort, and price. Life is good when the scenery is a blur.”
Congratulations to Suzuki for the GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year!
Last year, Harley-Davidson launched its limited-edition Icons Collection, which revisits classic models or design themes and reimagines them using contemporary platforms, with the stunning Electra Glide Revival. The Motor Company has unveiled the second model in the collection, the Low Rider El Diablo. It will be a limited one-time build of only 1,500 serialized bikes.
The Low Rider El Diablo is based on the popular Low Rider ST that mimics the characteristic style of the 1983 FXRT.
“It embodies the spirit of counterculture in Southern California in the ‘80s in a contemporary package that features meticulously crafted custom paint and pinstripe trajectories that nod directly to those of the original FXRT,” said Brad Richards, H-D’s Vice President of Design and Creative Director.
What makes this limited-edition model pop is the detailed paint scheme hand-applied by the artisans at Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden, Colorado. Layers of El Diablo Bright Red, Bright Red Sunglo, El Diablo Dark Red, Dark Red Pearl, and El Diablo Dark Red Metallic give this motorcycle a depth of color that makes it stand out from the crowd.
The El Diablo is built on Harley-Davidson’s Softail chassis and the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin powertrain augmented with a Heavy Breather intake and a 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust. It’s claimed to produce 125 lb-ft of torque.
Factory-installed audio fits perfectly within the fairing and is designed for quality sound. Riders can connect the audio to their mobile device to enjoy the 5.25-inch woofers and 250-watt amplifier. The audio features the Automatic Volume Control which adjusts volume based on vehicle speed.
Like the standard Low Rider ST, El Diablo features lockable and removable clamshell saddlebags with a combined 1.9 cubic feet of storage capacity, a 43mm inverted fork with dual disc front brakes, and Michelin Scorcher tires. Cruise control and ABS are standard equipment.
The Low Rider El Diablo will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealers this fall with an MSRP of $27,999, approximately $6,000 more than the standard LR-ST.
Following the impressive 2021 Electra Glide Revival, which was inspired by the 1969 Electra Glide, the first Harley-Davidson available with an accessory “batwing” fairing, and the 2022 Low Rider El Diablo inspired by the 1983 FXRT, we look forward to seeing what iconic bike Harley plans to revamp in 2023.
Kawasaki announced the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its motorcycle lineup. These 2023 motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months.
Models included in this announcement are the Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 400 and 400 ABS, Z H2 and H2 SE, Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe, Z400 ABS, the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 lineups, 1700 Voyager ABS, Versys-X300 and Versys-X300 ABS, and the KLR650 lineup.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport with the feel of an upright sportbike and familiar Ninja styling.
The Ninja 1000SX features a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter, 4.3-inch all-digital TFT color instrumentation, and electronic cruise control.
The Ninja 1000SX includes rider aides such as electronic cruise control and integrated riding modes that combine traction control and Power Modes, and it is compatible with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
This 2023 model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray starting at $13,199
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Ninja 400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue
Ideal for both experienced riders and newer riders looking to step up from a lower displacement bike, the 2023 Ninja 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category.
The 2023 Ninja 400 features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak rear suspension, a 310mm semi-floating petal disc brake and 2-piston caliper in the front, and 220mm petal disc brake and 1-piston caliper in the rear.
A low seat height (30.9 in.), twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray
For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. The Ninja 400 starts at $5,299, and the Ninja 400 ABS starts at $5,699.
2023 Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition in Lime Green / Ebony
The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme and starts at $5,899. The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same color scheme starting at $5,499.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 and Z H2 SE
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray
The flagship model of the Kawasaki Z lineup, the 2023 Z H2 features a balanced supercharged 998cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a 6-speed dog-ring gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, high-performance Showa suspension components, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.
The bike also offers an IMU-based electronics package, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes, all-digital TFT color instrumentation, smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and LED lighting.
For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray and starts at $18,500.
The Z H2 SE offers the same features that come standard on the Z H2, with the addition of the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology, which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology and reportedly giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time.
For braking power, the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again feature Brembo Stylema monoblock brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 SE in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black
The 2023 Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black starting at $20,700.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS in Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red
The Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sportbikes reignites the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle.
The 2023 Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe feature a 948cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a slip/assist clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, an iconic teardrop fuel tank, a tuned stainless steel exhaust system, a round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe in Metallic Diablo Black
For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme starting at $11,949. The Z900RS Cafe adds cafe-racer styling with a front cowl, a special seat, and a drop handlebar, and is available in Metallic Diablo Black starting at $12,399.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black
Described in a 2018 Rider First Ride Review as a “Ninja 400 with a flat handlebar and no fairing,” the Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, streetfighter styling, a lightweight chassis, an upright riding position, a low seat height (30.9 in.), and standard ABS.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray
For 2023, the Z400 ABS is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray starting at $5,399.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Vulcan S ABS, and Vulcan S Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Metallic Flat Spark Black
The Kawasaki Vulcan S sport cruisers are geared to fit a wide range of riders as a result of not only the bikes’ reported starting curb weight just shy of 492 lb but also the exclusive Ergo-Fit sizing system, which includes 18 possible configurations for the handlebar, footpegs, and seat.
Both bikes feature a 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-Twin and sportbike-derived chassis and suspension. The 2023 Vulcan S Cafe also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Cafe Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway starting at $7,349, the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black starting at $7,899, and the Vulcan S Cafe is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $8,099.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray
In our “Middleweight Touring Cruisers” comparison test, which included the Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Rider EIC Greg Drevendstedt wrote: “Cruisers are about style and sensation. How a cruiser looks is just as important as how it sounds and feels.”
All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 cruiser models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin and a low seat height (26.8 in.).
The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider footboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a studded seat with standard passenger backrest, leather saddlebags, and a height-adjustable windscreen. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, a low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with a teardrop tank, parallel slash-cut pipes, and pinstripe wheels.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray starting at $8,999. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $9,999 with a 24-month limited warranty, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony starting at $9,499.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
The 2023 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS touring cruiser features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, transverse 52-degree V-Twin, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS, throttle-by-wire, and electronic cruise control.
The bike has a frame-mounted fairing, an intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $19,299.
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Versys-X300 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
With a compact Ninja-derived 296cc liquid-cooled DOHC Twin, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a nimble, lightweight motorcycle that’s suitable for commuting or touring.
The Versys-X 300 has a lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, a low seat height (32.1 in.), front cowling with a tall windscreen, and a rear carrier.
The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray starting at $5,899, while the ABS model comes in the same color scheme starting at $6,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 and KLR650 ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Storm Gray
The KLR650 sports a 652cc liquid-cooled Single nestled in a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. In 2022, the bike was upgraded with new improved ergonomics, bodywork, a taller two-position adjustable windscreen, a larger aluminum rear carrier, increased generator capacity, and an LED headlight. It features all-digital multifunction instrumentation, an optional ABS system, and 7.9 inches of front travel coupled with 7.3 inches of rear travel.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Solar Yellow
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Candy Lime Green
The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways – Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green – and starts at $6,899. The KLR650 ABS is offered in Pearl Storm Gray starting at $7,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure and KLR650 Adventure ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure in Cypher Camo Gray
The KLR650 Adventure model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the rider who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary lights, engine guards, a tank pad, and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available both with and without ABS.
The 2023 KLR650 Adventure is available in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $7,899, while the KLR650 Adventure ABS also comes in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $8,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS in Pearl Solar Yellow
The KLR650 Traveler model consists of the same features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS.
The KLR650 Traveler ABS is offered in Pearl Solar Yellow starting at $7,599.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Matte Baja Orange and 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) in Matte Silver Ice
In response to customer request for brighter, more distinctive, and more elegant color options and building on the success of the 2022 Gold Line Editions, Triumph has announced a new range of color options for most of its 2023 lineup.
Additionally, the company has renamed two of its 900cc models: the Street Twin is now called the Speed Twin 900, and the Street Scrambler becomes the Scrambler 900. According to a press release from Triumph, the new names were chosen to “better represent the family connections across Triumph’s iconic Bonneville lineup, and their specific engine capacities.”
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in Carnival Red and 2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in Carnival Red
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin)
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 (formerly Street Twin) in new Matte Silver Ice
While the name may have changed, the newly renamed Speed Twin 900 still features the updated “high torque” 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that claimed an additional 10 hp for 2022, with a total 64.1 hp at 7,500 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque. Other updates last year included new 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and stylistic changes. The 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive remain the same, as do the Road and Rain ride modes, ABS, and switchable traction control.
For model year 2023, the Speed Twin 900 starts at $9,695 and comes in three colors, including classic Triumph Jet Black, Matte Ironstone, and a sophisticated new Matte Silver Ice option, with silver and yellow accents. This new paint scheme includes a Matte Silver Ice fuel tank with silver and yellow graphics, Jet Black side panels with the new Speed Twin 900 logo, and Jet Black front and rear mudguards.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 in Matte Ironstone
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in new Matte Baja Orange
Triumph’s performance classic Speed Twin 1200 was also updated in 2022, boasting a 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that offers a claimed 98.6 hp at 7,250 rpm, 84 lb-ft of torque, and 17% less inertia for better response. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The three ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) were also revised for 2022, as well as some style updates, and it still offers switchable ABS and traction control.
The Speed Twin 1200 starts at $12,595 and comes in three colors: the classic Jet Black and Red Hopper and now a new Matte Baja Orange scheme with Storm Grey and Aluminum Silver tank graphics. The new scheme also features Matte Storm Grey side panels and headlight bowl, matched with Matte Silver Ice fork protectors.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 in Red Hopper
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 (formerly Street Scrambler)
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in new Carnival Red and Jet Black
Similar to the Speed Twin 900, the newly renamed Scrambler 900 features a 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that claims 64 hp at 7,250 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque, as well as some styling updates added in 2022. Otherwise, it still has a 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. It also comes with three ride modes (Road, Rain, and Off-road) and switchable traction control and ABS.
The Scrambler 900 starts at $11,295 and comes in three colors: classic Jet Black, a new Carnival Red and Jet Black scheme with striking and contemporary new graphics, and a new Matte Khaki scheme that celebrates the Scrambler’s iconic off-road heritage.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in new Matte Khaki
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 in Jet Black
The new Carnival Red and Jet Black paint scheme includes a Carnival Red fuel tank with contemporary Jet Black stripe detailing and Jet Black side panel, frame cowl, and mudguards.
The iconic new Matte Khaki color scheme features a Matte Khaki fuel tank with Matte Jet Black side panel, frame cowl, and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE and Scrambler 1200 XC
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in new Carnival Red and Jet Black
Riders must be pretty excited about the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 lineup because as of the July 6 press release announcing the new colors, both the XE and XC were sold out (and subsequently, no pricing information was available).
The Scrambler 1200 received an update for 2022 that included a revised exhaust system offering improved heat distribution. The 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin makes a claimed 89 hp at 7,250 rpm and 81.1 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and X-ring chain final drive. The XC come with five riding modes – Road, Rain, Sport, Rider Configurable, Off-Road – and the XE tacks on an additional Off-Road Pro mode.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE in Matte Khaki Green and Matte Jet Black
Both bikes have throttle-by-wire, with the XC using switchable ABS and traction control, while the XE optimizes both features for cornering. Additional features include a full-color TFT display, keyless ignition, cruise control, and all-LED lighting.
The Scrambler 1200 XC and XE come in three colors: Sapphire Black, the classic Matte Khaki Green and Matte Jet Black scheme, and a new Carnival Red and Jet Black scheme that features a Carnival Red fuel tank with Jet Black tank stripe design, as well as Jet Black side panel and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in new Meriden Blue and Tangerine
A favorite for both new and returning riders, the “high torque” 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin Bonneville T100 claimed an additional 10hp for 2022 for a total 64 hp at 7,400 rpm and 59 lb-ft of torque. Other upgrades included a low inertia crankshaft and lightened clutch and counterbalancers, which contributed to an 8-lb total weight reduction when combined with other features. The T100 has a 5-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive, as well as standard ABS and switchable traction control.
The Bonneville T100 now comes in three colors: classic Jet Black, a Carnival Red and Fusion White scheme, and a stylish interpretation of the original 1959 design with a new Meriden Blue and Tangerine option and hand-painted silver coach line detailing on the tank.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in Carnival Red and Fusion White
The new Meriden Blue and Tangerine color scheme also features Meriden Blue side panels and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in new Aegean Blue and Fusion White
Last year, the classically styled Triumph Bonneville T120 received a few updates to its “high torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 79 hp at 6,550 rpm and 77.4 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. Other features include two ride modes (Road and Rain) as well as standard ABS and switchable traction control.
For model year 2023, the Bonneville T120 comes in three colors, including Jet Black, a Cordovan Red and Silver Ice scheme, and a new Aegean Blue and Fusion White option, with hand-painted gold line detailing on the tank. The new heritage-inspired color scheme also features Aegean Blue mudguards and Jet Black side panels and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 in Cordovan Red and Silver Ice
The Bonneville T120 Black comes in two colors for 2023, with the classic Jet Black and a new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black split scheme across the tank, accentuated with hand-painted silver coach-line detailing.
Triumph 2023 Bonneville T120 Black in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Black in new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black
The new Sapphire Black and Matte Sapphire Black scheme also features Sapphire Black mudguards, side panels, and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in new Red Hopper
Triumph’s original custom icon, the Bonneville Bobber, has a “high torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Bobber received several updates to the 2022 model, including (but not limited to) a larger fuel tank; upgrades to brakes, suspension, wheels; and standard cruise control. It still offers Road and Rain ride modes, standard ABS, and switchable traction control.
The Bonneville Bobber starts at $13,495 and comes in three colors for model year 2023, with the classic Jet Black, Matte Storm Grey and Matte Ironstone scheme, and a new Red Hopper option, which includes a Red Hopper fuel tank and Jet Black side panels and mudguards.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber in Matte Storm Grey and Matte Ironstone
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in new Cordovan Red
The British custom classic Bonneville Speedmaster shares the T120’s “high-torque” 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, claiming 76.9 hp at 6,100 rpm and 78.2 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Speedmaster’s two ride modes (Road and Rain) were refined for 2022, as well as receiving an upgraded Showa fork. The bike has ABS and switchable traction control, cruise control, a multifunction LCD display, and all-LED lighting.
The Speedmaster starts at $13,995 and comes in three colors for model year 2023: Jet Black, a Sapphire Black and Fusion White scheme, and a new Cordovan Red option that features a Cordovan Red fuel tank with Jet Black side panels, mudguards, and headlight bowl.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in Jet Black
2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in Sapphire Black and Fusion White
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS in new Competition Green and Silver Ice
The Thruxton RS café racer has a 1,200cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, which makes a claimed 104 hp at 7,500 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and chain final drive. The Thruxton RS has three ride modes – Road, Rain, and Sport – and comes with ABS, traction control, and a multifunction LCD display.
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS in Jet Black
For model year 2023, the Thruxton RS starts at $16,645 and comes in two colors: Jet Black and a new Competition Green and Silver Ice scheme, which features a Competition Green and Silver Ice fuel tank and seat cowl with gold graphic detailing on both. This is matched with Jet Black mudguards, headlight bowl, and side panels and Matte Silver Ice fork protectors.
2023 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
2023 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS in new Matte Baja Orange
The Speed Triple 1200 RS naked sportbike has a liquid-cooled 1160cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 177.5 hp at 10,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. It features five ride modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider (customizable) – and both ABS and traction control are optimized for cornering. It has 5-inch TFT instrumentation and all-LED lighting.
The Speed Triple 1200 RS starts at $18,500 and comes in three colors, including the Matte Silver Ice and Sapphire Black options, plus an all-new Matte Baja Orange complemented by distinctive Silver Ice and Graphite ‘RS’ graphics.
2023 Triumph Speed 1200 RS Triple in Matte Silver Ice
2023 Triumph Speed 1200 RS Triple in Sapphire Black
The new Matte Baja Orange color is featured on the tank, side panels, headlight finisher, rear bodywork, seat cowl, and belly pan.
2023 Triumph Street Triple RS
2023 Triumph Speed Triple RS in new Carbon Black
The Triumph Street Triple RS has a liquid-cooled 765cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 121 hp at 11,750 rpm and 58 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed transmission with a quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Street Triple RS features five ride modes – Rain, Road, Sport, Track, and Rider (customizable) – a full-color, 5-inch TFT instrument pack with four display styles and high/low contrast options, and switchable traction control and ABS.
The Street Triple RS is now available starting at $12,995 in a new Carbon Black scheme across the tank, front mudguard, fly screen, side panels, rear bodywork, seat cowl, belly pan, and radiator guard. The scheme also features Bronze wheels and a Bronze and Jet Black graphics design.
2023 Triumph Trident 660
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in new Matte Baja Orange
Inspired by Triumph’s original triple-cylinder model, launched in 1968, the Trident 660 features a liquid-cooled 660cc inline-Triple, making a claimed 80 hp at 10,250 rpm and 47 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. Riders can take advantage of throttle-by-wire with two ride modes (Road and Rain), ABS, and switchable traction control.
Triumph’s Trident 660 starts at $8,395 and comes in four color options: Sapphire Black, the Silver Ice and the Matte Jet Black schemes (both of which feature the contemporary Triumph logo tank graphics), and new for 2023, a Matte Baja Orange scheme.
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Silver Ice
2023 Triumph Trident 660 in Matte Black
The new scheme features a Matte Baja Orange tank and front mudguard, Storm Grey Triumph logo tank graphics, Matte Storm Grey radiator cowl and rear bodywork, and a Jet Black headlight bezel.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in new Matte Silver Ice
Equipped with the world’s largest production motorcycle engine capacity of 2,458cc, the Triumph Rocket 3 has an inline-Triple that makes a claimed 165 hp at 6,000 rpm and 163 lb-ft of torque. It has a 6-speed gearbox, quickshifter, slip/assist clutch, and shaft final drive. The Rocket 3 features four ride modes – Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-Configurable – as well as cornering ABS and traction control, hill-hold control, cruise control, keyless ignition, and all-around LED lighting.
For 2023, Triumph’s Rocket 3 R starts at $23,400 and comes in three colors, including Sapphire Black, a Silver Ice and Cranberry Red scheme, and a new Matte Silver Ice option, which features Matte Silver Ice fuel tank, front mudguard, and rear bodywork together with Jet Black side panels, headlight bowls, fly screen, and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R in Silver Ice and Cranberry Red
Triumph’s Rocket 3 GT starts at $24,100 and now comes in two new color schemes: Sapphire Black and a Carnival Red and Sapphire Black scheme.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 GT in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 GT in Sapphire Black and Carnival Red
The new scheme features a Carnival Red tank, front mudguard, and rear bodywork; premium hand-painted silver coach lining; and Sapphire Black side panels, fuel tank infill, headlight bowls, fly screen, and radiator cowls
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT / GT Pro / Rally / Rally Pro
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in new Caspian Blue
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in new Sandstorm
Offering options for wherever you want to go, all bikes in the Tiger 900 adventure lineup – GT, GT Pro, Rally, and Rally Pro – have a liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple making a claimed 93.9 hp at 8,750 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The GT Pro and Rally Pro models include a quickshifter.
Also universal to the lineup is optimized cornering ABS and traction control, 7-inch full-color TFT instrumentation, all-LED lighting, and four ride modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road. The GT Pro adds a fifth Rider Programmable mode, and the Rally Pro adds Off-Road Pro and Rider Programmable modes.
For 2023, the Tiger 900 GT and Tiger 900 GT Pro start at $14,700 and $16,600, respectively. Both come in three colors, including the current Sapphire Black and Pure White options, plus a new Caspian Blue and Matte Graphite scheme. The new scheme features a Caspian Blue tank, seat panel, beak, tank end panel, and front mudguard matched with Matte Graphite radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in Sapphire Black
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro in Pure White
The Tiger 900 Rally and Rally Pro start at $15,400 and $17,100, respectively. Both come in three colors: Pure White, a signature Matte Khaki Green with white frame, and a new Sandstorm scheme, featuring a Sandstorm fuel tank, beak, and seat panel with a Matte Jet Black tank end panel and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in Pure White
2023 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in Matte Khaki
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in new Graphite and Baja Orange
Triumph’s adventure all-rounder, the Tiger 850 Sport, has the same liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple as the 900 lineup but with slightly less power: 84 hp at 8,500 rpm and 60 lb-ft of torque (claimed). Power is sent to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Tiger 850 Sport has standard ABS, switchable traction control, and throttle-by-wire with two ride modes(Rain and Road).
The Tiger 850 sport starts at $11,995 and now comes in three distinctive colors, including a contemporary Graphite and Caspian Blue scheme, the Graphite and Diablo Red scheme, and a new Graphite and Baja Orange option featuring Graphite fuel tank and seat panel and striking Baja Orange front mudguard, beak, tank end panel, and radiator cowls.
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in Graphite and Diablo Red
2023 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport in Graphite and Caspian Blue
For more information or to find a Triumph dealer near you, visit TriumphMotorcycles.com.
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The all new Harley-Davidson Nightster connects past to present with classic Sportster styling elements and the modern, modular Revolution Max engine platform. Photos by Kevin Wing and Brian J. Nelson.
Reinventing an icon is never easy, and the Sportster is about as iconic as a motorcycle can get. Introduced in 1957, the Sportster is old enough to qualify for Medicare, and it’s the longest-running model family in the 119-year history of Harley-Davidson.
When the Motor Company introduced the Sportster S for 2021, its name was the only thing it had in common with previous Sportsters. Its model designation was RH instead of XL. It was liquid-cooled instead of air-cooled. And it was lighter, more powerful, and more modern than the Forty-Eight, the only 1,200cc Evo-powered XL still in Harley’s lineup. With its upswept pipes, mash-up of colors and finishes, and Fat Bob-inspired headlight and chunky tires, the Sportster S was intended to be a radical departure from the past.
The new Nightster, on the other hand, has classic Sportster styling elements. It has an airbox cover that’s shaped like a peanut tank, a round air cleaner cover on the right side of the engine, and dual exposed rear shocks. It has a solo seat and chopped fenders like the Iron 883, a small speed screen like the Iron 1200, and a side cover over the underseat fuel tank that’s reminiscent of a Sportster oil tank. It also takes its name from the Nightster XL1200N, a blacked-out, Evo-powered Sportster built from 2007 to 2012 that was part of Harley’s Dark Custom lineup.
Packing 90 horses in a solid chassis and weighing just 481 lb, Harley’s latest RevMax-based Sportster is a serious corner carver. We used all 32 degrees of available lean angle over and over. The small speed screen looks cool and helps smooth airflow. Mid-mount controls can create a cramped cockpit for taller riders.
Rev to the Max
The Nightster’s name and styling serve as a bridge to the past. But like the Sportster S and Pan America adventure bike, it’s built on the modular Revolution Max platform that represents Harley-Davidson’s future. Its liquid-cooled, 60-degree RevMax V-Twin has DOHC with four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, and forged aluminum pistons with machined crowns to deliver a 12:1 compression ratio. The RevMax serves as a central, structural element of the chassis, with the trellis front frame, mid frame, and tailsection bolted directly to the engine.
Harley-Davidson has long had 1,200cc and 883cc versions of XL Sportsters in its lineup. Likewise, there are two versions of the RH Sportsters, with the Sportster S displacing 1,252cc (105 x 72mm) and the Nightster displacing 975cc (97 x 66mm). Compared to the Sportster S, the Nightster’s RevMax not only has a smaller bore and a shorter stroke, it uses a single spark plug per cylinder rather than two, and variable valve timing is used only on the intake cam rather than on both the intake and exhaust cams. Claimed output on the Nightster is 90 hp at 7,500 rpm and 70 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, whereas the Sportster S makes 121 hp and 94 lb-ft.
Although the Nightster has a 60-degree vee angle between its cylinders, its two crankshaft connecting rod journals are offset by 30 degrees. This gives the RevMax a firing order and pulse feel like a 90-degree V-Twin. The engine has roller-finger valve actuation, which reduces valve noise, and hydraulic lash adjusters, which eliminate the need for valve adjustments. The variable valve timing advances or retards intake camshaft timing over 40 degrees of crankshaft rotation, which broadens the powerband, improves combustion efficiency, and reduces emissions compared to fixed cam timing.
The single gauge includes an analog speedometer and a multifunction digital display. Exposed wires and bulbous switchpods detract from the lean-and-mean look.
Located between the cylinders are a pair of 50mm down-draft throttle bodies, and fuel delivery is optimized for each cylinder. Above the engine is a 6.5-liter airbox with tuned velocity stacks that pack air into the combustion chambers for more power, and the airbox has internal ribs that eliminate unwanted resonance and intake noise. The RevMax’s dual counterbalancers reduce primary and secondary vibration as well as rocking couple, but they are tuned to allow enough vibration to deliver a visceral riding experience.
The Nightster is equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements electronics suite, which includes ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control. There is no IMU or lean-angle sensors, so ABS and TC are not lean-angle-adaptive. There are three ride modes (Road, Sport, and Rain) that adjust throttle response, engine braking, ABS, and TC settings.
The round air cleaner connects the Nightster with Evo Sportsters. The trellis front frame, mid frame, and subframe are bolted directly to the RevMax engine.
Take a Seat
“Form follows function, and both report to motion,” declared Harley-Davidson’s VP of Design, Brad Richards, at the Nightster’s press launch. Motorcycles are intended to be ridden, and their design should serve that purpose. But we all know that compromises are made in the name of style. And when it comes to cruisers, many buyers are more concerned with how they look than how they go.
The Nightster, however, balances the scales between curb appeal and riding appeal. The design team went to great lengths to give it a classic Sportster profile, with a 19-inch front wheel paired with a 16-incher out back. Even though it is built on a different platform, the Nightster’s rider triangle is similar to that of other Sportsters, with a low 27.8-inch seat, midmount controls, and a low-rise handlebar. (For those who prefer forward controls, they are available as a $599.95 accessory.) A nice bonus is that both hand levers are adjustable for reach.
With 3 inches of travel for the emulsion-technology shocks and 4.5 inches of travel for the 41mm Showa dual-bending-valve fork, the Nightster’s well-damped suspension provides a comfortable, responsive ride. The only adjustability is rear preload, and a spanner is included under the seat. And with 32 degrees of cornering clearance on either side, a fair amount of lean is possible before chamfering one’s boot soles. Single-disc brakes front and rear with Brembo calipers and steel-braided lines provide plenty of stopping power.
The RevMax is a rev-happy engine – redline is 9,500 rpm – and the 975cc version in the Nightster feels lively and engaging. Giving it the whip through a fast set of curves feels like the right thing to do. How else does one do justice to such a responsive engine and solid chassis? But the Nightster is still a cruiser, just as happy to chug down Main Street at a chill pace.
A single 320mm front disc is paired with a Brembo 4-piston caliper, and ABS is standard. Cast wheels are shod with Dunlop D401 tires.
Details, Details
There’s a good reason we love air-cooled engines. They are elemental, pure, and elegant in their simplicity. Cooling fins look cool, and the lack of a radiator and associated plumbing keeps the engine bay clean and tidy. The performance and emissions advantages of a liquid-cooled engine are undeniable, but let’s face it, not many of them are pleasing to the eye.
The surfaces and finishes on the RevMax make it look muscular and solid, but also somewhat robotic. On the Nightster’s pipe side, everything on the powertrain has its proper place, but the plastic shrouds covering the radiator and oil cooler look like an afterthought. On the kickstand side, there are unsightly wires and hoses between the engine and radiator that even the discontinued Street 750 managed to avoid. Harley-Davidson is known for its attention to detail, and on its Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight it went to great pains to hide the evidence of liquid cooling. As good as the RevMax engine is, aesthetic appeal is its biggest challenge.
The Nightster is a true performance cruiser, blending strong power, good handling, and aggressive styling.
There’s also unattractive exposed wiring around the handlebar, and the switchpods next to both grips are bulbous with cheap-looking buttons. Perhaps it is because Harley-Davidson has previously set such high benchmarks for fit and finish that these deviations stick out like sore thumbs.
Otherwise, the Nightster looks sharp. Like the original XL1200N Nightster, bright work is minimized, with the only chrome found on the fork stanchions. The seven-spoke wheels are finished in Satin Black, and the 2-in-1 exhaust is matte black. The black speed screen is both stylish and functional, and the single round instrument gauge is handsome and user-friendly. All the lighting is LED, and the rear turnsignals double as brake lights.
There’s a sharp contrast between the clean, tidy pipe side of the Nightster and its unfinished-looking kickstand side. It’s often called the “B” side for a reason.
In its early days, the Sportster developed a reputation as a hot rod because it offered more horsepower and less weight than most of its competitors. Over the years, however, that reputation faded, and the Sportster came to be regarded as a venerable member of the old guard rather than the vanguard.
Thanks to the RevMax platform, the Sportster S and Nightster have reclaimed a reputation for performance. The Sportster S is more powerful, more radically styled, and has higher-spec components and electronics, while the Nightster is more familiar, more accessible, and has stronger links to the long history of Sportsters. Both are taking Harley-Davidson in a bold new direction.
2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster Specs
Base Price: $13,499 (Vivid Black) Price as Tested: $13,899 (Redline Red) Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Website:Harley-Davidson.com Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 975cc Bore x Stroke: 97 x 66mm Horsepower: 90 @ 7,500 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Torque: 70 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank) Transmission: 6-speed Final Drive: Belt Wheelbase: 61.3 in. Rake/Trail: 30 degrees/5.4 in. Seat Height: 27.8 in. Wet Weight: 481 lb Fuel Capacity: 3.1 gals.
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The Rogue in Storm Blue is a beguiling mix of darkness and color with a few flashes of brightwork. Photos by Barry Hathaway.
The Rogue is latest version of the Indian Scout platform, delivering a club-style bike to the cruiser party, and the most aggressive iteration of the Scout so far.
The Rogue brings the Scout into a more modern design aesthetic, with a quarter-fairing around the headlight its most obvious distinction from other Scouts. Another difference is a 19-inch cast-aluminum front wheel replacing the 16-inchers on other Scout models.
The Rogue that Johnny Cash would select, the Black Smoke version, just one of five colorways to choose from.
Its attractive design looks more hip and contemporary, creating a slinkier downward flow to the bike’s profile. Most every component is murdered out in black, aside from a few flashes of brightwork on the engine. Chrome hand levers inside black perches are a mild styling faux pas. Drop-down mirrors from the Bobber lower the Rogue’s profile, and chopped fenders lessen the bike’s visual heft.
The Rogue (code name: Anarchy) continues with the same powertrain as previous Scouts. Its 1,133cc V-Twin rips out 100 ponies thanks to a double overhead-cam valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and an aluminum frame helps the Rogue scale in at 545 lbs with its 3.3-gallon tank filled.
The Rogue has an appealing profile, whether cruising Main Street or Highway 33. This one is fitted with accessory shocks and a passenger seat.
Gear Up Helmet:Bell Star Jacket:Alpinestars Hoxton V2 Gloves: Alpinestars Celer V2 Pants:Saint Unbreakable Jeans Boots: Alpinestars Grange
“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades,” commented Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President, at the bike’s press launch in Ventura, a coastal surf town in Southern California.
Saddle Up
The Rogue is familiar but distinct. A mini-ape handlebar from the Bobber Twenty places a rider’s hands significantly higher than the Scout Bobber, ending up a few inches below shoulder height. Also noticeable is a new sport-style solo seat with an extended backrest portion, which feels comfier than the Bobber’s and helps hold a rider in place when tapping into the 69ci V-Twin’s 100 horses.
Spinning laps around Ventura’s city streets proved the fitment of the taller 130/60-19 front tire has benefits beyond styling. Its wheel/tire combo is nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than the Bobber’s, and its sharper profile endows the Rogue with newfound agility relative to the squatter 130/90-16 rubber on other Scouts. The bike feels lighter on its feet, both around town and on canyon roads.
The note from the flat-black exhaust is pleasing in its own way, thumping quicker and smoother than traditional narrow-angle V-Twins like Indian’s Chief and any air-cooled Harley. Most everything but the design of the engine is old-school analog – there are no ride modes, traction control, or IMU, just an unfettered throttle that responds exactly as intended. The cable-actuated clutch requires a bit more effort to pull than a hydraulic unit, but it offers precise and predictable releases.
Nicely angled surfacing from the fairing to the tank to the fenders. Downward mirrors can be rotated upward if preferred.
The last time we dyno tested the Scout’s engine, it kicked out 85 hp to the rear wheel, arriving at 8,100 rpm, shortly before its rev limit. Torque peaked at 5,700 rpm with 64.5 lb-ft of twist. Those numbers translate into admirable speed potential when wringing its throttle, pulling willingly from lower revs, and surging to a strong run for the redline.
On the freeway, the Rogue’s plusher seat and modicum of wind protection from the fairing treat a rider better than the Bobber. However, the scant 2 inches of rear suspension travel created a few jarring moments over harsh expansion joints. Otherwise, the Rogue rolls serenely down the highway, with vibes from its counterbalanced motor never becoming obtrusive. Instrumentation is basic. A round analog speedometer has an LCD inset panel that displays gear position, time, and tripmeters. Self-canceling turnsignals and a 12-volt charging port are unexpected conveniences on a such bare-knuckled bike.
The Rogue slots nicely into Indian’s Scout lineup, and this Sixty model can be had at prices starting at $10k.
Once out in the canyons, the Rogue’s livelier steering is enhanced by the height of the mini-ape handlebars, which encourage aggressive countersteering to bend the bike into corners. As usual, the Scout’s stout chassis resists flexing and feels totally planted up to (and occasionally exceeding) the 29-degree lean angle liberally enforced by dragging footpegs, and then the shotgun exhaust’s lower muffler.
Still, there’s much fun to be had cranking the Rogue over, and our cadre of journalists set a brisk pace on magnificent Highway 33 in the mountains inland from Ventura. Footpegs that scrape early are seldom a concern for many cruiser riders, but your mileage may vary. Brakes are a dull point, performing more than adequately but not quite as sharp as the latest braking hardware on the market. In terms of performance, the Rogue’s most limiting factor is its modest amount of suspension travel.
The Rogue’s instrumentation is fairly basic. Mini-ape handlebars are sourced from the Bobber Twenty.
Sure, low seat heights are nice, but we’d gladly trade a taller seat for another inch or two of wheel stroke and a few extra degrees of lean angle. I’d be tempted to fit a set of fully adjustable shocks with additional travel. Indian’s accessory department sells a pair with 3 inches of travel for $829.99. And if you’d like to carry a passenger, Indian offers a pillion seat ($215) and footpegs ($199.99). The Rogue’s fairing can be fitted to other Scouts, retailing for $350 for an unpainted unit or $530 when painted.
The accessory line also includes a multitude of seats, handlebars, luggage, exhaust systems, and a tachometer with a shift light. Perhaps the most intriguing accessory is the Pathfinder adaptive LED headlight, which replaces the Rogue’s halogen lamp. The $530 headlight activates 15 individual beams inside the lamp’s 5.75-inch housing based on the bike’s lean angle, using patented technology claimed to project light farther and with an improved spread.
We had fun shaving off footpeg ends on Highway 33.
Takin’ It Home
The Rogue’s West Coast style adds an interesting and appealing option for those in the market for an American cruiser. If you’re searching for a feet-forward middleweight cruiser and like the way the Rogue looks, it offers strong value.
The Black Metallic version retails for $11,499, the same price as the Bobber but $1,000 less than the standard Scout that includes passenger accommodations. ABS is a $900 upcharge unless ordering color options in matte Black Smoke, Sagebrush Smoke, or Storm Blue, each retailing for $12,899. The two-tone Stealth Gray version lists at $13,399.
Riders on a tighter budget can opt for the Sixty version of the Rogue, which retails for just $9,999 and is nearly identical to its bigger brother. Like Indian’s previous Sixty versions of the Scout, it uses a smaller engine (61ci, 999cc), and its transmission lacks a cog compared to the regular Scouts, with its 5th gear ratio slotting in between the top two gears of the 6-speed Scouts.
The Rogue can be had in two engine sizes, including the 999cc Sixty version seen here on the right. Conventional mirrors and a lack of the “Scout” badge on the fuel tank are the clues you’re looking at a Rogue Sixty.
Indian says the Sixty motor produces 78 hp and 65 lb-ft of torque at its crankshaft, which isn’t as robust as the 1,133cc mill, but it certainly doesn’t feel underpowered, especially since riding at full throttle is a rare occurrence. The Sixty is a viable option for riders unconcerned with blitzing stoplight grands prix or regularly “doing the ton” on an empty highway.
The base Black Metallic version costs $9,999 without antilock brakes, a $900 option. Titanium Smoke and Bronze Smoke colorways include ABS and retail for $11,399. Among American-made cruisers, the only cheaper one is the Scout Bobber Sixty, which retails for $9,499.
2022 Indian Scout Rogue Specs
Base Price: $11,499 Price as Tested: $12,899-$13,399 (colors w/ ABS) Website: IndianMotorcycle.com Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,133cc (69ci) Bore x Stroke: 99.0 x 73.6mm Horsepower: 100 hp @ 8,100 rpm (claimed) Torque: 72 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm (claimed) Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: Belt Wheelbase: 62 in. Rake/Trail: 29 degrees/4.7 in. Seat Height: 25.6 in. Wet Weight: 545 lbs Fuel Capacity: 3.3 gals.
Since its debut in 2017, Indian’s Elite program has offered the most premium and feature-packed versions of its bagger and touring models, such as the Chieftain and Roadmaster. For 2022, Indian has unveiled two models: the Challenger Elite and Chieftain Elite.
“From factory-custom details to premium amenities, and advanced ride-enhancing technology, we left no stone unturned when designing our new Elite baggers,” said Aaron Jax, Vice President of Indian Motorcycle. “Whether you prefer the liquid-cooled power and performance of the Indian Challenger, or the more organic growl and unmatched air-cooled power of the Chieftain, these two Elites elevate both platforms with gorgeous custom-inspired design elements straight from the factory.”
Limited to 200 units worldwide, 2022 marks the debut for the Indian Challenger Elite. It offers muscle car-inspired styling and class-leading performance from its liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin, delivering 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $34,999.
The Challenger Elite’s attention-getting Stealth Gray and Black Metallic paint with Indy Red accents screams American muscle. A red-stitched seat and color-matched Elite badging complete the bike’s performance-inspired design.
With three ride modes, riders can customize the bike’s throttle mapping by selecting Sport, Standard, or Rain. Each ride mode has been engineered with its own distinct traction-control setting to deliver three unique riding experiences.
The Challenger Elite is loaded with premium amenities like Fox rear shocks with electronically adjustable preload, Smart Lean Technology with lean-angle-adaptive ABS and TC, back-lit switches, an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, and LED driving lights. It’s also equipped with an adjustable flare windscreen, select floorboards, and heated grips.
Ride loud and proud with an upgraded, fully integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system with speakers in the fairing and saddlebag lids. The 7-inch color touchscreen display features the Ride Command infotainment system, which includes detailed vehicle info, Apple CarPlay, GPS with turn-by-turn navigation, a complimentary year of Ride Command+ connected features (live traffic and weather overlays, plus a vehicle locator feature).
The Indian Challenger Elite also includes standard features on the Challenger such as ABS, keyless ignition, tire-pressure monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags with more than 18 gallons (68.1 liters) of storage.
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2022 Indian Chieftain Elite
2022 Indian Chieftain Elite
The Chieftain Elite was the first Elite model offered by Indian back in 2017, and an all-new take for 2022 will be limited to 150 units globally. It’s powered by the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116, which delivers 126 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $32,999.
The factory custom features Heavy Metal Smoke paint complemented by premium bronze finishes, including the tank’s Indian Motorcycle headdress, saddlebag latches, center console, primary cover, and airbox. Oil-rubbed bronze finishes across the engine’s push rod tubes, horn cover, and cam cover take the Chieftain Elite’s style to an entirely new level straight from the factory.
The Chieftain Elite’s streamlined fairing and slammed saddlebags contribute to the bike’s aggressive stance. In addition, LED saddlebag lights, a two-up comfort seat, low suspension, precision-machined wheels, and premium blacked-out finishes round out its head-turning style.
The Chieftain Elite’s Thunderstroke 116 features three ride modes (Sport, Tour, and Standard) that adjust throttle response and rear cylinder deactivation to mitigate engine heat when idling at a stop.
Like its Challenger Elite stablemate, the Chieftain Elite is packed with premium features, including an Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight, an adjustable and tinted flare windscreen, select floorboards, rear saddlebag LED lights, backlit switch cubes, and an integrated 400-watt PowerBand audio system.
It’s also equipped with a 7-inch color touchscreen display with Ride Command, a year of Rider Command+ connected features, ABS, keyless ignition, tire-pressure monitoring, and remote-locking saddlebags.
For riders who want to further customize their Challenger Elite or Chieftain Elite, Indian offers a range of style, comfort, and touring accessory upgrades. Indian Challenger Elite riders can add Pathfinder LED Saddlebag Lights, while Chieftain Elite riders can add Pathfinder S LED Driving Lights. Elite riders can also add the ClimaCommand Heated and Cooled two-up seat, color-matched Hard Lower Fairings, a color-matched Trunk, up to 800 watts of PowerBand audio, and items from the versatile Spirit Lake Luggage Collection,
For more information or to find an Indian Motorcycle dealer near you, visit IndianMotorcycle.com.
Style, performance, weather protection, comfort, safety, infotainment – whatever a rider and passenger might need, the Pursuit provides. Photos by Kevin Wing.
Indian Motorcycle, now in its ninth model year since being relaunched under Polaris ownership, continues to expand its range of American-made V-Twins. Less beholden to tradition than Harley-Davidson, Indian has embraced liquid-cooled engines since the introduction of the Scout for 2015. The air-cooled Thunderstroke V-Twin is still available on Indian’s Chief, Springfield, and Roadmaster models, but radiators are found across the Scout cruiser and FTR street-tracker lineups, and the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 powers the Challenger bagger that was introduced for 2020.
Measuring 8.2 ft from stem to stern and weighing 925 lbs ready to ride, the Pursuit is large and in charge, just as an American luxury tourer should be.
Joining the Challenger for 2022 is the new Pursuit, a full-dress tourer that adds a top trunk with an integrated passenger backrest, vented fairing lowers, a Touring Comfort seat, and heated grips. The Pursuit is available in two versions: the Limited with chrome finishes (starting at $29,999) and the Dark Horse with blacked-out finishes (starting at $30,999).
Both versions of the Pursuit are available with a Premium Package ($3,000) that adds electronically adjustable rear suspension preload, Smart Lean Technology, integrated driving lights, and heated seats for both the rider and passenger.
The optional Premium Package includes Smart Lean Technology, which adds an IMU and cornering-adaptive ABS and traction control.
After the Pursuit was unveiled in February and first shown to the public at Daytona Bike Week, Rider got early access to a Premium-equipped Pursuit Limited for a full test.
Power to the People
All of Indian’s liquid-cooled V-Twins share some common elements. They have a 60-degree spread between their cylinders, four valves per cylinder, and high compression ratios. Unlike the DOHC valvetrain on the Scouts and FTRs, however, the PowerPlus 108 in the Challenger and Pursuit models uses SOHC with hydraulic cam-chain tensioners and hydraulic valve lash adjusters.
The PowerPlus 108 is a liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin with SOHC, four valves per cylinder, and a 11.0:1 compression ratio that makes 113 lb-ft of torque and 108 hp at the rear wheel.
Indian went all-in with full conventional liquid cooling on the PowerPlus rather than the partial liquid cooling used on Harley-Davidson’s Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight. The frame downtubes on the Challenger and Pursuit wrap around a large black radiator to downplay its presence. Full liquid cooling improves an engine’s thermal efficiency, more effectively manages temperature in a wide range of conditions, and more easily satisfies increasingly stringent emissions regulations. Liquid cooling also improves performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort for the rider and passenger. Heat radiating from the engine was not a problem during our test of the Pursuit. Like other Indian tourers, it has rear-cylinder deactivation that kicks in when the bike is idling at a stop.
Displacing 108 cubic inches (1,768cc), the PowerPlus churns out a claimed 128 lb-ft of torque and 122 hp at the crank. After working its way through the clutch, gearbox, and belt final drive, engine output was 113 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm and 108 hp at 5,600 rpm at the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno. Even though a pair of big 4.25-inch pistons work through a 3.8-inch stroke, the PowerPlus revs eagerly from idle all the way to its 6,500-rpm redline.
Taking advantage of 31 degrees of cornering clearance.
The Pursuit Limited with the Premium Package weighs a hefty 925 lbs, but it pulls away from stops authoritatively and lunges forward with quick twists of the throttle. Three ride modes – Standard, Sport, and Rain – adjust the throttle-response map to suit conditions or preferences. When it’s time to just cruise, shifting into the overdriven top gear of the 6-speed constant-mesh transmission turns the engine at a relaxed 2,500 rpm at 60 mph, and cruise control is standard.
We’re In This Together
A big part of what distinguishes the Challenger from the Pursuit is the latter’s top trunk with integrated passenger backrest. A two-up test ride with my wife, Carrie, earned high marks for the passenger accommodations. The wrap-around backrest provides both comfort and security, and we both appreciate the firm-yet-supportive Touring Comfort seat. There are separate seat heating controls for the rider and passenger, with individual buttons on the left side of the seat. The Ride Command+ touchscreen can also be used to activate seat heaters as well as the heated grips.
The plush Touring Comfort seat has separate rider and passenger heating.
Carrie also liked the passenger footboards and speakers integrated into the backrest, which allowed her to hear and feel the music when we cranked up the tunes on the 100-watt audio system. What she was less enamored with, however, was the amount of bobblehead helmet buffeting she experienced when the electric windscreen was in the lowest position. That’s my favored position for the windscreen because it allows me to see over the top of the screen while providing wind protection for my upper torso.
Shown in its highest position, the windscreen is adjustable over a 3-inch range. The large vent at the bottom smooths airflow when the screen is raised.
Raising the windscreen to its highest position did a fantastic job of reducing turbulence and noise for both of us, though it forced me to look through the screen. With the screen all the way up, there’s an almost eerily quiet bubble within the cockpit, isolating the rider and passenger and allowing the thrum of the engine to be the primary soundtrack. In all, the windscreen has 3 inches of height range, so riders and passengers of different heights and preferences should be able to find a happy medium. On warmer days, opening the vents on the lowers and inner fairing boosts airflow through the cockpit.
Large vents in the fairing lowers can be opened or closed on the fly.
The electronically adjustable preload on the Fox rear shock is a convenient, useful feature. On the Ride Command+ touchscreen, the rider can make various selections: Solo or Passenger; No Luggage, Light Luggage, or Heavy Luggage; and Trunk or No Trunk. The rider’s weight can also be set, and preload can be fine-tuned up or down in two increments. The system is user-friendly and makes a significant difference in how the Pursuit handles under different load conditions. (It’s available as a $999.99 accessory upgrade on all 2022 Challenger and Pursuit models.)
The Pursuit’s radiator is discreetly tucked between the frame’s downtubes. Brembo 4-piston front calipers squeezing 320mm rotors are serious anchors, and ABS is standard.
Like the Challenger, the Pursuit delivers a comfortable ride and responds predictably and confidently to steering inputs when pushed hard through a series of corners. With 31 degrees of cornering clearance, the footboards rarely scrape the pavement. The frame-mounted fairing takes weight off the handlebar, giving the big tourer a neutral, low-effort steering feel when applying pressure to the grips.
Part of what gives the Pursuit such poise is its modular aluminum backbone frame, which is shared with the Challenger and similar to the one used on the Chieftain. The frame is rock-solid, and despite having hundreds of pounds of engine, motorcycle, humans, and gear trying to twist it out of shape, it remains as unmovable as a mountain. This is the same frame that, by regulation, must be kept in stock form for the MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers series, where Indian’s factory team regularly wins races on Challengers.
Thanks to a stout modular aluminum backbone frame, the Pursuit feels solid and responsive at speed and in corners. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than performance, but it holds its own with the rear preload set properly.
A pair of 4-piston Brembo front calipers clamping down on big 320mm rotors and a 2-piston Brembo rear caliper squeezing a 298mm rotor provide prodigious stopping power. The front brake lever is adjustable for reach, but the clutch lever is not. ABS and TC are standard on the Pursuit, and the Premium Package goes a step further by adding an IMU that enables lean-angle-adaptive ABS and TC as well as drag-torque control.
Take It with You
The Pursuit’s top trunk is the same one used on Roadmaster models, and it’s a cavernous cavity that holds two full-face helmets. It’s also lined with durable gray fabric and has a 12-volt power socket. If the Pursuit’s 35 gallons (132 liters) of storage aren’t enough, the trunk has a chrome luggage rack on top for lashing down your kitchen sink. The keyless fob has buttons to lock and unlock the luggage remotely. There are also two small, non-locking storage cubbies in the fairing, and the one on the right has a USB port for connecting/charging a smartphone or thumb drive. Under a flip cover on the dash is another 12-volt outlet, so none of your devices should feel neglected.
The Pursuit’s trunk has 17 gallons (64.4 liters) of cargo capacity – enough to hold two full-face helmets. A 12-volt power socket keeps devices charged as you ride.
Indian’s Ride Command+ is one of the most feature-rich and flexible infotainment systems available. Mission control is the 7-inch touchscreen, which has multiple screens for vehicle info, settings, navigation, music, and more. A button on the left switchgear allows riders to quickly toggle through the screens, and there are five prominent buttons below the screen to directly access specific functions. Vehicle/trip info screens can be customized by moving or swapping out different widgets, so you always have your favorite stats in one place.
Ride Command+ includes tire-pressure monitoring, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay integration (which requires an iPhone and a Bluetooth headset), GPS navigation with turn-by-turn directions and built-in points of interest, and a customizable route builder that allows riders to add up to 100 waypoints. Pursuit owners get a free year of Ride Command+ connected features, which include live traffic and weather overlays, as well as a new vehicle locator feature that works through Indian’s Ride Command mobile app or website (after the first year, a Ride Command+ subscription costs $99.99/year).
Indian’s Ride Command+ is one of the best infotainment systems available. Electronically adjustable rear preload can be set using the touchscreen.
Hot Pursuit
Baggers and tourers are big motorcycles that can pack in a lot of performance, technology, and amenities. But without style they’d be like the shy, pimply-faced teenager at the school dance, staring at his shoes with no one to dance with. Going down the road in a big American V-Twin needs to make a visual statement.
Leading the charge is a trim fender topped with an illuminated Indian headdress ornament. The fender hugs a 19-inch Sport Contrast Cut cast-aluminum front wheel, which is paired with a 16-incher out back, and both are shod with Metzeler Cruisetec tires. The Pursuit’s massive, wide-mouth, frame-mounted fairing has a large central LED headlight flanked by LED running lights/turnsignals.
Outboard of the frame downtubes are highway bars and large fairing lowers that provide leg protection and house driving lights (on Premium-equipped models). Toward the rear are tip-over bars just ahead of the saddlebags, and the bags have black-plastic panels that protect their leading edges and lower sides from rock chips and other road debris.
Our Pursuit Limited test bike is painted a lustrous Deepwater Metallic blue (it’s also available in Black Metallic and Maroon Metallic over Crimson Metallic; the Pursuit Dark Horse is available in four other colorways), and it has just the right amount of chrome and Indian badging. The Pursuit’s trunk gives it more visual weight at the rear to balance out the large fairing. Overall, it’s a handsome machine that will make owners feel a sense of pride and confidence when going down the road or parking it on bike night.
Total storage capacity on the Pursuit is 35 gallons (132 liters), including the top trunk, saddlebags, and storage cubbies in the front fairing. There’s also a luggage rack on the trunk, and accessory storage compartments can be added to the fairing lowers.
It’s About the Ride
With my feet up on the floorboards and my fundament down in the diamond-stitched seat, taking a long ride on the Pursuit reminded me of why we picked the Challenger as our 2020 Motorcycle of the Year. As we wrote in our September 2020 issue:
“The PowerPlus 108 … offers the performance, comfort, and lower emissions that only liquid cooling can provide, and delivers impressive grunt and smoothness with the rumbling character that makes V-Twins so popular. That plus muscular, modern style, an excellent chassis, a full range of available technology, generous wind protection and luggage capacity, and plenty of long-haul comfort make the Challenger a really great bagger.”
The Pursuit advances to the Challenger platform with greater touring capability, improving comfort, convenience, weather protection, and cargo capacity. Equipped with the Premium Package, the Pursuit Limited and Pursuit Dark Horse are fully featured and leave nothing on the table. Still, motorcyclists love to customize their machines. Indian’s accessories include performance upgrades, speakers for the fairing lowers and saddlebag lids, a Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight, and more.
Passionate V-Twin fans love to debate the merits of air versus liquid cooling, loud versus quiet exhausts, different vee angles, and much else, but the bottom line is that cruising down the road on a big V-Twin touring bike is deeply satisfying. The pulse and relaxed cadence of the engine, the solidity and security of a heavyweight machine, and the go-all-day comfort always feels good and never gets old. Whether it’s a short ride to blow out the cobwebs or a weeklong journey to escape and explore, the enjoyment is a renewable resource, the gift that keeps on giving. Life, liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.
2022 Indian Pursuit Limited Specs
Base Price: $29,999 Price as Tested: $33,749 (Premium Package, Deepwater Metallic color) Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Website:indianmotorcycle.com
ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse 60-degree V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,768cc (108ci) Bore x Stroke: 108.0 x 96.5mm Compression Ratio: 11.0:1 Valve Insp. Interval: N/A (self-adjusting) Fuel Delivery: EFI, 52mm dual-bore throttle body x 2 Lubrication System: Semi-wet sump, 5-qt. cap. Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated assist wet clutch Final Drive: Belt
CHASSIS Frame: Modular cast aluminum w/ engine as stressed member & cast aluminum swingarm Wheelbase: 65.7 in. Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/5.9 in. Seat Height: 26.5 in. Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, no adj., 5.1 in. travel Rear: Single shock, electronically adj. for spring preload (as tested), 4.5 in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual 320mm floating discs w/ 4-piston radial calipers & ABS Rear: Single 298mm floating disc w/ 2-piston caliper & ABS Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.50 x 19 in. Rear: Cast, 5.00 x 16 in. Tires, Front: 130/60-B19 Rear: 180/60-R16 Wet Weight: 925 lbs Load Capacity: 460 lbs GVWR: 1,385 lbs
King Of The Baggers champion Kyle Wyman (left) riding the street version of his Road Glide racebike next to racer and brother Travis Wyman on a Street Glide ST. Photos by Brian J. Nelson & Kevin Wing.
V-Twin baggers are regularly at the top of streetbike sales charts, and a perennial leader has been the Harley-DavidsonStreet Glide, with H-D’s Road Glide running close behind. The Glides are revered for the effortless way they trot along American roads accompanied by the loping cadence of their narrow-angle V-Twin motors.
However, there are many Glide owners who put a greater emphasis on performance than on touring ability. The performance-bagger market continues to gain momentum, a trend Harley says is “a new breed of speed.” The incredibly popular King Of The Baggers (KOTB) roadracing series has added more fuel to the performance fire.
The surging performance-bagger market is served by H-D’s new Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST.
To meet this market demand and to capitalize on its KOTB championship title, H-D proffers the new Glide ST brothers, available in Street and Road versions. Touring bikes for a new breed of riders, says the MoCo.
OUT COME THE BIG GUNS
If you’re gonna build a hot-rod bagger, there’s no better place to start than the engine, and so Harley plugs in the biggest gun in its arsenal. The Road and Street Glide STs are fitted with H-D’s biggest production motor, the 117ci Milwaukee-Eight, an upgrade over the 114ci V-Twin found in lesser models. This is the 117’s first appearance in a non-CVO Harley, firing out a tire-shredding 127 lb-ft of torque from its 1,923cc displacement. Harley says the 117 is a value proposition for riders who might otherwise invest in engine upgrades.
The Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST are powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin.
Black is the dominant theme, as brightwork is limited to the chrome pushrod tubes, tappet covers, and machined cylinder fins. Matte Dark Bronze finishes on the lower rocker box, timer cover medallion, and the medallion on the Heavy Breather intake provide subtle highlights.
SWITCHIN’ TO GLIDE
The FLHX Street Glide is perhaps the most ubiquitous motorcycle on American roads. Introduced in 2006 as an offshoot of the popular Electra Glide, they are both led by their iconic batwing fairings mounted to the handlebar.
The Road Glide ST and its Street Glide brother are helping usher in the performance bagger trend in production bikes.
Harley’s FLTR Road Glide was introduced in 1998 as an evolution of the FLT Tour Glide from the 1980s, both using distinctive shark-nosed fairings mounted to the chassis. Other than their fairings, the Road Glide is essentially the same bike as the Street Glide.
The Glide STs are part of Harley’s Grand American Touring lineup, so they naturally include luxury items like a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen and navigation, fairing-mounted speakers, a hidden radio antenna, cruise control, and Daymaker LED headlamps. Both Glide STs are equipped with linked Brembo brakes with ABS.
Prodigy cast-aluminum wheels finished in Matte Dark Bronze look sharp and match finishes elsewhere on the bike. Brakes are by Brembo, and Harley’s optional Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements package adds cornering ABS and other electronic aids.
For a sportier, lighter appearance, the STs receive a low-profile tank console and a trimmed front fender, plus a new solo seat that exposes the rear fender but leaves passengers at home. Standard-length saddlebags replace the extended bags used on Special models for additional cornering clearance and to expand aftermarket exhaust options.
Prodigy cast-aluminum wheels feature a Matte Dark Bronze finish to match the bronze engine highlights, while nearly everything else aside from the tins (front end, controls, powertrain, and exhaust) feature blacked-out finishes. For a dash of retro, the Harley-Davidson logo on the 6-gallon fuel tanks is modeled from Harley’s 1912 racebikes, and on black STs, it’s outlined in a gold color that matches the bikes’ bronze finishes.
The Road Glide ST is distinguished by its shark-nosed fairing that offers more expansive coverage and smoother airflow than its Street Glide ST brother.
Both Glides retail for $29,999 in Vivid Black. The Gunship Gray versions are priced at $30,574. Supply shortages due to Covid have forced H-D to exact a $1,000 surcharge.
Optional on Grand American tourers is Harley’s Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements package, formerly called Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS). It employs a 6-axis IMU to manage cornering traction control with ride modes, cornering ABS with linked braking, drag-torque slip control, hill-hold control, and tire-pressure monitoring. It’s a $1,025 upcharge.
The iconic batwing fairing on the Street Glide ST is the key difference from the Road Glide. As it mounts to the handlebar rather than the frame, the SG is more susceptible to crosswind inputs than the RG.
SWITCHIN’ TO RIDE
The Street Glide is the lighter ST, scaling in at 814 lbs in ready-to-ride form, and its less-expansive batwing fairing adds to the perception. The cockpit is roomy and accommodating, with a handlebar that rises up and sits at an angle. Four analog gauges reside just under the tinted low-profile windscreen, and they’re flanked by a pair of speakers and mirrors integrated at the fairing edges. The touchscreen TFT info/navigation panel sits just above the upper triple-clamp.
The larger fairing on the Road Glide adds visual heft to a rider’s perception, backed up by the bike’s 842-lb curb weight. Here, the vivid TFT touchscreen panel sits front and center just under the low-profile, darkly tinted windshield. The info screen is flanked by a fuel gauge and voltmeter, with a pair of speakers further outboard. A traditional analog speedometer and tachometer pairing reside just ahead of the handlebar mounts. Switchgear on both Glides is the familiar H-D array, including the dual turnsignal buttons.
Both Glide STs feature longer shocks that deliver a bit of extra wheel travel.
The 117 fires up with a rumble and the familiar potato-potato thumping from below. The clutch engagement point is easy to ascertain, and, helped by the engine’s immense low-end grunt, you’d need to be a fool to stall the Glides when pulling away from a stop.
Pushrod valve actuation and air cooling suggest a lack of modern technology, but Harley’s M-8 functions extraordinarily well. As its name implies, the V-Twin breathes through four valves per cylinder, and they never need adjusting thanks to H-D’s hydraulic overhead valves. Power from the V-Twin is omnipresent, delivering a satisfying oomph at nearly any engine speed, eventually running out of breath near its 5,500-rpm redline. Rubber engine mounts eliminate harsh vibration from reaching a rider, and there aren’t many other powertrains that roll down the open road as smoothly and effortlessly as this one.
“A pushrod air-cooled V-Twin is our secret sauce,” said Brad Richards, H-D’s VP of design, who rode with us at the launch. “There’s something special about how it goes down the road.” And he’s right.
The solo seats of the STs aren’t as nicely padded as the saddles on H-D’s more luxurious touring bikes. Passengers will be even less comfortable.
Suspension consists of a dual-bending-valve 49mm Showa fork paired with emulsion-technology rear shocks and single-knob hydraulic preload adjustment. Harley pursues low seat heights more fervently than any other manufacturer, but the STs buck that trend somewhat by fitting shocks from the Road King to deliver 3 inches of rear wheel travel, up from the Road Glide Special’s 2 inches. Seat height shimmies upward to a still-low 28 inches.
Both STs feel similar when bending into corners, despite the drastically different fairings, banking over easier than you might imagine for an 800-lb bagger. It’s a willing and stable platform while unwinding a twisty road, but let’s not confuse it with a sportbike. Floorboards begin to drag when leaned over to 32 degrees – enough to have fun, but nowhere near the 55-degree leans that KOTB champ Kyle Wyman can achieve on his Road Glide racebike.
Solid braking performance is provided by Brembo 4-piston calipers operating via braided lines and clamping on 11.8-inch (300mm) discs. The single rear brake has the same specs. The front tire is a 130/60-19 bias-ply, while a 180/55-18 resides out back.
The Street Glide ST’s cockpit features a quartet of chrome-rimmed analog instruments augmented by a color TFT touchscreen.
There wasn’t an opportunity to fully delve into the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, but it seems to be well sorted and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Audio quality via the radio is closer to adequate than exceptional.
Ergonomics are very good, but not beyond reproach. The rear brake pedal is mounted rather high, and the Heavy Breather intake intrudes on knee space when raising a boot to apply rear braking. Also, shift action of the 6-speed gearbox is rather clunky. The seat feels supportive for an hour, but it’s not up to the cushy standards of Harley’s other touring models. And while we’re nitpicking, I’d like to see a larger gear-position indicator and adjustable levers on my $30k bagger.
WHICH GLIDE?
This has been a hotly debated topic among H-D aficionados, with no clear winner aside from subjective judgments on style. In windy conditions, I much preferred the greater stability of the Road Glide, as stubborn crosswinds on the Street Glide’s bar-mounted fairing applied marginal unwanted inputs to the steering. The Road Glide’s triple splitstream vented fairing also delivers smoother airflow around a rider.
The Street Glide ST is lighter than the Road Glide ST, but its handlebar-mounted batwing fairing requires more steering effort.
That said, the Street Glide is slightly lighter, and its fairing attached directly to the handlebar allows a rider to wriggle his/her way through dense traffic more adeptly. And for some, its batwing fairing is irresistible.
WRAP IT UP
It’s not a surprise to have enjoyed seat time on these new Glide STs. They’re basically the same bikes that we’ve grown to appreciate for their over-the-road prowess and surprising agility but are now blessed with more power and tasteful high-end finishes. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised when a $30,000 motorcycle delivers the goods. And the Road/Street Glide STs include a pair of hardshell saddlebags in which to carry those goods more than 220 miles between fill-ups.
The Road Glide ST in Gunship Gray and the Street Glide ST in Vivid Black, the only two color options for both bikes.
2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide ST/Street Glide ST Specs
Base Price: $29,999 (Vivid Black) Price as Tested: $31,599 (Gunship Gray, Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements) Website:harley-davidson.com Engine Type: Air-cooled, transverse 45-degree V-Twin, OHV w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,923cc (117ci) Bore x Stroke: 103.5 x 114.3mm Horsepower:106 hp @ 4,750 rpm (at the crank) Torque:127 lb-ft @ 3,750 rpm (at the crank) Transmission:6-speed, hydraulically actuated slip/assist wet clutch Final Drive:Belt Wheelbase:64 in. Rake/Trail:26 degrees/6.7 in. Seat Height:28.1/28.0 in. Wet Weight: 842/814 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 6 gal.
The 2021 BMW R 18 Classic’s Big Boxer engine has a loping rhythm and produces plenty of low-end torque. Photos by Kevin Wing.
The hills are green! Time to up the saddlebags on the BMWR 18 Classic and hit the road.
California has two seasons – green and brown. Green is short, typically lasting only a couple months after winter rains. Come springtime, the rain stops, and the grass and wildflowers enjoy a brief moment of glory before they wither and lose their color. Brown is dry, dusty, and interminable, usually lasting from spring until after the new year. Brown is also the season of wildfires, which have become more intense and widespread in recent years.
Winding along Santa Rosa Creek Road, a delightfully neglected backroad on California’s Central Coast, on the 2021 BMW R 18 Classic.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the American West’s megadrought – now in its 22nd year – is the driest in 1,200 years. The last time it was this dry was in the early Middle Ages, only a few hundred years after the fall of the Roman Empire. Here in California, the only appreciable amount of precipitation within the past year fell in December, after which the spigot simply turned off. Warm, dry conditions in January and February encouraged green shoots of grass to emerge and wildflowers to bloom earlier than usual.
After eight or nine months of brown, it’s uplifting to see hillsides and fields carpeted with bright green vegetation. Last year was so dry that nothing turned green, so the brown season lasted for the better part of two years. When the green season arrived last year, I knew I had to take advantage of it.
The Classic replaces the R 18’s 19-inch front wheel with a 16-incher, and its exhausts are a more conventional shape.
Since its debut in late 2020, BMW’s R 18 lineup has grown to include four models: the R 18 cruiser; the R 18 Classic, which adds a windshield, saddlebags, a passenger seat, cruise control, and driving lights; the R 18 B bagger, which has a handlebar-mounted fairing and hard saddlebags; and the R 18 Transcontinental full-dress tourer. The Classic is the only model we haven’t tested, and it was the perfect choice for a leisurely cruise north through the green hills of California’s Central Coast.
Santa Barbara County’s San Rafael Mountains were dusted with snow, and the grapevines in the Santa Ynez Valley were still bare.
Getting into and loading/unloading the Classic’s 15.5-liter saddlebags is easy thanks to quick-release buckles for the straps and form-fitting drop-in liners, which are open-top tote bags with carry-handles as well as snaps to secure them inside the saddlebags. For those who sometimes prefer a minimalist look, the saddlebags, small passenger seat, and windshield are removeable.
The day before my ride, an erratic winter storm dusted the mountains with snow but brought no rain. On the morning of my departure, it was a frosty 39 degrees, so I dressed in multiple layers and switched the Classic’s heated grips to high. With photographer Kevin Wing in my rearview mirrors aboard our Yamaha Tracer 9 GT long-term test bike, we cruised north on U.S. Route 101 along the coast from Ventura to Santa Barbara. The Classic’s small windshield parts the air smoothly around the rider’s head and torso, but the rider’s hands and lower body remain exposed.
Taking a break at Cold Spring Tavern, an old stagecoach shop.
Rush-hour traffic compounded by highway construction motivated us to turn inland and try our luck on State Route 192 through well-to-do residential areas nestled in the foothills of the coast-facing Santa Ynez Mountains. We finally escaped the soccer moms and work trucks on State Route 154, a scenic byway that follows an old stagecoach route up and over San Marcos Pass. We took a break to warm up at Cold Spring Tavern, a former stagecoach relay station that dates back to 1865. Though too early for lunch, it’s a favorite spot for delicious tri-tip sandwiches, chili, and other fare. The rustic stone tavern holds special memories for me. Kevin and I ate there before my very first photo shoot – on a Buell XB12XT – back in 2008.
Strong as an Oak
After crossing the Santa Ynez Valley, we reconnected with U.S. 101 and continued north, riding through the rolling hills of Santa Barbara County’s wine country. The grapevines were still bare, but grass grew between the evenly spaced rows – sometimes kept in check by grazing sheep – and gnarled California oaks stood like giant sentries.
The Classic’s saddlebags, passenger seat, and windshield can be removed for a stripped-down look.
All R 18 models are built on BMW’s Big Boxer platform, with an air-cooled 1,802cc opposed flat-Twin mounted within a tubular-steel double-cradle frame. When we tested the standard R 18, it sent 80 horsepower and 109 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno, with all that grunt working through a 6-speed transmission mated to a single-plate dry slipper clutch and shaft final drive. Like many heavyweight cruisers, the clutch requires a firm pull (both levers are adjustable for reach). My boot didn’t easily fit under the shift lever, so for upshifts I used the heel shifter.
Throttle-by-wire enables three ride modes – Rock, Roll, and Rain – that alter throttle response, idle character, engine-drag torque control, and traction-control intervention. As the mode names imply, Rock offers more assertive throttle response and a lumpier feel at idle, whereas Roll is more relaxed, and Rain dials things back even further for sketchy conditions.
Behind the windshield is a single, round gauge in a chrome bezel. The analog speedometer surrounds indicator lights and a multifunction LCD display, but fuel level and ambient temperature are not provided.
The R 18 Classic is a long machine, stretching 68 inches between the axles. Add in lazy rake and long trail figures, and the result is a motorcycle that’s happier on straight roads than tight curves. The wide pullback handlebar provides plenty of steering leverage, and the Classic is stable and obedient, but limited cornering clearance and a rear shock with 3.5 inches of firmly damped travel necessitate a modest pace on backroads. Broken, patched, and potholed pavement can be jarring.
After warming up with hot coffee and stuffing ourselves with giant burritos at a Mexican restaurant off State Route 1 near Morro Bay, we wound along Old Creek Road, passing Whale Rock Reservoir and groves of avocado trees before climbing out of a tight canyon and riding through ranchland. Crossing State Route 41, the narrow byway becomes Santa Rosa Creek Road, a narrow, neglected 16-mile stretch of pavement that’s perfect for a BMW GS but a rough ride on the Classic. The road cuts through more ranchland and follows its namesake creek toward the coast.
After a cold night in Cambria, the BMW’s seat was covered in frost. With the seat’s firm padding and not much room to move around, I was ready for a break after about an hour.
We spent the night in Cambria, a charming seaside village that’s one of the last places to find food or lodging before riding Route 1 north to Big Sur. Our home for the night was the Bluebird Inn, which for many years was a gathering place for Rider staffers and contributors during the annual summer pilgrimage up to Laguna Seca for the Superbike races. Back then, the Bluebird was owned by the Cooper family, and they’d provide a cooler of beer and snacks for our motley crew. We’d share laughs and stories on the Bluebird’s shaded patio before walking to dinner. The Coopers retired a few years ago, but the family that bought the place has retained the motel’s cozy vibe and friendly atmosphere.
Don’t Feed the Elephant Seals
Kevin and I woke up dark and early to find the seats of our bikes covered in frost. There was no coffee in our rooms, and nothing in Cambria opened until 7 a.m., so we grumbled as we quietly started the bikes and rode north to a parking area right on the coast for some sunrise photos. As we polished the BMW’s chrome and positioned the bike just so, we heard the distinctive barking and fart-like noises of elephant seals.
Elephant seals rest on a haul-out beach near San Simeon.
We walked a few yards to a small bluff to find a pair of juvenile male seals fighting each other on the beach. With no females nearby, this was merely practice for when the males got older and would need to fight full-grown alpha males – which can be up to 16 feet long and weigh 5,000 lbs – to compete for mates.
A little further north, within sight of the Piedras Blancas lighthouse, is a dedicated parking area and elevated boardwalk where visitors can view an elephant seal haul-out area. A population of 25,000 elephant seals gathers at various times of the year along an eight-mile stretch of coast. Pups are born in December and January, and in the early months of the year you can see enormous alphas protecting their harem and exhausted mothers feeding their black-furred pups. The adults go months without food or water while on land during breeding season, so mostly they just lie about like giant sausages on the beach.
The Classic has LED driving lights, and the Premium Package includes an adaptive turning light that adjusts for lean angle.
Backroads & Byways
California Route 1 is world famous, and for good reason. It hugs the rugged coast for hundreds of miles, and the section from San Simeon up to Big Sur and Monterey is as beautiful and challenging as roads get. But in the shadows of well-known scenic roads are hidden gems like Santa Rosa Creek Road.
“Now where did I put that bag of Cow Chow?” The 15.5-liter saddlebags include handy tote-bag liners.
GEAR UP Helmet:Schuberth C4 Pro Modular Jacket:Scorpion Morpheus Gloves:Alpinestars Patron Gore-Tex Pants: Scorpion Covert Pro Jeans Boots:Umberto Luce Crimson Boots
As we headed south, past the iconic Morro Rock, we left Route 1 and took South Bay Boulevard past the marshy Morro Bay Estuary, and then Turri Road along Los Osos Creek and through rolling ranchland. My favorite road in the area, which I discovered just a few years ago, is Prefumo Canyon Road. It climbs up and over the northern side of the coastal range, briefly turns to hard-packed dirt as it winds through a tunnel of trees, and then becomes See Canyon Road, which twists its way among apple farms and vineyards. It ends at San Luis Bay Road, which soon connects to Avila Beach Road for a short ride to Port San Luis, where an old wooden pier juts into San Luis Obispo Bay.
Jutting into the north side of San Luis Obispo Bay, the 1,320-foot-long Harford Pier was first built in the late 1800s. It’s home to several restaurants, fish markets, and fishing charters.
This ride was about visiting old favorite backroads and byways, and refamiliarizing ourselves with newer ones. You can find our route on REVER in the Rider Magazine Community. Download the free app or visit rever.co.
Chrome & Pinstripes
Our 2021 R 18 Classic test bike is outfitted with a few extras. It has the First Edition Package ($2,150), which includes Black Storm Metallic paint with white pinstripes and chrome-plated levers, covers, fittings, and calipers. It has the Premium Package ($1,450), which includes BMW’s Adaptive Headlight, Headlight Pro, Reverse Assist, and Hill Start Control. And it has the Select Package ($225), which adds heated grips, a locking fuel filler cap, and an anti-theft alarm.
California’s Central Coast stretches for 350 miles, from Port Hueneme in the south to Santa Cruz in the north. It’s a motorcyclist’s paradise.
Instrumentation is limited to a single gauge that includes an analog speedometer and an inset LCD, which displays ride mode, gear position, and an info screen that can be scrolled through various functions: tachometer, tripmeters, odometer, voltmeter, fuel economy, average speed, clock, and date. A touring bike in this price range should also provide fuel level and ambient temperature. We averaged 38 mpg from the 4.2-gallon tank, for a range of about 160 miles. The low-fuel light comes on with one gallon remaining.
End of the Road
Two full days in the saddle gave me an appreciation for what the R 18 Classic offers. Its traditional styling, especially the black-and-white-pinstripes First Edition version inspired by BMW’s 1930s-era R 5, fits well within the expectations of many heavyweight cruiser buyers. But with the opposed cylinders of its Big Boxer jutting out to the sides, the R 18 does not conform to the usual V-Twin formula.
The engine has the right sound and feel, and it produces plenty of low-end torque, but the cylinders create a barrier that prevents riders from stretching out their legs. On long rides, there’s limited space for changing hip and knee angle. Due to the placement of the heel-toe shifter, brake pedal, and dual exhaust pipes, the small footboards are also somewhat cramped (at least for size-11 boots). The firm seat is supportive, but there isn’t much room to move around.
Beneath the R 18 Classic’s throwback aesthetic is a fully modern motorcycle with ride modes, cruise control, linked ABS, traction control, and other electronic rider aids. The rhythmic lope of its big Twin, especially in Roll mode, encourages a relaxed, unhurried pace, to slow down and appreciate the view. Enjoy the season of green – and the ride – while you can.
2021 BMW R 18 Classic Specs
Base Price: $19,495 ($18,995 in 2022) Price as Tested: $23,320 (First Edition Package, Premium Package, Select Package) Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles Website:bmwmotorcycles.com ENGINE Type: Air-/oil-cooled, longitudinal opposed flat-Twin, OHV w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,802cc (110ci) Bore x Stroke: 107.1 x 100.0mm Compression Ratio: 9.6:1 Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles Fuel Delivery: BMS-O EFI w/ 48mm throttle body Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2 qt cap. Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated single-plate dry slipper clutch Final Drive: Shaft CHASSIS Frame: Tubular-steel double cradle w/ tubular-steel double-sided swingarm Wheelbase: 68.1 in. Rake/Trail: 32.7 degrees/5.9 in. Seat Height: 28.0 in. Suspension, Front: 49mm telescopic fork, no adj., 4.7 in. travel Rear: Single cantilever shock, adj. for spring preload, 3.5 in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual 300mm discs w/ 4-piston opposed calipers & ABS Rear: Single 300mm disc w/ 4-piston opposed caliper & ABS Wheels, Front: Spoked, 3.0 x 16 in. Rear: Spoked, 5.0 x 16 in. Tires, Front: Tube-type, 130/90-B16 Rear: Tube-type, 180/65-B16 Wet Weight: 805 lbs. Load Capacity: 430 lbs. GVWR: 1,235 lbs. PERFORMANCE Horsepower: 80 hp @ 4,500 rpm (2021 R 18, rear-wheel dyno) Torque: 109 lb-ft @ 2,900 rpm (2021 R 18, rear-wheel dyno) Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gals. Fuel Consumption: 38 mpg Estimated Range: 160 miles
