Tag Archives: Honda Motorcycles

2023 Honda SCL500 Review | First Ride 

2023 Honda SCL500
The fork gaiters and high-routed exhaust on the 2023 Honda SCL500 are carryovers from Honda’s early scrambler models.

Scramblers had their heyday during the ’60s, which was before my time, but I’m a big fan of their spirit and style. They embody a carefree attitude and the freedom to go wherever, as well as a simplicity not offered by many modern, hyper-focused bikes. The best word to describe the new 2023 Honda SCL500 is “playful.” It blends cool retro style, a user-friendly engine and chassis, and a budget-friendly price. 

2023 Honda SCL500
The 2023 Honda SCL500 in Candy Orange is sure to turn heads.

Scramblers are perfect for Ventura, California, the coastal surf town that I call home, and that’s exactly where Honda hosted its press launch for the SCL500. A lightweight, no-frills motorcycle is great for bopping around city streets, cruising up the coast, exploring backroads, and even getting a little frisky in the dirt, though the only time we left the pavement during our test ride was to turn around in dirt pull-outs during photo stops. 

Inspiration for the SCL500 comes from Honda’s own back catalog, namely the 250cc CL72 from 1962-65 and the 305cc CL77 from 1965-67. Like the SCL500, these early scramblers were based on streetbikes, and all three models share common styling elements: fork gaiters, knee pads on the gas tank, bench seats, high-routed exhausts, and twin rear shocks. 

Another thing the SCL500 has in common with those early CLs is a parallel-Twin engine, though the older versions were air-cooled while the modern one has a radiator. The SCL’s 471cc Twin is a versatile mill that’s also found in the CBR500R sportbike, CB500F naked bike, CB500X adventure bike, and Rebel 500 cruiser. (The last time we put any of these bikes on the dyno was 2017. The CB500F made 46 hp and 31 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, and the Rebel 500 made 41 hp and 30 lb-ft.) 

2023 Honda SCL500
The Dunlop Mixtour tires’ block-tread pattern, combined with their thinner width, made for fun and confident cornering.

Related: 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS | Road Test Review 

As much as I appreciate high-tech features on many of today’s motorcycles, there’s something to be said for a bike with nothing to figure out. Swing a leg over the SCL500, thumb the starter button, drop it into gear, and then just ride. Throttle response is user-friendly, power delivery is linear, and the slip-assist clutch makes gear changes effortless. The engine is smooth and doesn’t vibrate much, nor does it radiate excess heat. But it doesn’t exude much character either. 

2023 Honda SCL500
The SCL500 shares the parallel-Twin found in earlier Honda CLs but is blacked out and liquid-cooled instead of air-cooled.

A sturdy tubular-steel trellis frame holds everything together, and the bike, which has a narrow 3.2-gal. tank, is slender between the knees. The SCL500’s suspension, a nonadjustable 41mm fork and dual shocks with two-step preload adjustment, has 5.3/5.7 inches of front/rear travel, which is more generous than its adventure-ish CB500X stablemate (4.7/5.5 inches).

2023 Honda SCL500
The SCL500’s handlebar width and light weight make it easy to throw into corners.

For a sub-$7,000 bike, the ride is surprisingly plush, though the suspension’s softness leads to some fork dive during braking and seesawing over big bumps. More rebound damping would be nice, at least for a 200-lb galoot like me. 

2023 Honda SCL500
Scramblers are great bikes for getting around towns like Ventura.

Related: 2019 Honda CB500X | First Ride Review 

The SCL500 rolls on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast wheels shared with the CB500X, and the SCL is shod with Dunlop Mixtour block-tread tires that provide reasonably good grip and handling. ABS is standard, and there are single-disc Nissin brakes front and rear, with a 2-pot caliper pinching a 310mm disc in front and a 1-pot caliper slowing a 240mm disc out back. The brakes don’t offer much power or feel, but they’re perfectly fine for riders who are newer, lighter, or less aggressive than I am. 

2023 Honda SCL500
The high footpegs made things a little tight for my frame, but with the fun I was having, they couldn’t have been much lower.

The SCL500’s chassis geometry favors stability over agility, which further adds to the bike’s approachability. But its lightness (just 419 lb ready to ride), the width of its handlebar, and the narrowness of its tires (110/80-19 front, 150/70-17 rear) mean that the SCL can be tossed around like a ragdoll. 

2023 Honda SCL500
2-piston Nissin calipers pinch a single 310mm disc up front and offer sufficient stopping power depending on the type of rider.

With my 34-inch inseam, I was a little folded up on the SCL500 with its low 31.1-inch seat height and high footpegs. The cleated footpegs have vibration-damping rubber inserts that can be removed to add a skosh more legroom, but the better option for me was the accessory tall seat, which adds another inch of foam for more height and support. At $64.95, it’s reasonably priced, though it only comes in brown. 

2023 Honda SCL500

GEAR UP

The SCL500 is the kind of bike that lends itself to customization. In addition to the tall seat, other factory accessories include a headlight visor, a high front fender, handguards, a number plate-style rear side cover, rally footpegs, a center tank pad, a 14-liter left-side soft saddlebag, a rear carrier, a 38-liter top case, heated grips, and a 12V socket. Vance & Hines also offers a high-output slip-on exhaust that is compliant in all 50 states. 

2023 Honda SCL500 Matte Laurel Green Metallic
The 2023 Honda SCL500 in Matte Laurel Green Metallic
2023 Honda SCL500
The SCL500 screams for customization, as seen in this factory-accessorized version.

Other than limited legroom for my frame, my only real complaint about the SCL500 is its instrumentation. It has a single round instrument panel that’s light-on-black LCD. Available features includes a clock, a gear position indicator, a speedometer, a fuel gauge, and multifunction display that can be scrolled through for different info (odometer, tripmeter A/B, average mpg A/B, instant mpg, and reserve fuel tripmeter). The instrument panel lacks a tachometer, it’s difficult read in bright sunlight, and it’s all but useless when wearing polarized sunglasses. For a retro bike like this, an analog speedometer with an inset multifunction display would be sweet. 

2023 Honda SCL500
Like the bike, the SCL500 instrumentation is simple but also hard to read. I would’ve preferred something more retro.

After logging just over 100 miles in and around Ventura, mostly on backroads where I did my best to wring the SCL’s neck, the bike’s fuel economy reading was 60.6 mpg. That translates to 194 miles of range, which would be even higher for a typical owner who cruises around or commutes in a less caffeinated, type-A state of mind.  

2023 Honda SCL500
The SCL500 suspension offers better travel than its CB500X stablemate, but bigger riders may wish for more adjustment options.

All in all, the Honda SCL500 is a helluva lot of fun, and in Candy Orange, it turns a lot of heads (a more subdued Matte Laurel Green Metallic color option is also available). 

2023 Honda SCL500

2023 Honda SCL500 Specifications 

  • Base Price: $6,799 
  • Website: Powersports.Honda.com 
  • Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles 
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. 
  • Displacement: 471cc 
  • Bore x Stroke: 67.0 x 66.8mm 
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch 
  • Final Drive: Chain 
  • Wheelbase: 58.4 in. 
  • Rake/Trail: 27 degrees/4.3 in. 
  • Seat Height: 31.1 in. 
  • Wet Weight: 419 lb 
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.2 gal. 
  • Fuel Consumption: 60.6 mpg (per bike’s instruments) 
2023 Honda SCL500
A bit of the old blended nicely with the new – both equally at home in Southern California.

See all of Rider‘s Honda coverage here.

The post 2023 Honda SCL500 Review | First Ride  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Monkey and Super Cub Return for 2024

2024 Honda Monkey Pearl Black
2024 Honda Monkey in new Pearl Black

American Honda has announced the return of two its popular miniMOTO models for the 2024 model year: the Honda Monkey and Honda Super Cub. The company states it believes the bikes will appeal to both new riders as well as nostalgic fans of these past models, which played important roles in Honda’s history.

2024 Honda Monkey

Originally introduced in the early 1960s for a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park called Tama Tech, the 2024 Honda Monkey remains true to its roots, with attributes that Honda calls “fun yet practical.”

Related: Honda Monkey: Super-Spreader of Happiness

The Monkey features an fuel-injected air-cooled 124cc Single mated to a 5-speed transmission. It has an inverted fork with 4.3 inches of travel and twin rear shocks with 4 inches of travel. When the Monkey needs to stop running, braking comes from a 220mm disc up front with ABS and 190mm disc in the rear.

2024 Honda Monkey Pearl Nebular Red
2024 Honda Monkey in Pearl Nebular Red

Honda says the small stature (30.5-inch seat height), light weight (231-lb curb weight), and practical performance combine to deliver “an approachable, enjoyable riding experience for a wide variety of riders.” The Monkey has a 1.5-gallon tank, and the 2023 model reported 169 mpg.

The 2024 Honda Monkey will be available in September in Pearl Nebula Red, as well as a new Pearl Black color, starting at $4,299.

2024 Honda Super Cub C125

2024 Honda SuperCub C125 Pearl Gray
2024 Honda SuperCub C125 in Pearl Gray

With over 100 million units sold worldwide since its introduction in 1958, the Honda Super Cub offers a combination of practical simplicity and retro styling.

Honda says the step-through chassis, clutch-free 4-speed transmission, and lightweight design (238-lb curb weight) “inspire confidence,” while the air-cooled 124cc Single delivers impressive fuel efficiency and plenty of power for zipping around town. The 2024 Super Cub has a telescopic fork with 3.9 inches of travel, twin rear shocks with 3.6 inches of travel, a 220mm front disc brake, and a 110mm rear drum brake. Other features include front-wheel ABS, fuel injection, and an electric starter.

Related: Honda Super Cub C125 ABS | First Ride Review

The 2024 Honda Super Cub C125 will be available in October in Pearl Gray starting at $3,899.

For more information, visit the Honda Powersports website.

See all of Rider‘s Honda coverage here.

The post Honda Monkey and Super Cub Return for 2024 appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide Kawasaki Eliminator SE
2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

This 2024 motorcycle buyers guide highlights new or significantly updated street-legal models available in the U.S. As with previous buyers guides, we will include 2025 teasers too as soon as manufacturers let us know about them. We will continually update this guide as new models are available, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often.

Related Story: 2023 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

Organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer, our guide includes photos, pricing, key update info, and links to first looks or – when available – Rider‘s first rides, road tests, and video reviews of the motorcycles.

2024 BMW M 1000 XR

2024 BMW M 1000 XR prototype
2024 BMW M 1000 XR

At the beginning of June, BMW released limited details on the on the newest model in its “M” lineup: the 2024 BMW M 1000 XR. Powered by the 999cc inline-Four engine from the S 1000 RR with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying the timing and valve lift, the M 1000 XR makes a claimed 200 hp and a top speed of around 174 mph. It shares the M brakes of the M 1000 RR and M 1000 R, as well as the M winglets, which create downforce for greater stability and reduced front wheel lift. Further information on the M 1000 XR is expected in the second half of 2023. 

Read our 2024 BMW M 1000 XR Prototype First Look Review

2024 BMW R 12 nineT

2024 BMW R 12 nineT
2024 BMW R 12 nineT

The 2024 BMW R 12 nineT is the successor to the R nineT and shares many similarities with the R nineT platform but features updates and a more classic design. The bike has the same air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 1,170cc boxer engine as the previous R nineT but with a more classic appearance than its predecessor, particularly with the tank shape, seat, and side covers. BMW claims the classic look and modular design also lends more freedom for individualization. The bike will also have a redesigned exhaust system, intake system, and front fender. More details about the BMW R 12 nineT, including price and specifications, are expected in the second half of 2023.

Read our 2024 BMW R 12 nineT First Look Review here.

2024 BMW R 18 Roctane

2024 BMW R 18 Roctane
2024 BMW R 18 Roctane (Photos by Jörg Künstle, Markus Jahn, and the author)

The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane is the fifth member of the R 18 family. It features the same 1,802cc “Big Boxer” opposed Twin as its siblings as well as the same braking and suspension systems, with 4-piston calipers biting dual 300mm discs up front and a single 300mm disc in the rear and a 49mm telescopic fork and central rear shock with travel-dependent damping, adjustable spring preload, and 4.7/3.5 inches of travel front/rear. The Roctane sets itself apart from the other R 18s with a blacked-out engine and drivetrain, a Dark Chrome exhaust, a black midrise handlebar, the instrument cluster incorporated into the top of the metal headlight nacelle, and a larger 21-inch front wheel, as well as other varying dimensions.

The 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane will come in Black Storm Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic Matte, and Manhattan Metallic Matte starting at $18,695.

Read our 2024 BMW R 18 Roctane First Ride Review

2024 Can-Am Origin

Can-Am Electric Motorcycle Pulse Origin
Can-Am Origin

At the annual Club BRP event in August 2022, Can-Am unveiled two all-new, all-electric motorcycles – the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster (below). Detailed specs won’t be provided until mid-2023 (at Can-Am’s 50th anniversary celebration), but both will be powered by BRP’s all-new, proprietary Rotax E-Power technology, said to provide “highway-worthy speeds with plenty of horsepower and torque.”

The Can-Am Origin has rally-style bodywork, fork guards, and spoked wheels, in diameters that appear to be 21 inches in front and 18 inches out back, common sizes for off-road tires. The final drive is enclosed, and Can-Am reps would not reveal whether power is sent to the rear wheel via chain (used on nearly all dual-sports) or belt (used on many production electric bikes).

Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse First Look Review

2024 Can-Am Pulse

Can-Am Electric Motorcycle Pulse Origin
Can-Am Pulse

The Can-Am Pulse has the muscular stance of a streetfighter, with racy-looking cast wheels shod with sportbike rubber and a sculpted “tank” that keeps the bike’s profile in line with conventional gas-powered motorcycles. The Origin dual-sport (above) and Pulse roadster share key design elements: distinctive LED headlights, large TFT displays, edgy white and gray bodywork, a bright yellow panel covering their battery packs, inverted forks, single-sided swingarms, single-disc brakes front and rear, and solo seats. Rear cowls may cover pillion seats; passenger footpegs are not visible on either machine, but production versions will likely have passenger accommodations.

Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse First Look Review

2024 Honda ADV160

2023 Honda ADV160 Red Metallic
2023 Honda ADV160 in Red Metallic

The 2024 Honda ADV160 touts a new, larger-displacement liquid-cooled 157cc single-cylinder engine designed to improve performance and reduce emissions. It has Showa suspension front and back, a front disc brake with ABS, and a rear drum brake. Also incorporated are updates that Honda says are aimed at boosting comfort and convenience. The 2024 Honda ADV160 will be available in July and will come in Red Metallic or Pearl Smoky Gray starting at $4,499. 

 Related: Honda Announces All-New 2023 Honda SCL500, Updated 2024 Models

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom and Shadow Aero

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom Deep Pearl Gray Metallic
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom still features the liquid-cooled 745cc 52-degree V-Twin, 5-speed transmission, and shaft final drive but sees several updates to styling, both in form and function. A rear disc brake replaces the previous drum brake, front travel has increased from 4.6 inches to 5.1 inches, the seat height dropped slightly, and Honda shaved 6 pounds off the curb weight for a total of 543 lb. There is also a new ABS version of the bike.

The 2024 Honda Shadow Aero shares the same engine, drive train, braking, and rear suspension and travel, with front travel stretched out another four-tenths of an inch, which is also the bump in seat height, as well as a slightly smaller tank and an overall curb weight of 560 lb.

2024 Honda Shadow Aero
2024 Honda Shadow Aero

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom comes in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic or Orange Metallic starting at $8,399 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or the $8,699 for the ABS version.

On the 2024 Honda Shadow Aero, Black has replaced the Ultra Blue Metallic colorway, starting at $7,949 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or $8,249 for the ABS version.  

Related: Honda Announces All-New 2023 Honda SCL500, Updated 2024 Models

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator and Eliminator SE

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator
2024 Kawasaki Eliminator in Pearl Robotic White

Harkening back to the ZL900 Eliminator introduced in 1985, the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator returns to its sportbike-powered roots, with a liquid-cooled 451cc parallel-Twin engine adapted from the Ninja 400. A 6.8mm longer stroke helps create strong low-end torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a slip/assist clutch. The bike has a 41mm telescopic front fork and dual rear shocks, providing 4.7/3.5 inches of travel front/rear, and stopping power comes from a 2-piston caliper clamping on a 310mm semi-floating petal front brake disc and 220mm petal disc in the rear.

Several aspects of the Eliminator’s styling pay homage to its namesake, including the taillight, a tail cowl with its own added design twist, and a round headlight, now with a modern LED lamp with dual high/low beam chambers and position lamps. 

Kawasaki is also offering the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator SE, which adds several features to the standard model, including ABS, a headlight cowl reminiscent of those found on the original Eliminator SE models, a USB-C outlet, and a seat featuring dual-pattern seat leather and stitching along the top edge. 

2024 Kawasaki Eliminator SE
2024 Kawasaki Eliminator SE

The Eliminator comes in Pearl Robotic White or Pearl Storm Gray for $6,649, and the Eliminator SE ABS comes in Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Ebony for $7,249.

Read our 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator First Look Review

2024 Kawasaki KLX300 and KLX300SM

2024 Kawasaki KLX300
2024 Kawasaki KLX300 in Lime Green

Both the 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 dual-sport and the 2024 Kawasaki KLX300SM supermoto are powered by a 292cc DOHC liquid-cooled four-valve fuel-injected Single borrowed from the KLX300R off-road bike.

The KLX300 is the more off-road capable of the two models and features a 21-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear wheel with Dunlop dual-purpose tires. The bike has 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches in the rear. From a style perspective, the KLX300 gets a newly designed front cowl and front fender, a new LED headlight, and an LED taillight tucked into the rear fender. Kawasaki also gave the KLX300 a two-toned seat cover for 2024. 

The road-oriented KLX300SM differs from its stablemate in 17-inch front and rear wheels, a 300mm front brake disc, and a shorter seat height of 33.9 inches, among other features. Updates to the Kawasaki KLX300SM are similar to those of the KLX300, included updated fenders, the compact LED headlight, and a new taillight. The KLX300SM also receives the two-toned seat.

2024 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2024 Kawasaki KLX300SM in Phantom Blue

The 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 will be available in Lime Green and Battle Gray for $6,199, and the Cypher Camo Gray colorway will cost $6,399. The 2024 Kawasaki KLX300SM will be available in Battle Gray and Phantom Blue for $6,599. 

Read our 2024 Kawasaki KLX300 and KLX300SM First Look Review

2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R supersport has a 636cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder with DOHC with revised cam profiles for better low-rpm performance and cleaner emissions and a reshaped intake funnel for a claimed increase in low-to-mid rpm performance. 

Kawasaki also upgraded the dual 310mm front discs and single 220mm rear disc, replacing the previous petal-style rotors with round discs. Also new are the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires. The ABS unit has been updated for better control, and new ride modes have been added, including Sport, Road, and Rain, along with a customizable Rider mode in which each system can be set independently. 

The bike also has a new 4.3-inch full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity, as well as new styling inspired by the Ninja ZX-10R. The Ninja ZX-6R is available in three color schemes – Metallic Flat Spark Black/Ebony, Pearl Robotic White/Metallic Graphite Gray, and the KRT Edition in Lime Green/Ebony – for $11,299 ($12,299 with ABS). 

Read our 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R First Look Review

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model

The 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa returns with the liquid-cooled 1,340cc transverse inline-Four with DOHC and four valves per cylinder mated to a 6-speed gearbox, ride-by-wire, the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System with electronic rider aids, including cruise control and the three-mode bidirectional quickshifter system, and three preset and three customizable ride modes, among a host of other features. It has KYB suspension and Brembo Stylema and Nissin brake components, and ABS is standard.

Specific to the 25th Anniversary Model are 25th-anniversary emblems and logos and raised Suzuki logos, as well as other styling and design choices specific to this model. The 25th Anniversary Model Hayabusa comes in the Glass Blaze Orange & Glass Sparkle Black color combination reminiscent of one of the most popular Gen II model’s color palettes, also set off with special V-shaped red graphic. The 25th Anniversary Hayabusa will be arriving at dealerships late summer. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Read our 2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model First Look Review

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X

2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X Carnival Red Phantom Black
2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X in Carnival Red and Phantom Black

The all-new 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X will feature Triumph’s new single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine making a claimed 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Scrambler 400 X also has throttle-by-wire, switchable traction control, and switchable Bosch dual-channel ABS.

The Scrambler 400 X features a 55.8-inch wheelbase, 5.9 inches of travel suspension front and rear, a 19-inch front wheel, and a wide handlebar to provide greater stability and control when riding on loose surfaces, as well as scrambler-style protection for both the bike and the rider.

The Scrambler 400 X is available in three two-tone color schemes, each featuring Triumph’s distinctive Scrambler tank stripe and triangle badge: Matte Khaki Green and Fusion White, Carnival Red and Phantom Black, and Phantom Black and Silver Ice options. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Read our 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X First Look Review

2024 Triumph Speed 400

2024 Triumph Speed 400 Caspian Blue
2024 Triumph Speed 400 in Caspian Blue

Similar to its Scrambler 400 X stablemate (above), the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 features the new single-cylinder, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine making a claimed 39.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.7 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, and chain final drive. The Speed 400 also has throttle-by-wire, switchable traction control, and Bosch dual-channel ABS (which can be switched off on the Scrambler 400 X).

The Speed 400 has an accessible seat height of 31 inches, a 43mm inverted fork offering 5.5 inches of travel, a monoshock rear suspension unit giving 5.1 inches of travel, and lightweight 17-inch wheels. Stopping power comes from a 4-piston radial front brake caliper with a 300mm front disc and braided lines and a floating caliper and 230mm disc in the rear.  

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 will be offered with three two-tone paint schemes – Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, and Phantom Black – each featuring a prominent Triumph tank graphic. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Read our 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X First Look Review

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Range

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 RS
2024 Triumph Street Triple RS (Photo by Kingdom Creative)

The 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 range includes the Street Triple 765 R, Street Triple 765 RS, and limited-run Moto2 Edition, which Triumph says is “the closest you can get to a Moto2 race bike for the road.”

All three models will still feature a liquid-cooled 765cc inline-Triple, which was bumped up from 675cc with the 2017 Street Triple lineup, but Triumph says engine upgrades derived directly from the Moto2 race engine program have resulted in a significant step up in performance in the range. The engine on the Street Triple R now makes a claimed 118 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque at 9,500 rpm. The Street Triple RS and Moto2 take it up another notch, making 128 hp. Other updates include new technology, high specification components, an updated chassis, and more.

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 range
L-R: 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition, Street Triple 765 RS, and Street Triple R

The Street Triple 765 R will start at $9,995 and be available in two colorways: Silver Ice with Storm Grey and Yellow graphics or Crystal White with Storm Grey and Lithium Flame graphics. The Street Triple 765 RS will start at $12,595 and have three schemes: Silver Ice with Baja Orange and Storm Grey graphics, Carnival Red with Carbon Black and Aluminum Silver graphics, or Cosmic Yellow with Carbon Black and Aluminum Silver graphics. Finally, the Moto2 Edition will start at $15,395 and comes in two race-derived liveries: Triumph Racing Yellow with an Aluminum Silver rear sub-frame or Crystal White with Triumph Racing Yellow rear subframe. The official Moto2 branding will appear on the tank, wheel, tail unit, and silencer.

Read our 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R/RS First Ride Review

The post 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Announces All-New 2023 Honda SCL500, Updated 2024 Models

2023 Honda SCL500 Candy Orange
2023 Honda SCL500 in Candy Orange

In a reported nod to Honda’s history, dating all the way back to the 1960s when the CL72 and CL77 were offered, American Honda recently announced a new 2023 Honda SCL500 scrambler-style motorcycle that is coming to the U.S. market and is based on the Rebel 500 platform. Honda says the SCL500 “combines modern ride quality and comfort with authentic retro styling, and delivers the result at an attractive price.” 

Honda also announced the return of several other models, many of which have received improvements, including the bobber-style 2024 Shadow Phantom cruiser, the 2024 Shadow Aero classic cruiser, and the 2024 ADV 160 scooter. The 2023 PCX scooter and 2024 Grom miniMOTO will return unchanged.  

Related: Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models

“More than any manufacturer, Honda has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver fun, retro motorcycles that scratch a nostalgic itch while offering the performance and reliability for which Honda is so well known,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda manager of Sports & Experiential. “That’s the case with the all-new SCL500, and we’re confident it will be a hit with American customers. ” 

2023 Honda SCL500

2023 Honda SCL500 Matte Laurel Green Metallic
2023 Honda SCL500 in Matte Laurel Green Metallic

The all-new SCL500 features all the key “scrambler” styling elements – upright riding position, high-routed exhaust, block tires, ample suspension travel and a retro aesthetic – in a bike that Honda says will be enjoyable for both new riders and more seasoned enthusiasts. 

2023 Honda SCL500

The SCL500 shares the liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin engine of the Rebel 500 and is mated to a 6-speed transmission and slip/assist clutch. A 41mm front fork provides 5.9 inches of travel, and in the rear, a Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability offers 4.5 inches. For stopping power, a 2-piston caliper grabs a 310mm front disc and 240mm rear disc, and ABS is standard. 

2023 Honda SCL500

Related: 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS | Road Test Review

The SCL500 rides on multi-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, 19 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, wrapped in Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires. It has 6.1 inches of ground clearance and a 31.1-inch seat height. With a 3.2-gal fuel tank, the bike comes in with a curb weight of 419 lb.  

2023 Honda SCL500

Because personalization is vital to many fans of the scrambler genre, a wide range of Honda accessories is offered for the SCL500. 

The 2023 Honda SCL500 will be available in June and will come in Candy Orange or Matte Laurel Green Metallic starting at $6,799. 

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom Deep Pearl Gray Metallic
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic

For the 2024 model year, the Honda Shadow Phantom cruiser will return with the same liquid-cooled 745cc 52-degree V-Twin, 5-speed transmission, and shaft final drive, but it will include updates to its bobber styling and with improved performance.  

Styling updates include a two-tone gas tank, new handlebar, handlebar clamps, headlight cover, air-cleaner cover, display instruments, turn signals, and machine-cut cylinder-head fins. The Shadow Phantom also has an updated single seat, and a passenger seat and footpegs are offered for those who want to bring a plus-one along for the ride.  

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom Orange Metallic
2024 Honda Shadow Phantom in Orange Metallic

From a performance standpoint, a new ABS version is available for the new model year, and a 276mm rear disc brake replaces the drum brake of the 2023 model. Otherwise, braking in the front will still be provided by a 2-piston caliper gripping at 296mm disc.  

Travel in the front has been increased by half an inch (from 4.6 inches to 5.1 inches) but remains the same 3.5 inches in the rear courtesy of dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability. 

Seat height has dropped slightly, from 25.8 inches to 25.6 inches, and the 2024 model shaved 6 pounds off the curb weight for a total of 543 lb. And at 3.9 gal, the fuel tank holds an additional two-tenths of a gallon over its predecessor.  

2024 Honda Shadow Phantom

The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom comes in Deep Pearl Gray Metallic or Orange Metallic starting at $8,399 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or the $8,699 for the ABS version.

2024 Honda Shadow Aero

2024 Honda Shadow Aero

For the 2024 model year, the Honda Shadow Aero classic cruiser, which features the same engine and drive train of its Shadow stablemate, is updated with new colors, as well as the new 276mm rear disc brake for the standard version, a feature that was previously reserved for the ABS trim level. 

Braking in the front is the same as the Shadow Phantom, as is rear suspension and travel. However, in the front, the 41mm fork offers 5.5 inches of travel over the 5.1 inches of the Shadow Phantom.  

Seat height is slightly taller at 26 inches, and with a 3.7-gal fuel tank, the bike comes in with a curb weight of 560 lb. 

Black has replaced the Ultra Blue Metallic colorway on the 2024 Honda Shadow Aero, and the bike starts at $7,949 for the non-ABS version (not available in California) or $8,249 for the ABS version.  

2024 Honda ADV160

2023 Honda ADV160 Red Metallic
2023 Honda ADV160 in Red Metallic

Renamed for the 2024 model year, the ADV160 touts a new, larger-displacement engine that delivers improved performance and reduced emissions. Also incorporated are updates that Honda says are aimed at boosting comfort and convenience, but the company added that the “capable-but-rugged ‘City Adventure’ concept remains, delivering an enjoyable sense of exploration on even the most mundane urban commutes.” 

Related: 2021 Honda ADV150 | First Ride Review

The 2024 Honda ADV160 has a liquid-cooled 157cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. The engine, drive train, and 2.4-gal fuel tank are mounted low in the frame for a low center of gravity. It has Showa suspension, with a 31mm telescopic fork and twin shocks providing 5.1/4.0 inches of travel front/rear. When it comes to stopping, it has a single 240mm front disc with ABS and a rear 131mm drum brake. 

2024 Honda ADV160 Pearl Smoky Gray
2024 Honda ADV160 in Pearl Smoky Gray

From a practicality standpoint, the ADV160 has a low curb weight (294 lb), automatic transmission, a two-stage tool-free adjustable windscreen, ample underseat storage (big enough for a full-face helmet), and the Honda SMART key system. 

The 2024 Honda ADV160 will be available in July and will come in Red Metallic or Pearl Smoky Gray starting at $4,499. 

For more information, visit the Honda Powersports website.

See all of Rider‘s Honda coverage here.

The post Honda Announces All-New 2023 Honda SCL500, Updated 2024 Models appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Height 31-31.9 Inches 

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS review
The Kawasaki Z650RS has a 31.5-inch seat height. (Photo by Kevin Wing)

Choices for smaller, affordable motorcycles are growing, and that’s good news for riders looking for a fun bike that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re new to riding and want something easy to handle or an experienced rider looking for a lighter or shorter bike, you have more options now than ever when it comes to finding the best motorcycles for smaller riders!  

Below is Rider’s 2023 list of best motorcycles for smaller riders, an update of the popular post from 2019. This list includes motorcycles with seat heights between 31.0 and 31.9 inches with an MSRP of $17,000 or less.  

We’ve also curated lists of the best motorcycles with seat heights between 30.0 and 30.9 inches, as well as a list of the best motorcycles with seat heights below 30 inches

When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride reviews so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022-2023 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), seat height, and claimed wet or dry weight. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.   

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 


CFMOTO 450SS 

CFMOTO 450SS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 450SS 

$5,499 

31-inch seat 

370 lb 

Read our 2023 CFMOTO 450SS First Look Review 


Honda CBR500R 

Honda CBR500R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CBR500R 

$7,299 

31.1-inch seat 

423 lb 

Read our 2013 Honda CBR500R First Ride Review 


Honda CB500F 

Honda CB500F Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB500F 

$6,799 

31.1-inch seat 

416 lb 

Read our 2017 Honda CB500F First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 650 

Kawasaki Ninja 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Ninja 650 

$7,999 

31.1-inch seat 

419 lb 

Read our 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Z650 

Kawasaki Z650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z650 

$7,749 

31.1-inch seat 

410 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Z650 First Ride Review 


Kawasaki W800 

Kawasaki W800 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki W800 

$9,199 

31.1-inch seat 

496 lb 

Read our 2020 Kawasaki W800 First Look Review 


Royal Enfield Hunter 350 

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 

$3,999 

31.1-inch seat 

400 lb 

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 First Ride Review 


Suzuki GSX250R 

2023 Suzuki GSX250R ABS in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black

Suzuki GSX250R 

$4,999 

31.1-inch seat 

399 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX250R First Look Review 


Triumph Bonneville T100 

Triumph Bonneville T100 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Bonneville T100 

$10,995 

31.1-inch seat 

503 lb 

Read our 2017 Triumph Bonneville T100 First Look Review 


Triumph Bonneville T120 

Triumph Bonneville T120 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Bonneville T120 

$12,695 

31.1-inch seat 

520 lb 

Read our 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 First Look Review 


Triumph Scrambler 900 

Triumph Scrambler 900 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Scrambler 900 

$11,495 

31.1-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2022 Triumph Scrambler 900 First Look Review 


Yamaha TW200 

Yamaha TW200 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha TW200 

$4,899 

31.1-inch seat 

278 lb 

Read our 2017 Yamaha TW200 First Ride Review 


CFMOTO 300NK 

CFMOTO 300NK Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 300NK 

$4,199 

31.2-inch seat 

333 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 300NK First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Scram 411 

Royal Enfield Scram Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Scram 411 

$5,099 

31.3-inch seat 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 First Ride Review 


CFMOTO 700CL-X 

CFMOTO 700CL-X Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 700CL-X 

$6,799 

31.5-inch seat 

432 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X Road Test Review 


CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport 

CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport

CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport 

$7,199 

31.5-inch seat 

432 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition 

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition 

$9,699 

31.5-inch seat 

415 lb 

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition First Look Review 


Kawasaki Z900 

Kawasaki Z900RS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z900 

$9,399 

31.5-inch seat 

468 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Ninja Z900 ABS First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Z650RS 

Kawasaki Z650RS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z650RS 

$9,099 

31.5-inch seat 

412 lb 

Read our 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Himalayan 

Royal Enfield Himalayan Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Himalayan 

$5,449 

31.5-inch seat 

439 lb 

Read our 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Ride Review 


Honda CB300R 

Honda CB300R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB300R 

$5,049 

31.6-inch seat 

316 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda CB300R First Ride Review 


Honda NC750X DCT 

Honda NC750X Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda NC750X DCT 

$9,399 

31.6-inch seat 

493 lb 

Read our 2018 Honda NC750X Road Test Review 


BMW R nineT 

BMW R nineT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

BMW R nineT 

$15,945 

31.7-inch seat 

487 lb 

Read our 2021 BMW R nineT First Look Review 


BMW R nineT Pure 

BMW R nineT Pure Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

BMW R nineT Pure 

$10,995 

31.7-inch seat 

483 lb 

Read our 2017 BMW R nineT Pure Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Z125 PRO 

Kawasaki Z125 PRO Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z125 PRO 

$3,399 

31.7-inch seat 

225 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Z125 PRO First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Classic 350 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Classic 350 

$4,699 

31.7-inch seat 

430 lb 

Read our 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield INT650 

Royal Enfield INT 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield INT650 

$6,149 

31.7-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2019 Royal Enfield INT650 Road Test Review 


Royal Enfield Continental GT 

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Continental GT 

$6,349 

31.7-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT Road Test Review 


Triumph Trident 660 

Triumph Trident 660 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Trident 660 

$8,595 

31.7-inch seat 

417 lb 

Read our 2021 Triumph Trident 660 First Look Review 


Yamaha MT-07 

Yamaha MT-07 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha MT-07 

$8,199 

31.7-inch seat 

406 lb 

Read our 2021 Yamaha MT-07 Road Test Review 


Zero S 

Zero S Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Zero S 

$12,995 

31.8-inch seat 

313 lb 

Read our 2022 Zero S First Look Review 


Ducati SuperSport 950 

Ducati SuperSport 950 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Ducati SuperSport 950 

$14,595 

31.9-inch seat 

405 lb (dry) 


Honda CBR650R 

Honda CBR650R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CBR650R 

$9,899 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Honda CBR650R First Look Review 


Honda CB650R 

Honda CB650R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB650R 

$9,399 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Honda CB650R First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-R750 

Suzuki GSX-R750 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-R750 

$12,849 

31.9-inch seat 

419 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750 First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-R600 

Suzuki GSX-R600 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-R600 

$11,699 

31.9-inch seat 

412 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-R600 First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000 

Suzuki GSX-S1000 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000 

$11,499 

31.9-inch seat 

472 lb 

Read our 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Road Test Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000GT 

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT 

$13,349 

31.9-inch seat 

498 lb 

Read our 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Road Test Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

$14,099 

31.9-inch seat 

498 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-8S 

Suzuki GSX-8S Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-8S 

$8,849 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S First Ride Review 


Triumph Speed Twin 1200 

Triumph Speed Twin 12000 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 

$12,895 

31.9-inch seat 

476 lb 

Read our 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 First Look Review 


Yamaha XSR900 

Yamaha XSR900 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha XSR900 

$10,199 

31.9-inch seat 

425 lb 

Read our 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review 


Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 

$14,999 

32.5-inch seat (optional low seat of 31.9 inches) 

485 lb 

Read our 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Long-Term Review 

The post Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Height 31-31.9 Inches  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Announces Trail 125, Ruckus, Metropolitan, and Montesa Cota for 2023, 2024

2023 Honda Trail 125
2023 Honda Trail 125 in Pearl Organic Green

American Honda has confirmed the return of a handful more of their two-wheel products for the 2023 and 2024 model years. Honda says a diverse range of categories is represented in the announcement, highlighting the company’s commitment to producing “high-quality machines for casual riders, nostalgia-driven customers and niche-focused enthusiasts.” Among the products announced are an upgraded retro-inspired Trail 125 miniMOTO, returning Ruckus and Metropolitan scooters, and two returning Montesa Cota 4RT trials bikes.

Related: Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models

“Each of these models has a rich history and a loyal following, so we’re pleased to continue offering them for our customers,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “From the affordable and user-friendly Trail 125, Ruckus, and Metropolitan to the highly specialized Montesa Cota 4RT models, Honda takes great pride in serving all types of two-wheel enthusiasts, regardless of how they choose to pursue their particular adventure.”

2023 Honda Trail 125

2023 Honda Trail 125 in Pearl Organic Green
2023 Honda Trail 125 in Pearl Organic Green

Inspired by the original Honda CT models of the 1960s, the Trail125 has what Honda says is “an authentic, vintage look, evoking the ‘You Meet the Nicest People On a Honda’ ethos for which the brand has always been known.”

Related: 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS | First Ride Review

The 2023 Trail 125 has a new bore and stroke, contributing to a bigger air-cooled 125cc 4-stroke SOHC Single with a 4-speed no-clutch semi-automatic transmission. It has a 27mm telescopic front fork with 4.3 inches of travel and twin shocks in the rear with 3.4 inches of travel. Braking comes from single hydraulic discs front and back (220mm/190mm front/rear) and front-wheel ABS. The Trail 125 comes standard with a luggage rack, a 1.4-gal. fuel tank, and has a curb weight of 256 lb.

For off-road exploring purposes, the 2023 Trail 125 has three additional teeth on the rear sprocket over the Honda Cub for better hill-climbing ability, upswept intake and exhaust (with a heat shield on the exhaust), 6.5 inches of clearance, a skid plate, and a pair of front brush-guard tubes.  

The 2023 Honda Trail 125 comes in a new Pearl Organic Green color and starts at $3,999.

2024 Honda Ruckus

2024 Honda Ruckus
2024 Honda Ruckus in Beige

The Honda Ruckus, a scooter that Honda says many riders choose to customize to their desired look and application, returns for 2024 with new colors. The scooter still has a liquid-cooled 49cc 4-stroke Single with a carburetor and 1-speed automatic transmission.

2024 Honda Ruckus
2024 Honda Ruckus in Black

The scooter’s exposed frame with plenty of storage space, dual round headlights, and fat tires (120/90-10 front, 130/90-10 rear) give the Ruckus a unique look, and it gets a claimed 114 mpg fuel economy.

The 2024 Honda Ruckus comes in Black and Beige, starting at $2,899.

2024 Honda Metropolitan

2024 Honda Metropolitan
2024 Honda Metropolitan in Blue Metallic

The Honda Metropolitan also returns for 2024. The European-inspired scooter has sleek, rounded bodywork but also comes with utility-focused features such as 22 liters of underseat storage, as well as in-dash storage and a hook for securing a bag.

2024 Honda Metropolitan
2024 Honda Metropolitan in Green Metallic

The Metropolitan has a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 49cc Single with 1-speed automatic transmission. The scooter has cable-actuated drum brakes front and back and a combined braking system that adds front braking when the rear brake is activated.

The 2024 Honda Metropolitan will be available in May in Matte Armored Green Metallic or Blue Metallic starting at $2,649.

2023 Honda Montesa Cota

2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT301RR
2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT301RR in White

Following up on the last season of FIM World Trials competition in which Repsol Honda’s Toni Bou captured his record 32nd world title (16 indoor, 16 outdoor), Honda announced the return of the Montesa Cota 4RT260R (259cc) and the standard 4RT301 and race replica 4RT301RR (298cc), for which Bou reportedly played a significant role in developing.

2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT301
2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT301 in Blue Metallic
2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT260R
2023 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT260R in Red

Designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, Spain — the unofficial capital of trials, and the home of the factory for Montesa (a subsidiary of Honda) — the Cota models offer options for both casual trials riders and those looking to take it to the next level.

The 2023 Montesa Cota 4RT260R has a liquid-cooled 259cc mated to a close-ratio 5-speed transmission and chain final drive.

MSRP/Colors

  • 2023 Montesa Cota 4RT260R: $9,299, Red
  • 2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301: $11,899, Blue Metallic
  • 2023 Montesa Cota 4RT301RR: $11,899, White

The post Honda Announces Trail 125, Ruckus, Metropolitan, and Montesa Cota for 2023, 2024 first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches 

2022 Motorcycle of the Year Honda Navi
2022 Honda Navi. Photo by Drew Ruiz.

Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.  

In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers. 

This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.   

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 


Honda Grom 

Best Motorcycles Honda Grom

Honda Grom 

$3,499  

30.0-inch seat  

223 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review 


Honda Navi 

Best Motorcycles Honda Navi

Honda Navi 

$1,807  

30.0-inch seat  

234 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Navi First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

Best Motorcycles Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

$4,899 

30.1-inch seat  

421 lb 

Read our 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Road Test Review 


Triumph Speed Twin 900 

Best Motorcycles Triumph Speed Twin 900

Triumph Speed Twin 900 

$9,895 

30.1-inch seat  

476 lb

Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin (former name) First Ride Review


BMW G 310 R 

Best Motorcycles BMW G 310 R

BMW G 310 R 

$4,995 

30.9-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.3 inches) 

362 lb  

Read our 2018 BMW G 310 R First Ride Review 


BMW F 900 R 

Best Motorcycles BMW F 900 R

BMW F 900 R 

$8,995 

32-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

465 lb  

Read our 2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR Road Test Review 


BMW F 750 GS 

Best Motorcycles BMW F 750 GS

BMW F 750 GS 

$9,995 

32.1-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

493 lb  

Read our 2019 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS Road Test Review 


Ducati Monster Plus 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Monster Plus

Ducati Monster Plus 

$12,995 

32.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.5 inches and lower suspension to 30.5 inches) 

366 lb dry  

Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review


Honda Monkey 

Best Motorcycles Honda Monkey

Honda Monkey 

$4,249 

30.5-inch seat 

231 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review 


Ducati Scrambler Icon 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Icon

Ducati Scrambler Icon 

$10,995 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

421 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Honda CBR300R 

Best Motorcycles Honda CBR300R

Honda CBR300R 

$4,899 

30.7-inch seat 

354 lb

Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review 


Honda Super Cub C125 

Best Motorcycles Honda Super Cub

Honda Super Cub C125 

$3,849 

30.7-inch seat 

238 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review 


Indian FTR 

Best Motorcycles Indian FTR

Indian FTR 

$13,499 

30.7-inch seat 

514 lb 

Read our 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review


Indian FTR Sport 

Best Motorcycles Indian FTR Sport

Indian FTR Sport 

$15,749 

30.7-inch seat 

522 lb 

Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review 


Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Stone

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

$9,190 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review 


Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

$9,590 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First look Review


Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition

Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

$9,990 

30.7-inch seat 

480 lb

Read our New and Updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review 


Yamaha YZF-R3 

Best Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R3

Yamaha YZF-R3 

$5,499 

30.7-inch seat 

375 lb 

Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review 


Yamaha MT-03 

Best Motorcycles Yamaha MT-03

Yamaha MT-03 

$4,999 

30.7-inch seat 

373 lb 

Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 400 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Ninja 400

Kawasaki Ninja 400 

$5,299 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition

Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

$5,499 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review


Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Z400 ABS

Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

$5,399 

30.9-inch seat 

364 lb 

Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review 


Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

$10,490 

30.9-inch seat 

463 lb 

Read our 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber First Ride Review 


Suzuki SV650 

Best Motorcycles Suzuki SV650 ABS

Suzuki SV650 

$7,399 

30.9-inch seat 

432 lb 

Watch our 2017 Suzuki SV50 Video Review 

The post Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches  first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

A Century of Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 2015-Kawasaki-Ninja-H2-engine-supercharger
The impeller on the Kawasaki Ninja H2 spins up to 130,000 rpm, forcing air into the engine to produce more power. (Photo courtesy Kawasaki)

Contributor Erik Slaven takes us on a ride through a century’s worth of history on supercharged and turbocharged motorcycles, the Wonder Twins of forced induction. –Ed.


As a Kawasaki Z H2 owner, I can assure you that integrated superchargers are no gimmick. My Kawi is by far the fastest bike I’ve owned, and the sportier Ninja H2 is among the fastest street bikes ever produced. The BMW S 1000 RR, Ducati Panigale, and Suzuki Hayabusa show that naturally aspirated motorcycles are still ridiculously fast, but acceleration from the Z H2 feels faster because the engine doesn’t need to be revved out as much.

Kawasaki’s supercharger, which debuted on the H2 R at the 2014 Intermot show, is like an afterburner for the 998cc inline-Four. It helps the engine push out almost 200 hp and over 100 lb-ft of torque on the Z H2, while the Ninja H2 churns out as much as 228 hp and the experts-and-track-ready Ninja H2 R makes upwards of 300 hp.

Related: 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 First Look Review

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 2015-Kawasaki-Ninja-H2-profile-right
2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 (photo courtesy Kawasaki)

Kawasaki reignited interest in superchargers, but the technology has been used on motorcycles for nearly a century. BMW was an early pioneer in the late 1920s, and other manufacturers followed suit prior to World War II. When motorcycle racing resumed in Europe in 1946, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) banned superchargers to reduce injuries and deaths, putting forced induction on the backburner until the late 1970s. Imagine going over 150mph with a supercharged engine on a prewar chassis and tires. Yikes.

The Golden Age of Supercharged Motorcycles

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - BMW WR 750
BMW WR 750 (photo by Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons)

Born from racing, supercharged European motorcycles were the genesis for the evolution of high-performance bikes. American brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian were winning races at home with naturally aspirated engines. BMW started producing motorcycles in 1923, and by the end of the decade, it had developed the WR 750. Powered by a supercharged 4-stroke OHV 750cc boxer Twin, the WR 750 earned BMW a land-speed record at over 134 mph with German racing champion Ernst Henne at the controls.

Related: Riding the Motorcycle Century

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - BMW Type 255 - Source Wikipedia
BMW Type 255 racing at the Isle of Man (photo by Lothar Spurzem, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons)

The WR 750 was impressive but couldn’t overcome English dominance at the time, so the BMW Type 255 Kompressor was the next step. In 1939, Georg Meier won the Senior Tourist Trophy race at the Isle of Man on the Type 255, marking the first time a non-English rider had won since 1907. Using a Swiss-made Zoller supercharger, BMW’s 500cc Boxer produced around 60 hp and averaged 89 mph at the race. Meier won the Belgian motorcycle Grand Prix in 1939 as well, becoming the first rider to exceed 100 mph on a lap. The Type 255 was a bona fide superbike for BMW and demonstrated the significant performance advantages of forced induction.

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - BMW Type 255 - Source Wikipedia
BMW Type 255 (photo courtesy Agljones, via Wikimedia Commons)

Pre-War Grand Prix

Motorcycle racing was all the rage in the 1930s, and superchargers were common for most European teams. The notable holdout was Norton, which held steady with tried-and-true naturally aspirated Singles. British manufacturer AJS developed a supercharged V-4 monster with a high top speed, but it proved unreliable and either overheated or simply broke down during races. It finally won a race in Belgium in 1946, just before the supercharger ban went into effect.

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - AJS V4 - Source Wikipedia
AJS V4 (photo courtesy Oldnoccer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Luxury French manufacturer Brough Superior developed some of the fastest supercharged bikes of the era. In 1937, Eric Fernihough set a record of 169.79 mph with a supercharged 1,000cc J.A.P. engine in his Brough Superior. Pure insanity at the time, and he was killed the following year chasing another record. 

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - Eric Fernihough on Brough Superior JAP100 - Source Brough Superior
Eric Fernihough on Brough Superior JAP100 (photo courtesy Brough Superior)

Today, naturally aspirated bikes can exceed 200 hp and still meet Euro 5 emissions standards, which is an incredible testament to how far design and technology have come. Forced induction might seem like overkill, but nothing exceeds like excess. So, what’s the difference between a supercharger and turbo, anyway?  

Supercharger

A supercharger is mechanical device that forces more air into the engine to produce more power for a given displacement. In a car, a supercharger is often driven by a belt that wraps around a pulley between the drive and compressor gears. In a modern motorcycle like the Kawasaki H2s, a system of gears connected to the flywheel drives the impeller, which is a metal fan used to compress the intake gas. The impeller must spin much faster than the engine to effectively compress the air. Kawasaki’s supercharger uses planetary gears to spin the impeller up to 130,000 rpm and develops up to 20.5 psi boost pressure.

Turbocharger

Whereas a supercharger is driven by the engine, a turbocharger is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. Wind powered, if you will. The exhaust spins an impeller in the turbo housing, which is connected to a second impeller in the compressor housing that forces additional air into the engine. It can take a moment for the exhaust to get the impeller spinning fast, which creates turbo lag. Superchargers, on the other hand, are always “there,” as the engine is continuously powering them. Turbochargers are relatively lag-free today, but it does persist to varying degrees.

The Golden Age of Turbocharged Motorcycles

1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC
1978 Kawasaki Z1R-TC (photo by Clement Salvadori)

Unlike the pre-war era fixation on superchargers, the next wave of two-wheeled forced induction was all about turbos, starting in the late 1970s. The Kawasaki Z1R-TC was the first production turbo motorcycle, kicking off what turned out to be a short-lived craze. It had a 1,000cc inline-Four that was a factory authorized conversion of the standard Z1R bikes. A Rajay turbocharger pushed the Z1R-TC to 130 hp (from 94 hp), which was quite a powerhouse in the late ’70s and extreme enough that buyers had to relinquish the factory warranty. It was a bold decision by Kawasaki at the time. Only 250 were built, as they were expensive and complex, but it got the Japanese industry scrambling.

Related: Kawasaki KZ1000 Z1-R TC (Turbocharged): 1978-1979

1982 Honda CX500T

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 1982 Honda CX500T
1982 Honda CX500T (photo courtesy Honda)

Unlike the Z1R-TC, Honda’s first turbocharged bike was born in the factory, and many consider it the first proper factory turbo. I personally give that accomplishment to Kawasaki, but that’s a battle for another day. The water cooled CX500T had an angled, horizontal V-twin inspired by Moto Guzzi and an early fuel injection system, boosted to 80hp by the turbo. Unfortunately, the bike was plagued with turbo lag, so Honda upgraded to a 650cc variant the following year with the CX650. The increased displacement and modified (and lowered) boost brought the new bike to 100 hp, but turbo lag persisted and the price was just too high. These were short lived and disappeared at the end of 1983.

1982 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 1984 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo
1984 Yamaha XJ650 Turbo (photo courtesy Yamaha)

Yamaha released its own turbo soon after Honda, the 90-hp XJ650 Turbo. It was a heavier touring bike in lieu of something more performance oriented. It also wasn’t a ground-up design but rather based on the older XJ650 Seca with a mediocre chassis, drum brakes, and shaft drive, along with outdated Mikuni carburetors. A choppy throttle, bad turbo lag, and lackluster acceleration killed production after two years. Maintenance issues were also bad, as ambition seemed to exceed what was feasible at the time.

Related: Retrospective: Yamaha XJ650RJ Seca 650: 1982

1983 Suzuki XN85

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles 1983 Suzuki XN85
1983 Suzuki XN85 (photo by Clement Salvadori)

Suzuki’s first turbocharged motorcycle, the XN85 of 1983, was an impressive effort. Like Honda, it was fuel injected, but only oil cooled and pushed out 85 hp. Turbo lag was less than the others, and the chassis was built specifically for the increased power. Like all early turbos, it was complex and expensive to produce, leading to limited production numbers. It did, however, survive for five years, making it the most successful model.

Related: Retrospective: 1983 Suzuki XN85 Turbo

1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles 1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo
1984 Kawasaki GPz750 Turbo (photo courtesy Kawasaki)

Six year after the Z1R-TC, Kawasaki introduced the GPz750 Turbo, aka the ZX750-E Turbo. Unlike earlier Japanese efforts that were abandoned at this point, the GPz750 was the real deal. A proper sportbike design held the 738cc inline-Four, which produced 112 hp and was good for 10.71 seconds in the quarter mile. The existing GPz750 engine was heavily modified, and the turbocharged result was the first middleweight that outperformed early ’80s liter bikes. Kawasaki’s GPz1100 sportbike trailed behind the much smaller GPz750 by 3 hp, proving that turbos were serious contenders and not mere novelties. Style, performance, and reliability made this the first truly marketable turbocharged motorcycle and overshadowed all prior efforts. Alas, it was produced for only two years.

Related: Retrospective: 1984-1985 Kawasaki ZX750-E Turbo

Why Did Turbos Fizzle Out?

In less than 10 years, the turbo craze spread like wildfire among the Big Four Japanese manufacturers and burned itself out. The idea was simple and appealing – use forced induction to extract more power out of middleweight engines. But the reality overpromised and underdelivered. Turbochargers proved to be too complex and expensive, and the payoff wasn’t big enough to make them a viable alternative to larger naturally aspirated engines – at least not at the time.

Let’s Get Boosted!

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - Trask Turbo on Harley-Davidson Road Glide - Source Trask Performance
Trask Performance turbocharger installed on a Harley-Davidson Road Glide (photo courtesy Trask Performance)

After Japanese manufacturers abandoned turbos, adrenaline junkies continued bolting aftermarket ones to their natural breathers. One of the big names in the business is Trask Performance, which produces turbocharged kits for Harleys that can squeeze 300 hp out of big V-Twins. In my mind, such turbo kits make the most sense on 1,200cc Evo Sportsters that are relatively light and nimble, and the result can more than double the stock power and deliver 120 hp at the rear wheel.

Related: Evo Sportster | End of an Era

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - Trask turbo on Evo Sportster - Source Trask Performance
Trask Performance turbocharger installed on a Harley-Davidson Evo Sportster (photo courtesy Trask Performance)

Trask isn’t the only company with turbo kits, and versions are available that can be installed on a wide range of motorcycle types and models. Extreme Creations, RCC, Cobalt, and others offer turbochargers that deliver aircraft carrier catapult-caliber launches. You can also buy supercharger kits from companies like Rotrex, ProCharger, and TTS Performance. And if you’re curious, the answer is yes – installing any of them will void your factory warranty.

Turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa

We can’t review the history of forced induction on motorcycles and overlook a bona fide legend. In 1999, Suzuki introduced the GSX1300R Hayabusa, which won the short-lived top-speed wars of the late ’90s. In stock form, the first-gen 173-hp Hayabusa nearly broke the elusive 200 mph barrier. The second-gen ’Busa got bumped up to 1,340cc and 194 hp, but by then, the OEMs had agreed to impose an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph (300 kph) on its production motorcycles.

Related: 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa | Road Test Review

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - Bill Warner Turbo Suzuki Hayabusa
Bill Warner riding his record-setting turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa

But with some electronic sleight of hand – and a big ol’ turbo – the Hayabusa’s true potential could be unleashed. In 2011, Bill Warner set a motorcycle land-speed record of 311 mph on a streamlined and turbocharged ‘Busa. Add nitrous to the mix, and things just get insane. In 2018, a 1,000-hp ’Busa hit 258.54 mph within 1 mile from a standing start at a Straightliners top-speed event in Yorkshire, U.K.

Kawasaki Ninja H2

In 2014, we came full circle when Kawasaki introduced the Ninja H2, a factory supercharged sportbike. Over 75 years after superchargers disappeared from European racebikes, Kawasaki resurrected the concept with the most successful lineup of forced-induction motorcycles in modern history. The name comes from Kawasaki’s ’70s-era H2 models powered by 750cc 2-stroke Triples. The 1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV, the fastest bike of its day, was known as “the widow maker,” as the chassis and overall design weren’t suited for so much power.

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - 1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV
1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV (photo courtesy Kawasaki)

The 2014 Ninja H2 has a 998cc inline-Four with a centrifugal supercharger developed entirely in-house at Kawasaki. The manufacturer had intended to outsource the supercharger, but those plans ultimately called for a bulky intercooler, so Kawasaki brought it under its own roof. The result was an independent and compact unit that boosts a growing H2 portfolio with four bikes in the current lineup: Ninja H2, Ninja H2 R, Ninja H2 SX, and Z H2.

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles 2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2
2015 Kawasaki Ninja H2 (photo courtesy Kawasaki)

The Ninja H2 and up-spec Ninja H2 Carbon produce a claimed 228 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque, while the track-only H2 R raises the bar considerably with 326 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. The H2 R is currently the fastest production motorcycle of all time, but it is not street legal. The standard Ninja H2 is heavier than many sportbikes (around 525 lb wet) and won’t handle a track as well as purpose-built machines, but the intensity of acceleration and still competent performance make it one the craziest rides you can buy. With a starting price of $31,500, it’s definitely spendy, but it’s a relative bargain compared to the $56,000 H2 R.

Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles - Erik Slaven Kawasaki Z H2
Erik Slaven’s Kawasaki Z H2 (photo by the author)

The Ninja H2 SX and Z H2 represent the second-generation of H2 engines, tuned for more real-world conditions with 197 hp and 101 lb-ft of torque. The H2 SX is a sport-touring sportbike with a wet weight over 600 lb, but it still accelerates like a rabid cheetah without having to rev it out.

Related: 2018 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE | Road Test Review

Introduced for 2020, the Z H2 naked bike is the newest model in the H2 lineup, and it’s also the most affordable at $18,500, providing the magic of Kawasaki’s supercharger at a more reasonable price undercutting. It’s not a serious track performer, but it’s not meant to be. It’s a streetbike though and through, and it’s about as fun as it gets with an upright position offering all-day comfort. The up-spec Z H2 SE ($21,700) is equipped with Kawasaki’s Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) and upgraded Brembo calipers, but the core experience is there with the standard model.

Practical Insanity

It’s a bit strange calling a supercharged motorcycle practical, but the Z H2 proves that forced induction can be both affordable and reliable. It certainly qualifies as an everyday bike and is genuinely easy to live with, unlike some high-strung competitors. I don’t know what sorcery went into the supercharger’s design, but Kawasaki nailed it, and a distinctive chirp at deceleration reminds you that you’re riding something special. Supposedly it’s caused by the impeller breaking the sound barrier. We’d like to see a return to the ’80s-era concept of adding forced induction to a middleweight. How cool would it be to see a supercharged version of the Z650, Ninja ZX-6R, or the new Ninja ZX-4RR? Sometimes it’s good when history repeats itself.

The post A Century of Supercharged and Turbocharged Motorcycles first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models

2023 Honda CB1000R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB1000R in Black (non-U.S. model)

In addition to previous announcements from Honda about new and returning models for 2023, including the all-new 2023 Rebel 1100T DCT “bagger” model, the company recently confirmed the return of eight motorcycle models across the sport, standard, adventure, dual-sport, and cruiser categories.

Related: 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT and Returning Models | First Look Review

The eight returning models include the CBR650R and CBR500R sportbikes; the CB1000R, CB650R, and CB500F naked bikes; the CB500X adventure bike; the XR650L dual-sport; and the Fury cruiser. Honda says that taken as a whole, the group highlights the diversity of the company’s motorcycle offerings.

2023 Honda CB1000R

2023 Honda CB1000R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB1000R in Black (non-U.S. model)

Honda says the CB1000R “touts both flair and function.” The bike features a 998cc DOHC four-cylinder engine, throttle-by-wire, three-level adjustable quickshifter, four ride modes (Standard, Rain, Sport, and User), and three levels of Engine Power (P), Engine Brake (EB), and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

Related: 2018 Honda CB1000R | Road Test Review

The 2023 Honda CB1000R has a 32.7-inch seat height, adjustable Showa suspension, dual 310mm floating discs and 4-piston calipers up front matched to a 2-piston caliper and 256mm disc in the rear, and two-channel ABS. It has a 4.3-gal fuel tank, and curb weight is a claimed 470 lb. 

The 2023 Honda CB1000R will come in Black and be available in February starting at $12,999.

2023 Honda CBR650R

2023 Honda CBR650R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red (non-U.S. model)

The 2023 Honda CBR650R sportbike has a 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-Four that Honda says has been tuned to deliver good power above 10,000 rpm, with peak power arriving at 12,000 rpm and peak torque delivered at 8,500.

The bike has a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that can be turned off should the rider choose. It features a 31.9-inch seat height and adjustable Showa suspension. Four-piston radial-mount front brake calipers work on 310mm floating discs and are paired with a single-piston rear caliper and 240mm discs. Two-channel ABS is standard. It has a 4.1-gal fuel tank and 456-lb curb weight.

The 2023 Honda CBR650 will come in Grand Prix Red and be available in February starting at $9,899.

2023 Honda CB650R

2023 Honda CB650R non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB650R in Matte Gray Metallic (non-U.S. model)

Honda says the 2023 Honda CB650R middleweight naked bike has excellent emissions performance, stylish aesthetics, and comfortable ergonomics, making it “ideally suited for everything from daily commutes to weekend outings on canyon backroads.”

Related: 2019 Honda CB650R vs. Kawasaki W800 Cafe vs. Suzuki SV650X | Comparison Review

Like it’s CBR650R stablemate, the CB650R has a 649cc DOHC 16-valve inline-Four mated to a 6-speed gearbox, slip/assist clutch, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), as well as the same adjustable Showa suspension and stopping power. It has a 4.1-gal fuel tank and 445-lb claimed curb weight.

From an ergonomic standpoint, a 21.9-inch tapered handlebar is set forward and positioned to offer a “sporty yet comfortable” riding position, as is the foot-peg position. Seat height is 31.9 inches. The 2023 Honda CB650R comes in Matte Gray Metallic starting at $9,399.

2023 Honda CBR500R

2023 Honda CBR500R Grand-Prix-Red non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red (non-U.S. model)

Whether you’re a beginning looking for your first bike or a veteran rider looking for a fun ride, Honda says the 2023 CBR500R, originally launched in 2013, offers “the excitement of a sportbike in a smaller package.”

The light-middleweight sportbike has an 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin with crankshaft pins phased in at 180 degrees, working together to create what Honda says is good low-to-midrange power and torque in the 3,000 to 7,000 rpm range.

2023 Honda CBR500R Sword-Silver-Metallic non-U.S.
2023 Honda CBR500R in Sword Silver Metallic (non-U.S. model)

The CBR500R features a Showa SFF-BP fork and an adjustable ProLink single-tube shock absorber found on larger-capacity sport bikes. Braking is provided by dual 296mm petal-style discs and radial-mounted Nissin two-piston calipers in the front and a single-piston caliper and 240mm petal-style disc in the rear. It has a 4.5-gal tank and 423-lb curb weight.

The CBR500R has straight, wedge-like feature lines and extended lower fairings, and the rider’s seat pad and seat unit – plus the upper and side fairings – are narrow to improve ergonomics and movement. The 2023 Honda CBR500R comes in Grand Prix Red and Sword Silver Metallic and will be available summer 2023 starting at $7,299.

2023 Honda CB500F

2023 Honda CB500F non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB500F in Matte Gray Metallic (non-U.S. model)

Similar to the CBR500R, the CB500F naked bike was also launched in 2013 and features an 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin and crankshaft pins firing at 180 degrees. It also shares the suspension and braking power of its stablemate.

However, Honda says the naked form of the CB500F “exudes aggression.”

“Led by the sharply chiseled headlight with extra-powerful LEDs, the machine’s stance is low-set and ready for action,” Honda states, adding that the side shrouds interlock with the fuel tank and “fully emphasize the engine, while the side covers and seat unit continue the theme of muscular angularity.” The compact front fender is drawn directly from the CB650R.

Related: 2017 Honda CB500F | First Ride Review

The 2023 Honda CB500F has a 4.5-gal fuel tank, and the lack of fairings shave the curb weight down to 416 lb. It will be available in February in Matte Gray Metallic starting at $6,799.

2023 Honda CB500X

2023 Honda CB500X non-U.S.
2023 Honda CB500X in Pearl Organic Green (non-U.S. model)

Rounding out Honda’s light-middleweight family featuring the 8-valve 471cc parallel-Twin, the CB500X was also introduced in 2013. A 2016 upgrade included a larger fuel tank and more wind protection via an adjustable screen (56.9 inches and 55.5 inches). The bike also gained LED lighting, a spring preload-adjustable fork and an adjustable brake lever. Another evolution happened in 2019, with a switch to a 19-inch front wheel (from 17 inches) and longer travel suspension. The CB500X received additional improvements for the 2022 model year and is back for 2023.

Related: 2019 Honda CB500X | First Ride Review

Related: National Cycle Extreme Adventure Gear for Honda CB500X

The 2023 Honda CB500X will come in Pearl Organic Green and will be available in February starting at $7,299.

2023 Honda XR650L

2023 Honda XR650L
2023 Honda XR650L in White.

Honda says that with its Baja heritage, the XR650L continues to be a hit with dual-sport customers, as it “opens doors to adventure on single-track trails, dirt roads and backroads, while also delivering capable and affordable transportation in the city.”

The XR650L has a 644cc SOHC four-stroke engine, Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC), and 42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor. It has a Pro-Link Showa single-shock in the rear with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability, and 11.0-inch travel rear shock, and in the front is a 43mm Showa fork featuring 16-position compression damping adjustability. 

It has a 21-inch front wheel, an 18-inch rear wheel, a 37-inch seat height, and 13 inches of ground clearance. With a topped off 2.8-gal fuel tank, all standard equipment, and fluids, it comes in at a curb weight of 346 lb.

The 2023 Honda XR650L is now available in White starting at $6,999.

2023 Honda Fury

2023 Honda Fury
2023 Honda Fury in Pearl Yellow.

The 2023 Honda Fury represents Honda’s cruising chopper-style design and features a liquid-cooled 1,312 52-degree V-Twin with a single-pin crankshaft and three-valve dual-plug combustion chamber. It has adjustable front and rear suspension, a 336mm disc with a twin-piston caliper up front, and 296mm disc with single-piston caliper in the rear. ABS is standard. With a 32-degree rake, hard-tail styling, and 26.9-inch seat height, Honda calls the Fury a “rolling work of art.”

Related: Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights Under 30 Inches

The 2023 Honda Fury is now available in Pearl Yellow starting at $11,499.

For more information, visit the Honda website.

The post Honda Announces More 2023 Returning Models first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Small Motorcycles with Seat Heights Under 30 Inches

2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S Best Small Motorcycles

Choices for smaller, affordable motorcycles are growing, and that’s good news for riders looking for a fun bike that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re new to riding and want something easy to handle or an experienced rider looking for a lighter or shorter bike, you have more options now than ever when it comes to finding the best small motorcycles! 

Below is Rider’s 2022-2023 list of Best Small Motorcycles, an update of the popular post from 2019. Our new list includes motorcycles with seat heights up to 30 inches with an MSRP of $17,000 or less. 

We’ve also curated lists of the best bikes with seat heights between 30.0 and 30.9 inches, as well as a list of bikes with seat heights between 31.0 and 31.9 inches. We’ll include links to those lists soon. 

When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride reviews so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022-2023 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), seat height, and claimed wet or dry weight. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.  

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 


Can-Am Ryker 

Can Am Ryker Best Small Motorcycles

Can-Am Ryker 

$8,999 

23.6-inch seat height

594 lb dry 

Read our 2019 Can-Am Ryker First Ride Review


Indian Scout Bobber Sixty 

Indian Scout Bobber Sixty Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout Bobber Sixty 

$10,749 

25.6-inch seat height 

548 lb 


Indian Scout Rogue Sixty 

Indian Scout Rogue Sixty Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout Rogue Sixty 

$11,249 

25.6-inch seat height 

540 lb 

Read our 2022 Indian Scout Rogue First Ride Review 


Indian Scout Sixty 

Indian Scout Sixty Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout Sixty 

$11,749 

25.6-inch seat height 

543 lb 

Read our 2016 Indian Scout Sixty Road Test Review 


Indian Scout Bobber 

Indian Scout Bobber Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout Bobber 

$12,249 

25.6-inch seat height 

553 lb 

Read our 2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review 


Indian Scout 

Indian Scout Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout 

$13,249 

25.6-inch seat height 

561 lb 

Read our 2019 Indian Scout Tour Test Review 


Indian Scout Bobber Twenty 

Indian Scout Bobber Twenty Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Scout Bobber Twenty 

$13,249 

25.6-inch seat height 

563 lb 


Harley-Davidson Iron 883 

Harley-Davidson Iron 883 Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Iron 883 

(2022 is the final year for this model) 

$11,249 

25.7-inch seat height 

564 lb 


Harley-Davidson Softail Standard 

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Softail Standard 

$14,399 

25.8-inch seat height 

655 lb 


Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 

Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 

$16,599 

25.8-inch seat height 

631 lb 


Honda Shadow Phantom 

2023 Honda Shadow Phantom

Honda Shadow Phantom 

$7,999 

25.8-inch seat height 

549 lb 

Read our 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Road Test Review 


Honda Shadow Aero 

2023 Honda Shadow Aero

Honda Shadow Aero 

$7,799 

25.9-inch seat height 

560 lb 

Read our 2013 Honda Shadow Aero Review 


Indian Chief 

Indian Chief Best Small Motorcycles

Indian Chief 

$14,999 

26-inch seat height 

670 lb 


Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight 

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight 

(2022 is the final year for this model) 

$12,299 

26.2-inch seat height 

556 lb 


Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Best Small Motorcycles

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic 

$8,999 

26.8-inch seat height 

620 lb 

Read our 2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Review


Honda Fury 

Honda Fury Best Small Motorcycles

Honda Fury 

$11,449 

26.9-inch seat height 

663 lb 

Read our 2010 Honda VT13VX Fury Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Best Small Motorcycles

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 

$9,499 

27-inch seat height 

611 lb 


Yamaha V Star 250 

Yamaha V Star 250 Best Small Motorcycles

Yamaha V Star 250 

$4,699 

27-inch seat height 

324 lb 

Read more about the V Star 250 in our 2008 Motorcycle Fuel Economy Comparison Review


Harley-Davidson Nightster 

Harley-Davidson Nightster Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Nightster 

$13,499 

27.1-inch seat height 

481 lb 

Read our 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster First Ride Review 


BMW R 18 

2023 BMW R 18 in Mineral Motorcycles

BMW R 18 

$14,995 

27.2-inch seat height 

761 lb 

Read our 2021 BMW R 18 First Edition Road Test Review


Honda Rebel 500 

2023 Honda Rebel 500

Honda Rebel 500 

$6,449 

27.2-inch seat height 

408 lb 

Read our 2020 Honda Rebel 500 ABS Road Test Review 


Honda Rebel 300

2023 Honda Rebel 300

Honda Rebel 300 

$4,749 

27.2-inch seat height 

364 lb 


Triumph Bonneville Bobber 

Triumph Bonneville Bobber Best Small Motorcycles

Triumph Bonneville Bobber 

$13,495 

27.6-inch seat height (optional lower seat of 27.2 inches) 

553 lb 

Read our 2017 Triumph Bonneville Bobber First Ride Review 


Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec Best Small Motorcycles

Yamaha Bolt R-Spec 

$8,899 

27.2-inch seat height 

542 lb 


 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT 

2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT

Honda Rebel 1100T DCT 

$11,299 

27.5-inch seat height 

524 lb 

Read our 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT First Look Review 


Honda Rebel 1100 

2023 Honda Rebel 1100

Honda Rebel 1100 

$9,499 

27.5-inch seat height 

487 lb 

Read our 2021 Honda Rebel 1100 First Ride Review 


Suzuki Boulevard C50 

Suzuki Boulevard C50 Best Small Motorcycles

Suzuki Boulevard C50 

$8,609 

27.6-inch seat height 

611 lb 


Suzuki Boulevard C50T 

Suzuki Boulevard C50T Best Small Motorcycles

Suzuki Boulevard C50T 

$10,059 

27.6-inch seat height 

644 lb 

Read our 2007 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Vulcan S 

Kawasaki Vulcan S Best Small Motorcycles

Kawasaki Vulcan S 

$7,349 

27.8-inch seat height 

492 lb 

Read our 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe

Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe Best Small Motorcycles

Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe 

$8,099 

27.8-inch seat height 

496 lb 

Read our 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S Cafe Road Test Review 


Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 

2023 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster in Jet Black and Fusion White

Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 

$13,495 

27.8-inch seat height 

580 lb 

Read our 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster First Ride Review


Harley-Davidson Sportster S 

Harley-Davidson Sportster S Best Small Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson Sportster S 

$16,399 

28.9-inch seat height 

502 lb 

Read our 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S First Ride Review 

The post Best Small Motorcycles with Seat Heights Under 30 Inches first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com