2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 ABS in Metallic Bright Silver / Metallic Matte Lime Green / Ebony
Kawasaki has announced more new and updated models for 2024, including two all-new electric motorcycles – the Ninja e-1 ABS and Z e-1 ABS. The retro Z650RS ABS has been updated, and the Ninja ZX-4R ABS and Ninja ZX-4RR ABS join Kawasaki’s small-displacement sportbike lineup.
20224 Kawasaki Z e-1 ABS (left) and 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 ABS (right)
The all-new 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 ABS and Z e-1 ABS are all about convenience and urban commuting. They’re powered by a 5.0kW electric motor, which generates a claimed 29.7 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 55 mph. They come with two lithium-ion battery packs with a range of 41 miles and a 0-100% charge time of 3.7 hours. The removable batteries can be charged either on or off the bike.
The Ninja e-1 and Z e-1 are both powered by a 5.0kW electric motor.
Thanks to electric power, these bikes are quiet to run, have none of the vibrations and emissions of gas-powered motorcycles, and have no clutch or gears.
Two battery packs are located in the fuel tank area and can be removed for easier charging.
The Ninja e-1 ABS and Z e-1 ABS ride on a trellis frame and have a 41mm fork, a Uni-Trak shock with adjustable spring preload, and single 290mm discs with dual-piston calipers front and rear. The seat height on both is 30.9 inches. The Ninja e-1 weighs in at 308.7 lb, and the Z e-1 weighs 297.7 lb. In terms of styling and ergonomics, the Ninja e-1 adopts sporty Ninja styling, while the Ninja Z e-1 resembles the Z family.
These electric motorcycles come with TFT instrumentation, two ride modes, a Walk mode, and the e-boost function.
In addition to Road and Eco ride modes, these two new electric motorcycles also come with an e-boost function to tap into extra power as well as a Walk mode with reverse that will help riders maneuver the bike at a walking pace. They also feature TFT instrumentation with smartphone connectivity and a 4.9-liter storage box in the space normally used for a fuel tank.
2024 Kawasaki Z e-1 ABS in Metallic Bright Silver / Metallic Matte Lime Green / Ebony
Both bikes come in a Metallic Bright Silver / Metallic Matte Lime Green / Ebony colorway. The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja e-1 ABS has an MSRP of $7,599, while the 2024 Kawasaki Z e-1 ABS is priced at $7,299. Both are available for purchase starting October 3, 2023.
2024 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS
The retro-styled Kawasaki Z650RS ABS returns with a 649cc parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, a trellis frame, a telescopic front fork, a horizontal back-link rear shock, standard ABS, LCD dual-dial instrumentation, and an LED headlight.
For 2024, the model has been updated with the addition of Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC), a system that looks at several parameters to adjust TC and allows riders to choose between two modes. Mode 1 is the least intrusive and helps acceleration out of corners for maximum drive from the rear wheel. Mode 2 provides earlier traction control intervention and is helpful while riding on wet roads. Riders can also choose to turn KTRC off altogether.
The 2024 Kawasaki Z650RS ABS is available in Ebony / Metallic Matte Carbon Grey for $9,599.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS and Ninja ZX-4RR ABS
The 2023 Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition was announced in February and features a unique 399cc inline-Four that can rev out to 16,000 rpm. We got to test the ZX-4RR at Thunderhill Raceway and had a blast revving the little screamer and throwing it around the track. For 2024, Kawasaki is adding the Ninja ZX-4R ABS and Ninja ZX-4RR ABS to the lineup.
Like the ZX-4RR, both models feature a trellis frame and dual 290mm front brake discs. Technology includes a 4.3-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. The ZX-4R has a 37mm Showa SFF-BP fork and Showa shock adjustable for spring preload, and ZX-4RR version adds dual-direction Kawasaki Quick Shifter, a higher-grade Showa fork with adjustable spring preload, and a Showa BFRC Lite shock.
We tested the 2023 Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition at Thunderhill Raceway earlier this year. Photo by Kevin Wing.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R ABS comes in Metallic Spark Black for $9,399. The up-spec 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR ABS is available in the same color for $9,899, and the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition ABS comes in Lime Green / Ebony for $10,099.
Team Green unleashed its updated ZX-6R for a thrashing at Ridge Motorsports Park. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
The 600cc sportbike category was the most hotly contested class in motorcycling during the 1990s and into the mid-2000s, with completely redesigned models every four years and significant updates every two.
But markets have veered toward adventure bikes and street roadsters, causing the middleweight sportbike class to languish in recent years. Honda and Suzuki haven’t performed any mechanical upgrades to their CBR600RR and GSX-R600 in several years, and Yamaha sells its YZF-R6 only as a racebike. High-revving 4-cylinder engines have been largely supplanted by humble twin‐cylinder powerplants that are compact and cheaper to build – but a lot less exciting.
The 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R revives the appeal offered by middleweight sportbikes with slick new styling and other desirable updates. It breathes new life into the class and reminds us that middleweights are perhaps the most balanced sportbikes on the market.
The 6R gets a fresh face for the 2024 model year, with a beguiling new nose graced with LED lighting elements. Instrumentation is provided by a new 4.3‐inch TFT panel which provides access to integrated ride modes and smartphone connectivity.
The ZX-6R gets fresh clothes for 2024, including a new nose with sharp LED lighting and new interwoven fairings with integrated front turnsignals. Most every metal component has been treated to a black finish, with the silver muffler cap, footrests, and heel plate among the few bright spots.
The 636cc engine receives updates to meet the latest emissions regulations, including revised camshaft profiles with mildly reduced lift and duration, a new intake funnel design intended to increase lower‐rpm power, and a fresh exhaust system. Most other mechanical components on the 6R are unchanged.
The midsize Ninja retains the former model’s Kawasaki TRaction Control, a quickshifter, and ride modes, but the systems don’t receive the enhancement of an IMU that would inform traction control and braking – there’s no lean‐sensitive TC or cornering ABS.
New to the ZX-6R is a 4.3-inch TFT display that’s adjustable for brightness and background colors (black or white), and it provides a shift light, fuel gauge, fuel range, coolant temperature, clock, and current and average fuel economy. It can also be linked via Bluetooth to Kawasaki’s Rideology app that logs speed, rpm, and gear positions along your ride.
Ergonomics remain unchanged, described by Kawi as “naturally aggressive.” The clutch lever is adjustable over a five-position range, while the front brake lever has six.
One of the many entertaining twists and turns of the undulating Ridge Motorsports Park near Olympia, Washington.
Ridge Romp on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
Sportbikes are generally used for canyon strafing and other mundane street duties, but testing their ultimate capabilities deserves time on a racetrack. Kawasaki invited us to sample the 6R at the wonderfully hilly Ridge Motorsports Park near Olympia, Washington. The 2.47-mile circuit is quite technical with several blind hillcrests, offering a terrific playground for a middleweight sportbike.
Scouting for apexes is easy when aboard the capable and cooperative ZX-6R.
Heading out onto an entirely unfamiliar track creates anxiety, but the ZX-6R reminded me why middleweights are the Goldilocks of sportbikes. The aluminum‐framed chassis inspires confidence to accurately set and then reset lean angles as your pace increases. Steering response is lively but without any hints of instability, and the fully adjustable suspension was up to the task of controlling the chassis even at deep lean angles.
The 6R thrills without being overwhelming. Note the new layered front cowl with mini winglets.
Engines in new bikes almost always have more power than previous versions, but that’s not the case here. The 6R’s top‐end lunge has been somewhat muted by the emissions‐related mods, which is a bit disappointing. Regardless, plenty of power remains on tap to scream its way around a racetrack, and the improved midrange grunt should translate into a better powerband for street use.
The ZX-6R readily complies with rider inputs, making for a willing accomplice at trackdays or on twisty roads.
A slip/assist clutch mated to a cooperative gearbox eases gearshifts, but the quickshifter doesn’t swap gears with the expediency of some other systems and lacks an auto-blipping downshift function. Braking is similarly satisfactory, with a radial-pump master cylinder actuating monoblock 4-piston calipers on 310mm rotors up front that have lost their petal-shaped edges. The ABS system is updated to the latest Bosch 9.3MP unit, but it exacts a $1,000 premium over the base model and wasn’t tested at the track.
This view provides a glimpse of the 6R’s new exhaust system, with the catalyzer below the Kawasaki badge, followed by a pre-chamber ahead of the rear wheel that helps minimize the size of the muffler.
The electronic systems include traction control and a choice of two power modes. Three-level traction control relies on wheel-speed sensors to adapt to available grip at varying speeds and throttle positions, and it can be switched off if you wish to ride unfettered.
We rode on super-sticky Pirelli SC1 slicks at the track, but the 6R is equipped with Pirelli Diablo Rosso lV tires. Its 120/70-17 front tire is slightly less triangulated to offer a broader contact patch at its edges.
Checkered Flag
While the ZX-6R doesn’t offer a great leap forward in performance, it is an incredibly well-balanced machine for unwinding twisty roads and racetracks. It has enough power to excite but not overwhelm, and it’s more attractive than ever.
Priced at $11,299 (or $12,299 with ABS), the ZX‐6R makes a renewed case for the viability of the middleweight sportbike class. A fresh set of attractive clothes makes the deal even sweeter.
Riding the newest Ninja is so fun that you’ll want to keep riding even after sundown.
CFMOTO has announced some changes to its 2024 motorcycle lineup. The CFMOTO 800NK naked sportbike joins CFMOTO’s Ibex 800 S and T adventure bikes in the middleweight class. The 450NK is another new naked sportbike that joins the 450SS, and the Papio minibike lineup now includes two models, the Papio CL and Papio SS.
Models returning for 2024 include the 300NK, 300SS, 700CL-X, and 700CL-X Sport. The 650NK naked bike and 650 ADVentura street-adventure bike have been dropped from the lineup.
Similar to its adventure bike stablemates, the new CFMOTO 800NK features a liquid-cooled 799cc parallel-Twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder that makes a claimed 100 hp at 9,500 rpm and 60 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. This is a previous-gen version of the KTM 790 engine that CFMOTO builds under a partnership agreement. The 800NK has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, and a slip/assist clutch. The 800NK adds a Street ride mode in addition to the Sport and Rain modes found on the Ibex 800 models. All three models have cruise control, but the Ibex 800 T is the only model that features a quickshifter.
The 800NK has fully adjustable KYB suspension, with an inverted fork and single shock, and for stopping power, all 800 models have J.Juan components, with radial-mount 4-piston calipers biting dual 320mm discs up front and a 2-piston floating caliper pinching a single 260mm disc in the rear. ABS is standard.
The naked sportbike rides on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a 57.8-inch wheelbase. Seat height is 31.5 inches, and with a 4-gal. fuel tank, the bike comes in with a curb weight of 417 lb.
The 800NK has full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth compatibility and device pairing via the CFMOTO Ride App.
The 2024 CFMOTO 800NK will come in Nebula Black or Zircon White starting at $8,499.
2024 CFMOTO 450NK
When we tested the 2023 CFMOTO 450SS in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina, our reviewer said the bike “proved a trustworthy steed that allowed me to work on my cornering skills with a confidence-inspiring ride.” For 2024, CFMOTO has released the naked sportbike version of the platform, which features the same liquid-cooled 449cc parallel-Twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder and a 270 crank, all working together for a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch.
Both the 450NK and 450SS also share the same suspension, with an inverted fork and multi-link rear suspension, but for stopping power, the 450NK uses J.Juan components while the 450SS uses Brembo M40 front calipers. However, other braking specs are the same, with a 4-piston front caliper biting a 320mm disc and a single-piston floating caliper and 270mm disc in the rear. ABS is standard on both bikes.
Both bikes ride on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. CFMOTO hasn’t specified the tires on the 2024 450SS – the 2023 model was shod with CST Adreno HS AS5 tires – but the 450NK has Maxxis Supermaxx ST tires.
The 450NK comes in with a slightly longer wheelbase than the SS (53.9 inches vs. 53.5), a slightly higher seat height (31.3 inches vs. 31.0), and at a trim 364 lb, it’s 6 pounds lighter than the SS.
Both bikes have full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth compatibility and device pairing via the CFMOTO Ride App.
Both 2024 CFMOTO 450 models come in Nebula White, but the second option for the 450NK is Zephyr Blue, as opposed to Zircon Black for the 450SS. The 450NK starts at $5,399, and the 450SS starts at $5,699.
2024 Papio CL and SS
The CFMOTO Papio takes its name from the genus that includes baboons, and when our reviewer tested out a 2022 Papio at a CFMOTO launch in Minneapolis, he said the ride indeed was like a barrel of monkeys.
For 2024, CFMOTO now offers two Papio models that will appeal to different buyers. CFMOTO says the Papio CL has “scrambler roots” and is more geared toward playing the dirt, while the Papio SS has a retro racing look.
2024 CFMOTO Papio CL
Both bikes feature an air-cooled fuel-injected 126cc Single making 9.4 hp, but the peak comes a little sooner than the 2023 model (8,250 rpm vs. 8,500), and the torque is slightly higher at 6.8 lb-ft compared to 6.5 lb-ft on the 2023 model. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, which is a unique feature in this segment.
2024 CFMOTO Papio SS
Suspension is still provided by an inverted telescopic fork (with lower covers on the CL for extra protection) and a central monoshock, and braking still comes from a 2-piston caliper and 210mm disc up front with a single-piston caliper and 190mm disc in the back. ABS is standard on both models.
2024 CFMOTO Papio SS
Both bikes roll on 12-inch three-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, with the CL tires sporting a more chunky tread pattern than the SS. The CL also has a higher handlebar and lower footpegs to suit its purpose, while the SS has clip-on handlebars, a quarter fairing, and a lower belly pan. The sharper beak on the previous Papio has been softened for 2024 and now features dual round LED headlights.
2024 CFMOTO Papio CL
Seat height has dropped a half-inch from the previous Papio, down to 30 inches on both 2024 models, and while the fuel tank capacity is one-tenth of a gallon less at 1.8 gal, the curb weight still comes in at 251 lb. The 2024 Papio CL comes in Nebula Black or Galaxy Grey starting at $3,299, and the Papio SS comes in Magma Red, Nebula White, or Moss Green, also at $3,299.
Triumph recently unveiled two models in its 2024 Scrambler lineup: the new Triumph Scrambler 1200 X, which will replace the outgoing 1200 XC and is a bike the company is touting as more accessible in terms of both functionality and cost, and an updated Scrambler 1200 XE.
Both Scramblers feature the same liquid-cooled 1,200cc parallel-Twin with SOHC and a 270-degree crankshaft. Triumph says peak power and torque now arrive slightly earlier in the rev range than previous models, with a claimed 89 hp at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 81 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. A new single 50mm throttle body and revised exhaust headers deliver improved flow and a broader spread of torque through the upper rev range, from 5,000 rpm through to the redline. At the unveiling of the bikes, Alastair Fairgrieve, Triumph’s global product marketing manager, said the revisions to the header also reduce heat to the rider, “in addition to the significant improvements already introduced in that area in 2021.”
Both bikes have throttle-by-wire, a 6-speed gearbox, and a slip/assist clutch. Riders can choose between five ride modes – Sport, Road, Rain, Off-Road, and Rider Configurable – with the XE offering an additional Off-Road Pro mode.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X
For suspension, Triumph has moved away from the Showa and Öhlins suspension and is now using Marzocchi components on both bikes. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 X features a road-biased 45mm inverted fork and preload-adjustable twin rear shocks with piggy-back reservoirs. Travel is 6.7 inches front and back, down from 7.9 inches on the outgoing XC. The 1200 XE has a more off-road focused setup, with fully adjustable components front and back, including more compression and rebound increments, and offering 9.8 inches of travel.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
Triumph’s Tiger 900 models also use Marzocchi, and Fairgrieve called the company “the go-to guys,” adding that Triumph was “really confident that they could deliver a great setup.”
Stuart Wood, Triumph’s chief engineer, echoed this sentiment later during the unveiling. “We had a really good experience working with Marzocchi on the Tiger 900s,” he said, adding that Triumph was similarly pleased with the outcome on the Scrambler 1200s. “The benefit is 100% for the rider and the owner in terms of value. It’s helping us maintain that price point.”
Beyond making the bikes accessible from a pricing standpoint – the Triumph Scrambler 1200 X is priced $1,150 less than the outgoing XC – another area where Triumph representatives said they received considerable customer feedback is in the area of seat height. While the XC had a 33.1-inch seat height, the new Scrambler 1200 X drops it almost an inch to 32.3 inches – or 31.3 inches with the accessory low seat.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X
Wood said this is a tradeoff for suspension travel on the X, but when combined with the XE, which has a 34.3-inch seat height, it actually creates more options.
“Somewhere between the ground, the footpegs, and the love of suspension travel, you get the seat height,” he said. “So now we’ve got choice, and that’s what it’s all about. It broadens that choice, and more people can choose to get involved [in riding].”
Fairgrieve added that it creates a “really nice walk across the range.”
“We start down at the 400 X in the scramble range, move up to the 900, and then we’ve got a really nice ladder up to the full 1200 low seat height [on the X] and then the XE if you really want to go off-road have fun.”
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
When it comes to stopping power, the XE boasts twin Brembo Stylema radial monoblock 4-piston front calipers clamping down on 320mm floating discs. The X has two 310mm discs and 2-piston axial calipers. Both bikes have a single-piston rear caliper and 255mm disc, as well as cornering ABS (switchable on the XE) and switchable cornering traction control.
2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X
Both bikes share the same tubular steel frame, as well as side-laced stainless steel wire-spoked wheels (21 inches in front, 17 in the rear) with aluminum rims shod with tubeless Metzeler tires: road-focused, dual-purpose Karoo Street on the X and Metzeler Tourance on the XE.
Some key ergonomic differences include different handlebar designs, with the XE measuring 2.56 inches wider than the X. The XE also has reversible risers as well a removable spacer for a 0.39-inch height adjustment. The XE also boasts adjustable foot controls to suit a variety of riding styles and footwear.
Marzocchi rear shock with piggyback reservoirs seen on the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
Both bikes feature a twin-sided, cast aluminum swingarm, with the XE’s swingarm coming in 1.26 inches longer than the X for more control and confidence on difficult off-road terrain. And for improved touring capability, Triumph offers an accessory high “Dakar” screen and rugged luggage system with tailbag accessory options offering 102 liters of total capacity.
The Scrambler 1200 X features a hybrid multifunction LCD/TFT display incorporated in an circular instrument dial, and the XE has an integrated and customizable full-color TFT display with two design layout themes, each with a further three options to change the level of information displayed.
Full-color TFT on the 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.
From an aesthetics standpoint, both models feature a classic one-piece ribbed bench seat – black for the XE and brown for the X – and a variety of finishes and details, including sculpted side panels with a brushed aluminum Scrambler 1200 badge, the iconic Triumph triangle tank badge, a brushed aluminum Monza-style filler cap, and a brushed stainless tank strap. The XE is finished with brushed aluminum fenders, while the X features high quality painted fenders.
The 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 X will be available in Carnival Red, Ash Grey, or Sapphire Black starting at $13,595. The Scrambler 1200 XE will be available in Phantom Black & Storm Grey, which features red accents, the new Baja Orange & Phantom Black, or the popular Sapphire Black starting at $15,295. Orders can be placed now at Triumph dealers, with bikes expected to arrive in February 2024.
The 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator invites new and intermediate riders to get on and go. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
The all-new 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator is an entry-level cruiser with a sporty character. It slots above smaller beginner bikes to be a motorcycle that both new and intermediate riders can enjoy. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 451cc parallel-Twin derived from the Ninja 400 engine but with a longer stroke for added torque.
The Eliminator features a 28.9-inch seat height, a weight of only 386 lb (base model), and mid-mount footpegs, all important considerations for new riders looking for an easy-to-ride bike on which to practice the basics. It also has a slim fuel tank, all LED lighting, and a round LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity through Rideology the app.
Additional tech on the Eliminator includes a slip/assist clutch for lighter clutch feel, a positive neutral finder, and ABS on the ABS and SE versions.
The Eliminator comes in three version: base, ABS, and SE. The SE version includes a two-patterned seat, fork boots, a USB-C charging port, a headlight cowl, and the Candy Steel Furnace Orange/Ebony colorway. The base and ABS versions come in Pearl Robotic White and Pearl Storm Gray.
Watch the video to see the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator in action or read our full review.
The Buell Super Cruiser was designed in partnership with Roland Sands and features Buell’s existing 1190cc V-Twin in an FXR-inspired chassis.
Buell has announced that it has surpassed $120 million in preorders for its new Super Cruiser 1190, which will go into production in 2025. This impressive amount over only six months of preorders shows an enthusiastic interest in the Super Cruiser and will help Buell continue growing its company.
The Super Cruiser 1190 was designed in collaboration with famed builder Roland Sands and was unveiled in February 2023 at Roland Sands Design’s complex in Long Beach, California. It uses a new steel-tube frame, is powered by Buell’s liquid-cooled V-Twin that produces a claimed 175 hp, and weighs in at only 450 lb. This club-style hot-rod, which was also seen at Daytona Bike Week in March, has clearly attracted enough attention to draw in big dollars for Buell even before production starts.
Buell re-entered the consumer motorcycle market in 2021 with the Hammerhead 1190, the fastest production sportbike built in the USA.
“Americans love style, muscle, and performance,” says Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell. “The Super Cruiser breaks the mold for all three, and the response shows that Buell simply nailed it. This is utterly unheard of for an American V-Twin.”
Buell re-entered the motorcycle scene in 2021 with two new models. The company now has a five-model lineup, including the Hammerhead 1190 and Buell 1190SX sportbikes, the SuperTouring, and the 185-hp Baja Dune Racer dirtbike. The Super Cruiser will use Buell’s existing 1,190cc sportbike engine and a chassis inspired by Harley-Davidson’s FXR, which Erik Buell helped design. The Super Cruiser is estimated to retail for $20,000-$30,000.
An impressive preorder amount proves that the Super Cruiser is already attracting customers – and lots of them.
This hefty preorder number has cemented Buell’s commitment to continue growing its company. Buell is looking to create jobs, collaborate with suppliers and vendors, and find development partners.
“We’ve laid a solid foundation over the last two years with an amazing team and support from West Michigan leaders,” said Melvin. “Now, the overwhelming demand for the Super Cruiser puts Buell on a trajectory for significant long-term growth. This ramp-up will be nothing short of exhilarating. Anyone interested in joining us for this exciting ride – in any capacity – should reach out now. We want to work with you.”
Forty-three years after the BMW R 80 G/S kicked off the adventure bike movement, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS offers more power and sophistication than any R-GS to date.
BMW Motorrad has announced a thorough overhaul for its top-selling model for 2024, now called the BMW R 1300 GS thanks to an increase in displacement from 1,254cc to 1,300cc. The GS’s signature opposed “boxer” Twin now makes a claimed 145 hp and 110 lb-ft of torque, up from 136 hp and 105 lb-ft on the R 1250 GS. With a claimed curb weight of 523 lb, the new R 1300 GS is 26 lb lighter than its predecessor.
The increased displacement results from a larger bore (106.5mm, up from 102.5) and a shorter stroke (73mm, down from 76). Not only did peak torque increase, BMW says there is a significant increase in torque throughout the rev range, with 96 lb-ft or more available between 3,600 and 7,800 rpm. The engine is also said to run more smoothly, and repositioning it within the frame reduces vibration. Returning is the BMW ShiftCam system that varies the valve timing and valve stroke on the intake side, but the camshaft drive arrangement has been revised. A new 2-into-1 stainless steel exhaust is lighter and optimized to work with ShiftCam. Of the 26 lb shaved off the GS, 8.6 lb came from the engine and another 5.7 lb from the rest of the powertrain.
The new 1,300cc Boxer makes a claimed 145 hp, making it the most powerful R-series Boxer ever.
As part of the redesign, the 6-speed gearbox was moved under the engine, which reduces the overall length of the powertrain and better centralizes mass. The transmission now uses a sensor signal transmitter and a torsion magnet for the optional Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter, which BMW says provides a more direct feel. The driveshaft now has larger universal joints that reduce rotational mass, and the rear axle now has a longer axle stub for easier mounting and dismounting of the rear wheel.
Four ride modes are standard: Road, Rain, Eco, and Enduro. The optional Riding Modes Pro adds Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, and Enduro Pro, and the “Pro” modes are customizable. The R 1300 GS can be further customized to show only preferred ride modes. Also standard is Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Assist (DBC), and Hill Start Control (HSC).
The entire chassis of the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has been revised. Replacing the former tubular-steel bridge main frame is a new steel sheet metal main frame, which BMW says allows for more compact packaging as well as increased stiffness. And replacing the former tubular-steel subframe is a die-cast aluminum unit that is said to be lighter, stiffer, narrower, and more tightly bonded to the main frame for added stability.
Suspension consists of the front Evo Telelever and rear Evo Paralever. The new Evo Telelever incorporates a novel flex element whereby the upper fork bridge is “pivotally and rotatably connected via a radial swivel bearing to a sturdy steering shaft tube, which in turn is guided in the main frame via a cylindrical roller bearing at the top and a deep groove ball bearing at the bottom.” BMW says the new design offers significantly greater rigidity as well as improved stability. The new Evo Paralever has a stiffer connection to the shock, a longer single-sided swingarm for increased traction, a quick-release axle, and a swingarm bearing that is now off-axis to that of the rotation of the cardan shaft joint.
The optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) has been updated as well. The system not only adjusts front and rear damping in real time based on settings and conditions, but it also now adjusts spring rate, automatically adjusts for different loads, and integrates with different ride modes.
Standard equipment on the R 1300 GS includes Full Integral ABS Pro, which has Pro settings that turn ABS off at the rear wheel. Optional Dynamic Brake Control prevents unintentional throttle application during braking and reduces drive torque to get the most out of the rear brake for optimal stability and shorter stopping distances.
Replacing the GS’s signature asymmetrical headlight is a new centralized LED headlight surrounded by an X-shaped matrix of four LED running lights, and the optional Headlight Pro adds cornering function. LED front turnsignals are now integrated into the handguards.
The R 1300 GS also comes standard with a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, the Multi-Controller wheel on the left handlebar, tire-pressure monitoring, heated grips, USB and 12V outlets, Keyless Ride, and Dynamic Cruise Control. The new optional Riding Assistant adds radar sensors to enable Active Cruise Control (ACC), Front Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Change Warning (SWW).
Three wheel options are available, all in 19×3.0-inch front and 17×4.5-inch rear sizes. Standard and Triple Black models come with cast-aluminum wheels. Trophy and Option 719 Tramuntana model variants are fitted with newly developed cross-spoke wheels featuring aluminum rings for dedicated off-road use. A third option is new Enduro forged wheels, which are intended for off-road use and are 3.9 lb lighter than the more robust cross-spoke wheels.
In terms of styling, the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS has a more aerodynamic look, with a sharper beak, a flatter tank, and a slimmer tailsection.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Triple Black
In addition to the standard model, several variants will be available. The R 1300 GS Triple Black variant returns with blacked-out bodywork and components, comfort seats, comfort passenger footpegs, and a centerstand. It also features an electric windscreen, wind deflectors, and special cockpit trim.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Trophy with optional Enduro forged wheels
The R 1300 GS Trophy has a Racing Blue Metallic colorway with red and white detailing and a White Metallic Matte subframe. A high rider’s seat and Sport passenger seat offer the look and ergonomics of a rally seat (34.2-inch seat height), and the seat cover continues onto the fuel tank. The Trophy also comes with radiator guards and cross-spoke wheels with black rims or optional gold rims.
2024 BMW R 1300 GS Option 719 Tramuntana with optional luggage
The new R 1300 GS Option 719 Tramuntana features cross-spoke wheels with gold rims, a gold anodized handlebar, and gold trim on the bodywork. The chassis and components are black, the fuel tank center cover is Luxor Black/Grey, and the cylinder head covers are Avus Black Metallic Matte. The side trim sections, the top of the front fender, the aluminum tank, and intake silencer are finished in Aurelius Green Metallic. Special optional equipment includes a top case carrier in Avus Black Metallic, a gray-colored handguard extension, cross-spoke wheels with black rims, and titanium-colored anodized sport brakes.
Pricing for the 2024 BMW R 1300 GS starts at $18,895. Find out more at the BMW Motorrad website.
Suzuki Motor USA has announced a limited run of the distinctive Katana sportbike for the 2024 model year. The 2024 Suzuki Katana is available for U.S. buyers to reserve via special order through the Suzuki dealer of their choice through Oct. 20, 2023. Availability is limited, and reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Along with the bike, owners will receive two years of complimentary service and a collectible 24×24-inch digital lithograph reproduction of renowned Japanese artist Makoto Endo’s Katana illustration originally featured in Cycle World magazine.
Named for the legendary sword of the Samurai, the original Suzuki Katana was unveiled at the Cologne motorcycle show in 1980 and was officially launched in 1981. The original logo, which is still used today, is a stylized combination of the Japanese characters for “katana” and “edge.”
The Katana 3.0 Concept debuted at the 2017 EICMA show in Milan, Italy, and based on the response, development began on the new bike, which arrived for 2020 and was built upon the GSX-R1000 engine and the GSX-S1000 chassis with a twin-spar, aluminum alloy frame and Superbike-type braced swingarm.
We tested the 2020 model at a launch in Kyoto, Japan, and our reviewer said the 999cc inline-Four delivered “crisp throttle response and linear thrust.”
The 2024 Suzuki Katana still features the liquid-cooled inline-Four with DOHC, but Suzuki says the engine now has more peak power than that 2020 model, with strong torque in the low- to mid-range. New camshaft profiles and valve springs decrease lift and valve overlap to not only improve emissions but also balance the engine’s performance and drivability.
The Katana has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, the latest version of the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), and a new bi-directional quickshifter. The bike also now has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), which includes the three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector – which can switch between Active, Basic, and Comfort modes on the fly – and the updated, five-mode Advanced Traction Control System (up from three modes on the 2020 mode), plus the Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
The Katana still has the twin-spar aluminum alloy frame and the aluminum alloy swingarm from the GSX-R1000 and connected to link-type rear suspension with a single shock absorber that features spring preload, seven-position rebound damping force adjustment, and 5.1 inches of travel. The 43mm inverted KYB fork is fully adjustable and offers 4.7 inches of travel. For a new visual touch, the fork tubes are gold-anodized, matching the gold-painted TRP six-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels, wrapped in Dunlop Roadsport 2 radial tires (120/70ZR17 at the front and 190/50ZR17 at the rear). Stopping power comes from dual 4-piston Brembo monoblock calipers biting 310mm discs up front and a single-piston Nissin caliper and 240mm rear disc, with standard ABS.
24×24-inch digital lithograph reproduction of renowned Japanese artist Makoto Endo’s Katana illustration
A variety of Genuine Suzuki Accessories are available, such as a meter visor (acts as a sport screen), billet clutch and brake levers, axle-spools, fuel tank and engine cover protectors, clip-on tank bags, plus a selection of Katana logo apparel.
The 2024 Suzuki Katana will come in Metallic Matte Stellar Blue bodywork starting at $13,879. For more information, Suzuki has set up a 2024 Katana microsite with the full list of features.
The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom celebrates its 41st birthday this year with updates to both its bobber styling and performance. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
When something has been around for four decades, it’s usually because of a combination of inherent quality and general likability. Take a look at Rider magazine, for example. Next year, we celebrate our 50th birthday. There’s a reason for that. But quality doesn’t live in a vacuum. To survive – and even better, to thrive – there has to be change. Honda has succeeded in finding the next step in the evolution of the Honda Shadow Phantom, and the company hopes the changes, combined with a 40-year history, will help the bobber-style bike succeed in the middleweight cruiser market.
The Spirit of 750
The Honda Shadow was introduced in 1983 with two options. The larger of the two cruisers featured a liquid-cooled 745cc 45-degree V-Twin with SOHC and 3 valves per cylinder. It had a 6-speed gearbox, a slipper clutch, and shaft final drive. More than 19,000 Shadow 750s were sold that year.
There were several other chapters in the Shadow story, but if we’re following the lineage to the Phantom, significant mileposts included the shift to a 52-degree V-Twin in 1988 with the 583cc Shadow VLX. The 52-degree V found its way to the larger displacement 750cc Shadow ACE in 1998, which dropped down to a 5-speed gearbox, chain final drive, and no slipper clutch. The Shadow Phantom was introduced in 2010 with blacked-out styling (the exhaust was still chrome), the introduction of fuel injection, and a return to shaft drive.
The 2024 Phantom carries the blacked-out styling through the exhaust, which was still chrome for 2023.
The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom sees the blacked-out styling now carried through the exhaust – a good look that represents a more modern appeal. It still features a liquid-cooled 745cc 52-degree V-Twin, but machine-cut cylinder head fins add a nice visual contrast that makes the engine pop. There’s also a new two-tone paint scheme on the tank (Deep Pearl Gray or Orange Metallic), LED turnsignals, fork boots, shortened fenders, and a new single seat (a passenger seat and footpegs are available as accessories).
The 41mm fork on the new Phantom provides 5.1 inches of travel, a .5-inch increase over the 2023 model.
Colin Miller, American Honda assistant manager of public relations, said members of Generations Y and Z are more attracted to Honda’s Rebel platform, partially because of its more aggressive styling, and Honda is leveraging some of that style with the Shadow Phantom. Whereas the Shadow Aero still has the more laid-back appearance of a traditional cruiser with a swept-back handlebar and more relaxed seating, the revamped Phantom takes a more contemporary approach, with a new handlebar and clamp that puts the rider in more aggressive forward position. A graphic during the presentation showed the handlebar position close to that of the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight.
An undeniable part of the cruiser appeal is the appearance, and the new styling of the Phantom is definitely eye-catching.
And from a customization standpoint, while the previous model’s rear fender and license plate holder was one piece that had to be cut if a customer wanted to make changes, the holder on the new model can be unbolted to aid customization.
Another significant update to the Phantom is its stopping power. Braking in the front is still provided by a 2-piston caliper gripping a 296mm disc, but the previous rear brake drum has been replaced by a 276mm disc and 2-piston caliper, and a new ABS version is available for an extra $300.
Instrumentation on the Phantom is minimal – about on par with the older cruiser in my stable, but at least it has a low-fuel light. And while there is no gear indicator, I appreciated the green neutral light.
Front suspension travel has been increased by half an inch (to 5.1 inches) but remains the same 3.5 inches in the rear courtesy of dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability. Otherwise, seat height is essentially the same at a very cruiser-like 25.6 inches. Even though fuel capacity has been bumped 0.2 gallon to 3.9, curb weight of the 2024 model is 6 lb lighter at 543 lb.
The Phantom may not be a sportbike, but with a 543 pound curb weight, it doesn’t mind being flopped through corners.
Unlocking the Phantom Zone
The middleweight cruiser market exploded during the Covid pandemic. The wave crested in 2021, but Miller said Honda is hoping the Shadow Phantom will bring in both new riders and existing cruiser fans looking for something new. I don’t know about the younger generation – in more ways than just their riding preferences – but I can say this Gen X cruiser guy sure enjoyed the ride.
The Phantom returns with a liquid-cooled 745cc 45-degree V-Twin with SOHC and 3 valves per cylinder.
The first thing I noticed when firing up the bike was the rumble, which was surprisingly satisfying for a Japanese bike with the stock exhaust. The Phantom continued to impress as we rolled through the streets of San Dimas, California. When we tested the 2013 Shadow Aero, it made 44.7 lb-ft of peak torque at the rear wheel, with more than 40 lb-ft available between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm. I appreciated that level of low-end grunt when pulling away from intersections in town, and it held its own as we climbed 6,000 feet on State Route 39 to Crystal Lake.
The rear fender on the 2024 Phantom is shorter than the previous model. Also note the three bolts (with three corresponding on the other side) to remove the rear portion for customizing.
The rear suspension was a little squishy in some of the bumpier parts, but that was likely a result of the preload being set for someone a little lighter than my two-plus bills. Fortunately, the new saddle is nice and cushy and didn’t give me any grief during the four hours I was on it.
The pull on the clutch lever was a little heavy, and I would rate it “medium.” Since I own an older cruiser, it’s not anything new to me, but many bikes today are equipped with slip/assist clutches, and once you get used to this feature, you notice when it’s not there. I was okay with the lever pull – although a slip/assist clutch would’ve lightened it – but there was a moment going up the twisty, narrow one-way route to Crystal Lake where a quick downshift, combined with some debris in the road, gave a hop of the rear wheel on a curve that was a little bracing.
My only gripe with the Phantom is that I had to ride with my right heel on the footpeg instead of my arch if I didn’t want to rest my foot on the brake pedal or drag my boot on tight right corners.
At just $8,399 ($8,699 for the ABS version), the 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom may not have all the bells and whistles, but it is a very attractive proposition for either a new rider or someone looking to add another steed to their stable from a segment without a lot of competition.
Only Breath and Shadow
I had only one other issue with the Phantom. The bike has a decent 27.4-degree lean angle. However, when I put the arch of my boot on the forward-mount footpegs, if I didn’t want my toe resting on the brake pedal, the heel of my boot found the road surface before the pegs did. This required a shifting of my right boot to various positions, none of which were as comfortable or confidence-inspiring as having the peg positioned directly under my arch.
The Phantom sticks with its shaft drive roots, which has lower maintenance costs, a factor Honda says is appealing to new riders. I liked the clean look but wish they could’ve found someplace else for that sticker.
This is not to say that I was high-speed slaloming up the canyon. In fact, I was the most conservative of the riders that day on the winding SR-39. As to those peg scrapes, I was once advised by my colleague and editor-in-chief of our sibling publication American Rider, Kevin Duke: “Ride your own ride, but challenge your limits when your confidence grows.”
So I did. Most riders won’t treat the Honda Shadow like a sportbike, but it certainly responded to my prodding enough to make it a spirited ride up the winding SR-39. When it comes to riding my own ride, I like to cruise, take in the scenery, breathe the air, and get my heart pumping enough to remember I’m alive.
The curving, climbing ride on State Route 39 to Crystal Lake was a great mix of man versus nature.
If you are of a like mind, you’ll be very happy with the Phantom. And for those of you wondering if it’ll haul a little ass, the Phantom has something for you as well, as I can attest based on the taillights winking in the distance ahead of me from some of the other riders in my group.
The new Phantom has brought the Shadow into the light, and it looks to be a bright future indeed.
The 2024 Honda Shadow Phantom comes in the two-tone Orange Metallic or Deep Pearl Gray.
American Honda has announced that the highly anticipated Honda XL750 Transalp is coming to the U.S. market for the 2024 model year.
The Transalp was originally introduced in Europe in 1986, first showing up in the U.S. for the 1989 model year with a liquid-cooled, 600cc 52-degree V-Twin with 3 valves per cylinder bolted into a full-cradle frame with a box section swingarm. A 41mm fork provided almost 8 inches of travel up front, and Pro-Link suspension offered 7.5 inches of rear-wheel travel.
Unfortunately, timing and American attitudes about motorcycles, combined with the on-road/off-road orientation of the bike, meant the Transalp only lasted two years in U.S. market.
However, fast forward three decades, and not only have times changed, but so has the Transalp, and after seeing considerable success in the European market, U.S. buyers are clamoring to give this new-generation middleweight adventure bike another spin.
“As the adventure category continues to thrive and evolve, customers are more eager than ever to get out and explore,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing. “The all-new, midsize XL750 Transalp joins Honda’s iconic Africa Twin and pocket-adventurer CB500X to complete our popular True Adventure lineup, ready to deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences to U.S. ADV enthusiasts from coast to coast.”
In the company’s announcement, Honda called the XL750 Transalp, “friendly but tough—perfect for extended touring trips, as well as the urban cut and thrust, and all points in between.”
The 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp features a liquid-cooled 755cc parallel-Twin with Honda’s Unicam design, 4 valves per cylinder, and 270-degree crank. It has a 6-speed gearbox, throttle-by-wire, a slip/assist clutch, and a standard quickshifter. The bike now comes with five ride modes – Sport, Standard, Rain, Gravel, and rider-customizable – that regulate power delivery, engine braking, and ABS intervention. It also has Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for increased or decreased rear-wheel spin.
Speaking of wheels, the 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp rides on 21/18-inch front/rear spoked wheels. For stopping power, gone is the rear drum brake, replaced by a 256mm disc, and the front now has dual discs (310mm) instead of the previous single. ABS is standard and can be turned off for the rear wheel. Suspension travel is still comparable, with a 43mm Showa SFF-CA inverted fork offering 7.9 inches of travel and Showa Pro-Link rear shock providing 7.5 inches.
The seat height is 33.7 inches, and Honda offers an available 32.6-inch accessory seat. It has 8.3 inches of clearance, a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, and a curb weight of 459 lb.
The Transalp has a 5.0-inch full-color LCD display with four display options, self-canceling turnsignals, and a USB-C port under the passenger seat. The 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp will be available in October in Matte Black Metallic starting at $9,999.
