Joining the lineup is the return of the Ninja ZX-10R, Z900 ABS, and Z900 SE ABS models.
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R in Metallic Flat Spark Black / Ebony
The Ninja ZX-10R returns for model year 2024 with power, performance, and technology proven to excel in its category. As evidence of the model’s prowess on the track, the Ninja ZX-10R has carried the brand to seven FIM Superbike World Championships since 2013.
Powered by a 998cc inline-Four DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder, the ZX-10R produces a claimed 203 hp at 13,200 rpm and 82.5 lb-ft at 11,400 rpm. The air-cooled oil cooler was introduced in 2021 and boosts engine performance.
The chassis consists of an aluminum twin-spar frame, a fully adjustable 43mm inverted Showa Balance Free Front fork, and a fully adjustable Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion shock. Brembo radial-mounted 4-piston calipers and 330mmm discs provide stopping power up front, and rear braking comes from an aluminum 1-piston caliper with a 220mm disc.
The Ninja ZX-10R also comes equipped with a full slate of rider aids, including Kawasaki Cornering Management Function, Bosch IMU, Sport-Kawasaki TRaction Control, a launch control mode, engine brake control, a quickshifter, Öhlins Electronic Steering Damper, power modes, and electronic cruise control. The TFT color instrumentation allows for smartphone connectivity though the Rideology app.
The 2024 Ninja ZX-10R is available in Metallic Flat Spark Black / Ebony, and the KRT Edition comes in Lime Green with Kawasaki Racing Team graphics. The version without ABS is available for $17,799, and the ABS version is available for $18,799.
2024 Kawasaki Z900 ABS
2024 Kawasaki Z900 ABS in Candy Persimmon Red / Ebony
The Z900 ABS naked sportbike also returns to the model lineup and features a liquid-cooled 948cc inline-Four DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder, which produces a claimed 114 hp at 9,710 rpm and 67.3 lb-ft of torque at 7,990 rpm.
The Z900 ABS features a steel trellis frame with a 41mm KYB inverted fork with and a horizontal back-link KYB shock, both with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability. Front brakes consist of 4-piston calipers biting on dual 300mm petal-style discs in the front and a 1-piston caliper with a 250mm petal-style disc in the rear. The Z900 ABS rides on Dunlop Sportmax RoadSport 2 tires.
Technology on the Z900 ABS includes Kawasaki TRaction Control, power modes, Smartphone connectivity through the Rideology app, a TFT color display, and LED lighting.
2024 Kawasaki Z900 ABS i in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Matte Dark Gray
The 2024 Kawasaki Z900 ABS comes in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Matte Dark Gray for $9,799. The Candy Persimmon Red / Ebony colorway brings the price to $10,099.
Story continues after photo gallery.
2024 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS
2024 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS in Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Candy Lime Green
The Z900 SE ABS shares features with the Z900 but includes additional up-spec components for improved handling and performance, as well as more aggressive styling.
2024 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS (left) and Z900 ABS (right)
Some details that separate the Z900 SE ABS from the Z900 ABS are an upgraded Brembo front brake package, a large-diameter inverted fork with added compression damping adjustability, and an Öhlins S46 rear shock with a remote preload adjuster.
The 2024 Kawasaki Z900 SE ABS comes in the Metallic Spark Black / Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Candy Lime Green colorway for $11,299.
On the same day that Yamaha announced the all-new Tracer 9 GT+, the company also released details on an updated 2024 Ténéré 700, a bike that Yamaha says has “quickly become a favorite among adventure enthusiast around the world.”
The 2024 Ténéré 700 has a liquid-cooled 689cc inline-Twin derived from the MT-07 naked sportbike that features Yamaha’s “Crossplane Crankshaft Concept” 270-degree crank.
After 3,000 miles of mixed riding for a tour test of a 2021 Ténéré 700, our reviewer had the following to say: “In my local mountains or out in the desert, on pavement or off, the T7 has been an excellent partner for exploration, corner carving and flat-out movin’ down the road.”
The Ténéré 700 has a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork with 8.3 inches of travel and a rear single shock with remote-adjustable preload, rebound damping, and 7.9 inches of travel. The bike rides on spoked wheels (21-inch front/18-inch rear) wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires with tubes. It has a 34.4-inch seat height, 9.4 inches of ground clearance, and a wet weight of 452 lb.
The Ténéré 700 still has dual 282mm discs up front and a single 245mm disc in the rear, but a new feature for 2024 is the addition of a new ABS mode. Instead of the previous model’s on/of ABS selection, the new model now features three-mode selectable ABS allowing riders to choose their preferred level of braking intervention. Mode 1 fully activates ABS on both front and rear wheels, Mode 2 enables ABS on front wheel only and turns ABS off for the rear wheel, and Mode 3 turns ABS off for both the front and rear wheel.
Another update is a new 5-inch color TFT display. With functionality controlled by a new scrolling dial on the right handlebar, the new display offers two different screen themes: a modern dynamic design and a more traditional look reminiscent of the analog era.
The 2024 Ténéré 700 also features Yamaha Y-Connect smartphone connectivity, which works in conjunction with the Y-Connect app to enable a direct connection between motorcycle and smartphone. Y-Connect capability for the Ténéré 700 includes the ability to receive incoming text and phone call notifications on the new TFT display and track and record key motorcycle ride data within the app, including distance covered, average fuel consumption, top speed, and more.
Additional updates include new front and rear LED turnsignals, along with prewiring for the installation of Yamaha’s accessory Quick Shifter.
The 2024 Yamaha Ténéré 700 will be available in either Team Yamaha Blue arriving to dealers in September 2023 or Shadow Gray arriving to dealers in October 2023 for $10,799 MSRP.
2024 Yamaha Tenere 700 in Shadow Gray.
2024 Returning Models
Along with the new 2024 Tracer 9 9 GT+ and 2024 Ténéré 700, Yamaha announced that the XT250, TW200, and Super Ténéré ES will return unchanged for 2024. The XT250 will be priced at $5,399 and the TW200 at $4,999. Pricing has not been announced for the 2024 Super Ténéré ES.
2024 Yamaha Super Ténéré ES2024 Yamaha XT2502024 Yamaha TW200
The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ features a host of updates, including Adaptive Cruise Control, a radar-linked Unified Brake System, revised semi-active suspension, and more.
Just three years after introducing the Tracer 9 GT sport-tourer, which won Rider’s 2021 Motorcycle of the Year award, an upgraded version has been announced for 2024: the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+.
“We are excited to mark the return of the much-lauded Tracer 9 to the model lineup in the form of this extremely advanced new 2024 Tracer 9 GT+,” said Derek Brooks, Yamaha Motorsports Motorcycle Product Line Manager. “Already offering an incredibly sporty riding experience with its thrilling 890cc CP3 inline-Triple engine, well-sorted lightweight chassis and semi-active suspension, the new Tracer 9 GT+ ups the level of capability and comfort significantly with a long list of features that make it equally adept at attacking canyon twisties as it is tackling a multi-state tour.”
Topping the list of updates on the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ are innovative electronic rider aids, including Adaptive Cruise Control and a radar-linked Unified Brake System, which are enabled by a new Millimeter Wave Radar unit that constantly measures distance to vehicles ahead. Similar to systems used in automobiles and motorcycles such as the Ducati Multistrada V4 and BMW R 18 Transcontinental, Adaptive Cruise Control automatically controls cruising speed, deceleration, and acceleration to match the speed of the vehicle in front in order to maintain a constant following distance based on four adjustable pre-sets.
The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is the world’s first motorcycle to employ a radar-linked Unified Brake System, which uses inputs from the Millimeter Wave Radar and a 6-axis IMU to assist the rider’s braking input when the distance to the vehicle in front closes to a certain level while simultaneously adjusting front/rear braking bias and front/rear suspension damping force for a higher degree of braking efficiency and handling. If the vehicle ahead is determined to be too close for the given brake pressure, the system assists by adding more braking force. Yamaha says the system is not a collision avoidance system. It will only provide braking assistance when the Brake Control (BC) feature is turned on and the rider is braking, and it includes cornering brake control.
In addition to the new Adaptive Cruise Control and Unified Brake System, the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is equipped with a full suite of other electronic rider aids, including the Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), front-wheel LIFt control system (LIF), and Brake Control System. Yamaha says all systems work together seamlessly, each of them can be turned off, and TCS, SCS and LIF offer adjustable levels of intervention.
The 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ also features the next generation of the KYB Actimatic Damper System (KADS) electronically controlled suspension. Using inputs from the IMU and various sensors, the system adjusts suspension damping in real time based on prevailing riding conditions. The semi-active suspension also operates in conjunction with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Unified Brake System.
An updated quickshifter not only enables rapid-fire, clutchless upshifts and downshifts, it also works in conjunction with the new Adaptive Cruise Control, allowing riders to change gears without disengaging cruise control.
With such a deep roster of electronic functions, Yamaha has given the Tracer 9 GT+ a new 7-inch TFT display, which replaces the pair of 3.5-inch displays on the previous model. Riders can choose from three different screen layouts, and below the TFT is a USB-A outlet for connecting to a smartphone.
Smartphones and Bluetooth helmet communicators can now be connected directly to the bike to make and receive phone calls or control music. Using the Yamaha MyRide-Link app allows riders to receive weather information, receive text messages, and access a range of additional features. And the Garmin Motorize app provides full-screen turn-by-turn navigation through a subscription service. All functions can be controlled using a new joystick on the left handlebar switchgear and shown on the TFT display.
Returning unchanged is Yamaha’s liquid-cooled, crossplane-crankshaft 890cc CP3 inline-Triple. When we tested the 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, it produced 108 hp at 10,000 rpm and 63 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno. Four integrated ride modes – Sport, Street, Rain, and Custom – have unique throttle-response maps and level presets for TCS, SCS, LIF, and semi-active suspension.
The Tracer 9 GT+ has a proprietary CF (controlled filling) aluminum die-cast frame, lightweight spin-forged wheels, a 10-level adjustable windscreen, a height-adjustable seat with new padding and cover material, adjustable footpegs, 10-level heated grips, lockable/removeable hard cases that hold a full-face helmet in each side, and cornering lights.
Available in a Storm Gray two-tone colorway, the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ will be in dealerships in August with an MSRP of $16,499.
The 2023 MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America is a limited-edition model – only 300 units will be produced, all aimed at the U.S. market. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
Some memories are indelible. Etched clearly in my mind is a moment that happened 25 years ago when I went to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City for the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit. As I walked through the lobby and approached the exhibit, front and center on a mirrored pedestal was an MV Agusta F4 1000S, a stunning red and silver machine designed by Massimo Tamburini. Its quartet of underseat exhausts looked like God’s own pipe organ.
MV Agusta F4 at the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1998. (Photo by the author)
A decade later I joined the staff at Rider, and over the years that followed, I never got a chance to ride an MV Agusta. The brand always seemed to be on shaky ground, with ownership changing hands several times. The bikes were exotic and produced in small numbers, so opportunities to test them were few and far between.
2023 MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America
My chance finally came when MV Agusta hosted a press launch in Los Angeles for the Dragster RR SCS America Edition, a limited-production model designed for the U.S. market.
MV Agusta and ’Merica!
Fifty years ago, MV Agusta released the 750S, the Italian company’s first model to sport a red, white, and blue paint scheme as a nod to the American market. Recent decades have seen several limited-edition “America” models – a Brutale 750 in 2004, a Brutale 1090 RR in 2012, a Brutale 800 RR in 2017, and a Dragster 800 RR in 2018.
1973 MV Agusta 750S
Next in line, announced on July 4, 2023, is the Dragster RR SCS America, priced at a cool $28,247 to honor the 247th anniversary of American independence. With a stars-and-stripes logo on the tank, a mix of Ago Red and Mica America Blue paint with white accents, and “America Special Edition” stitched in white on the red seat, it’s the second most patriotic-looking motorcycle I’ve ever seen (it would be the most patriotic motorcycle I’ve ever seen had the American-made Buell Freedom Edition Hammerhead 1190 not been announced just days before the MV).
Each MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America comes with a special cover.
Only 300 Dragster RR SCS Americas will be made, each with a serialized number laser-etched on the triple clamp, and all are slated for sale in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Each bike comes with a Special Parts Kit that includes a transparent clutch cover, a dedicated motorcycle cover, and a certificate of authenticity.
The SCS in the model name stands for “Smart Clutch System” and refers to the bike’s hydraulically actuated SCS 3.0 Radius CX semi-automatic clutch, made in collaboration with Rekluse. It’s a slick system. Just hold in the clutch lever when starting the bike, and then ignore it the rest of the ride. The up/down quickshifter assists with smooth, fast gear changes, and the clutch automatically disengages when coming to a stop.
The clear SCS clutch cover is included in the Special Parts Kit. Bikes are delivered with a regular clutch cover that meets sound regulations.
One of the SCS clutch’s coolest features is launch mode. At a stop, pull in the clutch lever, pin the throttle, and wait for the light to turn green. When it does, dump the clutch and you’ll be treated to the bike’s fastest possible launch time: 0-100 kph (62.1 mph) in 3.55 seconds. Works like a charm too. Lining up next to Rennie Scaysbrook, the road test editor at Cycle News who holds the motorcycle record at Pikes Peak and is way faster than me, the SCS launch mode let me get the drop on him a couple of times.
For those who want to use the clutch lever, it’s still fully functional. For trackdays or personal preference, the SCS function can also be disabled. And unlike Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission, which adds more than 20 lb of weight compared to a conventional transmission, the MV’s SCS clutch is only 1.3 ounces heavier than a regular clutch.
Horses of Courses
MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America is powered by a 798cc inline-Triple that makes a claimed 140 hp at the crank. It has a counter-rotating crankshaft that reduces gyroscopic effect for lighter handling.
At the heart of the MV Agusta Dragster RR is a thrilling mill: a liquid-cooled 798cc inline-Triple with a 13.3:1 compression ratio and DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder and DLC-coated tappets. It churns out a claimed 140 hp at 12,300 rpm and 64.2 lb-ft of torque at 10,250 rpm.
Motorcyclists are a greedy lot, and we always want more power. MV offers an accessory Akrapovič titanium exhaust with a dedicated ECU that bumps up peak power to 148 hp at 12,800 rpm while shaving off nearly 18 lb of weight (claimed dry weight for the stock bike is 386 lb). As appealing as the Akrapovič exhaust is, it’s a shame it requires the removal of the elegant triple-tipped stock exhaust.
One of the most distinctive features on the MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America is the carbon fiber cover for the rear wheel.
The Dragster’s Triple sounds like a diesel at idle, but spin up the revs and it wails in a way that only an odd number of cylinders can, mashing up the rumble of a Twin and the scream of a Four. Response from the throttle-by-wire system is direct and snatch-free, and there are three standard ride modes: Sport, Race, and Rain. Pairing a smartphone with the MV Ride app allows a rider to create a custom map. Adjustable parameters include gas sensitivity (throttle response), max engine torque, engine braking, engine response, rpm limiter, quickshifter, traction control, and wheelie control. Choose your own adventure.
The MV Ride app allows uses to create customized ride modes and record trips.
The MV Ride app also allows a rider to record a trip, which will show a map of the route taken and provide statistics such as average speed, max speed, max throttle, and max roll (lean) angle. Our test ride on public roads, for example, covered 60.2 miles at an average speed of 18.6 mph (we spent a lot of time in L.A. traffic and idling between photo passes). My max speed was 74.5 mph, and my deepest lean angle was 47 degrees. Rennie was certainly faster and leaned over more.
Made in Italy
MV Agusta is a storied Italian manufacturer that was founded in 1945 by Count Domenico Agusta. The brand has an impressive record on the racetrack, having won 270 Grand Prix races, 38 World Riders’ Championships, and 37 World Constructors’ Championships, many of those wins and championships courtesy of legends like John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, and Phil Read.
Made-in-Italy components include a Marzocchi fork, Brembo brakes, and Pirelli tires.
Following the death of Count Agusta in 1971, the company went through a roller coaster of highs and lows. It was acquired by the Castiglioni family in 1992, sold to Malaysian car maker Proton in 2004, sold to an Italian holding company for 1 euro in 2005, acquired by Harley-Davidson in 2008, and sold back to the Castiglioni family for 1 euro in 2010. Mercedes-AMG acquired a 25% stake in 2014, which was sold in 2017 when a Russian investment fund headed by the Sardarov family acquired a 49% stake, and the Sardarovs acquired 100% of the company in 2019. The brand is currently enjoying another high point. In late 2022, Pierer Mobility, the Austrian company that owns KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas, acquired a 25.1% stake, with assurances to provide marketing, distribution, purchasing, and supply-chain support.
MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America is a visual feast of shapes, colors, and finishes.
Although the brand’s fortunes have fluctuated, the support from Pierer Mobility puts it on a much more solid footing. MV Agusta motorcycles are built in small quantities, with an emphasis on the company’s “Motorcycle Art” motto. They are still built on the shores of Lake Varese in Italy, and MV claims that 75% of the parts on its motorcycles are manufactured in Italy.
MV Agusta: Rideable Art
On the road or at a bike night, the Dragster RR SCS America won’t be confused with another motorcycle. Its color palette, its sharply edged and creased surfaces, and its unique details give the America the exclusive look its price tag commands. The most eye-catching feature is the carbon fiber cover on the rear wheel, which has teardrop-shaped cut-outs and the “RR” logo. A trio of slash-cut exhaust tips are finished in black, though they’d pop more in silver against the black of the rear tire and wheel cover.
Under the rider’s seat is negative space, and below the tailsection are fold-down passenger pegs.
The Dragster also has one of the most unique tailsections of any motorcycle. Beneath the rider’s portion of the seat is negative space, and below the passenger seat is what looks like the open mouth of a bird, with the lower edge framed in red LED lighting. Under the tailsection are passenger pegs that can be discreetly tucked away or folded down for use.
As a naked sportbike, the Dragster has an upright handlebar with bar-end mirrors that can be folded back – a useful feature when we were lane-splitting through rush-hour traffic on Sunset Boulevard. Front and center is a 5.5-inch TFT display with bright, crisp, easy-to-read graphics, and navigating through the bike’s menus and settings was intuitive.
Weighing about 400 lb with a full tank of gas, the compact MV Agusta Dragster has light, confident steering.
Got Curves?
After escaping the traffic, we headed into the Malibu hills on roads familiar to every L.A.-based sport rider and SoCal motojournalist: Topanga, Saddle Peak, Piuma, and Mulholland. They are tight, technical roads, and the MV Agusta’s light weight, compact dimensions, counter-rotating crankshaft (which reduces gyroscopic effect), and premium components made it an ideal canyon carver. The fully adjustable suspension, with an inverted 43mm Marzocchi fork and a Sachs shock, is tuned for speed over comfort, but it kept the chassis in check, and the adjustable steering damper diffused any twitchiness.
The MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America’s patriotic paint scheme uses Ago Red, Mica America Blue, and Intense Black with white accents.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV sport tires are grippy and lend themselves to fast, confident transitions. Good braking power and feel come courtesy of Brembo M4.32 radial calipers squeezing 320mm floating discs up front and a Brembo 2-piston caliper squeezing a 220mm disc out back, with Continental cornering ABS getting your back. A 6-axis IMU informs other electronics as well, including eight-level lean-sensitive traction control, front-lift control, and rear wheel lift-up mitigation.
Happy Birthday, America
Every MV Agusta is a special motorcycle. They have Italian flair, they are fast and fleet, and they are unique. The F4 I saw in the Guggenheim 25 years ago commanded admiration, respect, and envy. And now that I’ve ridden an MV Agusta, I know they are much more than visual art. They are visceral art too, which triggers a deeper level of desire. The Dragster RR SCS America is an exceptional motorcycle that celebrates American exceptionalism. Buon compleanno, America!
In July 2022, Iván Cervantes won the Baja Aragón, one of the most demanding races on two wheels. To celebrate this victory, Triumph has launched the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition motorcycles. Available for one year only, these special editions each feature unique colorways and specifications.
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition in Diablo Red
Riding a Tiger 900 Rally Pro, Cervantes dominated the 280-mile (450km) race and crossed the finish line an impressive one hour and six minutes ahead of his rivals, which Triumph says demonstrated “the Tiger’s ability to endure some of the harshest terrain at an elite level of competition.”
Both Tiger 900 Aragón Editions feature Triumph’s liquid-cooled 888cc inline-Triple with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch. When we put the 2020 Tiger 900 Rally Pro on the Jett Tuning dyno, it spun out 89.7 hp at 8,800 rpm and 59.4 lb-ft of torque at 7,300 rpm at the rear wheel. Our reviewer said the Rally Pro could “carry you and your gear comfortably through hours and hours of monotony in inclement weather, then handle the tough stuff with enough competency to allow you to enjoy the ride — and the scenery.”
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition in Matte Phantom Black
The 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition carries a fully adjustable 45mm inverted Marzocchi fork and electronically adjustable rear suspension, whereas the Rally Aragón Edition features a Showa fork tuned for even greater off-road performance.
The Tiger 900 Rally Aragón dons a triple color of Matte Phantom Black, Matte Graphite, and Crystal White, featuring Racing Yellow accents paired with Triumph Tiger and Aragón Edition detailing, as well as a new and unique twin color seat design.
The GT Aragón follows suit with the Triumph Tiger and Aragón Edition detailing and a twin color seat design, but its triple color schemes are Diablo Red, Matte Phantom Black, and Crystal White.
Engine protection bars are fitted as standard to both Aragón Editions, and the Rally Aragón Edition also has fuel tank protection bars as standard. A collection of over 65 dedicated accessory options is available for both models, allowing you to tailor your machine to suit your own adventure.
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition
2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition
Both bikes will be available in dealers by the end of July. The Tiger 900 Rally Aragón Edition will start at $16,995, and the Tiger 900 GT Aragón Edition will start at $16,495.
It’s a rare situation when a motorcycle debuts in a class of its own, but that’s what we have here in the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR. Sure, the Ninja 400 has been a popular member of Team Green for several years and is an excellent streetbike, but its parallel-Twin engine is far more pedestrian than the shrieking 4-cylinder motor in this little screamer that revs to 16,000 rpm.
Also important is how upscale this thing looks. It appears far more exotic than most other smaller-displacement sportbikes, resplendent in its Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) color and graphics.
The ZX-4RR looks more upscale than its diminutive displacement might imply.
Adding to its upmarket presentation is TFT instrumentation, full LED lighting, an up/down quickshifter, traction control, and dual-disc front brakes with radial-mount monoblock calipers and standard ABS.
The ZX-4RR has the potential to reinvigorate the sportbike market, providing a gateway to high-level performance in a package that is both tamable and attainable. Its power naturally pales in comparison to a fire-breathing ZX-10R or even a ZX-6R, but the 124 mph shown on its speedometer at the end of Thunderhill Raceway’s front straight demonstrates its potential for speed.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it’s like to get a knee down on a racetrack, the ZX-4RR is a willing accomplice.
The 400cc sportbike market raged in the 1990s, with high-end race replicas from every Japanese OEM available in their domestic markets. American importers were skeptical that these pricey little bikes would find much appeal to riders on our shores, but Yamaha took a chance and offered its FZR400, which earned a reputation as one of the best-handling bikes of its era.
The ZX-4RR is a thrilling ride but easy to manage, making it an ideal choice for aspiring sportbike riders.
Production of the FZR400 began in 1987, and the bike was regularly updated until its demise in 1994. The Yamaha’s inline 4-cylinder used a 56.0 × 40.5mm bore and stroke said to produce 59 hp at 12,000 rpm, with an over-rev capability up to its 14K redline. Racy steering geometry ensured agility, aided by an aluminum frame that kept wet weight down to about 410 lb.
Sadly, I missed out on my chance to ride any of the 400s from that golden era, so I was stoked for the opportunity to test a contemporary version of this forgotten class.
A New Era
Ergonomics are sporty but not punishing, with enough room for riders larger than the author of this story.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR was primarily developed for Asian markets that have licensing and insurance regulations to encourage the use of smaller-displacement motorcycles. Just as Yamaha took a chance in the U.S. market with the lovable FZR400, Kawasaki is doing the same with this latest Ninja.
A common attitude about small-displacement sportbikes in bigger-is-better America has been that we’re not much interested in them, but the U.S. market is evolving. Kawasaki tells us that uptake on the 4RR has been strong at the dealer level thanks to the bike’s unique selling proposition.
Part of the Kawi’s distinctiveness is its ability to rev up to a stratospheric 16,000-rpm redline, which is higher than any engine offered in the USA aside from the Ducati Panigale V4R’s 16,500-rpm rev ceiling. The 4RR uses a more oversquare bore and stroke (57.0 x 39.1mm) than the FZR400 to safely achieve those lofty revs, along with forged camshafts and triple-rate valve springs.
Packed inside the fairing is a 16,000-rpm little screamer of a motor.
Kawi’s USA arm doesn’t provide horsepower figures, but its Euro importer touts 76 crankshaft hp at 14,500 rpm. Torque peaks all the way up at 13,000 rpm with 28.8 lb-ft.
Unfortunately, EPA noise regulations mean that the 4RRs coming to North America are restricted, most likely by way of the electronic throttle valves at high revs. Our 4RRs produce peak power around 11,500 rpm according to a dyno chart supplied by Graves Motorsports, just shy of 60 hp at the rear wheel. Upconverting that number to a rated-at-crankshaft figure translates to about 65 hp, at least 10 ponies down from its Euro spec.
A reflashed ECU and an aftermarket muffler can unleash 15 extra horsepower at the top end of the rev range.
The 4RR proved to be thrilling to ride, but I’d feel a little gypped to own one and not have access to the bike’s full potential. Bikes like these are frequently fitted with aftermarket exhaust systems that drastically increase the sound from the tailpipe, so the EPA’s intentions will likely have limited real-world impact.
If I owned one, the first thing I’d do is visit Graves Motorsports for an ECU reflash, even though that would be illegal in the eyes of the EPA. For trackday/racing use only, a reflash and a cat-back slip-on muffler from Graves results in a claimed 76 rear-wheel hp, a massive 37% increase. Yee-haw!
The Graves Motorsports ZX-4RR prepped for racing weighs just 348 lb and produces 80 hp at the rear wheel!
Racetrack Ready
Kawasaki could’ve cheaped out and hosted the 4RR’s launch with a street ride but thankfully made a bolder move and rented Thunderhill Raceway for us to divine the bike’s maximum performance potential. And we’re glad it did – flogging the newest Ninja on the entertaining and hilly racetrack in Northern California elicited countless grins and zero moments of panic.
The ZX-4RR was a riot to thrash around the undulating Thunderhill racetrack.
The 4RR feels light and manageable upon first straddle of its 31.5-inch seat. It scales in at 415 lb with its 4-gallon tank full, which equates to about 390 lb of vehicle weight, despite a steel (rather than aluminum) frame. Ergonomics are sportier than the Ninja 400 but less punishing than Kawi’s ZX-6R or ZX-10R. The seat has a surprising amount of fore/aft room to accommodate riders of various sizes and changing body positions on the track.
The effort required to use the bike’s slip/assist clutch feels impossibly light, and both hand levers are adjustable over five positions to suit hands of any size. The 4.3-inch TFT features a Circuit Mode for lap timing and to display track-related information in an easier-to-view layout. Kawasaki’s Rideology app can connect the bike to smartphones.
Green trim around the wheel rims add to the upscale presentation of the ZX-4RR, as do the flush-mount turnsignals integrated into the fairing.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR includes two power modes – with a Low setting for less-experienced riders– and three ride modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) with preset Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) and power modes. Also available is a Rider mode in which the systems can be set independently, including three levels of traction control with the ability to be switched off.
For my first session, I used Sport mode and kept the traction control at its least-intrusive setting. The 4RR doesn’t have an IMU to inform TC or braking, relying instead on wheel-speed differentials, so there’s no lean-sensitive TC or cornering ABS.
The ZX-4RR’s slip/assist clutch and quickshifter enable smooth downshifts that benefit riders of all skill levels.
It had been years since I had ridden Thunderhill, and the rider-friendly nature of the Ninja was an ideal accomplice to relearn the track. Pointing the bike at apexes required only modest effort. Gear changes were clicked off effortlessly thanks to clutchless upshifts and downshifts offered by the quickshifter, an easily visible gear-position indicator, and a tachometer that shows revs above 10,000 rpm at the top of the display.
A TFT instrument panel supplies clear looks at gear position, rev counts, speed, fuel consumption, and a clock. Also visible are the selected ride mode, power level, and traction-control setting.
After only a few laps, I was dragging knees in corners and cutting seconds off my early lap times, smiling in my helmet as the Ninja complied with my inputs. The little 4-cylinder engine screams with a wonderful wail as it sings to its redline, but it’s smarter to shift around 12,000 rpm when the power levels off due to the cursed EPA restrictions. Intake snorkels with differential lengths (40mm and 60mm) do their best to offer a broader spread of power, but you’ll want to rev the snot out of the little Ninja for the optimum experience.
The ZX-4RR’s nose features a central ram-air intake and a wing-like beak.
During the next session, I found myself behind a rider I didn’t recognize from the motojournalist ranks. He was cutting some nice lines, and it was fun to catch him in some places and lose time in others during our little cat-and-mouse game.
At the end of our 30-minutes session, I walked over in the pits to say hello to this stranger and express the entertainment I got from dicing with him.
“Oh, hi, I’m Dax,” he replied.
Wait a minute…Dax? There can’t be many Daxs in the world, so I finally made the connection that I was ripping around with Dax Shepard: actor, podcaster, and husband of movie star Kristen Bell! It was delightful to see a celebrity with the ability to rip around a racetrack.
“Being broke in Michigan, what I would’ve loved was a Corvette ZR-1. I got my Katana 600 for $1,800 used, and it was faster than a ZR-1,” Shepard told us about his love for speed, which began with a humble Honda Spree.
“I’ve always been blown away by how inexpensive it is to have performance with a motorcycle,” said the co-host of Top Gear America. “I had a couple of different track bikes, and other than tires, I’d never done one thing to them. So the notion that you could have a vehicle that you could go to 20-plus trackdays and not be replacing rotors and pads and suspension components, it’s bang for the buck – the most fun anyone could have.”
Please, Sir, Can I Have Another?
The ZX-4RR willingly sucked up lap after lap at Thunderhill and left the rider fresh for repeated sessions.
Unlike a literbike, which can be exhausting to thrash around a racetrack, I remained raring to go even after full 30-minute sessions. What’s refreshing is time – time to ease your grip on the bars, time to breathe, time to analyze.
Although I didn’t feel traction control intruding much during previous sessions, I did notice ABS kicking in at a couple of braking zones. I ended up disabling traction control and ABS so I could ride unencumbered by the electronic nannies. Power application became more direct with a stronger pull out of corners, so TC surely had been kicking in during earlier stints.
I was initially worried about the grip from the stock Dunlop Sportmax GPR300 tires, which seemed to be a substandard choice for a trackday. Surprisingly, they stuck quite well, all the way up to and past footpeg-scuffing levels.
Best-in-class braking is provided by radial-mount 4-piston monoblock calipers biting on 290mm discs. ABS is standard equipment.
The suspension performed quite well for my weight, although heavier riders were making adjustments to the inverted Showa fork and fully adjustable Showa BFRC Lite shock that’s similar to the one used on the ZX-10R. The 37mm fork uses SFF-BP internals, in which the large-diameter damping piston provides more surface area to interact with oil, which allows the fork to move more smoothly during the initial part of its stroke. Adjustable spring preload on a fork is a first for this class, but it’s the only setting that can be altered.
The seat cowl fitted to our test bike is available for $230.95 from Kawasaki.
The radially mounted 4-piston monoblock calipers and 290mm discs are plenty for bleeding speed from the 399cc engine and offer a decent amount of feedback. Switching off ABS offered a big improvement in confidence on the racetrack. The quickshifter was a huge benefit as well, with auto-blipping downshifts and the slipper clutch allowing hurried gear changes.
Who Wants One?
Being in a class of one, the 4-cylinder ZX-4RR stands apart from other small-displacement offerings. Its $9,699 MSRP enables the bike to have high-end features, but some will point out that a much more powerful ZX-6R costs only $2,600 more when equipped with ABS.
A fully adjustable shock is unusual for this displacement class. A helmet lock (visible behind the passenger footpeg bracket) is a convenience item that has become rare on modern motorcycles.
Or you could get the twin-cylinder Ninja 400 for as little as $5,699 with ABS, but then you’d miss out on TFT instruments, dual-disc front brakes, traction control, and adjustable suspension, plus you’d give up a bunch of power and the siren song of a high-revving four-cylinder motor.
It’s worth reiterating how much of a gigglefest it is to hammer a modestly powered but lightweight sportbike around a racetrack, even for riders with decades of experience on high-powered literbikes. And for those who might be taking to the track for the first time, a sporting motorcycle like the ZX-4RR is an ideal tool to learn how to do it properly. Mr. Graves, please send a reflashed ECU ASAP.
In January, Moto Morini, the Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1937, announced its entrance into the U.S. market, broadening its global presence, which already included operations in Italy, India, and Asia. At that point, the company didn’t specify which motorcycles would be introduced in the U.S. market, but on July 12, it announced the release of its 2023 Seiemmezzo STR naked street bike.
Moto Morini calls the Seiemmezzo STR “an exceptional blend of style, comfort, and premium features found on more expensive machines.” The STR is powered by a liquid-cooled 649cc inline-Twin with DOHC and 8 valves per cylinder making a claimed 61 hp at 8,250 rpm and 39.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.
The Seiemmezzo STR has fully adjustable KYB suspension, with a 43mm inverted fork offering 4.7 inches of travel and a rear monoshock, also providing 4.7 inches of travel. Braking comes from 2-piston floating calipers biting 298mm discs up front and a single 2-piston caliper grabbing a 255mm disc in the rear. Bosch ABS is standard. The bike has a steel trellis frame and an aluminum swingarm and rides on tubeless light alloy wheels (18-inch front, 17-inch rear wheels) with TPMS and wrapped in Pirelli Angel GT tires. It has an approximately 32-inch seat height, 4.2-gal. tank, and comes in with a dry weight of 441 lb.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR in Vivid White
The Seiemmezzo STR features a 5-inch color TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity, full LED lighting, and backlit handlebar controls, and it is available in Metallic Red, Vivid White, and Anthracite Smoke starting at $7,499.
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR in Metallic Red
“We are excited to bring the Moto Morini brand to the United States” says Chris McGee, COO. “The STR is just one example that reflects the Moto Morini mantra of delivering performance, quality, and exceptional craftsmanship. It’s a great looking machine that’s super fun to ride.”
2023 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR in Anthracite Smoke
In addition to the STR, Moto Morini is also offering the Seiemmezzo SCR Scrambler model and the X-Cape Adventouring model. Each features the same 649cc engine as the STR.
Two years after the release of the BMW CE 04 electric scooter, the company is targeting a younger generation of city-dwellers with the new 2024 BMW CE 02. Described by BMW as an “eParkourer,” the CE 02 is somewhere in between an electric bike and an electric scooter, designed to be practical yet playful in terms of both performance and appearance.
The BMW CE 04 electric scooter (left) was introduced for model year 2022. Now, the electric CE 02 is here to attract a younger demographic.
The BMW CE 02 comes in two variations: an 11 kW (15 hp) version and a 4kW (5 hp) version aimed to meet requirements for the AM driving license class open to younger riders in Germany and other European countries. BMW claims a top speed of 59 mph and a range of 55 miles for the 11 kW version. The 4 kW has a top speed limited to 28 mph and a range of 28 miles.
The 11 kW version of the CE 02 has a claimed 15 hp, 59 mph top speed, and 55 miles of range.
The CE 02 comes standard with an external charger and a charging power of 0.9 kW, and it can be charged using standard household sockets. Standard charging time from 20% to 80% is 2 hours 48 minutes for the 11 kW version and 1 hour 25 minutes for the 4 kW version. The Highline options package comes with a 1.5 kW quick charger, which has a charging time from 20% to 80% of 1 hour 42 minutes for the 11 kW version.
The BMW CE 02 is designed for playful fun in an urban environment.
The youthful, fun-loving goal of the CE 02 is further seen in the names of the two ride modes available: Flow and Surf. Flow mode is designed for cruising, while Surf is for spirited riding. There’s also a more dynamic Flash ride mode available as part of the Highline options package.
The eParkourer’s chassis consists of a double-loop frame of tubular steel. It uses an inverted telescopic fork with 4.6 inches of travel up front and a single-sided swingarm and an adjustable shock absorber with 2.2 inches of travel in the rear. The 11 kW version has a weight of 291 lb, and the 4 kW version has a weight of 262 lb. The bench seat has an approachable height of 29.5 inches. It rides on cast alloy 14-inch wheels front and rear. Stopping power comes from a 239-mm front disc with standard ABS and a 220-mm rear disc.
Other features of the BMW CE 02 are a 3.5-inch TFT display and a USB-C charging socket. The CE 02 also connects to smartphones via the BMW Motorrad Connected app to show predicted end of charging and other information. The Highline options package includes additional uses for the app, including the ability to use a smartphone (placed in the smartphone holder) as an additional display while riding and operated with a keypad on the handlebar. The Highline package also includes heated grips. The CE 02 comes standard with an LED headlight and an electric reverse gear.
The Highline options package comes with the Cosmic Black 2 colorway, heated grips, a smartphone mount, more features available through the app, a quick charger, and a Flash ride mode.
The 2024 BMW CE 02 is available in Cosmic Black for $7,599. The Highline options package, which includes the Cosmic Black 2 colorway with teal and white accents and graphics, costs an additional $875.
BMW Motorrad has announced the first updates for model year 2024. BMW models receive new color options, and BMW has also rearranged some of the options packages, moving some features from one package to another and removing some features from options packages to make them stand-alone add-ons. The brand has also added a new Intelligent Emergency Call feature, which comes standard on some models and as an option on other models.
The Intelligent Emergency Call feature includes an SOS button, a loudspeaker, and a microphone on the right handlebar controls. The system uses BMW Motorrad Connected Services, which can be activated during new vehicle delivery to the customer, to connect a rider to an agent whenever the SOS button is pushed or when a crash is detected. Once connected, the agent communicates with the rider to determine the situation and level of injury and to contact emergency services if needed.
For 2024, the Intelligent Emergency Call system comes standard on K 1600 models, R 1250 models, the R 18 B and Transcontinental, the S 1000 R and RR, and the CE 04. It’s available as an option on the F 900 R and XR.
Also included in this announcement is that all new BMW M models will include a 600-mile Ultimate Care Break-In Service, a program that was launched in 2021.
BMW has already released information on a couple new/updated models for 2024 in earlier announcements, including the new R 18 Roctane, the R nineT 12 to replace the R nineT, and a prototype for the BMW M 1000 XR.
The BMW CE 04 will have an MSRP of $12,195 and come in Light White as standard. The optional Avantgarde Package is available in Imperial Blue Metallic, which replaces the Magellan Grey Metallic color option. Intelligent Emergency Call has also been added.
The BMW C 400 GT will have an MSRP of $8,245. Colors include the standard Alpine White, the optional Style Triple Black, and the Style Exclusive Imperial Blue Metallic to replace the Callisto Gray Metallic option.
2024 BMW G 310 R
2024 BMW G 310 R in Style Passion with Granite Grey Metallic
The BMW G 310 R will have an MSRP of $4,995. Cosmic Black 2 is the standard color. The Style Sport option comes in Racing Blue Metallic to replace Polar White/Racing Blue Metallic, and the Style Passion option comes in Granite Grey Metallic to replace Racing Red.
The BMW G 310 GS will have an MSRP of $5,695 and come standard in Cosmic Black 3. The Style Sport option comes in Polar White/Racing Blue Metallic, and the Style Rallye option comes in Racing Red to replace Kalamata Dark Gold Metallic
The BMW F 900 R will have an MSRP of $8,995 and come standard in Racing Red to replace Black Storm Metallic. The Style Sport option comes in Light White with updated graphics, and the Style Triple Black option replaces the Style Exclusive/Bluestone Metallic.
The F 900 R’s option packages have been changed. The Select Package, which included Heated Grips and Keyless Ride, has been removed and those features have been incorporated into the Premium Package. The Premium Package now has M Endurance Chain and ABS Pro, and a number of features have been removed from the package, including cruise control, the adaptive headlight, Headlight Pro, the center stand, GPR Prep, saddle bag mounts, and tire pressure monitoring. The new Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as a stand-alone option.
The BMW F 900 XR will have an MSRP of $11,695 and come in Light White with updated graphics as standard. The Style Sport option comes in Blue Metallic 2 to replace Racing Blue Metallic, and the Style Triple Black option has updated graphics. This model now has the Intelligent Emergency Call system as a stand-alone option.
The BMW R 18 will have an MSRP of $14,995 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include the unchanged Manhattan Metallic Matte, Black Storm Metallic/Vintage to replace Mars Red, and the Style Option 710 Velvet Green Metallic to replace the Option 719 Mineral White Metallic.
The BMW R 18 Classic will have an MSRP of $17,995 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. The Manhattan Metallic Matte option is unchanged, and the Black Storm Metallic/Vintage option replaces Mars Red. Style Option 719 Moon Stone Mineral White Metallic replaces Option 719 Mineral White Metallic and Option 719 Galaxy Dust/Titan Silver Metallic.
The Select Package will no longer include the locking gas cap for 2024, but it is available as a stand-alone option.
The BMW R 18 Roctane is a new model for 2024. It will be available for $18,695 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include Manhattan Metallic Matte and Mineral Grey Metallic Matte.
2024 BMW R 18 B
2024 BMW R 18 B in Option 719 Black Pearl Black Storm Metallic 2
The BMW R 18 B will have an MSRP of $19,945 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. The unchanged Manhattan Metallic Matte is also a color option, as well as Racing Blue Metallic to replace Gravity Blue Metallic. The Style Option 719 Black Pearl Black Storm Metallic 2 will replace Option 719 Mineral White Metallic and Option 719 Galaxy Dust/Titan Silver Metallic.
The options and packages have been rearranged, including the removal of the anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring, a heated seat, locking fuel cap, and central locking from the Premium Package. The anti-theft alarm, heated seat, and central locking features are now available as stand-alone options. The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
2024 BMW R 18 Transcontinental
2024 BMW R 18 Transcontinental in Option 719 Moonstone Mineral White Metallic
The BMW R 18 Transcontinental will have an MSRP of $23,995 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Manhattan Metallic Matte returns as an option, and the Racing Blue Metallic option will replace Gravity Blue Metallic. The Style Option 719 Moonstone Mineral White Metallic will replace Option 719 Mineral White Metallic and Option 719 Galaxy Dust/Titan Silver Metallic.
As with the R 18 B, the anti-theft alarm, tire pressure monitoring, a heated seat, locking fuel cap, and central locking have been removed from the Premium Package. The anti-theft alarm, heated seat, and central locking features are now available as stand-alone options. The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW R 1250 R will have an MSRP of $15,345 and come in Ice Grey as standard. The Style Sport Racing Blue Metallic option returns, as well as the Style Triple Black option.
The Premium Package sees some changes, including the addition of MSR Dynamic Engine Brake Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, and Ride Modes Pro. Some features have been removed from the package, including the Design Option Silencer, the chrome exhaust pipe, cruise control, and tire pressure monitoring (now available as a stand-alone option). The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW R 1250 RS will have an MSRP of $15,995 and come in Ice Grey as standard. Other color options remain unchanged, including the Style Sport Racing Blue Metallic option and the Style Triple Black option.
The Premium Package will no longer include the Design Option Silencer or chrome exhaust pipe. The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW R 1250 RT will have an MSRP of $19,995 and come in Alpine White. Other color options include the Style Sport Racing Blue Metallic 2 to replace Racing Blue Metallic, the Style Triple Black’s Black Storm Metallic 2, and the Option 719 Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure
2024 BMW R 1250 GS Adventure in Racing Blue Metallic
The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure will have an MSRP of $20,745 and come in Ice Grey as standard. Other color options include the Style Triple Black’s Black Storm Metallic/Black/Achat Gray, the Style GS Trophy Gravity Blue Metallic Matte option, and the Style Rallye Racing Blue Metallic to replace Light White/Racing Blue/Racing Red.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW S 1000 R will have an MSRP of $14,295 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include Style Sport Bluestone Metallic and Light White/M Motorsport with updated graphics.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW S 1000 RR will have an MSRP of $18,295 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include Style Passion Racing Red with updated graphics and Light White/M Motorsport with updated graphics.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW M 1000 R will have an MSRP of $21,695 and come in Light White/M Motorsport as standard. The M Competition Package will come in Black Storm Metallic/M Motorsport colorway.
BMW’s Ultimate Care Break-In Service has been added to this model for 2024.
2024 BMW M 1000 RR
2023 BMW M 1000 RR in Black Storm Metallic/M Motorsport
The BMW M 1000 RR will have an MSRP of $33,345 and come in Light White/M Motorsport as standard. The M Competition Package will come in Black Storm Metallic/M Motorsport colorway.
BMW’s Ultimate Care Break-In Service has been added to this model for 2024.
2024 BMW K 1600 GT
2024 BMW K 1600 GT in Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic
The BMW K 1600 GT will have an MSRP of $24,295 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include the Style Sport Light White/Racing Blue Metallic/Racing Red option and the Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic to replace the Option 719 Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
2024 BMW K 1600 GTL
2024 BMW K 1600 GTL in Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic
The BMW K 1600 GTL will have an MSRP for $27,295 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include the Style Exclusive Gravity Blue Metallic and the Style Option 719 Havanna Meteoric Dust 2, which replaces the Option 719 Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
The BMW K 1600 B will have an MSRP for $22,945 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include the Style Exclusive Manhattan Metallic Matte and the Option 719 Special Edition Midnight Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
2024 BMW K 1600 Grand America
2023 BMW K 1600 Grand America in Black Storm Metallic
The BMW K 1600 Grand America will have an MSRP for $28,130 and come in Black Storm Metallic as standard. Other color options include the Style Exclusive Manhattan Metallic Matte and the Option 719 Special Edition Midnight Meteoric Dust 2 Metallic.
The Intelligent Emergency Call system has been added as standard.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Both the 2024 KawasakiKLX300 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 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.
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).
The 2024 SuzukiHayabusa 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
