KTM North America has announced details for the 2022 KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour, giving U.S. motorcyclists a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with KTM’s versatile lineup of 2022 street models. Kicking off on Saturday, Feb. 26 at KTM’s North American Headquarters in Murrieta, California, the 2022 schedule will once again make stops at some of the largest motorcycle events in the country.
Riding on the nation’s best roads, participants of the KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour program will experience KTM’s pure performance on pre-planned routes that navigate through some great riding areas, thanks to a partnership with participating KTM dealers across the nation. Come explore KTM’s all-new Adventure lineup, including heavy-hitters like the ultimate high-performance KTM 1290 Super Adventure S and the all-terrain powerhouse KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. Beginning this April, riders can also enjoy the pure race-inspired performance of the new KTM RC 390.
Participants will also receive a Ride Orange VIP Card voucher (valued up to $500 MSRP), redeemable on KTM PowerParts, KTM PowerWear and/or KTM SpareParts at an authorized KTM dealer with the purchase of a new KTM street model.
In order to participate in the KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour, you must be 25 years or older for 690cc and up, and 21-years-old or above for 500cc and under. Participants 21- to 24-years-old can ONLY ride motorcycles 500cc and under. Experienced riders only (no beginners). All riders must show a government issued Photo ID with motorcycle endorsement. Demos are on a first-come first-served basis and registration will take place on-site the morning of the event.
For a list of KTM Ride Orange Street Demo Tour locations and to connect with your local participating dealer, please visit KTM.com or email [email protected]. Follow KTM USA on all social media platforms for the most up-to-date information on events.
The Honda CBR500R (upper left), CB500X (lower left), and CB500F (right) have been updated for 2022.
If you’re looking for a light, dependable, affordable middleweight motorcycle, then Honda has several options to choose from. In addition to its Rebel 500 cruiser, there are three models in the Honda CB/R500 lineup that have been updated for 2022. The CB500X ABS adventure bike, CB500F ABS naked bike, and CBR500R ABS sportbike offer improvements in suspension, braking, and handling.
“It’s hard to find more versatile motorcycles than Honda’s 500cc CB/R models, and if you factor in affordability and reliability, nothing else even compares,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “Each of these machines has been successful at addressing riders’ wide-ranging practical and recreational needs and tastes, and we’re pleased to offer them to U.S. customers in 2022, with improved performance for the new model year.”
Honda also confirmed the 2022 return of two additional street models – the CB1000R ABS naked bike and the CBR300R sportbike. All models in this announcement are available now.
2022 Honda CB500X ABS
2022 Honda CB500X
Honda’s middleweight adventure bike is powered by a liquid-cooled 471cc parallel-Twin with PGM-FI and DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder. The CB500X ABS benefits from a 5-pound weight reduction thanks to a lighter front wheel and a lighter swingarm (curb weight is 439 pounds). Other upgrades for 2022 include a new inverted 41mm Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) fork and dual front disc brakes. The CB500X ABS has a 32.8-inch seat height and a 4.7-gallon fuel capacity. It’s available in Pearl Organic Green/Black with an MSRP of $7,199.
2022 Honda CB500F ABS
2022 Honda CB500F
For those who prefer the sporty look of a motorcycle with minimal bodywork, the CB500F ABS naked bike fits the bill. Like the CB500X, for 2022 it gets an inverted 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork. It also gets dual front disc brakes with radial-mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers and lighter wheels. Curb weight has been reduced by 4 pounds, to 416 pounds. The CB500F ABS has a 31.1-inch seat height and a 4.5-gallon fuel capacity. It’s available in Matte Gray Metallic with an MSRP of $6,699.
2022 Honda CBR500R ABS
2022 Honda CBR500R in Grand Prix Red
Honda’s CBR sportbikes have always offered a balance between performance and practicality. For 2022, the CBR500R gets an inverted 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork, dual front disc brakes with radial-mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers, and lighter wheels. Curb weight remains the same at 423 pounds. The CB500F ABS has a 31.1-inch seat height and a 4.5-gallon fuel capacity. It’s available in Grand Prix Red or Silver Sword Metallic with an MSRP of $7,199.
2022 Honda CB1000R ABS
2021 Honda CB1000R Black Edition
Honda’s CB1000R ABS is the flagship model in the Neo-Sports Café lineup, blending aggressive naked-bike style with apex-strafing performance. It’s powered by a 998cc inline-Four derived from Honda’s CBR100RR line and features fully adjustable Showa suspension. It returns for 2022 in a menacing Black Edition with Graphite Black bodywork. MSRP is $12,999.
2022 Honda CBR300R
2022 Honda CBR300R in Grand Prix Red
The CBR300R offers the look of a fully faired sportbike in an accessible package that’s perfect for new riders. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 286cc single-cylinder engine with DOHC and four valves. There are single-disc brakes at both ends and compliant suspension with adjustable rear preload. Seat height is just 30.7 inches and curb weight is 354 pounds. Fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons, and the CBR300R gets an EPA-tested 71 mpg. It’s available without ABS for $4,899 or with ABS for $5,099, in Grand Prix Red or Matte Gray Metallic.
For more information or to find a Honda dealer near you, visit powersports.honda.com.
The KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo is known as “The Beast,” and its little brother – the KTM 890 Duke R – is known as “The Super Scalpel.” For 2022, both are offered in an all-new Atlantic Blue colorway inspired by the KTM RC16 GP racebike. KTM’s trademark orange is powercoated on the chromoly-steel trellis frame for contrast.
The KTM 890 Duke R debuted in 2020, with the “R” designation reserved for high-performance “Ready to Race” models. It features fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, a WP steering damper, Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers, a Brembo MCS front master cylinder, a PASC slip/assist clutch, Michelin Power Cup tires, and a state-of-the-art electronics package that includes cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control, and selectable ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain). An optional Track mode adds sharper throttle response along with on-the-fly TC adjustability over nine levels.
The 890 Duke R’s 889cc parallel-Twin engine has DOHC with four valves per cylinder, and it is tuned to deliver an additional 6 horsepower over the standard 890 Duke. When we tested the 2020 KTM 890 Duke R, it sent 111 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 67 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm to the rear wheel.
Riders can dial in suspension settings to suit their tastes. The fully adjustable 43mm inverted WP Apex for has separate compression and rebound functions in each leg. The fully adjustable WP Apex shock offers high and low speed compression adjustability along with adjustable rebound and a remote preload adjuster.
A full-color TFT display provides a wealth of information for the rider, and it allows for convenient navigation of the various menus and settings. An LED headlight is paired with an LED daytime running light for eye-catching visibility and excellent illumination. The flat, tapered aluminum handlebar can be adjusted to four positions within the triple clamp and rotated among three positions. Seat height is 32.8 inches, fuel capacity is 3.7 gallons, and dry weight is 366 pounds (curb weight with all fluids was 405 pounds for our 2020 test bike).
Pricing and availability for the 2022 KTM 890 Duke R have not yet been announced. For more information or to find a KTM dealer near you, visit ktm.com.
2022 KTM 890 Duke R Specifications
Engine Type: Parallel Twin, 4-Stroke, DOHC Displacement: 889cc Bore/Stroke: 90.7/68.8mm Starter: Electric; 12V 10Ah Transmission: 6 Gears Fuel System: DKK Dell’Orto, 46 mm Throttle Body Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with 2 Oil Pumps Cooling: Liquid Cooling with Water/Oil Heat Exchanger Clutch: PASC (Power Assisted Slipper Clutch), Mechanically Operated Ignition: Bosch EMS with Ride-By-Wire Frame: CroMoly Tubular Steel, Engine as Stressed Member Subframe: Cast Aluminum Handlebar: Aluminum, Tapered, Ø 26/22 mm Front Suspension: WP APEX USD Ø 43 mm Rear Suspension: WP APEX Monoshock Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 140 mm/5.5 in; 150 mm/5.9 in Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 320 mm/240 mm Front/Rear Wheels: 3.50 x 17”, 5.50 x 17” Front/Rear Tires: 120/70ZR17”; 180/55ZR17” Steering Head Angle: 24.3º Wheelbase: 1,482mm ± 15mm / 58.3 ± 0.6 in. Ground Clearance: 206mm / 8.1 in Seat Height: 834mm / 32.8 in Tank Capacity: 14 L / 3.7 gal Weight (without fuel), Approx: 166 kg / 365.9 lbs
The new-for-2022 Indian Scout Rogue is the most aggressive iteration of the Scout platform yet, and it does look pretty cool. But rather than an all-new model, it’s basically a Scout Bobber with higher bars and a taller front wheel, plus the addition of a quarter-fairing and a few other bits and bobs.
The mini-ape handlebar from the Bobber Twenty places a rider’s hands a few inches lower than shoulders, and footpegs are positioned moderately forward. The 19-inch aluminum front wheel contrasts with the 16-inchers on all other Scouts.
The most obvious distinction for the Rogue is its decently sized fairing that should take some sting out of highway travels. Also new for the Rogue is a sport-style solo seat with Indian embossed on the backrest portion, as well as blacked-out fenders and valve covers.
As with previous Scouts, the Rogue uses Indian’s liquid-cooled V-Twin, available in two displacements. The Rogue Sixty comes with a 60 cubic-inch (999cc) motor producing a claimed 78 horsepower. The Black Metallic version retails for a reasonable $9,999, but ABS is a $900 option. Titanium Smoke and Bronze Smoke colorways retail for $11,399 and include ABS.
Riders who are hungry for power will want to upgrade to the non-Sixty Rogue, which is fitted with the 69 cubic-inch (1,133cc) motor that is said to produce 100 horsepower, rated at the crankshaft. When we recently tested the Scout Bobber with this engine, it spat out 85 horsepower to the rear wheel, arriving at 8,100 rpm. Torque peaked at 5,700 rpm with 64.5 lb-ft of twist.
Its MSRP starts at $11,499 for the Black Metallic base model, in which ABS is a $900 upgrade. ABS is factory-equipped on Storm Blue, Sagebrush Smoke, Black Smoke, Black Smoke Midnight and Stealth Gray versions, with MSRPs starting at $12,899.
“For so many motorcyclists, riding carries a rogue spirit – a bold statement of freedom and individuality that brings riders together – and Scout Rogue delivers that in spades,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President.
Indian also touts its line of accessories for the Scout range. Perhaps most intriguing is the Pathfinder adaptive LED headlight, which activates 15 individual beams inside the lamp’s 5.75-inch housing based on the bike’s lean angle. The $500 headlight utilizes patented technology that is claimed to project light farther and with an improved light spread.
Other accessories available include adjustable shocks ($800), a tachometer with shift light ($300), seats, luggage, and smoked turnsignal lenses. The Rogue’s fairing can be fitted to other Scouts, retailing for $350 for an unpainted unit or $500 when painted.
The 2022 Indian Scout Rogue and Scout Rogue Sixty will begin shipping to Indian Motorcycle dealers in early 2022. More info at IndianMotorcycle.com.
“As part of our focus on stronghold segments, including Grand American Touring and Cruiser, the 2022 product line is designed for power and performance,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “Each of these new models feature the unrivaled power of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 for those riders who want nothing but the biggest and the best, building on our position as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.”
In a bit of a surprise, the “Faster. Further” launch didn’t include a new variant of the Sportster S and its Revolution Max motor, but the company teased that we’ll see one or more versions later this year.
Low Riders
The Low Rider ST and Low Rider S.
Perhaps the most intriguing new model is the Low Rider ST, which employs a fairing with styling nods to the revered FXRT of the 1980s. It is also fitted with hardshell saddlebags and greater suspension travel, plus the 117 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight powertrain with Heavy Breather intake and 2-into-2 offset shotgun exhaust. The Low Rider S also uses the 117ci M-8 in a more stripped-down model.
Both Low Riders have styling rooted in the California “tall bike” movement and are equipped with a taller rear monoshock than the standard Softail chassis, with 0.5-inch additional stroke that translates to 1 inch more rear-wheel travel and a 0.75-inch taller seat. Harley promises improved ride comfort and more than 1 degree of extra lean-angle clearance. Dual front brakes with 300mm discs are said to deliver the responsive braking demanded by aggressive riders.
The ST’s lockable saddlebags ride high and tight, and they can be quickly removed for a cleaner appearance. Combined saddlebag capacity is 1.9 cubic feet (53.8 liters).
“A key element of this model is the frame-mounted fairing, which has a shape inspired by the classic FXRT Sport Glide model fairing favored by West Coast customizers,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design. “With a dominant central headlamp flanked by side vents, the genetic connection to the original FXRT remains familiar. The sharper creases and revised proportions in the Low Rider ST fairing provide a look that is intended to be modern, athletic, and aerodynamically superior to the FXRT fairing.”
Could the Low Rider ST be the lightweight bagger of your dreams?
The ST’s six-inch windshield has a dark smoke tint, and the fairing holds a single 5.75-inch LED headlamp. A deep solo seat holds riders in place, and a 1-inch moto handlebar is mounted on four-inch pull-back risers. A low-profile textured-black console tops the 5-gallon fuel tank, with a compact digital display inset in the handlebar riser for a custom “no gauges” look. An audio system is an option.
“Our customers truly inspire us, and the Low Rider ST was born from seeing the incredible builds at motorcycle shows around the world,” said Richards. “We took the iconic Motor Company design from the Eighties and gave it a new identity with a modern echo. Add the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a taller suspension and raised saddlebags, and the Low Rider ST delivers both a dynamic visual package as well as a dramatic performance punch.”
Rugged, blacked-out styling includes Wrinkle Black finish on the powertrain, primary cover, triple clamps, top clamp, rear fender supports, and tank console, while Gloss Black finishes adorn the derby cover, intake, lower rocker covers, and handlebar riser. The handlebar is Satin Black. The forks are anodized black. Mufflers and exhaust shields are Jet Black. Radiate cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front and 16-inch rear diameter) are finished in Matte Dark Bronze to contrast the Low Rider’s dark components.
The Low Rider S includes a small windscreen and has mid-mount foot controls.
Color options for the Low Riders are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray. The S ($18,349) is available now, while the ST ($21,749) won’t arrive in dealers until late March.
Grand American Touring
The Street Glide ST and Road Glide ST are said to elevate bagger performance and bring the purposeful style of the championship-winning MotoAmerica King Of The Baggers racebikes to the street. These hot-rod baggers also feature the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain that is dolled up with new dark and bronze finishes.
These baggers are equipped with Reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS, a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen and navigation, cruise control, and Daymaker LED headlamps. MSRPs for both start at $29,999.
Optional on the Grand American tourers is Harley’s Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, which employ Cornering-Traction Control with ride modes, Cornering-ABS with linked braking, hill-hold control, and tire-pressure monitoring.
The Street Glide ST in Gunship Gray.
The Street Glide ST uses a low-profile dark windshield atop its batwing fairing and unique engine guards that differ from other Touring models, as well as a trimmed front fender and a solo seat. Black is the dominant theme, as the brightwork is limited to the pushrod tubes and tappet covers and the machined cylinder fins. Matte Dark Bronze finishes on the Prodigy cast aluminum wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer cover medallion, intake medallion, and the classic script tank graphic provide subtle contrast to dark finishes. The SG-ST will be available in two paint options: Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.
The Road Glide ST uses the distinctive and shark-nose fairing with triple splitstream venting on the low-profile tinted windscreen to limit head buffeting. A low-profile engine guard and tank console combine to give the Road Glide ST trim lines. A new solo seat exposes the rear fender, and the front fender is a new trimmed version.
The Road Glide ST in Gunship Gray and Vivid Black.
Suspension is similar to the SG-ST, with emulsion-technology rear shocks with hydraulic preload adjustments and a 49mm fork with dual bending-valve technology. It’s also equipped with the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a color touchscreen, two fairing-mount speakers, and a hidden radio antenna.
Like the SG-ST, the RG-ST features blacked-out finishes for the front end, controls, powertrain, and exhaust, with shiny highlights from bright pushrod tubes and tappet covers and machined cylinder fins. Further contrast is provided by a Matte Dark Bronze finish on the cast aluminum Prodigy custom wheels, the color band on the lower rocker box, timer-cover medallion, intake medallion, and the script tank graphic. The two paint options are Vivid Black or Gunship Gray.
Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO)
Four updated CVOs join H-D’s 2022 lineup, “designed to represent the pinnacle of style and design.” The premium limited-production factory custom models boast exclusive and hand-crafted paint, as well as high-end features like a Rockford Fosgate audio system, a Boom! Audio 30K Bluetooth headset, and the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements system. Each is fitted with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain.
CVOs have always featured the best in paintwork, and that’s the case with these 2022 offerings.
“Gunslinger is our partner in custom paint that’s been that’s been adding incredible artisanal techniques to our CVO arsenal and family for a long time now, and they’re inspiring us to push the limits, so we try to do the same thing with them,” said Brad Richards. “When most manufacturers are at the limits of a robot, Gunslinger can go in there with an artist who has the ability to brush by hand and deliver the sharpest pinstripe possible. That hand-applied technique allows for very intricate two-tones, three-tones, airbrush drop shadows, and really transcends the ‘expected’ by delivering a truly custom look.”
The CVO Street Glide “is a super-premium bagger for the rider who rolls loud and proud” behind the iconic batwing fairing. It features a Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake, new decorative insert finishes and Scorched Chrome powertrain covers (with the Blue Steel paint option), Rockford Fosgate Stage II premium sound, heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match Kahuna Collection shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider and passenger pegs, plus a Daymaker Adaptive LED headlamp.
The CVO Street Glide in its Envious Green with Black Hole Fade and Flame Pattern colorway with Gloss Black finishes.
Fugitive wheels can be had with gloss black and contrast chrome, all gloss black, or Blue Steel and contrast scorched chrome finish, depending on paint options. New paint colorways include Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. Prices start at $41,899.
The CVO Road Glide ($41,899) uses frame-mounted shark-nose fairing and its distinctive dual LED headlamps. Additionally, it uses an exclusive 21-inch front wheel with an 18-inch rear with laced spokes mated to cast-aluminum rims for a cool look that also enables the use of a tire-pressure monitoring system on a laced wheel. The bike also boasts Rockford Fosgate Stage II audio, and the fairing features splitstream venting to mitigate head buffeting.
Check out the laced 21-inch front wheel with cast aluminum rims on the 2022 CVO Road Glide.
Color options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Envious Green with Black Hole Fade with Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes, and Blue Steel solid color with Scorched Chrome finishes. A Screamin’ Eagle Heavy Breather intake and Fang front spoiler round out the styling upgrades.
The CVO Road Glide Limited raises the bar for luxury and long-haul comfort, as it’s equipped with premium audio and heated seats and grips, as well as most of the non-Limited CVO Road Glide features. Its M-8 motor is the Twin-Cooled version.
You’ll feel like the king of the road on the 2022 CVO Road Glide Limited.
Like the CVO Street Glide, the RG Limited uses heated Kahuna Collection hand grips that match shifter pegs, brake pedal cover, muffler end caps, and rider/passenger boards. The wheels are Harley’s Tomahawk hoops. Paint options include Wicked Orange Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, Hightail Yellow Pearl/Black Hole with Lightning Silver Two-Tone and Bright Chrome finishes, and Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Gloss Black finishes. Prices start at $44,899.
And for something that will never tip over at a stop, the CVO Tri Glide trike offers distinctive style and long-haul touring capability, along with a premium audio system and the Twin-Cooled 117ci Milwaukee-Eight motor. It also gets the Tomahawk contrast-cut wheels and heated Kahuna Collections grips and dual-zone heated seats. The new paint scheme is Dante’s Red with Dante’s Black Sunglo Fade Flame Pattern and Bright Chrome finishes. It’s priced at $49,999.
The CVO Tri Glide in its new Dante’s Red colorway.
Visit H-D.com to learn more about the lineup of 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, gear, accessories, and more.
The BMW R 18 M is one of two R 18 customs unveiled at the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.
Since introducing its Big Boxer-powered R 18 in 2020, BMW has invited some of the world’s best customizers to put their own spin on Germany’s heavyweight cruiser. At the Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy, BMW unveiled the R 18 M and R 18 Aurora customs.
The latest customs are the result of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad Italy and its dealer network. The R 18 M was developed by Italian magazine LowRide and created by American Dreams. Commissioned by BMW Motorrad Roma, the R 18 Aurora was created by Garage 221.
M is the letter that distinguishes the sport versions of BMW four-wheeled models, and today it also includes motorcycles like the M 1000 RR. The source of inspiration for the BMW R 18 M project by the editorial staff of LowRide is the following: the idea is to give the BMW cruiser a sportier, more streamlined look, avoiding exaggerations while showing respect the R 18’s retro lines.
“Stability, long wheelbase, and readiness of the 1,800cc Big Boxer instigate lightning starts and deserve, in our opinion, a sporty and retro look,” said Giuseppe Roncen, director of LowRide. “In the R 18 M design, we find suggestions from BMW Motorrad tradition and cues from the four-wheelers: M stands for Motorsport.”
The work has focused on chassis, suspension set-up, bodywork, and accessories, leaving mechanics and electronics unchanged as the natural strengths of the R 18. Lightened and with a different riding position, the BMW R 18 M promises to be even more fun to ride.
“We remain curious to experience its potential,” continued Roncen. “Significantly lightened, the bike should also be easy to handle due to its riding position, which is more compact and forward loaded, without exaggeration.”
The R 18 M project was made possible by BMW Italia and was born in the wake of the emotions that this bike can give: a fun cruiser, powerful and lively, with a big heart and an infinite torque. LowRide has involved some of the best Italian craftsmen and companies specialized in the sector.
The realization of the sketches was entrusted to designer Oberdan Bezzi, already a partner of LowRide in the past. He has managed to make it an exciting power cruiser without upsetting the essence of the BMW R 18. American Dreams handled the assembly and coordinated the work. Elaboratorio, specializing in prototyping and modeling, created the headlight shroud, lower cowl, and tailsection.
Carbon Italy handled the head covers, intake ducts, and other carbon fiber details. The short exhaust pipe, designed to make the line more compact and allow greater lean angles, bears the signature of ER Exhaust Revolution. L.R. Leather covered the saddle in leather, while the paintwork was entrusted to Dox Art Factory. Rizoma provided mirrors, grips, and universal indicators for the accessories.
The idea and desire of Garage 221 to create a custom bike based on the BMW R 18 found its origins a while ago, at the presentation of the bike at EICMA 2019. The lines of the new BMW cruiser, innovative and at the same time faithfully traditional, deserved “complementary elements and an even more Heritage spirit, starting from the soft lines of the tank to the characteristic shapes of the boxer,” said Pier Francesco Marchio of Garage 221.
BMW R 18 Aurora
The project initially focused on the study of the different sections of the bike, keeping in mind the need to connect the new elements in a unique harmony of lines, taking inspiration from the cruisers of the 1970s, which have always impressed Pier Francesco “for their impressive aesthetic fluidity.” Distinctive elements of the BMW R 18 Aurora are the wraparound fenders and the batwing fairing.
Modifications that led to the R 18 Aurora stem from Garage 221’s deep knowledge of BMW Motorrad history. The saddle was borrowed in its entirety from a 2005 BMW R 1200 C. The fairing supports are adapted from parts on a 1982 BMW R 100 and a 1991 BMW K 75. Even for the color of the body, a 1983 BMW R 100 RT was used as a reference, customizing the graphics in its shades and intensity. The front and rear fender supports, saddle supports, and license plate holder arms are entirely handmade.
The exhaust pipes were made in collaboration with Leo Vince, taking particular care of the sound, to make it even more full-bodied and captivating. Their design has been specifically studied to give a very personal and muscular line to the central part of the R 18.
The R 18 Aurora’s oil cooler grille gives a classy natural touch, inspired by the grille of BMW’s cars from the 1960s. “It was a lot of hard work,” said Pier Francesco, “but the result is truly stunning. The textured paintwork of the cylinder head covers, the injection housings, the central crankcase and our oil cooler grille make everything look homogeneous, creating a unique effect with the cylinder block and the bevel gear.”
Honda has announced its returning motorcycles for 2022, which includes four versions of the Africa Twin adventure bike.
We’ve seen (and tested) two 2022 Hondas already, both in the miniMOTO family: the updated Grom and the all-new Navi, an affordable, user-friendly motorcycle for commuters and new riders. The 2022 Honda lineup includes another miniMOTO, the Super Cub C125, as well as Africa Twin, Gold Wing, Rebel, Fury, CBR, and NC750X models.
2022 Honda Super Cub C125
Honda’s Super Cub is a living legend. Introduced in 1958, more than 100 million have been built, making it the most produced motor vehicle in history. It’s also the inspiration for the wildly successful “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” advertising campaign.
2022 Honda Super Cub C125
For 2022, the Super Cub’s new SOHC, 124cc, single-cylinder engine benefits from a longer stroke, which delivers more useable power while also improving fuel economy. Honda also managed to shave off 2 pounds, reducing curb weight to just 238 pounds. Offered in a new Matte Gray Metallic colorway, the 2022 Super Cub starts at just $3,799.
2022 Honda Africa Twin
Since its 2016 reintroduction, the legendary Africa Twin proven itself to be a highly capable adventure bike both on- and off-road, and the platform has grown to include four models. For 2022, the sporting- and off-road performance-oriented standard version now comes with the same rear carrier as its more distance riding-oriented Adventure Sports ES sibling. Meanwhile, that version gets a shorter windscreen for improved visibility.
2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES
Both Africa Twin versions are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and both are available with either a manual gearbox or Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which has a program change for 2022, delivering smoother shifting in the lower gears.
2022 Honda Africa Twin
2022 Honda Africa Twin
The standard Africa Twin comes in Grand Prix Red, with an MSRP of $14,499 for the manual transmission version and $15,299 for the DCT version. The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES comes in Pearl White, and MSRP is $17,299 for the manual and $18,099 for the DCT.
2022 Honda Gold Wing
Now in its sixth generation, Honda’s flagship Gold Wing caters to long-distance tourers with an ultra-smooth opposed six-cylinder engine, spacious cockpit, and ample storage capacity. Despite it’s 1,833cc mill and 804-pound running weight, it delivers sporty performance and handling that belies its size. The Gold Wing delivers style and luxury for multi-day road trips with comfortable seating options, cutting-edge rider aids, and a top-of-the-line infotainment system.
2022 Honda Gold Wing DCT
Last year, Honda updated the Gold Wing Tour with a larger trunk and more comfortable passenger accommodations, and all Gold Wing models got updated audio and Android Auto integration in addition to Apple Car Play.
2022 Honda Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT
In 2022, the Gold Wing DCT trim comes in Nightshade Blue and retails for $25,300. At $28,500, the trunk-equipped Gold Wing Tour now sports Ultra Blue Metallic and Metallic Black colorways. The Gold Wing Tour DCT offers the same paint schemes but with an MSRP of $29,500 and the 2022 Gold Wing Tour Airbag DCT rounds out the range with a $32,800 sticker price and Ultra Blue Metallic livery.
2022 Honda NC750X
For commuters covering longer distances, the Honda NC750X has become one of the top picks in the adventure category. The fuel-sipping 745cc parallel-Twin isn’t all business though. Its low to midrange torque makes it a great option for backroad weekend excursions as well.
2022 Honda NC750X
The standard NC750X remains affordable in 2022 with a $8,699 sticker price. The Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) trim comes in close behind at $9,299. Honda’s Selectable Torque Control is available in both trims, reassuring the rider that the NC750X is just as practical as it is versatile.
2022 Honda Rebel 1100
Introduced last year, the Rebel 1100 returns for 2022. Don’t let its cruiser stance fool you. With a liquid-cooled, 1,084cc parallel-Twin derived from the Africa Twin, a solid chassis, and electronic rider aids, it delivers both style and performance.
2022 Honda Rebel 1100 ABS
The Metallic Black and Bordeaux Red Metallic paint options carry over from 2021, but a stunning new Pearl Stallion Brown makes the Rebel stand out from the crowd. Honda offers the 2022 Rebel 1100 at $9,399 while the DCT version comes in at $9,999. Regardless of the trim, both Rebel 1100 models include ABS as standard.
2022 HondaRebel 300/500
Also returning for 2022 are two of the industry’s most popular entry-level cruisers, Honda’s Rebel 300 and Rebel 500. They combine user-friendliness with stylish, minimalist design, including a peanut fuel tank, LED lighting, and blacked-out finishes.
2022 Honda Rebel 300
2022 Honda Rebel 500 ABS SE
The Honda Rebel 300 is available in Matte Gray Metallic and Pearl Blue, with an MSRP of $4,699, or $4,999 with ABS. The Honda Rebel 500 is available in Matte Gray Metallic and Matte Pearl White, with an MSRP of $6,399, or $6,699 with ABS. The Honda Rebel 500 ABS SE ($6,899) comes in a new Matte Silver and has select accessories preinstalled.
2022 Honda Fury
The Rebel may bring cruiser performance and aesthetics into the 21st century, but the 2022 Honda Fury sticks to its chopper roots. With a long and lean stance, aggressive styling, and 1,312cc V-Twin, the factory-direct custom lives up to its name.
2022 Honda Fury
However, with dual counter-balancers, fuel injection, and shaft drive, the Fury delivers a smooth ride. In Pearl Yellow paint, the 2022 Fury is sure to turn heads, and at $11,499, it’s priced to take on all competitors.
2022 Honda CBR600RR
Honda’s CBR600RR is back in 2022, offering the utmost supersport performance for spirited road riders and track day enthusiasts. With eight World Supersport titles under its belt, the CBR600RR retains its championship pedigree in 2022 with full Showa suspension and a high-revving inline-four engine.
2022 Honda CBR600RR
Resplendent in Grand Prix Red, the base 2022 Honda CBR600RR has an MSRP of $11,999 and the ABS-equipped model goes for $12,999.
2022 Honda CBR1000RR
Last year Honda introduced the exclusive, track-focused CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, a premium, World Superbike-caliber machine that cost $28,500.
2022 Honda CBR1000RR
For those seeking liter-class performance on a more affordable scale, Honda’s legendary CBR1000RR is available for 2022 in Grand Prix Red for $16,499, or $16,799 with ABS.
The 2022 Indian Motorcycle lineup has been announced, covering Challenger, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Indian Springfield, and Scout models.
Indian came out of the gate early last year with an all-new Chief platform and a revised FTR lineup for the 2022 model year. The full 2022 Indian Motorcycle lineup features an updated Ride Command system and fine-tuned traction control on select models, as well as new colors and accessories.
Indian’s Ride Command System has been updated for 2022.
Ride Command-equipped 2022 models now feature a speed limit overlay, reminding users of the current speed limit on a street-by-street basis. The system also benefits from faster loading times and expanded Bluetooth connectivity this year. The new features are included on 2022 models and available as a software update on 2020-2021 Indians.
2022 Indian Challenger
In addition to the robust Ride Command system, Indian also retuned the PowerPlus 111-powered Challenger’s traction control for smoother engagement. The platform has been refreshed with new colors as well.
The standard Challenger comes in Black Metallic and Titanium Smoke with an MSRP of $23,999. Starting at $27,999, the Challenger Limited is offered in Black Metallic, Maroon Metallic, Spirit Blue/Black Metallic paint options. The Challenger Dark Horse, on the other hand, retails for $28,499 in Black Smoke, Bronze Smoke, and Indy Red/Black Metallic colorways.
2022 Indian Springfield, Chieftain, and Roadmaster
Indian’s Thunder Stroke models also receive fresh liveries for the 2022 model year. Starting at $21,999, Springfield buyers can choose between Maroon Metallic/Crimson Metallic and Black Metallic/Dirt Track Tan color schemes. Additionally, the Black Smoke and Quartz Gray paint options complement the Springfield Dark Horse’s black finish and starts at $22,499.
2022 Indian Springfield
2022 Indian Springfield Dark Horse
The Chieftain goes back to basics with Black Metallic paint job and a $21,999 MSRP. However, at $27,999, the Chieftain Dark Horse amps up the options with Black Smoke, Ruby Smoke, and Quartz Gray paint jobs. The top-of-the-line Chieftain Limited commands $28,749 but sweetens the deal with premium Silver Quartz Metallic and Deepwater Metallic colorways.
2022 Indian Chieftain
2022 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
2022 Indian Chieftain Limited
The Roadmaster returns in Black Metallic or Maroon Metallic/Crimson Metallic paint and costs $29,999. At $30,499, the Roadmaster Dark Horse boasts Black Smoke, Polished Bronze, and Silver Quartz Smoke liveries while the Roadmaster Limited comes with a $30,749 price tag and Black Azure Crystal and Crimson Metallic colorways.
2022 Indian Scouts
Indian doesn’t forget the Scout family either, bringing back the Scout (MSRP $$11,999), Scout Sixty (MSRP $9,999), Scout Bobber (MSRP $10,999), Scout Bobber Sixty (MSRP $8,999), and Scout Bobber Twenty (MSRP $11,999). The base-model Scout now features Black Metallic, White Smoke, Maroon Metallic, and Silver Quartz Metallic/Black Metallic paint while the Scout Sixty keeps it simple with Black Metallic and Storm Blue color schemes.
2022 Indian Scout
2022 Indian Scout Sixty
2022 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty
The Scout Bobber line take the paint options to the Nth degree with 2022 Scout Bobber Sixty offering Black Metallic, Black Smoke, Quartz Gray, and Ruby Smoke. The Scout Bobber now comes in Black Metallic, Alumina Jade Smoke, Maroon Metallic Smoke, Stealth Gray, Silver Quartz Smoke, and Titanium Metallic, while the Scout Bobber Twenty is available in Black Metallic, White Smoke, Maroon Metallic, and Silver Quartz Metallic/Black Metallic.
2022 Indian Scout Bobber
2022 Indian Scout Bobber Twenty
Accessories
Along with the model updates, Indian expands its accessories catalog with Spirit Lake Luggage Collection, LED lighting add-ons, and hard fairing lowers for the Indian Challenger platform. The Scouts also benefit from the extensive collection with new piggyback rear shocks and a 5.75-inch Pathfinder Adaptive LED headlight.
New Pathfinder Auxiliary LED Saddlebag Lights do not require any drilling, but rather feature a convenient peel-and-stick adhesive for easy and quick install.
Indian’s new Spirit Lake Luggage Collection includes a Rack Bag, Day Bag and Touring Bag (shown).
For four decades, the BMW R-GS series — 80, 100, 1000, 1100, 1150, 1200, and 1250 — has been the standard bearer in the adventure bike market. The 2021 R 1250 GS 40 Years Edition celebrates this milestone. (Photos by Kevin Wing)
When I first laid eyes on our 2021 BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years of GS Edition test bike, I thought of my Uncle Clive. He had worked for the doomed British Leyland for years before accepting a role with BMW. His garage, once the perpetual home to a gleaming Rover, was now occupied by a stunning 5 Series sedan, but it was the new motorcycle, waiting in the shadows, which drew my attention. It was unlike any I had seen before.
The air-cooled cylinder heads of its opposed Twin jutted out brazenly from the sides of the engine cases, protected by crash bars. Though it wasn’t a dirtbike, it shared some of the same characteristics, like a long, single-piece seat and a high, fixed front mudguard. Most distinguishing of all, the rear wheel seemed to float in space. Uncle Clive, always ready to explain an engineering feature, eagerly directed me to view it from the other side and began a lengthy monologue on the benefits of a combined single-sided swingarm and driveshaft. The details were lost on me. I was only 12 at the time.
1980 BMW R 80 GS
1987 BMW R 100 GS
It was 1984. What I didn’t know back then was how bold the path was that BMW had blazed a few years earlier with the R 80 G/S, the first motorcycle that delivered on-road comfort and performance and genuine off-road capability in equal measure. Between 1981 and 1985, the rugged G/S proved its mettle with four wins in the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally and three wins in the Baja 1000. And that single-sided swingarm – then called the Monolever – was lighter, stronger, and less expensive to manufacture than a two-sided swingarm with shaft drive, and it simplified repairs and maintenance.
1994 BMW R 1100 GS
1999 BMW R 1150 GS
What I also didn’t know back then was that those two letters – G for Gelande (“terrain” in German) and S for StraBe (“street”), the slash between them soon dropped – would evolve into an abbreviation for adventure long before ADV stickers found their way onto aluminum panniers. Or that, years later, I would watch Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman ride R 1150 GS Adventures – descendants of that original R 80 G/S – around the world and be inspired to embark on my own adventures.
2004 BMW R 1200 GS
2008 BMW R 1200 GS
I rode an R 1100 GS with the Dakar-style tank through the soggy mountains of Wales. My wife and I did two-up tours on R 1200 GSs through the canyons of Arizona and Utah, across Canada, and through the wilds of Chile and Argentina. I rode the first liquid-cooled 1200 down California’s fog-shrouded Highway 1 and around the Rockies of Colorado. I’ve ridden them in snow, rain, rubble, and the dreaded sand. Once, I somersaulted a GS down a hill at BMW’s off-road Rider Academy in South Carolina, picked it up, and rode it back to base.
2013 BMW R 1200 GS
2021 BMW R 1250 GS
The earlier models required close attention to the oil level, and although I’ve suffered the odd puncture, a torn tire, and a luggage rack that disintegrated after 11 hours on Chilean roads, I’ve never had one fail on me. Not once.
There’s an obvious through-line from Uncle Clive’s R 80 G/S to the 2021 R 1250 GS tested here, but BMW’s flagship adventure bike has come a long way over the past four decades. Over multiple generations, engine displacement grew from 798cc to 1,254cc and output increased from 50 horsepower to 136, measured at the crank. (On Jett Tuning’s dyno, our test bike grunted out 119 horsepower at 7,900 rpm and 91 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm at the rear wheel.) Air cooling evolved into air/oil cooling and then air/liquid cooling. Cylinders had two valves, then four, and overhead valves evolved into dual overhead cams with variable valve timing. It had five speeds, then six, and a single-plate dry clutch evolved into a multi-plate wet clutch.
An R 100 GS flanked by the 40 Years of GS Edition R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure.
As the engine and drivetrain evolved, so did the chassis. The Monolever was replaced by the Paralever, solving the problem of shaft jacking. The telescopic fork was replaced by the Telelever, which moved suspension action from the fork tubes to a single shock attached to the front of the frame and an A-arm, reducing front-end dive under braking. A single-disc front brake and rear drum were replaced by dual discs up front and a single disc out back.
We recently tested the new Kawasaki KLR650, a dual-sport that was introduced in 1984 (as a 600), just a few years after the R 80 G/S. Resistance to change and dedication to simplicity (and affordability) have been points of pride for the KLR, so much so that adding electronic fuel injection and optional ABS on the 2022 model was a Big Deal.
Inspired by the “bumblebee” R 100 GS, the 40 Years of GS Edition Package also includes yellow handguards, special graphics, a gold handlebar, and a stainless-steel luggage carrier.
BMW, on the other hand, has taken an early-adopter approach to technology. Fuel injection and ABS were offered on the GS in the early ’90s. Traction control (known as ASC) and Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) were offered in 2008. Five years later, the GS got throttle-by-wire, riding modes, a Multi-Controller wheel for navigating settings and menus, multiple ABS modes, and Dynamic ESA that adapted the suspension to riding conditions. In 2019, the GS got the ShiftCam variable-valve timing system, a 5.7-inch TFT color display, and infotainment via Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone. And the latest GS has a 6-axis IMU, which provides input for cornering ABS, lean-angle-sensitive traction control, and semi-active suspension, all of which have different settings for each riding mode. A new option on the 2024 model will supposedly do your taxes, but don’t quote me on that.
Although many R 1250 GS owners stick to the pavement, in the right hands it’s a surprisingly capable off-roader.
The GS’s enduring and broad appeal stems from its excellent handling, versatile performance, comfortable ride, comprehensive features, and renowned durability and reliability. It’s a capable canyon carver as well as a comfortable highway cruiser, great for loading up with a passenger and gear, and is surprisingly capable off-road. Nearly every GS owner – and motojournalist – has, at one time or another, described the bike as the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles.
Riding through Chile and Argentina with my wife on an R 1200 GS is one of the highlights of my motorcycling experience. Patagonia’s vast mountain ranges are a delight, but finding fuel was sometimes a challenge, and on one desolate backroad, I gladly accepted a sheep farmer’s offer of some fuel he kept in an old watering can. It’s at times like these you will be grateful for the knock sensors, which allow the GS to run on low-octane gas.
Special engine guards and gold cross-spoked wheels are part of the 40 Years of GS Edition Package.
Riding the R 1250 GS, I recalled that first trip through the Welsh mountains on the ’90s-era 1100. The performance improvements are night and day, with a huge increase in power but only a few pounds of additional weight. While the difference in acceleration is notable, the most pleasing aspect of the 1250’s engine is the abundant torque across the rev range. It allows for lazy short-shifting when relaxed riding is called for, or rewarding grunt when you feel like pushing the envelope.
At the heart of the model’s enduring appeal is its exceptional versatility.
The most telling improvement is the difference in handling and suspension. While older GS models responded begrudgingly to spirited inputs, our 1250 test bike, which was equipped with the optional Premium Package ($3,925) that includes Dynamic ESA, Ride Modes Pro, and a whole lot more, rolls out the red carpet. The latest version of BMW’s semi-active suspension setup now takes input from the IMU and automatically adjusts for various loads. The Telelever front end has always dulled meaningful feedback, but you can push the GS close to its limits with relaxed confidence. Chassis pitch is minimal and suspension compliance is phenomenal. It’s like riding on air.
BMW’s Atacama soft luggage is designed for long-distance adventure.
BMW made a few updates for 2021, starting with standard Integral ABS Pro. As before, the system is linked front to rear, so the hand lever actuates both front and rear brakes, but the brake pedal only actuates the rear brake. The ABS software has been updated to improve braking stability, and it works in conjunction with the IMU for better control on inclines. ABS Pro adapts to different on-and off-road conditions based on riding mode, with special settings in Enduro Pro and Dynamic Pro modes, and a more compact ABS unit is one pound lighter. Overall braking performance was excellent, whether riding solo or with the GS fully loaded and my wife riding pillion.
Solo or with a passenger, with or without luggage, on the road or off of it, the BMW R 1250 GS is an excellent all-around touring bike.
A new Eco riding mode takes advantage of the ShiftCam system to maximize range from the 5.3-gallon tank. All-around LED lights are standard, and a new adaptive headlight is available as an option, adjusting the sideward angle of the beam up to 35 degrees relative to lean angle to light up curves. Hill Start Control also comes as standard and was a useful addition in the traffic of hilly San Francisco. Just apply sharp pressure to either the brake lever or pedal at a stop, and the rear brake stays locked until you pull away. With optional HSC Pro (part of the Premium Package), the function can be customized to automatically activate when coming to a standstill on a gradient, and there are special settings for use in Enduro and Enduro Pro off-road modes.
Our test bike featured the 40 Years of GS Edition Package ($1,750), which is inspired by the “bumblebee” black-and-yellow paint scheme of the R 100 GS. In addition to yellow accents and special graphics, it has a gold handlebar with yellow handguards, yellow cylinder head covers, gold anodized cross-spoke wheels, and a stainless-steel luggage rack. Our test bike was further equipped with BMW’s side case carriers and Atacama soft side cases and luggage roll ($2,352).
Throttle-by-wire works with an IMU to enable a full suite of rider aids, comfort features, and optional equipment. Ride modes, semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, and lean-angle-sensitive traction control are all customizable. They can be selected and adjusted using the Multi-Controller wheel and other switches, with info displayed on the color TFT screen.
There certainly is a lot of newness to this latest GS, with all its sensors and settings, with its customizability and high-tech sophistication. But for someone like me, who has put more miles on more GSs in more places than I have on any other motorcycle, there’s a lot of familiarity too. Like the distinctive sound of the boxer Twin when it fires up. Or the feel of the engine when hard on the gas. Or the sensation of leaning into a turn, aided by those horizontal cylinders keeping the weight down low.
Wherever you’re headed, the GS will take you there.
Experience can’t help but color our opinions, as unbiased as we may try to be. So, if I’m honest, I’m more than a little partial to the big GS. Uncle Clive certainly started the fire all those years ago, but the embers were stoked over the course of thousands of miles in all sorts of conditions on three different continents. The GS has proven itself to me time and again, and this latest model is the most impressive yet.
Our 2021 BMW R 1250 GS 40 Years of GS Edition is also equipped with the Premium package, Light package, side carriers, and Atacama soft luggage, for an as-tested price of $26,071.
2021 BMW R 1250 GS Specs
Base Price: $17,995 Price as Tested: $26,071 (Premium & Lights Packages, 40 Years of GS Edition, side case carriers & luggage) Warranty: 3 yrs., 36,000 miles Website:bmwmotorcycles.com
ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal opposed-Twin, DOHC w/ VVT, 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 1,254cc Bore x Stroke: 102.5 x 76.0mm Compression Ratio: 12.5:1 Valve Insp. Interval: 6,000 miles Fuel Delivery: BMS-X EFI Lubrication System: Wet sump, 4.2 qt. cap. Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated wet clutch Final Drive: Shaft, 2.91:1
CHASSIS Frame: Tubular-steel bridge frame w/ engine as stressed member & Paralever cast aluminum single-sided swingarm Wheelbase: 59.6 in. Rake/Trail: 25.5 degrees/3.9 in. Seat Height: 33.5/34.3 in. Suspension, Front: Telelever w/ single shock, electronically adj. & 7.5 in. travel Rear: Single shock, electronically adj. & 7.9 in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual discs w/ 305mm floating rotors, opposed 4-piston calipers & linked ABS Rear: Single disc w/ 276mm rotor, 2-piston floating caliper & linked ABS Wheels, Front: Spoked tubeless, 3.0 x 19 in. (as tested) Rear: Spoked tubeless, 4.5 x 17 in. (as tested) Tires, Front: 120/70-R19 Rear: 170/60-R17 Wet Weight: 548 lbs. Load Capacity: 455 lbs. GVWR: 1,025 lbs.
To challenge the dominance of Honda’s CB750, Kawasaki unleashed the Z1 in 1972. At the time, Team Green didn’t just produce the most powerful Japanese inline-Four, it also beat its rivals to the punch with a double overhead cam valvetrain. That innovative engine configuration may have impressed gearheads, but the Z1’s ultra-attractive Fireball paint scheme turned heads as well. Fifty years later, the Z1’s DNA is still found in its Z Series descendants. Celebrating the milestone are 2022 Kawasaki Z 50th Anniversary editions of the retro-style Z650RS and Z900RS as well as the more modern Z650 and Z900.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary
The retro-styled RS line borrows most from the Z1, donning the legendary Fireball livery. As many Kawi fans know, the original 2018 Z900RS paid tribute to the Z1 in a similar colorway. However, Kawasaki reproduces the Candy Diamond Brown and Orange of the 1972 model with a special multi-layer painting process on the 2022 Z900RS and Z650RS.
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary
A gold wheelset alludes to the Z Series’ golden anniversary, while Z 50th branding on the front fender and engine case covers take a more literal approach. The nostalgia only ramps up from there. Both variants bear Double Overhead Camshaft badges on the side panels, and the classically styled seats come wrapped in new textured material. Despite the absence of a center stand, a grab rail offers peak vintage styling.
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary
While the RS trims harken back to the Z1, the 2022 Z650 and Z900 draw inspiration from the 1982 Kawasaki Z1100GP. Draped in Firecracker Red, the modern-day naked bikes honor the 40-year-old GP while retaining their aggressive appearance. The sporty silver and dark blue graphics toe the line of classic and contemporary while a commemorative logo adorns the front fender.
2022 Kawasaki Z900 50th Anniversary
The RS line may tout a gold wheelset, but the 50th Anniversary Z650 and Z900 take a different route with gold tank emblems, Z logos, and fork tubes, and they roll on red wheels. Similar to the Z650RS and Z900RS, however, the two modern nakeds tout a new textured seat.
2022 Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary
Despite the cosmetic revisions, the 50th Anniversary Z editions are mechanically identical to their base model counterparts. Kawasaki will produce all four special-edition motorcycles in a limited capacity and each customer will receive a coffee table book celebrating the iconic Z Series. The 50th Anniversary are available now and priced as follows:
2022 Kawasaki Z650RS 50th Anniversary: $9,249
2022 Kawasaki Z900RS 50th Anniversary: $12,049
2022 Kawasaki Z650 50th Anniversary: $8,299
2022 Kawasaki Z900 50th Anniversary: $9,499
For more information or to find a dealer near you, visit kawasaki.com.
