Mary McGee, Grand Marshal of the 2023 Riding into History
Riding into History, the annual vintage motorcycle show held in St. Augustine, Florida, has named Mary McGee the Grand Marshal for the 2023 event with the theme “Get Your Heart Racing – Competition Motorcycles.”
McGee is no stranger to competition herself, having raced her way through the ’60s and ’70s and into the AMA Hall of Fame, the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, and the Trailblazer’s Hall of Fame.
McGee started racing motorcycles in 1960 to help with her sportscar racing skills. People were hesitant to let a woman race, but eventually she was allowed to try out for her FIM license. Once she passed the tryout, there was no going back.
2022 Riding into History Concours d’Elegance, Photo by Dragan Harbov
She became the first woman to have an FIM license in the U.S., the first woman to finish the Baja 1000, and the first woman to compete in road races and motocross in the U.S., among other accomplishments.
Mary McGee racing the Baja 500 in 1975 aboard her Husky 250
Since then, McGee has been an ambassador for the sport, encouraging others, especially young women, to give motorcycles and competitive riding a try. Through speaking at events and being active on her Facebook page, McGee continues to uplift others and shine a light on the sport.
2022 Riding into History Concours d’Elegance, Photo by Dragan Harbov
As Grand Marshal of Riding into History, McGee will participate in the Grand Marshal Tour and Grand Marshal Banquet, where attendees can hear her speak about racing as a woman in a male-dominated sport and hear her stories. She will also participate in the Concours D’Elegance, where attendees can meet and talk to her.
2022 Riding into History Concours d’Elegance, Photo by Dragan Harbov
Riding into History 2023 will take place at the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida, April 14-15. The event attracts hundreds of antique and vintage motorcycles to be displayed around the lake at the center of the World Golf Village. Riding into History is a nonprofit, and proceeds go to K9s for Warriors to provide service dogs for disabled veterans. Spectator admission is $15 per person, and there is no charge for show entrants.
Is this 2022 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster one of that last air-cooled Evos? (Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson)
Few motorcycle brands are as legendary as Harley-Davidson. You won’t find the Hells Angels on Gold Wings or Panigales, after all. Within the brand, the Evolution (Evo) Sportster is truly iconic.
Born in 1957, XL Sportsters were the smaller performance models for more spirited riders. Originally equipped with 883cc and 1,000cc Ironhead engines, they were updated in 1986 to the Evo that produces the sound that many associate with Harley.
1957 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster (Photo by Jeff Bowles, lic. CC-A 2.0 G)
Development on the engines started during the notorious AMF years in the 1970s, and the original Evo was a 1,340cc variant, which replaced the aging Shovelhead in 1984. They are air-cooled with push rods, overhead valves, and enough vibration to remind you that it’s no Japanese cruiser. There’s nothing quite like an Evo.
The 1986 Sportsters got 883cc and 1,100cc Evo engines that hardly changed over the next 36 years. The 1,100cc Evo got bumped up to 1,200cc in 1988, fuel injection was added in 2006, and a 5-speed transmission replaced the 4-speed in 1991. And that’s about it. We live in a very different world today where European emissions standards are strangling anything that runs on gas.
Harley’s old-school Evo rumblers just aren’t clean enough, so a new breed of Sportsters is taking their place. The Sportster S and Nightster (a recycled Evo Sportster name) have the latest Revolution Max engines first seen on the Pan America adventure bike, while the Milwaukee-Eight powers the Softail and Touring models.
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S (Photo courtesy Harley-Davidson)
The Revolution Max is a liquid-cooled V-twin with a lot more power, but it lacks the character of the admittedly obsolete Evos. Harley has finally axed the last two traditional Sportsters – the Iron 883 and Forty-Eight (1200) – with production slated to end in 2023. They were discontinued in Europe in 2020 due to Euro 5 regulations.
Evo Sportsters have a cult following for a reason – they have infinite character. Riding an Iron 883 in 2022 is similar to riding its 1957 counterpart, which is truly special. They’re also incredibly customizable – you can build an entire Sportster from scratch with aftermarket parts. It’s a tinkerer’s dream, and few Sportsters end up alike. So many have been punched out of the factory that they’ll seemingly live on forever in the preowned market.
Are there any equivalents from other brands? Can you buy a new bike that’s comparably old-school? You certainly can, and we’ll start with a brand that’s even more old-school than Harley.
Royal Enfield
1951 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (Photo courtesy Bonhams)
Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903, but Royal Enfield started in 1901. In fact, it’s the oldest motorcycle brand with continuous production. Originally an English company, it produced a model as iconic as any Sportster: the Bullet. Launch in 1948, it beats the Sportster as the oldest motorcycle design in history. Both the Bullet and Royal Enfield names come from the same place, as the original company was a subcontractor to the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, London, which produced military rifles and swords.
2002 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (Photo by Samihasib, lic. CC-A 2.0 G)
Like Harley, Royal Enfields were instrumental in World War II, used extensively by the British Army and Royal Air Force. The Indian Army began using Royal Enfield Bullets in the late 1940s and opened a factory in Madras. By 1955, 350cc bullets were sent as kits to Indian factories and production of complete motorcycles soon followed under license. The legendary 1955 Indian Bullet remained relatively unchanged, unlinking itself from the British counterparts that were updated in the late 1950s.
2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Photo courtesy Royal Enfield)
The British company fell into disarray in the early 1960s and was shut down by 1970, but India’s arm endured and produced the 1955 Bullet for domestic riders. Success was not infinite, as superior Japanese bikes almost wiped out the brand in the 1990s. India’s Eicher Motors bought the near-bankrupt company, and the long-running Bullet received significant quality improvements, while additional models were also developed.
2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 (Photo courtesy Royal Enfield)
Today, there are two primary engine displacements – 350cc Singles and 650cc Twins. Smaller than the outgoing Evo engines but with no less character. All have fuel injection and emissions equipment to pass Western regulations. In fact, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 became the best-selling 125cc-and-above motorcycle in the U.K. In the American market, the Bullet name was recently dropped in favor of the Classic (and Meteor) 350, while the Continental and INT 650s, Scram 411, and Himalayan 411 adventure bike are relatively new models.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 (Photo by the author)
All of them remain old-school and true to their roots, and you won’t find anything closer to bikes from the 1950s and 1960s. I dare say the Classic 350 is even more “vintage” than the Sportsters, while the new 650cc parallel-Twins are classically designed as well. Royal Enfields are designed in England and built in a state-of-the-art factory in India, and they’re half the price (or less) of new Sportsters. For old-school enthusiasts, they’re tough to fault.
BSA and Norton
BSA stands for Birmingham Small Arms Company, which began manufacturing firearms in the 1860s. in 1905, a bicycle with a small Minerva engine was built and motorcycle production became inevitable. The versatility of BSA was very evident during World War II when 67 factories supplied millions of rifles and machine guns, along with 126,000 M20 motorcycles.
By 1950, BSA was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. From 1938 to 1963, BSA’s Gold Star became an icon for the brand and was among the fastest bikes in the 1950s. It was called “Gold Star” after a Gold Star badge was awarded to Wal Handley in 1936 for running the Brooklands racing circuit at over 100 mph on a BSA Empire Star. Gold Star bikes had single-cylinder, 4-stroke engines in 350cc or 500cc displacements, and each came with dynamometer results to confirm horsepower.
BSA merged with Triumph and Norton to form Norton-Villiers-Triumph in a desperate attempt to save all three in the 1970s, but none could overcome the rising dominance of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. Triumph made a successful comeback in the 1990s with models reentering the U.S. market in 1995. The rights to Norton were bought in 2008, and the famous Commando was again produced in England, but the company fell into bankruptcy in 2020.
2023 Norton Commando 961 (Photo courtesy Norton)
India’s TVS Motor Company subsequently bought Norton, and expensive hand-built performance bikes are now being produced. A pair of 2023 retro Commando models were also just announced, the 961 SP and 961 CR (the latter with clip-ons), which follow the very limited 2019 Commandos. Prices are high, starting at nearly $19,000, and the 961cc parallel-Twin only pushes out 76.8 hp. That leaves BSA, which is currently under Indian ownership (sound familiar?) and reintroducing the Gold Star.
2022 BSA Gold Star (Photo courtesy BSA)
The 2022 Gold Star has a 652cc single-cylinder engine that provides old-school character as thumpers tend to do. It makes 45 hp and can reportedly do the ton (100 mph), which is the same as the original 500cc model. Thankfully, the bike remains basic without ride modes, other electronics, or a fancy digital display. Like the 650cc Royal Enfields and even the new Commando, there are twin analog gauges for us Luddites. It’s ultimately a modern-ish bike with an old look and feel (like contemporary Triumphs) and certainly a very classic badge.
There are some niche brands selling old-school designs that are genuinely intriguing. Janus Motorcycles is an American company based in Indiana, but it doesn’t have a historic pedigree. These are simply new bikes with old-school charm. There are three models, but the Halcyon 450 has the biggest engine (445cc) and is the one to get. It reminds me of a 1920s James Flat Tank 750, minus the V-twin, and the single-cylinder thumper is sure to have character. Most onlookers will also think it’s a 100-year-old antique. With a top speed of 90 mph, it’s viable for highway rides, although I’d keep them short. The bikes are only available in the U.S. (but not California), and prices start at $14,995 for the Halcyon 450.
U.K.-based Wardill Motorcycles is similar to Janus, but it has a history going back to 1927. The modern incarnation is owned by Mark Wardill, grandson of the original designer, so there’s direct family involvement as well. The new Wardill 4 is based on the 1927 Wardill 3, which was revolutionary at the time with a patented 2-stroke supercharged engine (Kawasaki’s H2 wasn’t the first).
Wardill 4 Prototype with Mark Wardill (Photo courtesy Wardill Motorcycles)
Although a lot of positive attention was received, Wardill only produced prototypes and was soon forgotten. The Wardill 4 looks even older than the Janus Halcyon 450, with triangular girder forks, a longer tank, ridged frame, and 250cc single-cylinder engine. It puts out a paltry 17.3 hp but will allegedly hit a top speed of 90 mph. There are also drum brakes front and rear, so those looking for something old-school have struck oil with this one.
Brough Superior is a French brand with an English history going back to 1919. This was a luxury brand through and through, not unlike Duesenberg or Rolls-Royce, and was a favorite of Thomas Edward Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia. In fact, he died riding one in 1932 (model GW 2275). The brand ceased production in 1940 to focus on the war effort and was unable to resume operations afterward.
2021 Brough Superior Lawrence (Photo courtesy Brough Superior)
It was founded by visionary George Brough and recently revived by Thierry Henriette, and the first new model based on the famous SS100 from 1924 was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan in 2013. There are several models to choose from today, from the SS100 to the Lawrence Original, and all are hand-built luxury bikes with price tags to match. They really capture the early style of the originals while employing state-of-the-art engineering throughout. The 997cc V-twin of the new SS100 looks a lot like what Indian has in the Scout models, but these are very different beasts. It’s respectable in the power department, with 102 hp and 64 lb-ft of torque.
Triumph and Kawasaki
Technically, all the bikes mentioned are modern classics, but brands like Royal Enfield and BSA maintain classic designs that compare well to the Evo Harleys. Bigger, more popular brands have capitalized on this vintage trend as well with thoroughly modern, retro-styled bikes. Triumph is the most recognized with the 1960s-inspired Bonneville line. Named after the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the original model launched in 1959 and had a 650cc parallel-Twin, while later models were upgraded to 750cc.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 in Meriden Blue (Photo courtesy Triumph)
Although shuttered in the 1970s, Triumph made a triumphant return in the 1990s. Yes, pun intended. Today’s Bonnevilles look very similar to the mid-century originals but are modern, high-performance machines. The 1990s bikes started with 800cc parallel-Twins, later upgraded to 865cc, and today there are speedy 900cc and 1,200cc models. Performance is superior to Harley Sportsters, but that Harley character is missing with the smooth liquid-cooled engines. Bonnevilles have better starting prices than Sportsters, however, so enthusiasts can get a retro British thrill with money left over for accessories.
2023 Kawasaki W800 (Photo courtesy Kawasaki)
Triumph isn’t the only brand pushing out modern classics. Kawasaki has the W800, based on the 1966 650cc W1 (and even the 1949 BSA A7), Moto Guzzi has the 850cc V7, based on the 1971 V7 Sport, and Ducati has the Scrambler, loosely based on the 1962-1976 models. And so on. However, when comparing modern bikes to Harley, one brand can’t be overlooked.
Indian Motorcycle
Harley and Indian were the two great American brands during the first half of the 20th century. The first Indian prototype was finished in May 1901, beating Harley by a couple of years. Public sales began in 1902, and a year later, Indian’s Chief Engineer Oscar Hedstrom set a motorcycle speed record at 56 mph.
1953 Indian Chief 80 (Photo courtesy Mecum)
The first V-twin debuted in 1905 as a factory racer and hit production models in 1907, and Indian was producing 32,000 bikes annually by 1913. During World War I, the company focused on the war effort and exhausted its civilian supply, which drained inventory and forced many dealers to abandon them. Indian never fully recovered, and Harley became the bigger, more popular brand. The Scout and Chief V-Twin models, introduced in the early 1920s, are iconic and live on today as modern interpretations. Competition and mismanagement led to Indian’s demise in 1953, leaving Harley as the primary U.S. motorcycle manufacturer, but the brand came back a couple of times in the late 1990s and early 2000s, only to repeatedly falter.
In 2011, Polaris acquired Indian and successfully revived the brand. There’s a smorgasbord of models today, including the performance-oriented, flat-track inspired FTR 1200. The Scout models are the closest to Harley’s Evo Sportsters but equipped with modern, more powerful liquid-cooled V-Twins. The new Revolution Max Sportsters are now appropriate comparisons. Under Polaris, Indian has become a modern performance-oriented motorcycle manufacturer, but the bikes still provide an old-school, nostalgic ride thanks to classic looks and outstanding V-Twins.
Evo Sportster: The King is Dead, Long Live the King
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 (Photo by the author)
This is not an exhaustive list of Evo Sportster alternatives, but it demonstrates a broad commitment to classic designs for those of us that prefer vintage-inspired rides without lots of angled plastic, bleeding-edge technology, and race-ready performance. Traditional Sportsters are a rare breed, a throwback to the past, but they’re certainly not alone. Although they’re soon to be dead, new kings will rise. Royal Enfield, BSA, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Norton, and even Kawasaki remind us that a host of brands have very interesting histories and aren’t ready to close the door on vintage models. And that’s a very good thing.
Final inspection of a 2023 Triumph Chrome Line tank.
Last year, Triumph launched the exclusive Bonneville Gold Line collection: eight limited-edition models available for one year only and showcasing the hand-painted gold lining skills of Triumph’s paint shop. Following the success of the Gold Line editions, Triumph announced it is launching a Chrome Line collection, featuring 10 limited-edition models that will also be available for one year only. Triumph says the Chrome Line brings a “unique, bold, and beautiful new take” on the latest generation of Triumph’s modern classic Bonneville lineup and the Rocket 3.
The Chrome Line collection is inspired by the classic custom look that has been a significant part of Triumph’s iconic history, from the original chromed tank of the 1937 Speed Twin to the 1960s Tritons and up to the birth of the custom classic generation.
Whereas the Gold Line collection was recognizing the skills of the paint shop, Triumph says the Chrome Collection celebrates the company’s state-of-the-art chrome-detailing facility and the “expert teams of specialist design and manufacturing engineers who have perfected the process over many years, across hundreds of accessories, beautiful badges, and detailing.”
The welding stage of a 2023 Triumph Chrome Line tank.
Each of the ten new limited editions feature a unique Chrome Edition scheme, chosen specifically to reflect each model’s rich heritage and accompanied by new Chrome Edition accessory kits. Available to order now, these exclusive limited editions will be coming into dealerships worldwide in early 2023.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition
The new Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition features a full chrome fuel tank with a Jet Black accent complemented by Jet Black fenders, headlight bowls, fly screen, radiator cowls, side panels, and rear bodywork. The Matte Aluminum upper radiator cowl and fork guards contrast the black engine and bodywork.
A dedicated Rocket 3 R Chrome Edition Accessory Kit features a specially selected set of custom accessories including bar-end mirrors. Pricing starts at $24,300.
2023 Triumph Rocket 3 GT Chrome Edition
The Rocket 3 GT Chrome Edition shares the same full chrome tank with a distinctive Diablo Red as the stock Rocket 3 R.
Jet Black headlight bowls, fly screen, fenders, radiator cowls, side panels, and rear bodywork complement the lustrous red and chrome, while Matte Aluminum Silver fork guards and upper radiator cowls highlight the lines and tie-in with the matching exhausts and intakes. Pricing starts at $25,000.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T120 Chrome Edition
The Bonneville T120 features a chromed fuel tank with the iconic Meriden Blue painted surround offset by the contrasting Jet Black fenders, headlight bowl, and side panels. A matching Meriden Blue fly screen is also available as an accessory to complete the look. Pricing starts at $13,195.
2023 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Chrome Edition
In contrast to its blacked-out style, the new Bonneville Bobber Chrome Edition features a chrome fuel tank finished with a Jet Black overlay and detailed Triumph triangle badges. This monochrome makeover is complemented by Jet Black fenders and side panels featuring the distinctive Bobber logo. A matching Jet Black short front fender is available as an accessory option. Pricing starts at $14,295.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome Edition
The Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome Edition offers a full chrome fuel tank featuring a Brooklands Green painted stripe that incorporates the Triumph triangle tank badges. Brushed aluminum fenders and silencer heat shields complement the tank, and the headlight bowl and side panels are finished in deep Jet Black. A hand-picked set of accessories form the Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome Edition Accessory Kit, all of which are available to view on the Triumph configurator. Pricing starts at $16,645.
Triump called the new Bonneville Speedmaster Chrome Edition “beautifully bold.” The limited-edition chrome tank has a Diablo Red surround. Jet Black fenders, side panels and headlight bowl frame the bike and offer a rich contrast to the chrome. A short front mudguard, in matching Jet Black, is also available as an accessory for added custom style, as well as a dedicated Bonneville Speedmaster Chrome Edition Accessory Kit featuring a hand-selected set of chrome accessories. Pricing starts at $14,295.
2023 Triumph Thruxton RS Chrome Edition
The Thruxton RS Chrome Edition features a full chrome tank in the timeless signature shape, finished and highlighted with a Jet Black painted seam.
In addition to the Chrome Edition’s two-tone style, Jet Black fenders, side panels, seat cowl, and headlight bowl contrast the bright chrome while Matte Silver Ice fork protectors add shape and form to the bike’s front end. A matching Jet Black accessory cockpit fairing is available in the dedicated Thruxton RS Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $17,445.
2023 Triumph Bonneville T100 Chrome Edition
The Bonneville T100 Chrome Edition features a contemporary Cobalt Blue fuel tank with unique Chrome Edition metal stripe detailing. The fenders, side panels, and headlamp bowl are all finished in Jet Black, and a matching Cobalt Blue fly screen is available as an accessory option. Pricing starts at $11,295.
2023 Triumph Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition
For 2023, two Triumph models were rebranded – including the Street Twin – in a move that Triumph stated was to “better represent the family connections across Triumph’s iconic Bonneville lineup and their specific engine capacities.” Now known as the Speed Twin, the new 2023 Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition is set apart by its Red Hopper scheme across the tank with Jet Black stripe and Chrome Edition metal knee pad infills, matching its new Triumph triangle tank badges with metal detailing.
The Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition also features Jet Black side panels with new red and silver graphics and Jet Black fenders. A matching Red Hopper accessory fly screen is available to complete the custom classic look, which also features in the dedicated Speed Twin 900 Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $10,195.
2023 Triumph Scrambler 900 Chrome Edition
Formerly the “Street Scrambler,” the Scrambler 900 is another Triumph motorcycle that got a new moniker for 2023. The Scrambler 900 Chrome Edition offers a Brooklands Green fuel tank with a classic Jet Black tank stripe and Chrome Edition metal knee pad infills. Triumph triangle badges with metal detailing provide the tank’s finishing touch, while the fenders, side panels, and frame cowl are finished in Jet Black. A Jet Black high fender and a Brooklands Green fly screen are both available as matching accessories, as well as a dedicated Scrambler 900 Chrome Edition Accessory Kit. Pricing starts at $11,795.
This 2023 motorcycle buyers guide highlights new or significantly updated street-legal models available in the U.S. So far, only a few 2023 models have been announced, mostly adventure bikes, and we’ve had a chance to test several of them. We include a couple of 2024 teasers too. We will continually update the 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 and – when available – first rides, road tests, and video reviews of each motorcycle.
2024 Can-Am Origin
Can-Am Origin
OK, we’ve gotten a bit ahead of ourselves with this one since the earliest you can buy it will be mid-2024. At the annual Club BRP event in August2, 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 2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure and makes a claimed 95 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with throttle-by-wire, it has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control. It has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension, J. Juan triple-disc brakes with cornering ABS, and a 7-inch TFT display.
The base-model 800 ADVentura S (for Street) has cast wheels and an MSRP of $9,499. The up-spec 800 ADVentura T (for Terrain, shown above) has spoked wheels, a quickshifter, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a steering damper, a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and a centerstand. MSRP is $10,499. They should be available in late 2022 or early 2023.
Designed for the track only, the 2023 KTM 450 SMR has a 449.9cc liquid-cooled, SOHC Single putting out a claimed 63 hp, and the engine weighs just 59.5 lb, nearly a pound lighter than the previous model. In addition to the features riders already love about the KTM 450 SMR (read our review of the 2021 model here), the 2023 model includes a redesigned Pankl Racing Systems 5-speed gearbox and a new Quickshift sensor on the shift drum for clutchless upshifts, which can be disabled through the handlebar switch.
Other updates for the 2023 KTM 450 SMR include a revised shock mount, redesigned high-grade aluminum CNC-machined triple clamps offering increased grip surface, altered longitudinal and torsional flex and frame-wall thickness, suspension updates, revised ergonomics, and more. KTM is still only listing the 2022 model pricing of $11,999.
Harley-Davidson and its LiveWire brand have introduced the second all-electric model, the 2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar, which is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the LiveWire ONE.
The street-tracker is said to produce 80 hp and weigh less than 440 lbs, yielding a 0-60-mph time of just 3.5 seconds. City range is said to be 100 miles, and highway range will be significantly lower.
LiveWire offered 100 serialized “Del Mar Launch Edition” models (shown above) with an exclusive paint scheme and a unique wheel design for $17,699, but all were sold out in the first 18 minutes. Those who missed the opportunity can get their name on a waiting list for when regular production models ($15,000) are available in the spring of 2023.
The 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 brings scrambler styling to the Himalayan adventure bike platform, which was updated for 2022. It’s powered by an air-cooled 411cc single-cylinder engine carried in a Harris Performance chassis. Royal Enfield says the Scram 411’s versatile geometry and comfortable ergonomics give the lightweight bike a unique combination of on-road agility and capability on trails. It’s available in nine different color/style configurations, and MSRP is $5,099.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom1050 has a liquid-cooled, 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin. When we tested the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, it made 96 hp at 8,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno. The 2023 V-Strom 1050 has a 6-speed gearbox with higher 1st and 6th ratios, an updated throttle-by-wire system, a new ABS control unit, a new CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring system, and a new 32-bit ECM (Engine Control Module).
The new V-Strom 1050 also includes many features previously only available on the XT models, including a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) electronics suite – which includes ride modes, cornering ABS, multimode traction control, cruise control, and braking systems that compensate for hill starts, slope, and load – as well as an up/down quickshifter, a new 5-inch TFT display, a new windscreen, and more. Pricing has yet to be announced.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and 1050DE Adventure share the same engine as the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom, as well as the new and updated features of the V-Strom (see above) and will replace the previous V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure models.
However, the DE models are more geared toward off-road adventures, featuring a 21-inch front wheel with a tube-type rim for maximum durability, a 17-inch tubeless rear wheel, and Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires. They also add a new Gravity (G) traction control option in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel, their own dedicated chassis geometry and suspension system, a longer swingarm, and other adventure motorcycle-specific offerings. The DE Adventure adds a set of 37-liter aluminum panniers with an anodized silver finish that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Pricing has yet to be announced.
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro. Photo by Kingdom Creative.
The folks in Hinckley have been busy. They’ve shaved 55 pounds off the new 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200, given it a 147-hp Triple, and equipped it with an all-new chassis and electronics. Five variants are available: the street-focused GT ($19,100), GT Pro ($21,400), and GT Explorer ($23,100) and the off-road-ready Rally Pro ($22,500) and Rally Explorer ($24,200).
The 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 is a new scrambler variant of the Himalayan. Photos courtesy Royal Enfield.
Anytime you have a hit on your hands the way Royal Enfield does with its Himalayan adventure bike, you capitalize on it. A few modifications here, a tweak there, and voila, a new variation is born. Many times, however, as with blockbuster movies, sequels fail to capture the success of the original. With the Scram 411, has Royal Enfield produced the two-wheeled equivalent of a follow-up hit like The Empire Strikes Back or a forgettable flop like Ghostbusters II?
The new scrambler-style Scram 411 and the Himalayan share the same frame and air-cooled 411cc Single with SOHC and two valves. The 4-gallon fuel tank is also the same, but the Himalayan’s two-piece seat has been swapped for one of a singular design. More importantly, the 21-inch front wheel of the Himalayan was replaced with a more street friendly 19-incher on the Scram.
The instrument cluster was also downsized, with the Himalayan’s digital compass and tachometer being omitted on the Scram, while the speedo was replaced with a different version that includes a clock, dual tripmeters, an odometer, and a gear-position indicator. Our test bikes were outfitted with Royal Enfield’s Tripper navigation unit, but according to company reps, supply-chain issues have prevented the Tripper from being offered as standard equipment. Instead, it will be an accessory available sometime in the future.
Gone as well are the Himalayan’s windscreen and front rack, forcing Enfield designers to clean up the bike’s exposed cockpit, which they did by way of a cast metal headlight nacelle. Affixed to the mounting points on the frame where the front rack was previously attached is a pair of “urban badge plates.” Kudos to Enfield for taking the time to cover an ugly mounting stalk that another OEM may have left exposed and then incorporating that element into the bike’s graphics.
The Scram 411 is available in seven different graphics packages, all starting at $5,099.
Our route through the dairy lands of Wisconsin presented enough greenery and full lakes to make a California resident like me loathe returning to our brown, drought-stricken state. What it didn’t provide was a roadway tight enough to push the Scram to its limits in a series of peg-grinding, left-to-right transitions. But in the Badger State’s plentiful sweepers, gently rounded corners, and straightaways, the Scram exhibited all the confidence a bike of its caliber should.
The semi-knobby tires do a fine job generating good grip and control in on- or off-road conditions while looking the part of a scrambler. The handlebars are just the right width to provide the rider with comfortable control. But the reach to the levers was at the limit of my comfort level, and while you can fiddle with the clutch cable to bring the clutch lever closer to the bar, the brake lever would require replacement with something more ergonomic.
The few short gravel roads we traveled were also navigated with nonchalance except for the non-switchable rear ABS, which the Himalayan has but the Scram does not. Standing on the balls of my feet, I felt the same pressure from the side covers pushing my calves outward as I experienced with the Himalayan. Moving my feet forward until the heel of my boot caught the footpeg helped relieve the pressure, but I’d rather my feet be better positioned.
Over the course of 400 miles, I found the seating position of the Scram to be surprisingly agreeable for a small-displacement motorcycle. The reach to the handlebar felt natural, and the seat provided a good combination of comfort and support. The seat-to-footpeg ratio was spacious enough to keep my knees from aching at the end of two full days of riding.
At 7.5 inches, the Scram’s nonadjustable fork has 0.4 inch less travel than the Himalayan. Whether it’s the reduced travel or different damping, the Scram responded more harshly to rough pavement than its stablemate. The preload-adjustable rear shock, on the other hand, was less affected by irregularities.
The Scram 411 variant of the Himalayan is an obvious direction in which to expand Royal Enfield’s model lineup. However, whereas the Himalayan succeeds well in its intended off-road environment, the Scram struggles to shine as brightly on pavement. In the dirt, the 411cc Single’s claimed 24.3 hp is enough for a novice or experienced motorcyclist to have fun, but on the road there’s barely enough forward thrust to keep a 5-foot-11, 187-lb rider like me moving at freeway speeds. At full tuck on a flat road, I got to 75 mph molasses-quick, but even at 65 mph there’s hardly any passing power in reserve.
On the other hand, the counterbalanced Single produces hardly any vibration. Regardless of engine rpm, the air-cooled engine remained eerily smooth. The 5-speed transmission was uncooperative at times, exhibiting occasional notchiness when downshifting multiple gears, but the clutch pull is light.
The Scram’s brakes are adequate but uninspiring. On the Himalayan, the single-disc brakes front and rear sufficiently slow the motorcycle in the dirt. On the street, however, effort is required to extract full power from the front 300mm disc gripped by a 2-piston caliper and the rear 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper.
Has Royal Enfield got a sophomore hit on its hands? Accepted on its own terms – clean retro styling, a modestly powered little-engine-that-could Single, a solidly built price-point chassis, and an entry-level price – the answer is a qualified yes. Part of the deal is a low-tech motorcycle that’s heavy for its displacement class (432 lb with its 4-gallon tank full), which will be appealing, irrelevant, or unappealing depending on your point of view.
In the small-displacement scrambler segment, there aren’t many options available, but the Scram 411 isn’t the only game in town. For an extra $300, there’s the more modern, more powerful, and lighter Husqvarna Svartpilen 401. Different strokes for different folks.
2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 Specs
Base Price: $5,099 Website: RoyalEnfield.com Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance Engine Type: Air-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves Displacement: 411cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 86.0mm Horsepower: 24.3 @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 23.6 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 57.3 in. Rake/Trail: NA Seat Height: 31.3 in. Wet Weight: 432 lb Fuel Capacity: 4.0 gals.
Kawasaki announced the return of several sport, retro sport, naked, cruiser, adventure touring, and dual-sport models to its motorcycle lineup. These 2023 motorcycles are set to arrive in Kawasaki dealerships during the summer months.
Models included in this announcement are the Ninja 1000SX, Ninja 400 and 400 ABS, Z H2 and H2 SE, Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe, Z400 ABS, the Vulcan S and Vulcan 900 lineups, 1700 Voyager ABS, Versys-X300 and Versys-X300 ABS, and the KLR650 lineup.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray
The Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX is back with its refined sport-touring capabilities, combining the power of a supersport with the feel of an upright sportbike and familiar Ninja styling.
The Ninja 1000SX features a 1,043cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, Kawasaki Traction Control, Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter, 4.3-inch all-digital TFT color instrumentation, and electronic cruise control.
The Ninja 1000SX includes rider aides such as electronic cruise control and integrated riding modes that combine traction control and Power Modes, and it is compatible with the Kawasaki RIDEOLOGY THE APP.
This 2023 model will be offered in Emerald Blazed Green / Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Graphite Gray starting at $13,199
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Ninja 400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue
Ideal for both experienced riders and newer riders looking to step up from a lower displacement bike, the 2023 Ninja 400 sport motorcycle offers the largest displacement in its category.
The 2023 Ninja 400 features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, Uni-Trak rear suspension, a 310mm semi-floating petal disc brake and 2-piston caliper in the front, and 220mm petal disc brake and 1-piston caliper in the rear.
A low seat height (30.9 in.), twin LED headlights, and high-grade multifunction dash instrumentation make the Ninja 400 the ideal choice for riders looking to enter the sport-riding scene.
2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 in Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray
For 2023, the Ninja 400 and the Ninja 400 ABS are available in Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray, Pearl Blizzard White / Metallic Carbon Gray, and Metallic Magnetic Dark Gray/ Metallic Matte Twilight Blue. The Ninja 400 starts at $5,299, and the Ninja 400 ABS starts at $5,699.
2023 Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition in Lime Green / Ebony
The Ninja 400 ABS KRT Edition is painted in a Lime Green / Ebony color scheme and starts at $5,899. The Ninja 400 KRT Edition without ABS will come in the same color scheme starting at $5,499.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 and Z H2 SE
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray
The flagship model of the Kawasaki Z lineup, the 2023 Z H2 features a balanced supercharged 998cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a 6-speed dog-ring gearbox, a slip/assist clutch, a lightweight trellis frame, high-performance Showa suspension components, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.
The bike also offers an IMU-based electronics package, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), electronic cruise control, integrated riding modes, all-digital TFT color instrumentation, smartphone connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and LED lighting.
For 2023, the Z H2 comes in Metallic Phantom Silver / Metallic Carbon Gray and starts at $18,500.
The Z H2 SE offers the same features that come standard on the Z H2, with the addition of the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology, which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time, providing the ideal amount of damping by combining high-level mechanical components with the latest electronic control technology and reportedly giving the rider a smoother ride as it continually adapts to the road surface in real-time.
For braking power, the 2023 Z H2 SE will once again feature Brembo Stylema monoblock brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines.
2023 Kawasaki Z H2 SE in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black
The 2023 Z H2 SE will be offered in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Ebony / Mirror Coated Black starting at $20,700.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS in Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red
The Kawasaki Z900RS retro-sportbikes reignites the classic style of the original Z1 900 motorcycle.
The 2023 Z900RS and Z900RS Cafe feature a 948cc liquid-cooled inline-Four, a slip/assist clutch, horizontal back-link rear suspension, authentic retro styling, an iconic teardrop fuel tank, a tuned stainless steel exhaust system, a round LED headlight, and bullet-shaped analog dials.
2023 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe in Metallic Diablo Black
For 2023, the Z900RS comes in a Metallic Diablo Black / Metallic Imperial Red paint scheme starting at $11,949. The Z900RS Cafe adds cafe-racer styling with a front cowl, a special seat, and a drop handlebar, and is available in Metallic Diablo Black starting at $12,399.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black
Described in a 2018 Rider First Ride Review as a “Ninja 400 with a flat handlebar and no fairing,” the Kawasaki Z400 ABS naked sportbike features a 399cc liquid-cooled parallel-Twin, a slip/assist clutch, streetfighter styling, a lightweight chassis, an upright riding position, a low seat height (30.9 in.), and standard ABS.
2023 Kawasaki Z400 ABS in Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray
For 2023, the Z400 ABS is available in Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray / Metallic Spark Black and Pearl Robotic White /Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Gray starting at $5,399.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S, Vulcan S ABS, and Vulcan S Cafe
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Metallic Flat Spark Black
The Kawasaki Vulcan S sport cruisers are geared to fit a wide range of riders as a result of not only the bikes’ reported starting curb weight just shy of 492 lb but also the exclusive Ergo-Fit sizing system, which includes 18 possible configurations for the handlebar, footpegs, and seat.
Both bikes feature a 649cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-Twin and sportbike-derived chassis and suspension. The 2023 Vulcan S Cafe also comes equipped with three-tone paint, signature tank badging, sport striping, and a dark-tinted windshield deflector.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan S in Cafe Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan S is available in a Metallic Flat Spark Black colorway starting at $7,349, the Vulcan S ABS is offered in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Flat Spark Black starting at $7,899, and the Vulcan S Cafe is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $8,099.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray
In our “Middleweight Touring Cruisers” comparison test, which included the Vulcan 900 Classic LT, Rider EIC Greg Drevendstedt wrote: “Cruisers are about style and sensation. How a cruiser looks is just as important as how it sounds and feels.”
All three of the 2023 Vulcan 900 cruiser models feature a 903cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected V-Twin and a low seat height (26.8 in.).
The Vulcan 900 Classic features rider footboards with a heel/toe shifter, tank-mounted instrumentation, and a 180mm rear tire. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT features a studded seat with standard passenger backrest, leather saddlebags, and a height-adjustable windscreen. The Vulcan 900 Custom features wide drag bars and forward-mounted footpegs, a low center of gravity for easy handling, custom styling with a teardrop tank, parallel slash-cut pipes, and pinstripe wheels.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony
For 2023, the Vulcan 900 Classic is available in Metallic Spark Black /Metallic Magnesium Gray starting at $8,999. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $9,999 with a 24-month limited warranty, and the Vulcan 900 Custom is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Flat Ebony starting at $9,499.
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS
2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony
The 2023 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS touring cruiser features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, transverse 52-degree V-Twin, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS, throttle-by-wire, and electronic cruise control.
The bike has a frame-mounted fairing, an intercom-headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage. For 2023, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager is available in Pearl Storm Gray / Ebony starting at $19,299.
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Versys-X300 ABS
2023 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
With a compact Ninja-derived 296cc liquid-cooled DOHC Twin, the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is a nimble, lightweight motorcycle that’s suitable for commuting or touring.
The Versys-X 300 has a lightweight chassis, long-travel suspension, a low seat height (32.1 in.), front cowling with a tall windscreen, and a rear carrier.
The 2023 Versys-X 300 is available in Pearl Matte Sage Green / Metallic Matte Carbon Gray starting at $5,899, while the ABS model comes in the same color scheme starting at $6,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 and KLR650 ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Storm Gray
The KLR650 sports a 652cc liquid-cooled Single nestled in a recently redesigned high-tensile double-cradle frame. In 2022, the bike was upgraded with new improved ergonomics, bodywork, a taller two-position adjustable windscreen, a larger aluminum rear carrier, increased generator capacity, and an LED headlight. It features all-digital multifunction instrumentation, an optional ABS system, and 7.9 inches of front travel coupled with 7.3 inches of rear travel.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Pearl Solar Yellow
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 in Candy Lime Green
The 2023 KLR650 is available in three colorways – Pearl Storm Gray, Pearl Solar Yellow, and Candy Lime Green – and starts at $6,899. The KLR650 ABS is offered in Pearl Storm Gray starting at $7,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure and KLR650 Adventure ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure in Cypher Camo Gray
The KLR650 Adventure model is built off of the standard KLR650 platform and designed for the rider who is looking for increased carrying capacity and convenience. It comes equipped with factory-installed side cases, LED auxiliary lights, engine guards, a tank pad, and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It’s available both with and without ABS.
The 2023 KLR650 Adventure is available in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $7,899, while the KLR650 Adventure ABS also comes in Cypher Camo Gray starting at $8,199.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 Traveler ABS in Pearl Solar Yellow
The KLR650 Traveler model consists of the same features found on the standard KLR650 as well as a factory-installed top case and both a DC power outlet and USB socket. It comes equipped with ABS.
The KLR650 Traveler ABS is offered in Pearl Solar Yellow starting at $7,599.
Brady Smith Sr. and Jr., from Joplin, Missouri, winners of the Full Restoration 1959 Super Cub-Milestone Honda Award.
The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of America (VJMC) recently held its annual national motorcycle rally in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. This year’s VJMC national rally, which took place June 23-25, celebrated the club’s 45th anniversary. More than 160 club members enjoyed three days of riding, bike shows, and camaraderie with their vintage Japanese motorcycles.
“This club has been successful for 45 years because it brings people and vintage Japanese bikes together for fun, friendship, and new riding experiences,” said Tom Kolenko, President of VJMC. “We have a great vintage community that celebrates the past while riding into the future.”
Yamaha XS650
Founded in 1977, VJMC is the premier worldwide club dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles (20 years or older) and the promotion of the sport of motorcycling. The VJMC hallmark is “participation at all levels and to have fun” – for all motorcycle enthusiasts young and old.
Membership in the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of America is $35 per year and includes a full-color 64+ page magazine printed six times per year, rides, rallies, and shows at local, regional, and national events. The VJMC has over 3,300 members and is a 100% volunteer-based, nonprofit club.
For more information visit VJMC.org or call (763) 420-7829.
Small-displacement Honda SLs, Kink n Go, and Honda generator 2.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 blends authentic style with modern engineering. Photos by Brandon Bunch.
Few motorcycle manufacturers can hold claim to the word “classic” with as much legitimacy as Royal Enfield. Having launched its first motorcycle at the Stanley Cycle Show in London in 1901, it’s the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. Now, 121 years later, we have the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350.
The 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in nine color-style combinations. On the left is the Dark Stealth Black version with cast wheels and tubeless tires. On the right is the Signals Marsh Grey with spoked wheels and tube-type tires. MSRP for both is $4,599.
One of Royal Enfield’s best-known models – the Bullet – was produced from 1931 until 2020, and it was available with either a 346cc or 499cc air-cooled Single. In 2021, Royal Enfield introduced the Meteor 350, a cruiser powered by a 349ccc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox. The Classic 350, which brings back the styling that made the Bullet such an iconic bike, is built around the same engine.
The Classic 350 is powered by a 349ccc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox.
Built in Chennai, India, since 1955, Royal Enfields are designed for an enormous segment of the global market – those who want reliable, affordable small to mid-sized motorcycles. Over a 12-year production run, from 2008 to 2020, Royal Enfield produced and sold three million examples of the Classic 500, known here in the U.S. as the Bullet C5 Classic.
Everything about riding the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is relaxed and enjoyable.
Royal Enfield North America hosted the press launch of the Classic 350 in Savannah, Georgia, a classic Southern city established in 1733 on the banks of the Savannah River. On hand were two variants of the Classic 350, both retailing for $4,599: Dark models, available in Gunmetal Gray or Stealth Black, with a blacked-out powertrain and 10-spoke cast wheels with tubeless tires; and Signals models, available in Desert Sand or Marsh Grey, with 1950s military-style graphics and spoked wheels with tube-type tires. The Signals models are inspired by Royal Enfield’s long association with India’s armed forces.
Savannah, Georgia, is a charming Southern city with squares that create mini-parks filled with enormous oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
Later this year, Royal Enfield will release the Halcyon collection inspired by 1950s-era British roadsters. Halcyon Forest Green, Halcyon Black, and Halcyon Blue will retail for $4,499, while the Chrome Red and Chrome Brown models with a mirror tank finish and special badging are priced at $4,699.
Too legit to quit.
Like the Meteor, the Classic 350 was a collaborative effort by Royal Enfield’s design teams in the U.K. and India. They endeavored to create a motorcycle that seamlessly blends authentic styling and ride character with modern necessities like electronic fuel injection, disc brakes, and dual-channel ABS. All Royal Enfields are built in a state-of-the-art, ISO-9001-certified manufacturing facility and backed by a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty with roadside assistance.
The Classic 350’s tank holds 3.4 gals.
As pleasing as the Classic 350 is to look at while parked on one of Savannah’s brick-paved streets, it’s even more enjoyable to ride. Its relaxed, neutral seating position accommodates riders of all shapes and sizes, and its engine abides riders of all skill levels. Hit the starter and the Single burbles to life, delivering a pleasant, visceral pulse feel and a heartwarming exhaust note that your grandmother would love.
Riding up and over the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, which rises 574 ft above the Savannah River to allow freighters to pass underneath.
Royal Enfield claims 20 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque at the crank. When we tested a Meteor 350, it sent 18 hp at 6,200 rpm and 18 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm to its chain-driven rear wheel. Built around a heavy steel frame and weighing 430 lbs ready to ride, the Classic 350 isn’t exactly a featherweight. Add in a full-grown adult male compressing the 31.7-inch seat’s foam, and the result is a languid, unhurried experience. The engine revs at a relaxed pace, and acceleration lacks urgency. Top speed is about 75 mph.
The Classic 350 is as friendly as a puppy dog, and it felt right at home in old-town Savannah.
Horsepower and speed, however, are not the appropriate measuring sticks for the Classic 350. It’s the sort of motorcycle that embraces the slower pace of life that comes with molasses-thick humidity and lazy afternoons. What’s the rush?
Classic 350s will pound the pavement of rough, neglected roads the world over, and its suspension and brakes are designed to take abuse. The 41mm non-adjustable fork with 5.1 inches of travel and twin emulsion rear shocks with adjustable preload and 3.5 inches of travel were chosen for their durability and affordability. Ride quality is good but not great, right in line with expectations. Likewise, the ByBre disc brakes, with a 2-piston front caliper squeezing a 300mm rotor and a 1-piston rear caliper squeezing a 270mm disc, provide modest but predictable stopping power.
Just what you need and nothing you don’t.
With a 19-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear, the Classic 350 rolls over road imperfections with ease. Its Ceat Zoom Plus tires, which are also made in India, are narrow – 100/90-19 front, 120/80-18 rear – and contribute to the bike’s quick steering.
It’s hard not to love a motorcycle like the Classic 350. It’s a time capsule, an attention-getter, and – like that 1960s ad campaign for Tab diet cola – a “mindsticker.” Riding around the streets of Savannah, every time our get-along gang of journos stopped at a red light or a crosswalk, locals and tourists alike stopped in their tracks and asked, “Hey, what kind of bike is that?”
Ride a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and you’ll make new friends, and that never gets old.
2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Specs Base Price: $4,599 Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance Website:royalenfield.com Engine Type: Air-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves Horsepower: 20 hp @ 6,100 rpm (claimed) Torque: 20 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (claimed) Displacement: 349cc Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 85.8mm Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain Wheelbase: 54.7 in. Rake/Trail: 26 degrees/4.4 in. Seat Height: 31.7 in. Wet Weight: 430 lbs (90% fuel) Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gals.
The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this year. Founded in 1977, VJMC is the premier North American Club dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of vintage Japanese motorcycles (20 years old or older) and the promotion of the sport of motorcycling. The VJMC hallmark is “participation at all levels and to have fun” – for all motorcycle enthusiasts young and old.
This year’s National Rally will take place in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, June 23-26. Pre-registration is required for all attendees.
Membership is $35 per year and includes a full-color 64+ page magazine printed six times per year, rides, rallies and shows at local, regional, and national events. The VJMC has over 3,300 members and is a totally volunteer-based, nonprofit club.
Tom Kolenko, President of VJMC: “This club has been successful for 45 years because it brings people and vintage Japanese bikes together for fun, friendship, and new riding experiences. We have a great vintage community that celebrates the past while riding into the future.”
For more information, visit vjmc.org or call (763) 420-7829.
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.
