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Displacement creeps alongside tech and styling updates

Triumph revealed a new special edition Trident 660 that pays tribute to the “Slippery Sam” Trident that won five consecutive Isle of Man TT races through the ’70s.

Last month, we asked for our Question of the Day whether people expect anti-lock brakes to come standard on all streetbikes, or perhaps offered as an option. There were some good responses to that, both for and against ABS, but it brought a related question to mind: what should be offered as standard equipment that currently isn’t standard on all motorcycles?

Following on the heels of the FTR x 100% R Carbon, Indian announced another limited edition FTR 1200 model, this time collaborating with longtime partner Roland Sands Design and inspired by its Super Hooligan racing series. Only 300 individually-numbered units will be produced, with pricing starting at $18,499.

Kawasaki announced it is bringing its Ninja 7 and Z7 Hybrid models to the U.S., bringing the world’s first mass-produced “strong hybrid” motorcycles to America. Both models are available immediately at American Kawasaki dealerships, each priced at $12,499.

The R 12 cruiser has a steel tank in the blockier “toaster tank” design reminiscent of ’70s-era /5 models, and the side covers are unbadged. The R 12 comes standard with a solo seat and a rear fender. The seating position is more relaxed, with wider handlebars than the R 12 nineT.

Italian marque Gilera is poised to return as a joint-venture between the brand’s owner, Piaggio, and its long-standing Chinese partner, Zongshen. We’ve uncovered evidence of Gilera’s imminent return via design filings registered in China for a rebadged version of the Aprilia Shiver labeled with the name “GLR900”.

KTM North America announced it is bringing the updated 390 Duke and 250 Duke to the U.S. and Canada, bolstering its naked lineup for these markets. Both Singles were announced in other markets over the summer, along with an updated 125 Duke, but it’s now official that the 390 and 250 will be coming to North America.

From the moment we learned the Eliminator would be equipped with a 451cc Twin, we started anticipating when Kawasaki would put the engine on its entry-level Ninja and Z models. To no surprise, the answer is “right away,” with the announcement of the new 2024 Ninja 500 and Z500.

Honda has updated its CB650R and CBR650R, giving the middleweights new styling, a TFT display, and, in an industry first, an optional electronic clutch.

We’re still wrapping our heads around Ninja 7 Hybrid, and now, Kawasaki has announced its second hybrid model, with a new Z version with the brand’s Sugomi naked styling.

Indian Motorcycle has announced a collaboration with the well-known American motocross brand 100%. They have also unveiled their complete 2024 model year lineup, which include a copious amount of rich color options in approximately one bazillion different models/trims. Most noteworthy is the spicy limited-edition FTR x 100% R Carbon. Additionally, the 2024 lineup introduces a new Indian Challenger Elite and a redesigned PowerBand Audio system, along with minortweaks throughout the entire Indian Motorcycle range.

Mere days after announcing an updated MT-09, Yamaha has revealed a revised MT-09 SP. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP receives a number of upgrades in addition to the changes made to the regular model. This includes the 2024 MT-09’s new styling and the more aggressive ergonomics, which you can read more about in our First Look post, but also updated brakes and suspension.