#DennisChung

Shipments of the Livewire S2 Del Mar should now be underway, and not a moment too soon, as Harley-Davidson’s electric brand needs to start gaining momentum after a very disappointing 2023. While we wait to see how the brand’s second model does, Motorcycle.com can exclusively report that Livewire’s next model will be called the Mulholland, and it will share the S2 platform introduced on the Del Mar.

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 announced the return of the touring supermoto to North America with the new 890 SMT. Originally announced for other markets for 2023, the new SMT will arrive in dealerships in the United States and Canada in December as a 2024 model. Pricing remains to be announced.

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.

Stirring up a Hornets’ nest

Honda revamped its 500 series models, including a restyled adventure model with a new retro-inspired name. Along with a CB500 Hornet and a CBR500R comes the new 2024 NX500, which replaces the CB500X.

Winglets on a 500? In this economy?

Honda announced a number of evolutionary changes to its CBR1000RR-R and CBR1000RR-R SP. The changes include a retuned engine, a new 2-motor throttle-by-wire system, new aerodynamics, a revised frame, new suspension and brakes, and updated electronics. So, basically everything short of adding yet another “R” to its name.

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.

Suzuki announced a new model to its GSX-S1000 lineup, adding a crossover motorcycle that bridges the gap between a sport-tourer and an adventure bike. We previously uncovered evidence of the bike under its codename GSX-S1000X, and we now know it will be marketed as the GSX-S1000GX. And if that name isn’t already a bit of a tongue-twister, in the U.S. it’ll be called the GSX-S1000GX+.

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.

VVT and new street-focused V85 Strada

Earlier this year, Kawasaki updated the Ninja ZX-6R, and while we weren’t sure about its place in the industry today, we lauded Kawasaki for helping keep the Inline-Four supersport class alive. It’s only fair then that we do the same for Honda, after it announced the return of the CBR600RR to Europe.