#DennisChung

Harley-Davidson had a pretty eventful second quarter of 2023, with the launch of two new CVO models, the Fast Johnnie Enthusiast collection, the Electra Glide Highway King Icon model, as well as a pause in production due to part supply issues. And, of course, Harley-Davidson just held its big 120th anniversary homecoming celebration, though technically that happened during the third quarter. Putting that big shindig aside, it was quite a busy few months for the Motor Company.

Ducati announced a limited edition model celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Monster. Ducati has sold 350,000 Monsters since the first model was introduced in 1993, and that number will grow, with the limited run of 500 Ducati Monster 30° Anniversario.

Ducati will once again be announcing its newest models in a series of online presentations. The Ducati World Première 2024 series will include six episodes, each dedicated to a different segment of the brand’s portfolio.

For a brand best known for its exotic sportbikes, Ducati sure impressed us with the DesertX, its first modern off-road dedicated adventure bike. With its torquey 937cc engine, 21/18-inch wheel combo, and long-travel suspension, the DesertX was our runner-up for the Best Adventure Motorcycle of 2022 behind the Aprilia Tuareg 660. Thanks to an executive order published by the California Air Resources Board, we now know the DesertX will be joined by a new Rally variant for 2024.

Ducati is preparing to add a new Grand Tour variant to its Multistrada V4 lineup, joining the existing V4, V4 S, V4 Pikes Peak, and V4 Rally models. The new Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour will be part of the 2024 lineup as a successor to the previously offered Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour.

Claimed output of 84 hp and 194 lb-ft.

Yamaha is recalling certain 2022 Ténéré 700 models because of a risk of the front brake calipers detaching. The recall affects 211 units in the U.S.

Kawasaki made a big splash at EICMA last fall, announcing, among other green initiatives, an upcoming hybrid motorcycle. Whether Kawasaki will reach its target of a 2024 launch for a Ninja HEV remains to be seen, but when it does arrive, we have to remember it’s not the first mass produced hybrid two-wheeler. No, that honor actually belongs to the Honda PCX Hybrid scooter, introduced in 2018 for Asian markets.

BMW is bringing to market a set of motorcycle riding glasses with head-up display (HUD) technology. The ConnectedRide Smartglasses will arrive in the U.S. later this year, or at least, in states where HUD technology is allowed.

In a livestream presentation, buried somewhere behind an unnecessary meta-verse introduction, awkward audio issues, and a skatepark-themed setting that made me expect Steve Buscemi to show up and ask “ How do you do, fellow kids?,” BMW introduced a new urban electric motorcycle that actually looks like a fun ride.

Triumph announced new color choices for several models returning for 2024. Otherwise unchanged from last year, the confirmed models receiving new 2024 paint options include the Rocket 3 R, Rocket 3 GT, Speed Triple 1200 RS, Tiger 850 Sport, Tiger Sport 660, and Trident 660.

BMW announced new color options for returning 2024 models plus the introduction of Intelligent Emergency Call for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is about to get a more street-focused variant for 2024. The new model will simply be called the V-Strom 800 and will be equipped with a 19-inch front wheel instead of the 21-inch wheel on the 800DE model.

Triumph announced two new entry-level modern classic models powered by a 398cc Single, the first products to come from its partnership with India’s Bajaj Auto. The Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X will first be available in India in July, and in all other markets by the start of 2024.

Since its inception, Zero has been powering its motorcycles with its proprietary Z-Force motor. The motor has evolved over the years, but at its core, it has remained an air-cooled interior permanent magnet brushless motor. That might soon change, as recently-published patent filings reveal Zero has been working on a liquid-cooled motor.