New Model Preview

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While we're all awaiting official word of a new R 1300 GS, BMW surprised us with a teaser for an entirely different model: a new M 1000 XR.

The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order for the Honda XL750 Transalp, certifying the mid-sized adventure-tourer for the 2024 model year.

Details about the new 2024 BMW R 1300 GS have popped up in vehicle homologation data in Switzerland, confirming the next-generation GS including some initial specifications. Full information remains to be confirmed, but based on the data, and the spy photos that have popped up over the last few years, here's what we know.

KTM has updated its enduro range for 2024, including both two-stroke and four-stroke models and the U.S. street legal 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F. The entire lineup has been revamped, with KTM claiming 95% of the components are new, including the frame, suspension, and bodywork.

GasGas is preparing to introduce a new __________ for 2024, which we expect to be very similar to the KTM __________ and the Husqvarna __________. Oops, I forgot to fill in the blanks there, but I think you get the gist. It's no secret that GasGas, following its acquisition by Pierer Mobility, has been introducing motorcycles that are essentially reskinned versions of KTM models. The same goes for Husqvarna too, which gets a similar treatment, only with their frames powder-coated blue instead of KTM orange and GasGas red.

Honda announced a new scrambler model based on its 500 platform last November at EICMA, but there was no indication about whether the CL500 would be brought to America. That has now changed, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2023 Honda CL500, and we expect an official announcement to come very soon. And it won't be alone, as the EPA has also certified the ADV160 and an updated Grom.

Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. is teasing the launch of 16 new models on June 6, including a number of motorcycles and side-by-sides. For those of you who have been following us here on Motorcycle.com, you'll already have a good idea about what to expect.

Hot on the heels of a new R 18 Roctane, BMW offered a preview of its R NineT successor, the new R 12 NineT. As we previously reported, the R 12 NineT comes as BMW celebrates its centennial, just like how its predecessor was timed for BMW’s 90th anniversary. Beyond a new name, the 2024 BMW R 12 NineT comes with a number of updates. Full technical details will be revealed later, but here’s what we know so far.

As its competitors in the 600-ish sportbike class stagnate and slowly die off, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has remained a constant. With its "cheater" 636cc displacement, the ZX-6R has outlasted the Yamaha R6, and received multiple updates since Suzuki refreshed the GSX-R600. Of the Big Four Japanese brands, only Honda's CBR600RR has been updated in recent years, and even then, only for a select few markets. While new Parallel-Twin competitors have redefined the Supersport class, the ZX-6R continues to fight the good fight for Inline-Four supersports. The Ninja will fight on for the foreseeable future, as Motorcycle.com can confirm a new ZX-6R is coming for 2024.

MV Agusta has undergone a lot of big changes the last few years, first with Russian Timur Sardarov gaining control of the brand from Giovanni Castiglioni, and more recently with KTM AG acquiring a 25.1% stake.

Along with the new Electra Glide Highway King Icon model, Harley-Davidson announced new limited edition versions of the Low Rider ST, Street Glide ST, and Road Glide ST as part of its ongoing Enthusiast Motorcycle Collection.

As with the previous Icon models, the 2021 Electra Glide Revival and the 2022 Low Rider El Diablo, the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King will be a limited edition model produced for one year only. Production will be limited to 1,750 individually-numbered units, with 1,000 Highway Kings in Hi-Fi Orange and 750 in Hi-Fi Magenta.

Harley-Davidson officially announced it will reveal new CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models for 2023, confirming many of the details we've previously uncovered. These include a new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, new suspension, a new infotainment system, and dramatically redesigned fairings that have already drawn strong reactions from the Harley faithful. While we will have to wait until June 7 for more information, here's what we know for certain.

Last month, Kawasaki announced a new Eliminator for Asian markets, a 398cc model that essentially serves as a smaller Vulcan S. Equipped with a version of the Ninja 400's Parallel-Twin engine, the Eliminator looks to be a potential rival to the Honda Rebel 500. While we were waiting to hear whether Kawasaki would import it to the U.S., we've uncovered evidence that the Eliminator will be coming as a 2024 model, and with a larger engine to boot.

Official images appear in Australian certification filings

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Just a week after announcing the 450SS sportbike was coming to the U.S., CFMOTO adds another adventure bike to its lineup for 2023. The CFMOTO Ibex 800 S will be available for $9,499, while the slightly more adventure-ready Ibex 800 T trim comes in at $10,499.

The Ibex 800 is powered by a 799cc DOHC Parallel-Twin with a 75° offset crankshaft that is heavily based on KTM’s 790 engine. CFMOTO claims 94 hp at 9,000 rpm and 56.8 lb-ft. at 7,500 rpm.

The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order for what we expect to be an updated Kawasaki Z650RS for the 2024 model year. The update is expected to be relatively minor, adding traction control to the Z650RS.

The update would bring the retro RS model in line with the more modern-styled Z650 and the Ninja 650, both of which were updated with traction control for 2023, as well as the Versys 650 which received traction control in 2022.

Below, we present the executive order for 2023 model updates. In past filings, Kawasaki tends to refer to new or updated motorcycles by its model code for engine certifications instead of its marketing name (you know, to keep them secret from the likes of yours truly). For the 2023 executive order, Kawasaki referred to the Z650 and Ninja 650 (plus their ABS-equipped versions) by model codes along with the previously updated Versys 650 ABS.

Last November, Yamaha Motor Europe revealed a new Tracer 9 GT+ at EICMA, a new version of its Triple-powered sport tourer equipped with a 7-inch TFT display, adaptive cruise control, and a radar-linked unified braking system.

Yamaha Motor USA, however, remained quiet about it, and we later learned the Tracer 9 GT+ was not coming to the States for 2023. In fact, even the less techy regular Tracer 9 was left out of Yamaha Motor USA’s returning model announcements.

Today, CFMOTO unveiled its latest sporting entry into the U.S. motorcycle market. The CFMOTO 450SS comes equipped from the manufacturer with many features that belie its $5,499 MSRP. Although information is limited, here is what we know so far.

Harley-Davidson and Hero Motocorp announced a partnership back in 2020 for the distribution of existing Harley motorcycles and the development of a new range of models for the Indian market. We haven’t heard much from that arrangement… until now, when a selection of “spy photos” of a Harley-Davidson-branded motorcycle with a 400-ish cc Single landed in the hands of the Indian press.

EVO India published the photos, spinning a yarn about photos arriving on their doorstep in a brown envelope marked “top secret” and an anonymous note. We’ve run enough of them on Motorcycle.com and seen the feedback from readers scoffing at the “spy photo” trope, but these suspiciously well composed photos with a grainy black and white filter photos were clearly sent out from Hero Motocorp.

BMW is preparing to add a new model to its 1,802cc boxer family, receiving type approval in Switzerland for a new variant called the R 18 Roctane.

The type approval data for the Roctane shows much in common with the existing R 18 models, but with some notable differences. For one, the R 18 Roctane has an internal model code of “0N61,” while the model codes for the R 18, R 18 Classic, R 18 B, and R 18 Transcontinental all have model codes beginning with “0L.” This suggests the Roctane differs from the other models in a fairly significant way, either with a chassis update or a different form factor. The variant’s name appears to be a combination of the “R” branding and “octane,” so a more performance-focused model may be in store.

A couple of days ago, we were tipped off by Harley-Davidson blogger Dr. Dan Morel about photos of an alleged new CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide taken from the factory floor. Morel has since sent us another photo, offering a clear look at the CVO Road Glide’s right side, including evidence that the new 121ci engine uses variable valve timing.

Here’s the full image we received:

Harley-Davidson released the bulk of its 2023 lineup about two months ago, but we’re still waiting to here about more models, such as the Custom Vehicle Operations models that will be joining the CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary. We may not have much longer to wait, as videos of a new CVO Road Glide and CVO Street Glide have popped up on line, revealing some big changes to the CVO models, and perhaps a sign of what to expect for the 2024 lineup.

Blogger Dr. Dan Morel sent us a video that a source sent him over WhatsApp, and similar videos have been uploaded to YouTube and TikTok. The earliest version we found as uploaded to The Fast Life Garage LLC’s Instagram account.

Harley-Davidson has officially revealed the X 350 for the Chinese market, a small displacement flat track-inspired roadster produced with Qianjiang Motor (QJ Motor). As of this writing, the X 350 is only confirmed for China, though a modified variant known as the X350RA will be used in Harley-Davidson Rider Academy programs in the U.S.

Indian Motorcycle and Jack Daniel’s have once again partnered together for a limited edition model. Developed once again in partnership with Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, the latest model is based on the Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and will be limited to a production run of just 177 motorcycles worldwide.

Like the previous models, the 2023 Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse comes in an exclusive custom paint scheme. For the first time, however, the Jack Daniel’s connection goes further than simple branding: the Super Graphite Metallic paint itself is mixed with Old No. 7 whiskey.

The dark paint is offset by the Indian Motorcycle Script “I”, giving it a throwback look, while the non-machined cylinders and heads, Cloud Silver painted rockers and pushrod tubes help create a raw metal look.

American Honda officially announced the XR150L dual-sport for the U.S., alongside the returning Navi and an expanded CRF300L lineup that now includes a new low-seat height variant.

We’ve known the XR150L and the low-seat CRF300LS were on the way, after the two dual sports were included on a list of motorcycles certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both models add to Honda’s burgeoning small-displacement on- and off-road models, alongside the CRF300L and CRF300L Rally. Together with its miniMOTO lineup, which includes the Navi, Honda now offers nine street-legal motorcycles with engines displacing less than 286cc.

As we expected, Husqvarna announced a new Norden 901 Expedition, adding a more adventure-capable model to its lineup. Equipped with longer-travel suspension and coming standard with a number of accessories such as waterproof luggage, the Norden 901 Expedition carries an MSRP of $15,799, a $1,300 premium over the regular Norden 901.

KTM confirmed it will reveal a new 890 SMT model, adding a new supermoto-inspired middleweight sport-tourer to its 2023 lineup. Spy photos of a prototype popped up last October and again in January, and we now know the new SMT will be revealed on April 24.

Last month, we reported that Honda was preparing to bringing the XR150L dual sport to the U.S. market, introducing an air-cooled carbureted model marketed internationally as an agricultural vehicle to America. While we’re still waiting for a formal announcement form American Honda, it’s Canadian counterparts confirmed the XR150L will be arriving to North America.

Arriving in Canadian dealerships in the spring, the X150L adds a new, more affordable model to Honda Canada’s dual sport lineup. A similar announcement is expected to come soon from American Honda, as Honda Canada’s official website specifies the images are for the U.S.-spec model.

The XR150L may be pulling farming duties in Australia, but Honda Canada is positioning it as an entry-level dual sport.

Priced at CA$4,589, with freight, PDI and fees, which is about US$3,400. Price conversions between different markets can be tricky, but looking at comparably priced models can help. In Canada, the XR150L is priced just slightly lower than the Grom, which goes for $3,499 in the U.S., so a US$3,400 price sounds about right.

“The XL150L is an extremely important motorcycle for our product lineup, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Canada,” says Ryan Kelly, Assistant Vice President of Powersports and Power Equipment, Honda Canada. “Not only is this bike perfect for those purchasing their first motorcycle, but it’s a great option for those looking for an additional bike for themselves or their family. The XR150L gives riders a reliable, safe, low-cost and adventurous option for whatever their riding needs may be.”

KTM and German tuning company BRABUS have announced a updated version of the 1300 R for 2023. The BRABUS 1300 R Edition 23 will be offered in two color schemes, with a limited production run of 145 units in the Superblack, and another 145 in Stealth Gray.

Just like the version released last year, the BRABUS 1300 R is based on the KTM 1290 Super Duke EVO, but with a number of bespoke BRABUS parts, including a number of carbon fiber and CNC-machined components.

Indian Motorcycle is preparing to give the Pursuit the Elite treatment, adding a new limited edition version of the PowerPlus-engined tourer for 2023. The Indian Pursuit Elite will join the Challenger Elite and the Chieftain Elite in getting custom paint schemes and finishes and select upgrades.

The confirmation comes to us via vehicle certification data filed in Australia for Indian’s PowerPlus models. In addition to the Challenger and Pursuit models that were already announced, the certification data includes a new Pursuit Elite model, with the model code LDERR.

We’ve been covering the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R for a while now, and even up until it was revealed this week, there was skepticism about whether the little four-banger would actually come to America.

Join the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Forum

After the official announcement, the obvious questions came up: How much does it cost? How much does it weigh? And how much horsepower does it produce? Kawasaki answered the first two, with the 2023 Ninja ZX-4RR priced at $9,699 with a claimed curb weight of 414.5 pounds. Kawasaki USA was less forthcoming about the power output, only describing “a very linear power delivery that provides great street-going performance at lower engine speeds while excelling as the revs climb to its over-15,000 rpm redline.”

Not sure how Kawasaki is calling this a “new model press release,” since the only thing new on our favorite surface-to-surface cruise missile is its Auto Hi-Beam (AHB) headlight. But in the hopes they’ll loan us one for a while, we’ll play along.

Really, we don’t know what else Kawasaki could’ve added anyway, since this Rivermarked flagship was already bristling with every armament in Kawasaki’s formidable arsenal. The original supercharged SX SE of 2018 easily became that year’s Best Sport Tourer (I gave it a 97.5 on the scorecard, probably my highest ranking ever).

And just last year, Kawasaki upgraded the ’22 bike with updated styling, more torque from the 998cc supercharged Four (even though it already made 89 lb-ft @ 8600 rpm at the wheel, and an easy 172 hp 1700 rpm later), Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Blind Spot Detection (BSD)…

Also Kawasaki Electronically Controlled Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook technology, a 6.5-inch TFT screen, new Smartphone-based Infotainment app (SPIN), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Vehicle Hold Assist (VHA), and Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System(KIPASS) remote key fob. They even claimed to have made the ’22 more comfy, with wider seats for both rider and passenger.

What’s not to like? You’ll be excused for not liking that you can’t swing $28,000 for a motorcycle. But if you’re one of the chosen few who can, you won’t be the least bit disappointed.

One of the worst-kept secrets in motorcycling is now a secret no more: Kawasaki has announced the Ninja ZX-4RR KRT will be coming to the US in 2023, (hopefully) ushering in a revival of 400cc four-cylinder sportbikes that were all the rage in the 1990s. But unlike the current parallel-twin Ninja 400, which is essentially a budget bike dressed in sportbike clothes,  this newest model is worthy of the ZX prefix, as it boasts proper suspension, twin radial brakes, a full electronics suite, and chassis geometry inspired by its ZX-6R and ZX-10R siblings – oh, and let’s not forget – a compact four-banger that will rev to over 15,000 rpm! But more on all those things in a minute.

Join the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R Forum

First, if you’re a longtime MO follower, this shouldn’t surprise you. Our resident sleuth, Dennis Chung, broke ground on this new bike over a year ago – in May of 2021, to be exact, when Kawasaki applied for a patent for an air duct to drive air around the radiator and header pipes to help cool the engine directly. Dennis followed that up in August of 2022 when Kawasaki filed VIN submissions for an upcoming ZX-4. However, in an effort to bring Dennis’ non-existent ego back to Earth, let’s nitpick one little thing: He got the number of Rs wrong (for the US at least – he still suspects a single R will come to other markets). The suffix should include two Rs, along with three more letters: KRT (Kawasaki Racing Team). This suffix matters because a double-R Kawasaki Ninja is meant to be a thoroughbred track weapon. 

When the Husqvarna Norden 901 entered the market for 2022, one of the first things we asked was when we would see a more adventure-focused version. That is, after all, the modus operandi for Husqvarna’s sister brand, KTM, which gave the 890 Adventure an upscaled R version.

We don’t have much longer to wait, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2023 Norden 901 alongside a new Norden 901 Expedition model.

While we haven’t heard any official word yet, the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition has been anything but a secret, with photos and even video of the bike popping up around the internet since Husqvarna’s dealer summit last July. We’ve embedded one video below, and members NordenForums.com have shared photos from the dealer meeting.

Harley-Davidson held its big 120th anniversary reveal last week, and for the most part, the announcement included the bikes we expected, such as the Nightster Special, and the return of the Breakout with a Milwaukee-Eight 117ci engine. What we also expected to come for 2023 but was not included in the announcement were the X350 and X350RA. Still, despite not being part of the big Jan. 18 announcement, we managed to get our hands on some information confirming more details of the Chinese-built models.

[UPDATE Feb. 2, 2023: Harley-Davidson has officially confirmed the X350RA will exclusively be a Riding Academy model and the X350 will NOT be sold in North America.]

The X350 is the product of Harley-Davidson’s partnership with China’s Qianjiang Motors that was first announced in 2019. After some regulatory delays, the QJ-built X350 is finally close to production as a small-displacement model for Asian markets. The X350 and an X350RA variant appeared in Vehicle Information Number data submitted by QJ to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and as we recently reported, Harley-Davidson included the X350RA in its 2023 model year VIN information.

The California Air Resources Board has issued an executive order for Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, clearing the way for the long-rumored sportbike to be sold in the state.

The executive order was issued on Dec. 21, 2022, certifying a Kawasaki model going by the code “ZX400SP”.  As we were the first to report last August, Kawasaki had submitted Vehicle Identification Number data for a ZX400SP and a ZX400PP with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, identifying it as being powered by a 399cc four-cylinder engine.

Honda is preparing to add two dual-sport models to it’s U.S. lineup: a CRF300LS and an XR150L. Both models were listed in the latest vehicle certification data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, indicating that they will be added to the 2023 lineup.

The regulatory data deals mostly with emissions compliance, but we can make some inferences about both motorcycles based on their names.

Harley-Davidson turns 120 this year, and to celebrate model year 2023, The Motor Company has turned to its once-every-five-year playbook and unveiled seven limited-edition models to commemorate the occasion. Say hello to the:

Kawasaki USA and Canada are teasing the launch of two new motorcycles for Feb. 1, and though we don’t 100% know what they are, we can make some educated guesses.

The single teaser image on Kawasaki USA’s homepage depicts two Jet Skis and two motorcycles, all under covers with just the slightest bits visible.

At least one model is expected to be the 2023 Kawasaki H2 SX SE. Kawasaki Europe announced an updated version of the supercharged sport-tourer at EICMA, giving the H2 SX an automatic high beam, but it hasn’t been added to the U.S. lineup yet.

Triumph is preparing to add a pair of special edition Tiger 900 models for 2023, according to updated vehicle certification data from Australia. Available for both the road-going Tiger 900 GT and the more off-road equipped Tiger 900 Rally, the special edition models are likely in recognition of Iván Cervantes’ victory for Triumph in the 2022 Baja Aragón last July.

Australian homologation data for the Tiger 900 models was updated just before Christmas, adding two new variants: Tiger 900 GT Aragon Edition and Tiger 900 Rally Aragon Edition. While the documentation did not include photos of the Aragon Edition models, it’s safe to assume they will have a paint scheme similar to the livery on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro that Cervantes raced at the Baja Aragón.

We’re just a few days into the new year, and Harley-Davidson has already started shipping 2023 models to dealerships. These are mainly carry-over models, returning for 2023 with new colors, which should prepare dealers ahead of Harley-Davidson’s launch event on Jan. 18.

Harley-Davidson’s website already has the new colors (like the White Sand Pearl Road Glide ST pictured above) and pricing for perusal, and with no significant changes from 2022. With not much to talk about for these returning models, we can expect Harley-Davidson to have more up its sleeve for the launch event. Thanks to newly released regulatory filings, Motorcycle.com can confirm Harley-Davidson will be releasing at least four new motorcycles, in addition to seven 120th anniversary edition models.

We’ve already covered a bit of this before the holidays, confirming a new Nightster variant, anniversary edition models, and the 2023 CVO lineup plus a potential new Icon model. We now have more information on these new models, plus confirmation of a Chinese-manufactured X350RA model and the return to the U.S. market of the Breakout, now with a Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.

Vehicle identification number (VIN) information submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists three of these models:

Earlier this week, we uncovered Australian certification documents revealing a new Nightster S model and Harley-Davidson‘s 2023 Softail lineup including 120th anniversary Fat Boy 114 and Heritage Classic 114 models. As we predicted, a similar document certifying Harley-Davidson’s 2023 touring models has now been released in Australia, confirming the models returning, as well as the Anniversary Edition Touring models, plus one possible addition to Harley’s Icon collection.

120th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Softail Models Leaked

Returning for 2023, at least for the Australian market, are the Road Glide Special, Road Glide ST, Street Glide Special, Street Glide ST, Road King Special, and Ultra Limited. According to the certification document, Harley-Davidson will introduce Anniversary Editions for the CVO Road Glide Limited (FLTRKSEANV), Road Glide Special (model code FLTRXSANV), Street Glide Special (FLHXSANV), and Ultra Limited (FLHTKANV). Most of these anniversary models also received 115th Anniversary Editions in 2018, including the Ultra Limited pictured above.

New for 2023 is a model designated as the “FLHFB”. The model code was previously used in the ’60s for the FLHFB Electra Glide, which makes us suspect that it will be 2023’s addition to Harley-Davidson’s Icon lineup. The 1965 Electra Glide was one of the last Harley-Davidson models to use the Panhead engine, but the first with electric start.

Harley-Davidson turns 120 next year, which naturally means we’re getting some special Anniversary Edition models. Thanks to new vehicle certification data from Australia, we can confirm that the Heritage Classic 114 and the Fat Boy 114 will be receiving 120th Anniversary Editions.

The Australian certification for Harley-Davidson’s Softail models was updated today, adding mentions of two new model codes: “FLFBSANV,” and “FLHCSANV,” both with vehicle identification number codes that indicate 2023 models. FLFBS is the model code for the Fat Boy 114 while FLHCS is the code for the Heritage Classic 114, so naturally the “ANV” indicates the Anniversary Edition versions.

The Harley-Davidson Nightster is getting a new “S” variant for 2023. The news comes to us via certification documents from Australia that confirm the new model along with two images of the Nightster S.

The Australian filing provides data on Harley-Davidson’s Revolution Max models including the Nightster (RH975), Sportster S (RH1250S), and Pan America 1250 Special (RA1250S). Not mentioned is the non-Special Pan America 1250, which isn’t offered in Australia. The latest update to the file, dated today, adds a new RH975S model, which we assume will be for a Nightster S.

The file includes a sample vehicle identification number that indicates the filing is for the 2023 model year. The file also includes two photos of the RH975S showing a model that closely resembles the Nightster but with a few styling differences.

BMW Motorrad is commemorating its 100th anniversary with the release of Special Heritage editions of the R nineT and R18. BMW will produce 1,923 units of each model, recognizing the debut of the brand’s first motorcycle, the R 32, in September 1923 at the German Motor Show in Berlin.

Both models come with a number of chrome and Option 719 parts, including some milled pieces and several paint-on-chrome surfaces. The use of chrome recognizes its historical use in motorcycles, particularly from the 1920s and onwards.

It’s been a couple of months since Honda outlined its electric motorcycle plans, which included a mix of mopeds, scooters and three large-sized “Fun EVs” destined for North America by 2024 and 2025. The initial announcement included a teaser image of two motorcycles and a scooter.

Today, Honda released another glimpse of a future electric motorcycle in, of all places, a rendering of its float for the 2023 Rose Parade.

Earlier this year, reports emerged that BMW had filed trademark applications for “R12”, with many predicting the name would be used on a new cruiser. The logic made sense, as the naming structure was similar to the R18, and BMW lacked a cruiser model in the 1200-ish range. We were a little less bullish on that theory at the time, and we suspected there was more to the story. And now, new evidence has emerged that may justify our skepticism.

The evidence is a new trademark application BMW filed in Germany for “R12 S”, for use on “motorcycles and their parts.” The application was filed on Oct. 18 or a little more than a year after BMW filed for the name “R12”. Historically, the “S” at the end of a BMW model name is reserved for sport models, with a lineage including the R 69 S, R 90 S, and R 100 S as the earliest examples. Over time, BMW has offered a K 75 S, K 1200 S and F 800 S, while its Boxer-engined R models included the R 1100 S from 1998-2005 and the R 1200 S in 2006 and 2007.

Two weeks ago, BMW announced updates to its R 1250 R roadster. It’s not a big surprise, then, that many of those same updates are coming to the R 1250 RS. And just like the roadster, the updated 2023 R 1250 RS remains at the same MSRP as 2022: $15,695.

Visually, the 2023 BMW R 1250 RS doesn’t look much different from last year’s model. Apart from the new color options, the most discernible difference is the 2023 model’s new LED turn indicators. The bodywork and the chassis are otherwise exactly the same.

OK, even in our hand-laid, calf-leather-clad, carbon fiber chairs, we’re getting pretty punchy here in the EICMA Coverage Center inside the spacious MO Tower on the West Coast VerticalScope Campus. Not even the staff sushi chef and bespoke MO coffee blend can get more than a raised eyebrow from us MOrons at this point, but after two days of sifting through trainloads of press releases for our reader base throughout the solar system, we think we have found a winner! What you have below is a press release that is so horrific that we actually took the time to talk about it. While a couple of Italian releases, with their floral English translations, came close to winning, the ratio of words to actual information of Aston Martin/Brough Superior AMB 001 Pro press release tipped the vacuum-sealed, vibration-isolated, laser-etched titanium scales that we use to consider these awards.

Drawing off a company’s past success is a popular starting point when it comes to future models, and MV Agusta is drawing off its success 50 years ago to guide a new category of motorcycle it hopes to bring to market in the coming years. What you see here is the 921 S concept.

The brainchild of MV Agusta’s Brian Gillen and Stephen Zache, the two looked at the 1973 MV Agusta 750S as the inspiration to build a new motorcycle for the future while still respecting tradition and history. Interestingly, MV’s press materials are quick to point out that the 921S is not intended to be a modern replica of the 750S, but rather a “tribute to that beguiling bike.”

Heading into EICMA, we were expecting Bimota to announce a new motorcycle based off an existing Kawasaki model. After all, that has been the pattern since Kawasaki acquired a stake in the Italian brand in 2019. Last year, we saw the debut of the Ninja 1000SX-based Bimota KB4 and KB4RC in Milan, and so this year, we expected another new mode.

What we didn’t expect was for the new model to be an enduro competition bike based on Kawasaki’s KX450 models, or more specifically, the KX450X, with its 18-inch rear wheel. Yes, Bimota debuted its first ever dirt bike at EICMA, called the BX450. The two bikes are very similar, with the same engine and frame. The engine casings, in fact, still say Kawasaki, so there’s no mistaking the BX450’s lineage. Even the bodywork is similar, with Kawasaki green swapped with Bimota graphics and the Italian Tricolore.

MV is leaning hard into its heritage with this, the Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro, the latest – and arguably most stunning – addition to the neo-retro family that started with the Superveloce 800. In typical MV fashion, the Superveloce 1000 lives up to the brand’s “Motorcycle Art” mantra, but does so with functional technical and stylistic solutions.

Based on the Brutale 1000 RR and retaining its frame, single-sided swingarm, and obviously its engine, MV’s design team then went to work wrapping it in all new skin that pays homage to the past while looking squarely at the future. Stylistically, the SV 1000 draws its inspiration from MV’s own 500cc Grand Prix bike of 1972, significant in the fact it was the first GP bike to sport front wings for downforce – long before the trend became popular in modern-day MotoGP.

Royal Enfield announced a new cruiser model featuring the 648cc Parallel-Twin engine that also powers the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The new Super Meteor 650, and the Super Meteor 650 Grand Tourer variant,

The air-cooled engine claims an output of 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft. at 5,650 rpm, which are about the same peak figures claimed by the other 650 models, but the Super Meteor gets there a little higher on rev range. We’d have to see a dyno chart to be sure, but we suspect the changes were made to create a broader torque curve.

You know who you are: You love the Indian Challenger, but it just quite isn’t enough for you. You want something super exclusive. Well, Indian’s got good news for you. Today, Indian unveiled the 2023 Challenger Elite. The name alone should tell you it’s something special, but as usual, it’s all in the details.

First, a number: 150. That’s how many Challenger Elites will be manufactured – in the world. Second, there’s the exclusive Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke Accents, which was hand-laid by angels and fanned dry with their wings. Third, the Elite is based on a strong bagger package. The PowerPlus engine peaks at a claimed 122 hp at the crank and 128 lb-ft of torque. All of this is controlled via three selectable ride modes. Other performance features include an electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox. The rider can see further down the road with the adaptive LED Headlight and LED driving lights. Comfort features, like an adjustable flare windscreen, Select floorboards, and heated grips, help you settle in for the long haul. Next, come the premium electronics, with cruise control and 6.5” Powerband Audio with Saddlebag Speakers to keep the scenery scrolling on by underneath the new Precision Cut five-spoke wheels.

If this description has your palms sweaty, and you want to be certain nobody at your local bike night will have a Challenger that looks like yours, the 2023 Indian Challenger Elite might just be for you.

While many riders think of MV Agusta as solely being focused on high performance motorcycles, a quick look through the internet time machine will reveal MV scooters in the 1950s. A closer inspection will reveal a family resemblance to the 2023 MV Agusta Ampelio unveiled today in Milan. Drawing on inspiration from the CGT and Ovunque scooters of the past, MV had Russian designer Maksim Ponomarev interpret the 70 year old models with a modern flair, and once viewed by MV Agusta CEO Timur Sardarov, the project was undertaken. 

Honda is one of several manufacturers showing off shiny e-scooters slated for 2023 release, and the 2023 Honda EM1 e: looks pretty nice. Destined for Europe (at least initially, we hope), the EM1 e: is one of the 10 motorcycle models that the manufacturer has pledged to release by 2025, with the company’s other stated goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 hanging in the balance. The e-scooter’s name is derived from Electric Moped, and it is aimed at younger potential riders looking for stylish, fun urban transportation (which explains the Euro release). Perhaps the most notable design point – other than its modern styling – is the use of the Honda Mobile Power Pack e:. This removable power pack allows for easy charging or away from the scooter. Honda claims that the “Mobile Power Pack (MPP) is designed to withstand different temperatures, humidity levels, impacts and vibrations.”

Indian Motorcycle revealed a new FTR Sport model that replaces the FTR S in its 2023 lineup. The FTR Sport slots in under the FTR R Carbon but above the FTR Rally and the base FTR.