#Sportbike

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.

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.

As we expected, Suzuki announced a new GSX-8R based on the naked GSX-8S, introducing a new faired sportbike to its middleweight platform

At long last, Yamaha is introducing a sportbike powered by its CP3 three-cylinder engine. The catch? It’s not the YZF-R9  we’ve been waiting for, but a new XSR900 GP, a retro motorcycle inspired by Yamaha’s YZR Grand Prix racing machines of the ’80s.

A Multistrada for the race track

Ducati is preparing a special edition Panigale V4 SP2 to recognize the anniversary of one of its most historically significant superbikes, the 916. The confirmation comes to us via an executive order from the California Air Resources Board that certifies a 2024 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916.

Kawasaki Europe officially announced full specifications and details about its first electric motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 sportbike and the naked Z e-1. Both models are classified as 125cc-class motorcycles and will be available soon in European markets, but we expect they will be offered in other markets, including Australia, Japan, and America.

In a significant stride towards innovation, Aprilia has introduced the RS 457, a motorcycle that not only represents a leap forward in technology but also widens its appeal to new demographics and markets. This move comes as a response to the ever-growing global demand for accessible yet exhilarating motorcycles, positioning Aprilia as a brand with something for every customer.

The Suzuki GSX-8S will soon be joined by a GSX-8R sportbike, according to new certification data published in Switzerland.

In light of our upcoming First Ride review of the 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R, we thought it would be a good time to revisit one of the first sportbikes to shake up the establishment – the original 2003 ZX-6R, powered by a 636cc engine. At the time, the supersport wars were starting to heat up and each of the Big Four Japanese manufacturers were trying to out-do the other. The 636 turned heads because of the bigger displacement compared to the competition (a standard 599cc version was also made to appease the racing rule-makers).

Aprilia has posted teasers across its official international websites and various social media channels for a new sportbike. Based on what little can be seen from the teaser image, it looks to be a smaller-displacement version of the RS 660 to compete against the likes of the KTM RC 390, Yamaha YZF-R3 or Kawasaki Ninja 400. While many are assuming it will be called the RS 440, Motorcycle.com can confirm it will actually be called the Aprilia RS 457.

Compact Octane is a newly founded SoCal based track-day provider that that has been created to give customers a more unique and different track-day experience. Here at Compact Octane we cater to machines with displacements of 400cc and below. The result is pure fun and freedom for our “little” bikes. Little bikes provide BIG fun and our goal is