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Now in its fourth generation in 10 years, the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has received a long list of updates and is better than ever. (Photos by Joseph Agustin) The traditional gift for a 10th anniversary is tin or aluminum, neither of which is particularly fancy, but the latter certainly makes sense for the 2024 Yamaha MT-09. The 890cc inline-Triple-powered naked bike is built around a controlled-fill die-cast aluminum frame, its subframe and swingarm are likewise made from aluminum, and so are its lightweight spinforged wheels and other components. A decade ago, I attended the U.S. press launch for the all-new Yamaha FZ-09 (as it was originally called) in San Francisco. Blasting around the steep, obstacle-course streets of the Golden Gate City on the fast and frisky FZ was a rollicking good time. The bike was fresh, exciting, and unique, and it felt like Yamaha had a hit on its hands. The 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 was a bold, unique entry into the middleweight naked segment. (Photo by Tom Riles) The FZ-09 was the first model powered by Yamaha’s new “Crossplane Concept” inline-Triple, which was inspired by the YZF-R1’s distinctive crossplane inline-Four. The R1’s engine offsets each crankpin 90 degrees from the next, which creates a cross rather than the flat plane of a 180-degree crank, and it uses an uneven firing interval for smoother throttle response, better rear-wheel traction, and unique character. With one less cylinder, the FZ-09’s CP3 has each crankpin offset 120 degrees from the next, and they fire sequentially (1-2-3) in even 240-degree intervals, and the result is much the same as with the R1’s engine. The original 847cc CP3 inline-Triple that powered the first-generation Yamaha FZ-09. The lively motor cranked out about 110 hp, and it was bolted into a compact bike that weighed just 414 lb soaking wet. Duly impressed, in my review I claimed that “the FZ-09 looks, sounds, and feels different from any other bike on the road. It’s part sportbike, part supermoto, and part streetfighter.” That first iteration had some teething issues, including abrupt throttle response and a brick-like seat, but it was a blast on two wheels and a steal at just $7,990. So many deposits were put down before bikes started arriving at dealerships that Yamaha doubled production. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has fresh styling, revised ergonomics, updated electronics, and upgrades to its chassis and suspension. This colorway is called Midnight Cyan. Other color options are Matte Raven Black and Team Yamaha Blue. Ten years later, we’re now on the fourth generation of the platform known in America since 2018 as the MT-09 to match its global nomenclature. Updates every few years have been fueled by the bike’s popularity – more than 30,000 have been sold in the U.S. and nearly 200,000 have been sold worldwide. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has sportier ergonomics, but comfort isn’t compromised and the new riding position makes sense for the bike’s intended purpose. As the MT-09 has grown up, it has become more refined and more sophisticated. But, unlike most teen rebels who become tax-paying adults, the MT hasn’t lost its edgy side. The biggest overhaul was in 2021, when it got a larger 890cc (up from 847cc) engine, an updated chassis, and an IMU-supported electronics package adapted from the R1. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has new LED headlights and position lights, plus a whole lot more. 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Review | What’s New Updates for 2024 are mostly enhancements. Starting with the drivetrain, the transmission has new drive dogs and gears that improve shifting engagement and reduce backlash. Yamaha’s third-generation quickshifter now works at speeds as low as 9 mph and allows downshifts during acceleration as well as upshifts during deceleration. To improve intake sound, there are now two tuned intake ducts instead of three, a new intake opening in the airbox, and, like those introduced on the 2022 Yamaha MT-10, Acoustic Amplifier Grilles atop the fuel tank that project intake sound directly into the cockpit. Atop the redesigned fuel tank are Acoutic Amplifier Grilles, which project intake sound into the cockpit. The MT-09’s updated styling and revised ergonomics begin at the front, with new LED headlights and position lights fitted into a stubby, Predator-esque facemask. The fuel tank was reshaped and repositioned for a more aggressive look and sportier ergonomics. Compared to the previous model, the tank is wider, lower, and has deeper knee cut-outs. The handlebar is now 1.4 inches lower, is a tad closer to the rider, and has more sweep and a sharper rise, but it also has two position settings and an additional four degrees of steering sweep on either side (32 degrees, up from 28). The net result of these changes is more weight on the front tire and a smaller turning radius, both of which make the bike easier to maneuver. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09’s new Predator-eqsue facemask includes high/low beams in the center and postion lights that look like menacing squinted eyes. Ergonomic changes also extend to the saddle, with the former single-piece seat replaced by separate rider and passenger saddles. Seat height for the rider remains 32.5 inches, but the seat is flatter and 0.5 inch narrower near the front to make it easier to reach the ground. The rider’s footpegs have been moved rearward and like the handlebar are adjustable with two positions. Yamaha further sweated the details by making the clutch lever adjustable over 14 positions spanning a 0.4-inch range, making the mirrors larger, and replacing the cast brake pedal with a stronger forged unit. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has a new two-piece seat, and the rider’s portion is flatter and narrower in front. Having altered the front/rear weight distribution and always on the hunt for better handling, Yamaha also made changes to the MT-09’s chassis and suspension. The CP3 Triple is a stressed member of the chassis, and the right and left side engine brackets were made thicker for more rigidity in the middle. The headstock bracket, on the other hand, was changed to allow more compliance up front. Engine internals are unchanged, but the transmission has been updated and the engine mounts have been revised. The MT-09 still uses a fully adjustable 41mm inverted fork made by KYB, but it has a higher spring rate and firmer damping. The KYB shock, which is adjustable for preload and rebound, uses a new linkage ratio with a flatter curve as well as firmer damping. The main brake components – dual 298mm floating front discs with 4-piston radial calipers, a single 245mm rear disc with a 1-piston caliper – are unchanged, but the front master cylinder has been upgraded to a premium Brembo radial setup. 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Review | Riding Impressions Yamaha returned to the Bay Area for the U.S. press launch of the 2024 MT-09, but this time around we were farther south in the heart of Silicon Valley. That’s fitting since the latest MT is the most tech heavy yet. It has a larger, 5-inch (up from 3.5) TFT instrument panel with four display modes. Using the Yamaha Y-Connect app, a smartphone can be paired with the bike, allowing use of the free Garmin StreetCross app for on-screen turn-by-turn navigation. A larger 5-inch TFT instrument panel has four display modes and rich graphics that show how different Yamaha Ride Control electronics alter riding characteristics. Connecting the Garmin StreetCross app enables on-screen navigation. The Yamaha Ride Control electronics suite has been simplified into three standard ride modes (Sport, Street, and Rain) as well as two customizable modes that allow all rider aids to be tailored to the rider’s preferences via the TFT menu or Y-Connect app. Parameters can be adjusted for throttle response, lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, slide control, wheelie control, back-slip regulation, and the quickshifter. The handlebar switches have been redesigned to be more user-friendly and intuitive, and cruise control is now standard. Cruising around town, the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Gear Up Helmet: Arai Contour-X Jacket: Joe Rocket Alliance Airbag Vest: Alpinestars Tech-Air 7x Gloves: Joe Rocket Seeker Pants: Joe Rocket Anthem Jeans Boots: Joe Rocket Sonic X The MT-09’s engine alights with a familiar growl. Following the model-year 2021 update, there has been no typical exhaust pipe to speak of, just a metal box under the bike with an exit hole on the bottom. With the engines warmed up, we began our test ride on the city streets of Cupertino, where Apple is headquartered. It was a Thursday morning, and folks were driving their Teslas to Starbucks, driving their Teslas to work, or driving their Teslas to drop kids off at school. Our gang of gas-powered motorcycles might as well have been a group of Hell’s Angels. As a slender, light, compact machine, the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 would make an ideal commuter. At modest around-town speeds, the MT-09 is well-mannered. It’s easy to maneuver, its controls and functions make sense, and its exhaust burbles politely. As a lightweight, compact machine, it would be an ideal commuter, even more so when fitted with one of Yamaha’s accessory top trunks, available in 34-liter and 45-liter sizes. The MT-09’s happy place. But a sporty naked bike lives its best life in the curves. Leaving the flat suburban grid behind, we climbed into the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains, which are covered with towering redwoods and crisscrossed with fantastic roads, such as Skyline Boulevard and Big Basin Way. With its wheels wearing the latest Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires, the MT-09 clung to the road like a cat climbing a tree, and it handled the dozens of tight transitions with confident ease. The MT-09’s spinforged wheels are shod with new Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport 23 radials. When riding at speed while leaned over, whether giving it throttle or applying the brakes, the changes to the MT-09’s ergonomics, weight distribution, and chassis clicked. The more committed riding position improves the rider’s sense of control, providing a more reassuring connection to the bike. Grippier tires with more weight on the front and firmer suspension damping help the MT-09 feel more planted. The bike does more of what it is supposed to do – what you want it to do – freeing up brain space for scanning ahead, judging corner speed, or admiring the blurred view out of the corner of your eye. The Yamaha MT-09 keeps a cool head under the pressure of aggressive sport riding. While the Acoustic Amplifier Grilles might sound like a gimmick, they actually work. They aren’t electronic; they’re not like tiny guitar amplifiers with a knob that goes up to 11. They are simply tunnels that allow intake sound to be projected directly toward the rider, kind of like those ear trumpets old folks used a long time ago, and the effect is greatest at mid to high rpm. The auditory boost adds to the visceral, spine-tingling feelings that make sport riding so addictive. 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Review | The Long Ride Home The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 accessorized with a 34-liter top trunk, comfort seats, and a radiator guard. (Photo by the author) Wanting to spend more time with the new MT-09 than our one-day test ride would allow, I opted to ride one home from the launch. Yamaha set me up with several accessories, including a 34-liter top case, comfort seats, and a radiator guard (see accessory pricing below spec chart). With gear stuffed into the top case and more in a duffel bag Rok-strapped to the passenger seat, I headed south for a greatest-hits tour of Central California roads. The accessory radiator guard keeps rocks and other debris from damaging the radiator. It’s also one heckuva bug catcher! The accessory rider and passenger comfort seats (sold separately) use special foam for additional support and they feature unique styling and white stitching. First I had to slog through 50 miles of traffic-clogged freeway, which required a lot of lane changes. One of the upgrades on the new MT-09 is self-cancelling turnsignals. Once activated, they turn off after 15 seconds if the bike has moved more than 150 meters (492 feet). Also new is a dual-function turnsignal rocker switch. A short tap on either the left or right side of the rocker gives a short three-pulse signal for a quick lane change, while a full press gives a continuous pulse (another full press turns off the signal, or you can wait until it auto-cancels). All well and good, except that with my big gorilla thumbs I didn’t have enough finesse to do the short tap. And rather than the more common central button that you push to cancel, I’d often hit the wrong side of the rocker and mistakenly activate the other turnsignal, which meant I was giving mixed signals – literally – to those behind me. While I’m all for self-cancelling turnsignals, the dual-function rocker switch complicates what has long been a no-look, second-nature operation. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 has new switchgear that includes a joystick and for navigating menus and a rocker switch for the dual-function, self-cancelling turnsignals. Cruise control is a new standard feature too. Now that I’ve covered that nitpick, let me get back to praising the MT-09, because there isn’t much else to complain about. South of Hollister is a 60-mile stretch of California Route 25 that runs parallel to the San Andreas Fault and hugs the western side of a valley between the Diablo and Gabilan mountain ranges. It was early May, and thanks to above-average winter rainfall, my ride on SR-25 was between green hillsides, lush pastures, and fields covered in wildflowers. SR-25 passes by the eastern entrance to Pinnacles National Park, and from there until its end at State Route 198, it is a playground of curves, dips, and dales. It was a Friday morning, and the road was all but empty. Bliss. One of the wide-open curves on California’s Hudson Ranch Road. (Photo by the author) Crossing SR-198, I continued south on Indian Valley Road, a 40-mile roughly paved farm road that’s little more than a lane wide. Farther south, I wound through wine country on State Route 41, sliced my way through the tightly banked curves of the short but sweet State Route 229 (aka Rossi’s Driveway), and then enjoyed 65 gloriously curved and fast-paced miles on State Route 58 to the edge of the Central Valley. South of Maricopa, I climbed back into the mountains on State Route 166, rode around grassland hills and along ridgelines on Hudson Ranch Road, carved through canyons on Lockwood Valley Road, and snaked over mountains and through valleys on State Route 33. California Route 33 emerges from the fog as it climbs the mountains in Los Padres National Forest. (Photo by the author) It was a fantastic, 425-mile day in perfect conditions with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s. The only downside was being a human bug catcher, splattering hundreds of flying insects as I hit them at speed. After returning home, I logged another 600-plus miles on the MT-09 over the next few weeks. Got bugs? My helmet was even worse, as you can see in the video review above. (Photo by the author) What did I learn? The MT-09 still has the untamed spirit of the original FZ-09, but it now feels less like an unbroken bronco and more like a hot-blooded thoroughbred. It’s a more self-assured machine, ready to give the rider what he or she wants when they want it. It’s more versatile too, better equipped to perform over a wider range of uses, from trackdays to sport-touring to weekend canyon carving to daily commuting. The riding position is more committed than before, but it makes sense for the MT-09’s core mission of sport performance. All grown up but still ready to party. Yes, the base price of the MT-09 seems much higher than it was in 2014, but not when you take inflation into account. The $7,990 MSRP from a decade ago would be $10,532 in today’s dollars. The 2024 Yamaha MT-09 is priced at $10,599 – just $67 more, yet the current model is a much better motorcycle with many more standard features, particularly its state-of-the-art electronics package. The original FZ-09 was a steal, but the new MT-09 is an even better deal. Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide Even though the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 is more powerful, is more feature-packed, and performs better in every way, it costs only $67 more than the original 2014 FZ-09 when adjusted for inflation. Few bikes offer as much bang for the hard-earned buck. 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Specs Base Price: $10,599 Price as Tested: $11,634 (see accessory pricing below) Website: YamahaMotorSports.com Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles Engine Type: Liquid-cooled transverse inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 890cc Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm Horsepower: 117 hp @ 10,000 rpm (factory claim) Torque: 69 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 56.3 in. Rake/Trail: 24.7 degrees/4.3 in. Seat Height: 32.5 in. Wet Weight: 425 lb (factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gal. Fuel Consumption: 41.3 mpg Yamaha MT-09 Accessory Pricing Top case: $579.96 $169.99 for rear carrier/grab bar $99.99 for top case mount $249.99 for 34-liter top case $59.99 backrest Comfort seats: $344.98 $184.99 for rider seat $159.99 for passenger seat Radiator guard: $109.99 TOTAL: $1,034.93 The post 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Underneath that techy styling is a supercharged H2 engine that burns hydrogen. As the motoring world is gradually shifting toward electric propulsion, Kawasaki is putting a new spin on internal combustion with its hydrogen-fueled motorcycle based on the supercharged Ninja H2 – yep, an H2 powered by H2! Most hydrogen-fueled cars on the market or in development use the compressed gas in a fuel cell that produces electricity, which then feeds an electric motor for propulsion. But this new Kawi internally combusts hydrogen like gasoline-fueled engines. This groundbreaking machine was paraded a few days ago in front of the audience at the Suzuka 8 Hours FIM World Endurance race. It marked the world’s first public demonstration run of a hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) motorcycle, at least one created by a mass-production manufacturer. Kawasaki is boldly looking ahead to a future that includes burning hydrogen. “Hydrogen engines produce power like conventional gasoline engines,” said the bike’s project leader, Satoaki Ichi. “Hydrogen burns more quickly and under a wider range of conditions than gasoline, making it possible to create a more responsive feeling than ever.” Kawasaki began development of this bike in March 2023, using the supercharged 998cc inline-Four found in Kawasaki’s Ninja H2 but with modifications to allow direct injection of hydrogen fuel into the cylinders. It operates on hydrogen combustion, so it retains familiar internal-combustion sensations when twisting the throttle, as you’ll hear when viewing the video above. Related: Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Review Baby’s got back! The enormous saddlebags contain hydrogen fuel canisters. The results of hydrogen’s combustion are water vapor and virtually no carbon dioxide, making this system largely carbon-neutral. Kawasaki Motors Ltd., a member of the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group, is conducting R&D with the aim of producing a hydrogen ICE motorcycle in the early 2030s. Kawasaki is a member of HySE (Hydrogen Small-mobility & Engine technology), an association focused on researching hydrogen-combustion technology, from engines to filling and fuel-supply systems. The membership includes the Japanese Big Four motorcycle companies and Toyota. The hydrogen-powered Kawasaki boasts futuristic edgy styling. Using hydrogen for fuel has clear advantages in terms of exhaust emissions, but its widespread adoption will be hindered by the extremely limited infrastructure for its delivery into motor vehicles. Hydrogen’s transportation and storage require special facilities that are expensive to set up. “Timing and availability,” notes Kawasaki, “may vary depending on the hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure and the status of legal regulations in each country.” The dawn of a new era of internal-combustion motorcycles. Kawasaki is clearly committed to alternatives to traditional gas-powered internal-combustion engines. In 2023, Kawasaki announced two all-electric motorcycles, the Ninja e-1 ABS and Z e-1 ABS. And in January, Kawasaki unveiled two hybrid motorcycles, the Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS and Z7 Hybrid ABS, which combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor, and they can run on either power source independently or on both at the same time. The post Kawasaki Unveils a Hydrogen-fueled Motorcycle appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The 2024 Honda CB650R (seen here in Pearl Smoky Gray) and Honda CBR650R have been upgraded with the addition of the Honda E-Clutch system for clutchless shifting. Previously introduced in Europe, Honda E-Clutch will become available in the U.S. on the 2024 CB650R and CBR650R. This new system removes the need to use the clutch lever at all and eliminates the possibility of stalling, among other operational conveniences. In the same announcement, Honda released information about the upgraded 2025 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, as well as four returning street models for 2025. All models in this announcement will be available at dealers in the U.S. starting in September 2024.  Honda E-Clutch  The new Honda E-Clutch system is something in between Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission and a quickshifter. While using the E-Clutch, the rider won’t need to operate the clutch lever, whether shifting up or down, coming to a stop, or pulling away after a stop. The rider need only switch gears using the foot control. A clutch lever remains operational, so riders can choose to use it if they prefer.  If the rider uses the clutch lever, the Honda E-Clutch system will reactive after less than a second at higher engine rpm or after five seconds at lower engine speeds. For even more control, the rider can select Manual mode from the switch cluster on the left side of the handlebar to eliminate any E-Clutch functionality.  E-Clutch also allows riders to select from three operational feel settings: Hard, Medium, or Soft. These settings can be chosen independently for upshifting and downshifting, and they affect the strength of force required on the shift pedal to make a gear change.  The Honda E-Clutch system weighs less than 4.5 lb, and the clutch and transmission hardware are the same as on a conventional motorcycle. The system works by reading parameters like vehicle speed, throttle-opening angle, engine rpm, pressure on the shift pedal, clutch-motor reduction-gear angle, engine countershaft speed, and gear position. Using these readings, the system manages clutch engagement and disengagement, as well as ignition timing and fuel injection for smooth responses.  For 2024 in the U.S., the Honda E-Clutch system will be offered only on the CB650R and CBR650R, both of which receive other updates as well.  2024 Honda CB650R and CBR650R  2024 Honda CBR650R in Grand Prix Red Honda’s middleweight naked and its fully faired sibling are upgraded for 2024. The most notable update is the addition of the E-Clutch, detailed in the section above. Other updates to both models include a new 5-inch TFT instrument display, LED lighting throughout, and updated styling, with the CB650R dressed in Honda’s Neo Sports Café style and the CBR650R carrying a sportier look.  2024 Honda CB650R Both bikes feature a 649cc inline-Four with DOHC and four valves per cylinder. Suspension comes from a 41mm Showa SFF-BP fork and a Showa shock. Dual 310mm discs with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers slow things down up front. The CB650R naked has a claimed wet weight of 456 lb, while the CBR650R is 10 lb heavier.  The 2024 Honda CB650R will be available in Pearl Smoky Gray with an MSRP of $9,399. The 2024 Honda CBR650R will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $9,899.  Related: 2019 Honda CB650R vs. Kawasaki W800 Cafe vs. Suzuki SV650X | Comparison Review  2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP  2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in Grand Prix Red A proven winner in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP returns for 2025 with several significant upgrades. Honda claims the updated Fireblade SP now makes more power in the midrange and has a more responsive engine thanks to reduced crankshaft mass. All gear ratios have been shortened for 2025, and the Akrapovič muffler is larger for adequate flow while meeting noise-emissions standards.   The riding position is more humane for street use, with taller handlebar grips and lower footpegs. The bike also includes a new two-motor throttle-by-wire system, nine-level traction control, three riding modes, a revised aluminum frame with new rigidity balance, a suspension with third-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic Control, new Brembo Stylema R radial-mount 4-piston calipers, a new winglet shape, a 5-inch color TFT screen, and a slight increase in fuel capacity to 4.4 gallons.   The Fireblade is powered by a 1,000cc inline-Four with DOHC with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 48.5mm. Valve timing has been revised for 2025, and the compression ratio was raised from 13.4:1 to 13.6:1.  The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP will be available in Grand Prix Red with an MSRP of $28,999.  Related: 2021 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP | Road Test Review  2025 Honda CBR1000RR  2025 Honda CBR1000RR in Pearl White The CBR1000RR returns unchanged for 2025. The bike’s 1,000cc inline-Four features magnesium engine, covers, DLC-coated finger-follower rocker arms, a compression ratio of 13.0:1, and a redline of 13,000 rpm. The bike also features a slipper clutch, Honda Selectable Torque Control, wheelie control, three levels of engine braking, a TFT screen with three selectable display options, and a five-level Power Selector. Suspension is provided by a 43mm Showa BPF fork and a Balance Free Rear Cushion shock, and braking is provided by Tokico 4-piston radial-mounted calipers up front. All lighting is LED.  The 2025 Honda CBR1000RR will be available in Pearl White with an MSRP of $16,999 without ABS and $17,299 with ABS.  2025 Honda CBR600RR  2025 Honda CBR600RR in Deep Pearl Gray Designed to “deliver racetrack-level performance at an accessible price,” the CBR600RR returns for 2025 unchanged. It’s powered by a 599cc inline-Four with a bore and stroke of 67.0mm x 42.5mm and a compression ratio of 12.2:1. The 41mm Showa BPF is adjustable for spring preload and compression and rebound damping, and in the rear is a Pro-Link shock with spring preload, rebound, and compression damping adjustability.  The 2025 Honda CBR600RR will be available in Deep Pearl Gray with an MSRP of $12,199 without ABS and $13,199 with ABS.  2025 Honda CB300R  2025 Honda CB300R in Pearl Dusk Yellow The smallest of the CB models, the CB300R naked returns for 2025 as Honda’s entry-level bike. It features fully blacked-out hardware, styling cues taken from the larger-displacement CB bikes, aluminum wheels, and ABS. It has an LCD instrument display and full LED lighting. It’s powered by a 286cc Single with DOHC and four valves. Wet weight is a claimed 317 lb, wheelbase is 53.3 inches, and the seat height is 31.5 inches.  2025 Honda CB300R in Matte Black Metallic The 2025 Honda CB300R will be available in Pearl Dusk Yellow or Matte Black Metallic with an MSRP of $5,149.  Related: 2019 Honda CB300R | First Ride Review  2025 Honda Monkey  2025 Honda Monkey The quirky and fun-loving Honda Monkey returns for 2025. The retro-styled mini is powered by a 124cc air-cooled Single with a 5-speed transmission, and its wet weight is only 231 lb with its 1.5-gallon tank full. Its seat is reasonably low at 30.5 inches, and its wheelbase is just 45.0 inches. The Monkey is equipped with LCD instrumentation and LED lighting.  Related: Honda Monkey: Super-Spreader of Happiness  The 2025 Honda Monkey will be available in red with an MSRP of $4,349.  Visit the Honda website for more information.  Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide  The post Honda E-Clutch Arrives in U.S., Plus Updated and Returning 2024-25 Models  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

EagleRider, the motorcycle rental and tour company, will be offering riders the opportunity to rent Harley-Davidson CVO models. With rates starting from $259, you can experience the pinnacle of H-D engineering from August 15 through October 31, 2024. Harley’s CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) bikes are typically unavailable for test rides, but EagleRider will be offering the exclusive opportunity to experience what it’s like to ride this premium bike without having to pay its $44,499 MSRP. 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide and Road Glide Reviews If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to ride a CVO Road Glide, EagleRider gives you the opportunity to rent one for as little as $259. “EagleRider has partnered with Harley-Davidson to provide another one-of-a-kind adventure,” said CEO Sebastian Schoepe. “We are proud that riders can now experience the thrill and luxury of a CVO motorcycle.” EagleRider is the world’s largest motorcycle rental and tour company, with 150 locations around the globe and outlets in most major U.S. cities, including the recently opened location in Boston. For the CVO rentals, the 25 bikes will be available in Chicago, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, allowing riders to experience the joys of riding the most desirable new Harley along sections of the legendary Route 66. Additionally, existing EagleRider tour bookings can be upgraded to include the CVO Road Glide, and members of Club EagleRider can access this exclusive opportunity for 5 credits per day. Find out more and book your trip at the EagleRider website. The post EagleRider Now Rents H-D CVO Road Glides appeared first on Rider Magazine.

The all-electric Can-Am Origin (left) and Can-Am Pulse (right) mark the brand’s reentrance into the two-wheeled market. Originally unveiled in 2022, the all-electric Can-Am Motorcycles Origin dual-sport and Pulse streetbike will get a full launch with more details and specs this fall. For now, Can-Am has released a four-episode docuseries that follows the creation of these electric motorcycles, which mark Can-Am’s reentrance into the two-wheeled segment. Can-Am is 51 years old in 2024, and the brand has a storied history of two-wheeled innovation to draw on for the creation of the Origin and Pulse. The first Can-Am motocross bike, built in 1973, saw immediate success in motocross and endurance racing. The company continued building off-road motorcycles until 1987. In 1998, it launched a line of ATVs, and in 2007, the three-wheeled Spyder RS emerged, followed by other on-road three-wheeled machines. The Can-Am Origin will be the brand’s all-electric dual-sport model. Both the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse will be powered by Rotax E-Power technology. Working closely with Rotax in Austria, BRP (Can-Am’s parent company) has been able to create a motor designed specifically for these motorcycles. In the third episode of the docuseries, Jean-Francois Lambert, vice president of advanced technology and electric vehicle development, explains that the battery is located at the center, the inverter on one side, the VCU on the other side, the charger on top of the package, and the motor in the swingarm. The Origin and Pulse also feature LED headlights, TFT displays, white and gray bodywork, inverted forks, single-disc brakes, and solo seats. Ahead of the full launch of these two new all-electric models later in the year, viewers can learn more about the creation of the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse by watching the short docuseries episodes below. Find more information on the Can-Am website. The Rebirth | Can-Am Motorcycles Episode 1 The Inspiration | Can-Am Motorcycles Episode 2 The Testing | Can-Am Motorcycles Episode 3 The Heart | Can-Am Motorcycles Episode 4 The post Can-Am Motorcycles Docuseries: Creating the All-Electric Origin and Pulse appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Mark Fincher offers V-8 trike tours in New Zealand for a one-of-a-kind experience of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Photos by the author. What do novelist Zane Grey, a Chevy V-8-powered trike, and the South Pacific nation of New Zealand have to do with each other? More than you might expect.  Zane Grey, author of Riders of the Purple Sage and other American westerns, was also an avid angler. In 1925, he was invited by the New Zealand government to visit, in the hope that he would enjoy and promote the country’s fishing industry. The following year, Grey arrived with his entourage to the Bay of Islands, off the northeastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island.  Author Zane Grey had a major impact on tourism in New Zealand. Grey was blown away by the natural beauty and culture of New Zealand and chose Urupukapuka Island as a base, which put New Zealand’s game fishing on the global map, an influence that still resonates in the region’s tourist industry today.  In Grey’s novels, the horse or the horse-drawn carriage was the main means of transport, but fast forward to the present, and the spirit of adventure that Grey epitomized finds a modern expression in Thunder Trike Tours, which provides a distinctive – and exhilarating – way for visitors to explore the scenic beauty and historical richness of the Bay of Islands.  The company, based in the North Island port town of Paihia, offers tours in massive three-wheelers powered by 260-hp V-8 engines. The trikes were built by James D, a small (and now defunct) manufacturer of three-seater and five-seater trikes, formerly based in Rangiora, New Zealand.  The Edelbrock-Chevy 5.7-liter V-8 engines in these trikes are a nod to American automotive culture. These engines, popular in muscle cars and classic restorations, serve as a bridge between American innovation and Kiwi tourism. The trikes themselves are a testament to craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic engine design, something that enthusiasts and casual tourists alike can appreciate.  Thunder Trike Tours also serves as a contemporary link to the past adventures of figures like Zane Grey. While Grey explored the natural world through his fishing and brought the beauty of New Zealand to readers across the globe, Thunder Trike Tours offers a visceral experience of the landscape. It’s a celebration of cultural and mechanical engineering, bringing together elements from different times and places.  Mark Fincher, owner of Thunder Trike Tours, has been into motorcycles and V-8s as long as he can remember. He and his wife, Denise, spotted their first V-8-powered James D trike during a visit to Fiji. When they returned to New Zealand, Fincher found out that the trikes were made in the South Island’s township of Rangiora. Two days later, he bought his first one. Now he owns three of them.   Mark Fincher (right) is the owner of Thunder Trike Tours. When Fincher reached semi-retirement, he wanted something else to do and started Thunder Trike Tours. The company has been running eight years now and offers excursions ranging from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours. Their tours are popular with folks ranging in age from small children to an adventurous 100-year-old gentleman, including cruise ship passengers spending the day in the Bay area.  “These trikes definitely give everyone the thrills during our ride outs, and we enjoy it,” said Fincher. “You don’t need to wear a helmet, because the trikes are registered as a convertible car, right down to having been fitted with a hand brake, and are fully safety equipped, with bucket seats and seat belts. These trikes handle unbelievably well and make us look good.”  Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, a ride with Thunder Trike Tours promises an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking regions.  This connection underscores a broader narrative about cultural exchange and the evolution of tourist experiences in the Bay of Islands. From the quiet solitude of fishing in the early morning to the exhilarating roar of a V-8 engine, the region continues to offer a diverse array of attractions. These experiences not only honour the legacy of adventurers and storytellers like Grey but also highlight the innovative spirit that continues to draw people to this enchanting part of New Zealand.  For more information, visit the Thunder Trike Tours website.  The post Thunder Down Under: V-8 Trike Tours in New Zealand  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Take advantage of the MV Agusta Trade-In and Loyalty Program to own a brand-new MV Agusta motorcycle, like this 2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce. The MV Agusta Trade-In and Loyalty Program, running from May 24, 2024 to Dec. 31, 2024, offers rewards to both new and existing customers that they can use toward the purchase of new, unregistered MV Agustas. The incentive is designed to get more MV Agusta fans on new motorcycles, and participants can receive as much as $2,500 toward a new MV Agusta. Related: 2024 MV Agusta Enduro Veloce Review | First Ride “We are excited to offer this exceptional program to our collectors and new customers,” said Luca Dovesi, general manager of MV Agusta North America. “The Trade-In and Loyalty Program reflects our dedication to providing value and recognition to our loyal customers while inviting new enthusiasts to be part of our family and experience a true Made-In-Italy Motorcycle Art.” Related: MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America | First Ride Review MV Agusta Dragster RR SCS America There will be two levels of incentives, one for existing MV Agusta owners and one for new owners. The Level 1 Loyalty Trade-In ($2,500) is for current MV Agusta owners who can provide proof of ownership, and no trade-in of an existing MV Agusta motorcycle is required. Level 2 Value Trade-In is for customers who trade in any industry-recognized motorcycle for a $1,500 incentive. At Level 2, an additional $500 incentive is available for trading in a motorcycle from an Italian manufacturer like Ducati or Aprilia. Related: MV Agusta International Women’s Day Event To participate, customers must visit an MV Agusta dealer and provide trade-in or loyalty motorcycle info (brand, year, VIN, trade-in value), a photo of the motorcycle being traded in, a copy of the new MV Agusta motorcycle registration, and a copy of the bill of sale for the new MV Agusta motorcycle. This program is available nationwide until the end of the year. Those interested can find more information at their nearest MV Agusta dealer. The post MV Agusta Trade-In and Loyalty Program Running Until Dec. 31, 2024 appeared first on Rider Magazine.