2021 guide to motorcycle and scooter innovations: info, tests and prices
The 2021 motorcycle / scooter vintage will remain marked by the coronavirus (1.4 million dead worldwide, including 53,000 in France at the start of December): chains slowed down by barrier gestures, dealerships closed during the first confinement - but not the second - suppliers in difficulty are so many obstacles for motorcycle manufacturers who see their objectives compromised.
To this sad landscape is added the constraint of the new Euro5 motorcycle standard which came into force on January 1, 2020 on the revised novelties. 2021 theoretically marks the compliance of all two- and three-wheelers with this more restrictive European framework in terms of polluting emissions.
Consequence: end-of-life and/or low-volume models are bowing out, such as the Honda VFR800, Suzuki GSX-R1000 and other Yamaha FJR1300. “End of series” quotas authorize the disposal of Euro4 stocks, a derogation that the European Association of Manufacturers (ACEM) wishes to extend in the face of Covid-19.
Euro5 still has a positive effect: a substantial update of all ranges, which sometimes affects recently improved motorcycles and scooters: Yamaha Tracer 900 - sorry: Tracer 9! -, Kawasaki ZX-10R(R), Honda CB1000R and X-ADV, BMW R1250RT...
To these sometimes unexpected developments are of course added the "real" novelties: Aprilia RS660, BMW R18 Classic, Triumph Trident or Honda Forza 750, big sensation of this rich 2021 vintage among maxi-scooters. Conversely, some models do not move because they were already "pre-prepared" Euro5 during their last mechanical evolution.
This list of new products for 2021 is regularly updated with additional information collected by the Moto-Net.Com editorial staff. All drilled pipes and other "fake news" are to be transmitted to the competition with our friends: thank you!
New Aprilia 2021
New Aprilia already presented
Aprilia RS660
Aprilia Tuono 660
Aprilia RSV4
Aprilia Tuono V4
The new Aprilias expected by MNC
Aprilia GPR 250 (probability: 20%)
New presented at the end of 2020 in China, this GPR250 develops 26 hp for only 150 kg. Inverted fork and radial calipers enhance this single-cylinder motorcycle a priori only reserved for Asia.
New BMW 2021
New BMWs already presented
BMW M1000RR
BMW S1000R
BMW R1250 RT
BMW R Nine T
BMW R18 Classic
The new BMWs expected by MNC
BMW G310RR (probability: 30%)
This small 28 hp sports car has been around since 2017 with the Indian manufacturer TVS - under the name Apache 310RR -, which already produces the G310R and G310GS above for BMW. The brand with the propeller is however slow to bring it to Europe under its name to compete with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and other Yamaha R3...
New Ducati 2021
The new Ducati already presented
Ducati Monster 937
Ducati Multistrada V4
Ducati Streetfighter V4
Ducati Diavel 1260 and Diavel Lamborghini
Ducati XDiavel
Ducati Scrambler 800
Ducati Scrambler 1100
Ducati Supersport 950
Ducati Panigale V4
The new Ducati expected by MNC
Hypermotard (probability: 100%)
As explained above, Ducati has not pulled out all the stops to prepare for 2021: almost all of its motorcycles are undergoing changes due to the entry into force of Euro5, with the exception of the 'Hypermotard and the Monster 1200.
The twin-cylinder of the Hypermotard 950 being still Euro4 to this day, future changes are inevitable. It remains to be seen whether it will be a simple upgrade or a deeper overhaul like on the Monster 937...
New Harley-Davidson 2021
The new Harleys already presented
As every year, the American manufacturer accompanies its new vintage with mainly cosmetic changes on several of its motorcycles: Street Bob, Fat Boy, Street Glide, Road Glide and Road King are evolving nicely for 2021, while the luxurious Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup is getting polished while waiting for the "real" Milwaukee novelty: the Pan American maxi-trailer below !
Harley-Davidson Pan American
The new Harley-Davidson expected by MNC
Bronx 975, Bareknuckle 1250, small displacement with Qianjiang (probability: 60%)
The Harley-Davidson renewal for 2021 hasn't really started yet, aside from the confusing Pan American above. The Milwaukee firm is however accustomed to "staggered" calendars, at the beginning or in the middle of the year as with the Road Glide CVO, Softail Standard launched last February.
The other important novelty - also quite daring - is the Bronx 975, the release of which has been postponed due to the health crisis. 115 hp and 94 Nm are on the program for this unique motorcycle which is unveiling a new generation of water-cooled 975 cc "Revolution Max" twin. Let's hope that this "sports roadster" according to Harley will be more successful than the ephemeral XR1200...
Initially planned for "end of 2020", its launch should at best take place at the end of 2021 (or even 2022...), while a third novelty would be in the boxes: the Barenuckle 1250, which would mix custom and Flat styles track with the big Pan American twin.
The Euro5 standard also marks the disappearance of the emblematic Sportster 883 and 1200, as well as those of the Street 750: if the discontinuation of the former leaves a gaping hole in the range (and a good dose of nostalgia for the Iron.. .), the seconds made in India have never seduced anyone with their tasteless engine and unworthy finish.
The withdrawal against the background of Euro5 of the Street 750 - but also of the Street 500 not imported into Europe - is not a surprise and is accompanied quite logically by the shutdown of its Indian factory. More surprising, however: H-D is closing its subsidiary in India as well as in other Asian countries, on the grounds of refocusing on its historical markets...
Sales of Harley motorcycles in the gigantic Indian market will now be handled by its local partner Hero, while the Chinese manufacturer Qianjiang is preparing an unprecedented small 338 cc motorcycle in the colors of Milwaukee.
New Honda 2021
Honda news already presented
Honda GL1800 Goldwing
Honda CMX1100 Rebel
Honda Forza 750
Honda X-ADV
Honda NC750X
Honda CB1000R
Honda CBR600RR
Honda CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R
Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin
Honda CB650R and CB650F
Honda CRF300L
Honda CB125F
Honda CB125R
Honda Forza 125 and Forza 350
Honda PCX 125
Honda SH125 Mode and SH350
Honda MSX125 Grom
Honda Vision 110
The new Hondas expected by MNC
Africa Twin CRF750/800L (probability: 30%)
MNC - and many of its readers! - hoped that Honda would respond to the Ténéré 700 and KTM 790 Adventure with its new Africa Twin. Missed: Honda followed the opposite approach last year with even more “maxi” CRF1100s. Is a return to basics with a 750/800 cc definitely buried? Let's hope not...
NT1100 (probability: 70%)
Will 2021 finally mark the return of a real road bike at Honda to make up for the disappearances of the Deauville 700, CBF1000F, Pan European ST1300 and the cult VFR800F? To date, only the luxurious Goldwing at 27,799 euros and the trails occupy this "GT" function with the first Japanese manufacturer: a little limited. But serious rumors announce the arrival of a hypothetical "NT1100" with the engine of the Africa Twin...
New Hyosung 2021
New Hyosung already presented
Hyosung Bobber GV 125 and Bobber GV 300
New Indian 2021
The new Indians already presented
Indian Vintage Dark Horse
Indian Roadmaster Limited
The Indian news expected by MNC
Indian has invested considerably in its range over the past five years with the recent launch of the daring Challenger and the successful FTR1200 (and its multiple variations: S, Rally , Carbon). The Scout and Chief are also far from being "rustic" with their modern twin and their aluminum frame, a rarity among customs.
The next step will be to adapt all engines to Euro5, while the discovery of other novelties on the FTR platform would not be surprising. And why not a three-wheeler to compete with the Tri Glide accessible to motorists from Harley?!
Kawasaki news
The new Kawasakis already presented
Kawasaki has largely anticipated Euro5, especially on its most popular motorcycles. The Z650 and Z900 have been at the forefront of standards since last year, before their evolutions were adopted on the Z900RS, Vulcan S, Versys 650 and Ninja 650. This transition was revealed with the new colors this fall.
Kawasaki ZX-10R and ZX-10RR
Kawasaki Z H2 SE
Kawasaki Versys 1000 S and Versys 1000 SE
Kawasaki ZX-25R
The new Kawasaki expected by MNC
Kawasaki Z650 RS (probability: 60%)
The success of the very pretty Z900 RS could encourage Kawasaki to perform the same maneuver on the basis of its Z650 (steel trellis frame and 68 hp vertical twin). This hypothetical Z650RS would come to compete inexpensively with the Yamaha XSR700, while expanding the rather limited offer of the Greens in the "retro" segment (only the Z900RS and W800).
Hybrid motorcycle (10%)
The Kawasaki group is reorganizing its activities, with more autonomy granted to its motorcycle division. This change is accompanied by high ambitions for hybrid propulsion, including in the field of motorcycles: evidenced by the video below which reveals a prototype capable of switching between thermal and electric motors thanks to artificial intelligence. Not stupid ! MNC would nevertheless be curious to know the weight, size and price of this double engine...
New KTM 2021
The new KTMs already presented
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
KTM 890 Duke
KTM 890 Adventure
KTM 450 SMR
KTM 690 SMC-R and 690 Enduro R
The new KTMs expected by MNC
Replica MotoGP RC16 (probability: 50%)
KTM boss Stefan Pierer has been announcing for several years the arrival of a production version of his MotoGP RC16. This project had so far never come to fruition, despite the discontinuation of the RC8 production sports car with a twin-cylinder engine: KTM instead sold its Grand Prix prototypes from the previous year to a privileged few!
But the situation could change following the three victories won in the premier category by Binder (1) and Oliveira (2), as well as the fine 5th place finish for Pol Espargaro. This consecration at the highest level is extremely favorable to the reception reserved for a possible RC16 homologated road. 220 hp V4, tubular frame, ultra-high-end WP suspensions and state-of-the-art electronics would distinguish this hypothetical rival to the Honda RCV213V-S!
1290 Superduke RR (probability: 80%)
MNC has already had the chance to test a 1290 Super Duke R Race Kit prepared with "little onions" with Power Parts parts: a... bestial experience! The Orange brand is thinking of drawing inspiration from it to launch an unprecedented Super Duke RR (Update of 05/13/2021: it's done!) based on its latest generation of the "Beast" tested in early 2020. More horsepower and the full of track equipment would characterize this top-of-the-range RR version, which would undoubtedly flirt with 190 hp and would certainly exceed 20,000 euros!
750 Duke, Adventure and Supermoto T (probability: 100% in Asia, 50% in Europe)
On the occasion of the strengthening of its partnership with the Chinese manufacturer CF Moto, KTM has unveiled the upcoming arrival of a new 750 cc twin-cylinder range which will initially be reserved for the Chinese market. The Austrian brand then plans to integrate these new 750 Duke, 750 Adventure and 750 Supermoto T into its European catalog.
New Kymco 2021
Kymco F9
Kymco KRV 175
Kymco DT X360
Kymco CV3
The new Kymco products expected by MNC
SuperNex (probability: 30%)
Kymco caused a sensation at the end of 2018 with its SuperNex electric sports concept, which stands out from the rest of the "battery-powered" production with its fluid line worthy of an Italian motorcycle and its salivating performance: "0 to 250 km/ h in 10.9 seconds", promises the Asian manufacturer! Its high-end suspensions and brakes from Öhlins and Brembo are also effective, as is its transmission via a six-speed gearbox coupled to a shifter like on a thermal sports motorcycle.
Its driving modes are also involved in the brand new "Active Acoustic Motor" in-house device, which would reproduce the sound of an internal combustion engine to facilitate the transition between electric and gasoline. Many good ideas and ambitions for this SuperNex, especially from a manufacturer specializing in scooters. However, it is clear that this beautiful project is still under study at the dawn of 2021. Unless the partner Kawasaki - for whom Kymco builds the J125 and J300 - seizes it to launch a hypothetical electric Ninja? !
RevoNex (probability: 40%)
“Kwang Yang Motor Company”, encouraged by the extremely positive reception reserved for the SuperNex, doubled the bet the following year with its RevoNex electric roadster concept, a version with large handlebars of the electrified sports car above. Its series production was initially scheduled to begin in 2021, but MNC's little finger tells it that a one-year postponement is to be expected due to the slowdowns - even postponements - of projects observed among manufacturers due to the coronavirus...
New Moto Guzzi 2021
V7 "850"
V9 "850"
V85 TT and V85 TT Travel
New MV Agusta 2021
Superveloce 75 Anniversario and Superveloce Alpine
New features of Royal Enfield 2021
Like all manufacturers, Royal Enfield complies with Euro5 standards in its range of motorcycles, sometimes without major changes: this is particularly the case with the Interceptor and the Continental GT 2021 and their twin-cylinder of 48 hp, which come in new colours.
Himalayan 410
Meteor 350
New Suzuki 2021
New Suzuki 2021
Suzuki is as usual unfortunately the most discreet of the four Japanese manufacturers, despite the mandatory renewal imposed by Euro5. The Hamamatsu firm is content with the bare minimum, as indicated in particular by the new colors (spicy, etc.) on the 2021 GSX-S750 roadster. Its 4-cylinder remains at Euro4 thanks to end-of-series quotas while it Yet it is one of his best sellers!
Another regret: the departure from the track of the emblematic GSX-R1000... at the very moment when Suzuki regains the supreme MotoGP title - 20 years after Kenny Roberts Jr - thanks to the consistent duo "GSX-RR-Joan Mir ". Really sad, while the famous brand is growing its 100 years of activity and its 60 years of Grands Prix: a “Gex” and a re-inflated GSX-S were appropriate in more “than one way”.
Suzuki GSX-S1000
Suzuki GSX-R1300 Haysabusa
Suzuki DL650 V-Strom and DL650 V-Strom XT
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 "A2"
Suzuki SV650 and SV650X
Suzuki GSX-1000R 100th Anniversary
The new Suzuki expected by MNC
Suzuki Recursion (probability: 1%)
Suzuki has been exhibiting it since... 2013 (!) this new roadster with a 588 cc twin-cylinder engine boosted by a turbocharger, which has never gone beyond the show prototype stage. Really unfortunate as this principle of "downsized" motorcycles thanks to over-feeding is damned relevant.
New Triumph 2021
The new Triumphs already presented
Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS
Triumph Trident 660
Triumph Tiger 850
New Yamaha 2021
The new Yamahas already presented
Yamaha "R7"
Yamaha XSR125
Yamaha MT-07
Yamaha MT-09 and MT-09 SP
Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT
Tmax 560 Tech Max
Xmax 125 and Xmax 300
Nmax 125
D'elight 125
The new Yamahas expected by MNC
Yamaha was one of the first to draw Euro5 motorcycles at the end of 2019 with its Superbike R1, followed by its "majesty" Tmax 560. Same anticipation for the new MTs -125, MT-03 or the recent Tricity 300, which were "pre-prepared" Euro5 as soon as they were released. Several cult models are however defeated by the new standard: Super Ténéré 1200, YZF-R6 - still available in Euro4 only for the track - and FJR1300. Emotion sequence in the gendarmeries and police stations...
What more can you expect from the Iwata Blues for 2021? MNC plans with 100% certainty a redesign of the intimidating MT-10 and a more or less advanced evolution of the 3-wheeled scooter Tricity 125, also already programmed by Yamaha. The transition to Euro5 on the YS125 will also be an opportunity to sharpen this excellent utility, especially as its great rival Honda CB125F refines its assets for 2021...
On the other hand, doubt remains on certain more confidential models: MNC, for example, only estimates the probability of seeing a redesign of the spectacular 3-wheeled motorcycle Niken at 40%. Same doubts concerning the custom XV950R and its SCR950 variant, which seem to be on track to complete 2021 on the famous Euro4 end-of-series quotas. Stay connected!
