It is finally here! Our favorite time of the year! I am of course talking about the new bike season, where the majority of the new motorcycles for the coming model year are debuted at events around the world.
For this round, the model year is going to be a year filled with new bikes, primarily because of the changes required for the Euro5 homologation. As such, we expect to see virtually every manufacturer coming out with something new, especially at the EICMA show in Italy and the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan.
What is interesting about this year’s edition though is how many bikes we will see before these to stalwart events. This is because the brands are finally catching on that their products get lost in the sea of unveilings that occur in Milan and Tokyo.
Accordingly, we see Ducati setting up its own special event in Rimini for October 23rd. Similarly, other brands have teased late-October and early-November unveiling dates for select models, though we expect more will follow Ducati’s lead in the coming years.
With a number of intriguing models teased and rumored ahead of these events, it will be interesting to see what actually comes true. To get our A&R Pro readers ready for the onslaught, I have put together one big fat awesome guide to the new motorcycle releases for 2020.
This list is as comprehensive as I can make it, and quite frankly a lot more detailed than what I’ve seen elsewhere on the internet, probably because it involves A&R pestering our Bothan spies for info all year.
I will update this story as more rumors surface ahead of the trade shows and unveiling events.
Aprilia
Although we are tackling this new bike season guide in alphabetical order, fate would have us start with perhaps the most anticipated motorcycle for the 2020 model year. I am of course talking about the Aprilia RS660.
This twin-cylinder middleweight from Noale can basically be described as an RSV4, with the rear cylinders loped off the engine.
Shown to us last year in concept form, we expect the Aprilia RS660 to remain close to those lines, though perhaps without the elaborate bodywork that was meant to showoff Aprilia’s active aerodynamics program, which is a separate project.
Rumor on the street is that the 2020 Aprilia RS660 will come with a robust electronics suite, pump out 100hp from its parallel-twin engine, and tip the scales at the sub-400 lbs mark. We would be happy with just two out of those three things.
Expect pricing on the RS660 to be cheap, with future 660 models planned for future release in the coming model years. Set to replace the 900cc platform in Aprilia’s lineup, we expect aggressive pricing on the Aprilia RS660, and for it likely to be banned from the MotoAmerica’s twins class.
Bimota
The Bimota brand is effectively dead, and thus we don’t expect to see anything from this historic marque at its home show in Milan. However, there has been some talk that Kawasaki has purchased Bimota, and that we could see an announcement of this acquisition at EICMA.
That news is certainly as appealing as it is confusing, as we would love to see Bimota carry on its legacy of two-wheeled masterpieces, but we have to wonder what this purchase could possibly bring for Kawasaki.
Keep yours ears tuned (and fingers crossed) on this one.
BMW Motorrad
BMW has already told us that it plans to bring four new motorcycles to the EICMA show in November, and we have already talked about what we expect those bikes to be.
As such, I won’t rehash too much here, but the big obvious unveiling is the BMW R18 cruiser, which is tipped to come in two varieties (likely one bobber and one bagger).
As such, all in attendance will be curious to see how big of a folly the R18 becomes for the Germans. We have seen time and time again that when motorcycle companies go chasing after the Harley-Davidson demographic, they fail miserably.
Building a better mousetrap is not the secret to this lucrative demographic, but story and heritage are worth their weight in gold. BMW Motorrad better spin a good marketing tale to get people excited about its air-cooled boat-anchor of a motor and the tugboat that gets to haul it around.
As you can tell, I just can’t get excited about this machine, the concept, or what BMW is trying to do in the space. To me, this looks like BMW Motorrad searching for gaps in its motorcycle lineup, seeing a big hole where heritage cruisers go, and leaping before thinking it all the way through.
The other machines we expect from the Bavarians are the F850R, F850RS (based on the 9cento concept), and S1000XR. The new BMW S1000XR is perhaps what we are looking forward to the most, as the bike will use the inline four-cylinder engine from the new BMW S1000RR.
Hopefully the incoming S1000XR isn’t as buzzy as its predecessor, which is a big hope considering how bad the new superbike feels on the footpegs and handlebars. In non-US spec though, that bike rips. As such, it will be interesting to see how neutered the S1000XR gets for the American market.
Ducati
Ducati is notoriously bad at keeping its new model prospects off the radar, and the 2020 model year is no different. Of course, some of this (if not all of it) was planned, the most obvious of which is the Ducati Streetfighter V4 model.
Straight from the horse’s mouth, we know that the Streetfighter V4 will have winglets, superbike electronics, make over 200hp, and weigh 392 lbs dry.
On spec sheet comparisons, we expect the 2020 Ducati Streetfighter V4 to blow the competition out of the water, and that is of course the point – and that includes the price tag. Get ready for a $20,000 naked.
Another model we are very certain to see is a Euro5-ready Ducati Panigale 959. It remains to be seen if that’s the name that Ducati keeps for this bike, the model should have a redo on its bodywork, to make it look more like the Panigale V4.
The model will stay a v-twin machine, however, and will include a single-sided swingarm. It’s hard to guess power, but we would expect a model increase in peak horsepower figures, likely from a larger engine displacement.
We know from CARB filings that a Ducati Multistrada 1260 GT is on the way. This will be a top-of-the-line touring version of the Multistrada family. Expect it to have all the farkles, all the bags, and likely an adaptive cruise control feature.
Sorry, you will have to wait another year for the rumored Multistrada V4 model…but it is coming.
There will of course be an addition (or is it revision) to the Scrambler sub-brand, with two new models set to debut at Ducati’s new bike release on October 23rd. This includes a new Scrambler 1100 model, and a Scrambler 1100 Pro model. What those could be, besides Euro5 compliant, is anyone’s guess.
I should mention there is talk about a Superleggera V4 model, but I have my doubts about this one. This is because Ducati has already done a special edition model for the Panigale V4 already, giving homage to the 916 and Carl Fogarty.
Having another special edition bike this close to the summer’s launch doesn’t make sense to us, and the Panigale V4 isn’t ready yet for a mid-cycle refresh. Keep your eyes out for this next year, though.
Energica
What is being update at Energica? Well, everything. The electric brand is set to update its entire lineup (Ego, Eva, & EsseEsse9) for the 2020 model year.
While we expect the polarizing looks to remain, the bikes should be getting a much-needed drivetrain upgrade.
Accordingly, we expect to see battery pack sizes to increase quite noticeably, some modest power gains, lower curb weights, and overall a refined vehicle package. Pricing should stay relatively static too, which makes this a win/win/win.
Harley-Davidson
Let us just stop for a minute and consider that we are actually including Harley-Davidson for some EICMA bike releases. Oh, how the times have changed.
The American brand has already come out and said that we will see its Streetfighter and Pan America for the 2020 model year, and with Europe being a key market for Harley-Davidson, it wouldn’t surprise us to see these bikes make their production-trim debuts in Milan.
There is a lot we can say about these two new bikes, but I will reserve judgment until we see some specs (or even better, get a leg over them). I will say this though, I think Harley-Davidson’s marketing department really goofed on the names, and that’s a rarity for them.
Were the trademarks for RowdyRambler and DirtGlide already taken? They must have been.
In addition to these two new gas bikes, we expect Harley-Davidson to tease out some more of its electric lineup, most importantly its 500cc equivalent machine. Production forms of its electric scooters, moped, and e-bikes are very likely.
Honda
We have big expectations for Honda this year, mostly because the rumors of a new Honda CBR1000RR superbike are red hot right now. We have heard from several sources that a new CBR1000RR is definitely going to happen, especially since Big Red is tired of losing in the WorldSBK Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours.
There is big talk happening around this model, with the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR pegged to be the most powerful four-cylinder on the World Superbike racing grid next year.
Everything about the bike is expected to be new, including a refined electronics package. We have seen some patents suggesting an active aerodynamics system, but I am not 100% convinced that will debut for 2020. If it does though, then Honda surely would have delivered on its promise.
There is also talk in the space about the Honda CBR250RR getting updates, to keep it competitive with bike like the KTM RC390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400. What we would really like to see though is a 300cc version of this screaming race bike.
Lastly, we can expect the Honda CT125 to debut as a concept, and likely give way to the pint-sized dual-sport coming as a full-fledged production bike in 2021.
Husqvarna
The big question this year for Husqvarna is whether the Blue & White brand will step out of the shadow cast by parent company KTM. This is because Husqvarna often only debuts two bikes each year: one concept machine, and one production bike (which is the finalized version of the previous year’s concept).
We hope that is not the case this year, because there are so many interesting options and possibilities for the Swedish marque. To see what I’m talking about, skip ahead to the KTM section, which is packed full of new bikes that are coming down the pipe.
If we follow the mold, then we can expect a production version of the Husqvarna 701 Aero, which debuted last year in concept form. We could also – in addition to, or in place of – see the Husqvarna 401 Aero, as both variants have been teased at EICMA in the past, with the 401 concept debuting in 2016.
The question will be how packed Husqvarna wants to make its lineup with these single-cylinder engines. This idea could be crucial too, since there are a bevy of twin-cylinder options available.
For a while we have been expecting to see Husqvarna’s take on Super Duke R streetfighter, and I have a good nod from the Bothans that we will eventually see that model. 2020 seems like the year.
But, what about the 790/890 platform? Or KTM’s rumored 500cc platform? Could those make it into the Husqvarna lineup? It is certainly possible, if not incredibly likely. The 2020 model year seems a little to soon, since KTM likes to take the sunlight from Husqvarna.
But again, I hope that is something that will begin to change. It would be great to see what the minds in Austria can do with those engine platforms in the Husqvarna aesthetic.
Indian
It is really easy to know what Indian is up to for the 2020 model year, since we have a leaked document from the American manufacturer, which shows part of the brand’s future road map.
The big bike to watch out for will be the “Street” version of the FTR1200 motorcycle. We expect this to be a roadster type machine, with 17″ wheels front and back.
The engine and basic chassis should be unchanged from the FTR1200, and the look should be less flat track inspired, though likely still big on the Indian heritage.
We also know that we will see a new cruiser model from Indian. Codenamed “Raptor” internally, this bike is expected to be a bagger model called the Indian Challenger.
The Challenger will make 120hp from its 1,770cc liquid-cooled v-twin engine, which will be mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Kawasaki
We know that we will see five motorcycle models from Kawasaki this season, with two debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show, and three coming at EICMA.
One of these bikes we know will be the heavily teased Kawasaki ZH2, which is a naked supercharged model that is like the Z1000 on steroids.
The other models are a bit of guess, but we expect them to be the Z650, Versys 650, and Z900. This is because the Kawasaki Ninja 650 just got a new update, so it makes sense to see the rest of the platform upgraded as well.
The Z900 will need an upgrade too, to keep it comfortably between the new Z650 and potent ZH2.
The last bike is a little bit of a mystery, but if musings from the racing world are correct, then this will be an updated Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR that will have features and changes built only with the sole purpose of winning the WorldSBK Championship again.
We would expect the ZX-10RR to debut at EICMA, if that bike is indeed coming down the pipe.
KTM
Where do we start with KTM? No, seriously. The Austrians are taking full advantage of the Euro5 emissions change, and using that inflection point to bring a new model in virtually every category.
My most favorite machine to come will be the new KTM 1290 Super Duke R, which is getting a host of changes and refinements for the 2020 model year, including a new chassis (derived from the RC8 superbike).
New dash, new electronics, new look…and yep…it looks like the 2020 KTM 1290 Super Duke R even gets winglets. I am super pumped to see this new Super Duke. So far, all the changes I am hearing directly address my few complaints regarding this awesome machine.
Following the 1290 vein, I also expect the KTM 1290 Adventure to get similar upgrades, the most notable is a face lift and an adaptive cruise control system that uses radar to space the bike from the vehicles in front of it.
Going small, on the 390 front, we expect to see a new KTM RC390, and the KTM 390 Adventure is finally set to debut. The big question will be whether the KTM “490” platform replaces the 390 platform. My guess is no.
As such, we could see our first glimpses of the small-displacement twin-cylinder platform. I would expect this to be a concept bike, and not a production bike, but KTM is firing on all cylinders right now, so I wouldn’t put anything past them.
The real quagmires come from the 790 platform, which we have already tipped as getting a bump to being the 890 platform. It is not quite as simple as that though, as some models will be 790 models, while others will be be 890 models…at least for now.
I expect the Duke line to get the 890 treatment, while the rumored supermoto and touring models will stay with the 790 lump. An R-spec Duke has been in the rumorsphere, and there has always been chatter about an RC790.
I would really expect the latter to just be conjecture, while I have good feelings about a KTM 890 Duke R. Time will tell though.
There is likely more to come from the dirt side of the brand, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw another electric model from KTM. KTM is good for a concept or two at EICMA as well.
Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi is almost guaranteed to show another variant from its new and popular V85 platform, for the 2020 model year, and that bike is likely to be a roadster-type machine.
The Italians have been good at keeping secrets on this though, and maybe the bike will just be a “concept” bike, but we know the V85 platform will give rise to atleast three bikes, and for that to happen, Moto Guzzi needs to start pumping them out.
Moto Morini
We don’t talk much about Moto Morini, since the brand doesn’t make its way across the pond. But, they are teasing a new adventure bike, which is good, because we often just assume that they have gone out of business.
Hopefully the ADV machine is potent, and not just some parts bin creation. This “other” Bologna brand has a way of surprising us sometimes.
MV Agusta
A lot has been happening at MV Agusta in the past months, so it can be hard to predict what path they are on…especially now that the Russians have control of the iconic Italian name.
Assuming the original plan is in place, then the 2020 model year should show us a “neo-classical” café racer type bike, with a 1000cc displacement. I would expect something like the Superveloce 800, only nicer.
It is possible that the company’s three-cylinder bikes could see an update, though I feel like that news would have leaked by now, if it was the case. Maybe next year?
Suzuki
The big news from Suzuki for 2020 is the expected DR Big bike, which we are expecting to be a reworked V-Strom 1000, with an off-road slant. How big of a reworking, and how off-road capable remains to be seen. I am lately disappointed by Suzuki. This brand seems so lost.
What happened to the new Hayabusa? The turbocharged Recursion? The GSX-R600/750? How about a high-spec Katana? This is a motorcycle company that is afraid of its own shadow, which is ironic since it is also only a shadows of it formerly edgy and aggressive self.
There are a lot of options for Suzuki right now, and they seem to be taking the path of least resistance. The Japanese brand needs to get our attention right now, and so far it has shown no sign of being able to do so.
Triumph
Triumph has already shown us its most interesting model, the revised Street Triple 765 RS, and now all that we expect to see at the trade shows is the Triumph Thruxton RS.
Could we see other bikes? Certainly. There is some talk to updates coming to the Tiger range, and it has been a while since the Bonnevilles got a proper remake. We are not holding our breaths on these changes, however.
I do expect Triumph to announce its plans for middleweight bikes, that it is developing with Bajaj. It has been a long-time coming for this news, and we could even see the first glimpses of some concepts from this 400cc to 800cc lineup. An actual bike seems unlikely, but not impossible.
Vespa
I haven’t heard too much about Vespa for the 2020 model year, but I would expect the Italian to continue to push out more electric models into its lineup.
With already a 50cc-equivalent electric scooter on the market, it would be great to see something with more punch and power enter the Vespa marque. Will that happen? Yes, for sure. But, will it be for next year? Ahh…now that’s the question. 50/50 on this one.
Yamaha
Yamaha was the big fat disappointment of the new motorcycle season for the 2019 model year, with the Tuning Fork brand choosing to once again tease the Ténéré 700 adventure-bike, for what seems like the third year in a row. Just to be clear, I am screaming this right now at the computer, as my blood pressure rises.
Now while technically the Ténéré 700 will be a 2020 debut for the North American market (as a 2021 model year bike), we don’t quite count that in our analysis.
Truthfully, we are not expecting much from Yamaha this year, as the Japanese brand seems content to release new models in the mid-year, like it did with the updated YZF-R1 this summer.
There are rumors of a new TMAX though, and that will likely be an EICMA debut – as Europe is a huge market for this powerful scooter. In Japan, Yamaha will show a number of interesting concepts, many of which are electric.
Hopefully in the coming future, this means more cool motorcycles from this wayward brand, as it tries to regain its mojo.
Zero
I will keep this short and sweet. Not much is expected from Zero Motorcycles, but it seems likely that we could see their full-fairing version of the SR/F debuting before the new year.
Will that be at EICMA? It is certainly possible. We got a tip from a Bothan too that there is an electric ADV bike in the works too, based also on the SR/F platform. Interesting.
Comments