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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.

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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. 

Although MV Agusta had the desire to develop this idea to its present form, the company felt it needed a partner in the scooter space with the experience and production quality to collaborate with on the e-scooter. Kymco, which had introduced the S7 e-scooter at last year’s EIMCA, was chosen as the partner with the ideal basis for the Ampelio’s design. The deciding features of the S7 contributing to the decision was the “adult” dimensions of the riding position and the two removable 1.7 kWh Ionex batteries, delivering a range in excess of 53 miles. Additionally, the motor is rated at 4.1 kW, with a peak output of 7.2 kW. The resulting package tips the scales at 267 lb. ready to roll. MV Agusta claims that the placement of the batteries doesn’t compromise the under-seat storage. 

The designers foresee two riding modes, normal and sport. Combined braking and ABS are currently under evaluation. Still, riders should expect a thoroughly modern platform with keyless ignition and accessories for urban and commuter riders.

When choosing a name for the e-scooter, MV Agusta looked both to the past and the future. The A comes from the A on the back of the 50s scooters, while the rest of the name is nod to electrical amperes. So, while acknowledging the silhouette of the past, the MV Agusta Ampelio moves squarely into the future of urban electric mobility.

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.”

Stay tuned for more information about this stylish, fun-looking e-scooter.

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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.

The FTR Sport comes with a number plate above the headlight, a chin fairing, and a passenger seat cover. For 2023, the Sport and R Carbon models both receive an upgraded four-inch touchscreen display with navigation powered by Indian’s Ride Command technology.

The entire FTR range receives a new clutch offering improved feel and performance, a retuned front braking system Indian claims to provide a firmer feel. The speedometers on all FTR models got moved higher to improve visibility.

The Suzuki V-Strom line is a storied one that most riders are quite familiar with, but today in Milan, Suzuki opened the next chapter: the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE. While the entire bike is worthy of attention, the showstopper for the new Storms is the 766cc parallel-Twin engine. The V-Twin that gives the Strom part of its name has been assigned to the history books. So, let’s take a look at what makes this V-Strom a next generation Strom.

A New Engine!

Manufacturers frequently say that an engine is all new down to the bolts, but this time we can be certain that Suzuki hasn’t engaged its hyperbole machine. For the first time, the V-Strom doesn’t have a V-Twin but, rather, a parallel-Twin, and it looks tasty. The 84.0 mm x 70 mm bore and stroke has the pistons slipping through aluminum die-cast cylinders that have been plated with the Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) process for reduced friction and heat dissipation while providing a wear-resistant seal for the rings. Fans of the previous 90° V-Twin will be happy to know that the 270° crankshaft will deliver power in a similar manner.  Suzuki also claims that the spacing of the pulses will help maintain traction on the loose surfaces that some riders will tackle with their Stroms.

Handling the EFI are two linked 42mm, ride-by-wire throttle bodies to deliver intuitive throttle response to the rider. The throttle bodies are fed by a 6.0 liter airbox that wast tuned with intake pipes to deliver both peak power and enhanced low-rpm torques. Assisting in that job are two 10-hole, long-nose injectors which atomize a 49 psi fuel flow from a 5.3-gal. tank. A stainless-steel 2-into-1 exhaust features a high-flow, two-stage catalytic converter to keep the Strom Euro 5 compliant, while the shape of the muffler allows for accessory bag placement.

Cooling takes place on two fronts. First, is the radiator which has an interesting Cooling System Inlet Control Thermostat Valve that works to maintain consistent engine temperature. By helping to stabilize combustion, it helps to smooth the idea during warmup, thus reducing emissions. Second, a compact, liquid-cooled oil cooler reduces oil temperatures, again for more consistent engine operation.

The six-speed transmission has its ratio set for what Suzuki calls “exciting acceleration.” The shift linkage is designed for quick, easy shifts, and the shift rod has a sensor to track shifter movement for the ECM, meaning the rider should get cleaner shifts from the electronic up/down quick shifter. The Suzuki Clutch Assist System has the rider’s back during aggressive downshifts by allowing a small amount of slip. Additionally, the system contributes to a light clutch pull.

After presenting an electric prototype last month at Intermot, Kawasaki revealed a range of electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered prototypes at EICMA.

The alternative energy models are part of Kawasaki’s efforts to reach carbon neutrality, with production models expected to launch in the next two to three years.

While the electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered technology was the main thrust of Kawasaki’s presentation, the company reiterated that it isn’t giving up completely on gas-powered products, confirming it will introduce about 30 internal combustion engined motorcycles for the 2024 and 2025 model years.

Kawasaki Z BEV

At long last, the successor to Suzuki’s wildly popular SV650 is finally here. Say hello to the GSX-8S, a motorcycle Suzuki says was “engineered from the ground up as an innovative path for future Suzuki sportbikes…”

While we all process what that means for Suzuki’s future, let’s delve in to the present day and take a closer look at Suzuki’s new middleweight naked bike. Unlike a lot of Suzuki’s lineup over the past few years (decades?), the GSX-8S is an all-new, ground-up design that some might argue is what the Gladius should have looked like all along. But I digress. Styling-wise, Suzuki’s design team operated on three key terms: “New Era,” “Visual Structure,” and “Icon.” We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether the team succeeded. What we can tell is that the angular and forward-focused design is fresh and modern and should appeal to many riders. The stacked LED lighting is compact and ties in with the rest of the bike’s sharp edges.

Apart from the fact this platform is the starting point for many future Suzuki models to come, the other major talking point is the engine. No longer is Suzuki borrowing from decades-old engines of past models that have struck gold; the 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin in the GSX-8S is all-new and aimed at riders “who desire more power than a 650cc engine can deliver.” Way to throw the SV650 under the bus…

Parallel-Twins are the popular orientation for two-cylinder engines these days as their compact nature frees up space for chassis design, and while some (myself included) aren’t fans of the typical parallel-Twin sound, this new engine uses a 270-degree firing order (like the Yamaha CP2 engines) for a V-Twin like sound and strong torque production. The spacing of the firing order also helps with linear power delivery the rider can feel at the right grip.

Honda is adding a new model to its 500 platform, introducing a retro-inspired CL500 street scrambler.

The new CL brings back a nameplate Honda used in the ’60s and ’70s for lightweight off-road capable motorcycles. The modern interpretation draws on that heritage with the upswept muffler with stainless steel heat shield, round tank with tank pads, and gaitered forks.

“We developed the CL500 as a machine that truly allow its owners to stand out from the crowd, and as a form of self-expression. It can be used and enjoyed casually – without hesitation – by the young generation in their daily lives and is designed to become a joyful and integral part of a lifestyle,” says Hiroshi Furuse, Large Project Leader for the CL500. “In standard form, the off-road street style has a visual charm unlike any other model in the Honda range, and can really inspire owners to take it further in any direction they wish.”

While the 500 series began with the CB and CBR models, it’s the Rebel 500 that shares most in common with the CL500, both in its aesthetics and the chassis. The tubular diamond steel frame is similar to the Rebel’s, with a loop-shaped subframe.

With its distinctive “faro basso” (low headlight), the Vespa GTV has been turning traditionalist heads since 2006. Today, in Milan, the 2023 Vespa GTV was unveiled. While retaining the profile that put the vintage into the GTV, it has clearly been updated to modern standards.

The GTV has always been a classic design, thanks to its tubular handlebar and front fender-mounted headlight, but now, it gets a dose of modernness in the form of the 300 hpe (High Performance Engine), fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-valved Single. Rated at 23.8 hp, this scooter will have the power to get you through most urban environments in vintage style while incorporating ASR electronic traction control and ABS to protect you when traction is limited.

While the instrumentation retains its classic round shape, it is a fully digital LCD item. Riders will have maximum speed, average speed, instant consumption, average consumption, range, and battery charge status all at their fingertips on this flexible screen. Additionally, the GTV can take full advantage of the optional Vespa MIA connectivity system, which can display a smartphone’s call, message, and music notifications on the go. The electronic fob means that fumbling for your key is as vintage as the GTV’s style. Instead, just turn the power button and go.

The saddle can comfortably hold two people and features a two-toned construction to match the Beige Avvolgente Opaco color scheme.

If this has whet your appetite, read the full release below.

Bobber fans should take note of the 2023 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Special Edition. For the new model year, Moto Guzzi has decided to dress the popular bike up with some special finishing touches. The most obvious addition is the blacked out look of all of the rolling gear. To that is added a two-tone black/grey paint scheme. The bar-end mirrors add a custom look comes straight from the factory, as do the factory slip-ons.

Read the full release:

MOTO GUZZI V9 BOBBER SPECIAL EDITION

THE NEW SPECIAL SERIES OF THE SPORTY CUSTOM FROM THE EAGLE BRAND FLAUNTS ITS DUAL BOLD AND ELEGANT SOUL WITH TRULY UNIQUE DETAILS

ALUMINIUM COMPONENTS, SLIP-ON EXHAUST AND A BRAND-NEW DARK LOOK ENHANCE THE CHARACTER OF A UNIQUE MOTORCYCLE

Urban riders understand the utility of e-scooters, and the Piaggio 1 is a prime example of the genre. Today, Piaggio announced the 2023 Piaggio 1 line of e-scooters, with three members for a variety of uses. The first two, the Piaggio 1 and 1+ are considered mopeds and are speed-limited to 28 mph with a range of 34 miles and 60 miles, respectively. For e-riders who want a more scooterish experience, the Piaggio 1 Active bumps the performance to 37 mph and a range of 53 miles. All of the Piaggio 1 models feature a removable battery for easy charging.

Read the full release:

PIAGGIO 1

THE 2023 VERSION OF THE PIAGGIO E-SCOOTER MAKES ITS DÉBUT AT EICMA: HIGHER PERFORMANCE, EVEN EASIER TO RIDE AND QUICKER

MINIMALIST, LIGHTWEIGHT, AND WITH REMOVABLE BATTERY, PIAGGIO 1 NOW OFFERS NEW AND IMPROVED PERFORMANCE TO TACKLE YOUR URBAN COMMUTE WITH EVEN MORE EASE AND SAFETY

Aprilia is celebrating the success of the RS660 worldwide (and claiming it’s the best-selling sportbike in Europe) with this – the RS660 Extrema, the sportiest version of the RS660 family. The name is modeled after that of the Aprilia 125 Extrema, one of the highest-performing and fastest eighth-liter bikes ever, manufactured from 1992 to 1994.

The highlight feature of the Extrema is the SC Project exhaust system, which now exits on the right side of the bike instead of underneath it on the standard RS660. A black aluminum anodized exhaust bracket replaces the stock passenger pegs, thus saving weight. Further weight reduction comes from the carbon fiber front fender and bellypan. The single-seat tail fairing replaces the passenger seat (which, when shaped like that, probably doesn’t see much use anyway). When all is said and done, Aprilia says the RS660 Extrema tips the scales at 366 lbs (166 kg).

In addition to the standard electronics on the RS 660 (which include traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map, and wheelie control – all adjustable) the RS660 Extrema also has software that allows you to set up the quickshifter in upside-down, or reverse shift, configuration. This means that the gearbox can be configured completely autonomously, without replacing any bike components, in street or race version – ideal for track days. The new dedicated white and red livery is clearly sport-inspired and contributes to making it recognizable at a glance.

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This supermoto-ish-looking thing is Aprilia‘s “vision of mobility for the youngest riders of the near future.” So, forget Millenials or even Gen Z, this Aprilia ELECTRICa project is aimed at Generation Alpha – a cohort of kids who, at the oldest end of the spectrum, are currently in junior high school.

Aprilia envisions the future as a space of freedom, where remote working is the norm, yet digital interconnectivity remains at an all-time high. The riders of tomorrow will be used to being able to do what they need to do without having to be at an office building for eight hours a day. They’re free to roam and explore and work wherever their environment lets them. But despite this interconnected world, one thing will remain the same: the need to move around. Until teleportation makes this an instantaneous task, riders of tomorrow will need a fun and engaging way to get around congested cities.

The ELECTRICa is the way, at least according to Aprilia. Its minimalist design appeals to the rider of tomorrow who’s agnostic to today’s different riding categories and just wants a motorized two-wheeler to get around. The term motorized is apropos, as you can probably guess what powers something called ELECTRICa – a battery. The Piaggio Group, Aprilia’s parent company, has been working on electric propulsion since 1975, so while you and I might not be used to seeing an electric Aprilia, the technology isn’t new to the brand.

From what we can tell, the battery’s integration into the frame structure indicates it’ll be a modest size. The motor itself looks to be mounted inside of, or is a structural feature of, the swingarm itself. As such, it doesn’t look very big proportionally. Don’t expect massive power numbers. Still, you have an inverted fork, a centrally mounted shock, radial brakes, and minimalist wheels.

Honda has brought back the Transalp name with the new XL750 Transalp, a middleweight adventure-tourer powered by the Parallel-Twin engine introduced on the Hornet CB750.

The Transalp name was first introduced on a 583cc V-Twin model in 1986, before gaining larger 647cc and 680cc versions. The new 2023 Honda XL750 Transalp fills the mid-sized adventure bike slot in Honda’s lineup, sliding in below the CRF1100L Africa Twin and providing more off-road capability than the NC750X and CB500X.

“With our new Transalp we looked hard at what made the first model so good and wanted to strike the right balance between urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort and off-road ability,” says Masatoshi Sato, Transalp Large Product Leader. “The look revives the classic Transalp presence in a modern key, the new engine is incredibly strong and versatile, and the bike has an appealingly long and rich specification list. Around town or around the world – our Transalp is ready!”

This just in from Yamaha Europe, whether this applies Stateside remains to be seen:

Accompanying the revised Tracer 9 and Tracer 9 GT+ is its updated little brother – the Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT. While the changes aren’t as dramatic as the Tracer 9, the 7 still gets changes to give it a more premium feel than before.

First on the list of upgrades is the 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. The full-color display provides all the information you want to know about the bike and where it’s going in a clear, easy-to-read format. There are two screen options to choose from – a “Touring” display that shows information in an analog-like format, or a “Street” display is more stylish and contemporary. Both Tracers can link their smartphone to Yamaha’s MyRide app via Bluetooth to view call information, emails, and messages on the screen. Lastly, a revised handlebar switch cluster makes all of these features easier to access and sort through.