The 2021 model year sees another refresh coming to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, as Team Green has given its WorldSBK-winning superbike a facelift and some updates to keep things at the pointy end.
As we predicted a few weeks ago, this is an update to the current Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, not an all new machine, with the most obvious changes coming to the bike’s bodywork, which features an integrated winglet design…and a face only a mother could love.
The Ducati Panigale V4 doesn’t get much in terms of changes for the 2021 model year, which is to be expected since the superbike family from Bologna saw changes made to its superbike package last year.
The Italians do have a surprise for us though, and it is called the Ducati Panigale V4 SP.
To create the “SP” spec of the Panigale V4, you start with the 1,103cc “S” model, and then properly get funky with your bad self.
Four years after its first debut, the Ducati SuperSport is finally getting an update. As such, say hello to the 2021 Ducati SuperSport 950.
At first glance, the new bodywork is the obvious change coming with the Ducati SuperSport 950, as the Ducati Style Centre has taken some inspiration from the Panigale V4 and added it to this sport-tourer.
The BMW G310R sees an update for the 2021 model year, namely in the hopes of refining this entry-level machine with some of the German brand’s upmarket knowledge.
The most obvious changes are on the exterior, where we see new body panels and a new headlight assembly. Rest assured though, the same 313cc single-cylinder engine and chassis remains on this pint-sized street bike.
An easy bike to predict for a 2021 debut, the BMW S1000R has just debuted from the German brand. As such, the 2021 BMW S1000R is the streetfighter cousin to the current generation BMW S1000RR, which means it boasts a new engine and chassis.
If there is a silver lining at all to the news that the Yamaha YZF-R6 is being discontinued at the end of 2020 for the European and American markets, it is that a version of the bike will at least be offered for interested track riders.
The newly named Yamaha R6 RACE is pretty much exactly what you think it would be – a track-kitted version of the current Yamaha YZF-R6 sport bike.
If you took a look at the all-new Yamaha MT-09, and were left wanting something with a bit more of a premium punch, then Yamaha Motor USA is picking up what you’re putting down.
As such, say hello to the more premium-spec 2021 Yamaha MT-09 SP.
The concept here is simple: take the value-positioned Yamaha MT-09 that just debuted a few days ago, and put on it better suspension and visual features. Pricing starts at $10,999 MSRP.
Loyal readers of Asphalt & Rubber will know that I have a soft spot for KTM’s 690cc LC4 engine. The most powerful production single-cylinder motor on the market right now, the 73hp (55 kW) power plant is at home on the street, track, and trail.
For 2021, KTM plans on using this opus in the 2021 KTM 690 SMC R supermoto, as well as the 2021 KTM 690 Enduro R dirt bike.
If you were to make a list of the most practical motorcycles available on the market, the Honda NC750X would have to rank on it.
The adventure-styled street bike is designed to be an all-rounder, and it packs a number of purposeful features into its design.
And we can say, the 2021 Honda NC750X variant is no different, as Big Red has doubled-down on this approach on its 745cc parallel-twin machine.
WorldSBK’s 2021 season is off to a rocky start, as we get word that the season-opener at Phillip Island has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
At the heart of the issue is the current status of Australia with its coronavirus outbreak, as the antipodes are slowly reopening their country after successfully tackling the pandemic.
The penultimate piece of the 2021 MotoGP rider puzzle has fallen into place.
As has long been reported, Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini will be riding for the Avintia Ducati team next year. The young Italian pairing will be riding updated Ducati GP19s, with strong support from Ducati.
It was an open secret that Bastianini would be moving up to MotoGP after the Italian Moto2 rider announced as much at Misano in September.
Marini’s move was also long-anticipated, as protracted negotiations continued over how the VR46 Racing structure would replace the funding lost by replacing Tito Rabat, who had a contract with Avintia for 2021.
Those details took a long time to sort out, but are finally settled.