With the way 2020 has been you’d be forgiven for thinking that good news is at a premium – thankfully for motorcycling this isn’t the case. While we’re not getting an EICMA 2020 to drool over the latest metal from our favourite manufacturers they’re still announcing new bikes for next year, and there are some tasty updates to cover.
First up, the Yamaha MT-09 is getting a makeover once again, only this time it’s not just skin deep. Featuring a small capacity bump up to 890cc offering a small power increase, alongside a weight reduction of around 4kg. A newly designed front end offers a new look (one which reminds me of the old KTM Duke in fact) that sets it well apart. An IMU will help you stay on the straight and narrow with a plethora of rider aids, while a full colour dash makes this a thoroughly modern motorcycle. The SP version also receives some upgrades to its suspension, with the rear shock provided by Öhlins.
Next we have the new Ducati Multistrada V4; historically this has been an L-twin model alongside most other Ducatis but it’s finally getting the V4 treatment as the Panigale did a short while ago. The 1158cc powerplant puts out a hefty 170bhp which will make mincemeat of most other bikes in a straight line, while Skyhook suspension and huge 330mm Brembo brakes will make it a force to be reckoned with in the corners. With a further departure from the Ducati rulebook, the engine does away with the traditional gear-driven ‘Desmodromic’ valve system, opting for more conventional spring valves. There’s not even a single-sided swingarm or trellis frame to be seen, with a more rigid double-sided swingarm and aluminium monocoque frame taking their place. Alongside the usual array of rider aids the Multistrada V4 S has the first radar system on a motorcycle, allowing for adaptive cruise control and blindspot detection. There’s even a little cubby on top of the fuel tank for a mobile phone, even offering a USB port for charging. Ducati have really thrown the toy catalogue at this bike, let’s hope it stacks up in the flesh!
The Yamaha MT-07 is receiving a facelift to keep it in touch with the MT-09, alongside some minor fettling to refine an already excellent motorcycle. A new exhaust system, slightly larger 298mm brakes, full LED lighting and fuelling adjustments are all that are needed to keep this bike in its place as one of the best budget middleweights out there.
Triumph are looking to enter the budget middleweight market with the new Trident 660. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a re-styled Street Triple, however a closer look shows that some serious cost-saving has gone on here, allowing for this to be cheaper than the Street Twin. Less capable suspension, brakes and more basic frame design are understandable measures to reduce costs, ultimately this is still going to be a capable road motorcycle. Its 80bhp peak power means it’s going to lag behind the Street Triple, however for a new rider or for someone wanting a solid middleweight naked this could be just the ticket.
Another new Triumph is currently being teased, the Tiger 850 Sport. The old 1050 Sport took the excellent motor from the Speed Triple and put it in a long-legged wheelbase to boost practicality and make a seriously capable sport-tourer. The new 850 Sport should build on that with more of a focus on taking on the middleweight segment. It’s due to be revealed fully on 17th November, we’ll be tuning in eagerly!
While not strictly a 2021 bike, MV Agusta’s very limited edition Superveloce 800 75 has just been released for order, with only 75 of them up for grabs. Effectively a special edition of the already gorgeous Superveloce 800, the 75 has a special colour scheme, some lovely-looking spoked rims and an Alcantara rider and pillion seat. It’s already a bike that looks like nothing else, so this just adds even more unique appeal.
There’ll no doubt be plenty of new bikes being announced over the coming days with no EICMA to concentrate all the announcements into one place, so keep your eyes peeled for biking news.
If you need some expert advice then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. The Bike Stop shop in Stevenage is now only open for click and collect orders, however our online shop is alive and well taking orders for delivery too. You can check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365 day period – see our returns page for more details.
