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Yamaha's 1000cc superbike is set to remain a part of the New Zealand lineup despite the axe about to drop on the R1 in Europe. Despite word out of Europe that the end is nigh for Yamaha’s superbike, Yamaha Motor NZ has confirmed that the YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M will continue to be available for Kiwi road riders for the foreseeable future. But could this still signal the end of an era for Yamaha’s groundbreaking YZF-R1 superbike? It has been confirmed that the UK market will see the iconic Japanese superbike leave showrooms with no replacement in sight. In a statement, Yamaha’s UK arm confirmed that there is no current plan to develop the R1 or its more track-focused R1M sibling for tighter emissions regulations which are soon to be implemented in the European market. “Yamaha Motor Group, have taken the decision not to develop an EU5+ version of the R1 or R1M instead focussing on other mid-term business and product strategies that will provide future opportunities” the statement read. That means from 2025, European riders won’t be able to road register a new R1 or R1M. Instead, like the R6 before it, the R1 will be offered in a track-only guise in those markets. With the homologation of the bike good for racing in the top tiers of motorcycle sport secure until 2028, Yamaha will have three years in which to develop a replacement should they wish to compete in the likes of WSBK beyond the 2028 season. Despite the bike’s European future going to a track-only focus from 2025, Yamaha has stated that global production of the R1 will continue, as will the development program that has seen the bike secure world titles in both WorldSBK and EWC. With that said, it seems global trends are shifting regarding sports bikes with more manufacturers spending time developing less outright nutty options. Just take a look at Suzuki's GSX-8R, the new Triumph Daytona 660 and Yamaha's own YZF-R7 as examples of more street-focused sports bikes. With long-standing rumours of an R9 being in development at Yamaha, maybe the hard-edged R1 is better off going track only and leaving the road for bikes that can be enjoyed more in a setting that isn’t just the racetrack. While it has been confirmed only for the European market that the R1 will go track only, the bike has been confirmed to be staying in the New Zealand range by Yamaha Motor New Zealand.

Local motorcycle accessories distributor Forbes & Davies has announced it has completed the relocation of its North Island operations to a new, larger warehouse in Rosedale on Auckland’s North Shore. The move marks a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory, which has taken a serious upward turn in the past year, and underscores its commitment to better serving Kiwi customers. The new 2,700 sq m warehouse offers increased storage capacity and enhanced logistics capabilities, enabling the team at Forbes & Davies to efficiently manage its extensive and growing inventory of brands and streamline distribution processes. "We are excited about this expansion and the opportunities this presents for our business," said John Holding, General Manager of Forbes & Davies. "The new warehouse reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers while reinforcing our position as one of New Zealand’s leading distributors for the motorcycle and powersports industry." The relocation to the larger warehouse, combined with the arrival of a host of new brands for 2024 (which sees the inclusion of iconic helmet manufacturer Bell Helmets from late March), aligns with Forbes & Davies' long-term growth strategy and commitment to operational excellence. By investing in infrastructure and resources, the company aims to further enhance its competitiveness and position itself for sustained success in the marketplace.

Ducati has announced the launch of an online motorcycle configurator, finally allowing prospective owners to build their dream motorbike digitally. I'll be honest, I reckon there’s no better way to whittle away a boring day than to hit up a bike brand’s online bike configurator and create some fantasy bike builds. While they’re designed for prospective owners to see the potential for accessorising their prospective bikes, how many users actually pull the trigger will probably always be a mystery. Now joining other premium European brands like Triumph in offering the configurator experience is Ducat, which has implemented the experience into the Ducati.com website. The project was created in collaboration with MHP - A Porsche Company, which finally gives Ducati hopefuls a way in which they can interact with the iconic Italian motorcycles and customise them. Essentially, Ducati aims to hook them in by offering them the opportunity to start living the Ducati dream even before touching it in person. The configurator provides over 400 original Ducati Performance accessories to be digitally attached to Ducati’s range of bike allowing users to experiment with different combinations, adapting the bike to their preferences and needs. Once the configuration is complete, if you want to make the bike a reality you can send it directly to your local dealer and obtain a quote, as well as virtually photograph it in Full-HD to store the image on your computer or smartphone. In a rather classy touch, Ducati’s configurator allows you to admire the selected bike in iconic locations for Ducati and Made in Italy, such as Piazza Maggiore, in the heart of Bologna, the finish straight of the Mugello International Circuit and the off-road paradise in Sardinia. There is also an in-built immersive experience like a real walkaround, in 4K resolution. Each setting was first photographed at 360° and then transformed into a realistic 3D background through digital renders by specialised artists. Further enhancing the experience, it is also possible to choose two moments of the day, between daytime and sunset, thus highlighting the light clusters (the DRL by day, the low beams by night) and the dashboard. The new features are available on all models in the 2024 Ducati range and if you’re like me, you’re probably going to spend a lot of time fantasising over at https://configurator.ducati.com.

Indian Motorcycle's FTR is already the King of American hooligan bikes available to consumers, but that's not stopping the brand from turning things up a notch! Taking inspiration once again from Indian Motorcycle's race bikes, in this case the bikes Indian and RSD have campaigned in the Super Hooligan racing series for nearly a decade, the limited-edition FTR x RSD Super Hooligan adds some tasty features to the already ferocious FTR package. Pricing for the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan is set at $29,995 with just 300 set to be produced and only 150 examples set to be made available to riders outside of North America. In Indian's own words, the all-new limited-edition FTR "celebrates the RSD hooligan lifestyle – a “run-what-ya-brung,” bar-banging spirit of unbridled, fearless freedom." The FTR x RSD Super Hooligan features Black Metallic bodywork with authentic Super Hooligan race graphics, a classic Indian Motorcycle Red frame with matching wheels featuring gold accents, and Indian Motorcycle Racing’s No. 1 championship logo on the front and side number plates. For an extra layer of authenticity, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan features race team sponsors’ logos on its rear seat cowl. Additional graphics for the radiator shroud, front fender, and front forks will be supplied to owners for optional application. “The term ‘hooligan’ has taken on an entirely new meaning in the world of motorcycles, characterised by a rebellious, fearless attitude that places having fun on a motorcycle above all else, and that’s what this new FTR is all about,” said Aaron Jax, vice president, Indian Motorcycle. “Roland Sands has blazed this trail and built the RSD brand around the hooligan lifestyle. From spinning laps on dirt ovals on mid-size cruisers to today’s competitive racing within the MotoAmerica series, the ethos of hooligan riding has not changed.” “Super Hooligan has always been about more than just racing. It’s about pushing boundaries and having a blast riding motorcycles with your friends,” said Roland Sands, Founder of RSD. “Far from the full fairing machines you normally see on the racetrack, a Super Hooligan bike has an effortless attitude and a custom aesthetic with an exposed powertrain. When Indian Motorcycle approached us to codesign an Indian FTR for consumers, it was a natural fit and something we were very excited to be a part of.” Built upon the FTR R Carbon model, the FTR x RSD Super Hooligan offers performance-branded parts and premium ride-enhancing technology. Fully adjustable Öhlins® inverted front forks and rear piggyback shock deliver exceptional ride and handling, while dual-disc Brembo® brakes provide ultimate stopping power. The bike’s 101 mm round touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND offers vital bike and ride information, selectable ride modes for a customisable ride experience, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. In addition, an Akrapovič® muffler and heat shield add style and improve sound, while Gilles Tooling parts, including adjustable rear-sets, oil cap, radiator cap, and bar-end weights, add to the bike’s premium finish – delivering authentic RSD Hooligan race style for the rider. If you like what you see and want to add an FTR x RSD Super Hooligan to your garage, get in quick by getting in contact with your local authorised Indian Motorcycle dealer to reserve their individually numbered FTR x RSD Super Hooligan bike as soon as possible.

Triumph's flagship adventure bikes get an upgrade for 2024 Triumph Motorcycles has announced a series of updates to their potent Tiger 1200 for the 2024 model year. The updates take a more incremental approach to further developing the Tiger 1200 riding experience rather than drastic changes to Triumph’s big cat. For 2024, the main focus has been a focus on refinements to the 1160cc engine, improvements to overall comfort and ergonomics,  better cornering ground clearance, plus a reduced seat height with Active Preload Reduction. There is, of course, a set of distinctive new colours to boot. Inside the engine, Triumph has made changes to the crankshaft, alternator rotor and balancer to increase engine inertia, along with some associated engine calibration changes. As a result, the Triumph engineering team has been able to create a smoother and more precise low rev torque delivery. Triumph claims riders will be able to feel the increased smoothness while accelerating or decelerating, especially at low speeds. There is also an updated clutch design which allows for a smoother engagement when changing into first gear. In the comfort department, Triumph has enhanced the all-day comfort of the Tiger 1200 for customers looking for long-distance touring capability. The engine itself is now even smoother and more refined, thanks to a revised engine balancing strategy, which improves comfort through all the key rider touchpoints. The dampened handlebars and risers, which have proven so popular in the Explorer models, have also been introduced to the GT Pro and Rally Pro, delivering a smoother ride with increased mirror visibility. The rider seat has been re-designed with a flatter profile, providing more space for the rider which will help reduce fatigue on longer trips. The accessory low seat, which reduces the seat position by 20mm to give a lowest seat height of 830mm on the GT Pro and 855mm on the Rally Pro, has also been designed to be significantly more comfortable. A longer clutch lever has also been introduced, providing increased space for riders’ fingers adding further comfort especially on longer journeys. Triumph has also increased the cornering ground clearance of the Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer models, by lifting the footpeg positions and moving them closer to the bike. The new Active Preload Reduction feature, which was revealed in August 2023, offers the rider greater confidence by reducing the rear suspension preload as the Tiger 1200 slows to a stop, lowering the seat height by up to 20mm, simply by pressing the ‘Home’ button on the switch cube for one second. The Tiger 1200 is now available in four variants, with new colours for 2024. The Tiger 1200 GT Pro and GT Explorer, tailor-made for the perfect road-focused adventure ride, are now available in eye-catching Carnival Red, as well as the previous options of Snowdonia White
and Sapphire Black. The Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and Rally Explorer, perfect for an all-terrain adventure, are available in stylish new Matt Sandstorm, and Jet Black options, as well as the popular Matt Khaki. “The updates to the Tiger 1200 range for 2024 will deliver an even more refined ride, broadening its global appeal,” Triumph’s Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent said. “While the current generation model has already made a big impact on this segment, more than doubling annual sales of the Tiger 1200 around the globe, our world-class engineering team is always looking for new ways to refine and enhance every model. “By listening to customer feedback and integrating some of the new enhancements already revealed in the new Tiger 900, this range of updates come together to deliver a significant improvement to the riding experience.” Triumph Motorcycles expects the updated Tiger 1200s to arrive in the New Zealand market in the second half of 2024 with pricing starting at $35,490 for the Tiger 1200 GT Pro First launched in 2021, the latest generation Tiger 1200 was designed to be the world’s most capable, agile and manoeuvrable large-capacity adventure motorcycle.  Since then, the Tiger 1200 range has seen global sales success, and the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with its 30-litre tank, was even the bike of choice for Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes when he took the Guinness World Records title for riding the greatest distance in 24 hours on a motorcycle.

The Triumph factory-supported PHR Performance Team will head to the USA in March this year to tackle the Daytona 200, with Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper setting their sights on clinching another victory with Triumph’s Street Triple 765 RS. Hickman’s PHR Performance Team will be preparing two Street Triple 765 RS bikes in the UK, with the official support of Triumph. Now in its 82nd year, the Daytona 200 runs from 7-9 March at the Daytona International Speedway, Florida, USA. The race itself gets underway at 1310h local time on Saturday 9 9th March. The 2024 event presents an exciting opportunity for Hickman in particular, to compete at the race he’s long been keen to tackle, whilst also serving as a valuable chance for more track time aboard the Triumph machine that he’ll compete on at the Isle of Man TT. “Triumph is pleased to support Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper in their efforts to bring the Daytona 200 crown back to the UK with the PHR Performance Team," said Triumph’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Sargent. "This iconic race holds a special place in the history of Triumph Racing In fact, Brandon Paasch won on the Street Triple 765 in its first outing at Daytona in 2022, and he credits the engine with making the difference when he powered to his dramatic victory. It’s the same three-cylinder 765 that forms the basis of the bikes Hickman and Cooper are racing this year. “This race, along with our entries into Supercross and Motocross and a strong commitment in Supersport, mean that 2024 should be a very exciting year for Triumph Racing.” “The Daytona 200 is a race that I’ve not only watched for many years, but also always wanted to compete in, explains Hickman. "To finally get everything in place to run not only myself but also “Coopes” as the official Triumph entry is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait! We’re running are the same bikes we’ll be running at the Isle of Man TT this year, so it gives us a good platform for extra testing. “I need to thank a few teams for helping to make all this happen. Triumph Racing, Freedom Road Financial, Faye Ho and the FHO Racing team for not only allowing me to bring my own team to race here but also for supporting us, and of course David Robinson of Bathgate Group. Everyone has made a substantial input to get us ready. I can’t wait to get on track and experience Daytona for the first time. To say I’m excited is an understatement and I know that with the package we have, we will be strong contenders.” Richard Cooper says he shares in Hickman's excitement to take on the Daytona 200. “I am mega excited to be returning to the Daytona 200! The last time I raced here was back in 2008 where I finished fifth in the main race. This year, I’m returning with Triumph and the PHR Performance Team on the Street Triple 765 RS I believe that with this team and this bike, we are capable of achieving top honours! “It’s a huge effort from everyone in the team to get the bikes, equipment and personnel over from the UK but with the team we have, I’m confident we’ll be right at the sharp end from the first practice. Looking at the previous results, the Triumph Street Triple has been a great package, winning in ‘22 and delivering a strong pace in ’23. I’m looking forward to meeting and putting on a good show for the fans in March.” Triumph has a long association with Daytona, tracing its roots back to the factory team victories in 1966 and 1967 for Buddy Elmore and Gary Nixon respectively. Sensationally, Brandon Paasch won in 2022 on the debut of the Street Triple 765 under the Supersport regulations, using the triple’s superior torque to power out of the last corner and judge his victory dash to perfection, taking the flag by 0.007 seconds.

Royal Enfield's first entry into the 650cc LAMS cruiser segment isn't just good, it could be the best in the class. The low-capacity cruiser market took a major hit when mandatory ABS was introduced into the New Zealand market hot on the heels of Harley-Davidson discontinuing its only LAMS offering - the Street 500. This meant riders wanting an authentic learner-approved cruiser were reduced to a selection of modern bikes that somewhat lacked the classic cool factor that often attracts riders to a cruiser in the first place. Thankfully, Royal Enfield has filled that gap with its Super Meteor 650, a bike that brings classic cool back to the LAMS cruiser segment along with the necessary modern amenities. Royal Enfield itself has undergone a vast transformation over the last decade. Moving from ancient motorcycles designed in the 1950s to modern bikes with some of the latest technology in the segment, Royal Enfield has surged its development into a true juggernaut on the global market. The Super Meteor 650, along with the new Himalayan 450, cements this view as fact. While Royal Enfield already held a spot in the segment with its $8,190 Meteor 350, its 19.8hp of fury on offer left many underwhelmed and wanting more. As such, the Super Meteor 650, which comes at a $3300 premium over the Meteor 350, builds upon Royal Enfield’s much-loved 47hp 650cc twin-cylinder engine platform and raises the bar in numerous respects. Build quality feels like a step up on the Continental GT we rode last year, while componentry has also been given a big boost with the inclusion of larger 43mm Showa forks residing in alloy triple clamps. This is all made very clear as soon as you sit down in the 740mm high saddle. The bike exudes quality with the gleaming metal switchgear and just a smidge of chrome on the mirrors and exhaust offset by the gleaming Interstellar Green paint of our test bike. Interestingly the riding position feels somewhat of a hybrid of traditional cruiser and roadster, which while comfortable lacks some of the low and raked-out cool factor of some competitors. With that said, I know which I'd rather take a long journey on at the end of the day, and the mid-forward footpeg position of the Enfield makes it a great choice compared to its most direct competition for daily commuters wanting to be able to stand on the pegs to get a glimpse over surrounding traffic. Sitting proudly atop the 15.7-litre fuel tank is a lockable Monza-style fuel cap, which easily flips open for filling. I point this out as other certain giants in the modern classic motorcycle game are still placing a separate lock cap under theirs that you then have to find a place for while you brim your tank. Seriously, for a "cheap bike" you get some great features on the Royal Enfield Super Meteor. A nice touch for ease of ownership is the engine gets a lick of paint with the Super Meteor, which sees the side cases drop road grime-attracting polished metal surface of its 650cc siblings. There was a little wear on the side cases of the press bike, but it still looked vastly superior to the cases on the Continental GT I rode a couple of years ago and that paint should be pretty easy to bring back to its prime with minimal effort. The clocks are shared with the Scram 411 and Hunter 350, and our test bike included the optional Tripper navigation pod which links Google Maps instructions from your phone to the dash via the Royal Enfield app. There’s a feeling of authenticity with the Super Meteor that is somewhat lacking with its competitors in the segment. Its engine is air and oil-cooled with cooling fins proudly on display on the cylinders, while its feet forward riding position and 740mm seat height put the rider in a comfortable position that won’t destroy tailbones on longer trips. Like the Continental GT and Interceptor, the Super Meteor has a smooth power delivery that feels perfect for enjoying the ride, rather than revving hard-to-please performance junkies. It’s a predictable engine that will work well for both the entry-level rider and the more experienced rider looking to ride at a reduced pace. Overall the bike feels like an authentic cruiser rather than a sports bike engine crammed into a low-slung frame. Each time I headed out on it I kept finding myself saying “Well this is lovely” and I think that sums up the Super Meteor quite well. It’s got that missing authenticity that the other cruisers in its segment are missing and it looks fantastic, but it is also an utter pleasure to ride. For your $12,490 you are getting quite the cruiser experience. Now Royal Enfield is broadening things even further with the soon-to-arrive Shotgun 650. If the Shotgun is anything like the Super Meteor, other brands with an eye on entry-level cruiser dominance will certainly have their work cut out for them. 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 PRICE: from $12,490 +ORC ENGINE: 648cc parallel-twin POWER: 47hp @ 7250rpm / 52.3 Nm @ 5650 rpm PROS: Affordable and stylish, feels authentic unlike other LAMS cruiser offerings, a big step up in quality from Royal Enfield CONS: Lacks low and raked-out cool-factor of other LAMS cruisers,

CFMOTO NZ has confirmed the introductory pricing of its hotly anticipated new adventure bike - the 450MT. CFMOTO's newest entry into the adventure bike category looks set to put the brand on the map here in New Zealand. With the all-new 450MT (known as the Ibex 450 in the USA) CFMOTO is set to debut not only a bike with an incredibly appealing spec sheet, but also an incredible introductory price point. CFMOTO continues its bang-for-buck theme with the 450MT with the bike confirmed to be priced from just $9,990 + on roads when it is introduced to the Kiwi market in June. First announced at EICMA 2023, the MT450 brings to market a highly specced small capacity adventure machine that splits the difference between a traditional ADV and a dual sport machine. In fact, with its 450cc parallel-twin engine (also found in the 450NK) CFMOTO might just be the closest to creating an ADV Unicorn for the masses. In 450MT trim the engine delivers 32.5kW (43.5hp) at 8500 rpm and 44 Nm at 6250 rpm, while dual balance shafts improve the smoothness of the 270-degree firing order. Rolling stock comes in the form of a proper adventure-ready 21-inch front wheel paired with an 18-inch rear while suspension is a 41mm adjustable fork from KYB with 200mm of travel on offer. Ground clearance is at the pointy end of the small displacement adventure class at 230mm while the seat height is reasonably attainable at 820mm. Weight, as always, is make or break for these bikes and the CFMOTO seems to be quite promising in this regard. With a claimed dry weight of 175kg, the 450MT should be significantly lighter than the soon-to-arrive Himalayan 450. Tech-wise, the 450MT brings to the party switchable ABS and traction control with the ABS at the rear wheel able to be switched off easily thanks to a dedicated handlebar button - no faffing around in the TFT menus. The traction control does require some digging through the TFT, but CFMOTO claims this is a very user-friendly system so its hopefully not too much of a chore. That TFT colour display is a 5" unit and also supports Bluetooth connectivity for a seamless riding experience if that's how you like to roll. Like all good adventure bikes, CFMOTO is set to offer accessories for the 450MT with a range including luggage and crash protection set to be on offer on top of the bike's already impressive base-spec. CFMOTO New Zealand are backing their newest bike with a 2-year warranty which should help ease the fears of riders unfamiliar with the brand.

Husqvarna’s LAMS-approved Svartpilen and Vitpilen models gain a boost for 2024 with a new frame and bigger engine for the new model year, but there’s a catch, as New Zealand will not be receiving either directly at this stage. That isn't to say that we will not see the brand-new 2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401, however. When questioned on why NZ was stated in Husqvarna's local announcement as not receiving the new 401s, Marketing Manager Rosie Lalonde gave hope that they will be coming our way eventually. "We do not officially have stock of these MY24 models arriving directly into New Zealand," she said. "However, we are looking to hopefully be able to bring a selected amount of stock over from Australia once they land across the ditch." It’s a real shame the new bikes aren't on a fast-track for NZ, as for the 2024 model year Husqvarna has given both bikes a boost for what is one of the most competitive spaces in the market. Starting with the frame, the 2024 401s receive an all-new steel trellis frame which Husqvarna says preserves the much-loved agility of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models. This is matched up with a lightweight aluminium swingarm and the obligatory WP suspension on each machine ensuring predictable handling. The 2024 machines also feature a longer wheelbase and a revised seat height, improving their cornering behaviour while keeping their renowned stability. The sportier Vitpilen models further benefit from new handlebars that offer reduced weight for highly responsive steering. In the engine department, both the Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 are powered by a larger 399cc, 45 hp, single-cylinder engine that is housed inside that new steel trellis chassis. The updated engine is not only EURO 5+-compliant but also has an improved weight distribution and revised gearbox for easier shifting. As with the previous generation of the 401 Husqvarnas, tech is shared between both the Vitpilen and Svartpilen including cornering MTC, switchable ride modes, adjustable WP suspension, ByBre brakes and Bosch cornering sensitive ABS. Info is displayed to the rider via a 5” bonded glass TFT display, while a premium paint finish with decals and 17” wheels complete the unmistakable style of the Vitpilen and Svartpilen models. Over the ditch, the 2024 Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401 will only be available in Australia from June 2024 onwards at authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers. Sadly for our LAMS market, we'll have to wait and see if any make their way across the Tasman.

Big engines, big fairings, big LED lights. They can only be the new 2024 Harley-Davidson tourers. Harley-Davidson has dropped the covers on its new lineup of 2024 motorcycles, with new colours and big fairings headlining alongside an injection of new technology. Harley says its three new 2024 motorcycle models usher in a new era of touring performance, technology, and design. On the face of it, that is pretty much the whole story. The new Street Glide and Road Glide models feature the new Milwaukee-Eight 117, and are more powerful, comfortable, and lighter, but they have been jam-packed with the latest technology, including a new infotainment system which is all wrapped up in a  new visual design. For those with deeper pockets and a flair for standing out, This year’s CVO Road Gide ST commemorates the 25th anniversary of Custom Vehicle Operations by taking hot rod bagger performance to the next level with racing-inspired high-performance suspension and brakes, and a potent new Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine. With a low final drive ratio that all combines to produce the kind of acceleration and mid-range thrust aggressive riders adore. Speaking on the new 2024 models, Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz says the new bikes are an elevation of Harley’s previous offerings. “These exciting new models represent a new era for Harley-Davidson, elevating every aspect of performance, technology, comfort, and style,” Zeitz said. “Without question, these are the most enticing touring motorcycles ever offered by Harley-Davidson.” Each of these 2024 models is scheduled to reach authorised Harley-Davidson dealerships in the NZ market from mid-March 2024 with pricing set to be announced closer to their release. 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide breakdown For 2024, Harley’s Street Glide and Road Glide models are more powerful, lighter, and more dynamic than ever before, with the bikes getting all-new visual design elements to give the aesthetic a cohesive dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags. Starting with the heart of the bikes, both score an updated Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine features a new cooling system which further optimises thermal comfort for the rider and enhanced intake and exhaust flow to boost performance. Additionally, rear suspension travel is increased to 3-inches (76.2mm). On top of this, Harley is introducing selectable Ride Modes to the Street and Road Glides with both getting four modes to tailor the ride to the situation. That comes in the form of a Road, Sport, Rain and Custom which electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle. Further electronics updates come in the Infotainment system, which is powered by Skyline OS and displayed on a large 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen which replaces all analogue instrumentation and most switches. While the loss of the old-school instrumentation is sure to make some riders shout their disapproval, new Street and Road Glide owners can drown them out thanks to a new 200-watt audio amplifier that powers a pair of fairing-mounted speakers. Rounding out the redesign of the 2024 Road and Street Glide is a improved aerodynamics that enhance rider comfort and reduces subjective helmet buffeting at highway speed by an average of 60 per cent, according to Harley-Davidson.  Additionally, a redesigned one-piece seat shape and padding materials offer a significant improvement in long-range comfort for most riders. NEW CVO Road Glide ST The new CVO Road Glide ST is in Harley’s own words, “the quickest, fastest, and most sophisticated performance bagger ever produced by Harley-Davidson.” It sure looks it! With a massive 121 cubic inch (1982.83cc) High Output Milwaukee-Eight at its heart, a deep solo seat and six-inch riser paired with a Moto handlebar put the rider in an aggressive, upright position with West Coast custom style. The CVO Road Glide ST will be offered in two premium paint choices: Golden White Pearl or Raven Metallic. A Screamin’ Eagle graphic on the fairing sides and fuel tank is inspired by the Screamin’ Eagle Harley-Davidson Factory motorcycles raced in the MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers series. As part of the 25th anniversary of Custom Vehicle Operations, the bikes also feature CVO 25th Anniversary graphics to celebrate a milestone. The monstrous Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-Twin engine is exclusive to the CVO Road Glide ST, and is tuned to produce 126 horsepower (94kW) and 193 Nm of torque – the most horsepower and torque ever from a factory-installed engine in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A lower final drive ratio is selected to enhance acceleration performance in every gear. Thanks to the use of alternate materials help reduce dry weight to 366 kg. These come inteh form of the mufflers having lightweight titanium shells and forged carbon fibre end caps; forged carbon fibre composite is used to form the front fender, seat cowl and tank console; the oil pan is formed of lightweight composite; and wheel design and wave-style front brake rotors are optimised to minimise unsprung weight. All that grunt necessitates a need for control, and Harley has bestowed the CVO Road Glide ST with fully adjustable front and rear suspension. This comes in the form of SHOWA rear shocks with remote reservoirs out the back while in the front is an inverted 47mm SHOWA 1x1 fork. Stopping comes courtesy of Brembo. Like the new Road Glide and Street Glide, the CVO also gets ride modes, but also scores Track, Track Plus,  and multiple Custom modes on top of the four base maps. In the cockpit, the infotainment technology is powered by Skyline OS. A colour touchscreen replaces all analogue instrumentation and most switches. A premium audio system features a 500-watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers. In 2023, the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models introduced a bold new design direction for the Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring platform, the extraordinary performance of the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 powertrain and advanced suspension, and infotainment technology powered by the exclusive Skyline OS. Both models reprise all of those features for 2024 along with new colour options.

Electric motorcycles are a controversial topic, with many writing them off due to their lack of range for casual pleasure riding. Knowing this, BMW has decided to focus on where EV bikes make a bit of sense - the daily commute - with their first electric offering the CE 04 maxi-scooter. The CE 04 joined the local BMW Motorrad lineup late last year and is the first fully electric offering from the motorcycle arm of the BMW brand in New Zealand. However, despite BMW blazing a new trail with the CE 04 it is still coming up against its challenges in trying to convince Kiwi motorcyclists to give up their internal combustion engines for the daily commute. The first, and possibly biggest challenge is one we are familiar with when it comes to fully electric motorcycles, and that's the price tag. BMW’s CE 04 is priced at a hefty $28,490 plus on-road costs and is currently the only road-going electric offering on sale from any major European manufacturer in New Zealand. That will change, however, with its less sophisticated sibling – the CE 02 – also in the pipeline to join it in local dealerships. In fact, with Harley-Davidson spinning off the LiveWire into its own brand and ceasing local distribution, the CE 04 is currently the only name in the game in full-size electric motorcycling to have wide distribution in New Zealand. The CE 04 is aimed at providing an electric alternative to the brand’s C 400 scooter range, with the CE 04 motivated by an electric motor pinched from the brand's cars (think the Mini E and BMW 225xe Active Tourer) while the 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery comes courtesy of the BMW iX. It's all mounted on a skateboard-like chassis which helps keep the weight low down and the bike surprisingly manageable between your legs. As a result, the CE 04 boasts a rather long wheelbase for its class at 1675mm with the rear wheel hanging out well behind the rider. You’d think that this would dynamically cripple the CE 04, but surprisingly this wasn’t the case and it handled well during my test within inner city Auckland. Unlike other electric motorcycles I’ve tested, BMW has delivered an exceptional charging experience with the CE 04. Not only can you plug it in at home via the supplied wall charger unit, but it also comes with an adapter to make use of standard EV fast chargers. Plugging in is simple, just pop open the charger port door on the right-hand side of the dash and away you go. It's so refreshing that there is no fiddling with under-seat mechanisms here that require you to leave the seat up while charging. Depending on which charger you use, charge time varies from the standard 4 hours and 20 minutes to as little as 1 hour and 40 minutes from completely flat. Max power is 31kW while maximum range is a claimed 130km, though as with all EVs that maximum range does come down to riding conditions and how aggressive you are with the throttle. The battery regen is very good, however, and it wasn't until we started cruising Auckland’s motorways that we saw the estimated range start to drop significantly on the bike’s simply massive 10.25-inch TFT dash. Despite the multitude of tech behind the scenes, BMW has kept the dash a simple affair, with the crystal clear readout giving you essential info at a glance, or if you want to get nerdy you can delve deeper into the system. With a weight of 231kg, you need decent stopping power and the CE 04 provides this in spades. Not only do you have a set of J. Juan calipers (some of my current favourites in motorcycle braking) which are clamping down on twin 265mm discs at the front, but the battery regen on deceleration is enough to haul the bike up by itself in most traffic conditions. That weight isn’t a problem dynamically either, with the skateboard design of the bike placing the heavy battery at the lowest point of the chassis, the CE 04 is far less intimidating than its initial size implies. The real magic, however, is when you twist the throttle and go. Not only is it a breeze to operate, but its sheer acceleration leaves its competition utterly in the dust and 0-50kph is dealt with in just 2.6 seconds. It’s one of those bikes that you really have to hold on tight if you enjoy partaking in the traffic light drags. Motorway commuting is also well within the realm of the CE 04 with the bike topping out at 120kph. Here, however, the CE 04 feels more like the 400cc class machine it is designed as an alternative to with a more gentle acceleration up to the legal limit than its brisk inner city alter ego. Despite the overwhelming positives of its electric powertrain, the CE04 isn’t without its drawbacks. Unlike other bikes in the class, wind protection for the rider’s upper body is lacking on the CE 04, and disappointingly there currently is no accessory option for a larger windscreen. The other issue comes down to its high price point. The New Zealand market is already tough going for sellers of maxi scooters due to a variety of factors, but when you're essentially selling a commuter bike for $28,000 there are plenty of other options on the table in that price bracket, including imported second-hand hybrid cars. BMW has a serious challenge on its hands if it wants to sell the CE 04 by the container load, but with the more affordable CE 02 reportedly also destined for our shores, maybe that will be the bike to finally break the premium EV motorcycle deadlock and become a true sales success. 2023 BMW CE 04 PRICE: $28,000 plus ORC ENGINE: Liquid-cooled permanent magnet EMP 156 Electric Motor POWER: 31kW Peak Power / 62Nm torque PROS: QUICK, incredibly simple to use, easily charged on the go or at home CONS: Limited range compared to ICE competition, lacks upper body protection from the elements, high price point.

THE ALL-ITALIAN DUO OF JACOPO CERUTTI AND APRILIA TUAREG TRIUMPHS AT ITS DÉBUT IN THE DESERT IN THE 2024 AFRICA ECO RACE The all-Italian duo remained in the lead from start to finish for the six thousand plus kilometres over breathtaking roads, trails, sand, and dunes. From Monaco to the magical pink lake of Dakar, Jacopo Cerutti and his Aprilia Tuareg chose the most thrilling way to win the 2024 edition of the Africa Eco Race, dominating and writing one of the most epic pages in the recent history of big African raids. The Italian pair departed on their début, reckoning with adversaries who were extremely talented and, above all, highly expert on the legendary route that goes from Europe to Dakar through Morocco and Mauritania.The Aprilia Tuareg, developed from the factory product by Aprilia Racing with the technical collaboration of the Guareschi brothers’ GCorse, tackled the African trails and the desert for the first time. Of course, during 2023, the bike had already proven itself, winning the Italian Motorally title in its début and taking a spectacular podium in the Transanatolia rally in Turkey, where it had its first taste of big raids. But taking on the African desert for the first time on a route that has made off-road history, promised to be much more difficult. The Aprilia riders, Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, approached the race with confidence from the start, armed with a bike that had already proved to be a formidable weapon, thanks to the quality of the original project.His victory in the special trials of the first two days allowed Cerutti to build up an advantage over extremely strong rivals like Botturi and Tarres, both on Yamaha, who attacked constantly in an attempt to come back. Speed, perfect strategy, and the reliability of the Tuareg are the values that led Aprilia and Cerutti to their Dakar triumph. For Francesco Montanari, a true rookie, finishing the race in Dakar was a fantastic result. To this, he added two podiums in as many legs, as well as being a constant presence in the top end of the standings for the special trials and a fabulous eighth place overall. Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO “What Jacopo did, winning in Dakar, is unprecedented. It is a truly enormous sports undertaking that exalts a great champion, an exceptional Italian bike, designed, developed, and manufactured here in Noale, and an incredible job done by Aprilia Racing and the Guareschis, to whom I extend my special thanks. Having led from the first day of one of the most difficult races in the world, competing with extremely skilled adversaries, is an extraordinary sign of strength that went beyond our wildest expectations.” Vittoriano Guareschi - GCorse “Fantastic! Jacopo was exceptional throughout the entire race, always setting the pace. The second leg was the key, with that leap ahead in the standings which then allowed him to manage the competition like a great champion. Francesco also did a great job, taking the bike to Dakar in his début and even snatching satisfaction in the special trials more than once. What the entire team did is incredible. It was our first experience against extremely skilled adversaries, such as the Yamaha team, which is extremely experienced, especially in the part of the desert in Mauritania. The bike was perfect - never a problem. With this triumph, the Tuareg project demonstrated all of its base qualities: balanced weight, suspension travel, the character of the engine, and the quality of the materials. The factory bike already sets a great bar.” Jacopo Cerutti “It is all wonderful. It was an honour for me to collaborate in the development of the bike with Aprilia Racing and GCorse. In very little time, we reached incredible milestones and I honestly did not think that we would manage to be as ready as we were at the start of this event. However, I knew that the factory Tuareg already provided us with an outstanding starting base and then the rest is down to the great job the entire team did over the past few months. I certainly didn’t expect to win. Maybe starting the race without the pressure of being one of the favourites was a good thing and a bit of good luck also helped, which is never a bad thing because in an African raid, the unexpected is always just around the corner, but instead, everything seemed to go smoothly. A fantastic experience and feeling. Now we can enjoy the celebration.” Francesco Montanari “I'm extremely happy to have arrived in Dakar and to have managed to improve leg after leg, finishing in the top positions a few times. All of this was possible because I was placed in the ideal conditions to express my potential. The bike is fantastic to ride and the entire team did an exceptional job, both preparing for the race and during these two weeks in Africa. So, I wish to thank Aprilia for this opportunity and all the members of team GCorse for the constant support. I'm obviously also happy about Jacopo’s splendid victory. He did extremely well and he deserves it. I hope that this will be a starting place for me. I would like to continue improving because I think I demonstrated that I'm able to make a play of it with the best.” Aprilia Racing, a legend born with off-road competition Off-road competitions were Aprilia’s début racing terrain. It’s no surprise for a brand which, from its very first ’70s era models like the Scarabeo, had revealed its soul dedicated to the off-road world. In 1974, the first racing bike from Noale was a 125 cross. As early as 1977, the first Italian titles arrived in the 125 and 250 classes. Then, in 1978, came the first podiums and the win in the Cross World Championship. In 1985, the speed racing adventure began for Aprilia Racing in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, but the first world title came from trial in 1992. From the off-road world, seven more world titles would arrive, from 2004 to 2011, with the SXV 450 and 550 twin-cylinders protagonists in the Supermoto championship, earning three Rider titles and four Manufacturer titles. After an epic first appearance in the Paris-Dakar with Tuareg in 1989, Aprilia returned to the big race in the desert in 2010 with the revolutionary RXV Rally 450 twin-cylinder, which participated in three consecutive editions of the Dakar until 2012. The spectacular Rally took three leg victories straight away and finished third overall in 2010, just missing the spectacular achievement of winning in its début.To this day, Aprilia remains the last Italian manufacturer to have won a leg in the Dakar, in 2012.