The new year is fast approaching, and so we are gearing up for a plethora of fresh model releases. Though there are many to choose from, we’ve selected the top 10 motorcycles that we are most excited to see in 2021.
Aprilia RS 660
The all-new Aprilia RS 660 middleweight sportsbike will arrive in March, 2021, with “indicative” pricing from $18,500-$19,000 before on-road costs.
Motivating the Aprilia RS 660 is a 659cc parallel-twin delivering 73.5kW and 67Nm with a standard up/down quickshifter, and a potentially segment leading electronics package.
While European markets may have access to both a full-power and LAMS version of the RS 660, a spokesperson from Aprilia’s local arm told INFO MOTO that it is still weighing up the business case for a learner-friendly variant.
The bike is built in three colours, Acid Gold, Apex Black and Lava Red, and the platform is expected to spawn other variants, like a naked Tuono grade sometime next year.
Honda CBR600RR
Honda’s CBR600RR returns for 2021 with a number of big improvements over its predecessor, including an all-new electronics package, new styling and aerodynamics, and a boost to engine outputs.
The new Honda CBR600RR will go on sale in Australia in January, however, local pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Critically, the 2021 CBR600RR features an advanced electronics suite, with a new ride-by-wire system allowing for five switchable power modes and three engine braking modes.
Power comes from a familiar 599cc four-cylinder engine, although it now delivers slightly more grunt with an 89kW/64Nm rating.
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT
In April of next year, Yamaha will launch an overhauled version of its MT-09 Tracer, or Tracer 9 as its now known, boasting significant tech and performance enhancements over the outgoing model.
In Australia, the new Yamaha Tracer 9 will be sold exclusively in touring-ready GT guise, while pricing has yet to be confirmed.
For reference, the current Tracer 9 GT is priced from $20,499 rideaway. See our review of that here.
At the heart of the new Tracer 9 is an increased-capacity triple-cylinder engine, now measuring 890cc, with torque boosted by seven per cent to 93Nm, and peak power now at 87kW (+3kW).
That’s backed up by a new Deltabox chassis that positions the engine at a more upright angle, among other dimensional changes, while redesigned KYB adaptive suspension makes adjustments in real time to improve handling and comfort.
Triumph Trident 660
Triumph’s all-new Trident is positioned to take on the popular LAMS naked bike segment when it hits local showrooms in February, priced from $10,999 plus on-road costs.
At this price, Triumph has made good on its word to position the Trident to compete with current segment heavyweights like the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650, yet its high level of standard equipment may put it a class above its closest rivals.
For instance, the Triumph Trident will come standard with two rider modes (Road, Rain), switchable traction control, a colour TFT display and LED lighting: features which are usually reserved for upper market models.
The Triumph Trident draws power from a 660cc three-cylinder engine, making it the only triple in its segment, and is tuned to produce 39kW and 59Nm in Australia to meet LAMS restrictions.
BMW M 1000 R
BMW Motorrad’s new flagship supersports model, the M 1000 RR, will sit atop the S 1000 RR range when it lands in Australia next year.
The M 1000 RR will be priced from $50,990 plus on-road costs, or $57,990 with the M Competition Package. For reference, the base S 1000 RR is priced from $25,670 rideaway.
INFO MOTO can report that the bike will be built in January, with 25 units currently allocated for Australia. While the M 1000 RR is available to the public in such limited numbers, its primary purpose is for WSBK homologation.
BMW R 1250 RT
BMW Motorrad Australia will release a heavily updated R 1250 RT tourer in the second quarter of 2021.
The new BMW R 1250 RT is significantly upgraded compared to the current model, with a host of technology updates including Active Cruise Control (ACC) as standard.
BMW’s ACC, which is commonly known as adaptive cruise control, uses a radar sensor to automatically modulate speed and distance between the motorcycle and the vehicle ahead.
Distinguishing the 2021 model is a newly developed front fairing, which is said to improve aerodynamics, while power is drawn from a 1254cc boxer delivering 100kW (136hp) and 143Nm.
Yamaha MT-09
Yamaha’s popular MT-09 gets a big update for 2021, with considerable performance and technology updates, as well as a new design language that also filters down to its LAMS approved MT-07 sibling.
The MT-09’s triple-cylinder engine has grown from 847cc to 889cc, which translates to a 3kW power jump for a total output of 87.5kW and 93Nm.
The 2021 MT-09 has a unique stance thanks in part to a new aluminium frame and lighter wheels, while the inclusion of six-axis lean-angle-sensitive rider aids should significantly enhance the bike’s cornering manners.
Borrowing from the high performance YZF-R1, the new rider aid suite includes three-level traction control, slide control, front wheel lift control and brake control as standard.
Other updates extend to a new 3.5-inch TFT display with a bar-type tacho, a standard-fit up/down quickshifter, a radial front brake master cylinder, fully adjustable front forks (41mm travel) and adjustable rear suspension to match an all-new swingarm.
The model will also see a high-spec MT-09SP variant, which adds a performance boost by way of fully adjustable KYB and Ohlins suspension components.
Ducati Multistrada V4
Ducati’s Multistrada adventure bike range gets a big shake-up for 2021, as the Italian brand swaps the outgoing twin-cylinder engine with a new 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine delivering 125kW and 125Nm.
Ducati’s local arm expects the Multistrada V4 range to arrive in the first quarter of 2021, with pricing starting at $28,990 rideaway for the base V4.
Meanwhile, the V4 S will check in from $35,990 to $39,690, depending on which package is selected, while the V4 S Sport tops the range from $36,790-$40,690.
The Ducati Multistrada V4 is also positioned to be the first production motorcycle with a front and rear radar system, allowing features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection.
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
Triumph’s all-new Tiger 850 Sport will play as a new entry-point to the Tiger adventure bike family, when it hits Australian showrooms in February, priced from $15,990 plus on-road costs.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Tiger 900 range, upon which the 850 Sport is based, is priced from $20,950 rideaway for the base GT, up to $24,750 for the range-topping 900 Rally Pro.
The new Tiger 850 Sport makes use of a similar T-plane crank engine as the latest generation Tiger 900 range, but Triumph has given the powerplant a unique tune.
This is billed as a more manageable and user-friendly version of the Tiger range, for those looking for a more road-focussed option.
Triumph is making no bones about the fact that it has BMW’s F 750 GS squarely in its sights, and is positioning the bike aggressively against adventure bike rivals like the Yamaha Tenere 700.
Ducati Monster
The 2021 Ducati Monster represents a significant change for the iconic nameplate, as the middleweight naked bike debuts a new platform and sleek styling.
Ducati’s local wing has confirmed that the new Monster, which replaces the outgoing Monster 821, will hit Australian showrooms in June priced from $18,200 rideaway.
While the new Ducati Monster carries over some familiar design cues, like a bison-back-shaped tank and round headlight, the overall design is a significant departure from the model it replaces.
As weight drops, power increases by 1.5kW and 7Nm thanks to a new 93kW/83kW 937cc twin-cylinder engine borrowed from the soon-to-launch SuperSport 950.
Honourable mentions
Honda CMX1100: Honda’s all-new CMX1100 cruise will launch in Australia next year, powered by the same 1084cc parallel-twin engine used in the CRF1100L Africa Twin adventure bike, with a unique tune that outputs 64kW and 98Nm.
Ducati Panigale V4 SP: Ducati Australia has confirmed that its new Panigale V4 SP, which boasts a number of track-focussed upgrades over the standard Panigale range, will hit showrooms from June with a rideaway pricetag of $51,890.
BMW S 1000 R: Set to launch in “mid-2021”, the new S 1000 R naked bike debuts new styling and tech features, as well as a number of performance upgrades borrowed from the German brand’s S 1000 RR supersports model.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
