New Adventure Bike Models at the International Motorcycle Show
Top manufacturers show off their latest wares to the press on media day.
Occurring just a few weeks after the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach is the first opportunity for the US motorcycling public to get a look at some of the latest and greatest two-wheeled wonders. Southern California is also where a large portion of the US motorcycle publications are centered, so manufacturers come in full strength aware a higher saturation of press will be in attendance.
This year, top manufacturers showed off their wares to the press during Media Day, Friday morning before the doors opened to the crowds. Several new adventure motorcycles were on display. Noticeably absent though was KTM with their new 390 Adventure, as well as Husqvarna’s Norden 901 concept bike, and we were only given a glimpse on the big screen of Ducati’s tantalizing Desert X concept bike. Yet there was still plenty to feast our eyes on and receive more details about. Read on for a quick rundown and close-up look at the new Adventure Bike models displayed at the Long Beach IMS 2019.
Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin
Both Africa Twin models receive increased power (10%) and weight reductions, along with Cruise Control and a TFT display as standard equipment. The standard model is now more streamlined with rear racks removed and a shorty windscreen. Just lifting it off the kickstand it felt noticeably lighter than the previous design. US pricing is $14,399 for the standard model and $15,199 for DCT.
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
The Adventure Sports model now features lean-angle sensitive LED cornering lights and a scooped-out touring seat for better long-range comfort. Both suspension travel and ground clearance have also been lowered on the Adventure Sports model to match the standard Africa Twin for 2020. US Pricing is $17,199 for the standard model and $17,999 for DCT.
Harley-Davidson Pan America
Harley-Davidson showed off their first Adventure Bike with its bold, distinctive look – still undergoing the final development touches before a late 2020 release. Unfortunately, they put it in a glass box so we apologize for the reflection. The Pan America will be powered by an all-new, liquid-cooled, 60-degree 1250cc V-twin engine dubbed the Revolution Max. The new powerplant is said to pump out more than 145 horsepower and 90 ft-lbs of torque. Seeing it up close for the first time, it appeared more compact than we imagined. Details are still yet to be announced but expect the full-range of advanced electronic rider aids and touring accessories.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050
For 2020, Suzuki bumped up performance on their liter-class V-Strom from 99.23 horsepower to 106 horsepower. Also new is re-styled bodywork with a neo-retro look that pays homage to the famous DR-Big from the early 90s. Other improvements include a host of new electronics like ride-by-wire, cruise control, updated linked ABS, Hill Hold control, refined 4-mode traction control, and more. Pricing for the standard V-Strom 1050 is $13,399 for the base model, $14,799 for the ‘XT’ with tubeless wire-spoke wheels, and $16,999 for the accessory-loaded ‘XT Adventure’ model.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Concept
Suzuki also brought a concept bike they were showing off to the public for the first time. It’s still a work in progress and mainly cosmetic upgrades for now, but it shows Suzuki is taking the off-road potential of the V-Strom more seriously. Upgrades include unique graphics, engine guards, knobby tires, a real aluminum skidplate, yoshimura pipe, streamlined yoshimura LED turn signals, platform foot pegs, and auxiliary lights. Let’s hope the project has more mods to come.
Yamaha Tenere 700
After a long wait, Americans are finally receiving the Tenere 700. The off-road-focused middleweight is designed to be light and simple with an LCD display and no electronic aids other than switchable on/off ABS. It’s also relatively inexpensive for its class with an introductory price announced at the show of just $9,999 USD. We’ve already gotten some testing on a European model and we are pretty sure this will be the hot bike in 2020 for North American adventure enthusiasts. Availability is expected to be Summer of 2020 and dealers are taking pre-orders.
Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel
Following a successful launch of their V85 TT adventure bike last year, Moto Guzzi presented the Travel version prepared with a selection of essential touring accessories. Equipment, made up of accessories from their catalogue, includes a higher Touring windshield, as well as a set of large-capacity panniers which can swallow a full-face helmet on the right side. Also included as standard are heated hand grips and LED Auxiliary lights. The Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel is offered in an exclusive Sabbia Namib graphics for a distinctive look. Pricing is $13,390 with an arrival date of March 2020.
Ducati Multistrada 1260S Grand Tour
The Ducati Multistrada Grand Tour is a special version of the 1260 S, with a dedicated color scheme and a range of premium touring equipment included standard. As the name suggests, the model was designed for long-distance travelling and features a center stand, panniers and a special-edition seat. Heated grips, additional LED auxiliary lights, a hands free gas cap, and tire pressure monitoring are also standard. Pricing is $23,295 allowing you to get all the factory equipment for just $2,000 more than the standard 1260 S.
Zero Black Forest Edition
It may look somewhat subdued but the Zero silently churns out 70 horsepower and a whopping 116 ft-lb of torque available from a standstill! Zero’s most adventurous electric dual sport is equipped with three lockable cases, a touring seat, hand guards, crash bars, LED auxiliary lights and a headlight protector for off-road use. And with the optional Power Tank Battery, Zero claims it’s capable of 196 miles in the city or 110 miles on the highway. The DSR Black Forest Edition starts at $18,995.
Triumph Bonneville Bud Ekins Special Edition
Unfortunately, Triumph didn’t bring its new Tiger 900 to the show, but we will be seeing it soon on December 3rd. While not an adventure bike, Triumph did display a new special edition ‘Bud Ekins’ Bonneville scrambler that pays tribute to the 1960s-era desert racer and stunt man to Steve McQueen. Bud was the rider who completed the famous fence jump in the movie “The Great Escape.” Styled after the 1959 Bonneville, the top dual sport of its day, the new model features vintage Triumph logos and Bud Ekins badges that celebrate the life and achievements of one of motorcycling’s off-road icons. Available in either 900cc (T100) or 1200cc (T120) versions with price tags of $10,950 and $12,350 respectively.
Photos by Stephen Gregory
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$18,995 for an electric bike does it make a cup of espresso in the morning
Wow – the have not seen the Guzzi V85 TT Travel in that “Namib Desert Sand color” before? In that color it looks very nice…
Wow – the Bomb ! (it deleted my bomb emoiji’s)
1037cc is not a larger engine for Suzuki V Strom. Same size as former model. Too bad they didn’t go bigger and add shaft drive. Could have been real competition for the GS.
Hey Altawheeler. That’s correct HP increased but not displacement. This has been clarified. Thank you!
Shaft drive would add too much expense, and the VStroms appeal is the lower price. Even if the Strom had shaft, it still would not compete with the GS by a long shot.