The Most Anticipated Motorcycles of 2016

2015 was a competitive year for the motorcycle industry, with manufacturers trying to outshine each other in their respective niches. Of course, various motorcycle models, such as the 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 DVT, Yamaha YZF-R1, BMW S1000RR, and KTM 1290 Super Duke R, brought a breath of fresh air to the motorcycle industry. Fortunately, technology is like wine, and things will get much better in 2016. In regards some of the most anticipated motorcycles expected to be released in 2016 include:

The 2016 Ducati 959 Panigale

Quite similar to the 899 Panigale but improved, the Ducati 959 Panigale is perhaps the most awaited Ducati sport bike of 2016. The superbike boasts 157 horsepower with a 955cc superquadro V twin engine and 79-pound feet of torque. Hence, it has a slight advantage over the 899 Panigale. Additionally, it is designed to meet the Euro 4 emission criteria by adding new case covers, timing chains, heads, and gears.  The upcoming US model is expected to weigh 377 pounds, with the price ranging between $14,500 and $15,300. Although Ducati has not officially announced the release date, it is expected to be released in early 2016, probably before March.

2016 Harley Davidson Fatboy S & Softail Slim S

Since Harley Davidson is probably the most popular motorcycle manufacturer in the United States, it is obvious that the Fatboy S and Softail Slim S will be well received across the country. Part of the reason is that the two upcoming S series models will be fitted with the most powerful V-Twin engine since the inception of Harley Davidson. Apart from the Screaming Eagle Twin Cam 110, other features in the limited edition models include Softline cruise control and 6th-speed gear that rarely needs to be shifted to increase power. Regardless, the engine remains the most outstanding attribute of Harley Davidson’s Fatboy S and Softail Slim S. The exact release date for Fatboy S and Softail Slim S has not yet been officially announced. Still, the prices have been set at $19,699 and $18,499 respectively.

2016 Honda VFR1200X

The VFR1200X was originally launched overseas, dubbed the CrossTourer, but it never touched down in the United States. Honda has decided to upgrade the VFR1200X model and introduce it to the United States market. The 2016 Honda VFR1200X is the ideal adventure motorcycle that maintains comfort regardless of the rough terrain or distance traveled. The bike has a 1,237cc V4 engine that boosts up to 129 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 93 lb-feet of torque at 6500 rpm.  The 2016 Honda VFR1200X will make a world premiere in the United States market in April 2016. However, the manufacturer has not yet announced the price.

2016 KTM 690 Duke

The KTM Duke series is highly respected for its capabilities to maneuver through rough, twisty mountain terrains at a faster pace than most motorcycles. The street bike will be given a significant upgrade in the upcoming 2016 model to make it better.  To tackle the vibration problem present in the current model, the developers have added a second balance shaft to the compact cylinder head.  

Moreover, the LC4 powerplant has been redesigned to increase the horsepower and torque by up to 7 percent compared to the current model. Quite impressive, the engine has been amplified by 1000rpm, making the 2016 KTM 690 the best-performing single-cylinder street bike. The three riding modes switched through the TFT color dash include Sport, Rain, and Street. Regarding safety, the model has an optional motor slip regulation and traction control package.  The 2016 690 Duke is expected to be released by mid-next year, with the price ranging between $7,500 to $9,000.

Yamaha YZF-R1S

Ask any motorcyclist who has gotten his hands on a Yamaha YZF R1 or R1 M, and he/she will tell you that both models are exceptional and perhaps the best Yamaha motorcycles in recent years. However, the Yamaha YZF R1 is more expensive than the R1 M, probably because it is faster. To keep up the momentum and attract a younger audience, Yamaha unveiled the Yamaha YZF-R1S. The model largely resembles the Yamaha YZF-R1, yet it is $1500 cheaper than the Yamaha YZF-R1.

It is hard to differentiate between YZF-R1 and YZF-R1S, but a closer look will reveal slight adjustments in the mechanical parts. To compensate for the price reduction, the magnesium and titanium metals in the R1 have been replaced by steel and aluminum, thus increasing the weight by 9 pounds. However, the R1S still delivers a 998cc engine that supports 112Nm worth of peak torque.

The R1S also features a launch control, adjustable traction control, lift, electronic traction, and a six-axis IMU system. The Yamaha YZF-R1S is the closest thing to the Yamaha YZF for those who cannot afford it. The upgraded model is expected to be released between March and August 2016 and retail at $14,990.