Last Update: 28 October 2021
The 2019 riding year is jam-packed with exciting new offerings for motorcycle riders with some very unique, powerful, and thrilling motorcycles to explore! The earlier “throwback” styles of motorcycle remain a hot topic as is the ever advancing technology for sport bikes and adventure bikes.
With women motorcycle riders there’s an increased selection across all brands of better fitting choices. In fact throughout every manufacturer’s product line, regardless of gender, it is easier to find something to fit your experience level and personal riding style! Motorcycling life is changing moving ever forward in technology, ease of handling and efficiency making overall, bike choices more of a challenge –if you can only afford one bike. But that’s a good thing, versus the opposite.
So here, in no particular order are the MOTORESS top ten motorcycles to try for 2019.
Yamaha Niken GT
The NIKEN GT takes Yamaha’s new three-wheeled platform to the next level with the addition of standard amenities like heated grips, standard side cases, a touring seat and a tall windscreen. Equipped with an Ackerman steering system, twin 15-inch front wheels and an adjustable, dual-upside-down fork, the Yamaha NIKEN concept was designed to deliver an amazing corner-carving experience and elevated rider confidence in all conditions. If you have ever felt a nervous leaning a motorbike into a corner and worried about traction the NIKEN two wheels increase your front contact to ground for better grip.
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline three-cylinder •Displacement: 847cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Horsepower: NA •Torque: 8.9 kg-m (64.3 ft-lbs.) @ 8,500 rpm •Seat height: 835 mm (32.9 in.) •Weight: 267 kg (588 lb.) •Fuel Capacity: 8 litres (4.8 imp. gallons) •Price: $20,999.CAD
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
The Vitpilen 401 embraces the simple spirit that originally made street motorcycling attractive. The Vitpilen 401 is a fresh and simple new approach within the world of motorcycling. It is subtle, style-focused and stripped of all that is unnecessary. Its simple yet progressive design opens a new gateway to motorcycle culture and makes urban motorcycling more accessible and inviting than ever before. A bike for progressive, freethinking riders who appreciate exceptional design and seek new ways to experience their urban environment.
•Engine: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine •Displacement: 373 cm³ •Transmission: 6-speed •Power: 32 kW •Electric starter •Liquid cooled •Anti-hopping clutch •Fuel Capacity: 9.5 litres (2.8 imp. gallons) •Seat height: 835 mm (32.9 in.) •Weight: 148 kg (326 lb.) without fuel • Retail: $7,949. CAD
Triumph Speed Twin
The Triumph Speed Twin joins the Bonneville classics. A reworked ‘High Power’ 1200cc parallel twin-cylinder Thruxton engine provides the Speed Twin’s beating heart and gruff soundtrack. The motor alone is 2.5kg lighter, thanks to its revised clutch assembly and new engine covers.
•Engine: Liquid-cooled, 8 valve, SOHC, 270° crank angle parallel-twin •Displacement: 1200cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Power: 112Nm @ 4,950 rpm •Liquid cooled •Fuel Capacity: 14.5 litres (3.2 imp. gallons) •Seat height: 807 mm (31.8 in) •Dry Weight: 196 kg (432 lb.) •Retail: from $13,300. CAD
Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 Power Cruiser
The FXDR might make you think it is designed to replace the V-Rod what with its jet fighter-inspired lines, the 34-degree rake, and clip-on handlebars. But the Harley-Davidson FXDR 114 is a power cruiser designed for the rider who wants a more extreme look and stance, but also wants performance and handling not often found in a cruiser. Highlights include a big motor, premium suspension and slick aluminium subframe under the seat and tail.
•Engine: Milwaukee-Eight, V-Twin •Displacement: 1,868cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Torque: 119 pounds-feet •Fuel Capacity: 16.7 litres (4.4 US gallons) •Fuel Economy: 46 mpg •Seat height: 723 mm (28.4in.) •Weight: 303 kg (668lb) Price: $26,499. CAD (Vivid Black), $ 26,949. (other colours)
Kawasaki W800 Cafe
First introduced in 1965, the iconic W is back, now reborn in the all-new 2019 Kawasaki W800. All the swagger of the original resounds in the throb of the Vertical Twin engine churning out heaps of torquey power, the throaty roar of the crafted dual exhausts, and the characteristic handling that comes from a sturdy frame with large-diameter wheels. Turn heads and earn the respect of fellow riders and pedestrians alike aboard this stunningly styled classic.
•Engine: 4-stroke, Vertical Twin • Displacement: 773cc •Transmission: 5-speed •Horsepower: NA •Torque: NA •Seat height, unladen: 790 mm •Curb Weight: 222 kg (489.4 lbs.) •Fuel Capacity: 15 litres (4 US gallons) •Price: $11,499. CAD
2020 Suzuki Katana
After 13 years on the side-lines, Suzuki is reviving one of its most iconic models, the Katana. The all-new Katana features sleek Eighties styling, a proven 998cc inline-four engine derived from the 2005 to 2008 GSX-R1000, and approachable ergonomics thanks to a more upright riding position. The power‘s been tweaked to deliver smoother throttle response and a broader torque band, so the bike is more capable yet easier to ride in everyday situations. Modern enhancements include a three-mode traction control system (which can be turned all the way off) and a centrally mounted LCD info screen.
•Engine: four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four •Displacement: 999cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Horsepower: 150 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, and 80 ft/lbs of torque at 9500 rpm •Seat height: 825 mm (32.5 in) •Weight: 215 kg (474 lb) •Fuel Capacity: 12 litres (3.1 US gallons) •Price: $20,999.CAD
BMW F 850 GS Adventure
The BMW GS Series motorcycles have set the bar for adventure riding quality and performance year-after-year. The F 850 GS carries the GS gene with pride. The central placement of the tank between rider’s seat and handlebar ensures that the wheel load is perfectly distributed as well as a nice, slim tail.
•Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine •Displacement: 853cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Horsepower: 70 kW (95 hp) •Torque: 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm •Fuel Capacity: 23 litres (6.7 US gallons) •Seat height: 875 mm (SA low-slung: 815 mm, SA double seat low: 835 mm, SA double seat: 860 mm, SZ rally seat: 890 mm) •Weight (Road Ready): 244 kg (538 lbs) •Price: From $17,400. CAD
Ninja ZX-6R ABS Kawasaki Racing Team Edition
The 2019 Ninja ZX-6R brings the exhilaration of a race-born supersport engine to everyday street use. While ordinary supersport engines optimize performance for high rpm, the new Ninja ZX-6R provides explosive power in the low and mid-range. Complementing the already advanced rider support technology like 3-mode Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), Power Mode selection and Kawasaki Intelligent Braking System (KIBS), Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), allowing clutchless up-shifts, is now standard.
•Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke, In-Line Four •Displacement: 636cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Horsepower: NA •Torque: 71 N·m {7.2 kgƒ·m} / 11,000 rpm •Fuel Capacity: 17 litres (4.5 US gallons) •Seat height: 830 mm (32.6 in) •Weight (Road Ready): 195 kg (430lbs) •Price: From $13,299.CAD
2019 Indian FTR 1200/S
The FTR 1200 S brings even more technology, agility, and precision to your ride. Features include a 4.3″ Ride Command® Touchscreen and fully adjustable front and rear suspension with preload, compression, and rebound inputs. Based on the company’s off-road FTR750 dirt track racer, the FTR 1200 S uses a 1203-cc twin delivering around 120 hp. A big 43mm inverted front fork, an adjustable monoshock rear suspension, and big Brembo brakes, the FTR 1200 will be an added popular choice to the road riding scene.
•Engine: DOHC, 4-Valves per Cylinder, Graded Buckets •Displacement: 1203cc •Transmission: 6-speed •Horsepower: 120 HP (89.5 kW) •Torque: 85 ft-lb (115.2 Nm) •Seat height, laden: 840 mm (33.1 in) •Curb Weight: 235 kg (18 lbs) •Fuel Capacity: 12.9 litres (3.4 gal) •Price: $18,999. CAD
Ducati Panigale V4 R
Now powered with a 221-horsepower 998cc V4 that complies with WSBK rules and wrapped in a new aerodynamic fairing with carbon fibre winglets, the new Panigale V4 R embodies the maximum expression of Ducati values: style, sophistication, performance.
A forward-looking model that accompanies the rider towards a dimension of advanced riding, made up of curves and straights that run incredibly fast, thanks to the electronics that, like an invisible, magical safety net, allows going beyond the limits.
•Engine: 90° Desmosedici Stradale V4 •Displacement: 998cc •Transmission: 6 speed •Horsepower: 221 hp (162 kW) •Torque: 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) •Fuel Capacity: 16 litres (4.23 US gallons) •Seat height: 830 mm (32.7 in) •Weight (Road Ready): 193 kg (425lbs) •Price: $25,295.