Motorcycles of 2027: thirty-six bikes across every category

Every autumn the motorcycle world quietly moves a year forward. The model-year pages flip over, the press kits land, and suddenly a bike you could buy in the spring is "last year's". This log is my attempt to make sense of what riders will actually be choosing between in 2027, across every category I could reasonably cover: from superbikes and adventure bikes to cruisers, motocross racers, electric bikes and scooters.

That is twelve categories, three motorcycles in each: thirty-six bikes in total. They are not rankings. Each category gets three different answers to the same question, because the "best" bike depends on the job you give it.

Research log, 16 October 2026: this is an editorial guide built from the manufacturers' own websites, not a hands-on group test, and I have not ridden every bike here. EICMA is still a few weeks away, so not every manufacturer has published its 2027 range yet. I have labelled each bike honestly:

• New for 2027 or 2027 listing: the manufacturer's site already sells or presents it as a 2027 model.
• Current model, carrying into 2027: the site still shows a 2026 (or earlier) model year. These are bikes you will realistically find in showrooms through 2027, but the specification may change when the new model year is published.

Figures are manufacturer claims, quoted in the units of the page I read (US pages in pounds and inches, UK pages in kilograms and millimetres). Model years, equipment and availability vary by country. The photographs are official manufacturer images; where a picture comes from an earlier model year's material, the caption says so. Full sources and photo credits are at the end.

In this log

• The 2027 line-up at a glance
• What is actually new for 2027
• Superbikes and supersports
• Naked bikes and streetfighters
• Touring and sport-touring
• Big adventure bikes
• Middleweight and small adventure bikes
• Enduro and dual-sport
• Motocross
• Cruisers and baggers
• Retro and modern classics
• Small-capacity and learner-friendly bikes
• Electric motorcycles
• Scooters and maxi-scooters
• Which category is yours?
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources and photo credits

The 2027 line-up at a glance

What is actually new for 2027

Strip away the colour changes and three themes stand out from the pages I read.

1. Competition and off-road bikes moved first. Motocross and enduro machines traditionally launch their next model year early, and 2027 is no different: KTM, Husqvarna and Yamaha all have 2027 race bikes online, and Suzuki's reborn DR-Z4S and Husqvarna's FE 501S already wear 2027 badges.
2. Electronics keep filtering down. Launch control and traction control are now ordinary on 450 motocross bikes. A 400 cc dual-sport (the DR-Z4S) gets three power modes, four traction-control modes and switchable ABS. KTM's big adventure bike adds a portrait touchscreen.
3. The headline road launches are big-ticket bikes. Ducati's new Panigale V4 and KTM's reworked 1390 Super Adventure S EVO are the most significant 2027 road-bike pages so far. For most categories, though, the 2027 decision will be made between current models, which is why I've included them.

Superbikes and supersports

Full-fairing sport bikes ask the most of their riders and the most of the budget for tyres, insurance and track days. My three cover the spectrum: a flagship V4, a circuit-bred inline four, and a middleweight that does not demand a race licence to enjoy.

Ducati Panigale V4

2027 status: new for 2027. Ducati's US site presents it as the "New Panigale V4 2027".

The Panigale is the reference point for the category. Ducati lists a 1,103 cc V4 with 209 hp at 12,750 rpm and 89 lb-ft (121.3 Nm) at 11,250 rpm, a six-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift up/down 2.0, Öhlins suspension with Ducati Electronic Suspension 3.0, and a track-day kit of Ducati Power Launch, lap timer and pit limiter. Seat height is 850 mm.

Who it's for: an experienced rider who wants a road-legal superbike and plans to make track days the centre of ownership. On the road, 209 hp is mostly a number you pay to insure.

Yamaha YZF-R1

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 YZF-R1.

The R1 is still built around Yamaha's 998 cc crossplane CP4 inline four, with a crankshaft concept that Yamaha traces to its YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. The current version adds carbon-fibre winglets to the Deltabox chassis, alongside YCC-T ride-by-wire, an IMU-based rider-aid package, Brembo front brakes and high-specification KYB forks.

Who it's for: someone who wants a litre-class, circuit-minded sport bike with full road equipment, and enjoys the character of a crossplane four as much as the lap time.

Triumph Daytona 660

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Triumph's site still shows the 2025 model.

The Daytona 660 is the sensible end of this category, which is exactly why it is here. Triumph builds it around its triple, tuned for low-down torque as well as a strong top end, with Sport, Road and Rain riding modes that change throttle response, ABS and traction control. Triumph's own pitch is focused handling combined with all-day comfort.

Who it's for: a newer or returning sport-bike rider who wants a full fairing and a proper sporting feel without a track-only riding position or superbike running costs.

Naked bikes and streetfighters

Take the fairing off a sport bike and you get the most popular kind of performance motorcycle on the road. These three range from a superbike with handlebars to a lively, everyday triple.

Ducati Streetfighter V4

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Ducati's page is the MY25 listing.

This is the Panigale's engine without the bodywork: a 1,103 cc V4 with a claimed 205 hp at 12,650 rpm and 88.3 lb-ft (119.7 Nm) at 11,500 rpm, a six-speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift up/down 2.0, and full ride-by-wire. Seat height is 845 mm.

Who it's for: an assertive road rider who wants superbike power and brakes, and accepts the wind blast that comes with them. If the Panigale's model-year change filters into the Streetfighter, expect an update. Check before buying.

Yamaha MT-09

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 MT-09.

The MT-09 is the naked bike I would point most people to first. Yamaha's 890 cc CP3 triple sits in a lightweight die-cast aluminium frame, managed by YCC-T ride-by-wire and a comprehensive electronics package. Yamaha even lists 34- and 45-litre top cases and a comfort seat as accessories, which tells you how many owners use it every day.

Who it's for: an everyday rider who wants a compact, lively triple with enough chassis and electronics for fast weekend roads.

Triumph Street Triple 765

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Triumph's page shows 2026 colours.

The Street Triple is the naked bike that can moonlight as a track-day tool. Triumph's page quotes 120 hp and 59 lb-ft from the 765 cc triple, with engine updates driven by its Moto2 work. The Triumph Shift Assist up/down quickshifter is standard, and the RS carries the highest specification of brakes and electronics in the range.

Who it's for: a rider who wants a usable road naked that turns into a serious track bike without litre-bike bulk. Compare the R and RS honestly: the extra hardware only pays off if you use it.

Touring and sport-touring

Touring bikes are judged on the motorway, in the rain and on day five, not on the first twenty minutes. The three here are a full luxury tourer, a sporty triple with luggage, and a faired Ducati that leans more towards sport.

Honda Gold Wing

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK lists it in the 2026 range.

Nothing else here travels quite like a Gold Wing. Honda's 1,833 cc flat six makes 93 kW and 170 Nm at 4,500 rpm, through a standard seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Four riding modes (Tour, Sport, Econ and Rain), double-wishbone front suspension and a 7-inch TFT with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto complete a specification that reads more like a car's.

Who it's for: two-up riders covering serious distances who value effortless progress and comfort over low weight.

Yamaha Tracer 9

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 Tracer 9.

Yamaha calls it "sport touring simplified", and that is fair. The Tracer 9 uses the same 890 cc CP3 triple as the MT-09, with YCC-T ride-by-wire, an aluminium frame, KYB suspension, full LED lighting including cornering lights, and hard side cases as standard.

Who it's for: a rider who wants sport-bike pace and a luggage-ready bike for multi-day trips, without paying for a heavyweight tourer.

Ducati SuperSport 950 S

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Ducati's page uses MY23 imagery.

The SuperSport is the sport end of sport-touring: a full fairing and Ducati handling, with a more forgiving riding position than a Panigale. Ducati lists a 937 cc engine with 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 69 lb-ft (93 Nm) at 6,500 rpm, ride-by-wire, Ducati Quick Shift up/down and an 810 mm seat.

Who it's for: a rider who wants a faired Ducati for long days and is willing to add luggage, rather than starting with a dedicated tourer.

Big adventure bikes

The biggest-selling premium category, and the one with the most electronics per kilogram. All three of these are tall, powerful and expensive to specify fully. Sit on them before you fall for a brochure.

KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO

2027 status: 2027 listing. KTM's US site sells it as the 2027 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO.

This is the most technology-heavy bike in the log. KTM's 2027 page describes a reworked 1,350 cc 75-degree V-twin (up from 1,301 cc) with Camshift technology and a claimed 145 Nm. Semi-active WP suspension, an all-new portrait 8-inch touchscreen TFT and KTM's Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) complete the package. Seat height is 847/867 mm.

Who it's for: a long-distance rider who wants every electronic aid going and is happy to trade simplicity for it.

Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE

2027 status: 2027 listing. Suzuki's US site sells the 2027 V-Strom 1050DE.

The 1050DE is the traditionalist's big adventure bike: a 1,037 cc 90-degree V-twin, a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheel, Dunlop adventure tyres and fully adjustable long-travel suspension. It still brings modern help, too: traction control with a Gravel mode, switchable rear ABS, cruise control, a bi-directional quickshifter and a 5-inch TFT. Suzuki quotes 880 mm seat height and 252 kg (554 lb) at the kerb.

Who it's for: a rider who wants a V-twin touring platform that will happily handle regular gravel, without the KTM's electronic complexity.

Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Triumph's page is the 2024 listing.

The Rally Explorer is the expedition specification of the Tiger 1200. Triumph quotes 150 PS (147 hp) at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm from the 1,160 cc triple, with 49 mm Showa semi-active forks, 21/18-inch tubeless spoked wheels and a 30-litre tank. Seat height is 34.44/35.23 in, and wet weight 578 lb.

Who it's for: two-up adventure travellers who want long range and serious suspension travel, and can handle a tall, heavy bike off-road.

Middleweight and small adventure bikes

For many riders this is the sweet spot: lighter, cheaper and less intimidating than the big bikes, yet still capable of crossing a continent. These are three different philosophies.

Yamaha Ténéré 700

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 Ténéré 700.

The Ténéré remains the dirt-first middleweight: a 689 cc CP2 twin with selectable power delivery, switchable traction control and three-mode ABS, a fully adjustable 43 mm KYB fork and 8.3/7.9 inches of suspension travel. It is deliberately simple compared with the big bikes.

Who it's for: a rider who will actually leave the tarmac and values manageable size and long-travel suspension over outright power.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Suzuki's US site lists the 2026 V-Strom 800DE.

The 800DE sits between the Ténéré and the big bikes. Its 776 cc parallel twin uses a 270-degree crank and Suzuki's Cross Balancer, with a 21-inch front wheel, fully adjustable suspension and, Suzuki says, the most ground clearance of any V-Strom. Gravel traction control and switchable rear ABS are standard; the seat is 855 mm and the kerb weight 230 kg (507 lb).

Who it's for: someone who wants one bike for commuting, touring and unpaved roads, with a little more road comfort than a Ténéré.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Royal Enfield links a 2026 technical specification.

The Himalayan is proof that adventure does not need a big engine. Royal Enfield lists a 451.65 cc liquid-cooled single making 40.02 PS at 8,000 rpm and 40 Nm, with ride-by-wire, 43 mm upside-down forks, switchable dual-channel ABS, a 17-litre tank and a two-piece adjustable seat (a lower seat is optional).

Who it's for: an unhurried explorer who wants a simple, genuinely trail-capable single with modern safety kit. Be realistic about fast, loaded motorway work.

Enduro and dual-sport

Road-legal bikes that are happiest off it. This is where 2027 gets interesting, with Suzuki's new DR-Z4S joining a long-standing class.

Suzuki DR-Z4S

2027 status: 2027 listing. Suzuki's US site sells the 2027 DR-Z4S.

The DR-Z name returns with a thoroughly updated 398 cc DOHC single, fuel injection, a new twin-spar frame and swingarm, and all-new fully adjustable KYB long-travel suspension. It also brings proper electronics to a small dual-sport: three power modes, four traction-control modes including Gravel, and switchable ABS. Seat height is 920 mm and kerb weight 151 kg (333 lb), on 21/18-inch IRC dual-purpose tyres.

Who it's for: a rider who wants serious trail suspension and modern rider aids in a bike that can still ride to the trailhead. My most interesting new bike of the year.

Husqvarna FE 501S

2027 status: 2027 listing. Husqvarna's US site sells the FE 501S 2027.

At the other end of the dual-sport scale, the FE 501S is a full-size enduro with road equipment: a 510.9 cc SOHC single with Keihin injection, a six-speed gearbox, linkage rear suspension and a 952 mm seat.

Who it's for: an experienced trail rider who needs a big, high-clearance enduro and links trails together by road. It is not a beginner's bike.

Honda CRF300L

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK's page uses 2025 product imagery.

The CRF300L is the gentle way in. Honda quotes 20.1 kW and 26.6 Nm from its 286 cc single, an 880 mm seat and 142 kg, with updated suspension and new LED lighting.

Who it's for: a commuter who wants to start trail riding without fear or a big bill. Light weight matters more off-road than any number on the spec sheet.

Motocross

Competition bikes are where model years really mean something: the 2027 race bikes are already on sale. All three are 450s, the premier class, and none is road-legal.

KTM 450 SX-F

2027 status: 2027 model.

KTM's 2027 changes are developed with KTM Factory Racing: a revised frame around the shock mount, engine mounts and front-frame wall thickness, plus tool-free suspension adjustment at both ends. Launch control and a quickshifter for clutchless upshifts from second to fifth are standard, and the 48 mm WP XACT air fork is click-adjustable.

Who it's for: a racer who will use the launch control, the quickshifter and that adjustable suspension. Overkill for occasional practice days.

Yamaha YZ450F

2027 status: 2027 model.

Yamaha's 450 keeps its reversed-cylinder-head DOHC engine, with a forged piston, titanium valves and dry-sump lubrication, in a chassis with fully adjustable KYB coil-spring suspension. The standout is the Power Tuner app: adjust fuelling and ignition, tune traction and launch control, run a lap timer and log maintenance from a phone.

Who it's for: a rider who likes to tinker, with maps and data, and prefers a coil fork's feel.

Husqvarna FC 450

2027 status: 2027 model.

The FC 450 shares much of its engineering with KTM but takes its own approach to ergonomics: a flat seat, revised rider triangle and a lightweight subframe. Husqvarna lists a 95 mm x 63.4 mm 450 engine, 90-hour service intervals, two engine maps, traction control, launch control and a quickshifter, on WP suspension and Dunlop Geomax MX34 tyres.

Who it's for: a racer who wants the same class-leading electronics in a calmer, slightly more comfortable package.

Cruisers and baggers

Cruisers trade lean angle for presence, torque and comfort. The category runs from huge American baggers to approachable, low-seat twins.

Harley-Davidson Road Glide

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Harley-Davidson's page is the 2026 Road Glide.

The Road Glide is the American bagger. Harley-Davidson's Milwaukee-Eight 117 makes a claimed 105 hp at 4,600 rpm and 130 ft-lb at 3,250 rpm. The bike weighs 838 lb running, carries 2.42 cubic feet of luggage and has a 12.3-inch Skyline OS display.

Who it's for: a long-distance rider who wants a full-size bagger with real luggage and presence, and has room for 838 lb in the garage.

Honda Rebel 1100

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK's page uses 2026 imagery.

The Rebel 1100 brings modern electronics to a cruiser without making it heavy. Honda lists a 1,084 cc twin with 65 kW and 98 Nm, a 710 mm seat, three-level Honda Selectable Torque Control, and a 5-inch TFT with RoadSync. It also comes in Touring and Special Edition forms.

Who it's for: a cruiser buyer who wants a low seat and relaxed custom styling with a litre-class engine and modern rider aids.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027.

The Super Meteor is the affordable, uncomplicated cruiser. Royal Enfield's 648 cc air-oil-cooled twin makes 47 PS and 52.3 Nm, in a long-wheelbase chassis (1,500 mm) with 43 mm upside-down forks, a 320 mm front disc and switchable dual-channel ABS.

Who it's for: a rider who wants a relaxed cruiser stance and easy twin-cylinder torque without a big-bagger price or weight.

Retro and modern classics

Old shapes, modern reliability. These bikes sell on feel and looks as much as figures, and all three reward an unhurried ride.

Triumph Bonneville T100

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Triumph's page shows the current T100 and an Icon Edition.

The T100 is the classic British twin, done properly. Triumph lists a 900 cc liquid-cooled 270-degree twin with 64.1 hp and 59 lb-ft at 3,750 rpm, ABS, traction control, a torque-assist clutch and twin analogue dials. Seat height is 790 mm and wet weight 228 kg.

Who it's for: a rider who wants real British-twin character and approachable manners, rather than a modern naked bike in retro costume.

Yamaha XSR700

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 XSR700.

The XSR700 wraps the MT-07's 689 cc crossplane-concept twin in retro bodywork, with a stitched seat, round LCD instrument and exposed aluminium details. Yamaha lists 410 lb wet and a 32.9-inch seat.

Who it's for: a rider who wants classic looks with a light, lively and thoroughly modern twin underneath, and a bike that is easy to customise.

Royal Enfield INT 650

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027.

The INT 650 is the honest, analogue roadster of this log. Its 648 cc air/oil-cooled twin makes 47 hp and 54 Nm, with piggy-back twin shocks, a wide handlebar and steering geometry (24 degrees, 106 mm trail) tuned for town and highway. Royal Enfield lists six colours in North America, including a blacked-out version with cast wheels and tubeless tyres.

Who it's for: a rider who prefers relaxed, mechanical character and easy customisation over cutting-edge electronics.

Small-capacity and learner-friendly bikes

Road bikes under 500 cc that suit learners and A2 licence holders, though plenty of experienced riders choose them too. Light weight is a feature, not a compromise.

Yamaha MT-03

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Yamaha's US site lists the 2026 MT-03.

The MT-03 is the smallest twin here. Yamaha's 321 cc engine uses a counterbalancer for smoothness, with an assist-and-slipper clutch, inverted KYB forks and phone connectivity. It weighs 373 lb wet with a 30.7-inch seat.

Who it's for: a new or A2 rider who wants manageable size and twin-cylinder smoothness in a compact city bike.

KTM 390 Duke

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. KTM's US site lists the 2026 390 Duke.

The 390 Duke is the sharpest bike in its class. KTM lists a 398.7 cc single with 45 PS and 39 Nm, 165 kg fully fuelled, and electronics more usually seen on bigger bikes: cornering ABS, Supermoto ABS, Street/Rain/Track modes, launch control and a lap timer, all on a 5-inch TFT.

Who it's for: a confident learner who wants playful, sharp handling and electronics to grow into.

Honda CB500 Hornet

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK lists a 2026 E-Clutch version.

The CB500 Hornet is the grown-up A2 choice. Honda lists a 471 cc twin with 35 kW (47 hp), exactly the A2 limit, and 43 Nm. It has a 785 mm seat, Honda Selectable Torque Control and a 5-inch TFT with RoadSync. Honda UK also lists an E-Clutch version, worth trying if clutch control in traffic is what worries you.

Who it's for: a learner moving up to a full A2 licence who wants a stable, practical naked bike they won't outgrow in a year.

Electric motorcycles

Electric motorcycles have had a turbulent few years: some brands have disappeared, while others have arrived. These three cover a full-size naked bike, an urban performance bike and an approachable commuter.

Zero SR/F

2027 status: 2027 imagery. Zero's page uses an MY27 lead image but prints no model year.

The SR/F is the most complete electric naked bike here. Zero lists a Z-Force 75-10 motor with 111 hp and 140 lb-ft, a 17.3 kWh battery, 176 miles of claimed city range and 124 mph top speed. Its optimal charge time is listed at 1.1 hours, and it weighs 500 lb (227 kg) with a 787 mm seat.

Who it's for: a rider who wants naked-bike acceleration and full-size proportions, and whose riding fits within its range.

LiveWire S2 Del Mar

2027 status: 2027 imagery. LiveWire's gallery assets are labelled 2027.

The Del Mar is the fun one. LiveWire lists 84 hp (63 kW) and 194 ft-lb, a 10.5 kWh battery, 436 lb and a claimed 3.0 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. Its flat-track style comes with 19-inch wheels, a Brembo monobloc front caliper and a fully adjustable Showa fork. On Level 2, charging from 20 to 80 per cent takes 78 minutes.

Who it's for: an urban rider who values instant shove and playful handling over touring range.

Can-Am Pulse

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Can-Am's page is the 2026 Pulse.

Can-Am's return to two wheels is a compact electric naked bike. BRP's Rotax E-Power motor makes 47 hp peak (27 hp continuous) and 53 lb-ft, with a clutchless direct drive. Can-Am quotes up to 100 miles of city range (80 combined), and Level 2 charging from 20 to 80 per cent takes 50 minutes. Four drive modes, traction control, ABS and a 41 mm KYB inverted fork round it out.

Who it's for: a city commuter who wants an approachable, light-feeling electric bike with enough range for daily use.

Scooters and maxi-scooters

Scooters are the most practical motorcycles on sale, and the big ones cope with the motorway too. Two of these three are Hondas because Honda's pages were the most complete; the BMW and Yamaha pages I tried didn't offer enough official photographs.

Honda Forza 750

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK's page uses 2025 product imagery.

The Forza 750 is a GT maxi-scooter with a motorcycle engine: an eight-valve parallel twin making 43 kW and 69 Nm, through Honda's DCT gearbox, now tuned for smoother low-speed control. Honda quotes a potential 370 km range from 13.2 litres, plus cruise control, a 5-inch TFT with RoadSync and an electrically adjustable screen.

Who it's for: a rider who wants scooter convenience and weather protection with genuine motorway pace.

Honda ADV350

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Honda UK's page uses 2025 product imagery.

The ADV350 is an adventure-styled crossover scooter. Its 330 cc single makes 21.5 kW and 31.5 Nm, with two-level traction control, a 795 mm seat and 48 litres of under-seat storage, enough for two full-face helmets, Honda says. A 5-inch TFT, RoadSync, USB-C and a four-position screen complete it.

Who it's for: a commuter who wants storage, easy low-speed manners and motorway capability, plus the odd rough road.

Suzuki Burgman 400

2027 status: current model, carrying into 2027. Suzuki's US site lists the 2026 Burgman 400.

The Burgman is the comfortable long-hauler of the scooter world: a 400 cc DOHC single with a CVT gearbox, rider-selectable traction control, ABS, a 3.6-gallon tank and roomy two-up ergonomics.

Who it's for: a commuter or two-up tourer who wants an automatic, a big fairing and plenty of comfort.

Which category is yours?

Start with the riding you do most weeks, not the trip you might take once.

flowchart TD
  accTitle: Find your 2027 motorcycle category
  accDescr: Mostly road riding leads to naked, sport, touring, cruiser or retro bikes. Dirt riding leads to adventure, dual-sport or motocross. City riding leads to scooters, small bikes or electric. Every route ends with a fit, licence and budget check.
  A["What will you mostly ride?"] --> B["Paved roads"]
  A --> C["Gravel and trails"]
  A --> D["Town and commuting"]
  B --> B1["Fast and sporty: superbike or naked"]
  B --> B2["Long distance: touring or big adventure"]
  B --> B3["Relaxed: cruiser or retro"]
  C --> C1["Travel with luggage: middleweight adventure"]
  C --> C2["Trails first: enduro or dual-sport"]
  C --> C3["Racing: motocross"]
  D --> D1["Practical: scooter"]
  D --> D2["Learning: small-capacity bike"]
  D --> D3["Short, regular trips: electric"]
  B1 --> E["Check fit, licence, insurance and total cost"]
  B2 --> E
  B3 --> E
  C1 --> E
  C2 --> E
  C3 --> E
  D1 --> E
  D2 --> E
  D3 --> E

In words: road riders choose between sport, touring and relaxed bikes. Riders heading off-road choose by how much luggage and road time they need. Town riders pick a scooter, a small bike or an electric. Then let fit, licence category and total cost decide.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wait for the 2027 model?

Only if a confirmed change matters to you. Most bikes in this log carry over largely unchanged, so a well-priced outgoing model can be the better buy. For the bikes that really are new (the Panigale V4, the 1390 Super Adventure, the DR-Z4S and the 2027 motocross bikes), compare the new specification against discounts on the outgoing model.

Why are so many bikes "carrying into 2027"?

Because it is October. Many manufacturers publish their next model year after the autumn shows, and some only change colours. I would rather label a bike honestly than guess what its 2027 page will say.

Why are there no prices?

Prices vary by country, taxes, trim and dealer offers, and they change during the year. Get local quotes for identically equipped bikes, including on-the-road costs.

Which of these is the best first motorcycle?

Look first at the small-capacity section, the CRF300L and the Himalayan, but training, licensing and fit come first. Nothing in this log replaces an instructor's advice or a test ride.

Sources and photo credits

Manufacturer information

Checked for this log on 16 October 2026. These are live pages, so specifications and the displayed model year may change. Specifications are manufacturer claims; category picks and "who it's for" lines are my editorial judgement.

Superbikes and supersports

1. Ducati Panigale V4, Ducati USA.
2. Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor USA.
3. Triumph Daytona 660, Triumph Motorcycles.

Naked bikes and streetfighters

4. Ducati Streetfighter V4, Ducati USA.
5. Yamaha MT-09, Yamaha Motor USA.
6. Triumph Street Triple 765, Triumph Motorcycles.

Touring and sport-touring

7. Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, Honda UK.
8. Yamaha Tracer 9, Yamaha Motor USA.
9. Ducati SuperSport 950, Ducati USA.

Big adventure bikes

10. KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO (2027), KTM USA.
11. Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE (2027), Suzuki USA.
12. Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, Triumph Motorcycles.

Middleweight and small adventure bikes

13. Yamaha Ténéré 700, Yamaha Motor USA.
14. Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Suzuki USA.
15. Royal Enfield Himalayan, Royal Enfield UK.

Enduro and dual-sport

16. Suzuki DR-Z4S (2027), Suzuki USA.
17. Husqvarna FE 501S (2027), Husqvarna Motorcycles USA.
18. Honda CRF300L and specifications, Honda UK.

Motocross

19. KTM 450 SX-F (2027), KTM USA.
20. Yamaha YZ450F (2027), Yamaha Motor USA.
21. Husqvarna FC 450 (2027), Husqvarna Motorcycles USA.

Cruisers and baggers

22. Harley-Davidson Road Glide and specifications, Harley-Davidson USA.
23. Honda CMX1100 Rebel and specifications, Honda UK.
24. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, Royal Enfield USA.

Retro and modern classics

25. Triumph Bonneville T100 and specification, Triumph Motorcycles.
26. Yamaha XSR700, Yamaha Motor USA.
27. Royal Enfield INT 650, Royal Enfield USA.

Small-capacity and learner-friendly bikes

28. Yamaha MT-03, Yamaha Motor USA.
29. KTM 390 Duke and technical specifications, KTM USA.
30. Honda CB500 Hornet and specifications, Honda UK.

Electric motorcycles

31. Zero SR/F, Zero Motorcycles.
32. LiveWire S2 Del Mar, LiveWire.
33. Can-Am Pulse, BRP.

Scooters and maxi-scooters

34. Honda Forza 750, Honda UK.
35. Honda ADV350, Honda UK.
36. Suzuki Burgman 400, Suzuki USA.

Photographs

All 108 photographs are official manufacturer images, downloaded on 16 October 2026 from the model page listed above for each bike (or that manufacturer's own image servers). They are reproduced for editorial purposes: news reporting and review. Copyright stays with each manufacturer: Ducati Motor Holding, Yamaha Motor, Triumph Motorcycles, Honda Motor Europe, KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, Harley-Davidson, Zero Motorcycles, LiveWire and BRP. They are not covered by this site's code licence, and no manufacturer endorsement is implied.

Every image was resized to at most 1,400 pixels wide, had its metadata stripped and was converted to WebP; nothing else was edited. Captions note where an image comes from an earlier model year's material rather than the current or 2027 model.