2019 is already upon us, and with it comes a host of new metal we can't wait to swing a leg over. Today we're counting down our Top 5 2019 Motorcycles we can't wait to ride this year.
Triumph Scrambler 1200
The first bike to make its way to New Zealand shores is the new hero of the Triumph Scrambler range, the Scrambler 1200. Available in two model variants, the extreme XE and the more approachable XC, the new Scrambler 1200 takes Triumph's scrambler motorcycle concept and gives it true adventure bike abilities in line with the bike's gnarly aesthetic.
Key features we're truly excited about are the long-travel suspension, which sees the bike lifted significantly over the previous generations of Triumph Scrambler we've seen - but it is the tech package that really has us frothing at the mouth.
Triumph teamed up with Google and GoPro to give riders something to play with on the bike's beautiful TFT display, with Google Maps and GoPro integration meaning the rider can navigate without the use of an extra device and can control their GoPro from the comfort of the bike as well.
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE - E for EXTREME - is the top dog of the new Scramblers and is priced at $24,490 plus on road costs.
Ducati Panigale V4 R
While the chances of us actually getting seat time in Ducati's new hero bike are pretty much slim to none, there was no way we weren't going to add the Ducati Panigale V4 R to this list.
Taking the already potent Panigale V4 to the next level was always going to be a tall ask, but somehow the engineers - or wizards, we haven't decided how much magic they've done quite yet - have somehow done it.
On top of the base bike, the biggest eye grabber is the carbon fibre canards attached to the fairing. Pinched straight outa MotoGP, they should help give the flying Ducati more stability at high speeds.
Seriously, this bike has wings. How cool is that?
KTM 790 Adventure R
June 2019 will see KTM's new lightweight Adventure model arrive in New Zealand, beating out its Blue competition by months for the dollar of keen Kiwi adventure riders.
While the 790 Adventure comes in two distinct flavours - the base and more road oriented 790 Adventure and the more off road capable 790 Adventure R – it is the R model which makes it onto our list.
Why?
For starters, the 790 Adventure R adds XXXmm of ground clearance over the base bike giving it real off-road character. At its heart is the new - and rather loved - LC8c parallel twin
And let's not forget it looks top notch as well. Here's hoping the plastics don't go the same route as the 790 Duke which feels a lot like the plastic you'd see on your kid's Tonka Truck.
Yamaha Tenere 700
We'll have to wait a little longer for the Yamaha Tenere 700 compared to the KTM, but we're sure it'll be worth the wait.
Based off the incredibly popular MT-07, the new Tenere 700 takes the CP2 parallel twin engine and gives it some adventure credibility with a whole new adventure chassis.
According to Yamaha Motor NZ boss, Alan Petrie, Yamaha had to rework the design after our Australian friends complained that it was too much of a soft roader. The result is a bike that looks like it is fighting fit and ready to take on the rest of the middleweight adventure class.
Things we really are looking forward to are the crisp response a gob-full of low-to-midrange torque we are already familiar with thanks to the MT-07.
With the Tenere 660 still holding its value in the second hand market, the new Tenere has a lot to live up to in the minds of riders. We're going to be waiting until the end of the year before we can find out just how good the new hero of the Yamaha Adventure family is though.
BMW S 1000 RR
BMW Motorrad New Zealand has yet to release arrival dates on the new S 1000 RR superbike, but we're happy to wait.
When first released in 2008, the first ever BMW Superbike was a total game changer for the 1000cc sportsbike class - essentially reinvigorating interest in the segment and saving it from complete collapse.
One thing that didn't set the world on fire however was the styling of the original S 1000 RR. In typical BMW Motorrad fashion, the bike sported polarising asymmetrical headlights, which, while distinctive certainly didn't win over much of the world.
Now for 2019 the S 1000 RR has received a total overhaul with the bike not only getting a thorough working over in the mechanical side, but also scoring a styling new look that is sure to win over prospective riders to the BMW stable.
We can't wait for the first BMW Motorrad NZ track day at Hampton Downs once this thing has arrived!