Harley’s iconic Road Glide bagger is completely redesigned for 2024 but you can still easily recognize the shark nose fairing. (Harley-Davidson/)

We saw Harley’s returning models announced earlier this month but now the Milwaukee brand has revealed the ones with updates for 2024. The two with the most significant revisions are the reworked 2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide and 2024 Road Glide, both getting many of the same styling, suspension, and electronics upgrades that initially appeared on their CVO Street Glide and Road Glide counterparts last year (both of which return for 2024 unchanged).

The redesigned 2024 Street Glide (and Road Glide) now rolls with the more powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine and upgraded Showa suspension. (Harley-Davidson/)

2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide | $25,999

Headline news for both the Street Glide and Road Glide models this year is the bigger Milwaukee-Eight 117 powerplant, which adds new liquid-cooled cylinder heads as well as a new cooling system. It’s a major upgrade from last year’s standard bikes, which rolled with the M-8 107 powerplant and produced just 86 hp at 5,020 rpm (claimed); for the M-8 117 mill, we’re looking at a healthier 105 hp and 130 lb.-ft. of torque (again, H-D’s claimed numbers). While there’s no variable valve timing on this engine as on the CVO’s VVT 121ci engine, it’s still a nice boost.

Related: 2023 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Anniversary Review

A 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen dominates the inside of the fairing and allows access to infotainment as well as performance adjustments. (Harley-Davidson/)

Harley also says the bikes are lighter as well as more powerful and comfortable than the outgoing models, and 2024 also sees the addition of a new infotainment system for both Glides, complete with a new 200-watt audio amplifier to power a pair of fairing-mounted speakers. You now navigate the menu via a huge 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen, which is where you can also select from four ride modes: Rain, Road, Sport, and Custom. This giant screen is also where you’ll interact with the infotainment systems on both models, as it replaces all the previous analog instrumentation and most switches.

New LED lighting strips and adjustable air vanes mark the fork-mounted batwing fairing on the 2024 Street Glide. (Harley-Davidson/)

The visuals have been tweaked too, with modern, more sculpted styling cues, particularly in the Street Glide’s redesigned fork-mounted fairing and the Road Glide’s frame-mounted unit. Both fairings also offer improved air management, according to H-D, while still keeping the classic batwing and shark nose profiles. The fuel tanks also feature a new shape, while the one-piece seat’s shape has been redesigned and the padding improved for long-haul comfort.

Redesigned fairing on the 2024 Road Glide also features a new windshield with air management and revised LED lighting arrangement. (Harley-Davidson/)

2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide | $25,999

On the suspension front, we see a new 49mm Showa fork (with Dual Bending Valve internals) that offers 4.6 inches of travel along with preload-adjustable dual shocks that increase travel to (ahem) 3 inches. The bikes also receive larger 320mm brake rotors with radial-mount calipers up front and a 300mm disc at the rear.

As the bikes are purported to be lighter this year, that should result in noticeably better stopping power. But all the upgrades to these standard models have likely made the ST versions of the Street and Road Glide redundant; the only ST you’ll find in the 2024 lineup is the completely hopped-up CVO Road Glide ST, featuring a Milwaukee-Eight 121 HO engine.

Related: 2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide First Look Preview

Both the Road Glide and the Street Glide can be ordered in Chrome or Black trim options. Base MSRP for both bikes is $25,999, but black trim adds $1,350. (Harley-Davidson/)

2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide / 2024 Road Glide Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Harley celebrates the CVO program’s 25th anniversary with the release of the new 2024 CVO Road Glide ST performance bagger. (Harley-Davidson/)

Given the massive popularity of and Harley-Davidson’s success within the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers race series, it was only a matter of time before Milwaukee threw down a tribute cruiser to celebrate last year’s championship-winning racebikes. And here it is; leading the CVO lineup for 2024 is the new CVO Road Glide ST, which Harley bills as “the quickest, fastest, and most-sophisticated performance bagger” the brand has ever produced. Although it’s not quite a factory racebike, the touring bike comes dang close, with key features like the Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin engine, fully adjustable suspension, premium Brembo braking components, and electronically controlled ride modes.

The 2024 CVO Road Glide ST flaunts its aggressive West Coast style with a deep solo seat and 6-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar that plants the rider in an attack position. The bike is available in two premium finishes; this one is called Golden White Pearl. (Harley-Davidson/)

With the ST designation already hinting at the CVO Road Glide ST’s performance intent, its placement in the CVO series allows this bike to also channel much of 2023′s CVO Road Glide overhaul, including a more powerful version of the Milwaukee-Eight 121 engine, electronic rider aids, and that new, more aggressive styling.

And since the CVO series is meant to showcase the best-in-class performance, paint, and parts—and 2024 is also the 25th anniversary of said series—H-D decided to throw the kitchen sink at this machine, with everything from premium color to exotic carbon fiber finishes, while mixing in a few cues from the King of the Baggers racebikes for good measure. That includes a Screamin’ Eagle graphic on the fairing sides and fuel tank, while CVO 25th Anniversary graphics celebrate the series’ milestone run.

Related: 2020 Harley-Davidson CVO Tri Glide First Ride Review

The CVO Road Glide ST embraces the “performance bagger” category courtesy of a Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-twin engine tuned to produce more horsepower and torque than the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121. (Harley-Davidson/)

Although Harley’s Factory Team Road Glide motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate engines, the 121 mill is no slouch, especially in the High Output version seen here on the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST (exclusive to this bike). For instance, it adds a high-performance camshaft, a high-performance air intake, and an increased 5,900 rpm redline that combines to produce a claimed 127 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque—”the most horsepower and torque yet from a factory-installed engine in a production Harley-Davidson motorcycle” says Harley. A low final drive ratio is said to enhance acceleration performance in every gear, while selectable ride modes—Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and multiple Custom modes—electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.

Fully adjustable front and rear suspension includes inverted 47mm Showa 1×1 fork and adjustable Showa rear shocks with remote reservoirs. (Harley-Davidson/)

Continuing the performance theme are fully adjustable front suspension with inverted 47mm Showa 1×1 fork, and adjustable Showa rear shocks with remote reservoirs.

Harley also touts the ST’s use of alternate materials, like lightweight titanium on the mufflers, forged carbon fiber for the end caps, and forged carbon fiber composite on the front fender, seat cowl, and tank console. The wheel design and wave-style front brake rotors are also optimized to minimize unsprung weight; Harley claims 800 pounds as a dry weight for the CVO ST.

TFT touchscreen is shared with the standard Road Glide, but the CVO ST gets a more premium audio system with Rockford Fosgate speakers. (Harley-Davidson/)

Then again, the CVO ST also packs on plenty of infotainment tech, navigated via the same color touchscreen seen on the standard Road Glide, but paired with a premium audio system featuring a 500-watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Rockford Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch fairing speakers. (So much for saving weight.)

The ST also wears an aggressive West Coast custom style to make sure you get the performance intent, with a deep solo seat and 6-inch riser paired with a moto handlebar that plants the rider in an aggressive, upright position.

You’ll be able to choose from two premium paint choices when the 2024 CVO Road Glide ST hits dealerships later this month: Golden White Pearl or Raven Metallic.

MSRP is $42,999.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Kawasaki now offers a new option for mid-displacement sportbike riders in the Ninja 500, the latest in a platform evolution that began with the Ninja 250 and progressed through the 300 and 400. The 500 is available in several configurations, which are listed below along with MSRPs.

Kawasaki offers midsize sportbike riders a new option in 2024 with the Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)

Ninja 500: $5,299

Ninja 500 KRT Edition: $5,499

Ninja 500 ABS: $5,699–$5,899

Ninja 500 SE ABS: $6,399

Ninja 500 KRT Edition SE ABS: $6,399

Ninja 500 SE 40th Anniversary Edition ABS: $6,599

If you’re familiar and amenable with the Ninja 400, you’ll be pleased to know that the 500 is essentially the same machine packaged with a new 451cc parallel-twin engine. That 52cc bump comes by way of a 6.8mm-longer stroke and updated compression ratio. It has a new crankshaft, con-rods, pistons, and updated hard alumite piston treatment. Kawasaki is touting 51 hp at 10,000 rpm for the new mill and 31.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm.

Kawasaki increased stroke and updated several components to create the new 451cc parallel-twin engine. (Kawasaki/)

Apart from the increase in engine capacity and the accompanying modifications required to dial the powerplant, the 500 is a near carbon copy of the 400 mechanically. It has the same 41mm fork with 4.7 inches travel and horizontal back-link shock. Braking specs are the same, as are seat height, fuel capacity, rake and trail, frame design, fueling, and the six-speed gearbox.

The new Ninja 500 gets an updated LCD dash and more comfortable seat. (Kawasaki/)

In terms of creature comforts, the 500 does have some amenities that the 400 lacks. These include a new LCD instrument panel with Bluetooth connectivity. When connected and utilizing the Rideology app, riders can access riding logs, bike info, call notices, the maintenance log, and communication sharing settings. The seat is a slightly different shape as well, made to improve rider comfort in the relaxed, yet sporty ride position of the bike. It has updated LED headlights and taillights as well.

Available colors vary depending on trim you select, so check with your local Kawasaki dealer to see what’s available.

The 40th Anniversary trim looks sharp on the new Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)

The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500. (Kawasaki/)

Mechanically, the Ninja 500 is strikingly similar to its sibling, the Ninja 400. (Kawasaki/)

More power and torque while retaining its rider-friendly appeal. (Kawasaki/)

New con-rods, crankshaft, pistons, and piston treatments are highlights of the changes made to the mill. (Kawasaki/)

The 2024 Ninja 500, undressed. (Kawasaki/)

2024 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Technical Specifications and Price

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Royal Enfield released its brand-new 2024 Shotgun 650 cruiser late last year. It should hit US dealers by springtime. (Royal Enfield/)

Just a couple of months after its new Super Meteor cruiser launch, Royal Enfield has taken the covers of the fourth model in its 650 twins platform with the 2024 Shotgun 650. The newest parallel-twin-engined model joins the Super Meteor as well as the INT650 and Continental GT standards in the series, and is basically the production version of the SG650 Concept shown at EICMA 2021. The new bike reworks the brand’s usual retro formula to a large degree, mashing styling elements from the bobber, retro, and modern worlds to create a more modern interpretation of their classics, though you can still see hints of that “heritage” DNA. At the launch, Enfield called the design “retro-futuristic,” and emphasized the bike’s customization potential, but underneath that unique neo-retro styling, the Shotgun shares its frame, gearbox, and brakes (in addition to the engine) with the Super Meteor cruiser.

The Shotgun’s revised geometry gives it a more aggressive stance with a shorter front fork (still inverted), tighter rake, and shorter wheelbase. Rear shocks are taller as well, raising the rear end. Here it is in Plasma Blue. (Royal Enfield/)

In short, the Shotgun’s mill is that same familiar air/oil-cooled SOHC 648cc parallel twin with four valves per cylinder and a counterbalanced crankshaft with a 270-degree firing interval. There are no internal tweaks to speak of, so the engine’s power and output figures are right in line with the other 650s, spitting out a claimed 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,650 rpm.

As with the Super Meteor, power flows through a six-speed gearbox, and it’s all packed into the same steel frame with a stout 41mm inverted Showa fork connecting to the front. The braking arrangement is identical too, with two-pot ByBre calipers and a 320mm disc front/300mm disc rear, augmented by ABS and braided stainless steel lines.

Related: 2021 Royal Enfield INT650

As the fourth model in the 650 twins platform, the Shotgun 650 rolls with the same air/oil-cooled SOHC 648cc parallel-twin engine as the Super Meteor. Wheel sizes are 18 inches front and 17 rear. (Royal Enfield/)

The digital-analog combo instrument cluster is all shared with the Super Meteor as well, though on the other side of that is the Shotgun’s LED headlamp, which is fitted into its own gorgeous aluminum nacelle. Back in the cockpit, you’ll also see the Tripper navigation system, but on the Shotgun 650 you also get the just launched Royal Enfield Wingman in-app feature, which keeps riders updated on the motorcycle’s live location, fuel and engine oil levels, service reminders, and more. That feature will no doubt trickle down to other models as well.

Where the Shotgun goes its own way is via different chassis geometry, with revised ergonomics, tweaked suspension, and fresh bodywork; the design team changed the bike’s stance by dropping the front end and raising the rear. In real terms, that means the fork is 33mm (1.3 inches) shorter (though it has the same Separate Function Big Piston internals) and the exposed rear shocks are 20mm (0.8 inch) taller, but offer less travel (now 3.5 inches).

Custom cues include blacked-out engine components, chopped fenders, and a smaller tank. Shown is the solo seat configuration; the bike comes with a removable passenger seat. (Royal Enfield/)

Other key differences include an 18-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel on the Shotgun, as opposed to a 19/16 combo on the Super Meteor; a shorter wheelbase, at 57.7 inches; and a steeper 25.3-degree rake, with the reduced trail at 4 inches. The seat height is taller as well, sitting at 31.3 inches, with lower-set mid-mount controls positioned below, instead of the forwards on the Super Meteor. The lower, narrower handlebar also contributes to a massively changed riding position.

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Cruiser Review

Another very trick detail includes this sweet neo-modern aluminum nacelle enclosing an LED headlight. (Royal Enfield/)

One of the clever design elements on the Shotgun is the passenger seat pad/removable subframe and luggage rack. The pillion can be removed by twisting a key, revealing the solo seat bobber look you see in these photos. The rear subframe too is removable, but you’ll need to undo four bolts. This feature alone should inspire folks to personalize the bike, and at the launch, Enfield was quick to jump on that theme, saying that the Shotgun’s custom-inspired styling is meant to “act as a blank canvas for customization and personalization.”

Given the Shotgun’s minimal aesthetic and custom-influenced styling cues—we’re talking chopped fenders, harder edges, a smaller tank, and blacked-out components—it’s not hard to see that Enfield is looking to tap into the accessory aftermarket, going so far as the to release 31 of its own RE accessories (that also can be fitted to most of the other Enfield 650s, we’re told). Royal Enfield has also partnered with US apparel manufacturer Icon Motosports for a line of branded clothing and helmets, with more details to be announced.

Cockpit rear view reveals a lower, narrower handlebar and differently shaped fuel tank on the Shotgun than the Super Meteor. Instrumentation is the same. (Bar-end mirrors are accessory items.) (Royal Enfield/)

The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 will be launched across global markets early this year, and is expected to hit the US sometime in spring of 2024. The model will come in four colors: Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, and Sheetmetal Grey, which will be available in all markets. At this point we only have pricing for a few markets: the bike is 6,699 pounds in the UK; and a quoted 7,590 euros for Germany and France. For comparison, those prices are slightly below the current base price of the Super Meteor in those areas. As an FYI: In the US, the base Super Meteor 650 goes for $6,999.

Stay tuned.

The Shotgun’s 43mm USD Showa fork has the same internals as the Super Meteor’s, but is 33mm shorter, giving the bike a different geometry and stance. ByBre brake arrangement is the same. (Royal Enfield/)

Enfield is releasing more than 30 accessories for the Shotgun 650, including bar-end mirrors, different solo seats, and contrast-cut billet rims to name a few. (Royal Enfield/)

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun Technical Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Catch the main acts of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Veterans Park in Milwaukee. (Harley-Davidson/)

The Homecoming event will be marked by a number of musical acts, with headliners including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll, and Hardy. Other artists include Cypress Hill, The Offspring, Warren Zeiders, Hueston, Irontom, and a handful of others.

The broader Homecoming Festival is a celebration of Willie G. Davidson, grandson of H-D co-founder William A. Davidson. Willie G. was part of the company for nearly 50 years, retiring from his position as Chief Styling Officer in 2012. Events are planned for Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, local dealerships, Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations, and Davidson Park.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a headline act of the 2024 event. (Harley-Davidson/)

Event-goers can plan to take a tour of company headquarters or its operations facility, catch a show and enjoy vendors outside the museum, and take part in a number of different community rides. Full details of all the events are at hdhomecoming.com.

The event will honor Willie G., grandson of the co-founder of Harley-Davidson and an almost 50-year employee with the company. (Harley-Davidson/)

Two-day general admission tickets start at $200 while two-day VIP tickets will start at $475. There are a number of one-day ticket options as well as tickets for add-on experiences also.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com