Classic Bike News January 2018 Sump Magazine

Classic Bike News January 2018 Sump Magazine A New Year A New Ride Whats Hot in 2018 The new year is here and with it comes the irresistible urge to hit the open road Whether youre looking to upgrade your current ride or are a firsttime buyer 2018 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for motorcycle enthusiasts Heres our pick of the hottest bikes hitting the market along with the trends shaping the industry The Big Three Still Dominant But With New Tricks Up Their Sleeves HarleyDavidson The iconic American brand is making a bold statement with the allnew MilwaukeeEight 107 engine boasting increased torque and a smoother ride Their lineup also includes the Street Bob a strippeddown cruiser perfect for urban adventures and the Sport Glide a comfortable and versatile touring bike that offers a great balance of performance and practicality Honda Honda continues to dominate the sportbike market with the CBR1000RR Fireblade featuring a revamped engine and a sophisticated electronic suite Their popular Gold Wing tourer is also getting a significant upgrade offering a sleeker design advanced technology and a more comfortable riding experience Yamaha Yamaha is pushing the boundaries with their YZFR1M and YZFR6 both equipped with cuttingedge electronics and aggressive styling The MT09 streetfighter continues to win hearts with its punchy performance and sharp handling Beyond the Big Three Smaller Players Making a Big Impact Triumph Triumph is captivating riders with their stylish and performanceoriented models The Bonneville Bobber Black offers a dark and menacing aesthetic while the Street Triple RS is a pure thrill machine for track days and spirited rides Ducati The Italian manufacturer is known for its highperformance machines and the Panigale V4 S is no exception This superbike boasts a powerful V4 engine and advanced electronics making it a contender for the crown KTM KTM is making waves in the adventure bike segment with the 1290 Super Adventure S a capable and comfortable machine ready for anything The Duke 790 also deserves a shout out offering a thrilling and affordable entry point into the naked sportbike category 2 The Electric Revolution More Than Just a Gimmick Zero Motorcycles Zero continues to lead the charge in the electric motorcycle market Their SRF is a stylish and powerful naked bike with a range of over 200 miles making it a serious contender for daily commuters HarleyDavidson Harley is dipping its toes into the electric motorcycle world with the LiveWire a futuristic machine that promises instant torque and a silent ride Other Contenders Other companies like Energica and Lightning Motorcycles are also making their mark with highperformance electric bikes pushing the boundaries of whats possible Tech Trends Shaping the Industry Electronics and Connectivity Expect to see more motorcycles equipped with advanced electronics including traction control ABS riding modes and even Bluetooth connectivity This will enhance safety performance and overall riding experience Lightweight Materials Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to reduce weight without compromising strength Carbon fiber and other lightweight materials are becoming increasingly common resulting in more agile and responsive bikes Sustainable Solutions Electric motorcycles are just the beginning Expect to see more innovation in the area of sustainable fuels and materials as manufacturers aim to reduce their environmental impact Buying Tips for 2018 Know Your Needs What kind of riding do you plan on doing Do you need a touring bike a sportbike or something in between Set a Budget Decide on a price range before you start shopping Test Ride Never buy a bike without taking it for a spin Compare Models Dont settle for the first bike you see Research and compare different models before making a decision Consider PreOwned You can often find great deals on used bikes Just make sure to get a thorough inspection before you buy Looking Ahead What to Expect in 2019 and Beyond More Electric Bikes Expect a rapid increase in the number and variety of electric motorcycles available Focus on Customization Manufacturers are recognizing the desire for personalized bikes so expect more options for customization and personalization Increased Safety Features Advanced safety features like blind spot detection and adaptive 3 cruise control are likely to become more common Connected Riding Experiences Expect to see more integrated technology that enhances the riding experience from navigation to entertainment 2018 is shaping up to be a truly exciting year for motorcycle enthusiasts With so many great new models and innovations theres never been a better time to hit the open road