S11E07: Best New Motorcycles of 2026: Our Picks
About this episode
Excitement builds as Zach and Spurge dive into the best new motorcycles of 2026, sharing their top picks and reflections on the previous year. The episode features a humorous debate about a delivery robot that accidentally tips over a motorcycle on a Los Angeles sidewalk, prompting discussions on parking etiquette and technology's role in urban environments. They also touch on innovations like noise-canceling helmets and gear oil maintenance, making this episode a blend of motorcycle enthusiasm and contemporary issues.
The $6,000 Harley-Davidson, Honda's automatic clutch, the "vicious" KTM 990 RC R superbike, and much, much more are discussed as Zack and Spurg preview the most exciting motorcycles, tech, and industry shifts coming in 2026!
We also have an "Am I the A-hole" debate involving a delivery robot and a parked Harley… and we're joined by gear expert Pat McHugh to discuss the future of hearing protection: Cardo's active noise-canceling helmet.
Check out more from RevZilla:
- Common Tread: News, opinions, and written reviews
- RevZillaTV: Bike reviews, How-To's, and product videos
gear oil
"...But what about your gear oil? What if you're out there on a shaft drive motorcycle, burning up the miles, and you haven't checked out your gearbox lately?"
Gear oil is a special type of oil used to keep the gears in vehicles running smoothly. It helps prevent damage and makes sure everything works well together.
Gear oil is a lubricant specifically designed for the gears in a vehicle's transmission and differential. It helps reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth operation and longevity of these components.
final drive system
"...That final drive system, that needs some attention."
The final drive system is the part of a vehicle that helps send power from the engine to the wheels. It's important for making sure the vehicle moves properly.
The final drive system is the mechanism that transfers power from the transmission to the wheels. It typically includes the differential and is crucial for delivering torque to the tires effectively.
Harley-Davidson Sportster
"...it looks like a Harley-Davidson Sportster parked their motorcycle in the middle..."
The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a type of motorcycle that is well-known for being easy to ride and customize. It's a favorite among many motorcycle enthusiasts.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a popular line of motorcycles known for their lightweight design and classic styling. They are often favored for both cruising and custom builds.
Suzuki SV650
"you must be excited about the Suzuki SV7 GX, which is an SV 650 powered upright thing, blah, blah, blah."
The Suzuki SV650 is a motorcycle that many riders enjoy because it's easy to handle and has a powerful engine. It's a great choice for those who want to ride for fun or commute.
The Suzuki SV650 is a popular middleweight motorcycle known for its versatile performance and user-friendly characteristics. It features a V-twin engine, making it suitable for both new and experienced riders.
Tiger Sport 800
"I will say that I was also excited about the Tiger Sport 800 last year. I rode it on Daily Rider. I was ultimately a little underwhelmed by it."
The Tiger Sport 800 is a motorcycle made by Triumph that is built for both fun rides and long trips. It's designed to be comfortable and easy to handle, whether you're in the city or on the highway.
The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is a sport-touring motorcycle designed for comfort and performance on both city streets and long-distance rides. It combines agility with touring capabilities, making it a versatile choice for riders.
horsepower
"Comfortable, but also like, you know, I don't need it to have 180 horsepower, you know, to have a good time on it."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
KTM Super Adventure 1390 S Evo
"...we are planning on seeing in 2026 as a 2026 2027 model is KTM is coming out with a Super Adventure 1390 S Evo, as well as an update to the the R..."
The KTM Super Adventure 1390 S Evo is a motorcycle made by KTM that is built for both long trips and off-road riding. It's known for being powerful and having lots of features to help riders on different types of roads.
The KTM Super Adventure 1390 S Evo is a high-performance adventure motorcycle designed for both on-road and off-road capabilities. It features advanced technology and a powerful engine, making it suitable for long-distance touring and rugged terrain.
KTM Super Adventure 1290
"It's been a while since I rode a KTM Super Adventure 1290. I don't think I've ever even ridden a 1390, but I do think that that engine is terrific on the Mount Rushmore of engines..."
The KTM Super Adventure 1290 is a type of motorcycle that can handle both city streets and rough terrain. It's powerful and has a lot of modern features, making it popular among riders who want a mix of adventure and comfort.
The KTM Super Adventure 1290 is a high-performance adventure motorcycle known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It's designed for both on-road and off-road riding, making it a versatile choice for motorcyclists.
Triumph
"I think we'd be remiss if we did not mention updates to the Triumph Street Triple RS and Moto 2X, which are, that's becoming sort of more of a premium offering in Triumph's lineup..."
Triumph is a well-known brand that makes motorcycles. They are famous for their stylish and powerful bikes, like the Street Triple.
Triumph is a British motorcycle manufacturer known for its iconic bikes, including the Bonneville and the Street Triple. They have a strong presence in both the sport and touring motorcycle segments.
KTM 990 RCR
"The thing that I, we have on the list here, KTM's 990 RCR, which is a bike..."
The KTM 990 RCR is a type of motorcycle made by KTM, a company known for making fast and powerful bikes, especially for racing.
The KTM 990 RCR is a motorcycle known for its performance and racing pedigree. KTM is an Austrian manufacturer that specializes in off-road and sport motorcycles.
Ducati Panigale V2
"Panigale V2, which uses a smaller engine, less horsepower, less weight. And then the Yamaha YZF R9, which takes the M209 engine and puts it in a sport bike."
The Ducati Panigale V2 is a type of sport motorcycle that is lighter and has less power than some other models. It's designed for speed and agility, making it a popular choice among motorcycle enthusiasts.
The Ducati Panigale V2 is a sport motorcycle known for its lightweight design and powerful engine. It features a smaller engine compared to its higher-spec siblings, making it more accessible for riders looking for performance without the extreme power levels.
parallel twin engine
"It's a big parallel twin, almost 1,000 cc's. It's a street based engine, but they built around it a sport chassis and then put a fairing on it and winglets and premium componentry for breaking and suspension and stuff like that."
A parallel twin engine is a type of engine that has two cylinders next to each other. It's common in motorcycles and helps them be smaller and lighter while still providing good power.
A parallel twin engine is a type of internal combustion engine with two cylinders arranged side by side. This configuration is known for its compact size and smooth power delivery, making it popular in motorcycles.
sport chassis
"It's a street based engine, but they built around it a sport chassis and then put a fairing on it and winglets and premium componentry for breaking and suspension and stuff like that."
A sport chassis is a type of motorcycle frame that is made for speed and better handling. It helps the bike stay stable and responsive when riding fast.
A sport chassis refers to a motorcycle frame designed for high performance, offering improved handling and stability at speed. It typically features a stiffer construction and optimized geometry for aggressive riding.
fairing
"and then put a fairing on it and winglets and premium componentry for breaking and suspension and stuff like that."
A fairing is a cover on a motorcycle that helps it cut through the wind better. It makes riding faster and more comfortable by protecting the rider from the wind.
A fairing is a shell or covering on a motorcycle that reduces wind resistance and improves aerodynamics. It helps protect the rider from wind and contributes to the overall performance of the bike.
winglets
"and winglets and premium componentry for breaking and suspension and stuff like that. And I think it's a fun, I think it's a really interesting and cool category of motorcycles that those three, those are sort of like the upper echelon of"
Winglets are small wing-like structures on a motorcycle that help it stay stable when going fast. They push the bike down to the ground, making it easier to handle.
Winglets are aerodynamic devices attached to motorcycles to improve downforce and stability at high speeds. They help keep the bike grounded and enhance handling during aggressive riding.
Ducati 916
"I remember when a 916 Ducati was the fastest sucker on the block. Sure. I remember that too."
The Ducati 916 is a famous motorcycle from the 1990s known for being very fast and stylish. It had a unique engine and was popular among motorcycle fans.
The Ducati 916 is a sport motorcycle that was highly regarded for its performance and design in the 1990s. It featured a powerful V-twin engine and was known for its agility and speed, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and racers alike.
racing homologation
"...first of all is racing homologation. As long as, as long as the big brands are going racing on a domestic and world championship level..."
Racing homologation is when car makers produce a limited number of cars that are similar to the ones they race. This is needed to follow the rules of racing and allows them to compete in events.
Racing homologation refers to the process where a manufacturer produces a certain number of vehicles to meet racing regulations, allowing them to compete in motorsports. This process ensures that the vehicles are closely related to those available to the public.
super bikes
"...they're going to make and market the big super bikes, big 1000 cc and 1100 cc super bikes."
Super bikes are very fast and powerful motorcycles that are built for racing and high-speed riding. They have advanced features that help them perform well on the road or track.
Super bikes are high-performance motorcycles typically characterized by powerful engines, advanced technology, and superior handling. They are designed for speed and agility, often used in racing and sport riding.
GSXR 600
"...like GSXR 600 or GSXR 750s or, you know, Yamaha R6s of CBR 600s or even like 1000 cc sport bikes."
The GSXR 600 is a type of motorcycle made by Suzuki that is designed for speed and agility. It's often used by riders who want a fast and sporty bike.
The GSXR 600 is a sport motorcycle produced by Suzuki, known for its lightweight design and high performance. It's popular among riders who enjoy sporty handling and speed.
1000 cc sport bikes
"...or even like 1000 cc sport bikes. And they're uncomfortable and they don't make, they don't make a lot of horsepower..."
1000 cc sport bikes are powerful motorcycles with large engines. They're built for speed and are often used by serious riders or in racing events.
1000 cc sport bikes refer to high-performance motorcycles with engines that have a displacement of 1000 cubic centimeters. They are known for their power and speed, often used in racing.
Yamaha R6
"...like GSXR 600 or GSXR 750s or, you know, Yamaha R6s of CBR 600s or even like 1000 cc sport bikes."
The Yamaha R6 is a type of fast motorcycle made by Yamaha. It's designed for speed and is often used by riders who enjoy racing or sporty rides.
The Yamaha R6 is a high-performance sport motorcycle known for its agility and speed. It's popular among sportbike enthusiasts and is often used in racing.
CBR 600
"...like GSXR 600 or GSXR 750s or, you know, Yamaha R6s of CBR 600s or even like 1000 cc sport bikes."
The CBR 600 is a motorcycle made by Honda that is built for speed and performance. It's a favorite among riders who want a sporty bike that is also comfortable.
The CBR 600 is a sport motorcycle from Honda, recognized for its performance and handling. It's a popular choice among riders looking for a balance of power and comfort.
GSXR 750
"...like GSXR 600 or GSXR 750s or, you know, Yamaha R6s of CBR 600s or even like 1000 cc sport bikes."
The GSXR 750 is a sport motorcycle made by Suzuki that is known for being powerful and fun to ride. It's a popular choice for riders who want a bike that performs well.
The GSXR 750 is another sport motorcycle from Suzuki, offering a balance of power and handling. It is often favored for its performance on both the track and the street.
Fiat 600
"... 600 or GSXR 750s or, you know, Yamaha R6s of CBR 600s or even like 1000 cc sport bikes. And they're un..."
The Fiat 600 is a tiny car that was made a long time ago, designed to be cheap and easy to drive around the city. It helped many people in Italy get around after World War II.
The Fiat 600 is a compact city car produced by Fiat from the 1950s to the 1960s, known for its small size and affordability. It played a significant role in post-war Italy by providing affordable transportation to the masses.
Ford F450
"...n we saw a prototype in 2025 of an update for the F450 GS. And everybody's excited."
The Ford F-450 is a really big truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It's built for people who need a lot of power for work or other tough jobs.
The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty pickup truck designed for towing and hauling, often used in commercial applications. It is known for its robust performance and capability, making it a popular choice for those needing serious truck power.
Oldsmobile Intrigue
"... that. I think that for the price, it's going to intrigue a lot of riders. I think the styling is, I think..."
The Oldsmobile Intrigue is a car that was made in the late 1990s, designed to be stylish and fun to drive. It was part of an effort to make Oldsmobile cars more modern and appealing.
The Oldsmobile Intrigue was a mid-size sedan produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for its blend of style and performance. It represents Oldsmobile's attempt to modernize its lineup during a challenging time for the brand.
Harley Davidson
"Zach, the question remains, will we see a $6,000 Harley Davidson in the year 2026?"
Harley Davidson is a famous company that makes motorcycles, especially known for their big, powerful bikes. They have been around for a long time and are very popular among riders.
Harley Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its heavyweight cruiser motorcycles. Founded in 1903, the brand has a rich history and a loyal following.
Harley-Davidson 883
"I think that there is a possibility they could potentially bring back the 883, at least for the American market. Part of the reason they got away was that it wasn't meeting Euro standards..."
The Harley-Davidson 883 is a motorcycle that's part of the Sportster lineup. It's known for being a good entry-level bike with a classic look and feel.
The Harley-Davidson 883 is a model from the Sportster family, known for its lightweight and classic styling. It has been popular among riders for its accessibility and customization options.
MSRP
"...in 2026, he was able to buy Harley-Davidson with an MSRP under $6,000. And that was, we published that in July."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new vehicle. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost, but the actual price can be higher or lower depending on the dealership.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends retailers sell a vehicle for. It serves as a guideline for pricing but can vary based on dealer markups or discounts.
Indian motorcycles
"Indian motorcycles had an ownership change. So Zach asked a question earlier about when did Polaris take over controlling stake in Indian motorcycles?"
Indian motorcycles is a classic American motorcycle brand that has been around for over a century. They are known for their vintage style and powerful bikes.
Indian motorcycles is another historic American motorcycle brand, founded in 1901. It has a storied past and has undergone various ownership changes, with Polaris Industries acquiring it in 2011.
Polaris
"Polaris acquired the Indian brand 2011. And from 2011 until 2025, they did more for Indian, it could be argued, than any other ownership group of Indian since it was owned originally by when Indian was founded."
Polaris is a company that makes various vehicles, including motorcycles and snowmobiles. They bought Indian motorcycles and helped bring the brand back to life.
Polaris Industries is a manufacturer of motorcycles, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles. They acquired Indian motorcycles in 2011 and have since revitalized the brand.
Buick Roadmaster
"...nd then they have all the way up to full dresser, roadmaster. I think the roadmaster is still for sale, as fa..."
The Buick Roadmaster is a big, comfortable car that was made for many years, famous for its roomy seats and classic look. People talk about it because it reminds them of older cars that were built for cruising and relaxation.
The Buick Roadmaster is a full-size car that was produced by Buick from the 1930s to the 1990s, known for its spacious interior and classic styling. It represents a bygone era of American automotive design and is often discussed for its nostalgic value and comfort.
Porsche Cayenne
"...I remember when Porsche first came out with its SUV, first came out with the Cayenne, I think it was, and I don't remember what year that was..."
The Porsche Cayenne is an SUV made by Porsche, a company known for its sports cars. It was their first SUV and came out in 2002, which surprised many fans of the brand.
The Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size luxury SUV that was first introduced in 2002. It marked Porsche's entry into the SUV market, which surprised many enthusiasts who associated the brand solely with sports cars.
Honda That Honda
"...sarcasm thing. This is a new piece of technology that Honda is applying to. It's smallest motorcycle yet."
The Honda That's is a small car made by Honda, mostly for people in Japan. It's special because it's designed to be very practical and easy to drive in crowded cities.
The Honda That's is a compact car designed primarily for the Japanese market, known for its unique design and efficient use of space. It showcases Honda's innovative approach to urban mobility and compact car design.
Toyota T100
"time of this recording, uh, Dustin Whelan just released a first ride review of a new T 100, uh, T 120 and scrambler 900. I think, you know, well, you say new, well, how are they new"
The Toyota T100 is a big truck that Toyota made in the 1990s, known for being tough and lasting a long time. It was Toyota's way of trying to make a truck that could compete with larger American trucks.
The Toyota T100 was a full-size pickup truck produced in the 1990s, known for its reliability and durability. It was Toyota's first attempt at a larger truck, aiming to compete with American full-size pickups.
Ford F150 Lightning
"And, you know, there's a lot of write-offs happening right now, um, in the automotive side. Ford, Ford F-150 lightning being like, oh, just kidding, just kidding. Yeah. Yeah."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a special electric truck that looks like the regular Ford F-150 but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's important because it shows how car companies are moving towards cleaner energy and making trucks that are better for the environment.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup truck, combining the utility of a traditional truck with the benefits of electric power. It signifies Ford's commitment to electrification and aims to compete in the growing electric vehicle market.
Ural
"...is the Ural Neo. Uh, if you're not familiar with Ural, uh, Ural is a, uh, essentially a Russian company that, um, started making World War II knockoff sidecars a long time ago..."
Ural is a brand that makes motorcycles, especially ones with sidecars. They are known for their unique, old-fashioned style.
Ural is a Russian motorcycle manufacturer known for producing sidecars and motorcycles that have a vintage aesthetic, often reminiscent of World War II designs.
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