2020 was a bad year, but there is hope on the horizon that 2021 could be back to somewhat normal. Despite it being a bad year, the motorcycle industry has been ploughing ahead paving great things for 2021.
Racing will be exciting
With big changes up and down the paddocks in every racing series, both national and international. Starting with Moto GP, Marc Marquez is currently battling his shoulder injury sustained from that mammoth highside at Valencia earlier this year. Whilst normally any race Marquez enters he normally wins, the confidence boost to some of the Moto GP youngsters could give him a great challenge in 2021, especially if he is battling fitness. Pol Espagaro joining the Repsol Honda team from KTM will be an exciting prospect.
Moto GP champions Ducati has promoted Jack Miller up to the factory hotseat, and 2020 Surprise package Suzuki hope to build on the massive success they have had this year.
Arguably the biggest change comes from Yamaha, who let’s be honest have been in trouble the past few years. The bike wasn’t working, with the 2019 bike outperforming the 2020 version, without taking anything away from Franco Morbidelli who has had a sublime season. Valentino Rossi drops from the Factory team to the SRT team, who in 2020 were outperforming the factory. A complete change in Rossi’s team personnel is a shame, but it could bring a set of fresh eyes to sort issues. Of course, it is harsh that we don’t see the iconic Rossi, Briggs and Stevens partnership end together.
World Superbikes
Well something might happen, Jonathan Rea will probably win, but the excitement comes with the arrival of the new BMW M1000RR, and the new ZX10RR. Can these two new bikes up the bar even more? Footage from the winter test shows the ZX10RR has incredible pace, arguably before any Rev limits are put in place. The big question is whether teams can get the M1000RR in time or at all.
British Superbikes
Its all scrambled again in British superbikes, with new teams and riders, and riders swapping and changing. It will also be interesting to see if the calendar goes back to a full season again. New bikes like the ZX10 and M1000RR again will prove interesting, as will Triumph’s new Supersport team abord the 765 Street triple.
Above all, hopefully fans will be allowed back to spectate, in person. No matter how good TV footage is these days, it doesn’t replicate the sound of bikes tearing past!
2021’s new road bikes!
Most manufacturers have been pressing ahead releasing new motorcycles for us to enjoy in 2021. Aprilia has released the RS660 parallel-Twin, which aims at the likes of the Triumph Street Triple RS, the Honda CBR650R and Ducati’s Supersport S, which also gets a re-design for 2021.
New Monster!
Not content with just updating the Supersport S, Ducati also has new V4 Multistrada models, and also a new Monster with a revised frame, which gets rid of the iconic monster trellis frame. New revised E-MTB in conjunction with Thok, gives the bike riders who like to mountain bike at the weekends something to play with too.
Triumph focuses on A2 riders
Triumph has also been busy with a new Tiger 850 Sport, which makes the tiger 900 effectively A2 compatible. They have also offered an update for Gen1 TFT screen vehicles to have the Bluetooth module fitted. The biggest and most exciting model I think is the new Trident, Triumph’s entry-level roadster suitable for A2 restricted riders.
Kawasaki and BMW look to the track!
As mentioned before, Kawasaki and BMW have released new superbike machinery. The new ZX10RR, and the M1000RR are built as race machines for the road. Of course, we are all interested to find out how they get on with the professional racers on board, but I’m also curious to see how they get on for mortals, on the road.
BMW revealed the new S1000R, updating the existing S1000R which has been a massive success. Taking its heritage from the S1000RR, the new naked roadster features an updated engine, chassis and driveline, featuring the new Anti-hopping clutch featured on the M1000RR. Of course, it is also available to be fitted with the M-Endurance chain which BMW announced earlier this year giving the maintenance-free chain.
Yamaha updates the Dark side!
Yamaha has gone big also for 2021, with revised MT07, MT09, MT09SP and Tracer 9 and 7 models. A fresh restyle and updated engine and componentry should make these models worthy of the update.
New bike gear!
It’s not just bike manufacturers which have been busy working away creating new bikes for us to enjoy. Kit manufactures have also been working on new products to keep us protected better than ever.
Arai has released the new Quantic helmet. It updates their sports touring line up and advances their Glancing off technology and shape. With a new updated spoiler, and venting and a flatter side profile for easier mounting of cooms units.
British firm RST has also announced the Podium airbag suit. The one-piece leather suit is unbelievably priced at £500. It is cut less aggressively than the full-on race suits, but is fully AAA certified. The In-motion airbag makes this one of the cheapest airbag suits on the market. The perfect suit for any motorcyclist wanting great kit, at a competitive price and the ultimate AAA protection.
Back to normal for 2021?
We all remain in hope. Every motorcyclist has missed being able to get out and about, visiting shows and events and celebrating our love for all things two wheels. Covid-19 certainly has been a challenge, but us bikers are going to come back bigger and better. Just by looking at the numbers of new riders this year proves it. Roll on 2021, let’s see what it brings!
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