Summer Dreaming: Ducati, BMW Motorrad Lead the Charge of New Motorcycle Releases for 2021

Related: BMW F900 XR motorcycle review: Sleek, smooth and satisfying for a fall-time country-road ride

ARCH Motorcycle KRGT-1

None of these characters come close, however, to matching the extraordinary style and uniqueness of the Arch KRGT-1.

Each bike features 150 pounds of aerospace-grade aluminum components, including the KRGT-1’s distinctive fuel tank, a two-piece unit carved out of aluminum billet (that’s a solid piece of aluminum!). The tank incorporates the first of many proprietary designs to the Arch, a downdraft breathing system which bisects the fuel tank and “delivers high torque on demand with enhanced performance.”

I’ll never be able to afford one but I’d love to spend an afternoon cutting corners with Keanu.

BMW R18 First Edition

Steed of steel

And if none of that convinces you to check out this steed of steel from one of motorcycles most iconic brands, take delight in the naming of the bike’s two main ride modes: Rock and Roll.

“It’s Only Rock n’ Roll (But I Like It).”

Triumph Trident 660

Triumph’s Triple engine has been used in most of its flagship bikes since 1989. The Trident boasts a 6-speed, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, DOHC, 3-cylinder inline engine, delivering a smooth, linear range of power across a wide RPM range. Simply put, the Trident has plenty of get up and go.

And hey, if you don’t want to ride a bike made by the same company that equips James Bond, then we can’t be friends.

Indian Scout Bobber

It’s no surprise that three of the bikes on my list this year are cruisers. I love the look and feel of a long, low bike (and not just because I’m short). And if a cruiser can deliver nimble handling and adrenalin-fueling power, well, I’m all in.

Indian Motorcycles (née Hendee Manufacturing Company) is North America’s oldest motorcycle company; it all but fell out of the market between 1953 and 2010. Thankfully, Polaris scooped up the brand in 2011 and they’ve been roaring back into the spotlight ever since.

Zero compromise on luxury touches

The Indian Scout Bobber is the kind of bike representing equal measures of refinement and ass-kickery.

Ducati Monster

For years, the Ducati Monster was defined by its iconic trellis frame. Though I did shed a small tear to see it absent from this 2021 redesign, it has been replaced by an aluminum chassis, shedding 40lbs and delivering a stripped-down, powerful profile that looks persistently ready to pounce.

Despite the tall-ish 32.3” seat height (remember, I’m short), Ducati claims that the bike’s narrow profile makes it easier to put your feet on the ground at a stand-still. We shall see, Ducati. We shall see.

If I’m not going to ride a cruiser then give me a bike that’s light, quick, nimble and fast. The Ducati Monster appears ready to fulfill on all counts.