Motorcycle manufacturers have been busy over the past month, with major brands dropping new models. From highly anticipated reveals to strategic revivals, the motorcycle landscape has some fresh new launches from Triumph, Suzuki, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki.
Triumph Thruxton 400: The Café Racer for the Masses
Triumph has cemented its commitment to the accessible, retro-styled market with the launch of the new Thruxton 400. Following the immense success of the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, the Thruxton brings a café racer aesthetic to the popular 400 cc platform. The bike’s design pays homage to its larger sibling, the Thruxton RS, featuring clip-on handlebars, a teardrop-shaped tank, and a sleek, frame-mounted semi-fairing like the Speed Triple 1200 RR.
Underneath the classic lines, the Thruxton 400 is powered by the same 398 cc single-cylinder engine as its stablemates. However, Triumph has given it a revised tune with a new camshaft, resulting in a slight bump in power to 41.4 bhp. This adjustment is designed to deliver an ‘addictive top-end’ and a livelier feel through the rev range.
With dual-channel ABS, switchable traction control, and a USB-C charging port, the Thruxton 400 blends old-school cool with modern convenience, offering a compelling package for both new and experienced riders. [Triumph]
Suzuki’s Double-Punch: A GSX-R Revival and a New Retro
Suzuki has made a bold statement with a two-pronged approach to its 2026 lineup, focusing on both high-performance and modern-classic segments. The brand has confirmed the return of the iconic GSX-R1000R to Europe with updated Euro5+ compliance.
This isn’t just a simple facelift; the bike features a heavily reworked engine with a new crankshaft, cases, pistons, connecting rods, and a spicy 13.8:1 compression ratio. It also gains a comprehensive electronics suite, including a six-axis IMU, anti-lift control, and Suzuki’s new ‘Roll Torque Control’ for smoother corner exits. The new GSX-R1000R also sports winglets, a nod to its racing heritage and a clear sign that Suzuki is serious about competing at the highest level.
On the other side of the spectrum, Suzuki unveiled the retro-inspired GSX-8T. Based on the same 775 cc parallel-twin platform as the GSX-8S and GSX-8R, this new model draws design cues from classic Suzuki motorcycles of the 1960s and 70s.
It features a flat-bottom mono-round headlight, a tuck-and-roll style seat, and handlebar-end mirrors for a timeless look. This move signals Suzuki’s intent to capture a share of the burgeoning neo-retro market, offering a bike that combines the brand’s celebrated past with a reliable and modern powertrain. [Suzuki]
KTM and Husqvarna Sharpen Their Off-Road and Supermoto Blades
KTM has recently announced updates to its 160 Duke and 390 Adventure platforms in India, but it’s the 690 that has our attention stateside. The 2026 690 SMC R and 690 Enduro R both receive significant upgrades, namely, a revised LC4 single-cylinder engine, which promises improved reliability and performance. Now boasting Euro5+ compliance, the 2026 690 models receive a small bump in peak horsepower at 79 hp and 73 lb-ft.
Both bikes now feature a full-color 4.2-inch TFT display, upgraded switchgear, and lean-angle sensitive rider aids, making them more technologically advanced than ever before. The Enduro R also gains a new Dynamic Slip Adjust system in Rally mode, offering riders more precise control on loose terrain.
Husqvarna’s 2026 enduro lineup, meanwhile, focuses on refinement and durability. The TE 300 remains a standout, retaining its road-legal status in Europe while benefiting from a host of technical and visual updates, including revised WP XACT suspension and new graphics. And while it hasn’t been officially announced, we suspect news on Husky’s 2026 690 Enduro R is soon to follow. [KTM, Husqvarna]
Honda’s Friendly Single: The New CRF300F
Honda is making its most popular trail bike even better with the introduction of the 2026 CRF300F, which will replace the beloved CRF250F as the flagship of its trail lineup. The new model features a larger 294 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, rated at 25 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque (a 5 hp and 3 lb-ft increase over the 250F). This wider, more manageable powerband, combined with a new six-speed transmission, makes the 300F more versatile for a wider variety of terrains.
Honda also updated key components, including increased front suspension travel, a new aluminum swingarm, and the addition of an oil cooler, for improved reliability and performance. With its friendly nature and a clear focus on fun, the CRF300F is designed to be the perfect machine for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Best of all, the MSRP remains the same at $4,999. [Honda]
A Green Machine Revival: The Kawasaki Ninja 300 Returns
Perhaps one of the most surprising developments of the week is the rumored return of the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Following the introduction of the Ninja 400 and later the Ninja 500, new filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) indicate the Ninja 300’s return as a 2026 model.
The bike is expected to feature a refined version of its 296 cc parallel-twin engine, known for its smooth, high-revving character. This move is likely a response to the fierce competition in the entry-level market, giving Kawasaki a full range of sportbikes to offer, from the approachable 300 to the more powerful 500. [Kawasaki]
