Author: Andrew Cherney

Low-key touring riders rejoice—you now have a new choice in the Harley Touring line. But keep it quiet, will you? The new Electra Glide Standard isn’t here to tout the latest tech or scream about the newest knick knacks. No, The Motor Company’s latest tourer is being called the “Dressed-Down Dresser,” which is really just another way of saying stripped Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Or even a slightly tweaked Street Glide. Sure there are different wheel sizes (than the Street Glide, anyway) and a reshaped solo seat along with revised finishes and distinctive new covers, but that’s still a batwing fairing, standard cargo carriers, and cast aluminum wheels dominating the form here. Identifying marks on the EGS include carefully placed chrome accents and a trio of polished rocker, cam, and derby covers. Solidifying the minimal theme are choice blacked-out components to provide contrast.

The new Harley Electra Glide Standard is a stripped-down Electra Glide Ultra Classic that aims to put the emphasis “on the ride experience.” (Harley-Davidson/)

Mid-year releases don’t usually result in game-changing designs, so it’s not all that surprising to see the unassuming Electra Glide Standard in this scenario. And despite—or maybe because of—its emphasis on the “raw, fundamental riding experience for touring riders but with a foot firmly planted in Harley‘s Grand American Touring roots,” the EGS will have its share of fans. No doubt there’s a solid clutch of riders looking for a touchscreen-free, blissfully Bluetooth-less riding experience, and the Electra Glide Standard is apparently aimed at those guys and gals wanting to disconnect from the day-to-day world. We can relate.

So where’s the disconnect on this new model? The Electra Glide Standard makes its case by rolling without the ubiquitous Boom! Box infotainment system and touchscreen (there’s a big gap where it once was) populating much of Harley’s Touring bikes, and deleting the top trunk from the Electra Glide Ultra Classic. It looks like there’s space to easily add speakers and an aftermarket audio unit to the bike, though we’re not sure if H-D will offer those as accessory options.

The new EGS keeps the same wheel sizes as the bigger Ultra too—a 17-inch front and 16-inch rear—and actually retains most of the other good stuff too. After all, ride quality is still important to touring riders so you’ll still find standard cruise control, adjustable rear shocks, the Showa Dual Bending Valve suspension up front, and Brembo brakes. Reflex Linked features and ABS for the brakes are optional, but the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine is the standard powerplant. Harley’s Vice President of Styling & Design Brad Richards puts the design brief in a nutshell this way: “To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson’s touring line.”

The EGS is keeping the dash clear of any distracting displays, but it looks like there’s plenty of room to pop in an aftermarket unit if you choose. (Harley-Davidson/)

What it all comes down to is that the Electra Glide Standard now commands the lowest price in Harley’s Touring line. The $18,999 MSRP is less than even the Road King, and a full $2,290 less than the similar Street Glide. It’s $5,500 less than its full-boat Electra Glide Ultra Classic big brother too. Sounds like a compelling argument for the “less is more, but really it’s less” theory.

The E-Glide Standard gets blacked out parts contrasted by distinctive chrome accents and polished covers. (Harley-Davidson/)

Say hello to the lowest priced offering in Harley’s Touring line. (Harley-Davidson/)

2019 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard Specifications

MSRP:	$18,999
Engine:	107ci, 45° V-twin, OHV, 4 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke:	3.937 in. x 4.375 in.
Fuel system:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/Cruise Drive
Front Suspension:	49mm fork, Showa Dual Bending Valve; 4.6-in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Hand-adjustable; 2.2-in. travel
Front tires:	130/80B-17
Rear tires:	180/65B-16
Rake/Trail:	26.0°/6.7 in.
Wheelbase:	64.0 in.
Seat Height:	26.6 in.
Fuel Capacity:	6.0 gal.
Wet Weight (Claimed):	820 lb.
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer Limited Edition is coming to the US and Canada this summer. (Moto Guzzi/)

Back in 2017, Moto Guzzi decided to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of one of its most popular machines, the V7, by introducing the V7 III, a revamped model that boosted power by 10 percent more than the outgoing bike. The V7 III Racer was the sporty version with a café-racer look, and you could see the appeal of the series.

Which is why Guzzi is going back to that well for 2020 with the V7 III Racer Limited Edition. The so-called “factory custom” model is heading for North American shores this summer, with a limited number of units exclusively targeting the US and Canada.

Thing is, this factory-farkled homage isn’t really a new model but more like a carryover 2018 V7 III Racer with new paint, graphics, and details. The spec sheet is a mirror image, though Guzzi redistributes the color scheme, adds a few trick styling details, and tops it with a few other bits to distinguish it from the other V7 III Racer. And this time, it’s making fewer of them.

Less expensive, tastes great. This newer model gets a lower MSRP than the one it replaces. (Moto Guzzi/)

The V7 III Racer Limited Edition retains the sportiness with a clearly aggressive rider’s triangle and a classic solo humped seat, ladling on the old-school café style via a shorty front fender, black headlight bucket, and fork gaiters. Even the brief fly screen reminds you of a classic café racer. The “racing red” splash of color on the frame and swingarm is a bold look that contrasts with the dark engine bay and exhaust while also playing off the gloss white tank and aluminum fly screen.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: Moto Guzzi

Gloss white paint, an updated quilted saddle, and leather tank trim distinguish this Guzzi from the other V7 III Racer. (Moto Guzzi/)

But that’s not really a solo seat; you can remove that rear seat cover and go two-up on that downward-sloped passenger portion if you want some excitement. Unique details include brown leather trim along the fuel tank’s spine and fuel cap, with aluminum spoked wheels carrying the black channels and red stickers from other MG models. You also get solid billet footpegs, a lightened steering stem, and steering yoke guard. Leading the way is a 40mm telescopic fork, but smoothing things out back is a pair of fully adjustable Öhlins shocks. The robust brake system brings triple discs and ABS as standard equipment.

Even though it’s a limited edition, the V7 III Racer Limited manages to ring in at an MSRP that’s almost $700 less than last year’s model without losing any of the good bits—nice! It’s a sporty, affordable, and unique build, with generous splashes of retro adding to the aesthetic. Check out this video of last year’s model for some inspiration.

The V7 III Racer Limited Edition will be available this June in the US for an MSRP of $9,990
and July in Canada for $11,590.

2020 Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer Specifications

Price:	$9,990 USD/$11,590 CDN
Engine:	744cc, air-cooled, four-stroke, 90° V-twin
Bore x Stroke:	80.0mm x 74.0mm
Max Power:	52 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque:	44.2 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission:	6 speed
Front Suspension:	40mm telescopic fork
Rear Suspension:	Dual Öhlins shocks adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression
Front Brake:	4-piston Brembo calipers, dual 320mm floating discs, ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston caliper, 260mm disc, ABS
Front Wheel/Tire:	18 in., spoked / 100/90-18
Rear Wheel/Tire:	17 in., spoked / 130/80-17
Seat Height:	30.3 in.
Claimed Weight:	425 lb. (wet)
Fuel Capacity:	5.5 gal.
Contact:	motoguzzi.com

If all the hubbub about Harley’s LiveWire hasn’t convinced you yet, we’ll just restate the obvious: Electric motorcycles are hot. The last year has seen a flurry of activity, with the announcement or outright release of at least six all-new models, and lots more coming down the pike for 2021. But while everyone else has been busy playing catch-up, longtime electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero Motorcycles has quietly moved the goalposts with its new top-of-the-line SR/F, a potentially game-changing streetfighter bringing industry-leading power, control, and connectivity, and even brandishing something Zero’s never been particularly adept at: an appealing design. All this comes from the brand that arguably created the category; it’s been building electric motorcycles since 2006.

Some of the highlights of the new 2020 Zero SR/F:

Front and center is the SR/F’s new ZF75-10 motor, which spits out up to 110 hp and 140 foot-pounds of torque. (Zero Motorcycles/)

Power

The streetfighter-styled SR/F delivers an eye-popping 140 foot-pounds of torque and 110 hp, all dialed up by Zero’s new ZF75-10 motor and ZF14.4 lithium-ion battery. At a claimed 485 pounds for the standard model that’s still a lot of mass to move, but those numbers hold some promise.

The compact powertrain boasts innovative air-cooling that’s designed to increase longevity, scrap most routine maintenance, and launch the SR/F to that promising (and claimed) top speed of 124 mph. Hang on.

Zero’s Rapid Charge System provides a platform for three independent charging modules. The best case scenario has you up to a 95 percent charge in one hour. (Zero Motorcycles/)

Range

Zero says a single charge can deliver up to a 200-mile range, but that’s only with the addition of the optional Power Tank, which you won’t be able to snag until fall of 2019. In stock configuration, the SR/F Standard and Premium models claim a 161-mile range in the city and around 99 miles on the highway. The inevitable recharge scenario is where the Standard and Premium models differ; the base model has a 3.0-kWh integrated charger while the Premium has a 6.0-kWh system. Zero’s innovative Rapid Charge System is set up to tap into the growing network of Level 2 charge stations around the country. The system provides a platform that allows for up to three independent charging modules for adaptability and the fastest recharge capacity in Zero’s lineup. With all three modules installed, the SR/F can charge from 0 to 95 percent capacity in one hour (but that’s on the Premium model with the 6.0-kWh charging system).

The SR/F comes equipped with a J.Juan dual radial front brake system and enhanced by Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control. (Zero Motorcycles/)

Control

The SR/F uses Zero’s new Cypher III operating system, as well as Bosch’s Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC), both huge enhancements on an electric motorcycle. The Cypher III acts as the central hub, integrating all the systems, from Bosch’s MSC to Zero’s app and dash, while the MSC system—a first on an electric motorcycle—is renowned for dynamic acceleration and improved stability in all conditions. Combined with Cypher lIl, the MSC can throw down superior straight-line ABS and cornering brake control, traction control, and drag torque control.

The SR/F’s myriad ride modes allow the rider to customize the bike’s performance through the intuitive app and dash interface. You can plug in Street, Sport, Eco, Rain, and up to 10 programmable custom modes.

The steel-trellis frame is a huge step forward in the aesthetics department for Zero. (Zero Motorcycles/)

Design

Zero bestows the SR/F with some serious style—dare we say sexiness—thanks to a uniquely designed all-new steel-trellis frame and concentric swingarm. That swingarm also optimizes torque delivery to the rear wheel so the bike can better harness the full capabilities of the new powertrain.

The SR/F is the first “commercially available connected motorcycle on the market.” Which means you can access all kinds of info on your bike, customize ride modes, share data, and more. (Zero Motorcycles/)

Connection

The Cypher III OS also means the SR/F is a fully “smart” motorcycle, and the first commercially available connected motorcycle on the market. That connectivity lets the rider monitor Bike Status and Alerts, Charging, Ride Data Sharing, and System Upgrades and Updates, and more.

Riders get alerts on bike status, including interruptions in charging and tip-over or unexpected motion. The “Find my Bike” function allows riders to keep tabs on the motorcycle at all times.

The SR/F makes recharging a snap, with the ability to remotely set charging parameters, including Targeted Charge Levels, notification of State of Charge (SoC), Charge Time Scheduling, and Charge Tracking.

RELATED: Zero Motorcycles Builds New U.S. Manufacturing Facilities as it Ramps Up for Continued Growth in 2011

Ride Data Sharing: The motorcycle records bike location, speed, lean angle, power, torque, SoC, and energy used/regenerated. Riders can replay each ride and upload additional content via the app.

New updates and diagnostic capabilities allow the rider to remotely download the latest Cypher III operating system release to ensure the best performance and future improvements.

Here’s the hook though: Connectivity is offered free of charge for the first two years with the purchase of a new SR/F. Presumably it’ll cost you after that.

The SR/F signals a sea change for convenience and range in the electric motorcycle market, but pricing may still be a drag initially. (Zero
Motorcycles/)

An SR/F with a 3-kW Rapid Charger starts at $18,995. The premium SR/F model with 6-kW Rapid Charger, fly screen, heated handgrips, and aluminum bar ends starts at $20,995. Both models can be had in Seabright Blue and Boardwalk Red colorways, and begin shipping to dealers this spring. For more info see zeromotorcycles.com.

The new SR/F will be available in red or blue, and in dealers this spring. (Zero Motorcycles/)

	Zero SR/F Standard	Zero SR/F Premium
Price:	$18,995	$20,995
City range:	161 miles	161 miles
Highway @ 55 mph:	99 miles	99 miles
Combined:	123 miles	123 miles
Highway @ 70 mph:	82 miles	82 miles
Combined:	109 miles	109 miles
Motor
Peak torque:	140 ft.-lb.	140 ft.-lb.
Peak power:	110 hp @ 5,000 rpm	110 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Top speed:	124 mph (200 kph)	124 mph (200 kph)
Type:	Z-Force 75-10 air-cooled, permanent magnet AC motor
Controller:	High-efficiency 900-amp, three-phase AC controller w/ regenerative deceleration
Power System
Power pack:	Z-Force Li-ion intelligent integrated
Max capacity:	14.4 kWh
Nominal capacity:	12.6 kWh
Charger type:	3.0 kW, integrated	6.0 kW, integrated
Charge time (standard):	4.5 hr. (100%)	2.5 hr. (100%)/2.0 hr. (95%)
Charge time (w/ 6 kW Rapid Charge):		1.8 hr. (100%)/1.5 hr. (100%)
Drivetrain
Transmission:	Clutchless direct drive
Final drive:	90T/20T, poly chain HTD carbon belt
Chassis, Suspension, And Brakes
Front suspension:	Showa 43mm Big Piston Separate Function fork adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 4.72-in. travel
Rear suspension:	Showa 40mm piston, piggyback shock adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 5.51-in. travel
Front brakes:	Bosch Advanced MSC, dual J.Juan radial 4-piston calipers w/ radial master cylinder, 320mm discs
Rear brakes:	Bosch Advanced MSC, J.Juan 1-piston floating caliper, 240mm disc
Front tire:	Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 120/70-17
Rear tire:	Pirelli Diablo Rosso III 180/55-17
Front wheel:	3.50 x 17
Rear wheel:	5.50 x 17
Dimensions
Wheelbase:	57.1 in.
Seat height:	31.0 in.
Rake/trail:	24.5°/3.7 in.
Curb weight:	485 lb.	498 lb.
Carrying capacity:	515 lb.	502 lb.
Equivalent fuel economy (city):	430 MPGe	430 MPGe
Equivalent fuel economy (hwy):	219 MPGe	219 MPGe
Typical cost to recharge:	$1.61	$1.61
Standard warranty:	2 years
Power pack warranty:	5 years/unlimited miles

When Indian resurrected the Roadmaster name back in 2015, it was a pretty nifty way to showcase new features and materials, and maybe tell the world that “America’s first motorcycle company” was really serious about this whole luxury touring thing. The new flagship had all the requisite bells and whistles and commanded the top of Indian’s touring stable at the time, just like its namesake from the late 1940s.

She’s quite the looker. The 2019 Roadmaster Elite heaps on Indian’s tech and luxury comfort features in a full-dress limited-edition package. (Indian Motorcycle/)

For 2019, Indian is doubling down on the luxury touring game with its top-of-the-line Roadmaster Elite, a modern luxury tourer packed with long-haul amenities and the latest Indian tech, all of it gussied up in iconic styling and premium touches.

Exclusivity is the name of the game here; only 200 limited-edition Roadmaster Elites will be available for the North American market. Although you’ll find the same chassis and 65.7-inch wheelbase as the Roadmaster (as well as the Thunder Stroke 111 engine) here, the Elite ladles on some spiffy extras to those underpinnings. The ear-splitting 600-watt PowerBand Audio Plus system makes the top of that list, with the fairing, trunk, and saddlebag speakers all 50 percent louder than the stock system on the 2019 Roadmaster. You’ll also get a dynamic equalizer that adjusts frequencies for the best level depending on your speed as well as road, wind, and engine noise. Handy, we’re sure.

Deep, lustrous paint and 24-karat gold leaf badging, hand-finished. Any questions? (Indian Motorcycle/)

Not surprisingly, Indian’s awesome 7-inch Ride Command infotainment system with navigation, changeable info screens, and Bluetooth compatibility is also an integral part of the Elite. And selectable ride modes—another amenity Indian’s rolled out on other touring models—are also part of the package; riders can choose between Tour, Standard, and Sport to suit their preferences. We’ve seen Rear Cylinder Deactivation on the other Thunder Stroke 111 models, which means it appears here too. How does it work? In short, when the mill reaches operating temperature and the ambient temperature exceeds 59 degrees Fahrenheit, the rear cylinder automatically shuts down (when the bike’s not moving) for less engine heat. Once you crank the throttle, the rear cylinder reactivates, and off you go.

More premium detailing, even on the floorboards. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Indian didn’t skimp on the swanky bits either—the detailing on those spacious billet aluminum floorboards is especially trick. And how about a genuine leather two-up heated saddle? That piece alone will probably save a couple of marriages. Of course, your Elite also comes with a hand-finished color scheme with 24-karat gold leaf accents. Unlike last year however, your color option is limited to Wildfire Red Candy over Black Crystal. Painting the thing, we’re told, takes nearly 30 hours to complete, which is probably why you can only have it one color.

Huh, what’s that? Sorry, can’t hear you, I’ve got the six-speaker, 600-watt sound system cranked up. (Indian Motorcycle/)

Of course there are other less flashy (but far more practical) amenities on the 2019 Roadmaster Elite, like full LED lighting, heated handgrips, keyless ignition, a power windshield, weatherproof remote-locking saddlebags, and more than 37 gallons of storage space. Performance upgrades are available too, like a Stage 1 Exhaust, a Thunder Stroke Stage 1 Performance Air Intake, Thunder Stroke Stage 2 Performance Cams, and the 116ci Stage 3 Big Bore Kit. Additional add-ons include a mid-rise handlebar, new open fender, and 19-inch front wheel.

Touchscreen infotainment system with nav, customizable screens, and Bluetooth compatibility. (Indian Motorcycle/)

The ultra-premium Roadmaster Elite starts at $36,999 in the US and retails for $44,499 in Canada, and they’re now in Indian dealers. For comparison, the Elite costs $7,500 more than the standard Roadmaster, and nearly $7,000 less than the comparable Harley-Davidson CVO Limited. For more info, visit indianmotorcycle.com.

Unwilling companion? Entice them with leather passenger armrests and an individually heated leather seat. (Indian Motorcycle/)

All those flowing lines and bodywork mean 37 gallons of storage space, including room for two full-face helmets in the top trunk. (Indian Motorcycle/)

2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite Specs:

Engine:	Air/oil-cooled 49° V-twin; OHV
Bore x Stroke:	3.976in. x 4.449in.
Fuel Delivery:	Closed loop electronic fuel injection
Transmission/Final Drive:	6 speed/belt
Front Suspension:	46mm telescopic fork; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Single shock; air-adjustable, 4.5in. travel
Front brake:	Dual 300mm floating rotors w/4-piston calipers; ABS
Rear brake:	300mm floating rotor; two-piston caliper
Front tires:	130/90-16
Rear tires:	180/60-16
Rake/Trail:	25°/5.9 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.5 in.
Wheelbase:	65.7 in.
Seat Height:	26.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.5 gal.
Claimed (dry) Weight:	920 lb.
Available:	Now
Contact:	IndianMotorcycle.com

Motorcycle Missions to raise money for Veterans (Courtesy of Indian Motorcycle/)

At the heart of almost every motorcycle gathering you’ll usually find some kind of contest, whether it’s a concours, a ride-in show, or some sort of custom showcase where one machine ultimately gets named as the cream of the crop. Nowadays it feels like everybody’s getting in on the build-off-style format, where builders (or teams) are pitted against each other to create a custom bike, usually from the same materials and/or with the same parameters. It’s a test of skill, talent, and imagination, and the format’s become so popular that even major manufacturers are jumping into the game.

The latest example comes from Indian Motorcycle, who has has just teamed up with Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit that aims to help veterans and first responders find healing through motorcycle therapy. In addition to gaining exposure for its products, Indian is doing a whole lot of good for an often-unrecognized community too, which is, if you ask us, the right way to roll.

The two groups have partnered up to host a build-off competition in which two teams of veterans and first responders from the Lone Star State battle each other to design and build the coolest Indian Chief Dark Horse. The ultimate goal of the showdown is to raise funds to benefit veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Indian’s competition pits two teams of veterans and first responders against each other in a build-off using a Chief Dark Horse motorcycle. (Courtesy of Indian Motorcycle/)

In one corner will be Team Dallas, while in the other, you’ll see Team Austin, both of whom have to design and build an Indian Chief Dark Horse to be unveiled on Friday, April 12, at John Paul DeJoria’s Peace Love & Happiness fundraiser in Austin. The next day, April 13, any fan or enthusiast will be able to weigh in by visiting Motorcycle Missions’ and Indian Motorcycle’s Instagram and Facebook channels and casting their vote for their favorite machine. Each custom bike will eventually end up at on the biggest stage of all, the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and auctioned off on August 6, at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel and Casino, with the proceeds going to benefit Motorcycle Missions.

Both teams are comprised of current or former military members or first responders. Team Austin is clearly ready to rock—and bust out this build. (Courtesy of Indian Motorcycle/)

Each team is made up of either current or former members of the military or first responders. Some of them are even from the local police and fire departments, but all of them are using “motorcycle therapy” to cope with some of the ill effects suffered in the line of duty and find some healing along the way. Among this year’s competitors is Team Dallas’ John Arroyo, an Army veteran and survivor of the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting in 2014. After recovering from severe wounds, Arroyo received the highest non-combat honor for valor. Team Austin will have in its ranks Robert Richman, who has served in law enforcement for more than 25 years.

Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit organization, uses “motorcycle therapy” as a way to find healing for those who have suffered adverse effects in the line of duty. (Courtesy of Indian Motorcycle/)

As Motorcycle Missions founder Krystal Hess puts it, “…Motorcycle Missions brings veterans and first responders together as they work toward one common goal. The trials and tribulations, camaraderie, and life-long friendships are what ‘motorcycle therapy’ is all about. If we can help these heroes get back to living healthy, joyful lives, while instilling them with a passion for motorcycles, we have fulfilled our mission.”

Each of the finished customs will be auctioned off at this year’s Sturgis Rally, with the money raised going to Motorcycle Missions and its cause. (Courtesy of Indian Motorcycle/)

For more information or to donate to Motorcycle Missions, visit motorcycle-missions.org. To vote for your favorite custom, visit Motorcycle Missions’ Instagram and Facebook channels on April 13.