After a year that saw the whole world go into lockdown due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2021 is the year we bounce back and get on the road to recovery. This is true for the motorcycle industry as well, with multiple manufacturers launching new bikes in 2021. The current motorcycle market is arguably the most competitive it has ever been, with manufacturers tasking their engineers and designers to deliver motorcycles with best-in-class styling, power, and performance while adhering to strict emission norms.
With the motorcycle industry in its healthiest state since the 2008 global recession, the majority of manufacturers now possess the resources necessary to develop new models across multiple segments. Furthermore, the last decade has also seen the growth of various sub-segments as customers move towards buying more niche offerings.
In this list, we have ten of the best street motorcycles of 2021. And as proof of how diverse the industry is currently is, we have options from all classes.
10 2021 KTM 390 Adventure
KTM’s 390 platforms have proven to be an incredibly fruitful addition to the manufacturer’s lineup. Debuting with the Duke 390 in 2012, the platform offers a value-for-money, novice-friendly package that comes with mechanicals typically found in more expensive bikes. After continued customer demand, KTM finally decided to introduce the 390 Adventure. With stylings taking direct inspiration from its bigger siblings, it is easy to mistake the 390 Adventure for a larger bike. And just like the rest of the 390 lineups, the Adventure comes with all the bells and whistles, offering a skid-plate, handguards, crash bars, TFT instrument console, traction control, cornering ABS, and as well as other optional factory off-road upgrades.
9 2021 Husqvarna Vitpilen 701
Swedish motorcycle maker Husqvarna announced in 2014 it would be returning to the market after decades with the neo-retro Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 twins. The public responded warmly to the motorcycles, and Husqvarna proceeded to put the 401 models into production, along with the larger 701 models, the Vitpilen 701 the latest one to be launched. The Vitpilen 701 is a flat-tracker with a neo-retro design courtesy of a low-profile headlight and sleek rear-end with integrated number plates. Coupled with probably the most unique tank design in recent memory, the Vitpilen 701 is a bike unlike any other.
8 2021 Indian FTR1200
Since making its return to American Flat Track Racing in 2017, Indian Motorcycles has proceeded to completely dominate its competition with its combination of a talented rider lineup and its FTR750 factory race bike. To celebrate the FTR750’s success on the dirt oval, America’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer decided to introduce a road-legal bike inspired by the multiple-title-winning factory race bike. While Indian’s lineup predominantly consists of cruiser bikes, the FTR1200 is a much-more sportier offering, packed to the gills with features like a full electronics suite with riding modes and top of the line suspension and brakes. Indian offers a host of bolt-on accessory packages for the FTR1200, while an even-higher spec S-version is also available in the regular model is too tame for you.
7 2021 Kawasaki Z H2
The first-generation Ninja H2 and H2R were halo models for Kawasaki, a showcase for the supercharged engine. However, the Japanese manufacturer in recent times has applied its forced induction engine to a more reasonably-priced model with the new Z H2. Now part of Kawasaki’s naked Z lineup, the motorcycle comes with a supercharged 998 cc engine that produces 200 PS and 137 Nm of peak power and torque figures. Even though the new Z H2 is more affordable than the past models, it still comes loaded with top-spec features like a fully digital instrument console with smartphone connectivity, launch control, traction control, a slipper clutch, and multiple riding modes among others.
6 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4
The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 is essentially the naked version of the Panigale V4 superbike. It comes with the same 1,103cc V4 engine, but unlike others, it hasn’t been detuned. That means it makes well over 200 PS of peak power. To help tame this beast, the Streetfighter V4 comes with a suite of electronic riding assists, premium mechanicals, and downforce generating winglets. Though it is not as cheap as some of its rivals, the Streetfighter V4’s performance is matched by only a few bikes currently. For a couple of grand more, Ducati will also sell you the Ohlins-equipped suspension Streetfighter V4 S.
5 2021 Ducati Monster
Ducati has given a radical overhaul to the new-for-2021 Monster. The old Monster’s signature tubular trellis frame has been replaced for a lightweight, aluminum frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. Replacing both the Monster 797 and 821 as the new entry-level offering in Ducati’s lineup, the new Monster is powered by a 937cc engine that makes 111 PS of peak power. Though the redesign is quite polarizing, the new Monster promised to be a better bike overall than the outgoing model. There’s a new Monster + version as well, which adds a headlamp and seat cowl.
4 2021 Zero SR/S
USA-based Zero Motorcycles has been one of the market leaders in the electric motorcycle category for over a decade, but only now has it introduced its first fully-faired model, the SR/S. Based on the SR/F naked, the SR/S gets a full front fairing that offers better highway efficiency. Unlike other others sportbikes, the SR/s features a fairly ergonomic and comfortable riding position that makes it ideal to ride around in urban conditions. The SR/S’ battery offers a 200-mile range with the optional “power tank” which can be fully charged in just one hour, as well as being backed by a 5-year warranty.
3 2021 Triumph Speed Triple
Receiving its biggest update since 2005, the all-new Triumph Speed Triple is a very impressive bit of kit. The motorcycle gets a new 1160cc triple which pumps out 180 PS of peak power, a jump of 30 PS over the outgoing model. The Speed Triple also gets an all-new chassis that is 10 kgs lighter, creature comforts like a TFT-digital instrument cluster and backlit switchgear while the flagship RS version comes with Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension. Long been one of the best all-around super naked, the new one looks to be among the fastest and best-handling too.
2 2021 Suzuki Hayabusa
After what seems like ages, Suzuki has finally unveiled the new Hayabusa. For 2021, the Japanese manufacturer has used the Euro 5 emission norms to give the motorcycle a complete makeover. The new Hayabusa features a lighter chassis, sharper styling, uprated brakes, a fully digital instrument console, and advanced riding assists. Don’t expect the new model to be any faster than the old one, as the ‘Gentlemen’s Agreement’ means top speed is voluntarily restricted to 300 kmph. However, it should handle much better than before given the latest updates.
1 2021 Honda NC750X
A slightly under-the-radar pick, Honda’s new NC750X is certainly a bike to look forward to this year. Well-built, easy-to-ride, stylish, and economical, it’s no wonder that the NC750X has become one of the best-selling bikes in Europe. For 2021, the motorcycle has received updated styling, more power, less weight, and even more luggage space. Coupled with its unique features like the semi-automatic transmission and built-in luggage compartment it carries over from the older models, it means the new NC750X should be an even better all-rounder and the go-to-choice in its category.