In the United States, there are over 400,000 motorcycles sold every year.
The United States is the key market for high-end motorcycles. The best new motorcycles of 2020 have already come out, so let’s take a look at what the best bikes of the new year are.
Every year, trusted brands like Harley Davidson continue to dominate the market, but since 2008 Harley has never fully recovered. This year and last year showed continued growth for manufacturers like Triumph, BMW, and the relatively new brands like KTM.
Best New Motorcycles of 2020
Whether you’re about to ride to your first rally or have been doing this for a long time, 2020 is an excellent year for motorcycles. Modern innovations continue to shape new bikes coming out, and features like keyless entry and electric motors continue to grow in popularity.
2020 Indian Chief Dark Horse
The Indian Chief Dark Horse is beautiful and powerful. This bike delivers an incredible 119 ft-lbs of torque.
The V-Twin in this bike is powerful, and the frame is lightweight. This cruiser offers just about everything you could want from a motorcycle. It has all the modern amenities of cruise control, keyless entry, and the iconic badge of Indian Motorcycles.
Indian is an American brand through-and-through that’s risen from the ashes like a phoenix. The market share enjoyed by Indian continues to increase.
People are drawn to the bold looks and powerful engines that made this manufacturer a legend of yesteryear. This isn’t your grandfather’s bike.
2020 BMW F 900 R and XR
One of the best-looking roadsters out there this year is the F 900. Based upon the parallel-twin that came out last year, this bike is sleek and pushes 99 horsepower. With ride modes Rain and Road, this bike will help you get through anything mother nature throws at you.
With a steel frame and plastic fuel tanks, this bike manages a delicate balance between sporty and easy to ride. Like all BMWs, quality can be expected when you sit down on this beast for the first time. BMW remains one of the most popular brands in the USA, and you’re sure to see plenty at your first rally.
The F 900 XR gets an honorable mention here. It’s a more expensive version of the F 900 R.
While engine performance is identical between the two, the F 900 XR is built for touring. Adaptive cornering lights are also available, and the ride is as smooth as any you’ll find.
2020 Harley Davidson LiveWire
The first electric motorcycle offered by Harley, the LiveWire is innovative and incredibly fast. Able to go from 0 to 60 in 3 seconds, this bike does it all while barely making a sound. If you aren’t a fan of the traditional throat of a Harley, this bike will whisper to you all day.
One of the cool new motorcycles of 2020, the LiveWire, places Harley at the head of the pack for electric motorcycles. The future for electric bikes is bright, as new motorcycle models continue to be developed.
A single charge of the powerful electric motor will get you over 100 miles of riding. You can charge this bike from any home outlet to 100% overnight. If you’re in a hurry, this bike can get a full charge from a recharging station in an hour.
Electric motors have incredible torque as none of their energy is lost in the piston reaction. This means that all the power offered goes straight to the wheels. The acceleration this offers could be too much for the average first-timer.
2020 Triumph Speed Triple S and RS
A personal favorite, the iconic Speed Triple comes roaring to life this year with the same 1050cc power you’d expect from a Speed Triple. For 2020, the Speed Triples got more horsepower, with nearly 150 hp delivered. These bikes are sleek, agile, and easy to handle.
There are five ride modes to help you negotiate any challenge. The displays are large, well lit, and feature cruise control and adjustable lighting. The Speed Triple has stepped into the modern age from a lineage of the best hooligan bikes ever made.
The RS model is a touring model designed to accommodate long riding trips. They are both affordably priced, like all Speed Triples.
Triumph has been one of the most successful motorcycle brands for decades. Speed Triples have been a significant reason for their continued success.
2020 Honda CBR600RR
These bikes are not large, but they have incredible power. This model and its predecessor have won 9 world titles.
The new 2020 CBR600RR has an inline four motor for more power and push off the start. A sporty bike, this Honda is just as good going down a back road as it is on a smoothed-out track.
Honda has always maintained a highly dedicated fan base. The reason for their continued success and growth is responding to what their customers want. The CBR600RR is no exception, delivering a sporty ride while still paying attention to everyday needs. These bikes are easy to handle and agile.
2020 1290 Super Duke R
Here we have the Austrians and their flagship bike of 2020. The designers at KTM didn’t even let the Super Duke age properly before updating it. This is because they are keen on always being on top of the game, and their bikes and sales figures show it.
The Super Duke is one of the best new motorcycles of the 2020 period. You wouldn’t have to look far for someone to tell you that the Super Duke is the best.
As a growing powerhouse of motorcycle manufacturing, KTM put a 1301 cc V-Twin in this beast. It has more horsepower than its predecessor and is even lighter. This is not the bike for the first-time rider. You need to be on your game to handle the power this bike puts out.
KTM is one of the success stories of the post-recession motorcycle world. They’re a company with a growing reputation of excellence and are winning over loyal customers around the globe. They bring a combination of sleek looks, powerful engines, and a deep need for speed.
2020 Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe
Harley Davidson keeps going with the nostalgia, evidenced by this white-wall beauty. This bike looks old and feels new. A powerful engine and excellent ride design make this bike a joy to take anywhere. You will turn heads too, as the look is simply iconic.
With 190-foot pounds of torque and a low 25-inch seat, this bike is easy to handle. The Deluxe is also set up to make long-range trips easier by offering you extensive storage space. Love it or hate it, Harley Davidson is the legendary motorcycle brand of the last 100 years.
2020 Yamaha Bolt
The 2020 Yamaha Bolt is one of the best new motorcycles of the year for new riders. This bike is powerful enough not to feel weak and cheap enough to inspire new riders to hop on. Yamaha makes extremely well-built machines for riders of all skill levels, and the Bolt is no exception.
The Bolt has a 942cc V-Twin and a 5-speed transmission. This is a bike you can get as your first motorcycle and not outgrow it. For under $10,000, this bike is an excellent offering. The Yamaha Bolt isn’t the sportiest or the fastest bike out there, but it’s a bike that’s easy to ride and handles smoothly.
2020 Suzuki Boulevard C50
Suzuki has a long and storied history in the cycling world.
The Boulevard C50 is a cruiser that features an 805cc V-Twin engine. A durable and dependable design, the engine has a 5-speed transmission. The 5th gear is set for effortless highway cruising, and this bike is comfortable to ride on.
Suzuki is well known for its sportbikes, such as the Hayabusa, but don’t let that fool you. Suzuki knows how to build a cruiser that will keep you comfortable even on cross-country rides. These bikes have been designed to work for the rider, and it shows with a 65.2-inch wheelbase.
The 2020 Motorcycle Lineup Shows a Bright Future Ahead
While some motorcycle giants like Harley Davidson continue to try and reclaim post-recession glory, the motorcycle industry shows that innovation continues unabated. Powerful new brands like KTM have pushed into the market and threatened perennial powerhouses like Ducati.
The best new motorcycles of 2020 show that as innovation continues, the comfort and ease of riding will continue to increase. With new electric designs about to come out and more players entering the market, the future looks bright for riders.
Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience that you should never hesitate to try. The feeling of power and freedom on a bike is second to none, and once you get hooked, you’ll never want to grab the steering wheel of a car again.
If you haven’t already, let the best new motorcycles of 2020 show you what you’ve been missing. Before you go, take a moment to browse our New Models Section to find other excellent articles on the newest motorcycles.