John McGuinness leads the news in my mind this week with his win at the Isle of Man Mountain Course at age 54. Then we have Honda offering its new electric bike, the WN7, on subscription. Lastly, there’s the ZXMoto 820X ADV reveal. Oh, and the custom is a ridiculously awesome Honda Monkey chopper.

Let’s get into it.

John McGuinness Becomes Oldest Solo Rider to Win on Isle of Man Mountain Course

Thirty years after making his Isle of Man debut, 54-year-old road racing legend John McGuinness has made history as the oldest solo rider to win around the iconic 37.7-mile Mountain Course.

Riding a Winfield-prepared Paton 500 in the Historic Senior race at the Classic TT, McGuinness broke a seven-year victory drought on the island, commanding the three-lap race from start to finish and taking the checkered flag 26.8 seconds ahead of runner-up Shaun Anderson.

The victory marks McGuinness’s first win on the Mountain Course since 2019, adding another milestone to a career that includes 23 Isle of Man TT wins.

Setting a fastest lap of 113.028 mph on lap one, the 54-year-old managed mid-race clutch play adjustments while pushing the vintage twin to its limits, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest road racers in history.

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Honda Explores Subscription Ownership for Debut WN7 Electric Motorcycle

Honda is taking an unorthodox approach to electric motorcycle adoption with the launch of the WN7. This is its first all-electric production road bike.

Rather than relying solely on traditional dealership retail sales, Honda is introducing the machine in key markets like Australia via an all-inclusive subscription model.

The idea behind this model is that riders get a lower upfront financial barrier. It’s a risk-free environment to evaluate living with a fixed-battery electric motorcycle.

The subscription model directly addresses long-standing buyer hesitation surrounding EV range, battery degradation, and rapid depreciation.

Positioned as a 600cc-equivalent naked streetfighter, the 217kg WN7 features an 18 kW motor delivering 100 Nm of torque and roughly 80 miles (130 km) of real-world range.

By bundling maintenance, insurance, and battery health guarantees into a flat fee, Honda shifts long-term ownership risks away from riders, signaling how major OEMs may package mid-range urban electric motorcycles moving forward.

ZXMoto Reveals Production-Ready 820X ADV Powered by 117 HP Inline-Triple

Chinese manufacturer ZXMoto has unveiled production homologation details for the 820X ADV, a high-performance adventure-tourer featuring an unusual three-cylinder engine configuration.

Deviating from the parallel-twin powerplants common in the middleweight segment, the 820X utilizes an 818.8cc inline-triple derived from the brand’s World Supersport racing platform. The engine produces 117 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 63 lb-ft of torque at 9,000 rpm, delivering a claimed top speed of 220 km/h (136 mph).

The motorcycle uses a steel frame paired with an aluminum swingarm, rolling on a street-oriented 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel setup. Chinese domestic filings indicate a 481-pound dry weight, a 32.7-inch seat height, and a comprehensive electronic suite that includes adaptive cruise control, semi-active electronic suspension, an electronic clutch system, and integrated front and rear cameras.

Following its transition from initial prototype to final production form, the 820X ADV is scheduled for an international debut at EICMA ahead of a broader global rollout. The bike likely won’t be sold in the US, but ZXMoto has listed the US as a future market, so who knows.

Custom Honda Monkey Mini Chopper by REZ Industries

Taiwanese custom workshop REZ Industries transformed a 2024 Honda Monkey 125 into a small-format custom chopper dubbed the “GeeGee Chop.”

Built for a customer who intended to ride the bike regularly in dense urban traffic, the shop focused on giving the minibike classic chopper styling cues while preserving its lightweight, agile handling. The build retains the factory 125cc air-cooled engine and twin-shock rear frame configuration, keeping the machine’s curb weight around 104 kg (229 lbs).

To achieve traditional chopper proportions, REZ Industries removed the stock upside-down front forks and installed an extended springer front end paired with a 14-inch wire-spoke wheel.

Additional custom elements include ape-hanger handlebars, stacked dual headlights, a high-mounted sissy bar, a mini king-and-queen single seat, a trumpet-style exhaust, and silver glitter paint with flame graphics. Upgraded Crab brake calipers and floating discs were added to improve stopping power for daily street riding.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

!!!!!!

Just a reminder, I published a poetry book, thanks to Bottlecap Press. It’s not about motorcycles, but it is about one of my passions, hunting.

I’ve written poetry longer than I’ve been a journalist. I don’t publish as often, but this small collection I’m proud of.

The poems are written from the heart, and describe memories and experiences I think everyone can connect with, especially if you’ve hunted or spend time outdoors.

I hope you’ll support me and the small press that took a chance on this book.

It is available in print and as a digital copy.

Get the Book

An inline-triple is not a watered-down inline-four, nor is it a bloated twin. It does not exist to split the difference between two flawed choices.

In reality, the triple is a distinct, highly optimized engine architecture that delivers something neither twins nor four-cylinders can match. That is total, uninterrupted usability across basically the whole rev range.

While parallel twins exist largely for manufacturing efficiency and inline-fours exist for track lap times, the inline-triple is the single best power plant ever designed for real-world street riding.

Let’s take a look at why.

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TVS Motor Company is one of India’s largest vehicle manufacturers. They build and sell millions of practical, high-volume commuters across the globe every single year. They run tight, highly profitable manufacturing operations.

So, what would they want with Norton Motorcycles? The disgraced British company was utterly broken.

Under previous management, the company was plagued by financial scandals, unfulfilled customer deposits, and serious manufacturing defects. Production had halted entirely.

But in April of 2020, TVS took control of Norton. Instead of walking away after picking up the intellectual property, TVS poured over £200 million into rebuilding the company from scratch.

Why would a practical automotive giant spend massive sums of money to revive a disgraced British marque? The answer comes down to a deliberate long-term strategy for global expansion. TVS is making it’s power play, and we’re just starting to see the results of these efforts.

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The S4 Honcho Trail is finally being delivered across the USA, and LiveWire also cut the price on its ONE motorcycle considerably. Then there’s Can-Am, which released a new Ryker three wheeler. The custom bike this week is a Bultaco 340 TSS.

Let’s get into it.

LiveWire Starts Delivering S4 Honcho Trail

LiveWire has officially commenced U.S. dealer shipments for its 2027 S4 Honcho Trail, marking the Harley-Davidson subsidiary’s entry into the approachable electric mini-moto market.

Serving as the brand’s most accessible motorcycle to date with a $4,999 starting price, the first production unit was delivered to the winner of LiveWire’s nationwide 30,000-entry giveaway at a dealership in Washington. The off-road-focused Trail variant leads the domestic platform rollout, with the urban-oriented $5,499 S4 Honcho Street expected to follow shortly before international shipments expand to European markets later in the fall.

Designed for broad appeal across commuters, RV travelers, and new riders, the 253-pound S4 Honcho Trail features 12-inch wheels, a 32-inch seat height, a 59 mph top speed, and a standard reverse mode.

Power is supplied by a dual removable battery system with a combined capacity of 3.48 kWh, delivering a WMTC-certified range of up to 53 miles (or 73 miles at a sustained 20 mph) while allowing off-bike charging on standard 110V household outlets.

Manufactured in partnership with KYMCO, the lightweight platform provides a fraction-of-the-cost entry point to LiveWire’s lineup while leveraging Harley-Davidson’s extensive global retail network.

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Check Out the New 2027 Can-Am Ryker

Can-Am has unveiled a substantial update for the 2027 Ryker three-wheeler lineup, introducing comprehensive revisions across its engine, chassis, electronics, and bodywork.

To improve road feel and structural stability when loaded or pushed hard through corners, the manufacturer redesigned the front plastics with a longer upper section, reinforced the steering system, and increased frame rigidity. Complementing the stiffer chassis is a new 5-inch color instrument display with handlebar controls, an upgraded LED headlight, and a refined Vehicle Stability System that integrates updated anti-lock braking, traction control, and stability functions.

The entry-level model starts at $9,999 and relies on a 52-horsepower Rotax 900 ACE inline-three engine, while the $13,499 Ryker Sport steps up to an 80-horsepower variant paired with full KYB suspension and cruise control, both utilizing an automatic CVT with shaft drive.

For buyers seeking a top-tier machine, the $15,499 Special Series edition adds unique body panels, Liquid Titanium wheels, Kashima-coated front shocks, a premium seat, and a performance Akrapovič exhaust. Positioned as an approachable bridge between cars and motorcycles, the updated Ryker targets riders wanting open-air mobility without the balance demands of a two-wheeled machine.

The LiveWire ONE Now Costs $13,999

LiveWire has quieted quietly dropped the starting price of its flagship LiveWire ONE electric motorcycle down to $13,999. That’s a $2,500 price cut that brings the machine to less than half of its original $29,799 MSRP when it debuted under Harley-Davidson branding.

The discount narrows the gap to LiveWire’s middleweight S2 lineup, putting the ONE just $1,000 above the $12,999 S2 Alpinista while offering superior hardware specs, including a longer 146-mile claimed city range, a 110 mph top speed, and 60-minute Level 3 DC Fast Charging capability.

The dramatic price reduction appears to be a final inventory clearance push as LiveWire pivots its focus to its newer modular platforms. Regulatory filings indicate the EPA has not certified the ONE since the 2023 model year, and technical service documentation for the motorcycle ended that same year.

By phasing out remaining stock of its original halo bike, LiveWire is clearing the decks to prioritize its expanding S2 platform alongside its new, lower-cost S4 mini-moto lineup and upcoming urban mobility offerings.

Custom 1976 Bultaco 340 TSS by Jets Forever

French custom workshop Jets Forever has turned a modest 1976 Bultaco 340 Sherpa T trials bike into a sleek, 1970s-inspired “TSS” road racer.

Founded by builder Jean-Paul, the workshop stripped the dual-sport donor down to its bare essentials to create a lightweight, low-slung track bike. To transform the upright trials geometry, Jets Forever fabricated a custom rear subframe to lower the seating position, mounted a classic fiberglass racing fairing up front, and fitted a hand-shaped aluminum fuel tank paired with a minimal racing tail section.

At the core of the machine sits the enlarged 340cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine, which was completely rebuilt and vapor-blasted to pristine condition.

The builder fitted a larger Dell’Orto carburetor and a handcrafted expansion chamber exhaust that sweeps low along the frame, allowing the high-revving single to breathe freely. Supported by rebuilt vintage suspension, refreshed drum brakes, clip-on handlebars, and rearset footpegs, the completed build revives Bultaco’s rich Grand Prix racing heritage in a striking, lightweight package.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

Announcement!

Just a reminder, I published a poetry book, thanks to Bottlecap Press. It’s not about motorcycles, but it is about one of my passions, hunting.

I’ve written poetry longer than I’ve been a journalist. I don’t publish as often, but this small collection I’m proud of.

The poems are written from the heart, and describe memories and experiences I think everyone can connect with, especially if you’ve hunted or spend time outdoors.

I hope you’ll support me and the small press that took a chance on this book.

It is available in print and as a digital copy.

Get the Book

For nearly 70 years, Ducati’s identity was bound to Desmodromic valve actuation, a specific piece of kinematic genius. Designed by legendary engineer Fabio Taglioni in the 1950s, the system uses two cam lobes and two rocker arms per valve. One is used to force the valve open, and one to physically shut it. There are no valve springs pushing back.

When Ducati introduced its lightweight 890cc V2 engine, it made a historic break with tradition. The new engine, which is used on V2 editions of the Panigale, Streetfighter, Monster, and Hypermotard, swaps Desmodromic valvetrains for conventional helical steel valve springs paired with Intake Variable Timing.

The decision makes complete commercial sense. It shaves 21.7 pounds off the engine, dramatically extends service intervals out to 18,000 miles, and lowers production costs under strict Euro 5+ emissions rules.

But there’s a catch, of course. For riders who value mechanical character over spreadsheet efficiency, something vital is missing from these new Ducati motorcycles.

Today, let’s take a closer look at the Desmodromic valve design and talk about what’s lost when Ducati trades them in for some stiff springs.

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I published an article defending this shift and extolling the virtues of the modern parallel twin engine. I stand by what I said there. We shouldn’t be vilifying these new bikes.

Recently, though, one of my readers, (looking at you “Uncle Bob”—not my uncle but I’m a fan of the moniker) suggested I write about the downfall of the four-cylinder middleweights.

In my response to him, I had to admit that since writing about the merits of parallel twins, I’d been scrolling through Cycle Trader and Facebook Marketplace listings of the very bikes he was talking about missing.

So, here we are. I see the parallel twin as the logical step for motorcycle companies and riders, but goddamnit, if there ain’t something special about those four-cylinder screamers that they’re relegating to motorcycling history, I fear before they really should.

I don’t expect companies to stop making parallel twins, nor do I think the should, but the widespread replacement of the classic 600cc inline-four supersport has removed a distinct mechanical experience from motorcycling. As Uncle Bob so rightly puts it, “revving the nuts off an R6” is just good fun. And that’s what motorcycling is really all about.

For nearly three decades, bikes like the Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha YZF-R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R defined performance riding.

They were uncompromising, high-revving precision instruments. While parallel twins offer practical efficiency that the traditional four-cylinder supersport can’t provide, these four-cylinder beasts delivered a sensory and mechanical involvement that modern entry-to-mid-tier sportbikes simply do not replicate.

Let’s dive in to what makes those four-cylinder bikes so special.

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In very exciting news, Yamaha is making XSR155 come to the US. Also, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP is confirmed for 2027, which is very good news, and Triumph’s new Moto2 engine could have implications for the next Street Triple. The custom bike this week is a unique Ducati Multistrada.

Let’s get into it.

Announcement!

I published a poetry book, thanks to Bottlecap Press. It’s not about motorcycles, but it is about one of my passions, hunting.

I’ve written poetry longer than I’ve been a journalist. I don’t publish as often, obviously, but this small collection I’m proud of. The ideas and feelings the poems describe are accessible to everyone and written from the heart.

A lot of people say they “just don’t get poetry.” This is not that kind of book. I’m not writing to impress you. I’m not writing to flex some kind of superior intellect (I don’t have superior intellect). The poems describe memories and experiences I think everyone can connect with, especially if you’ve hunted or spend time outdoors.

I hope you’ll support me and the small press that took a chance on this book.

It is available in print and as a digital copy.

Get the Book

Okay. Now back to our regular weekly programming …

We’re Going to Get the Yamaha XSR155 in the US

Yamaha is expanding its North American Sport Heritage lineup for the 2027 model year by bringing the retro-styled XSR155 to the U.S. market.

Uncovered through National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) VIN decoder filings, the Indonesian-built lightweight roadster appears set to replace the long-running V-Star 250 as Yamaha’s entry-level road model.

Borrowing styling cues directly from its larger siblings, the XSR700 and XSR900, the 155 features a classic 2.6-gallon teardrop fuel tank with knee cutouts, a tuck-and-roll bench seat, and circular LED lighting front and rear.

Underneath its vintage bodywork, the XSR155 uses a liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder engine equipped with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), mated to a six-speed transmission with an assist and slipper clutch.

Rated at 17.2 horsepower for the U.S. market, the bike is built around a steel Deltabox frame supported by a 37mm inverted front fork, a linked rear monoshock, and ByBre braking hardware with dual-channel ABS.

Tipping the scales at around 300 pounds, the XSR155 follows recent industry trends from Japanese rivals by offering a lightweight, approachable, full-sized street bike aimed at attracting newer riders.

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The Ducati Panigale V4 SP Is Most Definitely Confirmed for 2027, Rejoice!

Ducati is officially expanding its superbike family for the 2027 model year with a track-focused “SP” (Sport Production) variant of the Panigale V4.

Confirmed through an updated executive order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the upcoming model sits between the standard 1,103cc Panigale V4 superbike and the high-rpm, 998cc Panigale V4 R race homologation special. While the CARB filing keeps full technical details under wraps, it confirms the SP will share the core 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine platform with the rest of the standard 2027 Panigale line.

Following the formula established by previous SP and SP2 generations, the 2027 iteration is expected to swap the standard wet clutch for a track-ready STM-EVO SBK dry clutch.

Riders can also anticipate premium hardware additions such as lightweight carbon fiber wheels, upgraded Brembo braking components, a brushed aluminum fuel tank, adjustable billet aluminum footpegs, a 520 racing chain, and the integrated Ducati Data Analyzer+ telemetry logging system.

Ducati is expected to officially unveil the Panigale V4 SP alongside its full pricing and final specifications during its annual World Première web series in the fall.

Triumph Has a New Moto2 Engine, and That Has Implications for the Next Street Triple

Triumph Motorcycles has officially revealed a comprehensive redesign of its Moto2 race engine for the 2027 season, featuring a lighter, higher-output 765cc inline-triple.

Developed using data from nearly two million kilometers of competition, the updated powerplant gains a redesigned cylinder head, a low-inertia valvetrain, high-flow intake ports, and a higher-compression combustion chamber.

Together with reworked crankcases and internal rotating components, these upgrades deliver a claimed 6 percent increase in peak power while shedding 4.4 pounds (2 kg) from the engine assembly.

While official communications focus on Grand Prix racing, the race-engine overhaul carries direct implications for future consumer models.

Because Triumph’s Moto2 engine platform shares its core architecture with the road-going Street Triple 765 RS, track-tested advancements historically trickle down to production bikes.

With the 2027 race engine pushing performance boundaries even further, industry experts anticipate these high-compression refinements, revised valvetrain components, and reduced weight will most likely serve as the blueprint for the next-generation Street Triple lineup.

Custom Ducati Multistrada 1000S by Pit Lane Moto

UK custom outfit Pit Lane Moto stripped a polarizing 2005 Ducati Multistrada 1000S DS down to its chassis, transforming Pierre Terblanche’s tall sports-tourer into a low-slung, aggressive café racer.

To resolve the donor bike’s awkward proportions, the builder discarded the original subframe, bulky touring plastics, and fuel tank, replacing them with a sleek tank adapted from a Ducati 749, a custom-built tail section, and a hand-stitched Alcantara seat with gold accent stitching.

Beneath the new aesthetic, the build retains the “S” variant’s premium chassis components, including fully rebuilt Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and the single-sided swingarm.

The air-cooled 992cc Desmodue L-twin was treated to a bronze-brown Cerakote finish, an exposed dry clutch with gold hardware, a custom low-exit exhaust with a slash-cut megaphone, and a complete rewiring around a Motogadget mo.unit system.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

That perception no longer matches reality.

Over the past several years, manufacturers based in China have moved into mainstream global markets with competitive technology, rigorous production standards, and serious motorsport results.

The performance and reliability metrics of these motorcycles now stand on their own merit. These are good bikes. They’re on par with the legacy brands in terms of performance, and the quality appears to be there too.

For anyone doubting, I want to take you through the evidence. Let’s dive in.

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Instead, by the time the finance manager slides the final contract across the desk, the total has exploded to $over $7,000.

When you ask why, the finance manager waves their hand at the number and talks fast about tax, title, and mandatory fees.

It’s an intentional sleight of hand.

Hiding inside that inflated total is a $900 destination charge, an $800 assembly and setup fee, and a $450 doc fee, but on top of that, you’re also paying state sales tax on those fees. Because dealer add-ons count as part of the total selling price, that $2,150 in pure dealer profit just forced you to hand over an extra $150 or so in state sales tax on money that provided zero value to you.

For decades, powersports dealerships have operated like the Wild West of retail pricing. There are some rules, but not like there is for auto dealers. Motorcycle dealers routinely bury fees or use legitimate state taxes as a convenient smoke screen to mask their markups.

But the industry is facing an unavoidable reality check. Federal regulators and state enforcement agencies are stepping in, and shady dealer add-ons are running out of runway. Here’s a closer look.

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Indian Motorcycle revealed one of its coolest bikes to date with the Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition. Suzuki keeps the love of supersports alive with the GSX-R600 and the GSX-R750. Then we have Janus Motorcycles choosing to switch to the Tiawan-based Hartford Industrial for its future engines. Lastly, we have a wild ride from Holy Moly Motorcycles for the custom.

Let’s get into it.

The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition Is Indian’s Coolest Bike, but in Limited Numbers

Indian Motorcycle kicked off the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by revealing the ultra-exclusive 2026 Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis, SD Edition.

Capped at a strictly limited run of 125 serialized units worldwide and priced at $23,999, the model honors the rally’s 1938 origins, which were founded by local Indian dealer J.C. “Pappy” Hoel and his Jackpine Gypsies riding club.

To celebrate this shared heritage, the bike wears an iconic Indian Red and Cream paint scheme, a 1930s-inspired multi-colored headdress tank emblem, a rich Vintage Espresso solo seat, and custom side plates featuring Hoel’s original #56 racing number alongside each unit’s individual production number.

Mechanically, the special edition shares its robust cruiser foundation with the standard Chief Vintage platform.

It is powered by an air-cooled 1,890cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin engine delivering 120 lb-ft of torque, backed by modern amenities including three selectable ride modes, a 4-inch circular display, wire-spoke 16-inch wheels, valanced fenders, and a classic fender-mounted LED headdress light.

Command a $4,000 premium over the base model, the Sturgis Edition’s rich history, distinct contrasting finishes, and extreme rarity make it an instant collector’s item for brand enthusiasts.

Suzuki Reveals the 2027 GSX-R600 and the GSX-R750

Suzuki has officially announced the return of the legendary GSX-R600 and GSX-R750 supersports for the 2027 model year.

Mechanically unchanged from previous iterations, both middleweights retain their long-standing hardware, including high-revving fuel-injected inline-four engines, lightweight twin-spar aluminum frames, Showa Big Piston Forks, and Brembo Monobloc front brake calipers.

Pricing for the base 2027 GSX-R600 starts at $12,499, while the larger-capacity 2027 GSX-R750 carries an MSRP of $13,549.

For 2027, the primary updates come in the form of fresh aesthetics, featuring two standard paint options—Candy Daring Red and Metallic Matte Black No.2—alongside the continuation of the heritage-inspired GSX-R 40th Anniversary Edition livery.

The commemorative trim bumps the price to $12,699 for the GSX-R600Z and $13,749 for the GSX-R750Z, aligning both middleweight bikes visually with the flagship GSX-R1000R. Riders seeking to differentiate the two displacement options on the showroom floor can look to the front suspension, as the 600 features black fork legs while the 750 retains gold finishes.

Janus Motorcycles Chooses Hartford Industrial From Taiwan for Its Engines

Indiana-based boutique manufacturer Janus Motorcycles has officially chosen Hartford Industrial of Taiwan as its new engine supplier for future production runs of its flagship Halcyon 450.

When the platform originally launched, Janus utilized a 445cc air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder motor designed by Italian brand SWM and built in China via the Shineray Group. Following multi-year supply chain delays and manufacturing friction surrounding that original motor, Janus selected Hartford to shift its engine country of origin from China to Taiwan in an effort to streamline production and tighten overall quality control.

To oversee the operational transition, Janus CEO Richard Worsham visited Hartford’s headquarters in Taiwan to conduct dyno testing, ECU calibration, and EPA emissions compliance checks ahead of full production.

The incoming Hartford powerplant retains the fundamental mechanical traits that define the Halcyon 450 platform, offering an accessible, highway-capable, air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder architecture paired with electronic fuel injection and straightforward, owner-serviceable mechanics.

Custom Yamaha Tenere 700 by Holy Moly Motorcycles

Portugal-based custom workshop Holy Moly Motorcycles has returned to its full-build roots with the “XT700,” a unique creation that reimagines what a modern Yamaha XT500 would look like using today’s hardware.

Built on a donor Yamaha Ténéré 700, the project strips away the bulky stock rally bodywork and navigation tower in favor of clean, vintage-inspired aesthetics. Visually, the XT700 features in-house engineered body panels, a tight 10-liter fuel tank, side covers, a long flat seat, and a simple round headlight with a minimalist speedometer that echo the icon from the 1970s.

Beneath its retro exterior, Holy Moly preserved the bike’s modern usability while drastically cutting weight down to a street-legal 175 kg (385 lbs). Powered by Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 parallel-twin engine, output was bumped beyond 85 horsepower thanks to a custom ECU tune, a Boost high-flow airbox, a bespoke high-mounted MADWORKS exhaust, and shorter final-drive gearing for quicker acceleration.

Upgraded with Tractive Suspension and Excel rims on Haan hubs, the XT700 proved its performance capabilities by debuting at Wheels & Waves and taking third place at the Punk’s Peak hillclimb.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

Transportation and mobility experts will look you dead in the eye and urge you to spend $2,000 to $4,000 (or more) on an e-bike. At its core, an e-bike is a bicycle and still has all the same limitations of a bicycle.

Meanwhile, sitting in dealer showrooms across the country are real, honest-to-God motorcycles like the Honda XR150L ($3,399), Kawasaki W175 ($2,999), and Honda Trail 125 ($4,199). If you go on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist or anywhere else you can buy one secondhand, the prices get even better.

For roughly the same price as a high-end e-bike, small-displacement Japanese motorcycles give you so much more for your money.

I can hear it already. People will be yelling that e-bikes and small motorcycles are different things for different purposes, and I actually totally agree with that. If you just want to ride bike paths and pedal around neighborhoods, the e-bike is the way to go. But that’s not often how these bikes are positioned. They’re sold as legitimate commuters.

E-bikes are suggested to people who should buy a small gas-powered motorcycle. If you’re commuting more than a few miles, you want the motorcycle. Here’s why.

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“Everything sounds like a lawnmower now.”
“Parallel twins are boring and suck.”
“Real sportbikes have four cylinders.”

Lots of folks are having a nostalgic meltdown over the rise of the mid-weight parallel-twin. Models like the Yamaha YZF-R7, Aprilia RS 660, Suzuki GSX-8R, and Kawasaki Ninja 650 have taken over the sportbike category, and some riders are treating it like a personal insult.

They look at these twin-cylinder machines and lament the end of a high-revving, ear-splitting era.

And look, I get it. I owned a couple of inline-four Japanese motorcycles. I have owned a Kawasaki KZ550 and a Suzuki GS1100, and I’m familiar with the various bikes that folks are talking about. Those machines are amazing motorcycles, and if you want one, buy one. There’s plenty for sale on the used market.

Folks griping about these new bikes are missing the point.

The modern parallel-twin isn’t just a cost-cutting cop-out by manufacturers, and its not a downgrade. These bikes are an upgrade for the everyday street rider. Let me explain.

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It looks like Harley-Davidson could actually build a cool cafe racer bike that a lot of riders could actually want. Indian Motorcycle is going to make their Scout lineup make more sense. Finally, CFMoto is getting serious about racing, further solidifying their legitimacy.

Let’s get into it.

Harley-Davidson Has Filed Paperwork for RMCR and RMXR, Which Means We Could Get am HD Cafe Racer

Harley-Davidson submitted new trademark applications to the USPTO for "RMCR" and "RMXR."

This development hints that a liquid-cooled café racer and a flat-tracker model are moving closer to production. The "RM" prefix points directly to Harley's Revolution Max engine platform, reviving design concepts the brand first teased when introducing the powertrain family.

The RMCR moniker aligns with a modern café racer concept badged with "RMCR" that Harley showcased at events like Daytona and MotoGP earlier in the year. CEO Artie Starrs signaled a while back this was under serious consideration based on strong rider feedback.

Meanwhile, the RMXR name draws clear heritage from the iconic XR750 flat tracker and later XR1200 models, likely adapting the high-mounted exhaust style seen on early RevMax prototypes.

Depending on whether Harley utilizes the 1250cc engine or the smaller 975cc variant, these models could hit the market as part of Harley's 2027 or 2028 lineup under its broader "Back to the Bricks" product strategy.

It’s a smart move by HD, but I still think this bike is a few years too late. Cafe racers are still super popular, but the height of the craze has passed. That said, this will likely be the sportiest Harley in some time, and that is truly exciting.

Indian Motorcycle’s Scout Lineup Gets Simplified

Indian Motorcycle is streamlining its Scout range for the 2027 model year by dropping several redundant variants and trim levels to clean up a previously crowded lineup.

Official U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification documents show that Indian certified only six Scout configurations for 2027. The confirmed models include the flagship 101 Scout, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Limited, Sport Scout Limited, Super Scout Limited, and Scout Sixty Bobber.

Notable omissions from the initial filings include the standard Scout Classic, standard Sport Scout, and several lower-tier Scout Sixty variations.

The decision addresses a major pain point created during the recent Scout platform redesign, where the introduction of overlapping base, Limited, and Limited +Tech packages across both 1,250cc SpeedPlus and smaller Scout Sixty models made choosing a bike overly complicated.

By trimming out lesser-selling mid-tier trims and focusing on high-demand configurations, Indian aims to simplify dealer inventory, reduce manufacturing complexity, and offer a much clearer lineup for potential buyers.

CFMoto Wants to Race in MotoGP

Chinese manufacturer CFMoto is eyeing a full entry into the premier MotoGP class, aiming to transition from its current branding presence in Moto2 and Moto3 to become a true premier-category contender.

To be taken seriously on the world stage, the brand recognizes that joining MotoGP is the logical next step.

Their aspirations are backed by real engineering progress, notably the development and track-testing of their own V4 superbike engine architecture, which debuted on the V4 SR-RR concept.

Additionally, with major rule changes set for MotoGP and Liberty Media taking over commercial rights, the timing aligns well for a new manufacturer to join the grid, potentially making CFMoto the first Chinese factory team in top-flight Grand Prix racing.

Custom Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC by Poulson Creative

Poulson Creative, an Essex-based workshop founded by Stuart Poulson, transformed a low-mileage Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC into "The Jackal.”

This bike is a bespoke, Dakar- and military-inspired custom built to bridge the gap between aggressive off-road scrambling and long-distance adventure touring.

Retaining the factory frame and 1200cc engine for world-wide serviceability, the build's centerpiece is an electrically actuated windscreen system that lowers over a custom front duckbill guard for off-road protection or raises at the press of a button to deflect wind on highway stretches.

The chassis and running gear feature full-travel Öhlins rear shocks, Mitas Enduro Trail+ tires, Galfer Wave Floatech discs with titanium hardware, and a Zard 2-into-2 shotgun exhaust, complemented by in-house fabricated radiator and fork guards, laser-etched engine covers, hidden pannier supports, and a sand-toned Dakar paint scheme with satin black and bronze accents.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

It is never anyone’s dream machine. It is the bike people buy because they couldn’t afford a Harley-Davidson Sportster, or because they were re-learning how to ride after twenty years out of the saddle and wanted something safe and easy.

It is called common. It is called slow. It is called boring. And none of those things are really a wrong way to characterize the Shadow.

But when you sit and truly consider this motorcycle, you are left with the undeniable truth that the Honda Shadow is one of the most successful, most reliable, and most important cruisers ever built. It is the blue-collar champion that deserves your respect.

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Wall Street analysts love to claim that the Motor Company’s impending doom is entirely demographic: younger generations don’t want heavy, chrome-laden cruisers, and the traditional customer base is aging out of the saddle.

It’s true, but it’s also a lazy, surface-level take that ignores the real mechanical and economic reality of the motorcycle market.

Harley-Davidson’s most terrifying competitor isn’t Indian Motorcycle (or any other manufacturer for that matter), and it isn’t a lack of interest from younger riders. It is the absolute glut of low-mileage, used Harleys available on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for pennies on the dollar.

Heck, even Cycle Trader which is mostly filled up with used bikes available at dealers has roughly 21,000 used Harley’s listed nationwide as of the time of this writing.

Harley-Davidson is being slowly suffocated by its own past success.

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First up this week is Indian’s new Signature Series models. Then we have a hell of a good-looking sportbike from Benelli. I can’t forget the Aprilia ST GT 400. And finally, the custom bike showcase of the week is a wild Triumph Bonneville Bobber built by Tamarit.

Let’s get into it.

Indian Motorcycle’s New Signature Series Looks Pretty Good

Indian Motorcycle has introduced its limited-edition 2026 Signature Series that effectively replaces the previous Elite tier, which showcases four liquid-cooled, PowerPlus 112 V-twin models elevated by multi-layered, hand-finished custom paint schemes and premium electronics.

The collection splits into two dark-themed baggers, the Chieftain PowerPlus and Challenger. Both of these bikes start at $40,999 with blacked-out accents and 400-watt PowerBand audio.

There are two grand touring models (the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Pursuit). Both starting at $46,749, which feature a patriotic Frontier Pearl, Revere Red, and Vigilant Blue livery honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

These bikes also get upgraded 600-watt sound systems. Beneath the show-quality paintwork, each bike retains its core mechanical package. This includes the 126-hp PowerPlus V-twin, 7-inch RIDE COMMAND touchscreen, and advanced Indian Rider Assist tech. It offers collectors a custom-level finish straight from the factory floor.

The Benelli Tornado 550 Looks Awesome for the Money

The 2026 Benelli Tornado 550 arrives as the Qianjiang-owned Italian brand’s new flagship middleweight supersport, featuring an aggressive design accented by what the company is calling lion-fang-inspired DRLs. The bike is powered by an updated liquid-cooled 554cc DOHC parallel-Twin.

Utilizing a 270-degree crankshaft configuration and a six-speed transmission with a bi-directional quickshifter, the twin puts out a claimed 56 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 39.8 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.

The whole design is built around a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member. The chassis is outfitted with premium components, including a fully adjustable 41mm Marzocchi inverted fork, an adjustable Marzocchi monoshock, radially mounted four-piston Brembo front calipers squeezing dual 320mm discs with ABS, and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Angel GT rubber.

Rounding out the 437-pound (wet) package is a modern tech suite that includes standard traction control, two ride modes (Normal and Sport), full LED lighting, TPMS, and a 5-inch TFT color display equipped with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi navigation connectivity, and a USB-C port. Availability is limited, so hit up your local dealer soon.

Aprilia SR GT 400 Scooter Is Coming to North America

Aprilia is introducing its mid-sized urban crossover scooter, the 2027 SR GT 400, to North America. Starting at $7,299 ($7,499 for the Tuareg-inspired Rally Replica), it arrives in dealerships around July or August 2026.

A liquid-cooled 399cc single-cylinder engine powers the scooter. It makes a claimed 36 horsepower and 27.8 lb-ft of torque through an automatic CVT. The chassis pairs a rigid steel double-cradle frame with 7.5 inches of ground clearance for light off-road capability. Suspension consists of a 41mm inverted fork and dual gas-charged rear shocks, both offering 4.72 inches of travel.

Stopping power comes from a radial four-piston front caliper with a 300mm disc and Bosch dual-channel ABS. It rolls on 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail tires.

The ergonomics feature wide handlebars with handguards and an upright seating position. Riders get a five-position adjustable windscreen, keyless ignition, and underseat storage big enough for a full-face helmet. Modern tech includes two-level traction control and a 5-inch TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity.

Custom Triumph Bonneville Bobber by Tamarit

Spanish custom builder Tamarit Motorcycles transformed a 2021 Triumph Bonneville Bobber into an aggressive café racer dubbed “Miss Hyde.”

The build replaces the stock floating saddle with a custom one-piece subframe that integrates the seat and rear tail section. Clip-on handlebars and relocated foot controls shift the rider into a low, forward-leaning posture.

The shop eliminated the factory airbox, hid the wiring under chrome paneling, and fitted a custom-braced, chrome-plated swingarm with speed holes.

The 1200cc parallel-twin engine gets chrome-plated outer covers to contrast against matte cylinders. The exhaust runs down the centerline, protected by custom radiator covers and a sump guard.

Suspension is upgraded with a fully adjustable rear shock and internally rebuilt, chrome-finished front forks. The bike features a deep blue paint job paired with chrome, brushed metal, bronze accents, and a tweed-upholstered seat.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

A heavily used 50cc scooter is an invitation to the lowest-stakes, highest-adrenaline mechanical playground on earth. If you have a couple hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket, a used 50cc scooter is, in my mind, worthy of your hard earned dollars. Here is why:

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They will laugh, mock the step-through frame, point to the small wheels, and tell you that spending nearly $8,500 on a flagship Vespa GTS 300 is a bad way to spend money. They might say that the Vespa is a luxury city toy for rich guys who can’t ride.

The data from the resale market proves that the joke is entirely on them.

The single best reason to buy a Vespa isn’t the fuel efficiency, the classic Italian style, or how easy it is to park. It’s the fact that Vespa scooters retain their value better than almost any other motorized vehicle on planet Earth. They are a seriously smart buy, especially used.

Let me explain what I mean and why.

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The big news since my last roundup was the debut of the Harley-Davidson Deadwood. Then we have the Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Limited Edition. Finally, the pit-bike selling Buscadero Motorcycles needs some help from investors as the hit from tariffs takes its toll.

Let’s get into it.

The Harley-Davidson Deadwood Is Here

Harley-Davidson’s mid-year addition to its Softail lineup is the 2026 Deadwood (FLHD), a factory-custom cruiser heavily inspired by the stripped-down, post-WWII bobber era.

Priced at $17,999 and sold exclusively in the U.S. and Canada, the Deadwood acts as a streamlined, bagless Heritage Classic that drops the luggage and drops the price by $2,000 compared to its parent model. It features a dark, completely blacked-out Denim Black finish across the powertrain, exhaust shields, and controls, accented only by chrome pushrod tubes and lower rocker covers.

To deliver its low-slung stance, Harley fitted a short, chopped detachable smoked windshield and a tuck-and-roll solo seat that drops the rider to just 26.5 inches off the ground.

Mechanically, the cruiser is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Classic V-Twin engine, delivering a claimed 98 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque tuned for a broad, usable powerband. While the front end retains a 49mm telescopic fork with 5.1 inches of travel, the hidden rear monoshock has been lowered, sacrificing an inch of travel down to 3.4 inches to achieve its slammed profile. The bike rides on tubeless, black-rimmed wire-spoke wheels with single-disc brakes front and rear.

Despite its minimalist, vintage appearance, the Deadwood features a robust modern electronics suite, including ride-by-wire throttle with three ride modes, an IMU-driven cornering safety package with cornering ABS and traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and full LED lighting with auxiliary fog lamps.

Royal Enfield Has a Limited-Edition Shotgun 650

Royal Enfield has partnered with famed custom bike builder Rough Crafts to launch a highly exclusive, factory drop version of the Shotgun 650 inspired by the “Caliber Royale” custom build from 2025.

Globally capped at just 100 individually numbered units across India, Europe, Asia, and North America, only ten of these bespoke 648cc parallel-twin machines are allocated for the U.S. market. The American drop is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST on a first-come, first-served basis through an online registration system, where successful buyers will be granted a 48-hour window to place a deposit at their local dealer to secure the $7,999 machine.

Visually, the limited-edition motorcycle captures the distinct design language of the original custom build, featuring a striking gold leaf stripe with subtle grey accents flowing across its bodywork alongside matching gold inner fork tubes and contrast-cut alloy rims.

The premium treatment continues with blacked-out bar-end mirrors, a custom quilted leather seat, a brass collaboration tank badge, and limited-edition numbering stamped directly onto the fuel tank. To complete the collector’s package, each of the ten U.S. buyers will also receive a gold-on-black limited-edition sketch of the original Caliber Royale machine, personally signed by Rough Crafts founder Winston Yeh.

Buscadero Motorcycles Needs Help

The tariffs that have been imposed by the federal government are taking their toll. Case in point is Buscadero Motorcycles, which sells pit bikes, gear, apparel, and is generally one of the coolest companies out there, in my opinion.

Recently, the company posted an Instragram post (above) about the need to seek investors due to the challenges posed by the timing of the tariffs and their recent orders of motorcycles.

This is a cry for help. They’re seeking investors, business partners, or really any assistance that the motorcycling community can muster. If you have the means or you know someone who does, I’m sure they would love it if you reached out. Buscadero has a vibrant community built around its retro pit bikes, and it seemed to be a thriving business.

The tariffs must have hit these guys hard. I don’t know what will happen if they don’t get the help they need, but the post says they will certainly continue to support the riders who have purchased bikes from them in the past.

Custom Honda CL360 Scrambler by Slipstream Creations

James Fawcett of Slipstream Creations completed a meticulous restomod transformation of a neglected 1975 Honda CL360 scrambler, a machine originally gifted to its owner, Chris, for his 14th birthday in 1985 before languishing outdoors for four decades.

Fawcett preserved the sentimental heirloom by modifying its tubular steel frame with a custom chromoly rear hoop, a hand-shaped diamond-patterned marine vinyl seat, and a subtly repositioned stock fuel tank to create an entirely fluid profile. Because outdoor exposure had ruined the original powerplant, a replacement 356cc parallel-twin was sourced and upgraded with Mikuni VM30 carburetors, black 2K epoxy finishing, and custom satin-black Cerakoted headers paired with shorty mufflers and a restored chrome-finish scrambler heat shield.

The overhaul was completed with a rebuilt front end featuring a CB360 disc brake conversion, custom satin-black hubs laced to polished aluminum rims with Shinko 705 dual-sport tires, minimalist custom fenders, a streamlined mini-gauge cockpit, and a striking metallic blue and silver Honda wing paint livery.

Thanks. Keep Reading. Keep Riding

As always, thanks for being a reader of Wind Burned Eyes.

I am available to chat, so if you want to reach out, do so on social media or on Substack, and I will respond when I can.

But the psychological remodeling that occurs inside a motorcycle helmet runs much deeper than simple, active mindfulness. It actually crosses the line into legitimate, clinical trauma therapy.

If you talk to veterans, emergency first responders, or trauma survivors who ride, many of them will all tell you the same thing, that when background panic and heavy stress begin to cloud their minds, a hour-long run down a twisty road clears the fog better than a bottle of pills.

As it turns out, there is a fascinating, exact neurological crossover between piloting a motorcycle and a premier psychological trauma treatment. I suspected this. But recently I came across some research that supports it. It’s called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

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