Harley-Davidson Found Guilty of Pushing Impossible...

We have now lastly reached the purpose within the yr the place producers from everywhere in the world are submitting, registering and submitting papers that give us an concept of what’s coming down the pipeline. Included within the bevy of motorbike peeks is the next information listing: 

  1. EPA filings recommend that Kawasaki is engaged on bikes primarily based on their the 1099cc inline-four platform. 
  2. CARB filings have confirmed earlier paper motion; we’re seemingly getting a GSX-8T / GSX-8TT duo from Suzuki. 
  3. CFMoto’s trending Papio minibike is getting a full-fairing refresh for the last word retro vibes. 
  4. Japan’s Truthful Commerce Fee has concluded investigations into Harley-Davidson and located the corporate responsible of pushing sellers to over-deliver on gross sales quotas
  5. As if that weren’t sufficient, Harley-Davidson can be needing to recall round 82,000 Softail fashions because of the rear fender hitting the tire. 

That is going to get progressively extra messy as we transfer alongside, so let’s begin with the up-and-coming bikes, lets?

Quick Filings: Kawasaki’s Engaged on Two New Bikes

A view of a Kawasaki Versys motorbike with two riders. Media sourced from Kawasaki.

Environmental Safety Company Papers Level to Z1100 and Thriller Bike

If you happen to’ve been ready for Kawasaki to drop extra bikes primarily based on the 1099cc inline-four from the Versys 1100 and Ninja 1100SX, you received’t have lengthy to attend. In line with CycleWorld, new EPA certifications for 2026 fashions confirmed two unlaunched bikes with distinct code names: ZR1100HT and ZRT10GT. Whereas the ZRT10G is taken into account one other model of the Z1100, there’s a giant probability that the “G” and “H” seemingly translate to base mannequin and “SE” variations of the upcoming Z1100. 

Based mostly on the coding (and the way Kawasaki codes different bikes of their lineup just like the Z900 or Versys 1100), riders can look ahead to the potential for improved suspension duties in addition to Brembo brakes for the “SE” variant.

In brief, there’s a massive probability we’re about to get a 1099cc variant of Crew Inexperienced’s Z1100 bare streetfighter, and we couldn’t be happier about it.

For the total breakdown of Kawasaki’s EPA filings and what they honestly imply for upcoming fashions, try the in-depth report on CycleWorld: 

Rumor Has It: Suzuki is Prepping to Launch a GSX-8T / GSX-8TT Duo

A view of a Suzuki motorcycle.
A view of a Suzuki motorbike. Media sourced from Suzuki Cycles.

CARB Filings Affirm Transfer to be for 2026 Mannequin Lineup

There’s a hefty probability that Suzuki is following in Kawasaki’s footsteps for new-bike-based-on-existent-platform vibes, too. 

In line with protection from Motorcycle.com, an up to date govt order from CARB filings confirms that Suzuki is making ready so as to add two new fashions to its 2026 lineup. The papers be part of filings for Suzuki’s GSX-8R, GSX-8S, and the V-Strom 800, all of which sport Suzuki’s 776cc Parallel-Twin coronary heart, and suggesting that the upcoming GSX-8T and GSX-8TT  will sport the identical platform.

Right here’s what we all know thus far: 

  • The engine will produce the identical emissions because the 2025 model. 
  • Energy is estimated at round 81.8 hp @ 8,500 rpm
  • Torque is estimated at round 57.5 lb-ft. @ 6,800 rpm.

With some fundamental sleuthing citing the “T” in GSX-8T to imply “Touring,” riders are excited on the prospect of a barely smaller sibling to Suzuki’s bigger GSX-S1000GT+. 

The “8TT,” nevertheless, has raised questions. Some recommend that the double use of the letter signifies extra premium stuff on the upcoming bike – and whereas baggage, windscreen choices and top-tier componentry availability appear fairly candy, we must wait and see what Suzuki has in retailer for us. 

Keep tuned for EICMA, as these bikes will little doubt be a significant highlight for Suzuki!

For the total breakdown of Suzuki’s CARB filings and what they recommend about these upcoming sport-touring fashions, try the report on Bike.com: 

Pep In Your Step: CFMoto Wows with Papio X0-1 Retro Sportbike

A view of the CFMoto Papio X0-1.
A view of the CFMoto Papio X0-1. Media sourced from CFmoto.

Kind-Approval Papers Present New Minibike On the Approach

Prepare for some severe retro vibes in a compact bundle, as a result of CFMoto continues to nail it with this one. 

In line with a report from CycleWorld, CFMoto is about to launch a refreshed, full-faired model of its widespread minibike, the Papio X0-1. This machine has at all times been on the prime of my listing for the seems of the factor, and now that the Papio carries Panigale-inspired fairings (full with tiny built-in winglets!), she’s prepared for a candy, trendy using season. 

On to the construct. 

Riders seeking to get into proudly owning this up-and-coming Papio X0-1 will discover the next included:

  • A 126cc air-cooled single coronary heart.
  • 9.4 hp and 6.8 lb.-ft. of torque.
  • A relatively cute signature twin headlight stare.
  • Suspension within the type of a USD fork and rear monoshock.
  • ABS-equipped disc brakes.
  • The potential for a Traction Management rider assist, per the “TCS” on the fairings. 

If you happen to’ve ever been desirous about these Grom monitor days you’ve seen on social media, I posit that the Papio X0-1 may very well be a contemporary face and a incredible contender for the shenanigans. The Papio is presently out there in America, so we’re absolutely anticipating this explicit mannequin yr to additionally make its means throughout the pond as soon as the factor has debuted. 

For an in depth have a look at the brand new CFMoto Papio X0-1, be sure you try the article on CycleWorld:

Business Insider: Japan’s Truthful Commerce Fee Finds Harley-Davidson Responsible of Pressuring Sellers to Promote Bikes

A view of a Harley-Davidson engine.
A view of a Harley-Davidson engine. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.

Harley to be Fined $1.4 Million

Have you ever ever heard of an Anti-Monopoly Legislation? It’s a factor in Japan, and whereas we want our nation had such a justice system, an American motorbike firm has been unlucky sufficient to be caught on the flawed finish of the system. 

The corporate in query is none aside from Harley-Davidson, which was reputed to be below investigation after Harley’s gross sales ways in Japan raised flags for pushing Japanese sellers into making an attempt to fill not possible gross sales quotas below ache of contract termination.

In line with ADVRider, Japan’s anti-monopoly legislation strictly prohibits firms from utilizing their dominant market place as leverage to over-burden companies. If a violation is confirmed, Japan’s Truthful Commerce Fee (FTC) will problem a stop and desist order and slap the violator with a penalty equal to 1% of the gross sales linked to the corporate’s unlawful practices – and in Harley-Davidson’s case, 1% seems to be equal to a $1.4 million penalty. 

We’re advised that HD’s penalty is steep because of the firm’s underhanded therapy of dozens of Japanese sellers, setting gross sales targets so excessive that sellers quickly discovered their quotas not possible to fulfill by means of the standard gross sales strategies. To make issues even worse, Harley-Davidson apparently communicated that dealership contracts can be in peril of termination if the sellers’ gross sales fell wanting the quotas Harley wished.

Naturally, Harley-Davidson’s sky-high quotas put sellers in a bind, as they couldn’t again out, having already put cash into retailer renovations to be eligible to promote Harley bikes. Feeling like that they had no alternative, many resorted to assembly quotas in the one means they may – by shopping for instantly from HD after which reselling those self same, brand-new bikes as “registered however unused automobiles” at costs far decrease than what these sellers discovered comfy. 

We’re presently ready for the FTC’s findings to be formalized; when that occurs, we can have concrete affirmation that Harley-Davidson pressured sellers to amass greater than $100 million in extra stock, below worry of contract termination. 

For extra in-depth particulars on the Japan FTC’s findings in opposition to Harley-Davidson, be sure you try the total report on ADVRider: 

Complete Recall: Over 82,000 Harley-Davidson Softails Affected

A view of a Harley-Davidson bike.
A view of a Harley-Davidson bike. Media sourced from Harley-Davidson.

Rear Fender Contact Sparks Main Security Alert

As if the earlier information wasn’t sufficient, there’s extra. You keep in mind that recall that occurred to 63,000 bikes over a rear shock absorber fastener (NHTSA ID 23V-531)? Properly, we don’t suppose the problem was mounted, as Harley-Davidson has simply issued a second recall affecting 82,000 Softails over that very same rear shock absorber space. 

In line with ADVRider, Harley-Davidson’s earlier resolution didn’t work, and new failures have been noticed even on bikes that had acquired the earlier recall’s reparations. We’re advised Harley initially determined to not take motion, although incoming reviews had Harley’s Govt Determination Authority altering their thoughts and authorizing this expanded recall. 

Right here’s what the recall says about this mess: 

“The rear shock pre-load adjuster mounting tab put in on sure Mannequin 12 months 2018-2024 Softail bikes might fracture below regular use, doubtlessly  permitting the rear shock adjuster to contact the rear tire… If the defect situation happens and stays undetected, contact between the adjuster and tire might create a groove within the tire, which can ultimately result in a sudden lack of stress, growing the danger of a crash.”

– NHTSA Harley-Davidson recall (ADVRider)

Riders are inspired to test for FLHCS, FXLRST, FLDE, FXLRS, FLHCS ANV, and FLHC Harley bikes produced from June 28, 2017, to November 28, 2024. Please be careful for the next signs: 

  • Noise from beneath the seat
  • A visibly free rear shock adjuster (if the seat is eliminated)
  • Problem maneuvering the motorbike
  • Atypical put on on the rear tire

Riders will be capable to have a brand new bracket put in totally free at licensed Harley-Davidson sellers as a way to prohibit the pre-load adjuster’s motion and shield the bike’s rear tire. 

Harley-Davidson has purportedly aimed to inform its sellers between June 9-16, 2025, with proprietor notifications deliberate to comply with between June 16-23, 2025. We’re hoping they’ll be on time for this one

For full particulars on this main recall and to test in case your Harley-Davidson Softail is affected, please confer with the official report on ADVRider: 

*Media sourced from Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and 58Moto*

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