2021 is a big year for Ducati, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer has tons of new stuff coming down the pipes, including a completely redesigned Monster and new ‘Monster Plus’. Although we’ve seen the new Multistrada already in production at the Borgo Panigale factory, it’s now the new Monster’s turn. The 2021 Ducati Monster and Monster Plus are now in production and on the way to being available to the public.
To celebrate the first model coming off of the production line, Ducati invited some of their esteemed MotoGP riders (Ena Bastianini, Pecco Bagnaia, and Luca Marini) to bear witness to the special event as documented in the video below.
Why should we care about a new motorcycle coming off of the production line? Why don’t we celebrate the first of every model from every OEM coming off of the production line?
Well, for starters, the Monster family is Ducati’s most coveted asset. It is their best-selling, and oldest line of bikes that they still manufacture to this day. Taking that into account, and the fact that this bike has seen a complete rebuild from the ground up for the 2021 model year, it definitely holds some weight when it comes to celebration rights.
The new Monster revolves around the new 937cc Testastretta engine that boasts an ample 111 ponies and 69 lb-ft of torque. For more information about these two new models, check out our model overviews for both the 2021 Monster and 2021 Monster Plus.
Vespa scooters have become one of the industry standards when it comes to small-displacement commuters, and have seen a ton of success throughout its 75-year history. Since its patent filing date of April 23rd, 1946, all the way up until 2021, we have seen 75 years of Vespa evolutions, and to celebrate the big date coming next month Piaggio has a unique special edition for both the Primavera and GTS models.
These special models will come completely decorated in a metallic yellow paint Vespa calls “Giallo 75th”. The number 75 finds its way to the mudguard and side panels in a slightly darker shade, and Vespa’s signature “tie” finds itself recolored in opaque pyrite yellow. Almost every piece of these scooters has seen a makeover; even the wheels. The rims on this 75th-anniversary edition are painted grey with a “diamond finish”, and new chrome pieces find their way all over the models even extending to the luggage rack.
Speaking of luggage, this edition will come complete with a round shoulder-bag on the back as a callback to the classic Vespa scooters that featured a spare wheel holder. The bag is removable and is constructed from premium nubuck leather, and the seats have been finished in the same smoke grey nubuck leather to match the aesthetic.
The 75th Anniversary Edition will be available in all Primavera sizes (50cc, 125cc, and 150cc), as well as all GTS models as well (125cc, and 300cc) making a total of five scooters in line for the anniversary makeover. All models will come complete with a 4.3″ full-color TFT display as standard. Piaggio’s official press email regarding this release didn’t discuss pricing or availability but seeing as how the bike is to celebrate the official 75th anniversary marked by an April 23rd patent filing date, expect more information to come down the pipes next month.
We are honored to announce that Can-Am has released a statement to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Can-Am has decided to honor the celebration by offering $100,000 to the Women of On-Road program. This program will help spearhead projects that empower women within the riding community. This campaign will help increase awareness, challenge the “biker” stereotype, and make the riding community an inclusive atmosphere for women every day of the year.
An official statement from Can-Am On-Road:
This one is for all of the women who have been told you’re too old, too young, too weak, too inexperienced, or simply too much to handle. The open road doesn’t discriminate and neither do we. This is our promise to you.
We believe the road has the power to empower; to inspire, to awaken something within all of us. That sense of freedom belongs to everyone regardless of race, age, gender, or background. There is a new generation of riders emerging and they are as diverse as the highways, backroads, and uncharted pathways upon which they embark upon, and that is why Can-Am is committed to breaking down the barriers restricting marginalized groups, including women, from riding the open road free from discrimination and inequity.
We are committed to addressing the staggering deficit of women riders in the riding community, increasing the ratio of Can-Am Ryker women riders to 40%. We will do so by supporting groups and projects that help empower women riders through Can-Am’s Women of On-Road via our Giving Back to Our Community initiative and provide new educational resources such as training videos, local ride guides, access to womens’ riding groups, and much more, all available through our hub canamonroad.com/women.
We’ve got miles to go, there’s no doubt about it. But we’re on this ride with you and the road ahead is bright.
There are three XC-F models in the 2021 KTM line-up: the 250, 350, and 450. We’re here to talk about the largest displacement of the three, the 2021 450 XC-F. This serious off-road enduro bike shares a lot of DNA with KTM’s motocross offerings, but with added versatility to make it a more capable cross-country motorcycle, over a wide range of terrain types. It doesn’t just share DNA with any old motorcycle either: it features many of the same components found on the race-spec championship-winning 450 SX-F too.
The secret to this European-made enduro machine’s success is the compact but powerful fuel-injected, four-stroke, 449cc single-cylinder engine. It has been tweaked for the new year to comply with Euro5 regulations, but without compromising any power. It’s still a seriously potent ride—with approximately 52 horsepower on tap—and an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
What separates the XC-F range from the XCF-W is the suspension setup. Like all KTM motorcycles, WP Suspension handles the suspension duties. However, unlike the XCF-W models that use WP XPLOR units, the XC-F range uses WP XACT hardware instead.
For 2021, the 450 XC-F is available exclusively in KTM Orange.
The 2021 KTM 450 XC-F starts from $10,799 USD / $12,099 CAD.
On this page:we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 KTM 450 XC-F in one place.
The 450 XC-F features the same compact 450 cc powerhouse as in the ripper 450 SX-F. KTM’s engineers worked tirelessly to increase the READY TO RACE ability of this machine by including the latest engine management technology and refining the SOHC cylinder head and the latest electronic fuel injection. This means the 450 XC-F pumps out unrivaled horsepower with one simple goal in mind – to win races!
Cylinder Head
Inside the SOHC cylinder head, an overhead camshaft controls four ultra-lightweight titanium valves via extremely rigid rocker arms, which are DLC-coated on the intake side. A configuration like this allows engine speeds of up to 11,500 RPM; a baffling figure for a large displacement thumper. Lateral brackets made of aluminum allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and contribute to the bike’s featherweight feel.
Crankshaft
The KTM 450 XC-F’s crankshaft utilizes a short connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big (bottom) end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. The necessary oil feed for this bearing is ensured by the engine’s pressurized lubrication. This design is a decisive benefit in terms of the crankshaft service interval, which can be lengthened due to the plain bearing. So just pin it, all day long.
Crankcases and engine covers
The design of the die-cast crankcases allows for minimal weight and a very centralized shaft configuration. This makes the engine short and compact, while contributing to an efficient centralization of masses. The engine covers also feature a solid surface structure, which reduces the wear caused by the rider’s boots. This way, your XC-F will keep looking better longer.
Transmission
The KTM 450 XC-F uses a lightweight 5-speed transmission with gear ratios that are perfectly matched to the power delivery of its large displacement engine. The 1st and 3rd gears are treated with a special surface coating for better reliability. An advanced ´No Dirt´ gear shift lever design prevents mud and sand from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees trouble-free shifting. All 4-stroke engines are fitted with a gear position sensor, giving the option of different engine characteristics for each gear.
Frame
The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering and excellent stability. You can also count on precisely calculated stiffness of the frame. This results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear suspension, sucking up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue. Laterally attached, lightweight aluminum engine head stays (the connection between cylinder head and frame) contribute to more precise cornering and a reduced vibration level. The engineers were able to pull off all that, while making their frame 2.2 pounds lighter than that of the lightest competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components. The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of aluminum, which tips the scales at less than 2 pounds.
Handlebar
All KTM XC models are equipped with the same high-strength aluminum tapered NEKEN handlebar. The handlebar allows for four different positions. The handlebars come standard with an ODI vulcanized grip on the right side and a comfortable ODI lock-on grip, which does not require any wire or glue, on the left. Additionally, the bike is fitted with a map-select switch on the handlebar for selecting alternative engine maps. The rider also has the option to activate TRACTION CONTROL from this switch; a unique feature which guarantees more efficient traction, especially in slippery conditions, and can be activated with the push of a button during riding.
Footpegs
Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent clogging of the footpeg pivot, even when digging in deep ruts. Looking for a higher riding position? Then just mount the footpegs of the EXC models, which are 6 mm higher than the XC versions.
Battery & wiring harness
A strong lithium ion battery breathes life into the engine and contributes to low vehicle weight. The lightweight battery and wiring harness are centralized in a compartment above the air filter box, allowing the mechanic to remove the subframe without moving the electronics. A happy mechanic is a good mechanic.
