As 2020 draws to a conclusion, most can perhaps agree that 2021 cannot come soon enough for reasons that inevitably don’t need too much explaining here.
However, as with every turn of year, in a motorcycle sense it means there are myriad new models on their way imminently as previewed in a flurry of recent launches in lieu of the cancelled 2020 EICMA showpiece. From sportsbikes, to tourers, to mid-capacity roadsters, to urban runarounds - you’re not short of brand new options for 2021 regardless of what you’re in the market for.
Indeed, it was a bumper crop this year with a number of models requiring updates in order to meet new Euro5 emissions regulations, prompting most manufacturers to use it as an opportunity to provide a mid-cycle nip and tuck. Here we’ll group them together by manufacturer, just hit the links for more details of each new model. First up today is YAMAHA
Naked
Having only just gotten round to rolling out the erstwhile design language its many models in the MT naked range, Yamaha has nonetheless dived straight into a new one to mark the arrival of the MT-09, one of its most important models in terms of sales.
More importantly though, the MT-09 gets a new three-cylinder 889cc engine, upgraded tech and a tweaked chassis in an effort to maintain its strong following around the world, while the more honed SP flagship has also been updated.
Not to be outdone, the MT-07 gets a lighter update but receives its own new face as it bids to contend with a new rival in the Triumph Trident.
While you can expect to see Yamaha roll out the new look across the MT range at some stage, the top of the range MT-10, plus the recently launched MT-03 and MT-125 continue on into 2021 as they are, while Yamaha is still advertising the current MT-07 and MT-09 so expect some sizeable end-of-line discounts to be had.
Adventure & Touring
Following on from the launch of the new Yamaha Tracer 700 last year, the larger ‘900’ version - now to be known as the Yamaha Tracer 9 - has taken centre stage for 2020.
Joining the aforementioned MT-09 in making use of a new three-cylinder 890cc engine, the Tracer 9 with come in standard and GT guise, promising even greater versatility from one of the market's most accomplished all round performers. Meanwhile, the Yamaha Tracer 700 (now the ‘7’) has also added a GT variant for greater practicality.
Further up the range, the big and bold FJR tourer ranges remain intact heading into 2021, while the opinion dividing Niken remains Yamaha’s oddity option if you are so inclined.
Meanwhile, the Adventure line-up continues on as it was into 2021, led by the popular Tenere 700, which now comes with a smart Dakar Rally retro-inspired livery.
Scooters
Yamaha’s top-selling Yamaha NMAX 125 receives an overhaul for 2021 with updated looks and Bluetooth connectivity as it looks to maintain its status as one of the firm’s biggest volume models.
Also new for 2021 will be the Yamaha D’Elight, with sharper angles to emphasise the retro-inspired styling and what it claims is a ‘unisex’ appearance.
In a year that also saw the TMAX and Tricity three-wheeler also updated, the remainder of the range continues to combine Yamaha’s blend of quality and value right down to the smallest models
