November is a time when motorcycle manufacturers proudly show off their new and updated wares, but it’s also a time when they get the paint brushes out and give some of their carry over models new paint and graphics.
Among those to have got the crayons out are Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and electric brand Zero, whose range continues as-is for 2021 but with new colours on all models except the recently introduced SR/S sports tourer.
Honda have given the ever-popular CRF1100L Africa Twin a retro tricolour livery for 2021. The red, white and blue colourscheme is inspired by the original 1980s Africa Twin and has previously been available only on the more off-road orientated Africa Twin Adventure Sports variant. Other minor updates in the Honda range revolve around the four-cylinder CB650R and CBR650R models which have been given updated Showa Big Piston Forks to go with minor changes to the dashboard, headlights and graphics. Both bikes are also now Euro5 compliant, due to modifications for the engine.
Suzuki have yet to announce any major new models or significant updates, but they have confirmed that the GSX-R1000R superbike will remain in the range and that it will be available in a new black colour scheme, resplendent with orange flashes and silver ‘Suzuki’ working across the side of the fairing in the style of the firm’s MotoGP racers. Suzuki GB is also running a promotion of the biggest of the ‘Gixxer’ family, reducing the RRP by £1000 to take the advertised on the road price to £15,999.
Meanwhile over at Kawasaki, there are several new liveries ahead of some expected new model launches throughout November and, unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of green going around.
The retro Z900RS, inspired by the iconic Z1 superbike of the 1970s, gets a new double black option – or Metallic Spark Black and Ebony as it is listed in the brochure – and the 125cc, learner legal, models also get a minor makeover.
A popular choice with riders on a CBT, the Z125 will have the option of a lowering kit to make it even more accessible, while the three premium metallic colour options are lime green and black, black and white or a two-tone black option, the latter two coming with jazzy two-tone black and lime green saddles. The Ninja 125 gets revised colours and graphics, in the great tradition of lime green Kawasakis, although unlike the other updated bikes here, which are due in showrooms imminently, it’ll be next spring before the Ninja 125 hits Kawasaki dealerships in its new frock.