Motorcycles We’re Most Curious to Ride in 2026
A quick features roundup of two motorcycles drawing attention for very different reasons: a polished middleweight sportbike and a significantly updated naked bike.
Even from brief source material, two bikes stand out as especially interesting for riders heading into 2026 and beyond: Aprilia’s RS660 Factory and KTM’s updated 790 Duke. One leans toward refined, real-world sport performance, while the other is framed around significant updates to a proven middleweight naked-bike formula.
Aprilia RS660 Factory: Everyday Sportbike Appeal
The Aprilia RS660 Factory is described as blending real-world comfort, sharp handling, and refined electronics into a middleweight sportbike package. Just as importantly, the source positions it as a machine that works across multiple use cases, being enjoyable for both commuting and trackdays.
That combination is a big part of why middleweight sportbikes remain so compelling. Riders often want performance without giving up usability, and the RS660 Factory appears to target exactly that sweet spot.
- Middleweight sportbike focus
- Emphasis on comfort in real-world riding
- Sharp handling for more spirited use
- Refined electronics package
- Versatility across commuting and track riding
Aprilia’s RS660 Factory blends real-world comfort, sharp handling, and refined electronics into a middleweight sportbike that’s fun for commuting and trackdays.
2027 KTM 790 Duke: A Familiar Formula, Significantly Updated
The 2027 KTM 790 Duke is presented more briefly in the available scrape, but one detail is clear: it features significant updates. Even with limited source text, that alone is enough to make it notable for riders who follow the middleweight naked segment closely.
The 790 Duke has long been associated with approachable performance and street-focused fun, so any substantial revision is likely to draw attention from riders comparing the latest generation of versatile, everyday performance machines.
- Middleweight naked-bike positioning
- Significant updates highlighted in the source
- Likely relevance for riders shopping practical performance bikes
The 2027 KTM 790 Duke features significant updates.
Why These Two Matter
What makes these bikes worth watching is how they represent two of motorcycling’s most enduring sweet spots:
- Sportbikes that remain usable on the road
- Naked bikes that promise performance without excessive complication
Based on the source material, the Aprilia currently tells the more complete story, with clear emphasis on comfort, handling, electronics, and versatility. The KTM, meanwhile, earns its place through the promise of meaningful changes to a platform many riders already recognize.
For enthusiasts browsing what to test, follow, or compare next, both bikes look like natural conversation starters in the middleweight category.