Riders Preferred Membership
Shop by Vehicle
Track Order
Contact Us
Special-edition motorcycles are expensive. Or at least, that’s the common belief.
The latest batch of handsomely accessorized models may support that consensus, but they challenge it, as well. That’s because several examples fall well short of unobtainium status. Simply put, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look.
Rugged and ready
Triumph's Tiger series has its bases covered. Be it middleweight or full-sized, pavement pounder or trail explorer, the lineup’s range is unquestionable. The British OEM aims to accentuate that versatility with its Alpine- and Desert-edition Tigers.
For simplicity’s sake, the Alpine trim is only available on GT Pro variants of the Tiger 900 and Tiger 1200 models. The opposite is true of the Desert option, which comes on Rally Pro 900s and 1200s. Still, the two versions share some common components.
For instance, an Akrapovič silencer is fitted as standard on all Tiger 900 GT Pro Alpine and Rally Pro Desert units. The similarities extend to the crash protection, with the 900 Alpines benefitting from engine guards and 900 Desert editions sporting engine and fuel tank guards.
There’s even less to choose between the Tiger 1200 GT Pro Alpine and 1200 Rally Pro Desert, which both earn Blind Spot Assist, Lane Change Assist, and a heated rider/pillion seat. In reality, the biggest differentiator is paint, with each edition flaunting trim-specific liveries. The latest special editions from Ducati follow a similar formula.
Pricey performance
Winning four consecutive MotoGP titles only pays off if you can sell a few bikes in the process. Ducati is doing just that with its Panigale V2 MM93 and FB63.
The two V2 S-based bikes don’t just arrive in pretty paint, though. A forged aluminium wheelset reduces the model’s unsprung weight by 3.3 pounds, while an adjustable Öhlins steering damper serves steering accuracy. Lower clip-ons, a billet steering plate, and a racing windscreen complete the package.
Starting at $24,995, neither Duc is exactly budget-conscious, but they’re reasonably priced by special-edition standards. Even if they add $5,000 to the V2 S’s $19,995 asking price. Ducati isn’t the only Italian marque deploying such tactics.
At this point, MV Agusta is synonymous with special-edition motorcycles. Nearly every model to roll out of its Schiranna factory in recent history has been limited. The Brutale Serie Oro is no different.
Surprisingly, this MV goes well beyond a stylish makeover. The steel trellis frame is new, with increased torsional rigidity and decreased weight. The five-inch TFT is new, flanked by a matrix LED headlight and updated controls. The Brembo Hypure calipers are new. The Öhlins suspension is new. The quickshifter and slipper clutch are new. You get the point.
While that’s all good and well, the real star of the show is MV’s new 950 EVO engine. The 931 cc inline-triple engine already powers the firm’s Enduro Veloce sport-tourer, but in Brutale form, it produces a claimed 148 horsepower (at 11,200 rpm) and 78.9 foot-pounds of torque (at 8,400 rpm).
From tip to tail, the Serie Oro touts up-spec gear, which ultimately informs its $26,998 price tag. In other words, $7,000 more than the $19,998 Brutale 800. That’s a lot of dough, and yet the MV is far more accessible than KTM’s latest collab.
Sir Duke
KTM first partnered with automotive tuning specialists Brabus in 2022. The cooperative effort resulted in the Brabus 1300 R, a “Luxury Hyper Naked” heavily based on KTM’s flagship 1290 Super Duke R. Now, the German tuner and Austrian OEM are back with the Brabus 1400 R.
This time around, the 2025 KTM 1390 Super Duke R EVO provides the foundation for the Brabus-branded bike. That’s to say, the former and latter are practically identical. Both house a 1,350 cc LC8 V-Twin, which KTM lists at 190 horsepower (at 10,000 rpm) and 107 foot-pounds of torque (at 8,000 rpm). Both feature WP APEX semi-active suspension. Everything from seat height (32.8 inches) to wheelbase (58.7 inches) to curb weight (467.4 pounds) remains consistent.
The only mechanical difference lies with the 1400 R’s Monoblock II EVO three-spoke wheels and Brembo Hypure calipers (upgraded from the 1390 R EVO’s Brembo Stylemas). Otherwise, there’s little to choose between the Super Duke and Brabus. Well, where specs are concerned, that is. Styling is another story.
Distinguishing the 1400 R is its “Widestar bodywork,” which consists of “precision-engineered carbon fiber components and the BRABUS ‘Midnight Veil’ body color.” The side spoilers, fuel tank fairing, and belly pan are made of carbon fiber. So are the rear wheel cover, chain guard, and swingarm cover. The seat is just as lavish, upholstered in leather and Dinamica microfiber, and embossed with a Brabus logo.
With only 100 units slated for production, the Brabus 1400 R carries a retail price of $54,999. That’s more than double the price of the 1390 Super Duke R EVO ($21,499). Luckily, not all special-edition bikes need to come with special-edition pricing. The latest wave of special editions proves as much.
