When it comes to new bike models from manufacturers around the world, 2023 might not initially appear to be a historic year. Many current models are at the halfway point of their lifespans and won’t need to be replaced for at least another couple of years. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t many exciting things to look forward to. The recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, gave us a preview of what to expect in 2023.
10 New Motorcycles To Look Forward
1. Suzuki GSX-8S
Suzuki decided to replace the 750cc inline-four used on the GSX-S750 naked roadster and the venerable V-Twin engine that has served in the SV650 and V-Strom 650 with a parallel twin engine as they are both currently all the rage. Although the SV650 will still be produced for a time, its phase-out is imminent. We’ll talk about the all-new V-Strom 800 shortly, but the GSX-8S, a middleweight naked roadster that pairs with the GSX-S1000S, is also significant.
The 776cc parallel-twin engine is brand-new and has a 270° firing order to offer its V-twin capabilities in a smaller package that will also be less expensive to produce and maintain. The swing arm and steel trellis frame are also brand new. With non-adjustable KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, and non-IMU ABS and traction control, it aims to be an affordable entry into the middleweight sports naked bike class. There is little reason to doubt that the Suzuki GSX-8S will live up to Suzuki’s famous reputation for reliable engineering.
2. Honda Transalp
Honda made a positive impression with the 1100cc Africa Twin. Still, there has been a significant gap between it and the Honda CB500X, which is more road-biased with some off-road capability. To fill that void in 2023, Honda Motorcycles is bringing back Transalp, a well-known brand from the past. The original Transalp was built between 1987 and the late 2000s and was powered by a liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with a displacement of between 583 and 755cc. Honda has worked hard to find the appropriate balance between urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort, and off-road capability with the all-new Transalp, which will be powered by a 755cc parallel twin and produce 91 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque.
The all-new Transalp will compete in an increasingly crowded market with models from Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia, BMW, KTM, and Triumph. A 21-inch front wheel advertises its off-road capabilities. The electronics package includes ride-by-wire throttle, predetermined power modes, adjustable traction control, ABS, and engine braking, as is customary. A non-adjustable Showa suspension is installed, and the ground clearance is 8.3 inches. The seat is 33.5 inches high.
3. Ducati Scrambler 800
Although not brand-new, this model has been sufficiently updated to merit inclusion. The 2015 version of the Scrambler idea replaces the original single-cylinder engine used in the 1960s with a V-Twin engine. It rapidly became Ducati’s best-selling model, catapulting the manufacturer for the first time into the top ten in the European sales charts. The 2023 Scrambler appears the same outside, but much has changed.
The trellis frame, swing arm, and subframe have been updated and are nine pounds lighter. The 73-horsepower, air-cooled Desmodue V-Twin engine is still used. Traction control is possible with a ride-by-wire throttle, and both TC and ABS are lean-sensitive. Three types are available: Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift, which differ mainly in appearance.
4. Triumph Street Triple 765 R, RS & MOTO 2
Triumph’s junior naked sports bike is widely regarded as having one of the finest chassis available for motorcycles, and it just keeps improving. With a wide range of power coming from the inline triple-cylinder engine, it produces 118 (designated “R”) or 128 (designated “RS” and Moto2) horsepower, 59 pound-feet of torque, and a shrill 12,000rpm redline. Reduced gear ratios produce breathtaking acceleration, and the bi-directional quick-shifter enables you to extract every last bit of power. Possess identical electronics to the Speed Triple 1200RS, and its chassis and suspension architecture provides razor-sharp performance.
Three models are available: “The R,” “RS,” and the top-of-the-line Moto2 Edition, which has top-notch Ohlins suspension and a significantly more aggressive riding stance because of the clip-on handlebars. Even though the styling is becoming more angular, it still looks stylish.
5. Suzuki V-Storm 800DE
Unfortunately, Suzuki has always had a lower profile for its adventure bikes than manufacturers like KTM and BMW because the Suzuki V-Strom, whether in 650cc or 1000cc form, has always been a respectable adventure bike, despite not having the extreme electronic sophistication of its competitors. Sadly, Suzuki will no longer produce the 650cc V-Twin engine used in the V-Strom 650 and SV650 starting in 2023. The all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine for the Suzuki GSX-8S is set to replace it. The steel backbone frame and a removable subframe of the V-Strom 800DE, a brand-new motorcycle from the ground up, are crucial for reducing collision damage expenses. Suzuki is directly attacking the Yamaha Ténéré 700 with the upcoming model, which is a difficult task, but at least on paper, Suzuki appears to have it covered.
6. Triumph Chrome Editions
Okay, they aren’t brand-new models but they deserve to be on this list. In the past, chromium played a significant role in gas tank design, particularly for British motorcycle manufacturers. The chrome, exquisitely pinstriped in gold, silver, blue, or black, added a welcome sparkle to the pre-war color schemes. As paint technology advanced, chrome on gas tanks disappeared in the 1970s. However, Triumph has chosen to harken back to the heyday of the British motorcycle industry. This is done by fitting a variety of chrome tanks to its contemporary classic range of Bonnevilles and derivatives, as well as the Rocket 3. They look fantastic, and that’s an understatement. Only available for a year.
7. Honda Hornet CB750
Honda is reclaiming its position as a maker of useful, exquisitely constructed motorcycles, if not a little stuffy. Honda describes its design philosophy as “creating models that are both stunningly simple and emotionally appealing—something functional and uncomplicated.” The parallel-twin engine is the newest motorcycle buzzword, and Honda is no different from other motorcycle manufacturers in this regard. The all-new Hornet brings back a beloved moniker from Honda’s history. Its parallel-twin engine produces 91 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque and a 270-degree crankshaft for a V-Twin-like sensation.
8. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
With its lineup of parallel twin-engined Meteor motorcycles, unveiled in 2018, Royal Enfield is significantly pushing up its effort to achieve success in global sales. The company has added the Super Meteor “cruiser” and touring variants for 2023, likely with the American market in mind. With a curb weight of 531 pounds, 47 horsepower, and 39 pound-feet of torque, it will perform slowly, but the engine has a history of being smooth and dependable. Experts designed the chassis at Harris in the UK, so it will have excellent road manners if you want to push it further off the highways.
9. Norton V4SV
After recent financial issues, Norton appears to be heading in a more secure direction under the Indian company TVS. The V4SV began under the previous administration but won’t be seen again until 2023. Although it costs GBP 44,000, or £10,000 more than the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2, it won’t be cheap. But what is the cost of exclusivity? The V4 engine, constructed by Norton, generates 185 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque. It is crammed with high-end components from brands like Ohlins, Brembo, and BST carbon or OZ forged wheels and is contained in an aluminum-tube perimeter frame. Fast, breathtakingly gorgeous, exclusive, and the beginning of a great thing for the resurrected Norton brand.
10. BMW M1000RR
As if you could make the M1000RR, BMW’s flagship superbike, even crazy, the bike receives many improvements for 2023! Especially when leaning over in turn, the newly designed aerodynamic winglets produce even more downforce without increasing drag. The front wheel and fender are now included in the aerodynamics, which directs cooling air onto the brake calipers.
This is the thinnest possible camouflage for a race bike, covered in carbon fiber. The World Superbike racing championship is BMW’s primary focus, which is why the original S1000RR was created in the first place. 205 horsepower, 189 mph, and a price tag of up to $40,000 if you choose every option. Extremely clever, though. The naked M1000R, which has the same specifications as the RR, is also offered.
