Best Upcoming Powersports Motorcycles In 2023
At first glance, 2023 might not look as if it’s going to be a vintage year for brand-new models from the world’s motorcycle manufacturers. Many existing models are halfway through their life cycles and, as such, will not be replaced for at least another couple of years. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t enough to look forward to in 2023, and the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, provided us a taste of what to expect.
Highlights:
- The Honda Transalp
- Suzuki GSX-8S
- Triumph Street Triple 765 R, RS, and Moto2
- Ducati Scrambler 800
- Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
- Triumph Chrome Editions
- BMW M1000RR
- Honda Hornet CB750
- Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
- Norton V4SV
-
The Honda Transalp
Honda made a big splash with the 1100cc Africa Twin, but there has been a significant gap between that and the CB500X, which is more road-biased with a modicum of off-road potential. Honda is recreating a famous brand from the past, the Transalp, to fill that void in 2023. The original Transalp was manufactured from 1987 through the late 2000s and was powered by a V-Twin, liquid-cooled engine ranging in size from 583 to 755cc. Honda has worked hard to find the appropriate balance between urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort, and off-road ability with the new Transalp, which will be powered by a 755cc parallel twin producing 91 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque.
The new Transalp advertises its off-road intentions with a 21-inch front wheel, and it will compete with an increasingly crowded market with models from Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia, BMW, KTM, and Triumph. The electronics package is extensive, as expected, with ride-by-wire throttle, preset power modes, adjustable traction control, ABS, and engine braking. It has a non-adjustable Showa suspension and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The seat is 33.5 inches high
CHECK OUT 2023 POWERSPORTS INVENTORY
-
Suzuki GSX-8S
Parallel twin engines are all the vogue at the moment, and Suzuki has seen fit to get on the bandwagon with such an engine, replacing not only the ancient V-Twin that has seen duty in the SV650 and V-Strom 650 but also the 750cc inline-four that was used on the GSX-S750 naked roadster. The SV650 will be available for a bit longer, but it will eventually be phased away. We’ll get to the new V-Strom 800 shortly, but the new GSX-8S, a middleweight naked roadster cousin to the GSX-S1000S, is equally significant.
The 776cc parallel-twin engine is totally new and has a 270° firing order, giving it the qualities of a V-twin but in a more compact packaging that will be less expensive to manufacture and maintain. The steel trellis structure and swing arm are both brand new. With non-adjustable KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, and non-IMU ABS and traction control, it aims to be an affordable entrance into the middleweight sports naked bike class. Suzuki has an outstanding reputation for high-quality engineering, and there’s no reason to believe the GSX-8S will be any different.
-
Triumph Street Triple 765 R, RS, and Moto2
Triumph’s junior naked sports bike has long been recognised as one of the best chassis in motorcycling today, and it simply keeps getting better. The inline triple-cylinder engine produces 118 (‘R’) or 128 (‘RS’ and Moto2) horsepower, 59 pound-feet of torque, and a roaring 12,000rpm redline. Shorter gear ratios provide incredible acceleration, and the bi-directional quick-shifter helps you to extract every last ounce of performance.
In terms of technology, it is comparable to the Speed Triple 1200RS, and the chassis and suspension geometry provide razor-sharp handling. There are three variants available: ‘R,’ ‘RS,’ and the top-tier Moto2 Edition, which features top-tier hlins suspension and a significantly racier riding position thanks to the clip-on handlebars. Every year, the styling becomes more angular, but it remains attractive.
-
Ducati Scrambler 800
Although not a new model, it has been sufficiently revised to deserve inclusion here. The original Scrambler debuted in the 1960s, and the concept was reimagined for 2015, with a V-Twin engine replacing the single-cylinder unit from the original. It rapidly became Ducati’s best-selling model, catapulting the firm into the top ten of European sales for the first time. The 2023 Scrambler appears to be the same on the outside, but much has changed.
There’s a new and nine-pound-lighter trellis frame, swing arm, and subframe. The engine remains the Desmodue 73-hp air-cooled V-Twin. Traction control is possible with ride-by-wire throttle, and both TC and ABS are lean-sensitive. There are three models available: Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift, with minor visual variances between them.
-
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
Suzuki has always had a much lower profile for its adventure bikes than rivals such as KTM and BMW, which is a shame because, in terms of real-world ability, the Suzuki V-Strom, in either 650cc or 1000cc guise, has always been a decent adventure bike, albeit lacking in the extreme electronic sophistication of its rivals. Suzuki is regrettably abandoning the great little 650c
V-Twin engine found in the V-Strom 650 and SV650 for 2023. It will be replaced by the new 776cc parallel twin stated above for the Suzuki GSX-8S.
The V-Strom 800DE is a completely redesigned bike, with a steel backbone frame and detachable subframe, which is vital for reducing crash damage expenses. Suzuki is taking direct aim at the Yamaha Ténéré 700 with the new model, which is a hefty job but, on paper, Suzuki appears to have it covered. The Showa suspension is fully adjustable and has 8.7 inches of travel, delivering the same amount of ground clearance. With all fluids and a full tank of gas, the weight is 507 pounds. The wheels are 21-inch front and 17-inch rear, and ABS and traction control are both multi-faceted and can be disabled (rear only for the ABS). The electronics are completed by a rapid shifter and Suzuki’s anti-stall mechanism, all of which are controlled by a full-color TFT dash.
GET A QUOTE ON 2023 POWERSPORTS
-
Triumph Chrome Editions
Okay, these aren’t quite new models, but they’re still worthy of inclusion on this list. There was a time when chrome was a key component of gas tank design, particularly among British motorcycle makers. The chrome, beautifully pinstriped in gold, silver, blue, or black, added a welcome sparkle to the drab pre-war colour schemes. Chrome was removed from gas tanks in the 1970s due to advances in paint technology.
Nonetheless, Triumph has decided to bring back the glory days of the British motorcycle industry with a new line of chrome tanks for its modern classic Bonnevilles and derivatives, as well as the Rocket 3. It would be an understatement to say they look fantastic. Only available for one year.
-
BMW M1000RR
The M1000RR, BMW’s flagship superbike, receives a slew of improvements for 2023, as if you could make the bike any more insane than it already is!
New aerodynamic winglets on the bodywork produce considerably more downforce, especially when bent over in a turn, without increasing drag. The front wheel and fender now have aerodynamics that guide cooling air onto the brake callipers. This is as thinly disguised a race bike as you could possible wish, dripping with carbon fibre. BMW’s sights are firmly focused on World Superbike racing success, which was the original S1000RR’s motivation for existing in the first place. 205 horsepower, 189 mph, and up to $40,000 if all options are selected. Extremely difficult, yet brilliant. The naked M1000R, which has the same specifications as the RR, is also available.
-
Honda Hornet CB750
Honda is re-establishing itself as a manufacturer of practical, nicely manufactured but perhaps bit stodgy motorcycles. “Honda’s design philosophy is to create something pure and useful in a straightforward way—models that are both wonderfully simple and emotionally attractive,” the company says. The parallel-twin engine is the current buzzword in motorcycling and Honda is no different from any other manufacturer. The new Hornet brings back a well-known moniker from Honda’s past, this time with a 91 horsepower, 55 pound-feet parallel twin engine with a 270° crankshaft for the feel of a V-Twin. The top speed is claimed to be 127mph.
The Hornet CB750 is a great stepping stone from beginning to experienced rider because it is small, light, and compact, with an acceptable seat height. Extensive but practical electronics package featuring the now-standard TFT dash. The Hornet joins a lengthy list of Japanese manufacturers’ middleweight naked sporty bikes, so it will have its job cut out for it to make an impression.
-
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
With the introduction of its parallel twin-engined Meteor models in 2018, Royal Enfield is pushing up its bid for global sales success. For 2023, the business has added the Super Meteor’cruiser’ and touring versions, which are unmistakably geared at the American market. 47 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque and a curb weight of 531 pounds will make for leisurely performance, but the engine has proven itself to be smooth and reliable, while the chassis, designed by specialists Harris in the UK, means it will have excellent road manners should you want to push on a bit away from the highways.
Although no US prices have been released, expect it to be among the most affordable cruisers on the market without sacrificing quality.
-
Norton V4SV
To finish, something truly exotic. After recent financial difficulties, Norton appears to be on a more safe road now that Indian conglomerate TVS has taken ownership. The V4SV debuted under the previous regime but will not be seen again until 2023. It won’t be cheap, costing £10,000 more than the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 at GBP 44,000, but what price exclusivity? The V4 engine, designed by Norton, produces 185 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque.
It has an aluminum-tube perimeter frame and is loaded with high-end components from hlins, Brembo, and BST carbon or OZ forged wheels. Fast, completely stunning, exclusive, and the beginning of something fantastic for Norton’s revived brand.