At first glance, 2023 might not look like it will be a vintage year for brand-new models from the world's motorcycle manufacturers. Many existing models are halfway through their life span and aren't due for replacement for another couple of years, at least. But that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to look forward to, and the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, gave us a taste of what we can anticipate in 2023.
Even if the bike you are the most interested in is not a complete overhaul from the one the company put out onto the market last year, you can almost bet that there has been something upgraded on the bike. The point is that the bike is still new to you, and as such, it is still an exciting time in your life. With that in mind, let's look at some of the most exciting bikes coming out for the 2023 model year so you can see what all the companies are offering up for sale.
Updated May 2023: Even though 2023 is almost half complete, the motorcycle model year is still alive and well. That is why we have decided to update this list with a few more options rather than filing it away with all the other outdated articles. Plus, it may refresh your memory about that bike you have wanted but put on the back burner until warmer months arrived.
1 Honda Transalp Is A Familiar Name From The Past
The new 2023 Honda Transalp will be powered by a 755cc parallel twin, developing 91 horsepower and 55 pound-feet of torque. Honda has worked hard to balance urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort, and off-road ability. As is typical, the electronics package is comprehensive, with ride-by-wire throttle, preset power modes, adjustable traction control, ABS, and engine braking. A Showa suspension (non-adjustable) is fitted, with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. The seat height is 33.5 inches.
2 Suzuki GSX-8S Is An Affordable Middleweight
We'll get to the new V-Strom 800 in a moment, but just as noteworthy is the new GSX-8S, a middleweight naked roadster companion to the GSX-S1000. The 776cc parallel-twin engine is brand new and features 270° firing order to give it the characteristics of a V-twin, but in a more compact package that will also be cheaper to manufacture and maintain. The steel trellis frame and swing arm are also entirely new. The Suzuki GSX-8S promises to be an affordable entry into the middleweight naked bike class, with non-adjustable KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, ABS and traction control.
3 Triumph Street Triple 765 Gets A Special Edition
Long acknowledged as one of the best chassis in motorcycling today, Triumph's middleweight naked bike keeps getting better. 118 ('R') or 128 ('RS' and Moto2) horsepower, 59 pound-feet of torque, and a screaming 12,000 RPM redline, with a broad power spread from the inline triple-cylinder engine. Shortened gear ratios give stunning acceleration, and the bidirectional quickshifter allows you to wring every last ounce of performance out of it. Three versions are available: 'R,' 'RS,' and the range-topping Moto2 Edition, which boasts top-shelf Öhlins suspension and a much racier riding position thanks to the clip-on handlebars.
4 Ducati Scrambler 800 May Look The Same But Look Again
The original Scrambler appeared in the 60s, and the concept was re-imagined for 2015, with a V-Twin engine in place of the original's single-cylinder unit. It quickly became Ducati's best-selling model, propelling the company into the top ten in the European sales charts for the first time.
Outwardly, the 2023 Scrambler looks the same, but a lot has changed, there's a new and nine-pound-lighter trellis frame, swing arm, and subframe. The engine is still the Desmodue, 73-horsepower, air-cooled V-Twin. Ride-by-wire throttle allows traction control, and both TC and ABS are lean-sensitive. Three models are available: Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift, which are essentially just cosmetic differences.
5 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Is New From The Ground Up
The V-Strom 800DE is a new bike from the ground up, with a steel backbone frame and detachable subframe, which is essential to curb crash damage costs. With the new model, Suzuki is taking direct aim at the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which is a tall order, but it looks like Suzuki has it covered.
The fully adjustable Showa suspension has 8.7 inches of travel, giving the exact ground clearance. Weight is 507 pounds with all fluids and a full tank of gas. Wheel sizes are 21-inch front and 17-inch rear; ABS and traction control are multi-faceted and can be turned off (rear only for the ABS). A quickshifter and Suzuki's anti-stall mechanism round off the electronics, all controlled via a full-color TFT dash.
6 Triumph Chrome Editions Bring Back The Bling
Beautifully pinstriped in gold, silver, blue or black, the chrome brought a welcome touch of glitter to drab pre-war color schemes. With improvements in paint technology, chrome disappeared from gas tanks from the 70s onwards. Still, Triumph has decided to invoke the glory days of the British motorcycle industry with a range of chrome tanks fitted to its modern classic range of Bonnevilles and derivatives and the Rocket 3. To say they look spectacular would be an understatement. Available for one year only.
7 BMW M 1000 RR Is A Racing Bike In Disguise
BMW's flagship superbike, the M 1000 RR, gets a raft of updates for 2023: the bodywork has new aerodynamic winglets producing substantially more downforce, even when leaned over in a corner, without an increase in drag. Aerodynamics extends to the front wheel and fender, directing cooling air onto the brake calipers.
Dripping with carbon fiber, this is as thinly disguised a race bike as you could possibly want. BMW's sights are firmly set on World Superbike racing success, which was the reason for the original S 1000 RR's existence in the first place. 205 horsepower, 189mph, and up to $40,000 if you tick all the option boxes. Extreme, but brilliant.
8 Honda Hornet CB750 Is Another Great New Middleweight
The new Hornet revives a much-loved name from Honda's past, this time with a 91 horsepower, 55 pound-feet parallel twin engine, with a 270° crankshaft to give the feel of a V-Twin. The top speed is a claimed 127mph. Small, light, and compact with a reasonable seat height, the Hornet CB750 will be a perfect stepping stone from beginner to experienced. Extensive but sensible electronics package with the now-ubiquitous TFT dash. The Hornet joins a long list of middleweight naked sporty bikes from Japanese manufacturers, so it will have its work cut out to make an impact.
9 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Has Excellent Road Manners
For 2023, the company has added the Super Meteor' cruiser' and touring models, undoubtedly aimed squarely at the American market. 47 horsepower and 39 pound-feet of torque, and a curb weight of 531 pounds will make for leisurely performance. Still, the engine has proven itself to be smooth and reliable. At the same time, the chassis, designed by specialists Harris Performance in the U.K., means it will have excellent road manners should you want to push on a bit away from the highways. No U.S. prices have been announced, but expect it to be among the cheapest cruisers on the market without sacrificing quality.
10 Norton V4SV Is The Long Awaited Replacement For The V4 SS/RR
The V4SV started life under the old regime but will finally appear for good in 2023, It won't be cheap though - at £44,000 it is £10,000 more expensive than the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2. The Norton-built V4 engine pushes out 185 horsepower and 92 pound-feet of torque. It is housed in an aluminum-tube perimeter frame, and chock-full of high-end components from the likes of Öhlins, Brembo, and BST carbon or OZ forged wheels. Fast, utterly beautiful, exclusive, and the start of something great for the revitalized Norton brand. Long may it continue.
11 Arch 1s Is Expensive But Tailor-Made For You
Sit back and imagine a custom motorcycle built for you and your size. Not one that is made with the idea that an average bike will do for everyone. Not to mention a machine backed by the passions of Keanu Reeves, who is part owner of the Arch 1 company. The Arch 1s for 2023 offers a 124ci V-twin engine that pushes out 122 pound-feet of torque complemented by a uniquely designed dual exhaust system. The chassis is steel and machine billet aluminum for superior performance, and carbon fiber is used throughout to keep the bike light and nimble.
12 Indian FTR Sport Is A Tech Heavy Replacement For The FTR S
If you were a big fan of the Indian FTR S, you might be a little disappointed because the FTR Sport has been designed to take its place. On the other hand, it can be seen as a great thing because it comes with the awesome Indian Ride Technology system, a four-inch touchscreen display, an improved clutch for better control and feel, a retuned front braking system, and speedometers that have been raised up to enhance visibility for the rider. The engine is a 120-horsepower 6-speed 1203cc V-twin, and the suspension is fully adjustable to improve ride comfort and handling.
13 The DSR/X Is The Best Zero Yet
The Zero DSR/X is the first adventure bike the company has on offer. In fact, it can be said that the company is correct when it states that it is the first of its kind, being an electric motorcycle designed for offroad adventures. It has a range of up to 180 miles of in-town riding with the primary 17.3 kWh battery. Since range anxiety is a real problem with backcountry riders, Zero teamed up with the guys from BDR (Backcountry discovery Routes) to create routes that include charging stations.
14 Livewire S2 Del Mar Is Now Set For Late 2023 Delivery
Even though many people were beyond excited to ride off the dealer's lot on their new Harley Livewire S2 Del Mar, things have made a turn for the worse. The LiveWire production dates have been pushed back until later in the year, but that does not mean you cannot still be excited about it. The bike is set to have a city range of 110 miles on a charge, a torque rating of 431 pound-feet, and a 0 to 60 time of a mere 3.1 seconds.
15 MV Agusta Rush 1000 Is Built For The Strip
The 2023 MV Agusta Rush 1000 is a naked bike designed for the strip but capable as a daily driver. The 998cc 4-cylinder engine can pump out up to 208 horses to give an all-out top speed of around 186 miles per hour. The Rush 1000 comes with electronically adjustable Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and multiple rider aids that work with a six-axis IMU. The bad news is that the company is currently only planning on producing 300 of these bikes, so if you want one be prepared to fork over the money as soon as possible.