The top 40 greatest new motorcycles arriving in 2023

There are over 60 new 2023 models heading to dealerships near you this New Year – some are the all-new fruits of maverick designers and engineers, while others are simply great next-gen updates of existing favourites.

With so much temptation on offer, regardless of the brand, style, or your intended use, it can be a bewildering fox-in-a-chicken-coup scenario of too much choice. So, we’ve held back at least some of the tide, and picked the bikes we think should be on your shortlist for 2023.

And don’t forget that you can see pretty much every one of them all in the same place at the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show in February.

---

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Key facts 1158cc liquid cooled V4 | 167bhp | 92.3lbft | 260kg | 840mm seat height | £23,590

Ducati’s Multistrada V4 is already one of the best do-anything bikes on the planet – and this previous MCN Award winner is getting even more adventurous for 2023.

On sale in February, it takes the existing 1158cc package and adds a new dedicated off-road Enduro mode, a clever rear cylinder shutdown system for comfort and economy (shutting down when stationary, or when you’re bimbling) – and a huge new 30-litre aluminium petrol tank to make it a serious world-tourer.

The new screen is 40mm taller and 20mm wider, there’s adjustable seat heights front and rear, plus lower suspension options for shorter pilots – boosted by the ‘Minimum Preload’ function which lowers the bike at low speed, while the auto-levelling suspension ensures changes in luggage or pillion mass don’t affect the handling.

Ground clearance increases to 230mm, while Enduro mode limits power, traction control intervention, and deactivates the rear ABS. There’s also radar cruise control – and more options than you could ever tick.

---

Zero DSR/X

Key facts Z-Force 75-10x motor | 102bhp | 166lbft | 247kg | 828mm seat height | £24,150

The Zero DSR/X is an entirely new bike with a completely new frame, subframe and swingarm, all designed to be stronger to take the extra weight and demands of off-road riding.

There’s long-travel, fully adjustable Showa suspension, increased ground clearance, off-road biased wheel sizes (19in / 17in), new electronics with five riding modes, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control (you can turn off both for the dirt), and it shares the same 17.3kWh battery as the other premium Zero models.

The Z-Force 75-10x motor is new, and it’s the most torque-rich bike in the range with 166lbft (and 102bhp). Charging times are impressive, reaching up to 95% in 60 minutes with the optional Rapid Charge Module and range is a claimed 180 miles for urban riding.

At 247kg it is comparable to the BMW R1250GS in mass, too. It’s comfortable, smooth, vibration-free, quiet, easy to ride both on and off-road, and has an instant surge of torque that will make even ardent petrolheads smile.

---

Aprilia RS660 Extrema

Key facts 659cc | 98bhp | 49.4lbft | 166kg | 820mm seat height | £TBC

With a claimed kerb weight of just 166kg (17kg less than stock), the new Aprilia RS660 Extrema is a proper lightweight. It uses a street-legal exhaust by SC Project with a carbon silencer positioned on the righthand side.

Trackday addicts will like the option to quickshift in an upside-down configuration, while all other rider aids are carried over from the existing RS model.

Carbon features include a front mudguard and a newly designed bellypan that sheds more weight. The Extrema will be offered in a white and red livery, no price has yet been confirmed. 

---

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Key facts 1301cc liquid cooled, DOHC V-twin | 158bhp | 101lbft | 220kg (dry) | 849/869mm seat height | £16,599

The KTM 1290 Super Adventure S gets new colours and improved software for 2023, further refining the already excellent road-bias version of KTM’s biggest adventurer (the R gets similar tweaks).

You still get six-axis IMU controlled traction and ABS, a steel frame and 160bhp of shove courtesy of the 1301cc V-twin, while adaptive cruise control is standard, along with the semi-active WP suspension.

The 7in colour TFT now runs ‘augmented’ navigation software, allowing the KTMConnect App to deliver turn-by-turn guidance and waypoint markers while on the go via the switchgear.

You can also control phone calls and music while on the go, so long as you have a compatible headset. To raise the tech stakes further, Suspension Pro and Quickshifter+ options are available from the KTM Powerparts catalogue. 

---

BMW M1000RR

Key facts 999cc liquid-cooled ShiftCam inline-four | 209.2bhp | 83.8lbft | 193kg | 832mm seat height | £30,940

BMW have taken their exceptional M1000RR and fed it some serious steroids for 2023. Now rocking advanced aerodynamics that are claimed to boost speed and stability; it uses a stronger, more tuneable 209.2bhp four-cylinder engine than its S sibling, complete with forged pistons, CNC machined intake ports, ShiftCam valve timing and more – and is one of the most accomplished superbikes available.

The aerodynamics are claimed to help it reach 195.1mph, it benefits from a new carbon-fibre fairing with a taller screen, mounted on carbon-fibre brackets, comes with huge carbon-fibre wings which create 22.6kg of downforce at 186mph, and the carbon front mudguard now has brake cooling ducts to reduce temperatures by as much as 10°C and improve airflow around the fork and calipers.

Only the M Competition boasts more race tech. Go on, what else were you going to spend that £31k on…

---

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade McGuinness Replica

Key facts 999.9cc | 214bhp | 83.3lbft | 201kg | 830mm seat height | £30,000

Live out your TT fantasies with this bold CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP John McGuinness 100th TT Start Replica edition. The headline replica paint job was used for John’s 100th TT start, while the underlying Fireblade SP spec is bolstered by gold wheel stripes; an individually numbered plaque on the headstock; genuine Honda carbon fibre front mudguard and carbon rear hugger; rear seat cowl and tall screen, and Metzeler Racetec RR tyres; John’s signature on the airbox cover; a personal handover from the man himself – and a raft of garage trinkets.

---

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Key facts 776cc liquid cooled, DOHC parallel twin | 83.1bhp | 57.5lbft | 201kg | 855mm seat height | £10,499

Say hello to the all-new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, the first serious off-road Strom in the range. It shares an identical engine with the GSX-8S, but develops more peak power thanks to a different exhaust system and mapping changes, while the throttle response has been honed for off-road manners.

It also gets an additional ‘G mode’ – for Gravel – giving riders a dedicated set of mapping and TC options on the loose stuff. The main frame is shared with the 8S, but the DE gets a beefier bolt-on subframe for greater load carrying.

Suspension is fully adjustable (220mm of travel), tyre sizes are 90/90 R21 front, 150/70 R17 rear, and the 20-litre tank will get you close to 300 miles between fill-ups. There’s a huge range of bespoke extras, too. 

---

Energica Experia

Key facts PMASynRM electric motor | 100.6bhp | 260kg | 847mm seat height | £27,790

The Energica Experia delivers huge grunt and remarkable roll-on drive. It can be fast-charged from 20%-80% in just 20 minutes and 0-100% in around 50 minutes. The motor is superb, the tech is right up there, and handling and comfort are hard to fault. The price is the only obstacle.

---

Honda CL500

Key facts 471cc | 46bhp | 192kg | 790mm seat height | £6000 (estimated)

Available in vibrant colours and powered by the 471cc twin from the CB500 family, with revised fuel injection, a new intake and a fresh exhaust set-up, the rims are 19in front / 17in rear, shod with Dunlop Mixtour rubber. The Honda CL500 should be a stylish commuter and great back-lane funster.

---

Indian FTR Sport

Key facts 1203cc | 123bhp | 237kg | 780mm seat height | £14,995

The Indian FTR Sport replaces the FTR S and gets a new seat cowl and tank panelling; a mini headlamp fairing which helps shroud the new touchscreen TFT dash; a new twin-exit silencer, and tweaks to the front brakes and clutch for improved feel. 

---

BMW R nine T 100th

Key facts 1170cc I 107.3bhp I 221kg I 805mm seat height I £18,040

Arriving in February, the 100th anniversary R nine T gets a load of Option 719 parts and special paint-on-chrome finishes to the 18-litre fuel tank, which features black and chrome, plus twin white pinstriping. The black front mudguard gets white double lining, with the rear seat hump finished in chrome. You also get old-school style knee pads and special badging to mark the anniversary.

---

BMW R1250RS

Key facts 1254cc I 134bhp I 243kg I 820mm seat height I £13,140

The 2023 BMW R1250RS sees the arrival of traction and torque control as well as a new Eco riding mode added to its sports-touring armoury. It can also be equipped with a Pro riding mode as an optional extra which allows rider customisation, while Dynamic brake control and ABS Pro are standard, and a bottom-pleasing heated seat system is an optional extra.

---

Yamaha Tracer 9GT+

Key facts 890cc liquid cooled, DOHC inline-triple I 117bhp I 223kg I 820/835mm seat height I £14,900 guide price

If you like your tourer to have a naughty side this oh-so-practical cousin of the MT-09 could be right up your street. The new Tracer 9 GT+ is the first Yamaha to get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to keep the bike a set distance from the vehicle in front using radar.

Cleverer than most systems, it allows you to maintain pace past slower vehicles if your indicator is on while the ACC is enabled – helping eliminate those frustrating slow-downs as you peel out to overtake. The linked braking system is the first of its kind on a Yamaha and regulates forces when the Brake Control (BC) system is enabled, while the GT+ will slow automatically if it senses a crash is imminent.

Semi-active KYB suspension should keep the ride controlled and comfortable, and the new 7in TFT dash and switchgear are big improvements for 2023. It feels like the Tracer has really arrived.

---

Ducati Diavel V4

Key facts 1158cc liquid-cooled V4 I 166.3bhp I 236kg I 790mm seat height I £23,595

The new Ducati Diavel now boasts the 1158cc V4 Granturismo engine, has shed a tangible 13kg, and rocks a veritable rocket-launcher of an exhaust system. Still a chunky beast (at 236kg with a full 20-litres of fuel on board), the mass is carried low, and with 166.3bhp and 93lb.ft of torque, it’s going to feel addictively punchy.

The V4 has a twin-pulse firing order and comes wrapped within an aluminium monocoque chassis, replacing the old 1260’s steel trellis. There’s 15mm more rear suspension travel for extra comfort, rear cylinder deactivation to improve efficiency and heat management, and the fattest rear hoop in the business (240/45!). Major services intervals are spaced at an impressive 60,000km, too.

---

Fantic Caballero 700

Key facts 689cc liquid-cooled parallel twin I 73bhp I 180kg (dry) I 830mm seat height I £9000 (estimated)

The Fantic Caballero 700 is the perfect retro, surely? Italian style married to a Japanese engine… in the form of Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 platform. It’s un-messed with, too, meaning 73bhp and 49.4lb.ft torque on tap.

The wheel sizes are a nice road and trail crossover-friendly 19/17in combination; there’s a chunky 45mm Marzocchi fork up front, and preload-adjustable Marzocchi monoshock at the rear; Brembo stopping power mated to cornering ABS as standard; an attractive little 3.5in TFT dash with connectivity; three rider modes to tailor your throttle delivery (Road, Off-road, Custom), and lighting is LED all round.

If it rides like the other Cabelleros, but with more mumbo, it should be an absolute peach.

---

Yamaha R125

Key facts 125cc I 14.8bhp I 144kg I 820mm seat height I £5200 (estimated)

The new design of the Yamaha R125 includes vented tank covers – like its more powerful siblings – and once in the rider’s seat you’ll see the new 5in multi-mode colour TFT, which includes a lap timer, programmable shift light for optimal gear changes, and smartphone connectivity. It’s also pre-wired for a quickshifter; has traction control, a slip and assist clutch and ABS – and it even rolls on quality Michelin Pilot Streets straight from the showroom. Nice.

---

Mac Rex

Key facts I 600cc I 52bhp I TBCkg I 760mm seat height I £TBC

The traditionally styled Mac Rex shares the same tubular steel backbone frame, SWM-produced 600cc motor and ancillaries as the firm’s existing Ruby café racer, but differs with raised, flatter bars for a comfier riding position; the tail unit is also more relaxed, but the 760mm seat height remains.

Producing a claimed 52bhp from its four-valve, fuel-injected motor, drive is controlled via a hydraulic clutch and six-speed ’box, with a claimed top speed of about 100mph. All braking is controlled by Brembo.

---

Honda XL750 Transalp

Key facts 755cc 8v parallel twin I 90.5bhp I 208kg I 850mm seat height I £TBC

The Honda Transalp is back – and it looks good. It should go well too, with 90.5bhp and 55.4lb.ft promised from the new parallel twin (shared with the Hornet) – complete with 270-degree firing order for more of a V-twin feel. Off-road credentials are boosted by 21in front and 18in rear rims, shod with either Metzeler Karoo Street or Dunlop Mixtour rubber, while braking hardware consists of 310mm discs up front with axial-mounted twin-piston calipers and ABS.

It’s not flyaway at 208kg, but should feel manageable off-road, and light enough on the tarmac. Ground clearance is 210mm. Electronic goodies include four standard riding modes: Sport, Standard, Rain, and Gravel, with a further User mode for custom settings – all controllable via a 5in colour TFT display, with switchable traction control and rear ABS. 

---

KTM 890 Adventure

Key facts 899cc liquid cooled, DOHC parallel twin I 104bhp I 200kg (dry) I 840/860mm seat height I £11,999

KTM have significantly upgraded the 890 Adventure making it more desirable, better-equipped and stronger both on and off-road thanks to a raft of clever upgrades. The new fairing and screen are a real improvement, in both form and function.

A new dual-density seat cossets and supports; the new TFT dash is significantly better, too. The riding modes are truly impressive, and ABS is now linked with the modes. Light, nimble and confidence-inspiring, it’ll tackle pretty heavy-duty trail riding, but has the dynamics to be ridden with verve on the road – breeding the ability to go exploring with confidence.

---

Suzuki GSX-8S

Key facts 776cc liquid cooled, DOHC parallel twin, 270° crank I 81.8bhp I 202kg I 810mm seat height I £7999

It’s been a long wait for an all-new Suzuki – but it looks like it may have been worth it. Suzuki’s new naked GSX-8S really makes us smile. It looks and feels great in the metal, and displays the quality and attention to detail you’d hope for – at a seriously attractive price, too. Powered by an all-new 776cc parallel twin running a 270° crank and twin balancer shafts, it uses a 450° firing interval (between 270° and 720°) to boost traction recovery between pulses. 

Tech-addicts will be disappointed that it stops short of IMU controlled electrickery – but it’s well spec’d nonetheless. The 5in TFT dash has day and night modes and looks clear and concise; there are three rider modes (Active, Basic, Comfort); three-mode traction control; low-rpm assist; a bi-directional quickshifter – and it can be restricted for A2 licence holders.

If it rides as well as it looks, it’ll be a superb playmate on all sorts of roads (and tight tracks).

---

BMW S1000RR

Key facts 999cc I 206.5bhp I 197kg I 824mm seat height I £17,150

The 2023 BMW S1000RR gets more power, more advanced electronics, an updated chassis, and winglets courtesy of the M1000RR, which deliver 10kg of additional downforce. Slide Control functionality is added to the traction control package and enables two pre-set drift angles, while Brake Slide Assist and Slick ABS modes make use of the steering angle sensors to let you back it into bends like a MotoGP god. 

The aluminium twin-spar Flex Frame builds on the old design and the wheelbase extends by 16mm to boost stability. The swingarm gets an adjustable pivot point as standard; there’s a lighter battery, USB charging port, hill hold control, a pitlane limiter, revised 45mm forks, and a 6.5in colour TFT with updated displays.

---

Honda CB750 Hornet

Key facts 755cc I 90.6bhp I 190kg I 795mm seat height I £6999

Powered by a brand-new 270-degree parallel-twin producing a claimed 90.6bhp, the new Rome-designed Honda Hornet uses a steel diamond frame, and tips the scales at a claimed 190kg. It floats on 41mm Showa Separate Fork Function Big Piston upside down forks and a rear shock with five-stage adjustable preload.

Standard features include three riding modes, three-stage engine braking and traction control, and wheelie control – all visible via the 5in colour TFT dash that boasts mobile connectivity. 

---

Ducati Streetfighter SP2

Key facts 1103cc I 205bhp I 196.5kg I 845mm seat height I £30,595

The Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP2 is basically a V4 S with carbon rims (saving 1.4kg), Brembo Stylema R calipers and an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, the SP2 gets its power modes from the Panigale, a new dash setup, new engine braking software, and an updated quickshifter.

---

Indian Challenger Elite

Key facts 1768cc I 120.7bhp I 381kg I 672mm seat height I £35,795

Only 150 Indian Challenger Elite models will be built. It gets special paint, three riding modes, Fox shock with electronically adjustable rear preload, a new slipper clutch to aid down-shifts, and redesigned adaptive LED headlights for a greater spread of light.

---

KTM 790 Adventure

Key facts 799cc I 93.7bhp I 199kg I 840mm seat height I £TBC

The KTM 790 Adventure returns with updated throttle bodies and a new exhaust system and airbox. There’s also a new slipper clutch, the latest 43mm WP Apex fork, a revised 5in TFT dash, and a new IMU for lean-sensitive TC and ABS.

---

MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 5.5

Key facts 554cc I 47bhp I 220kg (dry) I 860mm I £TBC

Developed with Chinese firm QJ, the MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 5.5 will be A2 compliant, with a 46.9bhp peak power (at 7500rpm), while torque is a decent 37.6lb.ft @ 5500rpm. Just like the bigger model it gets a 210mm of ground clearance, a 20l tank, and weighs 220kg, but the rims are a more road-focused 19/17in combo.

---

Ariel Ace Black Edition

Key facts 1237cc I 203bhp I 235kg I 745mm seat height I £22,495

Ariel have no plans for further new models, but have released this moody-as-hell Ace R Black Edition with the expectation of building just five examples. It, like all Aces, uses the 1237cc Honda-V4-power from the old VFR1200, married to a CNC machined aluminium frame and, if chosen as an optional extra, dramatic-looking girder forks.

---

Ducati Panigale V4R

Key facts 998cc I 237.2bhp I 193.5kg I 850mm seat height I £38,995

237.2bhp. Ooooof! This Ducati V4R uses the Desmosedici Stradale R as a stressed member, with a small ‘front frame’ bolted to the block, and a four-stage-adjustable single-sided aluminium swingarm at the rear.

Capable of revving out to 16,500rpm in top (and 16,000rpm in every other gear), it reaches that 237.2bhp when using the 5kg lighter titanium Akrapovič exhaust. Engine tweaks include a more aggressive intake cam profile, 800g lighter dry clutch and ratios to match the bikes competing in WSB. Suspension is manually adjustable Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurised forks, with a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock at the rear.

---

BMW M1000R

Key facts 999cc ShiftCam liquid-cooled inline-four I 205.5bhp I 199kg I 830mm seat height I £19,480

The BMW M1000R is a winged hooligan is packing a claimed 206.5bhp from the ShiftCam engine, aero wings, superbike technology and the firm’s aluminium bridge ‘flex’ frame, variable intake funnels and a titanium silencer. It looks jaw-slackeningly pretty and aggressive all at the same time.

The rev limit has increased from 12,000rpm to 14,600rpm, the gearbox now boasts shorter fourth, fifth and sixth gears, and those winglets are claimed to provide 11kg of front wheel load at 137mph. The electronic aid package includes Rain, Road, Dynamic and Race modes; launch control; a pitlane limiter; hill hold control and ‘Brake Slide Assist’ to back it in like a Supermoto legend.

The 45mm fork gets additional electronic adjustability, and wears blue anodised M brake calipers with two brake pad variants available (road and track); a lightweight battery, cruise control, heated grips, keyless ignition, aluminium forged wheels, and more… It’s a proper pussycat at legal speeds, and like a feral tomcat on track.

---

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Key facts 648cc air/oil-cooled parallel twin I 46.4bhp I 243kg (estimated) I 740mm seat height I £6299 (estimated)

Royal Enfield’s new Super Meteor 650 is almost guaranteed to be another smash-hit for the Indian giant. Based on the 648cc air/oil-cooled twin platform from the Interceptor 650, it finds a more laid-back home here, combined with traditional styling cues, uncluttered controls that also boast a basic satnav module, retro clocks and a pleasing smattering of shiny bits.

Harris chassis know-how means it should handle well, and tubeless alloy rims boost practicality. Swept-back bars, feet-forward controls, an LED headlamp, and finned heads are all standard but there’s a whole warehouse of official accessories, too.

---

MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5

Key facts 931cc I 122bhp I 220kg (dry) I 850/870mm seat height I £TBC

The Cagiva Elefant-aping Lucky Explorer 9.5 uses an engine derived from the firm’s well-proven 800 triple. Capacity is increased to 931cc, while a raft of internal modifications include a new cylinder head, (counter-rotating) crank and pistons, plus a new cooling system, oil feed, clutch, generator and starter motor.

There’s a generous 7in TFT dash and it will have Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control as standard and a 20-litre fuel tank. MCN rode a prototype last year and found it suitably sporty on the road and not out of its comfort zone when ridden hard, despite the long-travel suspension and 21in front wheel – while it also felt instantly at home off-road. If the price is right, it could be a winner.

---

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S

Key facts 1042cc liquid-cooled, 8v, 90° V-twin I 113bhp I 233kg I 815mm seat height I £15,750

New from the ground-up, the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello is beautifully crafted and thoroughly modern, with a colour dash and lean-sensitive rider aids, including semi-active Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension and an up/down quickshifter on the S model.

The new liquid-cooled 1042cc, 113bhp transverse V-twin is a first for Guzzi, and it’s the first production bike to have adaptive aerodynamics. Flaps on the front edges of the tank automatically open to direct air around the rider and pillion and reduce wind pressure by a claimed 22%.

113bhp might sound mild, but performance is never lacking and it delivers smooth grunt to punch out of corners with character. The riding position itself is nigh-on perfect, the seat is comfy, and the ride quality is as plush or sporty as you want it to be. It’s a ‘hit’.

---

Triumph Street Triple Moto2 Edition

Key facts 765cc inline triple I 128.2bhp I 188kg I 839mm seat height I £13,795

The Triumph Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition is a more powerful, updated version of the RS – lavished with fully adjustable Öhlins, plus Brembo Stylema calipers, and clip-ons that bring the bar position 50mm further forward and 80mm lower than other STs.

The head angle and trail are both reduced, while the rear has been raised, too. It now develops 128bhp, via combustion chamber improvements, new pistons and an increased compression ratio. It also gets fabulously garish paint and branding, while only 765 numbered examples will be built in each colour.

But you could save a wodge of cash and get the RS instead. It gets all the same engine and electronic updates as the Moto2 – but with Showa forks and less lairy paintjobs – all for just £11,295.

---

MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro

Key facts 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four I 205bhp I 194kg (dry) I 845mm seat height I £50,000 (estimated)

The MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 Serie Oro uses the Brutale 1000RR’s 998cc inline four as its beating heart, and the frame and single-sided swingarm are also pilfered wholesale, while it’s clad in carbon-fibre bodywork inspired by MV’s 1972 500 GP racer.

Carbon-fibre bits include winglets claimed to deliver 39.2kg of downforce at 199mph and very cool disc covers. The Oro promises to be relatively comfortable and uses electronically adjustable Öhlins NIX forks for a high-quality ride, matched to an Öhlins TTX rear shock.

Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers adorn the fork, while you also get five-spoke forged aluminium rims, four under-seat exhausts and a bulging suite of lean-sensitive electronics. Sadly, few us will ever be able to afford one.

---

Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE

Key facts 998cc liquid-cooled, supercharged inline-four I 197bhp I 267kg I 835mm seat height I £TBC

The 2023 Kawasaki H2 SX SE gets a raft of little updates, including auto high beam to save you fumbling in mid-air with a gloved finger, and even more usefully it features the firms Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, and the new 6.5in colour TFT dash offers smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth.

The twin radar set-up also enables a Forward Collision Warning feature and an Emergency Stop Signal warning to alert following vehicles that you’re hard on the anchors. Plus you get keyless ignition, LED cornering lights, TPMS and hill hold. And no other bike on the market (Z H2 aside) offers a chirping and whooshing supercharged ride.

---

Norton Commando 961 SP

Key facts I 961cc pushrod 4v twin I 76.8bhp I 230kg I 810mm seat height I £16,499

The new Norton Commando 961 is finally the modern incarnation it should always have been. The 961cc parallel twin has been fully reworked by the new Norton outfit – new camshafts and valve train, improved materials and proper testing being the biggest wins. It now pulls sweetly and cleanly all the way to the limiter. Oil for the dry-sump engine is carried in a tank in the frame, which uses the same geometry as before and results in easy, predictable handling. It’s now a great British retro.

---

Ducati Monster SP

Key facts 937cc I 111bhp I 186kg I 840mm seat height I £13,995

The new Ducati Monster SP uses the same 111bhp 937cc liquid-cooled V-twin and lightweight aluminium twin beam frame as the fabulous stock Monster – and borrows its dash and rider geometry.

But changes include a GP-inspired paintjob; red saddle and logo’d pillion seat cover; and fully-adjustable top-spec Öhlins 43mm NIX30 forks and shock. The brakes are Brembo Stylema radial calipers, it gets a lithium-ion battery, new steering damper, a small flyscreen, Termignoni silencer and sportier Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.

---

Ducati Scrambler 800 Full Throttle

Key facts 803cc I 73bhp I 185kg I 795mm seat height I £10,995

The sportiest of the new Ducati Scrambler models rocks a road-legal Termignoni exhaust; Road and Wet riding modes; cornering ABS; a brand-new 4.3in TFT clock unit; new chassis with separate subframe; LED lighting; a bi-directional quickshifter and 4kg weight loss.

---

CCM Heritage ’71 Ti

Key facts 600cc I 50bhp I 136kg I 830mm seat height I £29,995

Celebrating the firm’s 50th anniversary, the CCM Heritage ’71 Ti is a decadent exercise in minimalism and materials snobbery. The skeletal bodywork is attached to a titanium frame, which holds the firm’s 600cc thumper. Titanium abounds, meaning a glorious lack of mass, too.

---

Bimota BX450

Key facts 449cc I TBCbhp I 110.2kg I TBCmm seat height I £TBC

This dirty Bimota features a 449cc DOHC liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine, housed in aluminium perimeter frame. The BX450 off roader boasts multiple engine maps, traction control, a 5-speed ’box, electric start and a 10.7-litre fuel tank.