November’s Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham is traditionally the opportunity for Brit bikers to get up close and personal with all the following year’s new machinery and equipment.
And this year's show didn’t disappoint, with a host of exciting and innovative models on display for the huge crowds.
Many visitors were pleased to see a couple of new offerings from Suzuki, as the Japanese company has been rather quiet of late.
The GSX-8S is set to shake up the middleweight market, being a 776cc parallel twin engined naked.
It features an all-new steel frame, KYB forks and monoshock, a 5in TFT dash, three-mode traction control, selectable power mode, bi-directional quick shifter and slipper clutch.
Maximum power from the new engine is 82bhp at 8,500rpm.
It will be available in the spring in blue, white or black.
Employing the same engine is an off-road oriented V-Strom 800DE.
This has a dirt-ready 21in front wheel, a new G (for Gravel) rider mode, fully adjustable Showa forks and monoshock, and a 20litre tank, which should be good for around 280 miles.
Getting plenty of attention on the Honda stand was another off-road capable middleweight – the XL750 Transalp.
This uses a 755cc parallel twin, which makes a maximum 90bhp at 9,500rpm and 55lb ft of torque.
It comes with 21in front and 18in rear spoked wheels, Showa rear shock and forks, four ride modes, plus a custom one, and a 5in colour TFT dash.
Honda also unveiled a retro-style CL500 scrambler, employing a 471cc parallel twin, with a blacked-out trellis frame, low seat height, light weight, upswept bars and tank kneepads.
Sticking with the theme, Ducati showed off exciting upgrades to its Scrambler range which, for 2023, includes the Full Throttle, Nightshift and Icon, all using an 803cc air-cooled twin.
The bikes are lighter than ever and have new design and tech features.
The Italian firm also premiered a Multistrada V4 Rally, with 1158cc engine, semi-active suspension, 30litre aluminium tank and loads of tech wizardry.
And drawing a big crowd was the 998cc MotoGP-inspired Panigale V4 R, described by Ducati as “the closest production model to a competition bike ever made”.
Ever-popular Brit manufacturer Triumph exhibited a limited Street Triple Moto 2 Edition – with increased power (128bhp) from the 765cc engine, plus Ohlins forks, Brembo Stylema brakes, clip-on bars and bright track-style liveries.
Keep an eye on this column for more info on other new bikes for next year.
BMW Motorcycles: 100 Years, by Alan Dowds
THIS rather splendid new book would make the perfect gift for fans of BMW or, in fact, anyone at all interested in motorcycles.
It’s written by super knowledgeable and vastly experienced – plus all-round nice guy – bike journalist Alan Dowds.
Lavishly illustrated and meticulously researched, it traces 100 remarkable years of the famous marque.
Alan has been riding and writing about motorbikes for almost three decades – and his tested almost every Beemer launched during that period.
And it clearly shows in his easily accessible, entertaining and fact-filled chapters.
From the 1923 Boxer-engined R32 right up to the latest all-conquering GS, the S1000 RR and the firm’s first electric production machine, this is a fascinating, informative and often surprising look at Germany’s most successful motorcycle manufacturer.
Highly recommended.
BMW Motorcycles: 100 Years, published by Motorbooks, is out now, priced at £45.
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