Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BRRUM BRRUM… TOP NEW RIDES TO COME
November’s Motorcycle Live at Birmingham NEC is traditionally the chance for bikers to get up close and personal with all the following year’s new machinery and equipment.
And last week’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 firm 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 dirtready 21in front wheel, a new G (for Gravel) rider mode, fully adjustable Showa forks and monoshock, and a 20-litre 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, 30-litre aluminium tank and loads of tech wizardry. And drawing a big crowd was the 998cc Motogpinspired Panigale V4 R, “the closest production model to a competition bike ever made,” according to Ducati.
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.