It’s only April 11th, and it’s snowing as I write this. But all of us two-wheel enthusiasts are dreaming and anticipating April and the sun, the warm breeze, and the sense of freedom that only motorcycling can provide.
Here are some of the best machines that will be available this year. Some are new, some are old, but all are worth a tire kick, a test drive, or a stare.
Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods. It has the same engine as its brother, the GSX-8S, but it has more power thanks to mapping changes and a special exhaust. The throttle has also been tuned specifically for off-road use. Its “G” mode, which stands for “gravel,” aids in gripping the face of those pesky rocks.
It also has a more solid bolt-on subframe for greater cargo carrying, which is what riders typically use when venturing into miles of woods. Its suspension is completely adjustable, and with careful throttle control, you can get up to 300 miles from a single tank. There are numerous options available.
Ducati SuperSport 950s
Ducati produces good motorcycles, and the SuperSport 950 and 950S are particularly appealing. The motorcycle is designed to be rideable all day, unlike some sports bikes that cause wrist and back aches after a day of blasting. Its electronics were updated last year, among other minor changes. Otherwise, it’s the same quick guy.
It is also not the fastest model in the company’s fleet – nor is it intended to be. The engine is a 937cc Testastretta 11o V-twin, the same as found in the DesertX, Monster, Hypermotard 950, and Multistrada V2. The 950 is only available in red and has a starting price of $15,195. The S costs $17,695, with Arctic White Silk costing $18,095 more.
ARCH 1s
ARCH is a boutique, bespoke L.A.-based maker of great, limited-edition motorcycles, co-founded in 2011 by actor Keanu Reeves and master bike-builder Gard Hollinger.
This year sees the introduction of a second trim, the handsome and powerful 1s. Its basic DNA is centered on a steel mainframe chassis with a machined billet aluminum subframe and is powered by a 124ci, high-torque V-twin engine.
A single-sided swingarm and rear-to-mid-mounted foot controls nod to both cruisers and street sport riding. Throughout, billet aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-end parts and electronics are used. Each motorcycle is handcrafted to order, with prices starting at a hefty $128,000. Purchase includes participation in an annual ride-and-camp trip with Reeves and Hollinger.
Indian Challenger Elite
Only 150 Indian Challenger Elite models will be built, giving buyers an exclusive ride. These get three riding modes, a special paint job dubbed “Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke,” as well as tough Fox shocks with electronically adjustable rear preload, redesigned adaptive LED headlights, and a new slipper clutch to help with downshifts. It has a whopping 1768 CC, 120.7 bhp, and 131.4 lb of torque. It is taken away for $30,000.00.
BMW M1000RR
The legendary M1000RR gets a muscle boost for 2023, with advanced aerodynamics significantly increasing both stability and speed. It has a 209.2 bhp four-cylinder, 999cc liquid-cooled ShiftCam inline engine with forged pistons, CNC machined intake ports, ShiftCam valve timing, and a slew of other goodies to motivate you around town and on country roads.
It’s not cheap, either, at around $30,500, but if you’ve got the scratch, this is your final stop before entering the true racing territory. It has a top speed of 195.1 MPH.
