Top 10 New Motorcycles

Motorcycle show season has come and gone and now we've seen a good few of the hot new bikes and updates that are in store for 2022 in person, it's time to take a look at 10 of the most exciting new motorcycles on the way soon!

I've tried to include a bit of everything, from the ridiculously impractical to the sensibly reliable, from ultra-modern to retro chic and from budget bargain to eye-wateringly expensive. There are a TON of exciting bikes coming this year and these are just 10 of them ...

1. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR

Let's start with a real banger, Triumph's new Speed Triple 1200 RR! For me, this might have been the bike of the show at Motorcycle Live last week. Judging by how much attention it received from the crowds all day, I don't think I am the only one with that opinion either.

So, what's the deal with this new Speed Triple? Well, it’s sporting the same 1160cc 178bhp three-cylinder engine as the Speed Triple RS, along with the same frame but there are a few key differences when it comes to this new version.

Firstly, the bars have been swapped out with clip-ons and the pegs have been set a little further back. Having sat on it, the ride position is now somewhere between a sportbike and a super naked, so the aim is obviously to make the bike a little more comfortable for everyday riding than a traditional superbike might be. On top of that, a beautiful front cowl with a single circular headlight has been added and combined with the carbon detailing, this motorcycle is absolutely stunning.

The new Speed Triple 1200 RR also comes packed with even more tech than the RS, including a very impressive sounding Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically-adjustable semi-active suspensionWhat does this mean exactly? Well aside from being manually adjustable, the forks and shock can make small adjustments automatically based on the current riding conditions. Fancy stuff indeed and relatively affordable compared to its rivals at £17,950!

Engine 1160cc, 178 hp, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder

Fuel tank 15.5L

Brakes Front: Twin 320mm floating discs. Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, OC-ABS, radial master cylinder with separate reservoir, span

Rear: Single 220mm disc. Brembo twin-piston caliper, OC-ABS. Rear master cylinder with separate reservoir

Seat height  830 mm

Weight  199 kg (wet)

Price  £17,950

2. Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello

What better way to celebrate a century of Moto Guzzi than with a brand new and innovative model! This was the motorcycle I was most eager to take a look at during show season but unfortunately, due to the current Covid situation, the V100 Mandello didn't make it over from Italy but here is what we know already.

The V100 Mandello marks a significant step up in both power and technology in Guzzi's current range which at the moment mostly focuses on entry-level bikes with authentic vintage style. The Mandello features a brand new liquid-cooled 1042cc engine with 115 bhp and an impressive 105 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm. It also comes loaded with every bit of tech you can think of; ride modes, adjustable traction control, cruise control, quickshifter, it even has Öhlins Smart EX 2.0 semi-active suspension, similar to the Triumph above.

There is one more unique feature on this motorcycle too – a world first in fact: Active Aerodynamics. This Guzzi has a pair of wind deflectors on the side of the tank that can automatically adjust their position to improve wind resistance and comfort on the fly. We still don't have the full details on price or exact release date, but this Italian beauty is without doubt one to watch in 2022!

Engine  1042cc, 115 hp, twin-cylinder, 8 valve, double overhead cam, liquid-cooled

Fuel tank  17.5L

Brakes  TBC

Seat height  TBC

Weight  TBC

Price  TBC

3.Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP

Speaking of Italian beauties, Ducati has a host of updated models in store for 2022 but since this is a top 10 and not a top 40, I'm only going to pick one for the list and that is going to be the epic new Streetfighter V4 SP!

Now the Ducati Streetfighter V4 was already an impressive (and terrifying) beast but as of 2022 Ducati is turning it up to 11 with this special edition. It actually uses the same 1103cc Desmosedici engine as the V4 S with its 208hp of power and 123 Nm torque but well, if it isn't broke why fix it?

Where it does differ is in the weight ratio. Thanks to a new lightweight lithium battery and various carbon replacement parts, the new SP model is now 3 kilos lighter. It also adds an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, Brembo Stylema R front calipers and Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic suspension to its already impressive line-up of tech features. Smart suspension is all the rage for the dream bikes of 2022 it seems. Oh, and did I mention the wings?

All this is nicely wrapped up in a tasty matt black finish based on Ducati's winter test livery. It is certainly one impressive machine and at close to thirty grand in price, we won't be seeing too many of these about!

Engine  1103cc, 208 hp, Desmosedici, liquid-cooled 

Engine  16L

Brakes  Front and rear disc

Seat height  845 mm

Weight  177 kg

Price  £28,495

4. MV Agusta Superveloce

So far European machines are coming up huge on this list but don't worry, we will get to our Japanese friends later, for now, let's talk about MV Agusta. Unfortunately, similar to the Guzzi, this wasn't able to appear at MC Live in the mechanical flesh but the new Superveloce Ago made huge waves in Milan last month and was crowned bike of the show at EICMA.

Based on the already outstanding Superveloce series, this limited edition model will have just 311 units produced to celebrate the career of 15 times world champion Giacomo Agostini. Featuring an MVICS 2.1 electronics setup with 4 engine maps, 8-level traction control and an electronically assisted up and down quickshifter, there is also a unique asymmetrical exhaust, carbon bodywork and a unique Ago livery.

Powered by a 798cc triple that puts out 147hp and weighing just 173 kilos, you can expect some serious performance out of this machine to go along with all those high-tech components. The price of £28,660 might bring a tear to your eye but this limited edition collector's piece is a work of art.

Engine  798cc, 147 hp, three-cylinder, 4-stroke, 12-valve, liquid-cooled

Fuel tank  16.5L

Brakes Front: Brembo radial-type monobloc, with 4 pistons Ø 340 mm

Rear: Single steel disc with Ø 220 mm

Seat height  830 mm

Weight  173 kg

Price  £28,660

5. Yamaha MT-10 SP

Yamaha was much missed at MC Live with big updates to their MT and XSR ranges on the way for 2022, perhaps the most impressive being their new MT-10 SP model.

I already talked about the Öhlins semi-active electronic suspension being all the rage among the dream bikes of 2022, well the MT-10 SP was already ahead of the game as the first production bike to feature it back in 2017! Along with all the improvements the standard MT-10 has received for next year, including increased HP and a Brembo radial master cylinder, the SP version has had its electronic suspension tweaked further to give a larger range of damping. Combined with its suite of control modes, Yamaha says it's the highest level of chassis technology ever seen in a production bike.

We don't know the UK price just yet but given the level of finish put into this bike and Yamaha's track record of providing incredible value for money I expect it to be a top contender in next year's super-naked market.

Engine  998cc, 164 hp, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled

Fuel tank  17L

Brakes Front: Hydraulic dual disc brake, Ø 320 mm

Rear: Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø 220 mm

Seat height  835 mm

Weight  214 kg (wet)

Price  TBC

6. Honda NT1100

So far, we've looked mainly at high-performance monsters but the huge demand for more practical adventure and touring motorcycles is as large as ever and manufacturers are delivering in 2022.

First up Honda's latest sports tourer, the NT1100. A new model that uses the also freshly-updated Africa Twin as its base but where the new Africa has moved even further in an off-road direction, the NT1100 is a pure sports tourer. Pricing in at £11,999, Honda is obviously aiming to fill the gap between entry-level bikes like the Tenere or the new Versys and the more high-end models like BMW's R1300GS (coming 2022 as well by the way).

Despite the reasonable price tag, the NT1100 still comes with heated grips, panniers and cruise control as standard as well as a 6.5-inch touchscreen with multimedia connectivity. This motorcycle has been designed for maximum wind and rain protection (great for a UK rider) with a focus on comfortable cruising.

Engine  1084cc, 100.5 hp, liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin, 270° crank and uni-cam

Fuel tank  20.4L

Brakes Front: Radial mounted four-piston brake caliper, 310mm floating double disc

Rear: Single piston caliper, 256mm single disc

Seat height  820 mm

Weight  MT: 238 kg, DT: 248 kg

Price  MT: £11,999, DT: £12,999

7. Triumph Tiger Sport 660

I have been trying to avoid picking more than one model per manufacturer, but I decided to make an exception for this one because it's too exciting to ignore. After the huge triumph (sorry couldn't resist) that was the Trident 660, Triumph is back at it with the Tiger Sport 660. It takes everything the Trident did so well and repackages it into an affordable and accessible sport tourer!

You can safely expect the same fantastic all-round performance out of this bike with its 660cc 80hp triple engine, the same switchable traction control, rider modes and excellent Nissin brakes. Now in Tiger form, we get an adjusted ride position with slightly wider bars, greater wind protection from the sizeable front screen and fairing and an increased fuel tank size of 17 litres. The new visuals look excellent too!

Pretty much the only negative I could find on the Trident was its aesthetically pleasing seat might be a bit unsuitable for a pillion on long rides, obviously Triumph already had this Tiger Sport up their sleeve so if that is your aim, they now have you covered. The Trident was a game-changer, the Tiger Sport 660 will be too, priced at £8,450 I'm expecting this to be a huge hit in 2022!

Engine  660cc, 80 bhp, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder, 240° firing order

Fuel tank  17.2L

Brakes Front: Nissin two-piston sliding calipers, twin 310mm discs, ABS

Rear: Nissin single-piston sliding caliper, single 255mm disc, ABS

Seat height  835 mm

Weight  206 kg (wet)

Price  £8,450 (Graphite/Sapphire Black or Lucerne Blue/Sapphire Black) & £8,550 (Korosi Red/Graphite)

8. Aprilia Tuareg 660

Aprilia is best known for their stunning high-capacity bikes like the RSV4 and their class-leading low-capacity motorcycles like the venerable RS125, with no real in-between. That all changed last year with the introduction of their new 660cc engine utilised in the RS660 and later the Tuono 660. Well, they are set to keep the pace up this year by providing this engine in a new adventure format - the Tuareg 660.

The Tuareg is a classic rally model that originally appeared in the mid-80s and while this new iteration is a thoroughly modern machine, it’s great to see some of the classic retro visual style transferring across – you can even get a version with the same classic paint scheme, and it looks fantastic!

The 659cc engine is now tried and tested and with 79bhp it's going to give its nearest rivals a run for their money. While a capable adventure motorcycle, despite its Rally styling Aprilia has made sure this bike can cut it on the road too with multiple rider modes and switchable traction control to help you excel in your current environment. The off-road mode even allows switchable ABS and if you are on tour on the road there is cruise control as standard. At £10,600, it seems to be Aprilia's niche here; a little pricey for its category but loaded with more bells and whistles in the tech department than anything else.

Engine  659cc, 80 hp, Aprilia forward-facing 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 4-valve 

Fuel tank  18L

Brakes Front: 300mm diameter floating double disc, Brembo floating calliper with double opposing pistons (Ø30/32 mm). Brembo master cylinder and metal braided brake line

Rear: 260mm diameter disc, Brembo single piston (Ø34 mm) calliper. Metal braided brake line

Weight  204 kg

Price  £10,600

9. Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

With adventure bikes ruling the roost as de facto commuters and tourers in recent years, you can see by this list that true sport-tourers are making a big comeback in 2022 and this is the last one I will feature, the most formidable so far, Suzuki's brand new GSX-S1000GT.

Suzuki has definitely put the 'sport' in this tourer with a 999cc engine making 150bhp which means that despite being designed to cruise in comfort over long distances, you can also crank the throttle and get some serious superbike performance too. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the GSX-S1000GT is the pure value for money included. Priced at £11,599, this motorcycle is packed full of high-quality components and cutting-edge rider aids. Adjustable KYB forks, Brembo brakes, cruise control, quickshifter, slip and assist clutch, full colour 6.5'' TFT display with phone connectivity, it's all here and the brand new angular visual design looks outstanding.

Engine  999cc, 150 hp, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Fuel tank  19L

Brakes  Front and rear disc

Seat height  810 mm

Weight  226 kg

Price  £11,599

10. Kawasaki Z900RS SE

Kawasaki are famous for their aggressive sport and street bikes but in recent years they have also released some cracking retro bikes too, with the Z900RS in 2017 and recently its little brother the Z650RS going down a storm.

In 2022 Kawasaki are delivering a limited edition deluxe version of the RS, the Z900RS SE and it is drop dead gorgeous. From the 70s inspired black and yellow paint job to the golden USD forks and rims, this motorcycle oozes style.

It isn't all about style though, the tried and true 948cc in-line four, 110bhp engine from the Z900 still delivers excellent performance and the SE edition gets a bunch of new deluxe features on top, including Brembo brakes and an Öhlins S46 rear shock. One of the standout bikes from Motorcycle Live, the Z900RS SE arrives with a £12,599 price tag.

Engine  948cc, 110 bhp, 4-stroke, in-line 4, liquid-cooled

Fuel tank  17L

Brakes Front: Dual semi-floating 300 mm Brembo discs. Caliper: Dual Brembo M4.32 radial-mount, monobloc, opposed 4-piston

Rear: Single 250 mm disc. Caliper: Single-piston

Seat height  845 mm

Weight  215 kg

Price  £12,599

Wild card - Royal Enfield Classic 350

The final motorcycle on the list, yes you counted correctly this is technically #11, is a wild card that's perfect for those wanting something with a little less powerful that's also A2 friendly - we're keeping it retro with the brand new Royal Enfield Classic 350.

It doesn't have much in the way of fancy gadgets or rider aids and the 20hp 350cc engine tops out at 70mph but the little 350 is responsive, fun to ride and looks absolutely gorgeous. We don't have a UK price yet but going on Enfield's past form and considering it shares most of its components with the excellent Meteor 350, we can expect it to come in at less than four grand. For that kind of money, you will not find a more authentic or better-made retro cruiser anywhere!