CFMOTO USA has announced the newest addition to its 2023 lineup: the CFMOTO 450SS. The company says the light-midweight sportbike is “poised to be a flagship in one of the most popular and fast-growing modern motorcycle segments.”

Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 450cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft making a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. The engine, which has an 11.5:1 compression ratio and Bosch EFI, is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.

CFMOTO says the 450SS is suited to city and canyon riding but is especially suited to the track as a result of several of the bike’s features. Optional reverse shifting is possible with a “quick change” in position of the connecting rod on the gear shifter. The “performance-tuned” suspension comes in the form of a nonadjustable 37mm inverted fork and a preload-adjustable multi-link rear shock. Stopping power comes from a single radially-mounted Brembo M40 4-piston caliper biting a single 320mm disc up front and a single-piston floating caliper pinching a 270mm disc in the rear, and Continental ABS is standard.

The 450SS rolls on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 tires.

Related: Chris Peterman, CFMOTO USA | Ep. 40 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

As far as design, the 450SS was put through “extensive aerodynamic wind tunnel testing,” and GP racing-derived winglets enhance stability by providing a claimed 1.6 times downforce at higher speeds. A chromoly steel frame, aluminum alloy wheels, and 3.8-gal fuel tank contribute to a trim 370-lb wet weight. The bike has a 53.5-inch wheelbase and a 31-inch seat height.

The 450SS has full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth and CFMOTO Ride App connectivity.

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS comes in Nebula Black or Zircon Black starting at $5,499. For more information, visit the CFMOTO website.

See all of Rider‘s CFMOTO coverage here.

Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.  

In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers. 

This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.   

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 

Honda Grom 

Honda Grom 

$3,499  

30.0-inch seat  

223 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review 

Honda Navi 

Honda Navi 

$1,807  

30.0-inch seat  

234 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Navi First Ride Review 

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

$4,899 

30.1-inch seat  

421 lb 

Read our 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Road Test Review 

Triumph Speed Twin 900 

Triumph Speed Twin 900 

$9,895 

30.1-inch seat  

476 lb

Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin (former name) First Ride Review

BMW G 310 R 

BMW G 310 R 

$4,995 

30.9-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.3 inches) 

362 lb  

Read our 2018 BMW G 310 R First Ride Review 

BMW F 900 R 

BMW F 900 R 

$8,995 

32-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

465 lb  

Read our 2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR Road Test Review 

BMW F 750 GS 

BMW F 750 GS 

$9,995 

32.1-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

493 lb  

Read our 2019 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS Road Test Review 

CFMOTO Papio

CFMOTO Papio

$2,999

30.5-inch seat

251 lb

Read our 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review

Ducati Monster Plus 

Ducati Monster Plus 

$12,995 

32.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.5 inches and lower suspension to 30.5 inches) 

366 lb dry  

Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review

Honda Monkey 

Honda Monkey 

$4,249 

30.5-inch seat 

231 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review 

Benelli TNT 135

Benelli TNT 135

$2,699

30.7-inch seat height

266 lb

CFMOTO 300SS

CFMOTO 300SS

$4,499

30.7-inch seat

364 lb

Read our 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review

CFMOTO 650NK

CFMOTO 650NK

$6,499

30.7-inch seat

454 lb

Read our 2022 CFMOTO Lineup First Ride Review

Ducati Scrambler Icon 

Ducati Scrambler Icon 

$10,995 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

421 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review

Honda CBR300R 

Honda CBR300R 

$4,899 

30.7-inch seat 

354 lb

Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review 

Honda Super Cub C125 

Honda Super Cub C125 

$3,849 

30.7-inch seat 

238 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review 

Indian FTR 

Indian FTR 

$13,499 

30.7-inch seat 

514 lb 

Read our 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review

Indian FTR Sport 

Indian FTR Sport 

$15,749 

30.7-inch seat 

522 lb 

Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review 

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

$9,190 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review 

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

$9,590 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First look Review

Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

$9,990 

30.7-inch seat 

480 lb

Read our New and Updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review 

Yamaha YZF-R3 

Yamaha YZF-R3 

$5,499 

30.7-inch seat 

375 lb 

Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review 

Yamaha MT-03 

Yamaha MT-03 

$4,999 

30.7-inch seat 

373 lb 

Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review 

Kawasaki Ninja 400 

Kawasaki Ninja 400 

$5,299 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS First Ride Review 

Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

$5,499 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review

Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

$5,399 

30.9-inch seat 

364 lb 

Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review 

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

$10,490 

30.9-inch seat 

463 lb 

Read our 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber First Ride Review 

Suzuki SV650 

Suzuki SV650 

$7,399 

30.9-inch seat 

432 lb 

Watch our 2017 Suzuki SV50 Video Review 

At a CFMOTO press launch in late June 2022, we got a few laps in with the Ibex 800 T (formerly the 800 ADVentura T). Information on the bike was embargoed until August, at which point we profiled the Ibex 800 T in our September issue and on the website. At that point, there was mention of an Ibex 800 S, but the bike wasn’t available at the Minnesota press launch. However, details have since been made available on the Street version of the bike.

Related: 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T | First Ride Review

As mentioned in the recap article of the numerous bikes we tried out at the launch, CFMOTO is perhaps most well-known for ATVs and side-by-sides, which it has been selling in the U.S. since 2002. It set up its American headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota, in 2007. The company established a partnership with KTM in 2014 and soon after began producing KTM 200/390 Dukes for the Chinese market. After a brief stint importing motorcycles such as its 650NK naked bike and the 650TK sport-tourer to the U.S., CFMOTO pulled back from the market but returned recently with a full lineup for 2022.

Related: 2022 CFMOTO Motorcycle Lineup | First Ride Review

As to the Ibex 800 T we tested, our reviewer said it felt “solid, responsive, and – not surprisingly given the origin of its engine – on par with similar offerings from Europe.”

Like its up-spec sibling, the Ibex 800 S is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure making a claimed 94 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque and mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip-assist clutch. The Ibex 800 is equipped with throttle-by-wire and has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control.

The Ibex 800 has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension (front/rear travel is 6.3/5.9 inches), 19-inch front and 17-inch rear aluminum alloy wheels, and J. Juan triple-disc brakes (320mm dual discs up front, 260mm single disc in the rear) with cornering ABS. It has full LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen, and a 7-inch TFT display. With a 5-gallon fuel tank, it comes in at curb weight of 509 lb.

Besides the extra bells and whistles on the Ibex 800 T (heated grips, a heated seat, quickshifter, and a USB and 12V port), the main difference in the Ibex 800 S is the aluminum alloy wheels, which are spoked on the 800 T.

The 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 S will come in Nebula Black and Twilight Blue starting at $9,499.

For more information, visit the CFMOTO website.

Last summer I traveled to Minnesota, home of the CFMOTO U.S. headquarters, to test the company’s new lineup of motorcycles. On a flat, paved, tar-snaked road course at the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center, about a dozen journalists and influencers buzzed around on bikes ranging from the 125cc Papio minibike to the 800 ADVentura adventure bike.

Related: 2022 CFMOTO Motorcycle Lineup | First Ride Review

Launches featuring multiple bikes are like eating at a buffet: You get to taste a little bit of everything, but you don’t get the full experience of a dedicated entree. After the day at the track, I logged 350 miles on the 650 ADVentura, an affordable, middleweight adventure-styled touring bike with saddlebags, and I got to know the bike better.

But the CFMOTO I kept thinking about was the 700CL-X, a feisty middleweight naked bike with scrambler styling.

At the end of the trackday, when all the photography was done and we were given free reign, I hopped aboard the 700CL-X and played cat-and-mouse with two of my fellow scribes. John Burns was on the 800 ADVentura, and Ron Lieback was on the 650NK naked bike.

Related: 2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura | First Ride Review

Our bikes were like the Three Bears. Papa Bear was the 800 ADVentura, with a 799cc parallel-Twin that cranks out 95 hp with a curb weight of 509 lb. Mama Bear was the 700CL-X, with a 693cc parallel-Twin that makes 74 hp and weighing 426 lb. Though hardly a toddler like CFMOTO’s Papio, Baby Bear was the 650NK with a 649cc parallel-Twin that makes 60 hp and has a weight of 454 lb.

Try as we might, with pegs scraped and boot soles beveled, we could not break ranks. We’d bunch up in the corners, but John and I protected our lines so there were no chances to overtake. We’d draft each other heading onto the front straight and then pull three abreast with the throttles pinned, but there was no fighting the displacement advantage. Burns would pull ahead of me, and Lieback would be on my six, filling my mirrors.

Chasing buddies around a track for bragging rights over beers is always fun, but beyond that, I was really digging the 700CL-X. A wide, upright tubular handlebar gives it good steering leverage, and its light weight made it easy to throw into a corner or weave around the chicanes made of traffic cones. The real kicker was the 700CL-X’s throttle response. In Sport mode, giving it the whip revved up the Twin, and at around 7,000 rpm, there was a loud bellow from the exhaust and a surge in thrust, almost like V-Boost on the old Yamaha V-Max. Having a $6,499 motorcycle deliver that sort of thrill took me by surprise, and I wondered, What is this thing?

CFMOTO 101

Although well-established in the U.S. market in the ATV and side-by-side segments, CFMOTO is not a familiar brand for most American motorcyclists. Founded in 1989, the Chinese company’s first decade was focused on supplying parts, components, and engines to major powersports manufacturers. In 2000, CFMOTO began building motorcycles, scooters, and off-road vehicles.

Related: Chris Peterman, CFMOTO USA | Ep. 40 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

CFMOTO has been selling its off-road vehicles in the U.S. since 2002, and after gaining a solid foothold in that market, it established its U.S. headquarters near Minneapolis. In 2012, CFMOTO began importing motorcycles to the U.S., but it met with limited success and pulled out a few years later. Reviews of CFMOTO’s motorcycles were generally positive, but American buyers are averse to new brands. Furthermore, many view Chinese-made motorcycles as being of inferior quality to those made in Japan, Europe, or the U.S.

Thanks to its well-established production expertise and capacity, in 2014 CFMOTO entered a strategic partnership with KTM and began manufacturing 200 Dukes and 390 Dukes for the Chinese market. In 2018, the two companies started a joint venture that allows CFMOTO to license and manufacture some of KTM’s engines. CFMOTO’s 800 ADVentura is powered by the 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin from KTM’s 790 Adventure. Starting in 2023, KTM’s parent company Pierer Mobility will distribute CFMOTO’s motorcycles in some European markets, an arrangement similar to the recent announcement that KTM North America will soon take over distribution of MV Agusta motorcycles in the U.S.

While brand or country of origin are important for some buyers, others place a higher priority on style, performance, price, reliability, and dealer experience/proximity. With an MSRP of $6,499, the 700CL-X offers good value and is less expensive than other middleweight naked bikes like the Honda CB650R ($9,299), Kawasaki Z650 ABS ($8,249), Suzuki SV650 ABS ($7,849), Triumph Trident 660 ($8,395), and Yamaha MT-07 ($8,199). The 700CL-X is covered by a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, and CFMOTO has about 200 motorcycle dealers in the U.S.

Here’s Lookin’ at You

Through its partnership with KTM, CFMOTO’s motorcycles are styled by Kiska. With its minimalist profile, tubular handlebar, bobtail with a one-piece seat, Y-spoke cast wheels with an 18-inch front, and Pirelli MT60 semi-knobby tires, the 700CL-X has the stance of a street tracker. Retro touches include a round headlight, a round gauge cluster, a single front disc, and a stubby exhaust shaped like a Foster’s Oil Can. One can see hints of the Ducati Scrambler in the 700CL-X’s tubular-steel frame, brushed aluminum tank panels, swingarm-mounted license plate carrier, and machined finishes on its engine’s faux cooling fins.

GEAR UP:

• HELMET: Schuberth C5 Modular
• JACKET: Joe Rocket Classic ’92
• GLOVES: Joe Rocket Seeker
• PANTS: Joe Rocket Anthem Jeans
• BOOTS: Joe Rocket Outbreak

With the exception of its switchgear and the layout of its LCD instrument panel, the 700CL-X doesn’t look cheap, and its fit and finish are on par with more expensive bikes. It is illuminated front and rear by LEDs, and it has a unique, bright-white headlight surround shaped like one of those Craftsman four-way flathead screwdrivers I used to have on my keychain. The turnsignals are self-canceling, the clutch and brake levers are adjustable for reach, the brake lines are steel braided, and the cleated footpegs have removable rubber inserts.

Motorcycles at this price point are usually limited to basic features, but the 700CL-X has throttle-by-wire with two ride modes (Eco and Sport), a slip/assist clutch, standard ABS, and cruise control. Most notable, in a class where the most one can typically hope for is spring preload adjustment, often only at the rear, the 700CL-X has a fully adjustable 41mm inverted KYB fork and a linkage-mounted KYB shock with a progressive spring rate and adjustable preload and rebound. Brakes are supplied by J.Juan (a Brembo subsidiary in Spain), with a radial-mount 4-piston front caliper squeezing a 320mm disc and a 2-piston rear caliper pinching a 260mm disc.

Time to Ride

The 700CL-X is very approachable. Its dished seat is 31.5 inches high and provides decent support. The bike feels compact and light, and the tall handlebar allows the rider to sit mostly upright. Thumb the starter, and the CFMOTO’s 693cc DOHC parallel-Twin burbles to life, settling into a syncopated rumble. The engine compresses fuel and air with forged pistons that move up and down via fracture-split connecting rods.

Roll on the throttle, and the engine spins up quickly with no drama. Concerns about vibration and heat never crossed my mind, and the throttle-by-wire delivers crisp response without any vagueness or abruptness. When we rolled the 700CL-X into Jett Tuning’s dyno room and John Ethell ran it on the big drum, it sent 62 hp at 9,200 rpm (redline is 9,500) and 41.6 lb-ft of torque at 7,400 rpm to the rear wheel. The dyno curves show a notable bump above 7,000 rpm that corresponds with that boost sensation I mentioned earlier – a little extra kick in the pants to keep things lively.

Lightweight, modestly powered bikes like the 700CL-X are some of my favorites to ride. Unlike today’s liter-class fire-breathing beasts, I don’t feel any guilt about not being able to use the bike’s full power, nor inadequacy for not being able to exploit its capabilities. I mostly kept it in Sport mode because the milder throttle response of Eco mode felt like a letdown. If I were commuting or taking a weekend escape, then I’d use Eco and cruise control to conserve fuel.

But all I did on this test ride was flog the darn thing – I couldn’t help myself, and my fuel economy suffered accordingly. Pushing the 700CL-X hard through a series of curves was a blast, taking me right back to the fun I had last summer chasing John Burns and outrunning Ron Lieback. Some bikes just bring out my hyperactive inner child.

While the 700CL-X was solid and responsive and its suspension took a hammering without complaint, the single-disc front brake wasn’t quite up to the task. Stopping power was decent, but feedback at the lever was numb, and it exhibited some fade after repeated hard stops. A second front disc would probably help – or an upgrade like the setup found on CFMOTO’s 700CL-X Sport, a cafe racer version with top-shelf Brembo Stylema front calipers and an MSRP of $6,999.

After logging hundreds of miles on the 700CL-X on city streets, freeways, and winding backroads, there were a few things that left me wanting. The first is the small fuel tank, which holds just 3.5 gallons. (Other bikes in this class have fuel capacities ranging from 3.7-4.1 gallons.) During this test, I averaged 41 mpg, which works out to 143 miles of range. Exhibiting more throttle restraint is the sensible solution, but where’s the fun in that? I’d rather have more fuel to burn.

The second is the instrument panel. When less expensive bikes like the KTM 390 Duke – which CFMOTO builds for the Chinese market – have color TFT displays, the monochrome LCD display on the 700CL-X seems like an unfortunate way to save a few bucks. Other than the road in front of us, the instrument panel is the main thing we look at when riding. The 700CL-X’s gauge provides plenty of info, but the perimeter tachometer is hard to read, the text for some of the info functions is too small, and I couldn’t figure out how to reset the tripmeter without also advancing the clock by one hour. If I didn’t do the time warp again with each fill-up, I had to press the “Adjust” button 23 more times to correct it.

Lastly, the self-canceling turnsignals shut off too early. Hit the button and they’ll flash four or five times and then stop, which sometimes happens before the turn is executed.

Good Times

Over the past 15 years, I’ve ridden and tested hundreds of new motorcycles of nearly every size, configuration, and style. Because my passion for motorcycles runs deep and my tastes are omnivorous, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every motorcycle I’ve ridden. Some aligned with expectations, some fell a bit short, and a few went above and beyond, exceeding expectations because something about their styling, character, or performance – or all three – felt special.

That happened to me last summer. As I worked my way up through CFMOTO’s eight-model lineup, the 700CL-X caught my eye because I like scrambler styling and I’m a sucker for gold wheels (which come with the Coal Grey colorway; the Twilight Blue colorway has black wheels). Then I rode it and was surprised by how responsive the engine was, especially that extra kick above 7,000 rpm, and it had a nice bark to its exhaust. It was also light, agile, and fun to ride.

The 700CL-X exceeded my expectations – not just for a motorcycle built in China, but for any motorcycle at this price point.

2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X Specs

Base Price: $6,499

Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles

Website: CFMOTOusa.com

Engine

• Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
• Displacement: 693cc
• Bore x Stroke: 83 x 64mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.6:1
• Valve Insp. Interval: 24,800 miles
• Fuel Delivery: Bosch EFI w/ throttle-by-wire
• Lubrication System: Wet sump, 2.3 qt. cap.
• Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet slip/assist clutch
• Final Drive: Chain

Chassis

• Frame: Tubular chromoly-steel trellis w/ cast aluminum swingarm
• Wheelbase: 56.5 in.
• Rake/Trail: 24.5 degrees/4.3 in.
• Seat Height: 31.5 in.
• Suspension, Front: 41mm inverted fork, fully adj., 5.9 in. travel
• Rear: Single shock w/ linkage, adj. spring preload & rebound, 5.9 in. travel
• Brakes, Front: 320mm disc w/ radial-mount 4-piston caliper & ABS
• Rear: 260mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper & ABS
• Wheels, Front: Cast aluminum, 3.50 x 18 in. 
• Rear: Cast aluminum, 4.50 x 17 in.
• Tires, Front: Tubeless, 110/80-R18
• Rear: Tubeless, 180/55-R17
• Wet Weight: 426 lb
• Load Capacity: 368 lb 
• GVWR: 794 lb

Performance

• Horsepower: 62 hp @ 9,400 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)
• Torque: 41.6 lb-ft @ 7,400 rpm (rear-wheel dyno)
• Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gals
• Fuel Consumption: 41 mpg
• Estimated Range: 143 miles

For the past 32 years, Rider has selected a Motorcycle of the Year. With the exception of two years when we made a People’s Choice selection by popular vote among readers (the Honda F6B in 2013 and the BMW R 1200 RT in 2014), it has been up to the Rider editorial team to choose a winner based on our collective experience with the year’s eligible contenders.

We ride as many of the new or significantly updated motorcycles released over the past year as possible, and we evaluate them within the context of their intended use.

Since we announced last year’s winner, we’ve tested cruisers, baggers, sportbikes, adventure bikes, naked bikes, minibikes, sport-tourers, luxury-tourers, cafe racers, standards, dual-sports, and even an electric dirtbike for kids.

Narrowing down such a diverse range of motorcycles into a single “best” isn’t easy. Our goal is to identify the one that best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.

We haven’t always hit the mark. The BMW K1 we selected as our first MOTY in 1990 proved to be a flop, and the forkless Yamaha GTS1000 we selected in 1993 was the answer to a question no one asked.

Even if some of the selections we’ve made don’t stand the test of time, we stand by them because they were impressive motorcycles within the context of their eras. Others are easier to defend, like the 2001 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, the 2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS, and the 2017 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Touring lineup. 

For 2022, there were more than 60 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one ultimate winner. 

2022 Motorcycle of the Year Finalists

1. BMW K 1600 GTL

Winner of Rider’s 2012 MOTY award, BMW’s top-of-the-line luxury-tourer got its most significant update yet for 2022. Its ultra-smooth 1,649cc inline-Six makes 160 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque, its full suite of electronic rider aids was upgraded, and it has a huge 10.25-inch TFT, an air-conditioned smartphone compartment, and other new comfort and convenience features. 

2. CFMOTO 650 ADVentura

Competing head-to-head with the Kawasaki Versys 650LT, the all-new 650 ADVentura is powered by a 649cc parallel-Twin that makes 60 hp and 41 lb-ft of torque. It has an adjustable windscreen, a TFT display, LED lighting, a slip/assist clutch, standard ABS, Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires, and hard-shell saddlebags. At $6,799, it undercuts the Kawasaki by $3,200.

3. Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak

The range-topping Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak’s 1,158cc Grandturismo V4 cranks out 170 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque, and its apex-strafing game gets elevated with a new Race mode and revised quickshifter. It’s equipped with a full electronics package (including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection), Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, and more.

4. Harley-Davidson Nightster

The spiritual successor to the air-cooled Evo-powered Sportster, the all-new Nightster is a performance cruiser built on Harley’s modular liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine platform, in this case with a 975cc V-Twin with variable valve timing that produces 90 hp. Classic styling cues include a peanut “tank” (actually an airbox cover), a round air intake cover, and exposed rear shocks.

5. Honda Navi

Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and a step-over motorcycle, the all-new Honda Navi borrows the fan-cooled 109cc Single and CVT transmission from the Activa 6G scooter and the Grom’s popular design language. The 8-hp Navi weighs just 236 lb, has a 30-inch seat height, and is priced at just $1,807, making it an ideal gateway to the world of motorcycling.

6. Indian Pursuit Limited

Indian’s Challenger bagger, powered by the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin that makes 108 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, was Rider’s 2020 MOTY. Touring capability gets a boost on the Pursuit Limited (or Dark Horse), which adds fairing lowers, a tall adjustable windscreen, a Touring Comfort seat, heated grips, and a trunk with an integrated passenger backrest.

7. KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo

Known as “The Beast,” the 1290 Super Duke R added “Evo” to its name and was updated with WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension available with six modes and automatic preload adjustment, a revised throttle-by-wire system, and more. Its 1,301cc V-Twin cranks out 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque, and its electronics allow riders to tame or unleash The Beast as they see fit.

8. Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Classic 350 brings back the styling that made the Royal Enfield Bullet – built from 1931-2020 – such an iconic bike and pairs it with a 349cc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox. Available in nine color-style combinations and priced as low as $4,599, the Classic 350 is the embodiment of simple, fun, affordable motorcycling.

9. Triumph Tiger 1200

Triumph completely revamped its Tiger 1200 adventure bike platform for the 2023 model year, shaving off 55 lb of weight, bolting in a 147-hp Triple from the Speed Triple, and equipping it with a new chassis and upgraded electronics. Five variants are available: the street-focused GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer and the off-road-ready Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.

10. Yamaha MT-10

At the top of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked pecking order is the MT-10, a descendent of the FZ1 that was Rider’s 2006 MOTY. This “Master of Torque” is powered by a 160-hp crossplane inline-Four derived from the YZF-R1. It was updated for 2022 with new R1-derived electronics, upgraded brakes, revised styling and ergonomics, a new TFT display, and more.

And the 2022 Motorcycle of the Year Winner is…

SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT+

Here at Rider, we’re big fans of performance. That’s an often overused and general term, but it encapsulates so much of what we love about motorcycles. Powerful, thrilling engines. Strong, responsive chassis – everything from the frame to the suspension, brakes, and tires. And these days, electronic rider aids that allow responses to be tailored to different conditions or rider preferences.

We’re street riders. We may do the occasional track day or school, but it’s usually to help us sharpen our skills so we can ride more confidently and safely on the street. We want performance that is exciting yet still manageable on public roads.

At the same time, we like to go the distance. Rider was started in 1974 just as the touring segment was taking off, and motorcycle travel has been one of the magazine’s hallmarks. We’ve tested thousands of motorcycles over the years, and we gravitate toward bikes that are comfortable, reliable, and versatile yet still get our performance juices flowing.

Our 2021 Motorcycle of the Year was the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, an adventure-style sport-tourer that’s lighter and more affordable than traditional heavyweight sport-tourers like the BMW R 1250 RT, Yamaha FJR1300, and Kawasaki Concours 14 – every one of which has worn Rider’s MOTY crown at some point. In fact, eight of our 32 previous MOTY winners have been sport-tourers.

And now, make that nine. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ (the ‘+’ denoting the model with standard saddlebags, whereas the base GT model goes without) delivers all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable MSRP of $13,799. It checks all the right performance boxes while also being practical and providing – as George Carlin would say – a place for our stuff.

The GSX-S’s 999cc inline-Four is adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5, a bulletproof, championship-winning engine. Tuned for street duty, it churned out 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 9,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno.

As we said in our road test in the July issue, “The GSX-S engine is a gem with no rough edges. From cracking open the throttle above idle to twisting the grip to the stop, power comes on cleanly and predictably.”

The GSX-S1000GT+ is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which includes three ride modes that adjust throttle response, power delivery, traction control, cruise control, and other systems. It has the best up/down quickshifter we’ve ever tested, and thanks to its street-tuned, sportbike-spec chassis, the GT+ offers predictable handling, unflappable stability, and impeccable smoothness.

Touring amenities include comfortable rider and passenger seating, 25.7-liter side cases that can accommodate most full-face helmets, and a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Suzuki’s mySPIN smartphone app. With its angular sportbike styling, the GSX-S1000GT+ looks as fast as it goes, and the side cases can be easily removed for an even sportier look.

As we concluded in our road test, “The GSX-S1000GT+ strikes an excellent balance between performance, technology, weight, comfort, and price. Life is good when the scenery is a blur.”

Congratulations to Suzuki for the GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year!

To find a Suzuki dealer near you, visit SuzukiCycles.com.

This 2023 motorcycle buyers guide highlights new or significantly updated street-legal models available in the U.S. We include a couple of 2024 teasers too. We will continually update the guide as new models are available, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often.

Related Story: 2022 Motorcycle Buyers Guide: New Street Models

Organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer, our guide includes photos, pricing, key update info, and links to first looks and – when available – first rides, road tests, and video reviews of each motorcycle.

2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema

The 2023 Aprilia RS 660 Extrema will include updated and new standard equipment. The bike still features a liquid-cooled 659cc DOHC parallel-Twin making a claimed 100 hp and 49.4 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm but has a lighter street-legal exhaust system by SC Project with a carbon silencer positioned on the right side and a new carbon engine undercover. Standard electronics on the RS 660 include traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake, engine map, and wheelie control – all adjustable – as well as five ride modes (Road and Track, three fixed and two customizable). Pricing has not yet been announced.

Related Story: New and Updated 2023 Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa Models

2023 Arch Motorcycle 1s

The 2023 Arch Motorcycle 1s is the sophomore effort from the company owned by Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger. The bespoke air-cooled 2,032cc V-Twin sport cruiser has CNC-machined aluminum chassis sections, high-end Öhlins suspension, BST carbon-fiber wheels, and a carbon-fiber airbox that allows downdraft induction and doubles as the fuel tank. Instrumentation is delivered via an AiM Sports TFT gauge pack, and the bike features an adaptive LED headlamp, bar-end LED front turnsignals, and a cove-reflective LED taillight. The 1s starts at $128,000.

Read our Arch Motorcycle 1s First Ride Review

2023 BMW M 1000 R

The 2023 BMW M 1000 R is the second model in the two-wheel M Motorsport lineup and the first M Roadster. The bike is based on the current S 1000 R and S 1000 RR (see below). The new M R uses the same water-cooled 999cc inline-Four engine developed from the M 1000 RR, delivering a claimed 205 hp at 13,500 rpm (40 hp more than in the S 1000 R, and a slightly higher engine speed than the M RR) and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm, as well as BMW ShiftCam technology. BMW says the new M R engine is “significantly more powerful than the 4-cylinder of the S 1000 R across the entire rev range.”

The M R features four ride modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race – as well as three “Pro” race modes, three adjustable throttle characteristics, a slip/assist clutch, Shift Assistant Pro, and more. MSRP is $21,345 for Light White non-metallic, and the M Competition model comes in Blackstorm Metallic.

Read our 2023 BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 R First Ride Review

2023 BMW M 1000 RR

The 2023 BMW M 1000 RR and the M RR M Competition bikes still have a liquid-cooled 999cc inline-Four engine of previous models, making a claimed 205 hp at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm, as well as two-ring forged pistons and fully CNC-machined intake ports and BMW ShiftCam technology to vary valve timing and lift. The bike also offers the same ride modes and latest generation of other features riders appreciate.

As far as upgrades to the 2023 BMW M 1000 RR, BMW is touting “increased downforce and improved top speed in one package” resulting from advancements in the area of aerodynamics, including a newly designed fairing, revised M Winglets, and improvements to the front end. The 2023 BMW M 1000 RR comes in Light White non-metallic starting at $32,995. The M RR M Competition model comes in Blackstorm Metallic.

Read our 2023 BMW M 1000 RR First Look Review

2023 BMW R 1250 R

While many things about the 2023 BMW R 1250 R remain the same as last year, including the 1,254cc 2-cylinder air/liquid-cooled boxer engine with ShiftCam technology delivering a claimed 136 hp and 105 ft-lbs of torque, BMW has made several upgrades to the 2023 model. These include making several features standard that used to be optional, including Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro (part integral), and Dynamic Brake Control, as well as adding a new “Eco” ride mode, LED turn indicators, a solo seat rear cover, and some new options. And all of this comes at the same price as the 2022 model of $14,995.

The 2023 BMW R 1250 R comes in Ice Grey non-metallic in conjunction with a black frame or the optional variants of Triple Black or Style Sport (shown above).

Read our 2023 BMW R 1250 R First Look Review

2023 BMW R 1250 RS

The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS has a liquid-cooled 1,254cc Boxer Twin with BMW’s ShiftCam technology for varying valve timing and making a claimed 136 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the Rain and Road ride modes, BMW has added a new Eco ride mode with a soft throttle map and moderate engine torque limitation. Other new standard features include Dynamic Traction Control, ABS Pro, Dynamic Brake Control, redesigned LED turnsignals, and a second USB socket. BMW has also added several new optional extras for the R 1250 RS.

Light White with a black frame is the standard colorway. Optional Sport Style includes the Light White with Racing Blue and Racing Red paint, a Light White frame, gold front and rear brake calipers, and a blue front spoiler. The Triple Black Style option comes with Black Storm paint, an Agate Grey frame, gold front and rear brake calipers, and a stainless-steel engine spoiler. The 2023 BMW R 1250 RS still starts at $15,695 and is expected to arrive in America in the spring of 2023.

Read our 2023 BMW R 1250 RS First Look Review

2023 BMW S 1000 RR

The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR has been updated with enhancements to the chassis, suspension, aerodynamics, and electronic assist systems. The S 1000 RR still features a 999cc inline-Four of previous models, with a 6-speed gearbox delivering a claimed 205 hp at 13,000 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm, as well as BMW’s variable valve timing and valve stroke ShiftCam technology, producing increased torque in the low- to mid-range and increased top-end power.

The 2023 S 1000 RR offers a shorter secondary gear ratio; redesigned intake ducts and funnels; increased rake, trail, and wheelbase; a height-adjustable shock; and updates to the bike’s aerodynamics. ABS Pro is now standard, and the bike also now features Slide Control, two standard throttle maps, and Brake Slide Assist. The 2023 BMW S 1000 RR comes in three colorways starting at $17,895.

Read our 2023 BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 R First Ride Review

2024 Can-Am Origin

OK, we’ve gotten a bit ahead of ourselves with this one since the earliest you can buy it will be mid-2024. At the annual Club BRP event in August2, Can-Am unveiled two all-new, all-electric motorcycles – the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster (below). Detailed specs won’t be provided until mid-2023 (at Can-Am’s 50th anniversary celebration), but both will be powered by BRP’s all-new, proprietary Rotax E-Power technology, said to provide “highway-worthy speeds with plenty of horsepower and torque.”

The Can-Am Origin has rally-style bodywork, fork guards, and spoked wheels, in diameters that appear to be 21 inches in front and 18 inches out back, common sizes for off-road tires. The final drive is enclosed, and Can-Am reps would not reveal whether power is sent to the rear wheel via chain (used on nearly all dual-sports) or belt (used on many production electric bikes).

Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse First Look Review

2024 Can-Am Pulse

The Can-Am Pulse has the muscular stance of a streetfighter, with racy-looking cast wheels shod with sportbike rubber and a sculpted “tank” that keeps the bike’s profile in line with conventional gas-powered motorcycles. The Origin dual-sport (above) and Pulse roadster share key design elements: distinctive LED headlights, large TFT displays, edgy white and gray bodywork, a bright yellow panel covering their battery packs, inverted forks, single-sided swingarms, single-disc brakes front and rear, and solo seats. Rear cowls may cover pillion seats; passenger footpegs are not visible on either machine, but production versions will likely have passenger accommodations.

Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse First Look Review

2023 CFMOTO 450SS

The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 450cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft making a claimed 50 hp at 9,500 rpm and 28.8 lb-ft of torque at 7,600 rpm. It features Brembo brakes and ABS, optional reverse shifting, sport suspension, GP-derived winglets, and a 5-inch TFT display. The 2023 CFMOTO 450SS comes in Nebula White or Zircon Black starting at $5,499.

Read our 2023 CFMOTO 450SS First Look Review

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 S

Like its up-spec sibling, which we tested in June 2022, the 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 S features a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure making a claimed 94 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque.

Related: 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T First Ride Review

The Ibex 800 S has two ride modes (Sport and Rain), cruise control, fully adjustable KYB suspension, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear aluminum alloy wheels (spoked on the Ibex 800 T), and J. Juan brake components and ABS as standard. The 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 S will come in Nebula Black and Twilight Blue starting at $9,499.

Read our 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 S First Look Review

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T

The 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T (formerly known as the 800 ADVentura T) is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure and makes a claimed 95 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with throttle-by-wire, it has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control. It has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension, J. Juan triple-disc brakes with cornering ABS, and a 7-inch TFT display.

The base-model Ibex 800 S (for Street) has cast wheels and an MSRP of $9,499. The up-spec Ibex 800 T (for Terrain, shown above) has spoked wheels, a quickshifter, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a steering damper, a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and a centerstand. MSRP is $10,499. They should be available in late 2022 or early 2023.

Read our 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T First Ride Review

2023 Ducati Diavel V4

Introduced in 2011. the Diavel originally featured a 1198cc Testastretta L-twin that made a claimed 162 hp. The power cruiser has seen some dramatic changes in the subsequent years, and the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 now has 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine making a claimed 168 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque. Ducati says the counter-rotating crankshaft of the engine, which derives from the Desmosedici Stradale of Panigale and Streetfighter V4 (see below), reduces the gyroscopic effect while increasing the bike’s agility.

The 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 is 28.6 lb than the Diavel 1260 S and features a new Wet ride mode, increased travel, and a higher, closer handlebar, as well as returning popular features. Pricing will begin at an MSRP of $26,695 in Ducati Red color or $26,995 for Thrilling Black.

Read our 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 First Look Review

2023 Ducati Monster SP

The 2023 Ducati Monster SP is an up-spec model with an Öhlins NIX30 fork, Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers, a Termignoni homologated silencer, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, a steering damper, dynamic turn indicators, and a lithium-ion battery. Curb weight is 410 lb, 4 pounds lighter than its stablemates. Like the Monster and Monster Plus, the SP is powered by a 937cc 90-degree V-Twin that makes 111 hp at 9,250 rpm and 69 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, and it has a full suite of electronic rider aids. The 2023 Ducati Monster SP sports Desmosedici GP livery and is priced at $15,595.

Read our 2023 Ducati Monster SP First Look Review

2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Filling the gap left by the now-defunct Multistrada 1260 Enduro, the new 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally comes standard with spoked tubeless wheels in 19-/17-inch sizes, additional suspension travel (7.9 inches front/rear), and a larger 7.9-gallon fuel tank (up from 5.8 gallons on other Multistrada models). It also has a larger windscreen, a longer tailsection for more spacious passenger accommodations, rubber-mounted passenger footpegs, and a centerstand. Like other Multistrada V4 models, it’s built around the Granturismo V4 that makes 170 hp at 10,750 rpm and 89 lb-ft of torque at 8,750 rpm.

In North America, the Multistrada V4 Rally will be available in North America in one version: Adventure Travel & Radar, equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, aluminum side cases, and heated grips and seats. MSRP is $29,995 for Ducati Red and $30,595 for Brushed Aluminum & Matte Black.

Read our 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally First Look Review

2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R

The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R is a street-legal superbike that is Ducati’s closest production model to a competition motorcycle. The Panigale V4 features the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine seen in previous models, making a claimed 207 hp at 13,500 rpm with 82 lb-ft of torque. Add on the racing exhaust and Shell oil specifically formulated for the Panigale V4 R’s new dry clutch, and the horsepower jumps to a track-tested 240.5 hp. Ducati also lengthened the gear ratios for the 2023 model for improved engine management when braking and better acceleration coming out of corners. The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R in MotoGP-derived racing livery will retail for $44,995 and is expected to arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2023.

Read our 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R First Look Review

2023 Ducati Scrambler Range

The new 2023 Ducati Scrambler family, which includes the Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift, will still feature the air-cooled 803cc L-Twin with a desmodromic valve system making a claimed 73 hp and 48.1 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm (a bump from the 2021 Scrambler Motard) with a 6-speed gearbox, a slip-assist clutch, and chain final drive. The new engine is 5.5 lb lighter than the previous generation and has been equipped with a new and more compact eight-disc clutch.

The 2023 Scrambler frame is still a trellis design but has also been updated and lightened, with a redesigned swingarm and a repositioned shock absorber. The 2023 bikes now have electronic management of the Ride by Wire throttle, and riding improvements also come from a slightly increased steering angle. New instrumentation includes the 4.3-inch color TFT and dedicated HMI.

From a style standpoint, the front headlight, now full LED, keeps the iconic “X” but has been redesigned with an even more recognizable style, and the new taillight design is now with a semi-circular line, always full LED, along with the direction indicators. But those are just two of many style points that make the new Scramblers distinct.

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review

2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4, V4 S, V4 SP2

The 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4 models, which includes the V4, V4 S, and exclusive V4 SP2, represents the company’s continued evolution of the “Fight Formula,” adding that the new Streetfighter V4 is largely a Panigale V4 stripped of its fairing, with the upgrades of high and wide handlebars, a 392-lb dry weight, a 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale making a claimed 208 hp at 13,000 rpm (with revised calibration to match the larger diameter of the silencer outlet), biplane wings, and the latest generation electronic package.

Besides the bodywork, the influence of the 2023 Panigale V4 can be seen in several other aspects of the 2023 Streetfighter V4 models. The U.S. pricing for the Streetfighter V4 will start at $22,095 for the Streetfighter V4 in Ducati Red color, with the Streetfighter V4 S starting at $27,595 in Ducati Red and $27,795 for the new Grey/Nero color. The limited-edition 2023 Streetfighter V4 SP2 starts at $37,995 in a Winter Test livery, designed by the Centro Stile Ducati taking inspiration from the Ducati Corse bikes used during the preseason tests of the MotoGP and WorldSBK Championships.

Read our 2023 Ducati Streetfighter V4, V4 S, and V4 SP2 First Look Review

2023 Energica Experia

The 2023 Energica Experia is the Italian motorcycle company’s first zero-emissions electric green tourer. Energica claims the new motor, which is lighter and in a lower position than previous models, has a peak power as 75 kW (101 hp) at 7,500 rpm with 85 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is stated to be 112 mph, and the bike reportedly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. And as a touring bike, Energica claims the Experia will get 153 miles of city/highway range combined or 261 miles in urban areas from a battery that will charge from 0-80% in 40 minutes on Level 3 chargers. The Experia is available for preorder for $25,880 in Bormio Ice.

Read our 2023 Energica Experia First Look Review

2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout marks the return of the model to the U.S. market, powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin making a claimed 101 hp at 4,750 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Other features include a 5-gallon fuel tank, a new handlebar riser and stainless steel handlebar that is 0.75 inch taller than the previous model, more chrome, and new 26-spoke cast-aluminum wheels. The 2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout comes in Vivid Black, Black Denim, Baja Orange, or Atlas Silver Metallic starting at $20,999. 

Read more: Harley-Davidson Announces 120th Anniversary Editions and Other 2023 Models

2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary

Marking the company’s 120th anniversary, the 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary model features what the company says is “one of the most intricate paint schemes ever offered by Harley-Davidson.” Panels of Heirloom Red are applied over a base coat of Anniversary Black, and the iconic H-D eagle appears both in the panels and the tank badge, along with other custom details. Only 1,500 examples of the CVO Road Glide Limited Anniversary model will be produced, and the bike will start at $51,999.

Read more: Harley-Davidson Announces 120th Anniversary Editions and Other 2023 Models

2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler trike still has a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and electric reverse gear, but it gets a blacked-out restyle for 2023 in place of previous bright finishes, new Gloss Black cast aluminum wheels, and rear 18-inch wheels instead of the previous 15-inchers. Other features of the 2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler include trike-specific rider safety enhancements, including electronic linked braking, ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control – all of which are cornering enhanced. The 2023 Harley-Davidson Freewheeler comes in Vivid Black, White Sand Pearl, or Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray starting at $29,999.

Read more: Harley-Davidson Announces 120th Anniversary Editions and Other 2023 Models

2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special 

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special features the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 975T V-Twin, four ride modes, traction control, drag-torque slip control, ABS, and cruise control. A 4-inch round TFT screen displays all instrumentation and infotainment functions managed using buttons on the hand control array. The handlebar and 5-inch handlebar riser move hand controls 2 inches up and 1 inch back, and the 3.1-gallon fuel cell is located below the seat to move the weight of fuel low in the chassis, which lowers the center of gravity. The 2023 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special comes in Vivid Black, Black Denim, Bright Billiard Blue, or Industrial Yellow starting at $14,999.

Read more: Harley-Davidson Announces 120th Anniversary Editions and Other 2023 Models

2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 Trike

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide 3 trike is a first for the company and features the Milwaukee-Eight 114, electric reverse gear, and trike-specific rider safety enhancements, including electronic linked braking, ABS, traction control, and drag-torque slip control – all of which are cornering enhanced. The frame-mounted fairing has triple splitstream vents, dual Daymaker LED headlamps, a low-profile windscreen, and the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color TFT touchscreen and two 5.25-inch fairing speakers. The Road Glide 3 comes in seven color options starting at $32,999. 

Read more: Harley-Davidson Announces 120th Anniversary Editions and Other 2023 Models

2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT

The all-new 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT features a liquid-cooled 1083cc parallel-Twin engine with a dual-clutch transmission. The new “T” trim marks the beginning of the “bagger” Rebel, only available with DCT. The new “T” trim marks the beginning of the “bagger” Rebel, only available with DCT. The Rebel 1100T DCT comes standard with a windscreen and hard-shell saddlebags with a combined 35 liters of space, making it even more practical for longer rides. The 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT will come in Metallic Black or Bordeaux Red Metallic starting at $11,299.

Read our 2023 Honda Rebel 1100T DCT and Returning Models First Look Review

2023 Honda CRF300LS

The 2023 Honda CRF300LS is a new version of Honda’s top-selling CRF300L, featuring a lower seat height of 32.7 inches (2 inches lower than the CRF300L). The CRF300LS is powered by the same liquid-cooled 286cc single-cylinder engine as the CRF300L, as well as the same 43mm inverted Showa fork and a Pro-Link single rear shock. However, the lowered seat changes ground clearance to 9.6 inches (11.2 inches on the CRF300L), and travel on the LS is 9.3 inches in the front and 9.0 inches in the rear. The CRF300LS also comes standard with ABS, which is an option on the CRF300L. The LS comes in a Swift Gray colorway starting at $5,699.

Read our 2023 Honda XR150L and CRF300LS First Look Review

2023 Honda XR150L

The 2023 Honda XR150L is an all-new dual-sport bike designed to be approachable for beginner riders. It features an air-cooled 149.2cc single-cylinder engine and has 7.1 inches of travel up front, 5.9 inches in the rear, and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The bike comes in White or Black starting at $2,971.

Read our 2023 Honda XR150L and CRF300LS First Look Review

2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition

The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is powered by the same eight-valve, DOHC, 889cc parallel-Twin that’s in the Norden 901 and KTM’s 890 Adventure/R, making a claimed 105 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. However, the Expedition features higher-spec WP XLPOR suspension, with 9.4 inches of travel front and rear compared to the Norden 901’s 8.7 inches front and 8.5 inches rear, as well as 0.7 inches more ground clearance at 10.6 inches. The Expedition also has a 36-liter-capacity set of side bags, a windscreen, and heated grips and seat. The 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition is available for $15,799.

Read our 2023 Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition First Ride Review  

2023 Indian Challenger Elite

Indian’s Elite motorcycle program, limited to 150-200 units for each bike, has announced details on the 2023 Indian Challenger Elite, limited to 150 units. The Challenger Elite will have the same PowerPlus 108ci engine with 122 hp and 128 ft-lb of torque that you’ll find in other Challengers, but the Elite is packed with several top-notch options and extras. Indian will be offering the 2023 Challenger Elite in Sapphire Blue Smoke Paint with Black Smoke and Titanium Metallic Smoke accents for $35,999.

Read our 2023 Indian Motorcycle Lineup First Look Review

2023 Indian Chieftain Elite

The 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite bagger returns to the Elite program for the 2023 model year and will be limited to 175 units globally. The Chieftain Elite features Indian’s most powerful air-cooled engine, the Thunderstroke 116, which delivers a claimed 126 lb-ft of torque, and a new 10-spoke precision machined front wheel. Like other Chieftain models, the bike comes with rear cylinder deactivation, three ride modes (Tour, Standard, and Sport), and ABS as standard.

From a style perspective, the 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite has Adaptive Pathfinder LED headlight and rear saddlebag LED lights, an adjustable tinted flare windscreen, a 7-inch touchscreen display powered by Ride Command with Apple CarPlay, GPS with navigation, and Ride Command+, and other bells and whistles. The 2023 Indian Chieftain Elite comes in Super Graphite Smoke complemented by premium Shadow Bronze chrome finishes and Indian Motorcycle headdress floorboards. Pricing starts at $35,499.

Read our 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look Review

2023 Indian FTR lineup

The 2023 Indian FTR lineup includes the return of the FTR and FTR Rally, the premium FTR Carbon, and the new FTR Sport (replacing the FTR S). The FTR Sport features a new tank-panel design, a sporty chin fairing, and a seat cowl. The FTR Sport and FTR Carbon will have a new 4-inch round touchscreen display offering navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. The FTR R Carbon separates itself from the rest of the FTR lineup with carbon fiber components, a premium seat, fully adjustable Öhlins gold front forks, a gold piggyback shock, and other new design choices. The Indian FTR lineup starts at $13,499.

Read our 2023 Indian Motorcycle Lineup First Look Review

2023 Indian Pursuit Elite

The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite is the newest bike to join Indian’s Elite program. With only 150 units available globally, it is a touring bike that Indian says is “designed for riders who value the journey as much as the destination.”  The bike is powered by a liquid-cooled 108ci PowerPlus V-Twin making a claimed 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm and mated to a 6-speed gearbox and slip/assist clutch. The Indian Pursuit Elite has electronically adjustable rear suspension preload from Fox that is managed from the bike’s infotainment system, and braking comes from Brembo.

The Indian Pursuit Elite has Adaptive LED headlight combined with Pathfinder S LED driving lights and saddlebag lights, heated seats for both rider and passenger, and more than 35 gallons of remote-locking storage. The 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite comes in premium Super Graphite Metallic and Black Metallic paint with Shadow Bronze Chrome accents. Color-matched Elite badging and premium components complete the bike’s design. Pricing starts at $39,999. 

Read our 2023 Indian Pursuit Elite and Chieftain Elite First Look Review 

2023 Indian Sport Chief

The 2023 Indian Sport Chief is a bike the company says is its most aggressive iteration of the legendary Chief. The Sport Chief features the air-cooled Thunderstroke 116 49-degree V-Twin found on the Dark Horse versions of the Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief and making a claimed 120 lb-ft of torque. The suspension and brakes of the Sport Chief get a major upgrade over previous Chief iterations, including the same front end as used on the Challenger bagger with its 43mm KYB inverted fork and pair of Brembo 4-piston calipers biting 320mm rotors. New piggyback FOX shocks bump travel by an inch and lean angle by 1 degree over the Chief base models. And from a visual standpoint, a new quarter-fairing sets the Sport Chief apart, combined with a new moto-style bar with a machined triple clamp and 6-inch riser.

Read our 2023 Indian Sport Chief First Ride Review

2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S

The 2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S features the same liquid-cooled 652cc single-cylinder engine, digital instrumentation panel, high-tensile double-cradle frame, and LED headlight with last year’s updated KLR650 (check out our video review of the 2022 Kawasaki KLR650). The KLR650 S adds model configurations for added versatility, including lower front and rear suspension. The bike comes in two colors starting at $6,899.

Related Story: Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models

2023 Kawasaki KLX230 and KLX230 S

Designed to be lightweight and easily maneuverable for both trail and street riding, the 2023 Kawasaki KLX230 and KLX230 S feature a 4-stroke 233cc air-cooled engine with electric start and a compact steel perimeter frame. The short 54.3-inch wheelbase along with the high 10.4-inch ground clearance adds to the maneuverability of the bike. The KLX230 S has a lower seat height and shorter wheel travel. The KLX230 and KLX230S come in Battle Gray starting at $4,999, and the KLX230 S adds Lime Green.

Related Story: Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models

2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM

The all-new 2023 Kawasaki KLX230SM is the newest addition to the Kawasaki family and is based on the the same 233cc air-cooled engine and electric start of its KLX230 stablemates. The KLX230SM features 17-inch front and rear wheels that are wider than the wheels on the KLX230, as well as 37mm inverted forks. The KLX230SM comes in two different colors starting at $5,299.

Related Story: Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models

2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650

Similar to previous iterations, the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 650 features a 649cc parallel-Twin engine, a 4.3 -inch TFT display, twin LED headlights, and smartphone connectivity. However, new to the 2023 model is the inclusion of Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) with two separate modes. The 2023 Ninja 650 comes in two colors starting at $7,999.

Related Story: Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models

2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition

The new track-focused 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition has a new liquid-cooled, DOHC 16-valve 399cc inline-Four making a claimed peak of 26.5 lb-ft of torque at 11,000 rpm. The bike is equipped with throttle-by-wire and features four ride modes that adjust traction control and power mode. It has a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch and an up/down quickshifter, and up front is a 4.3-inch color TFT display that includes a Circuit Mode for track riding. The 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition comes in a Lime Green/Ebony color scheme starting at $9,699 and available this spring.

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition First Look Review

2023 Kawasaki Z650

The naked 2023 Kawasaki Z650 also features a 649cc parallel-Twin, and like previous models, it includes a 4.3-inch TRT display, LED headlight, a thick passenger seat, and smartphone connectivity. Similar to the Ninja 650, the main update to the 2023 model of the Z650 is the addition of Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC) with two separate modes. The 2023 Z650 comes in two colors for $7,749.

Related Story: Kawasaki Announces More New and Updated 2023 Models

2023 KTM 390 Adventure

Still featuring a compact 4-stroke DOHC 373cc Single with four valves, a balancer shaft, a PASC slip/assist clutch, and electronic fuel injection, the 2023 KTM 390 Adventure has been given a new look and increased off-road capability. The bike offers Offroad ride mode and Offroad ABS, as well as throttle-by-wire, Motorcycle Traction Control, and cornering ABS. It has Brembo BYBRE brakes, adjustable WP APEX suspension, and new spoked wheels with black anodized aluminum rims. The 2023 KTM 390 Adventure will be available in March starting at $7,399.

Read our 2023 KTM 390 Adventure First Look Review

2023 KTM 450 SMR

Designed for the track only, the 2023 KTM 450 SMR has a 449.9cc liquid-cooled, SOHC Single putting out a claimed 63 hp, and the engine weighs just 59.5 lb, nearly a pound lighter than the previous model. In addition to the features riders already love about the KTM 450 SMR (read our review of the 2021 model here), the 2023 model includes a redesigned Pankl Racing Systems 5-speed gearbox and a new Quickshift sensor on the shift drum for clutchless upshifts, which can be disabled through the handlebar switch.

Other updates for the 2023 KTM 450 SMR include a revised shock mount, redesigned high-grade aluminum CNC-machined triple clamps offering increased grip surface, altered longitudinal and torsional flex and frame-wall thickness, suspension updates, revised ergonomics, and more. KTM is still only listing the 2022 model pricing of $11,999.

Read our 2023 KTM 450 SMR First Look Review

2023 KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R

For 2023, KTM has updated the aesthetics of its KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R. Both bikes still feature the liquid-cooled 693cc LC4 single-cylinder engine, a 6-speed gearbox with Quickshifter+, throttle-by-wire, a PASC slipper clutch, and dual balancer shafts. The LC4 machines also still benefit from cornering ABS, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), and two ride modes, and both bikes feature adjustable suspension and Brembo brakes. The 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R takes its styling cues from the competition-Enduro range, and the KTM 690 SMC R comes in an all-new blue and orange adornment to the fray. Pricing starts at $12,999 for both models.

Read our 2023 KTM 690 Enduro R and 690 SMC R First Look Review

2023 KTM 790 Duke

The 2023 KTM 790 Duke marks the return of the popular bike to KTM’s North American lineup after a brief hiatus. The 790 Duke will be powered by KTM’s LC8c parallel-Twin DOHC engine with 799cc of displacement and two balancer shafts for smooth power delivery and minimum vibration. The bike features throttle-by-wire, a PASC slip/assist clutch, three ride modes (Rain, Street, and Sport), lean-angle-sensitive Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, and other great standard and optional features. Pricing starts at $9,199.

Read our 2023 KTM 790 Duke and 1290 Super Duke GT First Look Review

2023 KTM 890 Adventure

The 2023 KTM 890 Adventure was announced in November and joins the KTM 890 Adventure R announced two months earlier (see below). The bike features a liquid-cooled 889cc LC8 parallel-Twin, a 6-speed gearbox, the PASC slip/assist clutch, Bosch EMS with throttle-by-wire, and Dell’Orto throttle bodies with an integrated knock sensor for handling varying fuel quality. Updates for 2023 include changes to the fairing between the front of the bike and the fuel tank, a reworked suspension front and back, a new ABS unit, and other technical and aesthetic changes. Pricing starts at $13,949.

Read our 2023 KTM 890 Adventure First Ride Review

2023 KTM 890 Adventure R

The KTM 890 Adventure R was introduced two years ago (read our Road Test Review of the 2021 model here), and the updated 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R features upgrades that enhance its off-road capabilities and performance. The 890 Adventure R still has a liquid-cooled 889cc transverse parallel-Twin but now offers new aesthetics, a retuned suspension package, updated ABS, a new Demo mode and 5-inch TFT display, and more rider aides. Pricing starts at $15,199.

Read our 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R First Look Review

2023 KTM Super Adventure R

The updated 2023 KTM Super Adventure R is a bike the company says is oriented for “hardcore offroad adventurers who want and need premium kit to level any landscape or terrain.” The bike still features a liquid-cooled 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin, a 6-speed Pankl transmission, a PASC slip/assist clutch, and optional Quickshifter+. The KTM Super Adventure R also still has WP XPLOR fully adjustable suspension, Motorcycle Traction Control, Motorcycle Stability Control, various ride modes, ABS, and more. The bike’s navigation potential has been upgraded for 2023, and it comes in a new sporting white color and graphic scheme starting at $20,299. 

Read our 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R First Look Review

2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

Similar to the KTM Super Adventure R, the 2023 KTM Super Adventure S is powered by a liquid-cooled 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin mated to a 6-speed Pankl transmission, a PASC slip/assist clutch, and optional Quickshifter+. The bike has a 22-lb chromoly stainless-steel frame, vertically stacked LEDs with low beam, high beam, and cornering lights that illuminate sequentially as lean angle increases, a reengineered windscreen and adjuster, a height-adjustable seat (33.4 or 34.2 inches), and a new lightweight aluminum sidestand. Also like the Super Adventure R, the KTM Super Adventure S features augmented navigation software, and for 2023, it will come in two new color schemes: the iconic KTM orange-and-black trim or the more neutral hue of KTM’s Graded Gray aesthetic. Pricing starts at $20,299. 

Read our 2023 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S First Look Review 

2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

The 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is the second Duke to rejoin KTM’s North American lineup for 2023 after a brief hiatus, along with the 790 Duke (see above). The bike has enhanced emissions control, a reworked 1,301cc LC8 V-twin engine, and the same standard features of the 1290 Super Duke R Evo, including new lightweight wheels wrapped in new Continental ContiSportAttack 4 tires. The WP APEX semi-active suspension on the 1290 Super Duke GT has been geared for the long-distance tourer, as well as a larger 6.1-gal tank.

Additionally, the 2023 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT has a new 7-inch TFT display with a newly designed layout, and the bike will debut an all-new navigation system called Turn-by-Turn Plus, which will be available via KTMconnect and further enhance the touring experience. Pricing starts at $19,799, and the saddlebags are sold separately as accessories.

Read our 2023 KTM 790 Duke and 1290 Super Duke GT First Look Review

2023 KTM RC 8C

In only the second iteration of the model, the competition-only 2023 KTM RC 8C features an evolved 889cc LC8c DOHC parallel-Twin molded specifically for the circuit, upgraded electronic features, more weight-saving solutions, and several high-end components aimed toward ensuring the bike’s competitiveness. KTM increased maximum power, torque, and the 12,000rpm rev ceiling and dropped the bikes dry weight to 313 lb. Additionally, KTM said the refined electronics on the 2023 RC 8C can match any setting of traction control, mapping, and engine braking with a rider’s level of ability (or ambition).

Only 200 editions of the 2023 KTM RC 8C will be made and will come in KTM’s distinctive orange frame with razor black graphics and a special serial number stamped onto the triple clamp. Pricing starts at $39,995.

Read our 2023 KTM RC 8C First Look Review

2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar

Harley-Davidson and its LiveWire brand have introduced the second all-electric model, the 2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar, which is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the LiveWire ONE.

Related Story: 2020 Harley-Davidson LiveWire | First Ride Review

The street-tracker is said to produce 80 hp and weigh 431 lbs, yielding a 0-60-mph time of just 3.1 seconds. City range is said to be 110 miles, and highway range will be significantly lower.

LiveWire offered 100 serialized “Del Mar Launch Edition” models (shown above) with an exclusive paint scheme and a unique wheel design for $17,699, but all were sold out in the first 18 minutes. Those who missed the opportunity can get their name on a waiting list for when regular production models ($15,000) are available in the spring of 2023.

Related Story: LiveWire Goes Public, Now Taking S2 Del Mar Reservations

2023 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Special Edition

The Moto Guzzi V7 Stone was updated for 2021 with a larger air-cooled 853cc longitudinal 90-degree V-Twin making a claimed 65 hp at 6,800 rpm and 54 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, among other updates. The 2023 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Special Edition features a new Arrow exhaust system, which the company says has led to gains in performance, bumping up to 65.7 hp at 6,700 rpm and 55.3 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. From a visual standpoint, Moto Guzzi has swapped out the matte shades typical of the Stone version for a special Shining Black color scheme, enhanced on the tank with graphics and red details that recall the style traits of the Eagle brand’s sportiest models. Pricing and availability have not been announced.

Related Story: New and Updated 2023 Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa Models

2023 Piaggio 1

Piaggio has upgraded the electric motor that powers the 2023 Piaggio 1 range to deliver better performance. The moped version (Piaggio 1) has a claimed 3.1 hp from its motor built into the rear wheel and has a top speed limited to 27 mph. The motorbike version (Piaggio 1 Active) reaches 4 hp. Top speed was not announced. Piaggio says acceleration has increased 14% on Piaggio 1 and almost 12% on Piaggio 1 Active. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Related Story: New and Updated 2023 Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, and Vespa Models

2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411

The 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 brings scrambler styling to the Himalayan adventure bike platform, which was updated for 2022. It’s powered by an air-cooled 411cc single-cylinder engine carried in a Harris Performance chassis. Royal Enfield says the Scram 411’s versatile geometry and comfortable ergonomics give the lightweight bike a unique combination of on-road agility and capability on trails. It’s available in nine different color/style configurations, and MSRP is $5,099.

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 First Ride Review

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 touring motorcycle was unveiled at EICMA in Milan, Italy, in November and features an all-new chassis with a low center of gravity, several color options, and two optional accessory packages: The Solo Tourer Genuine Motorcycle and the Grand Tourer. The Super Meteor 650 has the same 648cc air-cooled parallel-Twin found in Royal Enfield’s Continental GT and the INT650, all producing a claimed 38 lb-ft of torque and 47 hp. The seven color choices depend on the accessory package. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 First Ride Review

2023 Suzuki GSX-8S

Powered by Suzuki’s all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine with a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production, the 2023 Suzuki GXS-8S features the ride-by-wire electronic throttle control system, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), and the Bi-directional Quick Shift system. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S also comes with Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System, ABS, and Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.

Suspension is provided by a KYB inverted fork and dedicated link-type mono-shock KYB suspension in the rear, and stopping power comes from Nissin radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers mated with 310mm outer diameter floating-mount dual discs. The rear brake has a 240mm outer diameter disc and uses a single-piston pin-slide caliper.

Buyers can select from Suzuki’s Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme. The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S is expected to hit dealers in June with an MSRP of $8,849.

Read our 2023 Suzuki GXS-8S First Look Review

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

Powered by Suzuki’s all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine, the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (and the V-Strom 800DE Adventure) is aimed at riders who want a middleweight adventure bike that is fully capable both on-road and off-road. It has a 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims front and rear, and the longest suspension travel and most ground clearance of any V-Strom model.

The V-Strom 800DE is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) that includes traction control with a trail-oriented Gravel mode, ABS with two levels of sensitivity plus the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel, a bi-directional quickshifter, and Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.

The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will be available in two colorways: Champion Yellow No. 2 with gold rims or Glass Matte Mechanical Gray with black rims. The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure, which features black-anodized 37-liter side cases, side protection bars, and a large aluminum skid plate, will be available in Glass Sparkle Black with gold rims. A full line of dedicated accessories will also be available. The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 800DE Adventure are expected to hit dealers in May. The 800DE will start at $11,349, and the 800DE Adventure will start at $12,999.

Read our 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE First Ride Review

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050

The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 has a liquid-cooled, 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin. When we tested the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, it made 96 hp at 8,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno. The 2023 V-Strom 1050 has a 6-speed gearbox with higher 1st and 6th ratios, an updated throttle-by-wire system, a new ABS control unit, a new CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring system, and a new 32-bit ECM (Engine Control Module).

The new V-Strom 1050 also includes many features previously only available on the XT models, including a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) electronics suite – which includes ride modes, cornering ABS, multimode traction control, cruise control, and braking systems that compensate for hill starts, slope, and load – as well as an up/down quickshifter, a new 5-inch TFT display, a new windscreen, and more. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Read our 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE First Look Review

2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure

The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and 1050DE Adventure share the same engine as the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom, as well as the new and updated features of the V-Strom (see above) and will replace the previous V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure models.

However, the DE models are more geared toward off-road adventures, featuring a 21-inch front wheel with a tube-type rim for maximum durability, a 17-inch tubeless rear wheel, and Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires. They also add a new Gravity (G) traction control option in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel, their own dedicated chassis geometry and suspension system, a longer swingarm, and other adventure motorcycle-specific offerings. The DE Adventure adds a set of 37-liter aluminum panniers with an anodized silver finish that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Read our 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050DE First Look Review

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 Range

This is another one that is slightly jumping the gun, but when Triumph said the new Street Triple 765 range would be in dealerships in the spring of 2023, we wanted to give you something to be excited for. The Triple Street Triple 765 range includes the Street Triple 765 R, Street Triple 765 RS, and limited-run Moto2 Edition, which Triumph says is “the closest you can get to a Moto2 race bike for the road.”

All three models will still feature a liquid-cooled 765cc inline-Triple, which was bumped up from 675cc with the 2017 Street Triple lineup, but Triumph says engine upgrades derived directly from the Moto2 race engine program have resulted in a significant step up in performance on the range. The engine on the Street Triple R now makes a claimed 118 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque at 9,500 rpm. The Street Triple RS and Moto2 take it up another notch, making 128 hp. Other updates include new technology, high specification components, an updated chassis, and more.

The Street Triple 765 R will start at $9,995 and be available in two colorways: Silver Ice with Storm Grey and Yellow graphics or Crystal White with Storm Grey and Lithium Flame graphics. The Street Triple 765 RS will start at $12,595 and have three schemes: Silver Ice with Baja Orange and Storm Grey graphics, Carnival Red with Carbon Black and Aluminum Silver graphics, or Cosmic Yellow with Carbon Black and Aluminum Silver graphics. Finally, the Moto2 Edition will start at $15,395 and comes in two race-derived liveries: Triumph Racing Yellow with an Aluminum Silver rear sub-frame or Crystal White with Triumph Racing Yellow rear subframe. The official Moto2 branding will appear on the tank, wheel, tail unit, and silencer.

Read our 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 R/RS First Ride Review

2023 Triumph Tiger 1200

The folks in Hinckley have been busy. They’ve shaved 55 pounds off the new 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200, given it a 147-hp Triple, and equipped it with an all-new chassis and electronics.⁠ Five variants are available: the street-focused GT ($19,100), GT Pro ($21,400), and GT Explorer ($23,100) and the off-road-ready Rally Pro ($22,500) and Rally Explorer ($24,200).⁠

Read our 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 First Ride Review

Read our 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro Road Test Review

2023 Vespa GTS

After four years without a new Vespa model, the Piaggio Group announced in October 2022 the release of the 2023 Vespa GTS range, which includes the GTS, GTS Sport, GTS SuperSport, and GTS SuperTech. The scooters feature a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled 300cc high performance engine (HPE) offering a claimed 23.8 hp at 8,250 rpm and the same steel body, but the GTS range features new suspension, a new seat, and some other updated features. The Vespa GTS scooters come in 14 different color schemes starting at $7,799.

Read our 2023 Vespa GTS Scooters First Look Review

2023 Yamaha MT-07 

The 2023 Yamaha MT-07 will hit the market with key tech upgrades that enhance the overall package while remaining true to the hypernaked bike’s basic concept. The bike still features a liquid-cooled 689cc DOHC parallel-Twin that made 68 hp and 46.5 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel when we dyno tested the 2021 model.

One of the most significant additions for the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 is the installation of a new 5-inch full-color TFT display that provides a choice of two different screen modes: Street or Touring. The 2023 MT-07 also now features Yamaha Motorcycle Connect smartphone connectivity, which works in conjunction with the free Y-Connect app to enable a direct connection between motorcycle and smartphone, enabling a wide range of new capabilities, including phone and music control, as well as a newly available Garmin turn-by-turn navigation system. The 2023 Yamaha MT-07 will be offered in three color options: Cyan Storm, Team Yamaha Blue and Matte Raven Black. It will be available from dealers beginning April 2023 for an MSRP of $8,199.

Related Story: Yamaha Announces 2023 Updated and Returning Models

2023 Yamaha XMAX Sport Scooter

The 2023 Yamaha XMAX has received its first major update since the sport scooter’s introduction in 2018. It still features a liquid-cooled 292cc Blue Core single-cylinder engine, a telescoping front fork, a 15-inch front wheel, a 14-inch rear wheel, traction control, and disc brakes front and rear. Claimed fuel economy on the 2018 XMAX was 75 mpg.

Virtually every part of the XMAX’s exterior has been redesigned for 2023, including the addition of a new 4.2-inch color TFT infotainment display located below the 3.2-inch LCD speedometer, as well as a new handlebar-mounted switchgear to enable connectivity control. Also new this year, Yamaha is introducing Y-Connect smartphone connectivity allowing riders to connect their smartphone directly to their scooter, enabling a wide range of new capabilities, including phone and music control, as well as a newly available Garmin turn-by-turn navigation system. The 2023 Yamaha XMAX will be offered in Granite Gray and will be available from dealers beginning January 2023 for an MSRP of $6,099.

Related Story: Yamaha Announces 2023 Updated and Returning Models

We recently posted our first-ride review of the seven-model 2022 motorcycle lineup from CFMOTO, which ranges from the 126cc Papio to the 700CL-X Sport. I had a chance to sample each model on a private test track, and then I got a more extensive 350-mile ride on the 650 ADVentura.

Related: 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X | Road Test Review

During the press event, held in late June, I also got a first ride on an eighth model, which was under embargo until August 1 and will be available in “late winter” as a 2023 model. The embargo has come and gone, so I can now talk about the Ibex 800 (formerly the 800 ADVentura; when I asked one of CFMOTO USA’s reps how to pronounce the name, he said “add-ventura” rather than “A-D-V-entura,” which is a mouthful).

GEAR UP
Helmet: Nolan N80-8
Jacket: Fly Racing Coolpro Mesh
Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler
Pants: Fly Racing Resistance Jeans
Boots: Fly Racing M16 Waterproof Riding Shoes

Given American tastes for large motorcycles and the popularity of adventure bikes, the Ibex 800 is the CFMOTO model that’s most likely to resonate with U.S. buyers. As described in my 2022 lineup review, CFMOTO established a partnership with KTM back in 2014, and soon after began producing KTM 200/390 Dukes for the Chinese market. In 2018, CFMOTO and KTM broke ground on a joint venture production facility in China.

Given the cozy relationship between CFMOTO and KTM, it’s no surprise that CFMOTO’s top-of-the-line model is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure, which makes a claimed 95 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with throttle-by-wire, it has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control.

The Ibex 800 has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension (front/rear travel is 6.3/5.9 inches), 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, and J. Juan triple-disc brakes with cornering ABS. It has a 5-gallon fuel tank, full LED lighting, and a 7-inch TFT display.

Two versions of the Ibex 800 will be offered, an “S” (Street) model with cast wheels and a “T” (Terrain or Touring, you decide) model with spoked wheels. The T is also equipped with a quickshifter, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a steering damper, a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and a centerstand. Claimed curb weight is 496 lb for the S and 509 lb for the T.

There was only one bike at the launch, an Ibex 800 T, and it was hogged by everyone. I managed to get in a few laps, just enough to realize its potential. The Ibex 800 has the wide, flat seat and comfortably upright seating position with generous legroom that we’ve come to expect from adventure bikes, and is part of what makes them so popular (unless you are short of inseam, of course).

When you’re on a closed circuit, as we were on the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center’s 1.2-mile, 6-turn paved road course with a one-third-mile front straight, it’s only natural to give the whip to whatever you’re riding. With the Ibex 800 T in Sport mode, I pinned the throttle and felt it surge forward with gusto.

I was the 509-lb gorilla on a track shared with wee Papios and playful 300s, so I used the 800’s wide handlebar to give a wide berth to other bikes and slice my way through the two chicanes made of traffic cones. Cornering ABS gave me the confident to dive deep into turns and trail brake to scrub off speed, and the J. Juan binders did my bidding without complaint. The Ibex 800 T handled with confidence and poise, and I was sorely tempted to exit the track and hit the road.

At the end of the day, after indulging in the gluttonous BBQ buffet laid out by Big Mo Cason (who drove all the way from Des Moines, Iowa, to cater the event) and a midafternoon downpour that drenched the track, I spent my last dozen or so laps of the day staring at the back of the Ibex 800. John Burns, who writes for Motorcycle.com and looks like Willie Nelson in high-viz gear, had grabbed the 800’s key and I did my best to chase him down on a 700CL-X.

I outweigh JB by 50 lb, probably 55 after hoovering two plates of brisket, mac-n-cheese, slaw, and cornbread at lunch, so my meat sack in the saddle knocked a big dent in the 700CL-X’s 83-lb weight advantage. Factor in the 800’s 21-hp upper hand over the 700 (95 hp vs. 74), however, and you’ve looking a pretty even odds. Lap after lap I’d close in on John, but I could never quite catch him. Burns got in way more laps on the 800 ADV-T than I did, and he can write – and ride – circles around me, so check out his review over at MO if you desire more depth and entertainment.

Overall, the Ibex 800 T felt solid, responsive, and – not surprisingly given the origin of its engine – on par with similar offerings from Europe. We look forward to getting more seat time for a more in-depth evaluation.

2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T Specs

Base Price: $9,499 (S model)
Price as Tested: $10,499 (T model)
Website: CFMOTOusa.com
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valve per cyl.
Displacement: 799cc
Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 65.7mm
Horsepower: 95 hp @ 9,250 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Torque: 57 lb-ft @ 8,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank)
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
Final Drive: Chain
Wheelbase: 60.3 in.
Seat Height: 32.5 in.
Wet Weight: 509 lb
Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gals.

With more than a decade of motorcycle testing experience under my belt, it’s rare to get a first ride on a motorcycle built by a company I have no prior experience with. When CFMOTO invited Rider to Minneapolis to ride its 2022 lineup of motorcycles – a total of seven models (plus an eighth model that’s under embargo) – I was all-in. 

CFMOTO’s motorcycles range from small to middleweight in size, and they’re attractively priced. The lineup includes the 126cc Papio minibike ($2,999), 300NK naked bike ($3,999), 300SS fully faired sportbike ($4,299), 650NK naked bike ($6,499), 650 ADVentura street-adventure bike ($6,799), 700CL-X street scrambler ($6,499), and 700CL-X Sport modern café racer ($6,999). The Papio comes with a one-year warranty while the others are covered for two years.

Check out Rider‘s 2022 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

For my first ride on each model, I worked my way through the lineup from smallest to largest, from the Papio to the 700CL-X Sport. After logging several laps on each bike, I rode them again and again in random order throughout the day. 

Our test riding was done at the Minnesota Highway Safety & Research Center (MHSRC), a training facility that includes a 1.2-mile paved road course with a half-dozen nicely radiused corners, a one-third-mile front straight that leads into a slightly banked left-hand sweeper, and an ultra-tight, winding half-mile infield course. Like real-world roads, the pavement was rough and littered with tar snakes that got greasy in the midday sun, and it was damp in the morning after overnight rains and again after an afternoon cloudburst. The track allowed us to test multiple bikes in succession and pursue top speeds without running afoul of local law enforcement. 

After a full day of at least 100 laps on eight different models, we had an opportunity to spend the next day testing the model of our choice on public roads. I picked the 650 ADVentura and logged another 350 miles on it. 

CF Who? 

Unless you’re familiar with ATVs and side-by-sides, CFMOTO might be new to you too. Established in Hangzhou, China, in 1989, the company grew quickly to become a supplier of engines, parts, and components for some of the biggest brands in powersports. By 2000 CFMOTO had begun manufacturing motorcycles, scooters, and off-road vehicles. 

According to Alan Cathcart, in a company profile published in 2015 on Rider’s website, “CFMOTO emphasizes quality of manufacture rather than low cost, so while its bikes are well priced, they’re also well-made and durable.” In 2014, Austrian manufacturer KTM established a partnership with CFMOTO, and the company began producing KTM 200/390 Dukes for the Chinese market. 

Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM, told Cathcart, “We built up a very good trust level with CFMOTO – they are a very serious Chinese company. We’ve now arranged to do a 50/50 joint venture on KTM products made in China for sale worldwide. … I’m happy to attach the KTM name to something made by them.” 

CFMOTO has been selling off-road vehicles in the U.S. since 2002, and it established its American headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota, in 2007. In 2012, CFMOTO began importing motorcycles, including the 650NK naked bike and the 650TK sport-tourer, both powered by a liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-Twin. 

Cathcart reviewed the 650TK in 2015, which retailed for $6,999, and gave it high marks. Other than a few fit-and-finish complaints, he concluded that the “CFMOTO 650TK is as capable, practical, and pleasing as any motorcycle costing twice the price” and “an awful lot of motorcycle for the money.” 

After a couple of years, CFMOTO pulled out of the U.S. motorcycle market because its offerings didn’t resonate with American buyers. It went back to the drawing board, developed a full lineup of bikes, introduced them in Europe and other markets where they were well-received, and decided to try again in the U.S. CFMOTO has 550 dealers in the U.S., with nearly 200 of them selling motorcycles. All 2022 models have been available since April. 

2022 CFMOTO Papio 

GEAR UP
Helmet: Nolan N80-8
Jacket: Fly Racing Coolpro Mesh
Gloves: Fly Racing Brawler
Pants: Fly Racing Resistance Jeans
Boots: Fly Racing M16 Waterproof Riding Shoes

Since the Honda Grom was introduced in 2014 and became a runaway best-seller, the small-bore segment has expanded rapidly. These days, the Grom will set you back $3,499, the Kawasaki Z125 Pro goes for $3,399, and the Benelli TNT135 is $3,199. The Papio, which takes its name from the genus that includes baboons, slides in below the others at $2,999. 

Weighing weighs just 251 lb and rolling on 12-inch wheels, the Papio has a 126cc air-cooled fuel-injected Single that kicks out 9.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and 6.1 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Unique in this segment is the Papio’s 6-speed gearbox, which helps it achieve a respectable top speed – even with my 215 lb in the saddle, I saw an indicated 62 mph by the end of MHRSC’s front straight. 

The Papio is aptly named. The Minnesota-nice guys from CFMOTO, who used cones to create two chicanes on the MHRSC track to slow things down, asked us not to race each other. One bike is a ride, two bikes is a race, and three Papios is a barrel of baboons. We couldn’t help ourselves. 

Small and affordable the Papio may be, but it’s nicely featured, with LED lighting all around and a digital instrument panel. It has a telescopic fork with 4.3 inches of travel, a rear shock that has five-click preload adjustability, and single-disc brakes front and rear. Seat height is 30.5 inches, fuel capacity is 1.9 gallons and color options are Lemon Green and Galaxy Grey with red accents. 

2022 CFMOTO 300NK / 300SS 

The next rung on CFMOTO’s moto-ladder is a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve 292cc Single with Bosch EFI that makes a claimed 28.7 hp at 8,750 rpm and 18.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. You can choose the naked 300NK ($3,999) in Athens Blue or Nebula Black, or the fully faired 300SS ($4,299) in Nebula White or Nebula Black. 

Both feature a steel trellis frame, a 6-speed transmission with a slip/assist clutch, an inverted fork with a progressive-rate spring, and a preload-adjustable rear shock. Ten-spoke 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels are slowed by a 4-piston radial-mount front caliper with a 300mm disc, a 1-piston rear caliper with a 245mm disc, and Continental dual-channel ABS. 

With its tubular handlebar and slightly taller seat (31.7 inches), the 300NK has a more upright seating position and weighs 333 lb. The 300SS has sporty clip-ons, a 30.7-inch seat height, and a 364-lb curb weight. Both are fun and flickable with linear but modest power delivery, and the counterbalanced Single is remarkably smooth. The brakes, however, felt wooden, a problem that would likely be solved by more aggressive pads. 

These are stylish, well-equipped bikes, with LED lighting and a 5.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth that pairs to the CFMOTO Ride smartphone app, which provides vehicle info and navigation (the app is also compatible with the Papio, 650NK, 650 ADVentura, and 700CL-X Sport, but not the 700CL-X). 

2022 CFMOTO 650NK / 650 ADVentura 

Moving up from the 300s to the 650s gains 357cc and an extra cylinder. The liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 649cc parallel-Twin in the 650NK and 650 ADVentura is said to churn out 60 hp at 8,750 rpm and 41.3 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. Like the 300s, the 6-speed transmission is equipped with a slip/assist clutch. 

Ratcheting up the price – $6,499 for the NK (Nebula White or Nebula Black) and $6,799 for the ADVentura (Athens Blue or Nebula White) – brings higher specification. Both have brakes made by J. Juan, a Spanish supplier owned by Brembo, with dual 300mm discs up front with 2-piston calipers and a single 240mm disc out back with a 1-piston caliper. Continental dual-channel ABS is standard, and 17-inch cast wheels are shod with premium Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires. 

The 650NK, which weighs 454 lb, carries 4.5 gallons of fuel, and has a 30.7-inch seat height, is equipped with KYB suspension, with a non-adjustable fork and a preload-adjustable rear shock. The 650 ADVentura has an inverted fork with 12 clicks of rebound adjustment and a rear shock with adjustable preload and rebound (eight clicks). Both models have full LED lighting and a 5-inch TFT display. 

Standard equipment on the ADVentura includes Shad hard saddlebags, a windscreen with 1.5 inches of toolless height adjustment, and a USB charging port on the dash. It weighs 481 lb (add 17 lb for the saddlebags), carries 4.75 gallons of fuel, and has a 32.3-inch seat height.  

Both 650s have upright seating positions, and thanks to its taller seat, the ADVentura offers more legroom than the NK. Both are very approachable and fun to ride. Twisting the right grip delivers rheostat-like power with barely a hint of vibration from the counterbalanced Twin. They are light enough to be tossed into turns, their Pirelli tires provide good grip, and their brakes shed speed quite well. They felt stable at speed too – I maxxed out at an indicated 106 mph on the NK and 107 mph on the ADV. (Read more 650 ADVentura impressions below.) 

2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X / 700 CL-X Sport 

Though gaining just 44cc in displacement over the 650s, the 700s represent a big step up in specification and performance. Their shared liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 693cc parallel-Twin makes a claimed 74 hp at 8,500 rpm and 50.2 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm, and both have a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch and chain final drive. 

The 700s are also equipped with throttle-by-wire, which enables two ride modes (Sport and Eco) and one-touch cruise control. They have a stylish, throaty exhaust can on the right side, self-canceling turnsignals, and all-round LED lighting with a daytime running light. 

Wrapped around the engine is a tubular chromoly steel frame connected to a steel trellis subframe and a lightweight gravity-cast aluminum swingarm. KYB suspension includes a 41mm inverted fully adjustable fork and a linkage-mounted rear shock that’s adjustable for preload and rebound. Seat height is 31.5 inches and fuel capacity is 3.4 gallons. 

The 700CL-X street scrambler ($6,499) is available in Coal Grey with bronze wheels or Twilight Blue with black wheels, and it has a tubular handlebar and Pirelli MT-60 dirt track-style semi-knobby tires. J. Juan brakes include a 320mm front disc with a radial-mount 4-piston caliper and a 260mm rear disc with a 2-piston caliper, and Continental ABS is standard. Curb weight is 426 lb. 

The 700CL-X Sport ($6,799), available in Nebula White or Velocity Grey, takes a more aggressive café racer approach to styling and ergonomics, with clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, a removable rear cowling (passenger pegs are standard but a passenger seat is sold as an accessory), and faux carbon fiber accents. Top-shelf Brembo brakes include a radial front master cylinder, radial-mount monoblock Stylema 4-piston calipers squeezing 320mm discs, and a 2-piston rear caliper squeezing at 260mm disc. Five-spoke cast aluminum wheels are shod with Maxxis SuperMaxx ST sport tires. Curb weight is 451 lb. 

These bikes are a helluva lot of fun, with engine response that feels like a bigger step up from the 650s than the small displacement bump would suggest. With its wider handlebar, more upright seating position, more comfortable seat, and lower weight, the 700CL-X was my favorite of the two. Other than the 650 ADVentura, it’s the bike I spent the most time on, chasing down – but by no means racing – other journalists on the track. 

Editor’s Note: When this story was published in late July 2022, the 2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura (now the Ibex 800 T) was still under embargo. We got to ride it at this event, and you can read our impressions via the link below.

Related: 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T | First Ride Review

A Day in the Life of the 2022 CFMOTO 650 ADVentura 

CFMOTO’s 650 ADVentura has the Kawasaki Versys 650 LT in its crosshairs. Both are street-adventure bikes with 649cc parallel-Twins, upright seating positions, small upper fairings with height-adjustable windscreens, and removable hard saddlebags. There are some differences too – the Kawasaki has traction control but the CFMOTO doesn’t, for example, and the CFMOTO has a longer warranty – but they’re similar enough to be kissing cousins. 

The biggest delta between the two is price. The Kawasaki’s MSRP is $9,999, but the CFMOTO’s is only $6,799. You can buy a lot of overpriced gas for $3,200. 

Since a middleweight street-adventure bike is right in Rider’s wheelhouse, the 650 ADVentura is the bike I chose to spend the day with. On a hot, muggy morning in late June, I threw a leg over a blue one in a hotel parking lot in Maple Grove, Minnesota. My visits to the North Star State are few and far between, so I headed north to Duluth on the southern shore of Lake Superior to visit the Aerostich store and factory and have lunch with Andy Goldfine.

RELATED: Aerostich: The Great American Motorcycle Suit

Work obligations consumed part of my morning, so I left late and slabbed it on Interstate 35 to make time. Boring yes, but also a good way to get to know how a bike runs at sustained high speeds. Keeping up with traffic, the speedometer hovered around 80 mph the whole way. For 160 miles I passed lots of trees as well as billboards for fishing boats, fishing lakes, fish camps, and marinas. The 650 ADVentura hummed along beneath me, giving off a bit of engine heat but hardly any vibration. 

Two hand knobs can be loosened to adjust the height of the ADVentura’s windscreen. With it fully raised and supplemented by deflectors on either side of the dash, wind protection was good with no buffeting. As I got closer to Duluth, I caught the edges of two rainstorms and got a little damp in my mesh jacket and riding jeans. As I-35 descended a steep hill toward downtown, the temperature dropped into the mid-50s due to the cooling effect of Lake Superior. By the time I dropped the kickstand in Aerostich’s parking lot, my teeth were chattering. 

After touring Aerostich’s headquarters and warming up with coffee and a warm bowl of soup during lunch with Andy, I rode up one of Duluth’s steep streets and cruised along Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway, which follows a ridgeline just west of the city and offers panoramic views of Duluth, the harbor, and Lake Superior. The byway offered up some fun curves, plenty of frost-damaged asphalt, and even some gravel on the north end near Hawk Ridge. The final 4 miles of the byway follows Seven Bridges Road, which cuts back and forth over the cascading course of Amity Creek on a series of arched stone bridges. 

The 650 ADVentura has the qualities I love most about middleweights – modest curb weight, light steering, and enough power for a lively riding experience. Its suspension and brakes are dutifully competent, and its slip/assist clutch helps it shift with ease. Its wind protection, ergonomics, and smoothness made my 350-mile day enjoyable, though its soft seat foam crushed down and didn’t offer adequate support. Fuel economy during my all-day test ride was 45.5 mpg, good for 216 miles from the 4.75-gallon tank. 

Overall, I was impressed with the 650 ADVentura as well as CFMOTO’s other models. They are stylish, well-built with quality components, and spec’d with desirable features. And at a time where value is increasingly important, they offer incredible bang for the buck. 

2022 CFMOTO 650 ADVentura Specs 

Base Price: $6,799
Website: CFMOTOusa.com
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, DOHC w/ 4 valve per cyl.
Displacement: 649cc 
Bore x Stroke: 83 x 60mm 
Horsepower: 60.3 hp @ 8,750 rpm (claimed, at the crank) 
Torque: 41.3 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (claimed, at the crank) 
Final Drive: Chain 
Wheelbase: 56 in. 
Rake/Trail: 24.5 degrees/4.1 in. 
Seat Height: 32.3 in.
Wet Weight: 498 lb (w/ saddlebags)
Fuel Capacity: 4.75 gals. 
Fuel Consumption: 45.5 mpg 
Estimated Range: 216 miles 

Rider Motorcycle Buying Program. Get up front prices on local inventory. View Inventory

Our guest for Episode 40 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast is Chris Peterman, Director of Motorcycles for CFMOTO USA, which manufactures and sells motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides. For 2022, CFMOTO has introduced a seven-model lineup of motorcycles to the U.S. They include the Papio minibike ($2,999), the 300NK naked bike ($3,999) and 300SS sportbike ($4,299), the naked 650NK ($6,499) and 650ADVentura adventure bike ($6,799), and the neo-retro 700CL-X ($6,499) and 700CLX Sport ($6,999). (For more details, read our first look review.) We had a chance to test ride all seven bikes the week before this interview was recorded. We talk to Chris about the history of the CFMOTO brand, review the details and pricing of each model, and share our riding impressions.
LINKS: CFMOTOUSA.com, CFMOTO USA on Facebook, CFMOTO on Instagram

You can listen to Episode 40 on iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud, or via the Rider Magazine Insider webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

• Ep. 39: Hayley Bell, Founder and President of Global Business Development for Women Riders World Relay
• Ep. 38: Eric Trow, Rider Contributing Editor and Stayin’ Safe Principal
• Ep. 37: Bill Dragoo, Dragoo Adventure Riding Training (DART)
• Ep. 36: Gordon McCall, Director of Motorsports for The Quail Motorcycle Gathering
• Ep. 35: Rennie Scaysbrook, Pikes Peak record holder, motorcycle journalist, and racer
• Ep. 34: Cat MacLeod of Leod Escapes Motorcycle “Track and Tour”
• Ep. 33: Inna Thorn and Tim James of Backcountry Discovery Routes
• Ep. 32: C. Jane Taylor, author of Spirit Traffic
• Ep. 31: Alan Wilzig, motorcycle collector and owner of Wilzig Racing Manor
• Ep. 30: Scott Moreno, founder and owner of IMTBike Motorcycle Tours and Rentals
• Ep. 29: Greg Rice, long-distance rider and Iron Butt Rally competitor
• Ep. 28: Brian Case, Director of the Barber Advanced Design Center at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
• Ep. 27: Steven Goode, motorcyclist who completed the Great American Deli Schlep to support MAZON
• Ep. 26: Nancy Gerloff and Mark Augustyn, creators of Mimi and Moto: The Motorcycle Monkeys
• Ep. 25: Jess Stone, designer of the K9 Moto Cockpit and founder of Ruffly
• Ep. 24: Eddie Braun, Hollywood stuntman who completed Evel Knievel’s Snake River Canyon jump, and star of the film “Stuntman”
• Ep. 23: Ryan McFarland, founder and CEO of Strider Bikes and All Kids Bike advocate
• Ep. 22: Americade interview with Bill, Gini, and Christian Dutcher
• Ep. 21: Peter Starr, motorcycle filmmaker, author, and MotoStarr podcast host
• Ep. 20: Jon DelVecchio, founder of Street Skills and author of “Cornering Confidence”
• Ep. 19: Lauren Trantham, founder of Ride My Road
• Ep. 18: Keith Code, founder and director of California Superbike School
• Ep. 17: Valerie Thompson, world’s fastest female motorcycle racer
• Ep. 16: Wayne Rainey, president of MotoAmerica and a motorcycle racing legend
• Ep. 15: Longhaulpaul (Paul Pelland), Chasing the Cure: a million-mile motorcycle journey for MS
• Ep. 14: Andy Goldfine, Aerostich founder and Ride to Work Day advocate
• Ep. 13: Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, America’s #1 extreme motorcycle adventurer
• Ep. 12: Daniel Calderon, Curator of Exhibitions at SFO Museum
• Ep. 11: Peter Jones, Rider columnist and author of The Bad Editor
• Ep. 10: Christian Dutcher, Director of Americade and Touratech DirtDaze Rally
• Ep. 09: Melissa Holbrook Pierson, author of The Perfect Vehicle
• Ep. 08: Rainer Buck, CEO of Edelweiss Bike Travel
• Ep. 07: Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing
• Ep. 06: Alonzo Bodden, motorcycle enthusiast and comedian
• Ep. 05: Paul D’Orleans, publisher of The Vintagent
• Ep. 04: Eric Trow, Rider columnist and owner, Stayin’ Safe Advanced Riding Training
• Ep. 03: Clement Salvadori, traveling motorcyclist and Rider contributor
• Ep. 02: Kevin Wing, world-class motorcycle photographer and Rider contributor
• Ep. 01: Robert Pandya and Discover the Ride at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows

After a short hiatus, CFMOTO is again importing its motorcycles to the U.S. It is offering seven bikes as part of its 2022 lineup. With a range of small and middleweight motorcycles, CFMoto continues its reputation for reasonable price points for both novice and advanced riders.

The 2022 models include the Papio minibike ($2,999), the 300NK naked bike ($3,999) and 300SS sportbike ($4,299), the naked 650NK ($6,499) and 650 ADVentura adventure bike ($6,799), and the classic series 700CL-X ($6,499) and 700CL-X Sport ($6,999).

CFMOTO Comes of Age

Following the creation of a trademarked liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine in Hangzhou, China, CFMOTO was founded in 1989. It has been a supplier of engines, parts, and components for some of the biggest brands in powersports. In 2002, the company entered the U.S. market. In 2007, it built the company’s U.S. headquarters in Plymouth, Minnesota.

In the early years, the company produced mostly small-displacement models. In 2012, CFMOTO introduced the parallel-Twin 650NK, followed shortly after by the 650TK tourer. While there were a few superficial details that raised an eyebrow, overall the bike performed very well considering its $6,999 price point.

After the 2016 model year, CFMOTO stopped importing bikes to the U.S. The company continued to make motorcycles, and in 2017 CFMOTO signed a joint venture agreement with KTM, according to the CFMoto website.

“The joint venture will bring CFMOTO’s R&D and manufacturing capability to a whole new level,” Minjie Lai, CFMOTO general manager, said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the joint venture production facility in March 2018. “CFMOTO will benefit from KTM’s advanced technology and profound experience from years of being a leader in the power sports industry. KTM recognized how our manufacturing capacity, supply chain management, and channel development could help implement their global strategy.”

As of 2022, the company states it has more than 500 dealers in the U.S. Read on to learn more about the new models for 2022.

2022 CFMOTO Papio

The CFMOTO Papio features a 126cc air-cooled 4-stroke Single with a 6-speed gearbox that kicks out 9.3 hp at 8,500 rpm and 6.1 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. The telescopic fork provides approximately 4.3 inches of travel, and the rear monoshock has five-click preload adjustability. Both ends employ lightweight 12-inch alloy wheels paired to 130/70 rear and 120/70 front street tires. Stopping power comes from a 2-piston caliper and 210mm disc up front and a 1-piston caliper grabbing a 190mm disc in the rear.

The Papio has a 30.5-inch seat height, a 1.9-gallon fuel capacity, and a 251-lb curb weight. It has LED lighting all around and a multifunction LCD instrument panel. It comes in Yellow or  Gray/Red Dragon for $2,999.

2022 CFMOTO 300NK and 300SS

Both the 300NK naked bike and 300SS sportbike come with a liquid-cooled 292cc DOHC 4-valve Single that makes a claimed 29 hp at 8,750 rpm and 18.7 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm. Both bikes have Bosch EFI, dual-channel ABS, and a 6-speed gearbox with a slip/assist clutch.

Braking is handled by a radially mounted 4-piston front caliper with a 300mm disc and a 1-piston rear caliper with a 245mm disc. The 300NK and 300SS also both have an inverted fork and internal-floating-piston monoshock in back with five clicks of preload adjustability.

The differences between the two are primarily curb weight and dimensions. The naked 300NK weighs 333 lb, has a 31.2-inch seat height, and a 3.3-gallon tank. The fully faired 300SS weighs 364 lbs, has a 30.7-inch seat height, and a 3.3-gallon tank.

The 300NK comes in Athens Blue and Nebula Black for $3,999, and the 300SS is offered in Nebula White and Nebula Black for $4,299.

2022 CFMOTO 650NK and 650 ADVentura

Moving up to the middleweight class, CFMOTO offers the naked 650NK and 650 ADVentura adventure bike. Both bikes feature a 649cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that makes 60 hp at 8,750 rpm and 41.3 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.

Both bikes have dual-channel ABS, a 6-speed gearbox with a CF-SC slip/assist clutch, and a 2-into-1 tuned exhaust. Brakes are by J.Juan, with dual 300mm discs in front with 2-piston calipers and a single 245mm rear disc with a 1-piston caliper.

The naked 650NK weighs 454 lb, and the 650 ADVentura weighs 480 lb. But the bigger difference in the bikes comes from their intent. As an adventure bike, the 650 ADVentura comes factory-equipped with progressive-rate inverted fork with 12-click rebound adjustability, and the rear cantilever swingarm utilizes an internal-floating-piston monoshock with stepless preload and eight-click rebound adjustment.

The ADVentura has LED lighting all around, a 5-inch color TFT display, and 4.75-gallon tank. It is also equipped with removable hard-sided panniers, handguards, and an adjustable windscreen.

The sporty 650NK has a KYB telescopic fork with 4.7 inches of travel and a preload-adjustable KYB rear monoshock with 1.8 inches of travel. It has LED lighting all around, a 5-inch color TFT display, and rolls on Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires. Seat height is 30.7 inches and fuel capacity is 4.5 gallons.

The 650NK is offered in Nebula White and Nebula Black for $6,499, and the 650 ADVentura comes in Nebula White and Athens Blue for $6,799.

2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport

Taking it up a notch, the 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport motorcycles both feature a 693cc DOHC liquid-cooled parallel-Twin that makes 74 hp at 8,500 rpm and 47.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Both bikes have throttle-by-wire, dual-channel ABS, a 6-speed gearbox with a CF-SC slip/assist clutch, 2-into-1 tuned exhaust, a fully adjustable KYB 41mm inverted fork, and a linkage-mounted, progressive-rate KYB rear shock with rebound adjustability.

The 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport also offer Economy and Sport riding modes and one-touch cruise control. For braking power, the 700CL-X has a J.Juan 320mm single disc and radially mounted 4-piston caliper in the front, while the 700CL-X Sport has a Brembo Stylema 4-piston front calipers with dual 320mm discs. In the rear, both bikes have a 2-piston caliper with a 260mm disc. The 700CL-X rolls on Pirelli MT60 tires, while the Sport is fitted with Maxxis SuperMaxx ST tires.

As premium models, the 700CL-X and 700CL-X Sport feature LED lighting all around, daytime running lights, self-canceling turnsignals, and a 3.5-gallon tank. The 700CL-X has a single upright handlebar with dual mirrors on top, while the Sport features clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors.

Both models have a 31.5-inch seat height. Curb weight is 432 lb for the 700CL-X and 451 lb for the 700CL-X Sport.The 700CL-X comes in Twilight Blue and Coal Gray for $6,499, and the 700CL-X Sport comes in Nebula White and Velocity Gray for $6,999.

For more information or to find a CFMOTO dealer near you, visit CFMOTOUSA.com.

Rider Motorcycle Buying Program. Get up front prices on local inventory. View Inventory