New Machines for 2023

Towards the end of every year, a plethora of new machines are usually introduced and some years are more exciting than others. We think this is one of those good years. Many of the factories are introducing new models or models that have some serious changes built into them. Here are a few that caught our eye for one reason or another. We’ll feature other machines in later issues as more information becomes available.

Although a bit different, the Diavel has still always been a looker and had grunt. Now it is even sharper and with 168 ponies coming from the V4 engine, the new Ducati Diavel V4 is a true Italian Stallion. This machine is surprisingly comfortable and well-mannered on the road and with major service just every 37,000 miles (60,000 kilometers) it sets a new bar in owner serviceability.

Kawasaki Z650

Kawasaki has built a legacy of creating motorcycles that have unrivaled performance, excitement, and Sugomi styling, all of which are embodied in the new 2023 Z650 compact middleweight motorcycle. Known as one of the most well-balanced motorcycles in the Ka wasaki lineup, the Z650 blends easy handling with optimal engine and chassis performance that is a winning package whether it’s a daily commute or an afternoon spent on backroads. For 2023, the Z650 receives Kawa saki TRaction Control (KTRC), Kawasaki’s advanced traction control system that provides both enhanced sport riding performance and peace of mind under certain conditions to negotiate low-traction surfaces with con dence.

Berlin also is introducing a track-based RR version of this machine for a whole bunch more wampum (Wampum is the W in Bring Much), but as slick as the RR is, we can never see ourselves spending a long day twisted onto the sport bike. But, the R version is very, very attractive. It is still a slick bike, but with a far more upright riding position; something that plays a heavy factor these days.

But, here is the real fun part… 205 horsepower. Winglets. 205 horsepower. A rethought and designed chassis that is all about control. 205 horsepower. All is an actually usable package.

Did I mention it has giddy up? 205 horsepower? Yep, yep, yep… (sigh) When bikes with this much thrust come along, I usually nod and smile and move along.

The M 1000 R has caused a bit of troubling talk at dinner and in the Backroads barn.

Suzuki V-Strom 800DE & GSX-8S

The V-Strom, both 650 and 1,000, have been solid workhorses for years. Like a great baseball utility player, these machines seem to be able to do it all – and they have. Now Suzuki has upped the game and now introduces an all-new 800 into the already successful V-Strom mix.

The new 776cc DOHC parallel twin engine employs 270-degree crankshaft timing with the industryexclusive Suzuki Cross Balancer to deliver a smooth, torque-rich experience. This new machine is ideal for Adventure riders who desire more power than a 650cc engine can deliver and does so economically and reliably.

Think of the new V-Strom 800DE as the Goldilocks of the adventure market. Light, powerful, and dependable.

What you need for serious traveling.

The 2023 GSX-8S is brand-new, engineered from the ground up to deliver street ghter performance for a new generation that’s sure to turn heads and make a statement. Powerful, agile, and ready to go, the 8S offers a strong appeal to a broad range of riders, regardless of their age or riding experience.

A super rst ride that will last the riders new and old for many seasons and miles down the road.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

You have to take notice of a machine that carries the venerable Harley-Davidson name and rolls out of the showroom with 121 horsepower and 94 ft. lbs. of torque rolling on an updated chassis, brakes, and a ghting weight of around 500 pounds.

You will especially take notice when the machine looks as attractive and muscular as the Harley-Davidson Sportster S does. This is not your grandad’s Sportster.

Indian FTR

Powered by a 6-speed liquid-cooled 1203 cc VTwin pushing 120 horses, suspended in a trellis frame with Sachs suspension and stopped by Brembo brakes, Indian has taken their already dead sexy

FTR and made it even more so for 2023. If it were Saturday night and you and Elton John were going out ghtin’ you’d want to be on the FTR. It just looks…tough; all ve versions of themand that word speaks volumes.

Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

This particular model (with a 21-character designation) was refreshed in commemoration of Honda’s 30th Anniversary. According to the report, the iconic inline four-cylinder heart now has a focus on midcorner acceleration, with “the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels, and exhaust mid-section all revised to deliver extra midrange power.”

Honda’s also gone up three teeth in the nal-drive sprocket for better bang, with the cherry on top being the upgraded quick-shifter performance to accompany a better throttle feel, better rear tire traction, and optimized Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The whole package is available in a beautiful pearl white. Pricing: $28,900… but, if you are looking for pristine Honda beauty then get out the checkbook. Basically, the same price as Kawasaki’s ZX10 RR. To grab more perspective… it is four grand less than the BMW M 1000 RR and a whopping $16 grand less than a Ducati Panigale V4 R.

So grab the Fireblade AND an Africa Twin while you are at the Honda dealership… and then ride past the Ducati shop and wave.

2024 Triumph Street Triple 765

Triumph has announced the new 2024 Triumph Street Triple 765 range, featuring a signi cant ly updated Street Triple R, a new Street Tri ple RS, and an exclusive limited-run Street Triple 765 Moto2 Edition, which Triumph says is “the closest you can get to a Moto2 race bike for the road.” Only 765 of the Moto2 Edition bikes will be made.

All three models in the new 2024 Street Triple 765 range will still feature a liquidcooled 765cc inline-Triple that Triumph states have upgrades derived directly from the program. Triumph’s most powerful Street Tri- ple range to date, the 2024 Street Triple R engine 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. This machine looks great, but some possibly more comfortable Moto2 versions, or at least with its suspension upgrades, would surely sell. ,