So much choice, on a wide-ranging landscape that features legendary models but also new manufacturers and unusual crossovers.
Plus, we have sport touring bikes and more relaxed road touring versions. Almost all the motorcycles described will land on the market during the first half of 2023. We have chosen to exclude models whose restyling is limited to new colours.
VOGE 900DS
Having made such an impression on the trade press, everyone was keen to see this maxi crossover up close. A pre-series version was presented at EICMA, and it is rumoured that the bike will land on the market in 2023. What makes it so special? The engine, for starters, derived from the 900 of the Bavarian manufacturer’s F range. Voge is part of Chinese group Loncin that, in turn, is a BMW partner for the production of its in-line twins. And 2+2 makes…? The engine for this flagship model delivers 96.5 hp and 91 Nm. The chassis is impressive, and the standard features are definitely better than average. The tank holds 22 litres of fuel, the front wheel measures 21”, and the standard tyres are Michelin Anakee III. Then there is the electronic gearbox, Brembo braking system, a comprehensive TFT that can be associated with various devices, LED lighting, and standard accessories like the engine guard. In addition to the upside down fork and adjustable monoshock, the suspension now also features a steering damper. The motorcycle has a dry weight of 220 kg.
VOGE VALICO DS 525 X
An evolution of the Valico 500, this crossover is not short on personality as it jostles for a place in the mid-sized on/off touring segment. It has a specific target fan base, or rather those with an A2 licence (the engine is limited to 35 Kw). The equipment includes Metzeler 19” and 17” tubeless tyres, a suspension with an upside down Kayaba fork with 145-mm travel and a monoshock with slightly more generous travel of 155 mm and an 18-litre tank. There are two available mappings, while the ABS can be disabled at the rear wheel. Additional features include a protective, adjustable windscreen, connection to the rest of the world via the TFT display, an LED fog light and a height-adjustable seat. The motorcycle has a dry weight of 190 kg.
BRIXTON MOTORCYCLES STORR 500
A concept that breaks away from the vintage lines traced by the brand, from its 125 to 250 and 500 models.
The bike adopts the front-facing parallel twin that equips the Crossfire road bike, here with 35 Kw of power to the delight of A2 licence holders. At the Milan show, many were intrigued by its practical bag holder inserts in the tank and rally-style front end, complete with vertical TFT tucked beneath the windscreen. The STORR is designed for free and easy travel. An explorer in every way, it is as good as ready for the shop window and will land in a few months at most.
KOVE 800 X SUPER ADVENTURE
This new Chinese brand has landed in Europe, immediately making an impression on visitors as it presented its range in Milan. In terms of our round-up, we are particularly interested in the enduro road bike with its modern lines and lighter weight (the price is likely to be similarly lower) – just 165 kg dry, and with a kerb weight of 183. The 800 X is powered by an in-line twin, nestled in a steel frame, that creates 97 hp and 80 Nm of torque. The wheels measure 21” and 18”, while the tank holds 22 litres of fuel. The bike also flaunts a vertical windscreen, LED lights, and a chassis with off-road attitude, front and rear suspension, both offering 220 mm of travel.
MOTO MORINI X-CAPE ADV-R
Pushing beyond the asphalt. In practice, an X-Cape that is fitted out for adventurous trips, also off-road. Sure, it’s still only a prototype, but this version will appear at events during 2023 before being finalised for the market. This was the new product on the brand’s stand. The motorcycle is powered by a 649 cc in-line twin engine that delivers 61 HP and 54 Nm. We also want to point out the raised seat, sump guard, racing exhaust, tool bag on the luggage rack, engine guard, brake disc guards, and the knobby tyres with gold rims (and a 21” front wheel). The chassis flaunts a 50-mm Marzocchi fork with travel that reaches 210 mm, while the Ohlins monoshock is no less impressive.
SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
A practically new all-terrain motorcycle (enduro tourer). The engine immediately stands out, an in-line twin, not a “V”, that reaches 776 cc. As for performance, it delivers 83 hp and 78 Nm of torque. The 800E harnesses 21” and 17” wheels with inner tube and adjustable Showa suspension with front and rear travel of 220 mm. The onboard electronics control the engine and riding (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System). It also has a seat height of 855 mm, 20-litre tank capacity, LED lights, a TFT screen, six-speed gearbox, adjustable windscreen, and a weight of 230 kg with full tank. Available with three colour schemes.
SUZUKI STROM 1050/DE
In the manufacturer’s enduro tourer area, the public was also able to admire the V-STROM 1050/DE, designed for adventouring, with its spoked 21” and 17” tyres, semi-knobby Dunlop tyres (inner tube at the front, tubeless at the rear), a revised chassis, and a good dose of electronics (this version flanks the road V-Strom 1050 with 19” front wheel and alloy rims). As for the DE maxi, which wants to explore less ‘comfortable’ surfaces, this is the ultimate maxi enduro version, with a reinforced frame, increased wheel base, wider handlebar, greater suspension travel (170 mm for the fork and 169 mm for the rear shock), and other dedicated off-road geometries. The electronics updates also follow this philosophy.
MBP T1002V
The brand? Moto Bologna Passione, which is what the three letters making up its name stand for.
The brand is part of the Keeway group, which presented more than 30 new models at EICMA, including this one-litre maxi enduro. The engine powering it is a 997 cc V twin, which can deliver as much as 95 hp and 102 Nm and reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. What equipment does it offer? 19” and 17” front and rear wheels, spoked rims, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, a 21-litre tank, and adjustable Kayaba suspension with 180 mm front travel. The three-disc braking system is suited to the size of the bike, which has a dry weight of 235 kg.
Standard features also include the 7” TFT screen, sump guard and engine guards.
QJMOTOR SVT 650X
A road-going crossover with superstructures that allow for a long-range travel set-up. This mid-sized on/off has an unmistakeable line, an extravagant aesthetic and original components, starting with the full LED front light cluster that lifts the front, aided by the top fairing.
Previewed at EICMA, the SVT 650X adopts a 645 cc V2 engine deriving from the Suzuki V-Strom and delivers up to 71 hp and 75 Nm of torque. It slots into the ADV world with its 19” and 17” (tubeless) spoked wheels, suspension with upside down fork and rear shock, Brembo braking system, supporting electronics, and a very generously sized TFT. The double seat is not too high off the ground. With a capacity of 20 litres, the size of the tank is striking.
The manufacturer indicates a weight of 238 kg. The motorcycle will hit the market in 2023 with a decidedly attractive price tag.
The colour scheme is also carefully considered with its neon yellow inserts.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 RALLY
This new Ducati multi is designed for long-range travel on any terrain and is now more comfortable for rider and passenger. The engine driving it is the renowned 1158 cc V4 Granturismo (170 hp and 121 Nm), with maintenance intervals extended to 60,000 km and a system that allows the rear cylinders to be deactivated even on the move. Standout features include lighter spoked wheels (19” and 17”) with Pirelli Scorpion Trail II tyres, front and rear radar with adaptive Cruise Control and Blind Spot Detection, the new Off-Road Power Mode, deflectors that limit turbulence, adjustable air vents, new Marzocchi suspension that increases front and rear travel to 200 mm, thanks also to the DDS EVO S intelligent management. The auto-levelling function that adjusts the setting based on load is also worth a mention. The tail section has been lengthened so as to move back the luggage rack and improve overall riding comfort. The 30-litre aluminium tank guarantees greater range, while a larger windscreen ensures greater comfort over long distances. Weight: 260 kg kerb weight. Available in two colours and with three trims.
