With the 2022 EICMA motorcycle show nearing it comes as no surprise that rumours of new motorcycle releases are appearing thick and fast, but some such rumours like a new parallel-twin Suzuki V-Strom 700, a larger-capacity Royal Enfield adventure bike and the development of all-new Ducati dirt bikes may hold water.
A spy shot has emerged today of what appears to be a replacement to the ageing Suzuki V-Strom 650 that sports sharper styling, and critically, a parallel-twin engine rather than the long-running V-twin setup of the current model.
This may also mean that a new SV650 successor is on the cards as both platform sharing models will require an update if they are to meet incoming emissions regulations.
In 2020, INFO MOTO published patent filings that appeared to show that Suzuki was working on a fresh parallel-twin engine, and speculated that the Suzuki SV650 was the most likely candidate for an overhaul.
Royal Enfield is expected to reveal an updated Himalayan adventure bike at this year’s EICMA event following a single teaser video published this month by the brand’s managing director, Sid Lal.
Recent spy shots indicate that the new Himalayan will benefit from a larger and more advanced engine, likely around the 450cc mark, which will surely boost outputs from the current bike’s 18kW/32Nm figures.
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The so-called ‘Himalayan 450’ should also receive suspension upgrades and revised styling.
This year’s EICMA event may also see Royal Enfield lift the covers on its new cruiser model which is believed to draw power from its 648cc air-cooled parallel-twin, the same unit that motivates the popular Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.
Trusted Japanese publication Young Machine reports that Yamaha will reveal a new XSR900 variant that adds a retro-style front fairing, similar to that seen on the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR and MV Agusta Superveloce 800, as well as Honda’s Japan-only Hawk 11.
At the 2021 EICMA show, Yamaha revealed its latest XSR900 naked bike that brought new retro styling features and adopted key performance and technology updates that debuted earlier on the mechanically related MT-09.
Meanwhile, INFO MOTO has heard from a good source that Ducati is well into development of at least one motocross model to rival established category heavyweights like Honda, Yamaha and KTM, both in terms of race competition and showroom sales.
The Italian bikemaker has already dipped its toes in the water with its DesertX adventure bike, a dirt-focussed model that plays as an exotic alternative to the likes of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and KTM 890 Adventure.
The rumour of Ducati dirt bikes follows Triumph’s confirmation that it will enter the off-road category with new motocross models expected in early 2023, and enduro bikes to follow shortly thereafter.
INFO MOTO asked Ducati Australia to comment on the matter, but has not received a response at time of writing.
Design sketches published in June bolster rumours that the revived Honda Hornet will compete in the middleweight naked bike category in 2023 using a sporty new 750 parallel twin.
The new Honda Hornet, which is expected to carry the CB750S nameplate in international markets, was first confirmed at last year’s EICMA motorcycle show with a 3D model and has been further previewed with a series of design sketches. The finished bike may make its debut at this year’s show.
The 2022 EICMA motorcycle show festivities will kick off in November. INFO MOTO‘s comprehensive coverage will be available at this link.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
The move away from charismatic engines like the Suzuki 650 V-twin to bland, cheaper-to -produce horizontal twins is to be lamented. It’s not just Suzuki, of course. Can anyone reading this who’s owned a 650 V-strom tell me he or she has ever engaged with a more complete engine?