Best 2022 bikes – so far!

2022, despite the effects of the pandemic and a glut of new models in 2021 due to the imposition of the new Euro5 emissions regulations, is proving to be a stonking year for new bikes yet again – with more still to come.
Honda has already unveiled its limited edition 30th anniversary liveried Fireblade, the CBR1000RR-SP, Ducati has taken the wraps off two new super nakeds, the ‘entry-level’ Streetfighter V2 and top spec Streetfighter V4 SP and Suzuki has revealed its new, mildly-modded Katana 1000. While at Motorcycle Live in December, Triumph unveiled its all-new, lighter, more powerful Tiger 1200 adventure machine, ‘new Norton’ will take the covers off its fully re-engineered V4 SV superbike (along with a likely ‘naked’ version) and we’re also expecting shock news from historic brands BSA and DOT in what’s warming up to be a British show special. But what have been the best and most exciting new bikes of 2022 unveiled so far? Here’s our pick…

Honda NT1100

OK, maybe the limited edition 30th anniversary Fireblade is more exciting, plus Honda has also unveiled for 2022 a new 350cc version of its wacky X-ADV 750cc scooter, the ADV350, plus there’s also updates to its CB650R, Grom and more. But Honda’s biggest news is surely it’s new NT1100 tourer. Based on the Africa Twin adventure bike’s 1100cc parallel twin powertrain, which also comes in clever, semi-automatic ‘DCT” (Dual Clutch Transmission) form, the NT may be a little grey and sensible on the outside, but it could also be a brilliantly practical and pleasing all-rounder – or maybe I’m getting a little old! It’s got a real world relevant 101bhp, is reasonably light, massively comfortable, has an adjustable screen comes with bespoke hard luggage and costs under £12,000. Yes, it has shades of being a big version of the old, rather dreary, NT700 Deauville, but it shou8ld be a whole lot more fun.

Kawasaki Z650RS

Kawasaki’s original retro-styled RS, 2017’s Z900-based but 1972 Z1-inspired Z900RS proved a big hit, successfully blending modern mechanicals, namely the Z900’s liquid-cooled, four-cylinder, 109bhp, monoshock platform with credible 1970s styling. Which is why the Japanese marque has now followed it up with this smaller, cheaper version. This time based on the Z650 twin and with styling inspired by the 1976 Z650 (right down to its identical green paint option) it’s arguably an even better incarnation being cheaper (at just £7700 compared to the 900’s £10,400), still lively (with 67bhp) and more convincing than rival Yamaha’s take on the theme, the XSR700.

Triumph Tiger Sport 660

Leading British manufacturer Triumph goes from strength to strength and 2022 looks set to continue the theme. Following its unveiling of its brilliant 660cc three cylinder Trident roadster for 2021, which was Triumph’s answer to Yamaha’s hugely-popular MT-07, the Hinckley-based marque has unveiled a half-faired, ‘adventure sport’ version for 2022, which looks set to be even more popular, rivalling this time Yamaha’s successful Tracer 700. Nor does it end there. There’s a raft of limited edition versions of bikes such as the Rocket 3, there’s the new Speed Triple 1200 RR.

Husqvarna Norden 901

Yes, it’s been a long time coming (having been promised and teased for over two years) but now it’s finally here it more than looks worth the wait. Ever since KTM bought historic brand Husqvarna from BMW back in 2013 it’s been slowly tempting us with whacky, semi-retro-styled versions of existing KTM machines – the ‘Husky’ Svartpilen and Vitpilen being funky takes on KTM’s 390 and 690 Dukes, for example. Now, however, they’re starting to hit the big time. The Norden 901 is based on KTM’s 890 Adventure and, with that bike’s punchy, 103bhp parallel twin, sophisticated electronics, quality cycle parts and undoubted off-road ability, plus it’s own distinctive style it looks set to be a brilliantly able adventure bike but with a style and individuality few can match.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

Both of Suzuki’s big, affordable GSX-Ss have had a total makeover for 2022. The naked GSX-S1000 retain its meaty and slick 150bhp four and decent chassis including Brembo brakes but got all-new, more angular styling, updated dash, electronics and more yet still was affordably priced at under £11,000. Now it’s the turn of the sports-tourer faired version and by all accounts it’s even better still with less controversial looks yet all the same upgrades and even more versatility to deliver a brilliant all-rounder for bargain money. In short: it’s the sort of thing Suzuki does better than anyone else