As summer winds down and I see the clear signs from the weather gods that it is time to winterize the motorbikes, I begin to think ahead to next year. Announcements begin hitting my newsfeeds, and buzz of what’s coming after New Year’s grows daily.
2021 was chock-full of very important new motorcycle models, and here I will highlight what I currently see as exciting announcements from some big-name manufacturers presenting all-new models for 2022.
Ducati
There is plenty of exciting new product coming from the legendary Ducati factory in Bologna, Italy. In order to keep the hype strong, Ducati is introducing the new models by releasing videos from Sept 30 thru Dec 9th.
So far, what is known for sure is that there will be an all-new Multistrada V2, and speculation from the title of one video alludes to possibly seeing a Streetfighter V2. There is clearly something to come about the DesertX, and there seems to be a lot to discover within the Scrambler range. Let’s look at what we already know—Ducati is a brand to watch.
The Ducati Multistrada V2 And V2S
Via Ducati.
This is an updated edition of the Multistrada 950, with the primary focus on ergonomics, weight reduction, engine updates, and a series of upgrades that follow the philosophy of “continuous improvement”.
Shedding 5 kg compared to the Multistrada 950, the Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO semi-active suspension system (standard on the S version) is available, along with fresh rider selectable electronics.
The Ducati Scramblers
Via Ducati.
Two new Scrambler Models round out the family. The 1100 Tribute PRO celebrates the history of the Borgo Panigale company through the choice of a fascinating “Giallo Ocra” livery. The new Scrambler 1100 Tribute PRO is equipped with black spoked wheels, 18’’ at the front and 17’’ at the rear, and a Ride by Wire electronic management system. It has three Riding Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Cornering ABS.
Via Ducati.
The new Urban Motard Scrambler has a unique style with 17’’ spoked wheels and red and white graffiti graphics. The new Scrambler Urban Motard features a red high front mudguard and side number plates—a clear reference to the Motard world.
Ducati DesertX
Via Ducati.
First shown as a Concept bike in 2019, the DesertX is slated to be Ducati’s new Adventure machine. It comes with an all-new chassis, and confirmation that the water-cooled 937cc Testastretta L-Twin engine from the Multistrada 950 will power this new machine. It is safe to say this should be a very exciting announcement on December 9th.
MV Agusta
Plenty of interesting things are happening at the boutique Italian brand MV Agusta, including an all-new bike and some very special editions.
The MV Agusta F3 RR
Via MV Agusta.
With 147hp from the MV Agusta 800cc triple tucked under new bodywork with carbon panels and small winglets, the 2022 F3 RR should tear up the track with gusto. The revised chassis is very compact and race-oriented, with a Marzocchi and Sachs suspension with full adjustability (naturally).
The full Brembo braking system with twin 320mm rotors will easily shed the rapid speeds this 381 lb machine is capable of. Not enough? MV offers a rather attractive, road-legal racing kit that boosts the power to 155 horses at 13,250 rpm. The kit includes an Akrapovič titanium/carbon exhaust system that also helps lower the bike’s dry weight from 381 pounds to 364 pounds.
The MV Agusta Superveloce Ago
Via MV Agusta.
This special edition model is meant to honor the MV Agusta’s legendary former factory racer, Giacomo Agostini. To create it, MV Agusta took the Superveloce and added sophisticated components, including a premium suspension, a new steering damper, and a triple clamp.
In honor of his 311 individual Grand Prix victories, only 311 units will be built. The first 15 of these special edition bikes are dedicated to the 15 world titles, and each bike will come with an exclusive plaque, with unique graphics bearing both the trophy and the year of the world title won by Agostini.
MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Nürburgring Edition
Via MV Agusta.
Named after the iconic German circuit, MV Agusta has created a special edition of the already insane Brutale 1000 called the Nürburgring Edition. Only 150 units will be produced, and the goal was reducing weight so basically everything that can be made from carbon fiber is—including carbon fiber wheels from BST.
A full titanium Arrow exhaust system is also fitted on this model, and the ECU receives fresh programming to adjust for the new kit.
Indian
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Chief, America’s First Motorcycle Company is introducing 6 newly reimagined Chief models. Have a look.
The Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, and Super Chief
Via Indian.
Powered by Indian Motorcycles’ Thunderstroke 111 powertrain with 108 ft-lbs of torque, each of these models features an analog gauge, chrome, and matte black finishes, and is available with or without ABS.
The Indian Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and Super Chief Limited
Via Indian.
Powering all premium Chief models is Indian Motorcycles’ Thunderstroke 116 engine with 120 ft-lbs of torque. ABS is standard, while premium finishes set these bikes apart and further showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each Chief and Chief Bobber Dark Horse model packs further attitude with premium gloss black finishes, while the Super Chief Limited touts premium chrome finishes.
Triumph
Many exciting things are happening at the famous UK bike brand, including 2 new applications of the 1160cc Triple and an all-new Tiger.
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR
Via Triumph.
Hot on the heels of 2021’s Speed Triple 1200 RS, now Triumph has decided to drop a much more sporty, track-capable RR version. Here is what sets the RR apart from the RS.
- Sleek bodywork and all LED lighting, with a single round headlight and self-canceling indicators
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3s
- Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronically adjustable semi-active suspension
- More aggressive riding position with rear sets moved back and higher, plus new clip-on handlebars
- Carbon fiber accents
The Triumph Tiger 1200
Via Triumph.
Confirmed to be coming in 2022 is an all-new Tiger 1200 sharing the 1160cc Triple engine and packing 180hp. Here is a little of what to expect:
- Triumph boasts about “an astonishing transformation in weight”; expect to see an entirely fresh chassis
- Spy shots show 2 small radiators as compared to the previous one
- Possibly moving away from the WP suspension in favor of a Showa setup
The Triumph Tiger 660 Sport
Via Triumph.
A completely new middleweight adventure sports machine, the small displacement Tiger 660 Sport borrows much from the Trident 660.
- 660cc liquid-cooled DOHC Inline-Triple expected to make 80 hp at 10,250 rpm and 47.0 lb-ft. at 6,250 rpm
- Showa upside-down forks and remote preload-adjustable mono-shock rear suspension unit
- Ride-by-wire throttle with switchable traction control
- 2 riding modes (road and rain)
- Michelin Road 5 tires hint at a more on road focus
Honda
Many big things are happening with Honda for 2022, from Street bikes to dirt machines—there’s even big news when it comes to their mini-moto products. Here is a breakdown:
The Honda 500 Twins (CBR500R, CB500X, CB500F)
Via Honda.
There aren’t totally new, but Honda has made significant changes to the family of 500s (the CBR500R, CB500X, CB500F). These three motorcycles are a key part of Honda’s global sales—let me highlight what is new:
- Revised fueling to improve torque characteristics and feel
- 41 mm Showa big-piston inverted forks (SSF-PB)
- New rear shock settings to work with new front forks
- New Dual 290 mm front disc brakes and Nissin Calipers
- New lighter 17” wide spoke front wheels, and the X gets a new lighter 19” wheel
- New lighter and stiffer rear swingarm
- Revised lightweight radiator
The Honda Mini-Moto 125s (Grom, Monkey, and Super Cub)
Via Honda.
- New Euro 5 compliant 124cc air-cooled engine delivers 9.3 horsepower and 8.1 ft/lb torque
- New 5-speed gearbox improves cruising speed
- Revised styling of all three bikes
- A Super Cub 125X Offroad model coming (maybe)
The Honda CRF250R
Via Honda.
While most of the CRF lineup only see minor changes, the Honda CRF250R race bikes are all new.
- All-new stiffer and lighter chassis, helping drop overall weight by 8lbs
- New engine making 20% more power at 6500 rpm
- Revised Showa suspension
The Honda NT1100
Via Honda.
Following the trend towards mashups of adventure touring and sport touring machines, Honda has transformed the offroad-leaning Africa Twin into an on-road sport tourer.
- Powered by the Africa Twin’s 101 hp (74kW), 1,084cc parallel-twin engine
- Windscreen is five-way height-and-angle adjustable electronically
- Preload adjustable 43mm Showa SFF-BP fork at the front and a Pro-Link rear with a Showa mono-shock
- A 6.5-inch color TFT display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Available DCT transmission
- Side cases come as standard with around 65 liters of space combined, and there’s an optional top case
The largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world never rests. Expect to see further announcements as we come closer to 2022.