1. BSA Thunderbolt — ~$5,200
The BSA brand is experiencing a confident revival thanks to significant investments from the automotive giant Mahindra and the success of models like the Goldstar 650, the Scrambler built on its platform, and the resurrected single-cylinder Bantam 350. It is based on the latter that the new Thunderbolt adventure tourer was developed. The model name ("Thunderbolt") might seem a bit ambitious for a 29-horsepower single-cylinder engine, but this motorcycle is a direct and highly promising competitor to small-displacement adventurers like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. The model has already attracted a lot of attention, and its main advantage is expected to be a price significantly lower than its competitor from Enfield.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 334 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Power: 29 hp (21.3 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 29.5 Nm @ 5,800 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed, manual
- Weight (dry/curb): ~180 kg
- Features: Digital dashboard with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn navigation, traction control, LED lighting
2. Yamaha WR125R — ~$4,000
The return of the Yamaha WR125R is a landmark event for the lightweight motorcycle class. In recent years, the beginner 125 cc enduro segment (A1 category) suffered from a severe lack of options after Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and KTM phased out their popular models of this type. The new WR125R is a classic, attractive four-stroke dual-sport from a brand with deep off-road roots. The bike offers an excellent balance of features at a reasonable price: it costs roughly $1,300 less than Yamaha's own sporty YZF-R125, though it is slightly more expensive than the KTM Duke 125 street bike.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 125 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system
- Transmission: 6-speed, chain drive
- Brakes: Front — 267 mm hydraulic disc with ABS; Rear — 220 mm disc
- Wheels: Front 21" / Rear 18" (Dunlop D605 tires)
- Features: VVA system to improve low-end torque, signature Team Yamaha Blue styling
3. Kawasaki KLE500 — ~$6,600 (SE Version: ~$7,500)
Another high-profile return that has generated a lot of hype is the all-new mid-size adventure bike, the Kawasaki KLE500. The original KLE, launched in 1991 as an unusual urban supermoto powered by a parallel-twin engine from the GPZ500S, had a strong following before being discontinued in 1998. A brief facelift in 2005 was less successful, and the model disappeared from the lineup in 2007. The new generation retains the historic name and engine architecture (a 51 hp parallel-twin borrowed from the Z500 roadster and Eliminator 500 cruiser), but it is now a fully-fledged off-road adventure tourer, conceptually resembling a scaled-down Yamaha Ténéré 700. Thanks to its highly competitive price tag, the newcomer has every chance of outselling not only the Ténéré but also the Honda NX500.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 451 cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled
- Power: 51 hp @ 10,000 rpm
- Torque: 43 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
- Suspension: Front — 43 mm inverted fork (210 mm travel); Rear — Uni-Trak monoshock (195 mm travel)
- Wheels: Front 90/90-21 / Rear 140/70-17
- Weight (curb): 193 kg
- Features (SE Version): 4.3-inch color TFT display, taller adjustable windshield, reinforced aluminum engine guard, handguards
4. Suzuki SV-7GX — ~$9,400
Versatile mid-weight crossovers are currently at the peak of their popularity. This applies both to off-road capable models and purely tarmac-oriented options like the Yamaha Tracer 7 or numerous alternatives from China. The new Suzuki SV-7GX has an excellent chance of winning over the audience thanks to its balanced pricing. Despite the somewhat complex index, this motorcycle is essentially a deeply modernized V-Strom 650 styled as a crossover, built around the legendary and reliable SV650 V-twin. The model features a modern aggressive design, a smart TFT panel, an adjustable windshield, and rich electronic equipment at an affordable price.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 645 cc, V-twin, Euro 5+
- Transmission: 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter (Suzuki Shift Assist)
- Electronics: Ride-by-Wire throttle, 3 riding modes, 3 levels of traction control
- Instrument Panel: Color TFT display with smartphone connectivity
- Styling: Crossover design inspired by the flagship GSX-S1000GX
5. QJMotor SRK921RR — ~$11,600
Chinese manufacturers continue to demonstrate an impressive balance of price, equipment, and performance, and the new QJMotor SRK921RR sportbike is one of the brightest examples. The model's visual resemblance to the Italian MV Agusta F3 is no accident — the renowned British designer Adrian Morton worked on the look of both bikes. Of course, in terms of build quality and prestige, the Chinese motorcycle does not quite reach the level of MV Agusta, and its engine has simpler tuning. However, in every other aspect — including Brembo brakes, fully adjustable suspension, a color TFT screen, and advanced electronics — the SRK921RR offers a colossal set of options at a price significantly lower than Japanese and European liter-class alternatives.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 921 cc, 4-cylinder, inline, liquid-cooled
- Power: ~129 hp @ 10,000 rpm
- Torque: 93 Nm @ 8,000 rpm
- Brakes: Brembo radial calipers, Cornering ABS
- Electronics: Traction control, engine power modes, cruise control, Bluetooth panel with a built-in dashcam
6. Triumph Trident 800 — $9,995
This motorcycle is the result of combining the recently updated Trident 660 platform with the larger three-cylinder engine from the Tiger Sport 800 tourer. The resulting naked bike combines the British brand's signature precise handling, an explosive character, and the unique sound of a triple-cylinder engine. The price of the Trident 800 puts it in the same segment as more powerful and expensive rivals like the Yamaha MT-09, while remaining more affordable than the Suzuki GSX-8S and significantly cheaper than the new generation Ducati Monster. This makes the new British entry one of the best value-for-money purchases in the powerful urban roadster class.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 798 cc, 3-cylinder, inline, 12-valve, DOHC
- Power: 113 hp @ 10,750 rpm
- Torque: 84 Nm @ 8,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter (Triumph Shift Assist)
- Suspension: Front — Showa 41 mm SFF-BP inverted fork; Rear — Showa monoshock with preload and rebound adjustment
- Weight (curb): 198 kg
- Electronics: 3 riding modes (Rain, Road, Sport), Cornering ABS, optimized traction control, TFT display
7. Norton Atlas — ~$12,000
Among all the novelties presented at the end of last year, the Norton brand leaves behind the most questions. The company announced the Manx superbike and the mid-weight Atlas adventure tourer. Given that the track-only Manx will carry an exclusive price tag, the Atlas stirs greater interest. It enters a highly competitive class, offering a 585 cc parallel-twin with modest performance figures, alongside a modern suite of electronic rider aids and a TFT screen. The Atlas specification is geared toward everyday use: instead of uncompromising Brembo brakes, it is fitted with more affordable components from the subsidiary brand ByBre. It remains an open question whether this will be a "true" historic Norton or simply an Indian adaptation of the famous name (the brand is owned by TVS), but the motorcycle promises to be interesting.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 585 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled
- Power: 70 hp @ 9,300 rpm
- Torque: 57.5 Nm @ 7,300 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed, with quickshifter and Ride-by-Wire throttle
- Wheels: Spoked wheels — 19" front / 17" rear (GT version features 17" on both ends)
- Features: 8-inch touchscreen TFT display with navigation, keyless ignition, cruise control, traction control
8. Honda CB1000F — $10,599
The CB1000F model is a neo-retro variation based on the already well-known liter naked bike, the CB1000 Hornet. The base Hornet was one of the best motorcycles of last season due to its ideal balance of power and price, though its aggressive modern design did not appeal to everyone. The new "F" modification addresses this nuance, pairing the proven chassis and powerful four-cylinder engine with a sophisticated 1970s-style retro look. The motorcycle offers a slightly more upright, classic riding position and premium component finishes. For fans of classic superbikes from the Freddie Spencer era, this machine looks almost flawless.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 1,000 cc, 4-cylinder, inline, 16-valve, DOHC
- Transmission: 6-speed with slip and assist clutch
- Chassis: Steel twin-spar spatial frame, single-sided swingarm
- Suspension: Front — Showa 41 mm SFF-BP inverted fork; Rear — Pro-Link suspension with Showa shock
- Brakes: Front — Nissin radial 4-piston calipers, 310 mm floating discs; Cornering ABS
- Weight (curb): 214 kg
- Electronics: 5-inch TFT display, 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), engine brake control, keyless entry
9. Ducati Monster — $12,995 (Monster+ Version: $13,595)
The arrival of a new Ducati Monster is always a global event in the motorcycle industry. The fifth generation of the legendary family received a completely new, lightweight 890 cc V-twin engine featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which previously debuted on the new generations of the Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2. The new motor replaces the former 937 cc Testastretta unit. Along with the engine, the Monster received a significantly lighter chassis, redesigned ergonomics, and a modern electronics package. Given the excellent riding dynamics of its sibling, the Streetfighter V2, the updated Monster promises to be a real bestseller in the premium urban naked bike class.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Engine: 890 cc, Testastretta 11° V-twin (L-twin), desmodromic valve train with VVT system
- Power: 111 hp @ 9,250 rpm
- Torque: 93 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- Weight (dry): 175 kg (one of the lightest in its class)
- Brakes: Brembo radial monoblock calipers, dual 320 mm discs on the front wheel
- Electronics: Riding Modes, Cornering ABS, launch control, Ducati Wheelie Control, bi-directional quickshifter
10. Honda WN7 — ~$16,300 (£12,999)
This is not just another electric bike — it is a historical milestone for the industry. The WN7 model is the first full-sized production electric motorcycle from the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer. The name stands for "Be the Wind (Naked)", and the number "7" indicates its internal power class. Honda engineers meticulously designed the layout: the powertrain is integrated directly into the load-bearing chassis without a traditional frame, which allowed the bike to be extremely narrow and agile for the city. The newcomer features a highly competitive price compared to alternatives from Zero or LiveWire, while Honda's reputation guarantees high reliability and build quality.
Key Technical Specifications:
- Powertrain: Liquid-cooled electric motor + fixed lithium-ion battery with a capacity of ~15.5 kWh
- Maximum Power: 50 kW (equivalent to 67 hp), available instantly
- Torque: 100 Nm (equivalent to liter-class petrol naked bikes)
- Drive: Quiet and low-maintenance belt drive (toothed belt)
- Range: Over 130 km on a single charge
- Charging: Supports DC Fast Charging (CCS2) — from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. Full charge from a home grid takes about 3 hours.
- Weight (curb): 217.5 kg (thanks to a very low center of gravity, the weight is barely felt)
- Electronics & Features: 5-inch TFT display with Honda RoadSync, 4 riding modes (Sport, Standard, Econ, Rain), 4-level regenerative braking system (adjustable via handlebar buttons), Walking Speed Mode with reverse for easy parking.