Highlights in 2023 – roadster, naked, scrambler and cruiser

Naked, roadster, scrambler, and cruiser are four segments that have in common a preference for good exposed mechanics and a driving experience that is never tiring, but always enjoyable. The market confirms that they continue to be among the preferred choices and even in 2023 we have experienced all types, also because there were no shortages of news in these sectors. CFMOTO CL-X 700 Adventure Um design cheio de personalidade e até um pouco ousado é o cartão de visita desta scrambler chinesa cheia de conteúdo. É uma moto bem construída que se insere no panorama scrambler com credibilidade também devido ao motor bicilíndrico com 70 cv de potência às 8.500 rpm e 60 Nm de binário máximo às 6.500 rpm, integrado numa caixa de seis velocidades para um desempenho emocionante e baixo consumo de combustível. A roda dianteira tem 18 polegadas e a traseira 17 polegadas e entre elas um quadro convincente. CFMOTO NK800

The CFMoto naked sports bike hit the market in 2023, after attracting attention for its bold design. The signature comes from the Modena40 studio, actually the European RD of the Chinese brand, and there is another trace of the Old Continent beneath its shape. The 799cc twin-cylinder engine with 95 hp comes from the partnership with KTM (CF Moto also builds the KTM 790 Duke), but it is not identical in all aspects to the Austrian naked. The NK800 also impresses with the level of finishes, as well as the impressive 8-inch TFT screen.

Fantic Caballero 700

On the other hand, the largest of the Caballero family is a bike built with great care and dedicated to those who want to enjoy the asphalt or dirt roads. We find advanced electronics (TFT, traction control, switchable ABS) and one of the best motorcycle engines: Yamaha’s CP2 with 74 hp renewed power. An agile, light, but also stable bike, which does not vibrate, does not overheat, but provides little protection from the air and has a very wide handlebar.

Ducati Scrambler 800

The next generation of the Ducati Scrambler 800, a motorcycle highly appreciated worldwide. If the style and taste remained the same, the new Scrambler in 2023 changed a lot. The Desmodue has 73 hp and 65 Nm and the weight in running order is 185 kg. Ducati Diavel V4 After twelve years, Ducati radically changed the project of the Diavel, one of the most arrogant motorcycles one could desire: sport naked riding, cruiser posture, artwork design. After 45,000 units sold, the V2 was abandoned and the V4 Granturismo arrived with 1,158 cc and a beauty of 168 hp at 10,750 rpm and 125.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The V4 also features the extended deactivation system of the rear cylinders, which allows the engine to run only with two cylinders during stops with the engine running and when operating at low engine loads up to 4,000 rpm. KTM 790 Duke

The 790 Duke had left the scene, replaced by the 890, only to return in 2023. And thanks to the partnership between KTM and CFMOTO, its return also brings a more competitive price due to Chinese production. The twin-cylinder now has 95 hp and remains very accessible, and the weight is only 174 kg. The suspension is WP and the quick gearbox is optional.

Honda CL500

The inspiration comes from the sixties (and it shows), but the technical base is modern: the CL500 inherits some references from its predecessor CL72 and the current CB series 500 twin-cylinder, which allows it to be ridden with an A2 driving license. Black tubular steel frame, 150 mm fork travel, wide handlebars, and a straight and comfortable posture, typically scrambler. The 12-liter fuel tank and the average consumption of 28 km/l promise long trips with this ease of handling, even for beginner riders.

Honda CB 750 Hornet

The Hornet was – along with its sister Transalp – one of the most anticipated comebacks of 2023. In fact, little or nothing remains of the old Hornet beyond the spirit: the new CB 750 is a very modern naked in appearance and substance, with an incredible ratio between cost and driving pleasure. The electronics are sophisticated, but the price list is affordable and the frame is agile and fast. We had the opportunity to drive it a lot this year and make several videos with it in all situations and it convinced us with a brilliant engine and the right sporty feeling.

QJ Motor SRK 400 and SRK 700

The Chinese company QJ Motor is quickly entering our market with a broad and credible range. In 2023, we had the opportunity to test for the first time their sport bikes SRK 400 and SRK 700. The first is an entry-level bike that offers a 45 hp twin-cylinder with a slipper clutch. The weight is only 150 kg, the dimensions very compact, and the equipment essential. For those who want more than just performance, there is the SRK 700. The engine remains an inline twin, but the power increases to 73 hp.

QJ Motor SRV 300

We continue at QJ’s house to present this interesting cruiser that vaguely resembles the Sporster, but is smaller and more economical. With a Euro 5 twin-cylinder engine of 296 cc with a power of 37 hp (22.6 kW) at 9,000 rpm and 26 Nm of maximum torque at 7,000 rpm, it provides the classic V2 feel with performance more suitable for the city than for highways.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Based on the front two-cylinder engine of the Interceptor and the Continental GT, the Super Meteor debuted in early 2023 as the new flagship of Royal Enfield. Lots of metal, elegant finish, and a very pleasant look, like a true cruiser. The market immediately showed that it liked it. Its strengths lie in aesthetics and comfort, in a smooth and pleasant ride with performance that can always be appreciated, and at a very attractive price.

Suzuki GSX-8S

This time Suzuki comes to the market with a motorcycle of great substance. An 800 cc gearbox with two cylinders shared with the new V-Strom and an elegant frame with a steel structure and an aluminum swingarm with great attention to mass distribution. By the way, the weight is 202 kg and the power is 83 hp at 8500 rpm. Triumph Street Triple RS Moto2 Edition

The Street Triple is considered the benchmark mid-range naked sports bike. Its inline three-cylinder engine is a true pleasure to ride and is also the basis for the engine that Triumph supplies to all Moto2 teams. That’s why in 2023 the Moto2 Edition was introduced to the range, a special version dedicated specifically to the World Speed Championship. It is based on the RS finish, which is why we compare them. With the 2023 version, there are many improvements and an impressive 130 horsepower at 12,000 rpm. While the maximum torque (80 Nm) is released at 9,500 rpm. The suspension combines the Ohlins STX40 monoshock and the fully adjustable Showa BPS fork for a refined bike that weighs only 180 kg. The Moto2 Edition was manufactured in 765 colors and the fork is an Öhlins NIX30 inverted fork with adjustable compression damping, extension damping, and preload.