Last week we visited Motorcycle Live 2021 at the Birmingham NEC to scope out the best new bikes for 2022. After a two year wait and various rescheduling, Motorcycle Live is back at the NEC. While we weren’t exhibiting at the show we decided to take a trip down and look at the latest motorcycles on offer for 2022.

Covid has taken its toll on exhibitions worldwide, unfortunately this meant the show itself was slightly reduced in size and some of the latest offerings were not on display, such as the Yamaha and Aprilia range and the new Ducati Panigale V4s. Despite this we had a great day at the show, and we are really looking forward to the latest line up of bikes for 2022.

Take a look at our pick of the hottest new bikes for 2022 below.

2022 Kawasaki H2 SX SE

New for 2022 the ‘SE’ model variant of the supercharged H2 SX takes a big step forward. The technology on the bike has been improved to incclude  Kawasaki’s new Advanced rider assist system. This system introduces adaptive cruise control for the first time on a Kawasaki motorcycle, this system has been developed by Bosch. We like the fact the radar system is neatly hidden away at the front of the bike, this is different to other bikes  which clearly show the hardware. This mile-muncher uses a 197hp supercharged inline 4-cylinder engine which punches out an impressive 101lb-ft torque, ample for cruising motorways or chasing supercars on the AutoBahn! New for this year the SE Kawasaki features the latest semi-active SHOWA skyhook suspension. It’s hard to think of a feature this bike doesn’t have. Best new sports tourer on the market? We think it might just be!

2022 Kawasaki Z900RS SE

The new Z900RS SE takes modern classic motorcycle aesthetic to the next level. Kawasaki have integrated a 70s inspired Café Racer design, the bike not only looks the business but has the latest componentry to match! On display was the Z900 RS in the ‘Metallic Diablo Black’ which we think looks awesome, especially with the Gold wheels! The RS SE model features a new adjustable Ohlins rear shock and retuned suspension up front. The Z900RS SE really is one of those motorcycles you can buy from the factory and leave it completely standard because it’s simply beautiful! Big thumbs up from us👍

Kawasaki Z900 Race bike

Building from a standard Z900 the Kawasaki backed project has taken a step forward with the performance of the machine. Performance upgrades allow the bike to race competitively in the No Limits Street Bike Cup. The bike features a full exhaust system, upgraded suspension and brakes as well as a full race design livery. Fancy a go? We sure do!

2022 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR.

A brand new ‘sports bike for the road’ from Triumph, the Speed Triple RR is the first full sports bike since their iconic Daytona. This is a very exciting motorcycle for 2022. The RR shows us manufacturers are still thinking about sports bikes despite the popularity of them slowly declining since the 90s. The bike itself features the 1160cc 178hp 92.2lb-ft triple from their Speed Triple RS. Other componentry is also used from the naked bike such as the frame, however the RR features revised bar positioning which is mounted 135mm lower and 50mm further back. The bike itself is equipped with top of the range Ohlins and Brembo hardware, as well as fully track ready road tyres. Question is, how will it compete against other sports bikes? We’ll have to wait and see.

2022 Herald Brute 500

The 500cc single cylinder Herald Brute definitely caught our eye, the bike itself is designed, engineered, and made in the UK. Herald Motorcycles themselves have manufactured many components internally for this bike, including yokes, wiring loom, swing arm, outriggers, levers and so much more. A modern British classic Café Racer, we like it a lot!

Langen 2 stroke from Langen Motorcycles

Limited to just 100 motorcycles, this ultra-exclusive UK built 2 stroke motorcycle takes it to the next level in terms of engineering, finish and premium componentry. At the heart of the bike is a 249cc 90 degree V-twin engine that packs 75hp which is huge power from a 250! It is suspended by RWU Ohlins forks and twin bespoke KTech shocks, giving it an old school look but with modern performance. It’s very cool to see modern 2 strokes still being made right?

FTR1200 – Indian Motorcycles

The designers behind the FTR1200 took inspiration from the Indian Flat tracker race bike, the production bike is basically a flat tracker for the street!  We love the raw power of the 120hp V Twin motor and the hooligan riding characteristics of it. Since the bikes introduction in 2019 the bike has been largely unchanged, however the company recently fitted a 17inch front wheel to improve handling and front end feel to the bike. We love this pure American Muscle machine, we’re sure you would too! In our minds, the Indian FTR1200 is a unique bike that has a really broad appeal to riders who want a bike to light their fire again. Check out our review of this bike here: https://youtu.be/rlfWAkqpW2w

Crighton CR700w rotary

We had to stop and take a look at this bike. The Crighton CR700w is a 220hp 700cc Wankel rotary race bike that weighs just 130kg. The CR700w is a very exclusive motorcycle with only 25 made, priced from £85,000. The Wankel rotary engine uses a very different combustion technique to conventional pistons which allows it to produce much more power from a lower capacity. This hand built, state-of-the-art bike will be produced in Wiltshire, UK. It was a pleasure to view this bike in person, I don’t know about you but I would love to hear it! Huge thanks for the team at Crighton for explaining the features and engineering behind the bike at the show!

And yes, there is a road registered option available…

2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo

For 2022 The Beast gets brand new electronic suspension from WP with anti-dive technology and a new colourway which we think looks awesome! You can guarantee this bike with the new suspension is going provide a very plush ride on the road and a focused, agile ride on track. Very cool tech indeed!

2022 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT

‘The Long-Distance Beast’! For 2022, the GT is now passes EU5 regulations yet KTM managed to still produce the same power huge power (175hp), impressive stuff! The bike now uses the same lightweight performance wheels as the Super Duke R model. New tech has been added to the bike as well, including new switchgear, 7 inch TFT with turn-by-turn satellite navigation. Who wouldn’t love a comfortable Super Duke built for touring!

2022 KTM RC 390

Completely redesigned for 2022, the race-bred RC features MotoGP inspired bodywork, an impressive technology package and race derived handling characteristics. This real-world A2 friendly 390 really is a great little bike for those looking for performance with handling to match. The 373cc single cylinder engine, used in the 390 Adventure and 390 Duke provide ample punch. The engine also features revised mapping for 2022. I’d be a very happy A2 licence holder riding this around, that’s for sure!

Whilst we’re talking about the 390 range, the 390 Adventure bike features a new off-road riding mode, this is something we think will massively improve an already great little bike. Check our full write up and review of the 390 here! https://youtu.be/Th3EnhtbeMY  https://www.planet-knox.com/ktm-390-adventure-review

KTM RC8c

The RC8c is a track only limited-edition sports bike from KTM, limited to just 100 units. 1 of just 8  in the UK was at Motorcycle Live and we were lucky enough to see one. The bike itself sold out in just 4 minutes when released, does this show there is still appetite for KTM sports bikes?👀 The bikes spec is very impressive, Dymag wheels, full Akrapovic exhaust, WP Apex Pro race suspension, carbon fibre bodywork, the list goes on… The lucky owners of the RC8c motorcycles were invited to an exclusive track day in Jerez with some of the KTM MotoGP riders, this particular bike was signed by Dani Pedrosa and Miguel Oliveira. What a stunning piece of kit!

2022 Husqvarna Norden 901

Having ridden the Norden 901 at its launch in the Azores, we already know what an amazing bike this is. Since its introduction back in 2019 at EICMA, the bike has been hotly anticipated. We were truly blown away by the agility, refinement and user experience of this bike. Husqvarna have nailed not only the styling of the bike but also the all-round capability. The Norden 901 is Husqvarna’s first twin cylinder bike since the Nuda model, the company have used the same 889cc platform from the KTM 890 Adventure which punches out 105hp and 73.8 lb-ft, ample for this kind of  bike! We love the styling of this bike and it is very impressive to see that Husqvarna have followed the concept design very closely for their production machine. Check out our full write up and review here: https://youtu.be/130_mm7UFio  https://www.planet-knox.com/husqvarna-norden-901/

2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

A brand new sports tourer motorcycle from Suzuki for 2022. This bike uses a similar base as the GSX-S1000 naked bike however features revised geometry and fairing etc. The Superbike derived performance comes from the K5 GSXR1000 engine which produces around 150hp, we all know how good the K5 lump is so you can be sure this thing will pack a punch! The GT itself has had a lot of positive feedback since its launch and we think it will be a success in this fast-growing market segment. We think it looks great, question is though will it take the crown from the Kawasaki Z1000sx?

2022 Honda CBR1000rr-r SP – 30^th Anniversary

We loved seeing Honda’s sport bike line up at the NEC!  The new Honda motorcycles are simply jaw dropping, especially in the new 30^th Anniversary colours! For 2022 the Fireblade has undergone some changes, this includes revised gearing (+3 teeth on rear sprocket), new exhaust and redesigned intake ports and airbox system. Despite the bike producing less torque overall, it delivers more torque lower down in the revs. The previous bike was peaky, all the power was delivered at the top end.  With these changes it will make the bike more usable throughout the rev range. This bike has massive potential and we hope these changes will make a positive impact both for road riders and race bike results around the world.

The limited edition 30^th Anniversary bike comes with a one off special livery inspired from the Urban Tiger 90s bike, new engraved Akrapovic exhaust, custom seat and 30^th Anniversary animation on the start-up dash. We’d love a spin on one, would you?!

2022 Royal Enfield Anniversary specials – Interceptor 650 & Continental 650

In celebration of 120 years of pure motorcycling, Royal Enfield have released two stunning new anniversary edition Interceptor and Continental GT 650s – Limited to just 480 units globally. The bikes feature a beautiful black-chrome colour scheme as well as hand crafted brass tank badges to mark the brands 120 year journey, a very nice finishing touch. Alongside this, the bikes also come equipped with a range of genuine motorcycle accessories such as flyscreens, engine guards, heel guards, touring and bar end mirrors. It was great to see these motorcycles in person, they are very special!

2022 Ducati Streetfighter V4sp

The V4sp streetfighter is an incredibly engineered motorcycle, the bike features the best of the best componentry. The spec on this bike is incredible! The V4sp uses same V4 motor from the Panigale (albeit with revised tuning/gearing), which punches out a huge 208hp. Ducati have concentrated on making this bike as light as possible, the bike only weighs 198kg wet! Ducati have achieved this by using lightweight wheels (1.4kg saving), carbon fibre parts and other lightweight parts. The V4sp only comes in the ‘Winter test’ black livery and we think it looks the business, especially with the exposed dry clutch and the brushed aluminium tank. We reviewed the Streetfighter V4s, check out the video on the Knox YouTube channel when we go live! The ultimate naked sports bike? We think so.

2022 Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss special

The V2 as a standard bike blew us away when we rode it earlier this year, the Bayliss special takes the bike to the next level. This bike features Ohlins suspension all-round, limited edition paintwork and finish, stainless steel yoke and custom exhaust cap. We think this special edition Troy Bayliss machine looks awesome!

2022 Ducati Streetfighter V2

It’s great to see Ducati continuing their Streetfighter range.  The Streetfighter V2 is largely a naked Panigale, Ducati have used the frame, wheels, tank, tail and suspension from the Panigale V2 but added a longer swingarm, bars and revised the gearing and power of the bike to suit this style. What will this compete against on the market? It’s almost in a league of its own!

So there we have it, our top bikes for 2022! Of course there will be bikes we haven’t been able to mention due to other reasons however we are super excited for the 2022 motorcycles to be released, there has been some awesome machines announced! 😎⁠

Thank you for reading, we’ll see you on the next one!