Most Exciting New Motorcycles for 2026
Every year, a pile of new machines hit the marketplace, and while many are minor updates or largely forgettable, there are always at least a handful of machines that have us totally excited for riding season to start again. For 2026, we’ve itemized the bikes we’re most excited about throwing a leg over and twisting the throttle.
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Triumph Trident 800
The Triumph Street Triple R had telepathic handling and the induction howl of that inline three-cylinder engine was wonderfully haunting. Its insect-like appearance has been largely criticized since Triumph did away with the round double headlights. When Triumph introduced the Trident 660, it gave the bike a more appealing modern-retro look but took away some of the performance from the Street Triple.
While other bikes in the segment make do with parallel twins, the new Trident 800 gets a 798 cc inline three-cylinder engine with triple throttle bodies that makes 113 hp and 62 lb-ft of torque. Triumph promises that the throaty growl under load was retained. That the Trident 800’s price starts a grand lower than last year’s Street Triple R is just the icing on the cake.
Suzuki GSX-8TT
Complementing its exciting modern yet retro-inspired looks, the Suzuki GSX-8TT is being praised for its punchy parallel-twin engine, smooth gearbox, neutral ergonomics, and svelte handling characteristics. Based on the naked GSX-8S, the TT evokes classic styling with its headlight cowling, 8-Ball emblem, black engine, colored wheels and classy retro paint schemes.
What it lacks in premium content (no cruise control, adjustable suspension or cornering ABS), it makes up for with its smooth, reliable power delivery, dynamic handling, and approachable price tag.
CFMoto 675SS
Speaking of three-cylinder engines, CFMoto has unleashed its own triple, available now in the fully-faired 675SS. With 675 cc in displacement and with 95 hp on tap, the CFMoto may be out-gunned by the triples from Yamaha and Triumph, but those machines also cost thousands more than the $7,499 price tag of the SS. Add in the 5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, traction control and ABS, and the 675 becomes a pretty compelling offer worth a second look. As if that weren’t enough, CFMoto’s designers have done a great job – styling is fresh, angular, and contemporary in appearance.
Honda CB1000F
First and foremost, Honda’s new CB1000F is based on the existing CB1000 Hornet, then given achingly cool styling to resemble the CB750F of the early 1980s. The tank is squared-off, there’s a round headlight, a classic-looking seat, and silver-with-blue-stripes livery that absolutely rocks.
Yet despite its old-school vibes, there’s a quick shifter, lean-angle sensing traction control, radial brakes and 122 hp backed by a generous 76 lb-ft of torque delivered by a ripping inline-four. The CB1000F will go directly head-to-head with Kawasaki’s updated Z900RS.
BMW F 450 GS
Not everyone loves the idea of rough housing off-road with a bike that weighs as much as a camel. For some of us, the trend toward smaller, lighter and more manageable adventure bikes is being welcomed very warmly. The trouble is, a number of these new smaller, lighter machines are also lacking in amenities, fit, finish, and style of the bigger adventure bikes.
This is where BMW’s new F 450 GS comes in. While its size and weight (tipping the scale at just under 400 lb) make it appealing, it’s also packing a decent 420 cc parallel-twin powerplant
that offers up a modest 48 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque. BMW didn’t skimp on the equipment list either, as the spec sheet promises adjustable KYB suspension, optional Easy Ride clutch, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control, riding modes, and a 6.5-inch TFT display.
KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo
On the other end of the spectrum, we have KTM’s massive new flagship adventure bike – the Super Adventure S Evo. The Austrian brand’s new ADV bike gets a bump in power from the larger displacement 1350 cc LC8 V-twin, now making 173 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. It also gets an abundance of new features and technology.
KTM added its WP SAT (Semi-Active Technology) suspension that adjusts rates in real-time and features four selectable damping modes: Comfort, Street, Sport, and Rain. It gets a full-colour 8-inch touchscreen display that includes integrated navigation and a dashboard that serves as Mission Control for the pilot. It also boasts the new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that allows clutch-less shifting. Riders can choose the fully automated setup with preprogrammed Comfort, Street, and Sport shift settings, or manually shift on their own. It may be a 2027 model year motorcycle, but it is slated to arrive in dealerships next month.
Ducati Hypermotard V2
Hooligans rejoice! Ducati’s wild machine meant for riders who like to slide the bike into its parking space back-end first receives the brand’s 890 cc twin that’s been popping up in other models. Here, it gives the Hypermotard 120 hp, and a whopping 69 lb-ft of torque available from very low revs. Couple that with lower gearing and it’s a wonder why Ducati even sells it with a front tire at all, since it’s unlikely to touch the ground very often. The Hypermotard is all about wild, deviant behaviour, which naturally means we’re dying to try it out.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited
Finally, while Harley-Davidson’s 2026 model year changes aren’t overly new or noteworthy, it doesn’t dissuade us from wanting to log some saddle time on the updated Street Glide Limited and cruise toward the horizon. There’s a new cockpit with a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display we’ve enjoyed on other models.
What we’re more excited about is Harley’s big touring rigs getting the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which simply oozes torque to the tune of 131 lb-ft, plus horsepower is up 14 per cent to 106 ponies from the old model’s Milwaukee-Eight 114. To top it off, the big Street has shed 24 lb and gets a revised fairing.
Jeff Wilson
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