5 trails to go on an adventure in 2023

Which motorcycle will attack the trails in 2023? Rather mid-size, maxi-trail, A2, or even electric? Here are 5 trails to discover or rediscover for adventure this year.

Neo-retro is not alone in having the wind in its sails! If the trend of modern motorcycles with vintage sauce does not run out of steam, another segment continues to attract motorcyclists: that of the trail. It’s simple, there’s something for everyone. From small to massive displacement, from accessible Chinese – and there are many of them – to European premium, through relentless Japanese.

With many new items cut for off-road, focus on 5 models that should not be missed. No: we will not talk about the queen GS, which remains in any case and in all cases an important reference in this field. And yes: there are some for A2 bikers, even electric enthusiasts!

2023 Honda XL750 Transalp: the big return

Ideal for A2 motorcyclists, the CB500X is ideal for speed. For its part, the Africa Twin is probably a little too muscular for your needs. Fortunately, Honda is reintroducing a great name from its history within the range, perfectly located between the two models mentioned above: the Transalp. After more than 35 years of absence, the Honda XL750 Transalp is making a comeback, taking advantage of the new mechanical base of its Hornet sibling. It’s a 755cc Unicam in-line twin that generates 91.8 hp at 9,500 rpm and 75 Nm of torque (A2 electronic clamping is possible).

The mid-size trail has an adventurous look but with refinement, more sober and classic than most current models, which are often very smooth and angular. The bike receives just the right amount of modernity, without all-out gimmicks. The 208 kg Japanese trail rides on 21-inch wheels at the front and 18 at the rear, and doesn’t skimp on standard equipment: Showa suspensions, electronic accelerator, 4 driving modes, TFT on-board screen … No mention the many travel accessories available in the catalog: luggage, screens, hand guards, additional lights, crash bars, etc.

• Price: approx. €12,000

• Availability: April 2023

Zero DSR/X: Electrified Adventure

A great new item from Zero Motorcycles: the DSR/X. A new generation electric maxi-trailer, benefiting from all the innovations of its SR/S and SR/F predecessors. All while returning to the roots of the brand, which, as a reminder, hit the market with its very first trail DSR. An electric alternative to the thermal maxi-trails (BMW GS, Triumph Tiger, Ducati Multistrada, Honda Africa Twin… All in the sights), the Californian offers an engine that is both muscular and refined. Behind its 100% Zero look, there is a ZF 75-10X engine of 75 kW (100 hp) but and above all a huge 225 Nm of torque..

Wider Gates Carbon Drive transmission belt with anti-spray protection, 5 driving modes + off-road variant for each, J.Juan braking, Bosch 6-axis inertial unit for ABS and cornering traction control, suspension Showa… Seriously technical sheet. Power is entrusted to a 17.3 kWh Z-Force battery, the capacity of which can be extended to 20.9 kWh. That’s a range of 290 to 357 km depending on configuration and use. All for about 247 kg on the scale, a weight equivalent to the huge thermal trails opposite. Baroudeuse required, it can also be equipped with many Zero / SW-Motech accessories. Unsurprisingly, the premium electric off-road comes at a price…

•Price: from €26,775

• Now available

Benelli BKX 250: off-road and small displacement

There is no shortage of mid-size adventurers and maxi-trails. On the side of small displacements on the other hand, it is less common. Especially for this type of gear. But perhaps the trend will change with the arrival in France of the Benelli BKX 250 and 250 S. Designed in Pesaro in Italy, the BKX digs into neo-retro: smooth and refined surfaces, some subtle angles here and there, silhouette all in smoothness… Needless to say, it was quite successful. A design that hides a 249 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, which generates 25.8 hp for 21 Nm of torque.

6-speed gearbox, trellis frame in tubular steel, 19 and 17-inch spoked rims (spoke and only 17-inch for the more “road” version BKX 250 S), and 180 mm of travel (150 mm for the 250 S) as well as up to 220 mm of ground clearance thanks to the preload-adjustable rear shock. All these beautiful people weigh only 165 kg fully powered, with a 13.5 l tank or up to 400 km of autonomy with an average consumption announced at 3.5 l. But beware, these transfer paths are not common, and the 350/400 cc is rather reserved for small sports cars and some roadsters/scramblers. It remains to be seen if the BKX 250 will meet its public in France.

• Price: to be discovered

• Availability: spring 2023

KTM 1290 Super Adventure S: Austrian Offensive

The Austrian trails from KTM change very little for 2023. In particular the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, which looks just like its predecessor, and for good reason. Because of the physical level, there is absolutely no change. The same massive and impressive front end, the same muscular silhouette, the same tall look. Fortunately, some decorations on the side scoops make it possible to recognize the new vintage. The changes for 2023 are essentially the inclusion of a turn-by-turn navigation system via Bluetooth connectivity of the large 7-inch scratch-resistant TFT screen. Ah, and the frame has been shortened a bit to improve cornering handling.

For the rest, we see the big LC8 V-twin of 1,301 cc that generates 160 hp for 138 Nm of torque, semi-active suspension, ABS and cornering traction control, and of course all the accessories from the KTM Powerparts catalog including carbon protection pack for equally bad looks. The Austrian promises a more nimble and more comfortable motorcycle for long trips. And then, if that’s a bit much, there’s always the new KTM 890 Adventure 2023! Note that, for KTM enthusiasts but not necessarily orange, a gray livery is also in the catalog.

• Price: from €20,665

• Now available

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+: more gear than ever

We can even speak of an over-equipped trail. The successful road of the Japanese manufacturer more than ever reflects the ambitions of this half-road, half-bitumen road trip. The proof in this Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. On the mechanical side, we can see the 3-cylinder CP3 engine of its predecessor, with its 890 cc for a power of 117 hp and 113 Nm of torque. The electronic accelerator, the electronic control of the YCC-T injection, the 7-inch TFT screen, we know. What is new is the introduction of a unified front and rear braking system, which makes it possible to take advantage of an anti-collision system and an emergency braking system.

The new millimeter wave radar allows the integration of an adaptive cruise control with several levels of distance between 30 and 160 km/h (like a car!), but also the limitation of acceleration when something is detected bend For others, pilot suspension, light aluminum frame, 267 mm rear brake disc, and adaptive lighting complete the staffing of this highly equipped Tracer 9 GT+. All you have to do is take advantage of the heated grips and the new saddle cover to embark on an adventure in comfort and safety. A trail with more road than ever on Yamaha.

•Price: approx. €17,000

• Availability: May 2023

BONUS: MBP T1002V, the Chinese challenger

Since it can steal customers from the competition, we have to talk about the new challenger in the segment: the MBP T1002V. First large displacement trail bike for Moto Bologna Passione, a young “Italian” brand launched by Chinese Keeway (QiangJiang). On the program: an adventurer that is both new and all-purpose. New because it uses the mechanics of the brand’s recent C1002V cruiser: a 997 cc V-Twin that generates 95.2 hp and 102 Nm of torque (therefore an A2 version is possible). All-purpose because it’s pretty good but not very original, there are Triumph tiger inspirations here and Ducati Multistrada there.

As is often the case with the Chinese, it is far from being a featherweight at 235 kg. But this does not prevent the T1002V from offering interesting everyday performance, and the right equipment for good off-road and road outings: 21 l tank, anti-theft alarm with vibration and movement sensor , GPS geolocation, suspension KYB adjustables, Pirelli Scorpion STR tires , 18 and 17 inch spoked rims, LED lighting, J. Juan brakes, Bosch ABS… Not much to envy in direct competition. It remains to be hoped for a sufficiently aggressive price to present itself as a serious alternative to the Moto Guzzi V85TT and other Suzuki V-Strom…

•Price: to discover

• Availability: 2023