8 Bikes We Can't Wait To Ride In 2016

1. Bimota Tesi 3D RaceCafe

The custom-made and exquisitely detailed Ariel Ace was released back in 2014 and was met with critical acclaim from the automotive press. And with its infinite spec-ability it effectively had no immediate rival. Well that’s about to change with Bimota’s new Tesi 3D RaceCafe.

The RC may have that distinct cafe racer old school look, but there is nothing old school about the bike’s construction. The RC receives the famous Tesi double swingarm set up, and new for 2016, all the tubing is made from carbonfibre. The beautifully-milled frame, 320mm discs and Brembo mono-bloc callipers make up for the fairly humble 803cc Ducati Monster motor. On looks alone, this is the most desirable bike for 2016.

2. Suzuki GSX-R1000

After a very long wait, Suzuki has unveiled its first new GSX-R 1000 since 2007. The Japanese manufacturer has claimed that the bike unveiled at the EICMA Milan motorcycle show was strictly a ‘prototype’. However, it’s an open industry secret that the bike on show will be released next year as a 2017 model.

Suzuki has claimed that the bike will be the most powerful and hardest accelerating GSX-R ever built. What has us even more excited is that the Suzuki will be all-new from the ground up. The bike will feature a ride by wire throttle, 10-level traction control, launch control and a quick shifter which works up and down the gearbox - something that even the advanced Yamaha R1 lacks.

For the first time, the GSX-R will also feature variable valve timing, which should result in significant power increases at the top end of the rev range; something Suzuki fans have been crying out for. Prices have not yet been released, but Suzuki has expressed its intent to dominate the market like it did back in 2005 with its legendary K5 model. As a result, it’s safe to assume that we’ll receive a well-rounded superbike with a reasonable entry price.

3. Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Not wanting to be left out, Honda also released a new bike at EICMA - the CRF1000L Africa Twin. For Dakar enthusiasts and Honda purists, that name might make you go weak at the knees. The original XRV750 Africa Twin gained legendary status due to its heroic Dakar exploits and the new bike is also hugely important for Honda. Along with the RC213V-S, this is the Japanese manufacturer’s new halo bike.

The Africa Twin has been heavily influenced by Honda’s CRF off-roading range and consequently uses an aluminium twin spar chassis as seen on the CRF450R. This has allowed the designers to keep the bike compact, and that ethos has also influenced its engine choice. Disappointingly Honda hasn’t chosen to use the trademark V-twin engine as seen in earlier models, but its 998cc parallel-twin should still be an impressive engine. If the bike performs as well as it looks, it should be an absolute riot.

4. Yamaha MT-10

Another potential game changer was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan. Fans of ‘super naked’ bikes (bikes with no farings) have been calling out for a stripped back Yamaha R1 to go up against the highly successful BMW S1000R. And Yamaha has delivered the goods.

The new MT-10 has received the four-cylinder cross-plane crank motor from the ballistic 2015 R1. Yamaha has stated that the engine has been detuned for more low and mid-range torque. But with the shortest wheelbase in its class, we can guarantee it will be an unhinged wheeling monster. I mean, it even has the face of a Terminator T800. Perfect.

5. Ducati 959

In 2015 Ducati’s popular 1199 got a displacement increase to 1299cc. So it would make sense that the 1299’s smaller sibling, the 899, got the same treatment for 2016. Introducing the new Ducati 959.

Its new displacement makes it quite hard to place this bike, as it has now fallen well outside of the 600cc super-sport class. But it’s also not quite big enough to be a proper 1000. Anyway, technicalities aside, this is going to be an absolutely fantastic middle weight machine. The 899 was praised for its phenomenal handing and easy approachability. And with more power, things can only get better.

Complaints? The new exhaust looks pretty horrific and it’s only there to comply with new Euro4 emission regulations. But it’s an easy fix, and I’m sure most owners will fit some tasty Termignoni exhaust systems.

6. Kawasaki ZX-10R

There’s no denying the effectiveness of Kawasaki’s ZX-10R. With Isle of Man TT, British Superbike and World Superbike wins, the Japanese machine has been absolutely dominant in 2015. But you don’t see that many on the roads, and that might be down to something that you can’t quantify - the want factor.

As a result, Kawasaki has chosen to completely overhaul the bike for next year. New for 2016 is a heavily-revised engine, new electronics (including an inertial measurement unit), 11-stage traction control, a revised frame, trick Showa balance free forks and Brembo brakes.

7. Ducati Scrambler Sixty2

When Ducati released its new Scrambler in 2014 we expected it to be popular. With affordable pricing, good looks and reasonable power, the Italian entry-level bike was destined to do well. But nobody expected that the bike would effectively go viral. In this year alone, Ducati has seen a 50 per cent increase in sales in the UK and nearly a 70 per cent increase in Italy.

Riding on the wave of this success, Ducati has just released a new 400cc version. The engine is heavily based on the 803cc motor of its bigger brother, and the Italian manufacturer has claimed it will have a soft and easy-to-manage power delivery. What makes us particularly excited is that this model will be A2 licence compliant. That means 19+ year-old riders in the UK will be able to take their test on the Sixty2, and afterwards won’t need to restrict it. With ever confusing test rules, this will be a breath of fresh air for younger riders.

8. BMW R nineT Scrambler

Ever since David Beckham took his Triumph Bonneville to the Amazon for his BBC documentary titled “Beckham Into the Unknown”, sales of scramblers have shot through the roof. Clearly not wanting to miss out on the action, BMW will be releasing a scrambler version of its ultra successful R nineT in 2016.

Surprisingly, the changes are not just cosmetic. The R nineT’s aluminium tank has been swapped in favour of a brushed steel version. And very noticeably, the standard bike’s upside down Öhlins forks have been replaced with traditional 43mm forks with gaiters. Other changes include the addition of knobbly tyres, a higher level exhaust and a 19-inch front wheel. None of these things will do the bike’s handling any favours, but we’re still excited to see how this new variant performs.

For those based in the UK who want to see these bikes in person, Motorcycle Live is on from the 28 Nov - 6 Dec.