Car and Motorcycle

2015 was the busiest year of new bikes since the world went tits up– but what about 2016? Here’s what we know definitively about what’s going to appear in dealers in next year. Nothing. But that’s no surprise, as manufacturers keep their cards very close to their chest until the big bike shows at the end of the year. But that’s not to say that we’re working blind here.

We have people in the know that are working hard on either the finishing touches of a bike or knocking up parts, accessories or tyres that like to keep us in the loop. Dealers also have the inside line on new models, and it’s amazing what dropping truth serum into their coffee does. So here’s a run down of what we’re likely to see in Autumn...

Suzuki

All eyes will be on Suzuki, with speculation pointing to a new GSX-R1000. Some loose talk in the WSB paddock suggests a new bike next year. Hopefully they’ll take learnings from the electronics and dynamics in racing to guide it.

The main money is in big bikes, hence a new litre GSX-R, and it should have traction control and a variable valve timing system thanks to patent applications telling us as much. VVT on an out-and-out sportsbike is interesting, it has the potential to add big performance gains, while effectively tuning the bike on the hoof. We don’t expect the new GSX-R1000 to be hugely expensive, so there will be a focus on low weight and decent components. And we’re also hoping for news of a new SV-type bike. From TT racer to Tea Tea shopper, it’s well overdue a big overhaul.

Triumph

A new Speed Triple is likely to emerge in early 2016. But rather than a radical new inline triple motor, we’re expecting to see milder revisions. Spy shots revealed that the chassis will barely change, the most notable feature being a big ram-air scoop behind new headlights. The standard bike will get the current Brembo brakes from the R, but suspension units will externally be the same. Whether we’ll see a new 800cc Street Triple in the same year is questionable. The Tiger 800 raised hopes that we’d see a bigger Street, but this wish has so far been cruelly denied.

A revised configuration, widening the bore rather than using the Tiger’s longer stroke motor, is the most viable change to suit the boy-ish characteristics of the Street’s soul. A half faired version is also mooted, as well as a pseudo adventure machine in the guise of the Yamaha Tracer. Bring ‘em all on, that’s what we say. A new Bonneville and Explorer are also set to be released in 2016.

Ducati

We’ve got a track invite to a sportsbike launch in September, which could mean one of two things – an 899 Panigale Evo or an 1199 powered Streetfighter. Both may be delivered in 2016. The 899 is due an upgrade in Ducati’s time tabling, and when this is due for the middleweight bike it has normally come in Evo form – more power, more carbon, more control. As SBOTY proved last month, a power bump would be most welcome, while Ducati always sells serious units as soon as anything is souped up. The petit Pani has been a good seller for Ducati, being big enough and beautiful enough to not be seen as a step down by many customers.

As for an 1199 Streetfighter, we hesitate a little as the bike in other incarnations has not sold that well. It’s a brilliant bike, true, but its price put off many buyers. But with Aprilia offering a bigger Tuono and KTM and BMW bringing out big weapons last year, Ducati doesn’t want to be left with just the aging 848 Streetfighter and Monster 1200S as its sole naked options, as the pair just aren’t hardcore enough.

Yamaha

Yamaha has been ‘full gas’ (as our foreign friends would say) over the past few years, plugging gaps and filling niches in impressive fashion. The R1 was the last piece in the puzzle, and with the MT range flying, we could see this as a year of consolidation for Yamaha. An MT-07 Tracer is mooted, as well as an MT-03, taking the R3 as its base. We dream of a new R6 and perhaps the firm could take the bold step to invigorate the near dead supersports class. It would be a roll of the dice, but one we’d salute them for.

We are pleased to see another variant of the MT-07, the XSR700. Proving the flexibility of the platform, this Scrambler rival looks pretty sweet, and we know it’ll have the cajones to stunt in a retro style, too. Designed by LA-based Shinya Kimura, the XSR is set to be available from November at a yet to be decided price.

Husqvarna

KTM look set to get Husqvarna back to making road bikes. Like Husky’s previous owners, BMW, KTM reckons there’s room for two in the market, with the firm’s Duke 390 the basis for the 401 Vitpilen (‘White Arrow’ in Swedish) café racer. This design and brand-building exercise is set to re-establish.

Husqvarna in the road going market. The 701 Supermoto is also being teased, powered by KTM’s big 690 thumper. Decked out in highend ancillaries, it’s a street bike first, competition bike second, but still mucho fun!

Honda

Given the Big H has released so little of interest to us, bar the budget busting RC213V-S, we genuinely have no clue as to what to expect. The Africa Twin is coming, but the truth is we’re not expecting much else. Surprise us!

Kawasaki

The Ninja H2 was massive news in 2015, but the supercharging tech’ was a showcase for bikes following a different direction. So will we see a 500-600cc twin with a blower on it next year? You’d like to think that Kawasaki would strike while the iron was hot - is no news, good news? The ZX-10R is hardly in need of a radical overhaul, but remains untouched since 2011. Will we get a fruity Z800R? The MT-09 has stolen a march, so styling changes for sure, though dramatic weight loss is unlikely.

MV Agusta

MV boss, Giovanni Casiglioni, has publicly stated at MV’s ‘Friends of Claudio’ event that three new models will appear in 2016, the most pertinent being the new platform for the F4. A new superbike is a delicious prospect, as the current bike has reached its zenith. The input of cash from Mercedes is welcome, but tapping the German car firm’s resources and facilities could prove crucial. A super trick Brutale could use the new engine, but will more likely be blessed with a current motor wrapped in expensive goodness. Finally, an inline four crossover bike, in the same vein as the BMW S 1000 XR is on the cards.

Aprilia

Now that the RSV4 and Tuono have been revised, what next for Aprilia? An A2 compliant machine, perhaps. A mini RSV400 would be just the ticket...

BMW

Don’t expect much in a sporting sense from BMW, as the German firm has already released details of what it’s doing to the S-range – in the form of new colours. The big GS also gets new colours (ergo, no new model), so that leaves us wondering what’ll be up their sleeves come show time. A Scrambler is set to be released, but that would be a quiet year for the Germans – unless a new HP2 is released…

KTM

A quiet year ahead? We hope to see a replacement for the RC8 R, possibly in V4 guise – but we’re not holding our breath...