Top 13 Best Motorcycles of Year 2022
Best Performance Bike: BMW R1250GS
Best sport touring Bike: BMW S1000XR
Best off road motorcycle: Yamaha YZ450F
Best Adventure Bike: KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
Best Superbike: Yamaha YZF-R
Best Heaviest Motorcycle: Honda GL1800 Gold Wing DCT
Best Lightweight Streetbike: KTM 390 Duke
Best Dual Sport Bike: Kawasaki KLX250
Best Cruiser: 2022 Honda Rebel® 1100 DCT
Best Touring Bike: BMW K1600 Grand America
Best Electric Motorcycle: Pursang E-Tracker
Best Scooter for City: Piaggio 1
Best mini motorcycle: HONDA GROM
Best Performance Bike: BMW R1250GS
One of the most unusual motorcycles on the road is the BMW R1250GS. The GS has increased in size and complexity with each iteration, but each one has built on the DNA of the original model while adding new features like crash bars, larger fuel tanks, alternative lighting arrangements, and more while maintaining its basic design. Because the BMW GS is so well-known, it earns the title of greatest motorbike in 2022.
To meet all needs, BMW has expanded the R1250GS model lineup. The Rallye is the model that is most focused on off-road driving. It has a more understated appearance due to its smaller screen and blue, white, and red color scheme, and it includes the complete complement of off-road equipment.
Then there is the R1250GS Exclusive, which it is fair to say is a version that is more focused on the road and has a really distinct and elegant appearance. It still has a tremendous amount of electrical complexity and performance, but it is also even more comfortable.
The R1250GS Adventure is the last option, adding a sizable eight-gallon gas tank for genuine travels across continents.
It isn’t the most affordable adventure bike available, especially if you want all the extras. A fully equipped BMW GS 1250 will always keep its value better than a stock model despite the fact that understanding exactly what you get in standard trim and what all the options and packages are has become very perplexing. It has won every MCN group test and award since it was produced, demonstrating its dependability despite its complicated engine technology. It is always easy to understand why.
The BMW R1250GS is undoubtedly one of the world’s top motorcycles. Every time I ride a GS, which BMW has been perfecting for 40 years, I come away exclaiming, “That’s definitely the best ever.”
Bestsport touring Bike: BMW S1000XR
Although BMW refers to this bike as an adventure sport bike, we believe it belongs in the sport touring category. The 2022 BMW S 1000 XR’s styling and riding position scream “touring,” but the engine makes absolutely no concessions. The S 1000 XR is a genuinely unique motorcycle because it combines the long-distance capability of the bike with the athletic capabilities of the engine and suspension. Although the RR-based engine offers the aggression of a SuperSport that has won championships, the upright riding position and laid-back feel make an argument for daily use.
It’s astonishing how quickly the S1000XR can travel across the country while yet maintaining a comfortable attitude. The riding position provides better control, is less taxing, and facilitates overtaking, especially with the additional midrange from the XR-spec engine, so you can ride it faster than the donor sports bike. It has an outstanding standard feature set for the base model, which costs £14,290, and feels smooth and complete. It is a motorcycle in and of itself rather than a bitsa that fills in gaps (2021 price). The TE comes equipped with its fair share of bells and whistles for an additional two grand.
But it’s not a true adventure bike. Even though comfort and sophistication are better than the early model, the BMW lacks the luxury of more touring-oriented competitors like the lavish Kawasaki Versys 1000, remarkable Ducati Multistrada V4 S, or its sibling rival, the ubiquitous R1250GS. Only a swivel-eyed headcase would consider riding the BMW on anything rougher than a recently raked gravel drive. On day-long rides, the S1000XR’s overtly athletic attitude might get a little monotonous.
The XR’s riding position is similar to previous ADV bikes, having an upright, neutral riding position and a pair of broad handlebars, despite being significantly lower and further forward than before. It transforms into a bike that handles incredibly well and with a sense of playfulness when combined with the electrically adaptable suspension.
There is excellent composure and grip, which allows the rider to carry speeds one would anticipate from a sport bike rather than an adventure vehicle. Leaning into turns is effortless.
The best part is that you can do this all day long because the saddle is cozy and has a hollowed out back to allow for a lower height and to maintain the rider’s butt posture. There were no complaints, although those used to having their seats move a lot to accommodate hard cornering would need to get used to this one.
The S 1000 XR is a superb value thanks to its lusty powertrain, real performance potential, touring comfort, edgy design, and great build quality. It was also the ideal tool for maximizing our rush through the eastern provinces, reiterating its status as not only one of the best machines Motorrad produces but also as one of my favorite sport touring bikes now on the market.
Best off road motorcycle: Yamaha WR250F
The differences between Yamaha’s motocross weapon that won the Grand Prix, the YZ250F, and the 2022 WR250F are becoming increasingly hazy, and that’s because of a number of changes that have improved the bike in both enduro and on the motocross course.
The most recent WR250F features an engine that has been improved from its motocross sister and is more potent and technologically advanced. A YZ250F-type cylinder head with a bigger intake port, a new exhaust camshaft, and enduro-specific ECU settings have been used to address the lack of mid-range and top-end performance while keeping the low-down torque of the 250cc single-cylinder four-stroke in the new motor.
That fits the WR 250F for 2022 fairly well. It excels in many areas, as you can see from the review, but it also offers excellent value. It costs between $900 and $1000 less than the closest rival bike. That matters a lot. It’s a good bike right out of the box, but for a little bit more money, it might be an amazing, customized machine of perfection.
Best Adventure Bike: KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R
KTM claims that the 1290 Super Adventure R is designed with unmatched capability and class-leading performance to handle the wildest, most difficult terrain. Its 1301 cc liquid-cooled V2 four-stroke engine produces 158 horsepower and 103 lb.-ft. of torque. a six-speed transmission, and 270 lb-ft of torque.
KTM made significant changes to the chassis while making only minor engine updates to the 1290 Super Adventure models for 2022. There is a redesigned dash and switch gear along with an upgraded user interface. The most sophisticated Super Adventure to date, this bike looks wonderful as long as you don’t look at directly in the face—a that’s face only KTM could love.
With the KTM 1290 Super Adventure R, you can easily visit the country and have a vehicle that will perform thrillingly when the road becomes winding or when there is no more pavement. There is also a fair possibility that you won’t reach the vehicle’s limit before you reach your own. Even though she continues to be a huge beast, we honestly wouldn’t want it any other way.
The brand-new Super Adventure R has completely redesigned WP XPLOR suspension, updated ergos, and a reduced center of gravity. The PDS rear shock features improved valving and long travel, while the fork has 220mm of travel and full adjustability. New adventure-focused Bridgestone tires are mounted on tubeless-capable Alpina aluminum spoked wheels. Instead of the one-piece radiator of its predecessor, it now has two distinct radiators. The amount of hot air blowing against the rider’s legs has been greatly decreased thanks to newly built air ducts. It has all the necessary electronic assistance features, as well as a novel six-axis lean-angle sensor that separates data on the precise pitch and position of the bike as well as its behavior.
Best Superbike: Yamaha YZF-R
The YZF-throbbing R1’s heart is the center of attention. The Crossplane Crankshaft engine from Yamaha is what performs all the magic. The inline-four engine is powered by borrowed, race-tested technology from the “Mission One” program.
Although fracture-split large ends on super-light titanium conrods provide improved fitting, there is no denying that the engine spools up more quickly in response to demand at the proper grip due to the lower reciprocating mass. Of course, before it reaches the engine, that demand passes via a number of electrical safety devices.
The 998 inline-four mill that powers the R1’s incredible 198 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque is standard equipment. The anti-wheelie, anti-skid, and stability control systems all have brand-new maps applied as a result of an update to the rider safety systems that help control this beast of an engine last year, which has been carried over to 2022.
Both the Wheel Lift Control and the new Quick Shift System enable seamless, push-button shifting up and down the range while increasing drive while keeping the front wheel on the ground. In order to assist you handle all that power, additional fanfare includes power modes, Launch Control, Traction Control, and Slide Control.
Best Heaviest Motorcycle: Honda GL1800 Gold Wing DCT
The Gold Wing, one of Honda’s most durable vehicles, has been essential to the company’s success, notably in the United States. The first Gold Wing, the 1975 GL1000, was the second-most potent production motorcycle at the time, just behind the Kawasaki Z-1, and was inspired by Honda’s “King of Kings” M1 prototype. The flat-Four engine configuration and liquid cooling of the GL1000 established a standard for silent, seamless performance.
Its 90 horsepower and 102.5 lb.-ft of torque are more than plenty to move its 804 pounds with that engine. without feeling lethargic, carrying a wet load up a challenging mountain road. Even with the panniers loaded to capacity for your day trip or weekend break, you’ll be astonished by how light and adaptable the bike feels. No, it’s not a little bike. There are also a number of touring models that come equipped with features like touring seats, a travel trunk, and airbags to give passengers comfort and peace of mind during longer trips.
With a few modest upgrades, Honda’s luxury touring flagship is back on the market with increased top trunk space, greater passenger comfort, Android Auto BT compatibility (in addition to Apple CarPlay), XM radio, and 55-watt speakers for the entertainment system. Even if the Gold Wing’s rivals may have outperformed it in some areas, the large Honda is still a crowd favorite and one of the brand’s top sellers in the US.
In 2021, a few minor changes were made, but they are unchanged this year. The most significant change is an increase in trunk space from 50 to 61 liters, which makes it easier to wear two full-face helmets and addresses a previous complaint from certain Gold Wing owners. The 2021 Gold Wing Tour DCT Review by Justin Dawes’ better half gives the passenger backrest angle full passenger approval and adds height and more cushioning for greater comfort. All Gold Wings now have an XM radio antenna as standard equipment, 55-watt entertainment speakers with improved automated volume control, and Android Auto compatibility (in addition to Apple CarPlay) for simple smartphone connection.
Best Lightweight Streetbike: KTM 390 Duke
KTM created a powerful 373 cc motorcycle with a displacement of just over 155 kg and a respectable 44 horsepower.
Excellent handling is provided by the upside-down front fork and the lightweight cast aluminum swing arm. The KTM 390 Duke is a powerful and lightweight motorcycle that is perfect for tackling country roads or city streets.
The KTM 390 DUKE is a great illustration of why so many people enjoy the rush of riding a motorcycle in a city. With its nimble performance, this cornering projectile from the Austrian manufacturer’s 2022 portfolio promises to maximize riding enjoyment while remaining cost-effective.
This European motorcycle is sleek, potent, and loaded with modern electronics. Whether fighting in the concrete jungle or leaving your mark in a forest of turns, it ensures the most exciting dynamic entertainment.
The 44 horsepower and 27.2 pound-feet of torque from the KTM 390 Duke are impressive. These numbers put it close to the top of the A2 envelope, which is ideal for aspiring young, fire-eyed pegdraggers.
Although test pilots report significant fade right before the end of a long track day, liquid cooling gives it considerable endurance. The fading might not be noticeable to the average rider because this is a much more difficult circumstance than you could possible encounter on public roads.
In stop-and-go traffic, the forced-cooling fan minimizes overheating. The small monster is fed with a 46 mm throttle body. It uses two over-head cams with durable carbon-coated followers, just like its Super Duke sister, to trigger the four poppets.
Best Dual Sport Bike: Kawasaki KLX250
The strong on- and off-road riding capability of KLX 250 motorcycles appeals to riders at all skill levels. With a 249cc engine and a superior ride for comfortably traveling through city streets or off-road routes, these dual-purpose motorcycles are equipped.
Although the engine is by no means a powerhouse, the bike works well with it. There’s no doubt that it could use more power on the road. Although overtaking can certainly make the old ass pucker on back roads, it actually works very nicely off-road. If you really rev it out, you won’t have any trouble keeping up with friends in the bush.
After a long line of dual-sport motorcycles, the most recent is the 2022 Kawasaki KLX250. The first version was introduced in 1979. The 249-cc liquid-cooled DOHC single that powers the KLX250 produces 24 crank horsepower and 15 lb-ft of crank torque while weighing only 304 pounds wet, making it a fun, throwable, and nimble Dual Sport.
The KLX250 comes equipped with a digitally regulated fuel injection system to comply with current emission laws. There is also a KLX250 variation known as the Camo Edition that swaps out the premium green Kawasaki Racing paint job with a gray camouflage pattern.
The frame is built of high-tensile steel with box-section members for the top portion of the perimeter frame and tubular members for the double-cradle. The bones are completed by an aluminum, D-section swingarm with a lightweight but sturdy construction designed to help reduce unsprung weight at the rear wheel.
One coil-over, gas-charged shock with a 16-position compression- and rebound-damping adjuster is mounted on the remote-mount reservoir of Kawi’s Uni-Trak system. The front stems with cartridge technology don’t have all the adjustability, but they do include a 16-position compression damping feature and offer a soft ride with 10 inches of travel up front and 9.1 inches out back.
The only component of the bike that is actually new this year is the fuel injection, which Kawasaki did a terrific job with. It gets going easily and rapidly warms up. The previous iteration took a long time to get out of bed. The KLX still experiences an occasional blip when you apply too much throttle, but that is to be expected because it is a small-bore four-stroke engine. The brakes are unexpectedly effective; they are much better than you would anticipate for a cheap bike. Although we haven’t yet conducted a side-by-side comparison with the Kawasaki’s major opponent, the Honda CRF250L, it appears the KLX’s strong features will be the brakes, clutch, and suspension.
Best Cruiser: 2022 Honda Rebel® 1100
Cruisers are designed with a relaxed riding position and come in a wide variety of designs and displacements. The majority of modern cruisers are based on vintage American motorcycles like Harley-Davidsons and Indians, appealing to the bad boys in all of us. The typical engine is a V-Twin, which is typically air-cooled but isn’t always the case. Typically, a cruiser rider is positioned with their feet forward and their hands neutral or upward. Because of this, cruisers are a common choice for casual riding. They may also be appropriate for long distance riding, depending on the model and its choices, giving rise to a subclass of touring cruisers.
Motorcycles in the cruiser class have several appealing features, including low seat heights, relaxing riding positions, and easy-to-ride torque from their twin-cylinder engines. However, most classic cruisers fall short when it comes to riding a little faster. not Honda’s revolutionary Rebel 1100 from 2022. Due to the Rebel 1100’s ability to ride like a cruiser in urban areas while also turning up the power and handling for plenty of fun in the canyons and on the highway.
With a little bit more power, features, and finesse than the Rebel 500, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a motorcycle that has all the appeal of the earlier model. With the introduction of the 2022 Honda Rebel 1100, Honda has been able to take the philosophy of the departing 2021 model and turn it into a supremely refined and reassuringly comfortable motorcycle. With this version, top-notch build quality and dependability also remain unaltered.
The 2022 Rebel 1100 is available at a base MSRP of $9,399 for the 6-speed manual gearbox and $9,999 for the one with a DCT automatic gearbox, making it affordable for all segments of the cruiser market. The motorbike stands out from the competition thanks to the torquey engine, the DCT’s quick and smooth changes, and the distinctive look. Given the intense competition from models like the Indian Scout and the Kawasaki Vulcan S, here are 10 aspects about the 2022 Honda Rebel 1100 that every motorcycle lover should be aware of.
The 1100 retains most of its current features for 2022, with the exception of a new color (Pearl Stallion Brown) and a $100 price increase. The 2021 model, however, didn’t really require a redesign; with 86 horsepower and 72 lb-ft of torque (at 7000 and 4250 rpm, respectively), this bike provides plenty of reachable power, even for experienced riders.
The 1100 also distinguishes out because it is the only Rebel model with a feature known as Automatic DCT, or dual-clutch gearbox, which allows you to ride the bike without changing gears. The DCT variant does include the option of paddle-shifting, but it’s not the same because there are two finger shifters positioned on the right handlebar. Therefore, for $600 more, all you really get is a bike that is far easier to ride and, in my humble view, nearly soulless.
Best Touring Bike: BMW K1600 Grand America
BMW modified the K 1600 engine to be compliant with Euro 5, and in the process discovered a little bit more torque and a little bit lower peak RPM for the 160 horsepower. In comparison to all competitors, the smooth inline 6 engine easily wins the power race.
The Grand America is the United States as perceived through a German lens. Although American measurements and scenery were taken into consideration during the design process, the styling and user interface are still the result of reason and ongoing self-improvement.
The base machines actually come with a lot of features, as evidenced by the new 10.25-Inch Color-TFT display with connectivity and integrated map navigation, Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment with automated load leveling), and 4 programmable favorite buttons. New LED adaptive headlamps are also included as standard equipment on both new bikes. These headlamps are an important safety element that adjusts to the bike’s lean angle and movement when accelerating or braking, thereby lighting up more of a curve.
With the K 1600 Grand America, every mile will be more intensely experienced. You can now ride more confidently than ever before, even at night, owing to the full LED headlamp with adaptive headlight and the included extra headlight. The light cone stays constant and smoothly adjusts when you lean into corners because of its swivel feature. What could be better than being able to see the horizon in the dark?
Their form was always secondary to a single, unchanging function: making the world’s rotation as simple as possible. The 2022 BMW K 1600 Grand America continues to be one of the most opulent vehicles to travel our country on two wheels until BMW inevitably updates the range.
Best Electric Motorcycle: Pursang E-Tracker
Electric motoring is advancing quickly and drawing a wide range of creative businesses. One of the companies leading the effort is Pursang, and their initial UK offering appears to have all the key components. Jeremy Webb seized the chance to drive their appealing Pursang E-Track from the south coast of England into the picturesque Surrey countryside.
The Pursang is the ideal electric motorcycle if you feel that what you truly need is a flat-track-inspired electric bike and the more modern style excesses of electric motorcycles are too much for you (and your budget won’t stretch to a Curtiss One!). The Pursang E-Tracker, a somewhat conventional-looking electric motorbike with a tubular chrome-moly tubed chassis and carbon-fiber bodywork, gets its name from an old Bultaco type. Although the range is said to be 87 miles, the lengthy six-hour recharge period disqualifies it from any kind of competitive riding, if that was ever the intention. It features a full-color TFT display that shows battery life as well as speed, range, riding mode, and engine power regeneration. Even better, you can connect to it using a smartphone and the Bosch mobile app.
In Spain, this motorcycle was designed and constructed from the ground up. It should be mentioned that a number of motorcycle components, including the screen bracket, the base box for wiring, the headlight bracket, and the engine isolation covers, were produced using 3D technology. The E-Track is a highly fashionable and adaptable motorcycle that is great for commuting but also great for day trips on pavement and (mild) offroad (always prepare your charging alternatives!). The E-Track requires little maintenance, like most electric motorcycles, and the updated model will replace the chain with an easy-to-use belt. What kind of “sound” this motorcycle will make intrigues me greatly.
Best Scooter for City: Piaggio 1
The Elettrica may have been priced as a premium scooter, but the Elettrica 1 is much more widely available. Even in 28mph moped form, the Elettrica 1 is still significantly more expensive than the entry-level models from Super Soco and Lexmoto. If you factor in the OLEV award, it is advertised at $2350, however those two are considerably below that amount, while the Niu UQi only barely avoids the $2000 mark.
The Active is almost as fast as a moped but isn’t exactly swift away from the lights. All of this is done in Sport mode, although Eco option, which reduces speed to 18 mph, seems a little meaningless if you persist. The reverse mode, which creeps the scooter out of a parking space while emitting a warning beep, is a little more practical.
There are two different Piaggio One models available. The Piaggio One Active has a 2Kw motor, whereas the base model has a 1.2Kw motor. The battery must be taken out of the scooter and carried to the location where it will be charged in order to complete the six-hour flat to full charge. If you can carry the battery, this makes charging simple. Additionally, it makes ownership much more accessible than with bikes that have a fixed battery and require a charger cable to be run to them.
It wasn’t in the least bit pretentious or fussy. It has earned the right to steal customers’ money from Oyster card holders, bikers, and frustrated drivers. Teenagers’ attention will be drawn to it if it succeeds in doing what Piaggio planned.
Best mini motorcycle: HONDA GROM
Since its release, the Grom has been Honda’s best-selling streetbike in the United States. More than 750,000 units have been sold globally. Additionally, Honda’s miniMOTO line-up has grown in recent years to now include the 125cc air-cooled Single-powered Monkey, Super Cub C125, and Trail 125.
For 2022, the Grom received a makeover that included a fresh exterior, an upgraded engine, a new transmission, a bigger fuel tank, and a thicker, flatter seat. The Grom was intended to be more adaptable, comfy, and, dare we say it, useful. Additionally, a tiny Honda is a bit speedier this year. Honda updated the engine to improve its fuel efficiency and ease of home maintenance. With a removable oil filter, it partially accomplishes this as opposed to earlier models where owners would only clean the oil spinner and screen.
The Grom’s powerplant is still a fuel-injected, 2-valve 125cc Single with an overhead cam, but it now has an undersquarer bore/stroke (50 x 63.1mm as opposed to 52.4 x 57.9mm before), a higher compression ratio (10:1, up from 9.3:1), and a larger airbox, all of which are intended to make the little engine that could be more torquey and fuel-efficient. Maintenance is made simpler by a removable oil filter, and the down pipe and muffler are now two pieces for simpler replacement.
It has been enhanced in the correct ways and offers more pleasure for less money than almost any other big production motorbike. Affordable pricing is still available, ergonomics have been improved, changes to the gearbox spacing and sprocket size have improved acceleration and fuel efficiency, and home customization is now simpler than ever. Honda has once more proven its capacity to identify and satisfy customer requests while maintaining the qualities that have made the Grom so beloved since its debut.
