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12 new bikes for SA in 2018

South Africa - It is time again to take a look at what new bike models we can expect to see this year, and as always, the bike manufacturers have an array of mouth-watering models waiting to be introduced.

READ: Best bikes of 2017: Top 7 favourites

Let’s take a quick look at some of the new bikes that will enter the market in 2018.

BMW K1600B Grand America:

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The K1600 Bagger with a top box and footboards to make it even more couch-like. It seems BMW is hell-bent on building a luxury car on two wheels.

BMW C400:

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A maxi scooter with a 400cc single cylinder engine. South Africans don’t share the Europeans’ love affair with big scooters, so we might not see it on our shores (which, in my opinion, would be a pity).

Ducati V4 Panigale:

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With a MotoGP Desmosedici-derived 1 103 cm³ V4 engine that produces 214 bhp and 124 Nm of torque in a 175 kg frame, this promises to be as much Ducati as any sane person would want to have. 

Ducati Scrambler:

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The Scrambler grows up with a 1 100 cm³ Desmodue 2-valve engine. In addition to 86 bhp and 88 Nm, you also get cornering ABS, traction control and an LCD instrument panel. 

Ducati Multistrada 1260:

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The ‘Strada inherits the XDiavel’s mill which brings it up to 1 260 cm³, as well as suspension and electronics upgrades.

Honda CB1000R:

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The naked version of the new Fireblade has changed very little from the Neo Sport Cafe concept debuted late last year, which makes it a real looker if you like retro bikes.

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport:


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Slightly heavier than its predecessor, the new version is even more off-road oriented. It sports an increased tank capacity, greater ground clearance, longer-travel suspension and revised plastics. 

Kawasaki Z900RS Café:

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Yet another iteration of the obligatory café racer theme, this time from Team Green. Based on the naked Z900 we tested last year, it should be a hoot to ride.

Kawasaki ZX-10R SE:

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Kawa’s demon-in-a-tux now has semi-active suspension and a two-way quick shifter among a host of tech features. The race for electronic supremacy continues.

Kawasaki H2 SX:

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The manic supercharged 200bhp monster becomes a little more practical with a pillion seat, TFT dash, adaptive cornering lights and a two-way quick shifter. Strictly for advanced students.

KTM 790 Duke:

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The newest Duke is built around an all-new and ultra-compact LC8c parallel-twin engine, which KTM claims produces 103 hp at 9,000 rpm. With a dry weight of 169 kg, KTM’s claim that this new bike is “the ultimate street weapon” doesn’t seem all that unrealistic.

Suzuki SV 650 X:

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Yet another café racer, mechanically identical to the naked SV with the only difference being preload adjusters for the front fork (which apparently the standard SV650 will get as well).

So there you have it –we can look forward to an exciting batch of new models to be launched in 2018. Hold on to your helmets, because it looks like a fun year ahead!

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