WHAT MAKES A BRAND NEW motorcycle a worthy investment? If you’re buying off the showroom floor, you’re definitely playing the long game, as most will depreciate significantly the second you sign the dotted line. Beyond that, the future is uncertain, and few know what the manufacturers will build in coming years or what trends will age better than others.
If you’re investing in 2023, one approach is to analyze what bikes are rare and significant now, and predict whether they’ll beat the appreciation of your average machine. Without a crystal ball to account for these things, we’ll rank the following motorcycles according to the advice of another wise sphere—the Magic 8 Ball—fitting right?
BMW R NineT 100 Years Anniversary edition bikes come out all the time, but when a storied marque like BMW celebrates a centennial, I wouldn’t sleep on it. In honor of the occasion, BMW Motorrad added two limited-edition 100 Years models to the Heritage lineup, the R 18 and R NineT. Limited to 1,923 units, and a brilliant representation of riding in 2023, I’d take the R NineT.
Ducati Panigale V4 R Why would someone pay $20 million for a 1995 McLaren F1? For one, because it’s awesome, but also because it’s a halo car from a golden era before electronics and boost completely ruled the roost. There are plenty of super bikes out there that fit this logic, but I’m thinking the F1’s current two-wheeled counterpart is the Ducati Panigale V4 R.
In Ducati’s words, the Panigale V4 R is “the closest production model to a competition bike ever,” and they’ve got a compelling case. At the crank, the 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine produces 240.5 hp and turns 16,500 rpm in sixth gear—when equipped with the track exhaust setup and special Ducati/Shell Course oil naturally.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King 1968 called, and they want their FLH back. How about the opposite? With the charming aesthetic of Harley’s classic deluxe touring models, the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King is a time machine with modern Milwaukee-Eight performance.
Starting in 2021, Harley has been unveiling limited-edition throwback models as part of their Icons Collection, and the 2023 Highway King is a total knockout. The model builds on the current single-spar touring chassis and Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, with two ’60s-era color schemes of Hi-Fi Orange and Hi-Fi Magenta.
Norton V4SV Norton, there’s an interesting choice given recent history involving pension fund schemes, financial issues and the problematic V4SS. Recently acquired by TVS Motor, the new Norton is set to right the wrongs of recent years, and restore the brand’s status as a premium British marque. For this, the new V4SV makes a compelling argument.
The flagship of the new Norton, the V4SV looks a lot like the old V4SS, and shares much of its dimensions and specifications as well. But after thoroughly analyzing the bike and compiling a list of over 30 design faults, it was clear new Norton would have to go back to square one.
MV Agusta Rush 1000 Talk about a hyper naked! The stout and stocky aesthetic of the MV Agusta Rush is probably a love it or hate it sort of thing, but considering you’ve got 208 hp on tap and a top end of over 187 mph, the MV is much more than just a funky look.
MV Agusta debuted the Rush back in 2021 as a hot, 300-unit limited edition based on the 1,000 cc Brutale 1000 RR. Boasting 13.4:1 compression, DLC-coated cam followers, four 50 mm Mikuni throttle bodies and radial valve distribution, the Rush’s inline four is rated at 208 hp at 13,000 RPM and 86 lb-ft at 11,000 RPM. Unsatisfied? Check the box for the race kit and output is up to 212 hp at 13,500 RPM.
Me, i'm less convinced... If i were throwing my money in the pot i'd be thinking more
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234925376510 ... R866k9eSYg
