It’s not just the automotive industry that got extra busy this year—2023 was also pretty hectic for motorcycle brands. This was the year where everything from the first month to the last was in full swing across.
There were several new models introduced in our market this year, ranging from underbones and scooters to large-displacement adventure bikes and everything else in between. Here, we’ve compiled 10 of the biggest and arguably most important models to arrive in the Philippines in 2023.
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1) Husqvarna Norden 901
Husqvarna’s famed adventure motorcycle officially landed in the Philippines earlier this year at the Makina Moto Show. But it wasn’t just “brought in” to our market—this two-wheeler will actually be assembled locally in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
2) Peugeot XP400
Shortly after its global debut, the Peugeot XP400 was launched in the Philippines—also at the 2023 Makina Moto Show. It was the highlight of Motostrada’s booth during that weekend alongside the 800NK.
3) Honda Rebel 1100
Honda Philippines (HPI) didn’t miss out on all the action at the Makina Moto Show this year. Headlining its host of introductions was the Rebel 1100, the bigger version of its popular cruiser. This bike is the latest to get Honda’s DCT gearbox—the one in the Africa Twin and the X-ADV—so yes, it’s a pretty big deal.
4) Honda XL750 Transalp
The XL750 Transalp was the second of the trio of bikes HPI introduced at the Makina Moto Show. It made this list not because it’s a personal favorite (seriously, that’s not it), but because it bridges the gap between the CB500X and the CRF1100L Africa Twin. It also gives Honda a more worthy contender against the likes of the Yamaha Tenere 700 and the KTM 790 Adventure.
5) CFMoto 450NK
Of the two NK models launched in the Philippines this year, the CFMoto 450NK is easily the bigger one. It may be smaller in displacement, but its arrival here in our market also marked the model’s global debut. The whole world was watching when Motostrada unveiled the new and improved naked bike here.
6) Ducati Scrambler
One of the most rider-friendly and popular Ducatis to ever hit our market finally got an overhaul this year, and right in the last quarter of 2023, it landed on our shores. It brings along with it a host of improvements and competitive pricing to boot.
7) Vespa GTV
The most powerful Vespa yet, the GTV made its global debut way back in 2022. Nearly a year later, it finally made its way to the Philippines. It’s got a hefty price tag but with an equally hefty and punchy engine to go along with it.
8) Suzuki Smash Fi
Suzuki Philippines launched a number of new models in 2023, but nothing comes close to the new fuel-injected Smash. The underbone has grown quite the following, particularly among the working class who often look for two-wheelers that could easily and efficiently get them through the daily commute.
9) Kymco Dink R 150
For the first time, Kymco now has a legitimate answer to the likes of the Honda ADV 160 and the Yamaha NMax. The KRV 180i DDS is still slightly bigger and ever-so-slightly upmarket, so close, but not quite. The Dink, meanwhile, is right on target and poses itself as a strong contender.
10) BMW R1300 GS
If I’m not mistaken, BMW Motorrad Philippines was the last to launch a new bike this year, and boy, was it quite a bike—none other than the all-new R1300 GS. It is the latest iteration of what is easily one of the most popular big-bike nameplates in our market. Talk about ending the year with a bang, huh?
