If you work a 9-5, there are few things sweeter than closing up shop on a Friday evening. It only gets better if you’re leaving town for some fun, and if you plan to ride, it’s pretty close to perfect. There are a lot of ways to do it though. A laid-back ride to some sleepy locale is always a good option. Getting together with some friends and carving some sparsely trafficked backroads is also great. Whichever way you go, there’s no question that having a bike just right for the excursion elevates things to a whole new level. So we’ve assembled five of the best motorcycles on the market in 2023 for different types of weekend getaways. Check them out below. Want more? Check out the Top 5 Motorcycles for Camping in 2023 and Best Motorcycles for Long-Distance Two-Up Riding 2022 articles.
2023 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory
If your plans include lots of tight turns and minimal luggage, the Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory will turn a fun weekend into an unforgettable one. The new 659cc twin-powered middleweight tips the scales at a claimed 399 pounds, produces 100 hp and 49 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with a fully adjustable suspension setup and a top-tier electronics package which includes a six-axis inertial platform, traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, quickshifter, engine-brake control, different engine maps, and cornering ABS. This all amounts to a bike that you will be able to rip through the turns with and that will provide an exhilarating rush of acceleration when required. You can spend hours testing different settings on your favorite stretches of road too because you won’t be totally hunched over the machine, thanks to its slightly more comfy ergos when compared to more sport-styled motorcycles.
2023 BMW K 1600 GTL
The BMW K 1600 GTL is a no-brainer if you want to roll in total comfort, with or without a passenger. The 1,649cc six-cylinder engine is up to any task, while the chassis with BMW Duolever and paralever design provides a buttery-smooth feeling on the road. The standard equipment is nothing to laugh at either, with a 10.25-inch TFT display panel with integrated map navigation, selectable ride modes, traction control, hill start control, dynamic suspension adjustment, heated grips, reverse assist, plenty of storage space along with a commendable audio package. This would be an ideal ride if you were taking your sweetie on a road trip to some swanky resort four or five hours distant to enjoy an indulgent weekend away.
2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 S
For a weekend filled with breathtaking views, a little light off-road exploration, and a combination of freeway and backroad asphalt, it’s hard to think of a better bike than the 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 S. The 1,160cc V-4 Granturismo is designed to surpass expectations in just about any riding scenario, its bodywork meticulously prepared to provide all-day comfort in the saddle, and innovative elements like front and rear radar that make the riding experience safer. Other systems include cornering ABS, traction control, and a quickshifter among a variety of ride modes and engine settings. Ultimately, this bike is for riders who dream of a weekend leaving the garage with some friends, carving up some mountain roads on the way to some well-appointed lodge adjacent to plenty of fire roads and natural vistas. Toss on some panniers and make it a four-day weekend… You only live once, right?
2023 Indian Sport Chief
The new Indian Sport Chief balances performance capacity with comfort, and will make a great mount for a laid-back weekend ride to some small town on the outskirts of nowhere. The 1,890cc Thunderstroke 116 V-twin packs plenty of punch while the relatively narrow build and KYB and Fox suspension make it possible to push the corners a little harder than other cruisers would find comfortable. It’s equipped with decent wind protection and can easily handle some panniers, so will accommodate whatever your travel needs may be.
2023 Kawasaki KLR650 S
Kawasaki recently gave its long-carbureted KLR650 fuel injection and optional ABS, and now there’s an S version that lowers suspension settings a bit to be more broadly appealing. Regardless of whether you choose the S or standard version, the KLR650 is the bike you want for a weekend out in the mountains. The large, 6.1-gallon fuel tank will keep you running for plenty of miles, and the stout chassis will easily haul in any of the gear you need to make the weekend in the woods just what the doctor ordered. You can explore just about anywhere and be confident you’ll get back home in one piece.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com