This year has been a big one for the local motorcycle industry. Apart from the introduction of new models, sales are also up from the year prior, particularly for the top four brands. We know 2022 has the potential to be just as good for the industry as 2021 was, if not better.

You see, there were a bunch of eye-catching new bikes launched across the globe over the past 12 months. Here, we’ve handpicked 10 that we’d like to see in our market next year in no particular order. We know the chances of some of these making their way here might be slim, but who knows, right?

1) Honda ADV 350

Honda made a splash at Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) 2021 when it announced the ADV 350 as the newest member of its adventure-scooter roster. Considering how popular the ADV 150 has been among Filipinos, we reckon something like this could also work well in our market given the proper price. If Kymco and Yamaha have no problems selling their sub-400cc maxi-scooters, why can’t the formula work for Honda?

2) Honda Rebel 1100

The Honda Rebel 500 is a really good bike for riders looking for a budget- and beginner-friendly cruiser. However, the bike may seem a bit too small for some. For those people, Honda offers the new Rebel 1100—same styling and physique, but with an entirely new engine and a dual-clutch gearbox. It’s already made its ASEAN debut, so it could potentially arrive here in the Philippines in the future, too.

3) Kymco DTX 125

Kymco Philippines has already started downsizing with the recent launch of the KRV 180i DDS, and considering how well small scooters are selling here in our market, we think it wouldn’t hurt the Taiwanese brand to go even smaller. The DTX 125 could be a good addition to its lineup, seeing as it’s an even more beginner-friendly offering than the KRV. It’ll also provide customers with more entry-level options apart from the retro-styled Kymco Like models.

4) Honda U-Go

Small, functional, electric, and most important, affordable. What else can we ask from a scooter like the Honda U-GO? Sure, it won’t take you to places quickly—it tops out at 53kph—but we reckon it’ll make moving around congested urban areas like Metro Manila a lot easier.

5) Kawasaki Dominar 400

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The Kawasaki Dominar 400 is already a pretty good offering as is, which is why the updated model recently launched in India is something we think Kawasaki should consider bringing in. The small changes will prove useful, and we’re guessing that since the changes are minor, they won’t bump up the Dominar’s affordable P175,000 price tag by much.

6) Yamaha XSR900

We’re sure we speak for a lot of people when we say we wouldn’t change a thing with Yamaha’s XSR designs. That said, we wouldn’t mind if the updated XSR900—the one with a restyled front end, a reworked chassis, new side mirrors, etcetera—made its way to our market. The updates Yamaha have made here are subtle, but they’re tasteful and functional.

7) Yamaha Force 2.0

How does shaking up Yamaha Motor Philippines’ small-scooter lineup with a nameplate other than the Mio sound to you? If it were up to us, the Force 2.0 would probably one of the first models we’d bring in. It’s got a completely different look to it, and we’re sure riders familiar with Yamaha’s offerings won’t have complaints about its performance. See, this one’s got a punchy 155cc engine that features the Aerox’s Smart Motor Generator system.

8) Benelli Leoncino 125

Benelli brought in the Leoncino 250 earlier this year, but despite its relatively affordable price tag, it’s still in a bit of an awkward position in the lineup. Its smaller sibling—the Leoncino 125—would probably be a more sensible proposition. If priced correctly, this 125cc bike that supposedly does 45km/L could potentially be a contender in our market.

9) SYM Husky ADV

There are too many scooters in our market already, you say? Well, we say motorcycle brands should just keep bringing them in. The more options customers have, the better.  SYM’s new Husky ADV is one bike we’d like to see in our market, and it’ll be interesting to find out if it can really take the fight to Honda and Yamaha.

10) Aprilia SR GT

Okay, you guessed right—we’re ending our list with yet another small scooter. The SR GT’s extra interesting, though, because it deviates greatly from what Aprilia currently offers locally. Can you imagine the Italian motorcycle brand duking it out with Japanese competitors in the small-scooter segment? We can.