2011 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan

Starting from 10^th November 2011, will be the EICMA motorcycle fair, often called as the Milan Motorshow, which is known to be the biggest motorcycle fair in the world with bike-makers from all around the world presenting their latest offerings as well as concept designs. Along with the big firms also in attendance will be a host of accessory and secondary equipment manufacturers at the show. Highlight of the event remains to be the launches that take place every year at EICMA and this year even though the motorcycle space has seen a bit of damage due to the global economic slump, the excitement still remains on an all-time high with Ducati launching its new superbike, the Panigale 1199 as well as the unveiling of the new Husqvarna Nuda 900. Similarly, Triumph will also showcase its 1200cc Explorer adventure model.

This year’s EICMA will witness most motorcycle manufacturers venture into different motorcycle segments apart from the usual sporty 1,000cc race-replica machines. We present a quick look of what’s hot at this year’s EICMA as the European bike-makers gear up to challenge the might of the Japanese in 2012.

Aprilia Tuono

Aprilia SRV 850

Aprilia

The Italian bike-maker which has gathered rave reviews for its RSV4 superbike will possibly showcase its SRV850 maxi-scooter as well as a  Factory version of its streetfighter offering, the Tuono. Also in line will be the 2012 version of the RSV4 with upgrades and some changes.

BMW K 1300 S with HP Package

Giving further prestige to the already popular K 1300 S sports tourer, BMW Motorrad now has just introduced a special model with HP Package that will bear an exclusive Edition badge of brushed aluminium on the airbox cover.

The sportiest representation of the BMW K Series family now benefits from technical upgrades 175 hp strong K 1300 S are its HP gearshift  assistant, an Akrapovic sports silencer made of pure titanium, an electronic suspension adjustment  ESA II, automatic stability control ASC, tyre pressure control RDC, heated grips, and an onboard computer. 

With special carbon composites covering the front wheels, the airbox, clutch and seat, the special edition BMW K 1300 S with HP Package will offer a high level of comfort and light-footed handling with riding stability that is akin to this world famous sports touring machine.

A fully equipped special model of the BMW K 1300 S also comes with a paddock stand for better storage in your personal garage. The price of this limited edition model in Germany is €20,090.00 incl 19% VAT, and its launch is scheduled for January 2012. 

BMW R 1200 GS Rallye

Since the word go, the R 1200 GS model has been the absolute epitome of adventure biking and journeys to even the remotest places of our planet have been little hassle for this nibmle machine. 

All of its ruggedness and tractability now finds name is a special model R 1200 GS Rallye from BMW Motorrad.  Boasting body parts in solid Alpine white, graphics in the legendary BMW Motorrad Motorsports colours, and fork and engine in black lends the R 1200 GS Rallye its especially sporting, adventurous character. 

A particular eyecatcher is presented by the rear frame with Magma red paintwork. This 100 hp travel enduro with its cross spoke wheels, heated grips, hand protectors, an onboard computer, and the electronic suspension adjustment Enduro ESA will make for an extraordinary GS ideal for a very wide range of applications. The price in Germany is €14,950.00 incl 19% VAT, and the launch is scheduled for January 2012.  

Ducati

This year’s EICMA will certainly be red – Ducati Red. With the Bologna-based already teasing the media with a glimpse at their new SuperQuadro 1200cc engine via Facebook, everyone is eagerly waiting for the company to launch its new flagship superbike, the Panigale 1199. Said to be making 195 horses and weighing just 175kg, this new Ducati is an all-new motorcycle built by Ducati after a very very long time. Expected to be an ultra high-revving motorcycle, the Panigale 1199 will certainly play the show-stopper at 2011 EICMA. Joining the Panigale will be the gorgeous new Streetfighter in its 848 trim, bringing that madness to the Ducati exhibit.

Honda Crosstourer

Honda Integra 700 Motorcycle/Scooter hybrid

Honda

The Japanese major will showcase a slew of new ground-breaking technologies and models that will make a lot of people in the industry sit up and take notice. The biggest draw will be the Crosstourer motorcycle based on the new platform and expected to rival the ever successful BMW 1200 GS. The other significant showcase from Honda will be its newly developed highly-efficient 700cc engine that will make its debut inside the Integra – a fine mix of scooter geometry/ergonomics inside a motorcycle frame. Also on display will be the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade with the electronic upgrades and redesigned styling.

Husqvarna

Another European bike-maker to join the onslaught in the international motorcycle space will be Husqvarna with its Nuda 900/900R streetbike powered by a parallel twin engine. One of the most eagerly awaited motorcycles of this year, the Nuda 900R, although shown before, will be a big draw at the show.

Hyosung

Hyosung will be showcasing its 2012 range of models with updated styling and minor tweaks to its 250cc and 650cc sport models as well as its cruiser range of motorcycles.

Kawasaki

Another Japanese bike-maker to be grabbing eyeballs at this year’s EICMA will be Kawaskai with its 2012 updated range including the fastest accelerating production motorcycle in the world, the Kawasaki ZX14R as well as the smart-looking new ER-twins as well as upgrades to most of its offerings.

KTM

The tangerine-coloured exhibit of KTM will, like every year, will be flocked by riders of all age and sizes to take a look at KTM’s newest model, the Freeride 350. A ground-breaking new motorcycle that brings off-road performance to many more riders –weighing just 99kg and churning out about 24PS of power from its 350cc single cylinder powerplant, the Freeride 350 is an entry-level off-road enduro machine meant for beginners to get a hang of dirt-riding. Apart from the Freeride 350, highlight will also remain on the 2012 KTM 690 Duke as well as the baby Duke 125 in its sporty trims. The 2012 690 Duke boasts to be the most powerful single in its class with an estimated power output of about 70PS. It also gets some impressive new tit-bits like a side-mounted exhaust instead of the previous model’s underslung unit, ABS as well as ride-by-wire throttle for precise control. Also on display will be the Duke 125 as well as possibly the Duke 200 as well.

Suzuki

Suzuki will be showing its new updated versions of the V-Strom as well as the new 2012 GSX-R1000, which is lighter, nimbler and faster than the previous model.

Triumph

Highlight at Triumph’s stall will be its BMW 1200GS rival, the new Triumph Explorer adventure motorcycle. The adventure segment has seen a lot of exciting new launches recently and it is a highly emerging market.

Yamaha

Already unveiled to the world, the new Yamaha YZF-R1 with traction control and improved tit-bits will be the main attraction at Yamaha pavilion. Hugely promoted by its MotoGP rider Ben Spies, the new YZF-R1 is even more rider friendly than its predecessor and promises to bring much more fun and speed to its owners. Also on cards is the unveiling of the new Yamaha TMax maxi-scooter that enjoys a strong cult following around the world.