EICMA is arguably the world’s most important motorcycle show. Based in Milan, Italy, the show is a cornucopia of everything motorcycle, from small accessory companies looking to have someone pick up on their latest product, the big time motorcycle manufacturers unveiling its latest and greatest machine.
The event is a ringing bell to Pavlovian moto journalists, who dart across its many halls from one press conference to the next, eager to be amoung the first hacks to get a photo of the new and the glorious. In preparation for this momentous event, here’s what has been rumoured and/or invented over the last year and what could be unveiled in four weeks time.
Aprilia is hard to predict. They’ve established a pattern of bringing something new, sporty and high-powered to market at EICMA consistently over the past few years; last year, the Tuono and their sportbike line both got significant upgrades. Maybe the Shiver or the Dorsoduro will see revisions for 2016?
We wouldn’t be shocked to see a new, high-performance variant of the S1000RR hit the market. And we’re pretty sure we’re going to see a production version of the R Nine T Scrambler as well, and maybe a smaller scooter.
But, if all the rumours of the last couple years were correct, the biggest news from BMW this fall will be their new entry-level machines, in the 300 cc range. Built in conjunction with Indian manufacturer TVS, these bikes were supposed to debut in the fall of 2015. We’d expect to see them at EICMA, if not sooner.
Ducati should be pretty busy at EICMA. They’re planning to unveil nine new models this fall; some of them we’ve seen already (Monster 1200 R). However, there’s more to come, including some explorations into new market segments, or so they claim. So what else is coming? Their CEO has shot down any talk of an inline-four superbike but there has been chatter on a 400 cc Scrambler and even a foray back into cruiser and possibly a maxi scooter.
The Motor Company usually reveals their new models mid-summer at Sturgis, or mid-winter before Daytona Bike Week. Don’t expect anything new at EICMA.
Last year, Honda showed the prototypes for the RC213V-S and True Adventure, which was later revealed to be the Africa Twin. The finished Africa Twin will likely be one of Big Red’s most prominent machines at this year’s event.
Aside from that, we haven’t heard hints yet of any new production or prototype machines to watch for. Honda’s sportbike lineup could use some upgrades, particularly the CBR1000RR and it’s already announced the updated CBR500R. For a while now, there’s also been talk that of Honda’s adventure bike built around their CRF250L. Let’s hope EICMA will show all.
We will probably see the Svartpilen or Vitpilen concepts in their production form; aside from that, there’s been no rumours of anything new and shocking.
Like Harley-Davidson, Indian tends to reveal new models around major American motorcycle rallies; they’ll probably have some cool custom projects on display at EICMA, but no concepts or all-new models.
Last year, the H2R was the bike everyone talked about, although Kawasaki also delivered entry-level nakeds based on their budget 250 single and 300 twin.
This year? Rumour has it Team Green is working a supercharged mid-sized motorcycle, with an engine in the 650-750 cc range. It’d be cheaper than the H2R, although capable of less mind-blowing power.
KTM is unlikely to push their big-bore adventure bike line any further, but a mid-range machine would be more likely. Also, we might get a peek at a new track-only superbike.
The V7 lineup was upgraded last year, and the California 1400 platform is still fairly new. If anything will be upgraded, we’d bet on the Stelvio.
MV Agusta has pushed their three-cylinder platform pretty far, although according to some rumours, we should expect to see a redesign of the Brutale 800 and there’s even a suggestion of a new Adventure model – and a real one at that.
What we do know for sure is that there will be a new four-cylinder 1000 cc platform appearing this year. Expect three new models; a superbike, a naked and a street adventure, similar to the 800 Tourismo.
MV usually leak their new machines the weekend before EICMA, so keep an eye open starting the Friday or Saturday before the show starts.
The Himalayan adventure bike is supposed to hit the market this fall. If that’s the case, it should be on display at EICMA. The motor used in the Himalayan will likely power other machines too; we’ve seen a lot of spy shots of the adventure bike, but nothing showing the other new bikes. Maybe we’ll see them, maybe we won’t.
If anyone’s riding the wave of Bold New Graphics, it’s Suzuki; most of their lineup has been basically unchanged for years, except their V-Stroms. However, the expectation is that they’ll announce their turbocharged Recursion concept bike as a reality you can purchase in showrooms.
The last time Suzuki brought out a turbo bike, it was a clear loser in the Turbo War of the 1980s. However, they’ve been tinkering with this concept for a while now, and so far, the only company that’s rumoured to be working on a mid-sized competitor is Kawasaki.
Aside from the Recursion, there’s also gossip Suzuki may finally bring the Stratosphere six-cylinder concept to market, melding a CBX-style motor with Katana styling. Alas, we’ve been waiting for this since 2007 (it was supposed to be produced in 2009), and wouldn’t bet on it showing up in dealerships anytime soon.
The big news for Triumph is going to be their water-cooled parallel twin, inserted into the Bonneville. What’s going to happen to variants of the Bonnie is unclear; will air-cooled Thruxtons and Scramblers remain on market, or will they vanish from the lineup to re-appear sporting radiators?
The British company is unlikely to upgrade their 800 cc adventure bikes, after revising them last year, although we might see changes to the 1200 machines. The middleweight Street Triple got an update last year, but not the Speed Triple. A new Speed Triple was spotted testing earlier this year, which would match Hinkley’s usual method of updating bikes every couple of years.
Any changes to the cruiser lineup besides Bold New Graphics seem unlikely.
Victory is likely going to make a big deal about their Empulse TT electric bike at EICMA, and we’re guessing the Project156 concept bike will appear as well. But, we’d expect any new models to appear closer to Daytona Bike Week.
Zero consistently provides updated motorcycles every year, with just a little more range and usability and this year is no different. Expect to see the new bikes at EICMA but unlikely for more new announcements.
“The last time Suzuki brought out a turbo bike, it was a clear loser in the Turbo War of the 1980s.”
There was no “loser” except all of them, if you’re talking financially and number of sales. I rode them all, and as far as I’m concerned the XN85 was the best of the lot as far as engine response and handling went.