We're getting to the tail end of 2019 now, and with EICMA and other bikes shows wrapped up it's time to see what bikes there are to watch next year, or ones to simply pine over as a pipe dream!
First up, my favourite of EICMA 2019 and looking to set a new benchmark for middleweight sportbikes that a normal rider might actually want and be able to ride; the Aprilia RS660. A 660cc parallel twin derived from the 1100cc V4 in the RSV4 pushing out 100bhp might not set diehard stats fans’ hearts aflame, but when it only weighs 169kg it’ll certainly shift. That low weight, combined with near supersport chassis specification, will make a bike that handles, but won’t need 100mph speeds to feel like it’s just opening its stride. Middleweights have had a habit of either being fully fledged angry supersports, or sheep in wolves’ clothing, so this could be a bike for the rider who wants the handling, but not the licence-losing performance of a supersport.
Another bike coming out of Italy that really gets my juices flowing is the Ducati Streetfighter V4; Ducati’s answer to the supernaked sector. Essentially a stripped back Panigale V4, it’s set to be an absolute weapon. With 208bhp propelling its 180kg dry weight, along with the mega electronics package from the Panigale V4, and the rest of its superbike spec, you can be sure this will perform and be relatively usable. It also has looks that might divide opinion, and while I might prefer the looks of the old Streetfighter 848 (a longstanding favourite of mine) it has a muscular look that looks like a proper stripped back streetfighter motorcycle.
In a similar vein to the Aprilia RS660, the Ducati Panigale V2 looks to come in just under the litre-bike bruisers. With a 955cc v-twin it’s not got the mad power of the latest 200bhp+ superbikes, but with trademark Ducati agility and tractable engine it’ll be a superbike for the road and no slouch on the track either. Advances in their electronics package mean that traction control intervention is slicker than ever. 155bhp is still plenty to get you in trouble, but it should be a much easier to keep your license than the bigger bikes. Most of all, it just looks gorgeous with its understated (and typically fairly loud) underslung exhaust and sleek fairing.
Leaving Italy (regrettably) we turn to Japan, where Kawasaki have elected to bring their own answer to the supernaked by transposing their tech from the supercharged H2 into a naked – the Z H2. Brembo monoblocs, IMU and Showa suspension will be keep it on the straight and narrow (maybe), but the star of the show is that engine; punting out a fairly ‘ordinary’ 197bhp it may seem fairly normal, however the supercharger makes itself known in the torque figures. A Yamaha R1, for example, pushes out 112Nm at 11500RPM, however the Z H2 pushes out 25Nm more a full 3000RPM earlier (137Nm/8500RPM). Serious figures, and will translate to wheelies in any gear, especially now that aero fairing is missing!
Finally, the Yamaha Tenere 700, a long-awaited model that’ll please adventure fans everywhere – especially those who actually go offroad! The old single cylinder Tenere was valued for its simplicity and lightness, although its on-road credentials were a little lacking due its ancient engine. Not so with the new 700; using the MT-07’s superb parallel twin it’ll have tractable power that’ll make sense on and off the road. 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a front fork with 8.3 inches of travel and switchable ABS add up to a bike that should make an awful lot of sense for those who want a true dual-purpose machine that doesn’t weigh a tonne (or cost a tonne!).
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date on the latest gear, and events happening at Bike Stop throughout the year. Drop by to have a chat about riding in the local area, or anywhere else, have a delicious coffee and a cake, or check out our range of the latest gear.
