Top 10 Bikes of EICMA 2018
The International Exhibition of Cycle, Motorcycle and Accessories (catchy eh? better to call it EICMA) is upon us once again, and manufacturers left, right and centre are revealing their shiny new creations to the public for the first time. This is a round up of 10 of my favourite bikes that I've seen come out of EICMA so far.
First up, it's a bike that I think middleweight fans have been asking for for a long time, the Aprilia RS660. I personally love the 600-700cc segment, you get the punch of a big bike, but without the bulk and weight. What is generally lacking are bikes of this size (excluding supersports, which are a dying breed) that have decent components. A modest power output with bling parts is something I find very attractive for a usable road bike. There doesn't seem to be any word on power or torque figures, but a figure around 80-90bhp for a sporty 660cc parallel twin is probably about as high as it'll be.
Second up it's the Indian FTR1200, a bit of bruiser compared to the previous bike. I'm already a big fan of the Scout for its modern cruiser looks and features (no Harley anachronisms there), and the FTR1200 looks to come closer to a scrambler style bike, which is very much in vogue, but it looks to have much more of a road focus which looks like it could be great fun
Carrying on with the scramblers, Triumph have finally got around to releasing a bike into this burgeoning area, and it does look pretty decent, and is set to rival the big Ducati Scrambler and the FTR1200 above. It looks a bit more mature, but no doubt being a Triumph it'll sound and go brilliantly.
Up next is the new BMW S1000RR, which has been given an overhaul as per usual, however its look is the biggest departure from the original yet. 207bhp with a 197kg weight are incremental improvements, however variable valve timing will improve grunt and top-end on top of other adjustments and improvements. Maybe the crown the R1 is currently holding will be toppled?
The long rumoured new small Yamaha Tenere has finally broken cover, and with the MT-07's powerplant as expected. Large adventure bikes are where the money is, however for actually offroading and adventuring a bike this size is a much more realistic proposition, both in terms of rider ability and wallet size! More than likely it'll be a giggle on the road and a serious contender off of it.
Royal Enfield aren't exactly known for anything modern, but this, the Concept KX shows off that that may be about to change. Powered by an 838cc V-twin, and with some very unconventional front suspension this could bring them into the 21st century and then some. Chances are it'll be toned down when it makes production, but if it looks anything like this it could be a serious rival to the Triumph Bobber.
Looking like something from the modern day crossed with steampunk, the new Superveloce from MV Agusta is spectacular looking. Based upon their normal 800 triple, the bodywork alone is enough of an upgrade, and the 3 separate exhausts (2 right, 1 left) are certainly going to grab attention.
Ducati's new Panigale R is the next evolution of their V4 partypiece, and with its MotoGP-esque front aero attachments, and trick exposed metal fuel tank, it is probably going to cost the earth while sounding and looking magnificent while canted over at a silly angle around a corner. Bucking all trends, it's actually received a capacity drop to 998cc to follow SBK regulation, but will still put out 234 (!!!) horsepower with the optional Akrapovic.
Electric motorcycle progress continues, and this latest concept from Kymco, the SuperNEX looks very tasty if it lives up to its concept. 155mph top speed, a six speed transmission (minus clutch sadly) and a bit of noise generation means this could be a seriously quick and unique sounding bike. If the range isn't terrible it could be easy to live with too.
A final MV Agusta, in this case the Brutale Serie Oro, all that needs to be said is that it's restricted to 186mph (300km/h). Truly a superbike without a fairing, you'll need those clip ons to hunker down against the tremendous windblast! Gorgeous stubby high-rise exhausts make this a true super naked to gawp at.
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