Couldn't quite make it to the Milan motorcycle show? Don't worry we have a round up of the bikes from the show that we are really looking forward to seeing in the future!
1 - Ducati Panigale V4
Starting with the obvious here, this is a bike everyone and their dog is looking forward to. Probably as a result of the recent power race in the last few years, Ducati have decided to switch to a 4 cylinder engine. It is easier to get reliably higher power figures from 4 cylinder engines with less CCs. They were probably pushing the limits of how far they could push the current Superquadro engine, so the Panigale V4 was born. To start with there will be 3 models; the base will have launch control, up/down quickshifter, Showa forks and a Sachs shock. There will be an S model which adds electronic Öhlins suspension and forged aluminium wheels. The Speciale model adds a host of carbon fibre extras, a data logger and a full Akrapovic race exhaust.
2 - Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
Yamaha have updated the popular MT09 Tracer for this year and added a new higher spec model, the Tracer 900 GT. In my opinion this is the model to get. The GT model takes the base model's winning formula and adds a bit more. With the GT you get a full colour TFT dash, colour coded panniers, cruise control, heated grips and a quick shifter (up only) as standard. Although this isn't necessarily essential to have I believe it will add a bit of flare to the bike, and the cruise control and panniers will definitely be useful on longer journeys.
3- KTM 790 Duke
KTM have showcased their production model of the 790 Duke that will be released next year. Maybe it doesn't look quite as good as the prototype from last year, but I am in no doubt it will be fun to ride; KTM don't make boring bikes, full stop. The bike weighs in at 169kg dry and the newly developed parallel twin produces 105bhp and a rather punchy 86 Nm of torque. The 790 Duke also comes packed with advanced electronics; it has rider modes and traction control, but my favourite is the up/down quickshifter. The only slight let down for me I think is the lack of adjustability on the front forks and the lack of Brembo brakes. This omission has me questioning if KTM will later release an R model like they have with the 690.
4- Yamaha Niken
Probably one of the most controversial releases from the Milan show; it splits opinion - you either love it or hate it. Yamaha have basically released a 3 wheeler, it looks sort of like an MT 09 with 2 wheels at the front. Personally I think it's an interesting concept. The front wheels have 2 forks each, so 4 in total, and the wheels lean which allows the Niken a lean angle of up to 45 degrees. Although you would probably be able to get a higher lean angle on a sports bike, that is more than enough for the road. The 2 tyres at the front give more cornering grip and add extra stability. The power comes from the 847cc 3 cylinder MT 09 engine, so we already know this thing will be plain naughty to ride.
5 - Kawasaki H2 SX
Last, but by no means least - the Kawasaki H2 SX. This is a bike I have been looking forward to, a supercharged sports tourer just seems crazy. Kawasaki have taken their revolutionary H2 model and turned it into a touring machine. The supercharged 1000cc engine has been retuned for more usable daily power and fuel economy, however it still puts out 200ps. Other changes include the addition of cornering lights, cruise control, a pillion seat, a longer swing arm, mounting for panniers, slightly higher handlebars and a bigger windscreen. It basically has everything you would need for touring and more. What is the most surprising aspect though, is you get all this starting from £15099, which may seem a lot until you consider the bike it was derived from costs £25499. It makes the SX seem like rather good value for money.
If you think we have missed any stand out bikes from the show, or would like to express you opinions about our choices, let us know in the comments! We at BikeStop always love to hear from you.
