As is the case every year, the EICMA motorcycle show is the biggest platform for manufacturers to showcase their new and upcoming two-wheelers. The 2019 edition at Rho Fiera, Milan, from November 5 to 10, saw some of the biggest names unveil some exciting motorcycles and intriguing concepts. While you would probably need more than two hands to count all the unveils on your fingertips, we have rounded up the bikes that shone brightest under the EICMA 2019 motorcycle show’s floor lights.
KTM 390 Adventure
Of course, we begin with the motorcycle that seemingly everyone has been waiting for. The KTM 390 Adventure finally made its world premiere at EICMA 2019, and by the looks of it, promises to offer everything an entry-level ADV buyer would be looking for. The 390 Adventure is essentially a more off-road-oriented version of the 390 Duke and uses the same 373.2cc single-cylinder engine, making 44hp and 37Nm, while also packing in a switchable traction control system and adjustable suspension. Expect the KTM 390 Adventure’s price to be around the Rs 3 lakh mark when it’s launched at India Bike Week in December 2019.
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Hero Xtreme 1.R concept
The Hero Xtreme 1.R concept previews the design direction that future Xtreme series bikes will head into. The Xtreme 1.R is refreshingly different from Hero’s present-day offerings. With its distinctive (and highly detailed) LED headlight, floating seat, covered rear wheel and a super-aggressive tail section, the Xtreme 1.R is a concept that compels you take a closer look at it. And while not all of those elements will make it to a production bike, the 1.R does preview a new, sportier Xtreme that’s set to be launched towards the end of 2020.
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Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade
The all-new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade promises to be a real weapon. Not only does it look different, with new LED lights flanking the central air duct, it also brings winglets to the table, which are said to add the same amount of downforce as those on Honda’s RC213V MotoGP race bike. Not that the outgoing ‘Blade was slow by any means, but the new-gen Fireblade is set to take things to the next level, with its all-new, 999.9cc, in-line four-cylinder engine making a seriously impressive 214hp at 14,500rpm and 113Nm of torque at 12,500rpm. Expect it to be launched in India sometime in 2020.
Harley-Davidson Pan America
Times are changing at Harley-Davidson. The maker of burly, chrome-heavy cruisers has already forayed into the world of EVs with the LiveWire, and at EICMA 2019, the bike maker showcased its first adventure-tourer – the aptly-named Pan America. Powering the full-size ADV is a 1,250cc, liquid-cooled ‘Revolution Max’ V-twin developing in excess of 145hp – which is a serious amount of power and significantly higher than the BMW R 1250 GS that it’ll rival. The brakes have been developed in conjunction with Brembo, while the tyres for the Pan America have been co-developed by Michelin. Expect the Pan America to go on sale internationally by the end of 2020.
Benelli Leoncino 800
Benelli unveiled the biggest offering in its Leoncino line-up – the Leoncino 800. Visually, the Leoncino stays true to the design language of the smaller bikes – it follows a minimalist, retro theme, with sharp, sculpted lines. Powering the Leoncino 800 is a 754cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine that puts out 81.6hp and 67Nm of torque. If it chooses to launch the Leoncino 800 in India, Benelli could well take the fight to the Ducati Scrambler at a much lower price.
Suzuki V-Strom 1050
Garnering maximum attention at the Suzuki stand at EICMA 2019 were the all-new V-Strom 1050 and V-Strom 1050 XT. The V-Strom 1050 replaces the ageing V-Strom 1000 as Suzuki’s flagship adventure motorcycle, bringing styling inspired by Suzuki ADVs from the past. Nestled within its twin-spar aluminium frame is a BS6-compliant, 1,037cc, liquid-cooled engine that produces 107hp and 100Nm of torque. Suzuki has also equipped the V-Strom with a new IMU-assisted electronic suite called the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS). Expect the Suzuki V-Strom 1050’s India launch to take place sometime in 2020.
Updated Kawasaki Z900
For 2020, the Kawasaki Z900 has only received an update, but it’s a more significant one than you’d expect. Not only does it look sharper and angrier than before – thanks to the new LED headlamp with the Kawasaki H2-inspired LED ‘fangs’ – but also gets electronic rider aids, which it dearly missed, up until now. The 2020 Z900 packs in the three-level Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) system and two power modes – Low and Full. Additionally, it also gets four ride modes – Sport, Road, Rain and Rider. The addition of the electronic rider aids is key, as the Z900's competitors already feature them. Expected to go on sale in India next year, the updated Kawasaki Z900’s price will go up by a fair bit on account of the additions.