Milan show preview: PH2
Will the second major motorcycle show of the year throw up any surprises?
Check back at 8pm to see the bike unveiled online
The big news from Milan will surround the new Yamaha YZF-R1, the arrival of which has been confirmed by Yamaha. The actual event will be screened live on www.yamaha-we-r1.com on November 3 at 2000, so watch out for PH2's ugly mug appearing in the background! What can we expect? The general thinking is that there will be two models, a base version and an all-singing one, and that both will use an uprated version of the cross-plane inline four engine. The chassis will be all-new and it is likely the higher spec bike will feature semi-active suspension alongside traction control, launch control and all the usual electronic gubbins. There is talk of a dual-clutch gearbox as well as a single sided swingarm and connectivity between the bike and a smartphone, but so far this is just rumours. Whatever the outcome, it is certain to be pretty impressive, although it will need to be to top the updated BMW S1000RR...
Kawasaki
The H2R was the star of the Cologne bike show and its road-going brother the H2 is likely to be an equally big attraction at Milan. Kawasaki has confirmed it will make 200hp and will also feature a supercharger, but other than that little is known except the fact it will be restricted to 186mph by the 'gentleman's agreement'. Expect it to look very similar to the H2R but with compromises to reduce its price tag from the expected £50K of the R to nearer £25K. Both bikes will be at the NEC show, as well as a cutaway engine, and PH2 recommends you pop along as they are stunning in the flesh...
Ducati
Ducati has already released images of its DVT (did no one check this name?) variable valve system but the bigger news from Milan will be their updated sports bike. A rapidly deleted gurning Facebook image appeared to suggest the Panigale will be going up to 1,299cc for 2015, but was this just a bit of viral marketing? Like Yamaha, you can watch the event live from 1615 by clicking here.
BMW
Milan will see the unveiling of the S1000RX, a semi-adventure bike using the in-line four engine. If you like the idea of an adventure bike but can't stand the whole GS thing, this should be a brilliant machine and will be a big seller next year. Alongside the RX there should be a few R NineT variants as BMW capitalise on the air-cooled retro's success.
KTM
In a bit of a silly slip, KTM has already blow the secret of its 1050 Adventure by releasing a link to download a technical book on its website! Spy shots appear to suggest it uses the old LC8 motor and is most likely aimed at the more budget end of the adventure bike market. Interestingly, Husqvarna, who are owned by KTM, will also be releasing a few road bikes. Expect the usual range of supermoto and off-road enduros.
Triumph
Cologne was a bit slow for Triumph but thankfully things are speeding up for Milan. Triumph is set to release a few updated Tiger 800 models with new styling and accessories added to boost the range. Not exactly headline grabbing, but the Tiger 800 is a massive seller for Triumph and is a cracking bike to ride.
Honda
Once again, it seems all quiet on the Honda front for Milan. Cologne was a massive disappointment with a revamped Crossrunner and nothing else so surely it will have something in Milan. Please?
Suzuki
After a flurry of new models in Cologne, don't expect much from Suzuki in Milan. Come on, you have a naked GSX-R1000 for 2015, what more do you want?
But I think it's aimed at men who like women, but it has a stupid voiceover and then a naked man (yes I know who he is) in the video. I'm confused, surely they should have had a naked woman there not a man.
Terrible terrible video.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff