RE: EIMCA Milan bike show 2014
Wednesday 5th November 2014
Despite the hype surrounding the new R1 the EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show didn't promise that much. Sure there was going to be the Yamaha and the road going Kawasaki H2, but would anything really blow our socks off? How about a proper road legal MotoGP rep with lights...
Honda
It's hard to pick a manufacturer to lead PH2's Milan review, but we will go with Honda simply because of what it unveiled. The RC213V-S is a proper, no punches pulled MotoGP rep for the road. Although in typical Honda fashion it hasn't said 100 per cent it will be built the fact of the matter is it will. And production will start next year. However there are a few catches...
The bike to rival supercars, on price and paceThe RC213V-S is a customer spec RC213V without pneumatic valves and the seamless gearbox, built by HRC and as such is likely to have a catastrophic price tag of around £250,000. Yes, that's right, £250,000. Wow! Well it certainly is a headline grabber, PH2 has a bit of an inside line, so more on this bike a little later...
Yamaha
In a live online streaming extravaganza, Yamaha (well, Rossi) pulled the covers off the new YZF-R1. This is the most advanced R1 to date and for the first time puts a Japanese litre bike on a par with the BMW S1000RRR in terms of technology. As well as a brand new cross-plane engine with a bigger bore, shorter stroke and 200hp, the R1 now has rockers instead of a bucket and shim valve system to give it more power and allow it to handle higher revs. The chassis is also pretty special and boasts a magnesium subframe and wheels as well as a sharper geometry and a cool new look. However, it is the electronics that really make you stand up and take notice. The R1 has a six-axis gyroscope system that links with ABS, anti-wheelie, traction control and launch control to give an unprecedented level of electronic assistance. There is also a quickshifter included as standard for the expected £15,500 price tag. And it gets better.
R1M: more carbon, more tech, more moneyThe £20,000 YZF-R1M is an SP version of the bike and adds not only a carbon fairing, but also Ohlins semi-active suspension that links with a GPS beacon and a smart phone to allow you to alter the bike's electronics via an app. So you can get the suspension to adjust to a specific corner on a race track via your phone...
Kawasaki
In some ways, Honda and Yamaha's announcements took the shine off the release of Kawasaki's H2 road bike, but PH2 still loves it! The H2 road bike is a proper bit of kit and is a road legal, supercharged in-line four with incredible engineering. Essentially identical in specification to the H2R bar a very few engine mods and a plastic instead of carbon fairing, the H2 boasts 199hp and a torque curve that, despite a seemingly modest peak of 98lb ft, is actually only half the story.
Stand girl tries to look interested by Ninja 250SL...According to those who have ridden it, the torque is simply mind-blowing as it pulls like an animal from just about everywhere in the rev range and when you look at the dyno chart of a ZX-10R against the H2 the supercharged bike makes the ZX-10R look asthmatic. This is a bike that needs to be ridden to be understood...
Ducati
The big news on the Ducati front was the release of the new Panigale 1299. We all knew it was coming, but far more than just a big bore (now a massive 116mm) the Panigale features an updated look, 205hp and 104lb ft of torque, which is 10 per cent up on the 1199. Ducati has always been at the forefront of electronic assists and as well as all the usual stuff, the Panigale 1299 now also comes with Ohlins semi-active suspension that responds to inputs from the gyroscopes and also angle sensitive ABS. While the 1299 obviously won't be eligible for superbike racing, the new 1199R will be and, despite a lower capacity, it boasts 205hp from a 'superbike tuned' engine with titanium conrods, two-ring pistons and a titanium exhaust. At 172kg, this is a serious bit of kit!
Triumph
Triumph has completely updated its Tiger 800 for 2015 with the addition of ride-by-wire to both the more off-road biased XC and road-biased XR. As well as a 19-litre tank, both bikes get more adjustability and a fresh new look. Each model will be available in 'x' versions, which add three riding modes, cruise control and four throttle maps. With their tank ranges now boosted to a claimed 272 miles thanks to improved economy, the new Tigers should sell well. Triumph also showed special editions of the Rocket III and Thunderbird.
Aprilia
As if the old 1,000cc V4 Tuono wasn't quite mad enough, Aprilia has now upped its capacity to 1,100cc for 2015. Just what we always wanted, a 175hp naked bike! Alongside the Tuono, Aprilia also showed an updated RSV4 RR with improved electronics, tweaked chassis and a new fairing design. As an optional extra, both the Tuono and RSV4 can be linked to a smart phone to allow riders to alter the electronic assists via an app. Spotting a theme here?
KTM
KTM's news at Milan was limited to the launch of the new 1050 Adventure. The 1050 is basically a more budget oriented adventure bike that uses the older V-twin motor but adds ride-by-wire, variable fuel modes, ABS and traction control. With its capacity increased to 1,050cc, power is upped to 95hp with 78lb ft of torque.
Husqvarna
Now under the ownership of KTM, Husky is back building road bikes and launched (somewhat predictably) a street legal supermoto. The 701 uses a 690cc, 67hp, single-cylinder engine.
Husqvana Black Arrow is a stylish street motoMore exciting are the two concept bikes the company also displayed. The 401 Vitpilen (Swedish for White Arrow) is a classic cafe racer styled machine while the Svartpilen (Black Arrow) is more of a street scrambler. Both bikes use a 46hp single-cylinder engine that looks like a tweaked version of the KTM RC390 motor.
EIMCA Milan bike show 2014
A new R1 and a MotoGP bike for the road - PH2 gets very excited at the Milan show
It's hard to pick a manufacturer to lead PH2's Milan review, but we will go with Honda simply because of what it unveiled. The RC213V-S is a proper, no punches pulled MotoGP rep for the road. Although in typical Honda fashion it hasn't said 100 per cent it will be built the fact of the matter is it will. And production will start next year. However there are a few catches...
The bike to rival supercars, on price and pace
Alongside the RC, Honda also unveiled an adventure bike prototype. Despite claiming it isn't the new Africa Twin, basically it is. The bike uses a parallel twin engine that isn't related to the NC motor (thankfully) and is quite off-road biased. As Honda already has the new Crossrunner, the new Africa Twin is being targeted at being a proper world explorer like the Triumph Tiger XC models. Expect to see a production model in mid-2015.
In a live online streaming extravaganza, Yamaha (well, Rossi) pulled the covers off the new YZF-R1. This is the most advanced R1 to date and for the first time puts a Japanese litre bike on a par with the BMW S1000RRR in terms of technology. As well as a brand new cross-plane engine with a bigger bore, shorter stroke and 200hp, the R1 now has rockers instead of a bucket and shim valve system to give it more power and allow it to handle higher revs. The chassis is also pretty special and boasts a magnesium subframe and wheels as well as a sharper geometry and a cool new look. However, it is the electronics that really make you stand up and take notice. The R1 has a six-axis gyroscope system that links with ABS, anti-wheelie, traction control and launch control to give an unprecedented level of electronic assistance. There is also a quickshifter included as standard for the expected £15,500 price tag. And it gets better.
R1M: more carbon, more tech, more money
Alongside the R1s, Yamaha also showed a tweaked TMAX and the MT-09 Tracer, which is a semi-faired MT-09 with traction control and a few touring inspired extras. This will be a belting bike and should sell in big numbers. And speaking of numbers, fewer than 100 R1Ms will be coming to the UK, so if you want one get your order in quickly...
In some ways, Honda and Yamaha's announcements took the shine off the release of Kawasaki's H2 road bike, but PH2 still loves it! The H2 road bike is a proper bit of kit and is a road legal, supercharged in-line four with incredible engineering. Essentially identical in specification to the H2R bar a very few engine mods and a plastic instead of carbon fairing, the H2 boasts 199hp and a torque curve that, despite a seemingly modest peak of 98lb ft, is actually only half the story.
Stand girl tries to look interested by Ninja 250SL...
Alongside the H2, Kawasaki also showed a naked version of the Ninja 300 called the Z300 and two versions of a budget single-cylinder. Called the Ninja 250SL, the naked and half-faired bike is a pretty basic commuter. Oh yes, there was one more announcement... Kawasaki confirmed that the H2R has been homologated at 305hp, 325hp with Ram-air...
The big news on the Ducati front was the release of the new Panigale 1299. We all knew it was coming, but far more than just a big bore (now a massive 116mm) the Panigale features an updated look, 205hp and 104lb ft of torque, which is 10 per cent up on the 1199. Ducati has always been at the forefront of electronic assists and as well as all the usual stuff, the Panigale 1299 now also comes with Ohlins semi-active suspension that responds to inputs from the gyroscopes and also angle sensitive ABS. While the 1299 obviously won't be eligible for superbike racing, the new 1199R will be and, despite a lower capacity, it boasts 205hp from a 'superbike tuned' engine with titanium conrods, two-ring pistons and a titanium exhaust. At 172kg, this is a serious bit of kit!
Alongside the Panigales, Ducati also released an updated Multistrada with variable valve timing and a Diavel Titanium, which is a tarted up Diavel.
BMW
Two bikes from BMW at Milan - the S1000XR and an updated F800R. The XR promises to be brilliant and is basically an S1000R in a kind of big supermoto guise. With 160hp and the usual full electronics package, it will not only be incredibly versatile, it will also go like stink! If you like the idea of an adventure style bike but don't want a GS, this will appeal. The F800R is basically an update that brings 3hp, inverted forks and radial brakes to BMW's naked parallel twin.
Triumph has completely updated its Tiger 800 for 2015 with the addition of ride-by-wire to both the more off-road biased XC and road-biased XR. As well as a 19-litre tank, both bikes get more adjustability and a fresh new look. Each model will be available in 'x' versions, which add three riding modes, cruise control and four throttle maps. With their tank ranges now boosted to a claimed 272 miles thanks to improved economy, the new Tigers should sell well. Triumph also showed special editions of the Rocket III and Thunderbird.
As if the old 1,000cc V4 Tuono wasn't quite mad enough, Aprilia has now upped its capacity to 1,100cc for 2015. Just what we always wanted, a 175hp naked bike! Alongside the Tuono, Aprilia also showed an updated RSV4 RR with improved electronics, tweaked chassis and a new fairing design. As an optional extra, both the Tuono and RSV4 can be linked to a smart phone to allow riders to alter the electronic assists via an app. Spotting a theme here?
KTM's news at Milan was limited to the launch of the new 1050 Adventure. The 1050 is basically a more budget oriented adventure bike that uses the older V-twin motor but adds ride-by-wire, variable fuel modes, ABS and traction control. With its capacity increased to 1,050cc, power is upped to 95hp with 78lb ft of torque.
Now under the ownership of KTM, Husky is back building road bikes and launched (somewhat predictably) a street legal supermoto. The 701 uses a 690cc, 67hp, single-cylinder engine.
Husqvana Black Arrow is a stylish street moto
Discussion
A great summary of some of the shows highlights
I have a technical question; I always thought cam-over-bucket was a superior design in terms of vlave control, whilst here it is stated that the R1 engine now has rockers in order to handle the valve control. Can someone explain why that is better?
I have a technical question; I always thought cam-over-bucket was a superior design in terms of vlave control, whilst here it is stated that the R1 engine now has rockers in order to handle the valve control. Can someone explain why that is better?
Scusatemi, but I beg to differ: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EICMA
finenucars said:
Scusatemi, but I beg to differ: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EICMA
I can see where the error occurred - you went to Wikipedia, I went to the EICMA website.[quote=velocgee]£15.5k for an R1!! 
heck, it wasn't long ago you could get a new 600/ 750 for £4.5k and people were changing bikes annually!
That performance for £15,5000 heck thats a lot of bang for a few bucks.
Good story with the highlights, the new honda rcv crazy bike at a crazy price but sure it will sell in small numbers, can this be homologated for other race series?? can imagine someone turning up to a local track with one and blasting away into the distance.
I do like the new look triumph tiger for the record.
heck, it wasn't long ago you could get a new 600/ 750 for £4.5k and people were changing bikes annually!
That performance for £15,5000 heck thats a lot of bang for a few bucks.
Good story with the highlights, the new honda rcv crazy bike at a crazy price but sure it will sell in small numbers, can this be homologated for other race series?? can imagine someone turning up to a local track with one and blasting away into the distance.
I do like the new look triumph tiger for the record.
thatdude said:
A great summary of some of the shows highlights
I have a technical question; I always thought cam-over-bucket was a superior design in terms of valve control, whilst here it is stated that the R1 engine now has rockers in order to handle the valve control. Can someone explain why that is better?
Was thinking the same. After all, the GSXR1100 changed from rocker to direct (bucket/shim) acting in '91.I have a technical question; I always thought cam-over-bucket was a superior design in terms of valve control, whilst here it is stated that the R1 engine now has rockers in order to handle the valve control. Can someone explain why that is better?
Still, it'll be easier to adjust the clearances...
Power, complexity and prices are becoming a bit silly now. It's like a whole new hyper-sports class, although compared to a P1 or LaFerrari they're probably good value.
A quarter-of-a-million-pound sport bike?!
re: the H2, why only 200 bhp? Haven't Jap litre bikes been making that sort of power for years, naturally aspirated? I understand that peak power only tells one part of the story, but you'd think with the world's first (I think) supercharged production sport-bike they could've gotten a more impressive headline number.
The specification of the new R1 sound mighty impressive, though I, too, noted that it's gotten quite expensive! I suppose with all the new tech and magnesium frame, etc, it's still a bit of a bargain, though, especially considering the aforementioned £250,000 Honda.
The most interesting of the lot, to me, are the two Husky cafe/scrambler concepts. Finally something a bit different in the bike world. I quite like the look of this:
And, since we're talking about the R1, I felt it was appropriate to share this, one of my favorite and most bonkers YouTube vids, ever. Some absolutely-suicidal nutcase riding the old R1 through Moscow rush-hour traffic. The guy has skill and lunacy in equal parts. Okay, maybe a bit more on the lunacy side. Hold on to your chair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihQeZpwqpE&in...
re: the H2, why only 200 bhp? Haven't Jap litre bikes been making that sort of power for years, naturally aspirated? I understand that peak power only tells one part of the story, but you'd think with the world's first (I think) supercharged production sport-bike they could've gotten a more impressive headline number.
The specification of the new R1 sound mighty impressive, though I, too, noted that it's gotten quite expensive! I suppose with all the new tech and magnesium frame, etc, it's still a bit of a bargain, though, especially considering the aforementioned £250,000 Honda.
The most interesting of the lot, to me, are the two Husky cafe/scrambler concepts. Finally something a bit different in the bike world. I quite like the look of this:
And, since we're talking about the R1, I felt it was appropriate to share this, one of my favorite and most bonkers YouTube vids, ever. Some absolutely-suicidal nutcase riding the old R1 through Moscow rush-hour traffic. The guy has skill and lunacy in equal parts. Okay, maybe a bit more on the lunacy side. Hold on to your chair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihQeZpwqpE&in...
bobberz said:
The most interesting of the lot, to me, are the two Husky cafe/scrambler concepts. Finally something a bit different in the bike world. I quite like the look of this:
I rather fancy one of the white cafe racers myself, no reason why they can't build them either seeing as though they're just Duke 390s in new clothes.bobberz said:
A quarter-of-a-million-pound sport bike?!
re: the H2, why only 200 bhp? Haven't Jap litre bikes been making that sort of power for years, naturally aspirated? I understand that peak power only tells one part of the story, but you'd think with the world's first (I think) supercharged production sport-bike they could've gotten a more impressive headline number.
The specification of the new R1 sound mighty impressive, though I, too, noted that it's gotten quite expensive! I suppose with all the new tech and magnesium frame, etc, it's still a bit of a bargain, though, especially considering the aforementioned £250,000 Honda.
The most interesting of the lot, to me, are the two Husky cafe/scrambler concepts. Finally something a bit different in the bike world. I quite like the look of this:
And, since we're talking about the R1, I felt it was appropriate to share this, one of my favorite and most bonkers YouTube vids, ever. Some absolutely-suicidal nutcase riding the old R1 through Moscow rush-hour traffic. The guy has skill and lunacy in equal parts. Okay, maybe a bit more on the lunacy side. Hold on to your chair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihQeZpwqpE&in...
Its not about headline numbers, its the 210bhp at 11000rpm, so 5% more at about 20% lower rpm. Its the torque that'll be the plus point though, the dyno curve next to a zx10r will make it look weedy. I guess you've seen the 300bhp 'race only' version?re: the H2, why only 200 bhp? Haven't Jap litre bikes been making that sort of power for years, naturally aspirated? I understand that peak power only tells one part of the story, but you'd think with the world's first (I think) supercharged production sport-bike they could've gotten a more impressive headline number.
The specification of the new R1 sound mighty impressive, though I, too, noted that it's gotten quite expensive! I suppose with all the new tech and magnesium frame, etc, it's still a bit of a bargain, though, especially considering the aforementioned £250,000 Honda.
The most interesting of the lot, to me, are the two Husky cafe/scrambler concepts. Finally something a bit different in the bike world. I quite like the look of this:
And, since we're talking about the R1, I felt it was appropriate to share this, one of my favorite and most bonkers YouTube vids, ever. Some absolutely-suicidal nutcase riding the old R1 through Moscow rush-hour traffic. The guy has skill and lunacy in equal parts. Okay, maybe a bit more on the lunacy side. Hold on to your chair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XihQeZpwqpE&in...
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