PH2: Milan Motorcycle Show 2016
It's show time again as the rest of the 2017 models are revealed in Milan
Ducati certainly did its best to steal the Milan show by revealing a new Superleggera, a very limited edition Panigale with a price tag that matches its exclusivity. Boasting a carbon monocoque frame, swing arm, subframe, fairing and wheels, the Superleggera makes a claimed 215hp yet weighs just 156kg dry. The electronics are cutting edge and include a 6-axis IMU feeding into traction control, slide control, cornering ABS and any other gizmo you can mention while owners also get a WSB-style titanium race Akrapovic exhaust in the box. The only slight catch is the fact every one has already been sold, making the £70,000 price tag a bit irrelevant...
For those on a budget, the Monster 797 brings air-cooling back to the Monster range using the same 803cc V-twin as the Scrambler models while the bigger Monster 1200 and 1200S become Euro4 compliant with a major overhaul that almost makes them totally new models. Fans of the Scrambler will be please to see the range further extended with the introduction of the Cafe Racer (the 54 on the styling refers to Bruno Spaggiari's race number) and off-road style Desert Sled, which gets new wheels intended to give it a 1970s scrambler look. Finally, and this could be the firm's big seller, the Multistrada range is extended with the introduction of the Multistrada 950. Powered by the Hypermotard 937cc V-twin, the baby Strada gets traction control and ABS as well as the various options packages that the 1200 comes with, but puts it in a lighter and more manageable machine.
Slightly over-shadowed by the Superleggera, the 'prototype' HP4 Race is BMW's carbon fibre effort. Effectively a showcase of new technology that BMW has developed to make the mass production of a carbon frame a real possibility (they do the same with the i-series cars remember), more on the HP4 Race will be revealed in early 2017. It will be for sale, but whether the final track-only (we assume) bike will have the same rumoured WSB-spec engine and suspension set-up as the prototype is still unclear. One thing for certain is that it will be limited in its availability, cost a lot and will have a carbon frame and wheels!
As promised, BMW has added another R nineT model to its range - the Urban G/S. With the look of a classic G/S, this new bike is pretty funky and should appeal to retro fans. The R nineT Roadster has also been upgraded with fully-adjustable forks and Euro4 compliance. Speaking of upgrades, the R1200S has been slightly altered for 2017 with a Euro4 compliant engine and revised gearbox to take a bit of the clunk out of it.
Also new from BMW is a small capacity adventure bike based around the G310R model, which itself is still yet to actually arrive in the UK! The G310GS is basically an off-road style single cylinder powered by the 313cc G-series motor and should prove popular thanks to its competitive price tag. Also slightly revised are the F800R and GT as well as the K1600GTL.
After upgrading its adventure bikes in Cologne, Milan saw KTM's attention turn to its Dukes. The 1290 Super Duke R not only now looks different, it also gains a host of updates to its 177hp engine and chassis. Cornering ABS is now standard and the chassis has also been altered alongside its looks. And yes, the anti-wheelie mode can now be turned off more easily...
Alongside the big Duke, the firm's small capacity 125 and 390 models have also been thoroughly revised with ride-by-wire added alongside a new dash, subframe, larger tank and fresh look to mimic the 1290R. And there was also a prototype...
We have known for a while that KTM is building a parallel twin, but this is the first time we have officially seen the 790 Duke. Although still only a prototype, the new LC8c (the c stands for compact) engine certainly should fit the bill and the styling looks typically spot on if it is a hint as to what the production model will look like.
After revealing the Bobber in the UK, Triumph had a relatively quiet Milan show with only one new model. That said, the new Street Scrambler looks awesome! As expected, Triumph has used the Street Twin as a base to create an off-road style urban enduro that pleases the current fashions. As with all Triumph's modern retro range, the Scrambler has some lovely touches such as the removable pillion seat pad as well as an array of extras to allow modification.
Yamaha
Yamaha's Italian offerings consisted of an updated TMAX in three versions and an Abarth-replica XSR900 that is limited to just 695 units. But more interesting is the T7 prototype. This is basically a new Tenere (the old single-cylinder model has stopped production) based around the MT-07's parallel twin engine. It promises to be quite off-road focused and should be in dealers by the end of 2018.
As predicted, Honda unveiled the stock Fireblade in Milan alongside the oddball X-ADV scooter thingy. The Blade keeps the majority of the SP's electronic systems, but replaces the Ohlins suspension with Showa items and the titanium parts with cheaper aluminium bits. It still claims a 14kg weight loss over the old model and a new 189hp motor, which is good news. The X-ADV is, well, mad. Part scooter, part off-roader, it's powered by a 745cc parallel twin with DCT and probably has to be ridden to be understood!
Husqvarna
Husky confirmed the production of its two 401 models, the Svartpilen and Vitpilen as well as showing a prototype cafe racer called the Aero. The only problem is that the production bikes won't actually hit dealers until early 2018...
Suzuki's return to form continued in Milan with a few interesting, if not ground breaking, small capacity models. The GSX-S125 is a cool looking naked based around the GSX-R125, while the GSX250R is a parallel twin 250 that will certainly be nice and cheap and the V-Strom 250 the same platform made into an adventure bike. They aren't as exciting as the Superleggera, but they are certain to sell well in the UK and show Suzuki is back in business.
Aprilia
Aprilia has given its Dorsoduro and Shiver models a bit of a performance kick by expanding the 750 V-twin to 900cc, increasing power to a claimed 95hp with 66lb ft of torque. Both bikes have been pretty thoroughly overhauled with upgraded electronics and revised chassis components.
The popular V7 range is now moved into its third generation and buyers have the choice of the usual three versions - the Stone, Special and Racer - and now a new Anniversario. All bikes gain a 10 per cent power boost while also meeting Euro4 thanks to a new design of motor. There are quite considerable chassis and styling upgrades, but like any classic bike, all four models remain very much a Guzzi at heart. And that means air-cooled!
Kawasaki
We already knew about the new Z650 and Z900 thanks to a few leaked images, so the only surprise from Kawasaki at Milan was the unveiling of the Versys X-300. Based around Kawasaki's small capacity 296cc parallel twin motor, the Versys puts it in an adventure bike frame to add to its practicality. Aimed at commuters, there are luggage options already available and it should be well priced.
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Believing a Ducati will make your life better is a bit like believing in Xmas & Santa. When you've sussed it out you are obviously more intelligent than before but emotionally poorer & more cynical for it.
As I live between Porsche GB and their storage facility I'm thinking it might look like one of those things they fairly regularly pull out of the ditches complete with trade plates and plastic protection film. Not sure I LOL much these days but that's generally one of them.
As I live between Porsche GB and their storage facility I'm thinking it might look like one of those things they fairly regularly pull out of the ditches complete with trade plates and plastic protection film. Not sure I LOL much these days but that's generally one of them.
I'd have one of theses new Ducatis in a shot, they look great.
After watching the Triumph Bobber launch, I can safely say I'm over retro bikes, The whole try hard, dad jeans and ill fitting brown leather biker jacket scene makes me nauseous. I have also shunned the Bike Shed in Shoreditch too.
It's time to look forward.
Believing a Ducati will make your life better is a bit like believing in Xmas & Santa. When you've sussed it out you are obviously more intelligent than before but emotionally poorer & more cynical for it.
Recent review of the Mk1 in performance bikes was very positive, I suspect this will be amazing but like with all things at the cutting edge there use becomes more refined a track day weapon only etc and a very expensive one hence if I could afford one I would buy it an just look at it an get a used bike an have it track day ready etc. My point is they will sell an sell fast and given it looks good an is expensive will mean like the 911R you will rarely if ever see one. The 911R I understand was a GT3RS but everyday one with a manual etc but of course it was made in limited numbers an now goes for crazy money
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