| |
EICMA 2009 - What To Expect |
|
|
File under Exhibitions
Author: Mike Werner
Location: Normandy, France
|
|
Crisis or not, the show must go on. That's definitely the case with world's biggest motorcycle exhibition, Milan's Eicma  . Despite the cancellation of the Paris Mondial exhibition, several motorcycle manufacturer's biting the dust, Honda and Yamaha not participating, we still expect to see new stuff being shown at EICMA.
The show runs from 10 November (though 9 November is the Ducati press conference) until 15 November (10 & 11 are press days).
Here's our check list for the big names in the motorcycle industry.
If I've missed anything let me know..
Aprilia
Aprilia's new RSV4-R is a given, and maybe the V4 Tuono will finally be released (though I doubt that we'll see it in Milan).
Their owners, Piaggio are keeping a strict financial control over the company, so I do not think they'll come out with anything else new.
BMW
There's nothing programmed for the German manufacturer, unless they'll bring some minor changes to existing models, or add a model to an existing range, like adding a letter to G 450 model range, e.g. G 450 GS.....
The only conceivable surprise they may spring on us (and BMW have managed in the past to hide their surprises) is a new LT (Luxury Tourer) model. Their current K1200LT has not been updated since a long time, and they already have K1300 models, so not unconceivable to see the K1300LT.
We'll probably see an updated version of BMW's best seller motorcycle, the BMW R1200GS with a new DOHC engine.
I also expect to see the Electric C1 scooter there.
Ducati
They are a given, since we already know that they are coming out with a new/updated dual-purpose motorcycle, either called Multistrada 1200, or Stradaperta.
The Hypermotard 796 is a given as well, and not even a surprise since it's already out there.
But I have a funny suspicion that Ducati are going to spring a concept motorcycle on us on Monday (9 November is the Ducati press conference).
Harley-Davidson
Harley has always been a mystery to me, since it's not a brand that is that popular on this side of the pond. So to tell you the truth, I've not been following them with the zeal I have with others.
Since Harley is in financial trouble, I'd think that there's nothing new in the pipeline.
I wonder if they've removed Buell from the stand...???
Kawasaki
One of the two remaining Japanese motorcycle manufacturers that will attend the exhibition (with Honda and Yamaha not coming), Kawasaki have already shown what they will be presenting at EICMA.
The really newly updated motorcycle, the Z1000, the slightly updated Concours 14, updated Ninja ZX-10R, and finally the Versys.
I don't expect any surprises, but I do expect a good show.
KTM
I do not think that KTM will show anything new, apart from cosmetic changes to existing models, unless they finally come out with the concept motorcycle shown 2 years ago, the KTM Stunt.
Moto Guzzi
The only thing I can foresee that Moto Guzzi might present is the rumored 2-valve, 1600 cc twin engine. Guzzi's real market is the USA, and they need bigger and more powerful twin engines.
Moto Morini
Despite voluntarily filing for bankruptcy protection, Moto Morini will be present at EICMA, where they should be presenting their updated Granpasso, a more road oriented version of their bike.
MV Agusta
Despite the fact that the current owner of MV Agusta (Harley) has declared that they are selling Agusta (after only one year), MV Agusta are going to put a brave face, and present their two new Brutale versions, the 990R and 1099RR.
Since they have already been presented to the press, it's not going to be a surprise. What may be a surprise is the rumored 3 cylinder bike seen in spy photos. Will MV Agusta show it as concept/prototype, or as a ready-to-sell model? Remember, the pressure is on them at this moment, and they need to look good to any potential investor.
Piaggio
Piaggio will with no doubt be showing off their new three-wheeled MP3 Hybrid scooter. It's something they have already shown, so it's not going to be a surprise.
I hope they have a test circuit where the MP3 can be tried.... must be fun have a hybrid one.
Suzuki
I can not see anything new or any surprises for Suzuki. They'll have the normal updates to existing models.
Things have been surprisingly quite from Suzuki.... are they going to do something interesting?
Triumph
Triumph are on the way to (re-)conquering the USA market, and as such are coming out with bigger and bigger models. The 1600cc Thunderbird will be one that will be presented.
The Others
There are loads of other manufacturers, too many to take into account, but any of them can come up with new stuff: Husaberg, Husqvarna, Hyosung, Royal Enfield (now that would be funny, if they came out with a new model), Ural, GasGas, and a few others.
The thing that is piss-poor-planning is the fact that Honda have come out with major new models, specially the VFR1200F, and they're not even going to be at the show to present them....
Not having Yamaha there is also pretty disturbing... 2 out of 4 big Japanese manufacturers not present..... nightmare stuff.
So on Monday tune in, since I'll be covering the exhibition as best as I can. I know one thing for sure, there are going to be a lot of pretty girls....
|
| |
|
|
|
Click here to Show/Hide 
