EICMA, the biggest motorcycle show of the year, is the international stage where the major (and some minor) manufacturers will reveal their new models. There were a lot of impressive bikes unveiled this year - and a few that were underwhelming. This Top 10 is all about brand new bikes we’re excited to see at the show, our favorite bikes of EICMA 2015. Here's our list...
2016 Honda CB500F Update
Here's Honda's updated CB500F, which were shown at a press conference in EICMA, Milan last night. As the CBR500R and CB500X had already revealed at Tokyo Motor Show last month, The 2016 Honda CB500F comes to the Europe which aims to tempt A2 licence holders even more with a range of cosmetic and technical changes.
For 2016 it's been given a restyle with reduced side panels and a new tail unit which make it look a lot sharper and sleeker than before. And just like New CBR500R, The 2016 Honda CB500F also gets a new, larger fuel tank, LED lighting, spring preload adjustable forks, a new lighter exhaust and adjustable brake lever.
It's not short of colour options either - Ross White and Millennium Red (Tricolour), Lemon Ice Yellow / Graphite Black, Candy Energy Orange / Macadam Grey Metallic, Millennium Red / Macadam Grey Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White / Macadam Grey Metallic, Matte Gunpowder Black / Matte Krypton Silver Metallic.
Piaggio Medley
Piaggio says the Medley has been designed "with great attention to detail and finishings, as well as to perfect ergonomics and convenient use"’ It’s got daytime running lights with "light guide" technology (whatever that means), plus digital instrumentation, ABS and an immobilizer. It’s paid special attention to making the bike as comfortable as possible for riders of all shapes and sizes by giving the bike a low seat. Storage capacity is generous – we’re told the underseat compartment can take two flip-up helmets because the fuel tank is under the footboards.
2016 BMW R nineT Scrambler
So here's one model launch at the EICMA 2015 that will surprise only those under a very comfortable rock: BMW's R nineT Scrambler. Like the concept that was revealed in June, it's based closely on the original version, R nineT but has lower-spec suspension and brakes. The upside-down Öhlins forks have been swapped for right-way-up 43mm ones with gaiters and 125mm of travel. Four-piston calipers biting 320mm front brake discs replace the R nineT's radial-mounted monoblocs. The aluminium tank also has gone in favour of a steel one.
The BMW R nineT Scrambler has also been given a 19-inch front wheel, deep-tread tyres, a high-level exhaust and higher bars than the original one. The seat is more thinly padded and the pegs lower and more rearward. Wire-spoked wheels, knobbly tyres, a single-seat sub-frame and an ally tank are among a range of options and accessories.
The BMW R nineT Scrambler air-cooled 1170c boxer-twin engine makes a claimed 110 HP at 7.750 RPM and 85.5 lb.ft at 6.000 RPM. The bike's "road-ready" weight is a claimed 220kg. Price is to be confirmed. It's available in one colour, described as "monolith metallic matt", AKA brown.
New Kawasaki J125
Amid the super machines, power bikes, scramblers and cruisers unveiled at the EICMA, Kawasaki introduced a light hearted scooter. The maker pulled the curtains off their first 125cc scooter, the Kawasaki J125. The J125 is smaller-displacement version of its elder sibling the J300 (which itself is a re-branded Kymco Downtown 300i). It is powered by the 125cc liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve single-cylinder engine which generates 13.8 HP and max torque of 12 N.m.
The Kawasaki J125 rides on 14 inch wheels up front and a 13 incher at the rear. The suspension tech on the J125 has been designed for light and sporty handling, the twin-rear shocks offer five preloaded adjustable setting. This mini-Hulk weighs around 182kg. It sports a two-tone silver seat, a blue backlit analogue speedo and rev counter - with an LCD panel on the dash, LED taillight and a front end that stays glued to the styling of Kawasaki’s sportsbikes.
New Kawasaki J125 has a convenient under-seat storage that is large enough to take a full-face helmet and A4 size briefcase. For safety the maxy-scoot also features an anti-tamper, anti-theft ignition switch. J125 will roll out in three colours – Metallic Anthracite Black, Metallic Frosted Ice White and Metallic Flat Anthracite Black. Dubbed as the innovative urban transport solution, the J125 blends sport, control, comfort and convenience, and wraps it all in green-black Kawasaki design.
Yamaha New XSR900
Adding to modern controlability, Yamaha XSR900 utilizes an advanced assist-and-slipper clutch unit that allows for reduced clutch lever effort by 20%. Exceptional braking power and confidence-inspiring deceleration are provided by sportbike-spec front brakes, backed up with the security of ABS. Drawing influence from Yamaha’s classic "XS" series of motorcycles, the XSR900 oozes class, with exposed aluminum details, retro-influenced bodywork, stepped seat and custom lighting and instrumentation. The result is an all-new model with both a fine balance of cutting-edge Yamaha technology and exterior styling that delivers timeless authenticity.
It was ridden onto stage at the EICMA press conference by nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi, along with his team-mate and current world champion Jorge Lorenzo, who rode the new MT-10. Yamaha also revealed at the press conference that all of its Sport Heritage range, including the XSR900, would be available in the firm's classic yellow and black speed block livery next year. It pushes the price of the XSR900 to £7,999. The only other colour option is 'Garage Metal'.
2016 New Yamaha MT-03
It was August, 2015 when Yamaha released the first official pictures of the MT-03, and now the bike has been unveiled at EICMA in Milan. The Yamaha MT-03 takes the 321cc parallel-twin motor from the existing YZF-R3 middleweight sportsbike but strips away all of the bodywork to create this sharp urban roadster, which also comes with It's got an ABS-equipped 298mm floating front brake disc and 220mm rear.
Though Yamaha MT-03 shares its components and features with the R3, the former looks different with less body work (no fairing) and stickers on fuel tank pods. With no fairing, the Yamaha MT-03 weighs 4 kgs less than the R3 and thus offers better power-to-weight ratio. The parallel-twin engine produces 41.6 HP and 30 N.m of torque - mated to a 6-speed transmission. The upright riding stance, and telescopic fork at the front and monoshock rear suspension make the Yamaha R3 a truly comfortable bike to ride.
New Yamaha MT-03 will be one of the fat growing compact sportbike segments all across the world and will give tough competition to likes in the segment they are Kawasaki Z300, KTM Duke 390, BMW G 310 R, and also new competitors that just already revealed at EICMA, Ducati Scrambler Sixty2.
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
But Ducati says that in order to help keep this entry level standard a little more price-friendly, they’ve have swapped for a right side up 41 mm Showa fork, The front brake drops from a 330 mm disc to a 320 mm one, from a four-piston caliper to a two-piston one and a tank with a dedicated (non swappable) logo. This Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 is barely smaller than the regular Scrambler, coming in at 403 pounds compared to the normal one’s 410, but the Wheelbase actually grows slightly, from 56.9 to 57.5 inches.
Ducati are pitching the new 400cc Scrambler Sixty2 into the UK market at £6,450 – just £800 less than a Scrambler Icon – which could prove a little salty for British pockets against strong competition from other manufacturers, but you can’t argue with the power of the Ducati brand and its visual similarity to the bigger Scrambler will doubtless help sales.
2016 New Yamaha MT-10
Perhaps a model whose debut is obvious to us now, hindsight always being 20/20, Yamaha has just dropped the 2016 Yamaha MT-10 on us at this year’s EICMA show. The Yamaha MT-10 helps round out Yamaha’s MT brand, with affordable and edgy models available from 125cc all the way up to now 1,000cc. Without even riding the Yamaha MT-10 we are fairly certain that this street bike, with its Yamaha YZF-R1 race track DNA, is a hoon to ride with its over-abundance of personality – it would have to, with a face like that.
As we mentioned, at the Yamaha MT-10’s core is a the venerable YZF-R1’s cross-plane, inline-four, 999cc engine. This means that the MT-10 also gets some of the R1’s electronics, including a three-level traction control system, three riding modes through Yamaha’s “D-Mode” throttle mapping, as well a slipper clutch. A little something for everyone, long-distance riders will enjoy the addition of cruise control (4th, 5th, and 6th gears only), while canyon carvers will find the short wheelbase as a benefit.
2016 Ducati Panigale 959
Here's Ducati's new 959 Panigale, which is essentially an updated version of the 899. As well as the capacity hike (to 955cc), it's been given bigger air intakes, a taller screen, longer mirror stalks and slight bodywork revisions to the tail unit and faring panels. The new 955 cm3 twin-cylinder "Superquadro" power unit makes 157hp and 79.2 lb.ft. The engine also features a longer stroke and complies with the latest Euro4 emission limits, which is possibly the explanation for the model.
The new 959 Panigale was unveiled yesterday at a Ducati press conference in Milan ahead of this week's EICMA motorcycle show. It's got a new, longer exhaust and new timing belt covers, and comes with an 'anti-hop' slipper clutch. There's also a non-Euro4 compliant bike, which retains the low-slung exhaust. The 959 Panigale is available in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning Arctic White Silk with contrasting red wheels. It costs £13,095.
2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT
As expected, KTM 1290 Super Duke GT gets a full host of incredible electronics - including KTM’s incredible lean angle sensitive stability control system. It also comes with semi-active WP suspension, which can be toggled between sport, street, and comfort settings. To make the bike a little more distance friendly, KTM gave the Super Duke GT cruise control, heated grips, a tire pressure monitoring system, LED cornering lights, and self cancelling indicators.
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT comes with a slipper clutch, quick shifter, and optional HHC (Hill Hold Control) and MSR (Motor Slip Regulation). HHC basically keeps the bike from rolling backward, meanwhile the MSR prevents the rear wheel from losing grip, should the rider chop the throttle or dump the clutch when downshifting... With wet weight comes in at nice 502 pounds, The sport-touring field is maybe one of the most wildly varied ones in all of motorcycling, the new king of the hill.