(UPDATED, DEC. 2018)
EICMA 2018: what's worth (only)
APRILIA RS 660: the good, the bad and the Tuareg
The times where Aprilia used to bring to the show only minor updates to its lineup are gone. The Aprilia RS 660 is a brand-new project (this is good).
RS 660’s engine is literally half of the RSV4 1100 V-4. In a perfect world, it would have been a V-Twin of course, but, Aprilia’s decision was to take the cost oriented path. So, they made a parallel twin (this is bad, thanks for nothing bean counters!).
I’m not 100% sure that’s enough to win the buyer’s hearts. Bikers are a much more likely thrilled by a racing V-Twin than by “industrial cost mitigation” …
- what a childish audience, isn’t it? On the other hand, Aprilia’s managers should keep in mind that fully grown-up adults rarely happen to buy things like motorcycles. Those young-hearted chaps buy things like sports motorbikes instead –
The Aprilia RS 660 intends anyway to be perceived as an evoluted super sport machine and to to prove it, it features (curb your enthusiasm…) active aerodynamics. Will this help? (No indeed).
Good news is the same engine will power (and better fit) to the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg, debut scheduled for EICMA 2019. So Aprilia will deliver a premiere in 2019 too.
RS 660’s engine is literally half of the RSV4 1100 V-4. In a perfect world, it would have been a V-Twin of course, but, Aprilia’s decision was to take the cost oriented path. So, they made a parallel twin (this is bad, thanks for nothing bean counters!).
I’m not 100% sure that’s enough to win the buyer’s hearts. Bikers are a much more likely thrilled by a racing V-Twin than by “industrial cost mitigation” …
- what a childish audience, isn’t it? On the other hand, Aprilia’s managers should keep in mind that fully grown-up adults rarely happen to buy things like motorcycles. Those young-hearted chaps buy things like sports motorbikes instead –
The Aprilia RS 660 intends anyway to be perceived as an evoluted super sport machine and to to prove it, it features (curb your enthusiasm…) active aerodynamics. Will this help? (No indeed).
Good news is the same engine will power (and better fit) to the upcoming Aprilia Tuareg, debut scheduled for EICMA 2019. So Aprilia will deliver a premiere in 2019 too.
Aprilia RS 660
Ducati Hypermotard 950. Back to the future part II.
For gamely rides 'n style.
In few words, the Ducati Hypermotard gets a much needed makeover. The aesthetics look back to the groundbreaking first edition we all loved, while on the other hand, the Hypermotard 950 platform goes straight fast forward.
Funtastic!
In few words, the Ducati Hypermotard gets a much needed makeover. The aesthetics look back to the groundbreaking first edition we all loved, while on the other hand, the Hypermotard 950 platform goes straight fast forward.
Funtastic!
Ducati Hypermotard 950 SP
Ducati Diavel 1260. Neater, meaner, faster.
The new Diavel 1260 is technically closer to the bold XDiavel, but this power-cruiser is (even) more performance oriented. The new DVT 1260 engine is both, terribly mighty and gentle...
New also the frame, the swing-arm and suspensions, but the design is the major improvement: the aesthetics are evolutionary, but finally lost the confusion bits. The design is finally much more neat-looking than before.
Nicely done, Ducati.
New also the frame, the swing-arm and suspensions, but the design is the major improvement: the aesthetics are evolutionary, but finally lost the confusion bits. The design is finally much more neat-looking than before.
Nicely done, Ducati.
Ducati Diavel 1260
Ducati Panigale V4 R
While the superbikes market it's just a memory, the Panigale sells like hot cakes. Surprised? C’mon, look at it!
The Panigale“R” is the exotic 1000cc production version with the mission to bring “home” the WSBK title. Special mention to the MotoGP derived winglets able to grant 30 kg of downforce.
The Panigale“R” is the exotic 1000cc production version with the mission to bring “home” the WSBK title. Special mention to the MotoGP derived winglets able to grant 30 kg of downforce.
Harley-Davidson Livewire
The Livewire was at EICMA but even if detail are still pretty scarce, no doubt this electric bike from the Bar and Shield is a game changer. If you still have doubts, then listen this video...
Husqvarna Svarpilen 701
The Svartpilen features a brilliant design and a flat-trackish look that makes it multipurpose and totally cool.
We can’t deny, that Kiska Design, seem to have cracked the system of motorcycle design with the Husqvarna’s Vitpilen and Svartpilen.
The only downside is that the very premium Austro-Swedish “arrows” are powered by the ol’ KTM single cylinder engine.
Its a very good mono, but...if it had the new KTM parallel twin (from the Duke 800) we couldn’t help but say: “Husqvarna, shut up and take my money!”
UPDATE
And there it is, the Svartpilen 801 (with the KTM Duke 790's parallel twin) is already testing on the roads. All right, we're in business!
We can’t deny, that Kiska Design, seem to have cracked the system of motorcycle design with the Husqvarna’s Vitpilen and Svartpilen.
The only downside is that the very premium Austro-Swedish “arrows” are powered by the ol’ KTM single cylinder engine.
Its a very good mono, but...if it had the new KTM parallel twin (from the Duke 800) we couldn’t help but say: “Husqvarna, shut up and take my money!”
UPDATE
And there it is, the Svartpilen 801 (with the KTM Duke 790's parallel twin) is already testing on the roads. All right, we're in business!
Husqvarna Svartpilen 701
Indian FTR1200
Even if already unveiled in Cologne, the Indian FTR 1200 deserves a mention.
The Honda CB650R finally made it to production. (with wrong exhaust though)
When during EICMA 2015 we saw the CB4 in the back of Honda’s stand, we already knew, this bike would made it to production. Based on the humble CB650F platform, the Honda CB650R features the best of the Neo Sports Cafè lineup design plus the cool air-scopes over the tank. Glad that Honda finally delivered the production version, but don’t forget to remove the inconsistent, squared CB650F's muffler. I highly reccomend to replace it with Honda’s genuine optional one by SC Project (see the picture below).
Honda CB650R
MV Agusta
MV is The queen of cool, but…
BRUTALE 1000 SERIE ORO
The MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro was appointed “the most beatiful motorbike at EICMA 2018” with 35% of preferences.
It's the naked version of the F4 RC (and it features clip-on bars, by the way). How not to appreciate the (four in one in four) exhaust design and the radiator cover with integrated winglets... but despite all this, my feeling is that this Brutale 1000 lost its mojo. Looks like the Brutale 1000 was born after a Sales Dept. request rather than due to a new project.
It's the naked version of the F4 RC (and it features clip-on bars, by the way). How not to appreciate the (four in one in four) exhaust design and the radiator cover with integrated winglets... but despite all this, my feeling is that this Brutale 1000 lost its mojo. Looks like the Brutale 1000 was born after a Sales Dept. request rather than due to a new project.
Brutale 1000 Serie Oro
SUPERVELOCE 800
The Superveloce is a brilliant retro-futuristic version of the yet beautiful F3 800.
Minimalist led lamps, leather tank belt and asymmetric exhaust that pays homage to the historical MVs.
But it is not supposed to lapping next to (or faster than) an F3 on circuits, right?
So why don’t give this bike a road oriented engine tuning and a more comfortable riding position?
Minimalist led lamps, leather tank belt and asymmetric exhaust that pays homage to the historical MVs.
But it is not supposed to lapping next to (or faster than) an F3 on circuits, right?
So why don’t give this bike a road oriented engine tuning and a more comfortable riding position?
MV Agusta Superveloce 800
Suzuki Katana
Unveiled in Cologne, the Suzuki Katana arrives at EICMA in total black. The livery is negligible, but the Katana is not.
Suzuki Katana
TAGS: |
ducati panigale v4 r |
mv agusta brutale 1000 |
indian ftr 1200 |
ducati diavel 1260 |
aprilia rs 660 |
HARLEY-DAVIDSON LIVEWIREhusqvarna svartpilen 701 |
suzuki katana |
honda cb650r |
mv agusta superveloce 800 |
Ducati Hypermotard 950 |
