EICMA 2024: Bikes, scooters to watch out for

EICMA is the biggest show in the two-wheeler realm and this year’s rendition will mark its 110th anniversary. Each year, big-name manufacturers showcase new products to expand their catalogue and here’s all you can expect from this year’s iteration, in alphabetical order. 

Aprilia

When the RS 457 debuted, it turned over a new leaf for Aprilia in two ways, firstly, the Italian manufacturer finally entered the burgeoning and ultra-competitive sub-500cc class. Secondly, Aprilia manufactures the bike right here in India. Whenever a new Aprilia RS model has debuted, its Tuono equivalent is almost certainly given. This year’s EICMA would be a good opportunity for Aprilia to take the covers off the much-rumoured Tuono 457. 

Another new model on the 457cc platform that was spotted just a few days ago is the Tuareg 457 rally racer. The spy shots showed us a competition-spec bike with no road-legal necessities and it's quite likely that this model is still a few years away. However, Aprilia could show this rally racer prototype at the show to pique people’s interest. 

There have also been sightings of an updated Tuono V4 1100 model, with the increasingly commonplace winglets. With the Euro 5+ emission norms coming into play next year onwards, Aprilia might use this opportunity to give its flagship supernaked a cosmetic makeover as well. 

BMW

The behemoth R20 concept from BMW was showcased some months ago with a 2 litre horizontally-opposed, air-cooled motor and some very flamboyant styling. The Bavarian bikemaker could show the production-version of the R20 at the show. 

BMW’s 1300cc motor that first debuted in the GS is slowly going to trickle down to the rest of the lineup, with the next candidate being the RT model. The R 1300 RT has been spotted testing overseas for quite some time now and is expected to get radar-assisted rider aids just like the GS. 

There have also been sustained murmurings of a model called the M 1300 GS and the ethos of this model is likely to be similiar to how the M 1000 lineup differs from the S 1000 trio. Which means the M 1300 GS could have a more powerful engine, better componentry and lighter compared to the R 1300 GS.  

Ducati

 

Ducati has already taken the covers off much of its 2025 lineup which includes the updated Multistrada V4 lineup, heavily updated Panigale V4 and some new variants of the Scrambler 2G. There are still a couple of items pending on the docket however. In typical Ducati fashion, we just have two teaser phrases - Extended Experience and Unlock Everyday Adventure. 

The former could allude to a Multistrada V4 Rally which could also have similar updates to the rest of the range. The latter catchphrase could hint at a new Scrambler Desert Sled 2G. The earlier Desert Sled was shod with proper off-road ready suspension and tyres and was quite capable. The reveal dates for both these new models is the same - November 5 - which is the first day for the media so stay tuned as we bring you the latest coverage straight from the ground. 

Hero

 

Last year, Hero showcased some brand-new products which ventured into uncharted territory for the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. We expect something similar this year as well, with Hero already having teased via its social media handles that it will be showcasing 4 new products under its and the Vida banner. 

Arguably, the most exciting of them all is the next-generation Xpulse. There have been two liquid-cooled engine powered Xpulse models spotted previously - a 210 and a 250. It remains to be seen which one Hero takes the covers off of. And speaking of a 250cc liquid-cooled motor, Hero has filed a design patent for a liquid-cooled naked bike - presumably called the Xtreme 250 - and last year, we saw the Xtunt 2.5R concept so this year we expect to see the production-spec version.

And then there are the Xoom 125R and Xoom 160 scooters, which were shown at last year’s show but with no word from the company on their market launch. 

Coming to the Vida brand, Hero showcased a couple of very cool concepts last year in the form of an electric motocrosser and a children’s electric bike and we hope to see something similarly interesting this year too. 

Honda

At last year’s show, Honda updated the Fireblade, Africa Twin and CBR600RR models as well as debuting the CB1000 Hornet. It hasn’t yet teased anything for this year’s show and the Japanese usually play their cards quite close to their chest so we’ll find out more in the coming days.

Kawasaki

The new Ninja 1100 and Versys 1100 were officially revealed a few weeks ago and we expect Kawasaki to show these bikes at the show. Last year the company took the wraps off the 500, Hybrid and electric Z and Ninja models and it remains to be seen how the company tops its last year’s lineup this time around. 

KTM

KTM has already announced that it is revealing the 390 Adventure R, 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC R at this year’s show. All of these bikes will use the new 399cc motor found in the current 390 Duke but with differing wheel sizes, suspension and style. Additionally, the hotly-anticipated 990 RC R sportbike is set to break cover then too as is the spicy 990 Duke R. 

Last but certainly not least, the 1390 range which includes the Super Duke GT, Super Adventure S and Super Adventure S Evo will also be shown at the show. 

Royal Enfield

It's no secret that Royal Enfield is working on an electric bike which will debut on November 4 and is likely to be called the Flying Flea. We expect this model to be shown here alongside the new Bear 650 scrambler that was just revealed. The Classic 650 is also a likely candidate for an EICMA reveal as the production-spec bike has been spotted in Europe.

Suzuki

Suzuki debuted the GSX-8R sportbike and GSX-S1000GX sport tourer at last year’s show and also showcased its entire lineup. In typical Japanese fashion, the company is tight-lipped about what we can expect from it at this year’s show but the coming days should reveal more. 

Triumph

Triumph recently updated both its Speed Twin 900 and 1200 models as well as the Trident 660 in addition to bringing out the all-new Tiger Sport 800. We expect the British marque to showcase these models and perhaps something more at the show. 

Yamaha

Yamaha has been on a roll with the new R9 as well as updated R1, R3 and MT-07 and we expect these bikes to be shown at this year’s show with maybe a few more models from the Iwata-based brand. We also expect the Y-AMT variants of the 07 and 09 naked bikes to be present at the show.

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/0eQvoPF