With the biggest motorcycle show of the year, 2013 EICMA is nearly upon us (November 5-6, check back for full coverage), we’re readying ourselves for a barrage of all-new bikes. What should you expect? Here’s what we know, what we expect to see and what we’d like to see.
Honda
What we know: Earlier this week, we captured the world’s first spy photos of the 2014 Honda CTX1300 — a performance cruiser based around the ST1300’s V4.
What we expect: Honda itself has talked about releasing a road-going MotoGP replica in the near future. It’s also heavily rumored that the long-in-the-tooth, relatively low-tech CBR1000RR will receive a whizz-bang, all-new replacement complete with traction control, a technologically innovative motor and that Honda will once again return to its rightful place at the top of the liter bike pile.
What we’d like to see: As sportbike fans, both of the above bikes are incredibly exciting. But, as industry watchers, it’s the possibility of more affordable, accessible models that holds the most promise. If those don’t get you going, we’ve heard rumors of a new, large-capacity dual sport/ADV bike too, although who knows when that might be unveiled.
What we know: Earlier this week, we captured the world’s first spy photos of the 2014 Honda CTX1300 — a performance cruiser based around the ST1300’s V4.
What we expect: Honda itself has talked about releasing a road-going MotoGP replica in the near future. It’s also heavily rumored that the long-in-the-tooth, relatively low-tech CBR1000RR will receive a whizz-bang, all-new replacement complete with traction control, a technologically innovative motor and that Honda will once again return to its rightful place at the top of the liter bike pile.
What we’d like to see: As sportbike fans, both of the above bikes are incredibly exciting. But, as industry watchers, it’s the possibility of more affordable, accessible models that holds the most promise. If those don’t get you going, we’ve heard rumors of a new, large-capacity dual sport/ADV bike too, although who knows when that might be unveiled.
Kawasaki
What we know: Kawasaki has already announced 2014 models for bikes like the Ninja 650, Versys, Ninja 300, ZX-6R, ZX-10R and ZX-14R.
What we expect: With Kawasaki, it can be hard to tell. Will the Z1000 be updated in-line with the Ninja 1000’s recent update? Seems very logical to us.
What we’d like to see: It won’t happen, but it would be awesome to see a refresh of the ancient KLR650. Same basic nature, same broad capability, same off-road spec, just with higher quality components and a modern motor, maybe even the Ninja 650’s parallel-twin.
What we know: Kawasaki has already announced 2014 models for bikes like the Ninja 650, Versys, Ninja 300, ZX-6R, ZX-10R and ZX-14R.
What we expect: With Kawasaki, it can be hard to tell. Will the Z1000 be updated in-line with the Ninja 1000’s recent update? Seems very logical to us.
What we’d like to see: It won’t happen, but it would be awesome to see a refresh of the ancient KLR650. Same basic nature, same broad capability, same off-road spec, just with higher quality components and a modern motor, maybe even the Ninja 650’s parallel-twin.
Yamaha
What we know: Yamaha’s already announced that it’s R6 and R1 will return for 2014 unchanged. Sigh. But, it has just unleashed the awesome, affordable new FZ-09 triple.
What we expect: At some point, we’re going to get a further iteration of that new three-cylinder motor. Most journo speculation leads towards a mid-capacity ADV bike, which would be a great home for it. Whether that happens this year or next, that’s our best guess for the next great Yamaha.
What we’d like to see: There’s fan-made renderings of an R6 replacement equipped with that triple flying around the Internet. Yamaha races. 850cc triples can’t go racing in any established classes. Not gonna happen.
What we know: Yamaha’s already announced that it’s R6 and R1 will return for 2014 unchanged. Sigh. But, it has just unleashed the awesome, affordable new FZ-09 triple.
What we expect: At some point, we’re going to get a further iteration of that new three-cylinder motor. Most journo speculation leads towards a mid-capacity ADV bike, which would be a great home for it. Whether that happens this year or next, that’s our best guess for the next great Yamaha.
What we’d like to see: There’s fan-made renderings of an R6 replacement equipped with that triple flying around the Internet. Yamaha races. 850cc triples can’t go racing in any established classes. Not gonna happen.
Suzuki
What we know: 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000! The big news we’re waiting for on that is the price. If they can get that down to around $12k, it’ll be a winner.
What we expect: Suzuki’s really pulled back new model development in order to see itself through this finanicl apocalypse. They’ll be looking to push that new V-Strom, possibly with custom versions or through a “concept” equipped with more capable off-road equipment.
What we’d like to see: A new GSX-R1000 with more power, less weight, better suspension and 21st Century electronic rider aids. A new GSX-R600 with the same. A replacement for the SV650 with quality suspension and good styling. Sadly, none of that is going to happen.
What we know: 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000! The big news we’re waiting for on that is the price. If they can get that down to around $12k, it’ll be a winner.
What we expect: Suzuki’s really pulled back new model development in order to see itself through this finanicl apocalypse. They’ll be looking to push that new V-Strom, possibly with custom versions or through a “concept” equipped with more capable off-road equipment.
What we’d like to see: A new GSX-R1000 with more power, less weight, better suspension and 21st Century electronic rider aids. A new GSX-R600 with the same. A replacement for the SV650 with quality suspension and good styling. Sadly, none of that is going to happen.
BMW
What we know: EICMA’s going to be a big show for BMW. The naked version of the S 1000 RR will be debuting and they’ll be showing the R nineT (gah, that name!) in public for the first time.
What we expect: BMW wants to make a big push into catalog customization with the R nineT, so expect a slew of customized versions from big name builders.
What we’d like to see: A mid-capacity version of the S 1000 RR and an R nineT with a smaller motor and lower price tag. It’s unlikely we’ll get either.
What we know: EICMA’s going to be a big show for BMW. The naked version of the S 1000 RR will be debuting and they’ll be showing the R nineT (gah, that name!) in public for the first time.
What we expect: BMW wants to make a big push into catalog customization with the R nineT, so expect a slew of customized versions from big name builders.
What we’d like to see: A mid-capacity version of the S 1000 RR and an R nineT with a smaller motor and lower price tag. It’s unlikely we’ll get either.
Triumph
What we know: Last week, we captured spy photos of Triumph’s new entry-level street bike.
What we expect: A Bonneville replacement is also said to be under development. Less weight, higher quality parts, same retro styling and same modularity to expand across the entire Modern Classic range. It’s coming at some point, hopefully to EICMA. But there’s also going to be a bunch of cruisers.
KTM
What we know: KTM’s fresh off two huge model releases — 1290 Super Duke R and 1190 Adventure. CEO Stefan Pierer has also stated that the production version of the RC390 will be debuting.
What we expect: Custom or “concept” versions of the above wearing a ton of Power Parts. Maybe they’ll even fit 17s to the 1190 and call it an SMT. Hopefully.
What we’d like to see: A smaller-capacity version of the Adventure with a lower weight and smaller price tag.
Ducati
What we know: Another big player at EICMA this year is going to be Ducati. A liquid-cooled version of the Monster using the same V-twin as the Multistrada and Diavel will be coming, as will the new Scrambler, which appears to be equipped with the 796 motor. Oh, and the first public outing for the Superleggera.
What we expect: Ducati typically rolls out a few up-spec or special edition versions of its range as well, equipped with names like S and R or with fancy paint. There will be a bunch of new colors and aftermarket too.
What we’d like to see: A Hyperstrada S with the same suspension and brakes as the Hypermotard SP.
Moto Guzzi
What we know: Both an entry-level roadster with similar lines to the V7 and a much lower price tag and a V12, with the same 1,151cc V-twin as the Griso and Stelvio, are under development.
What we expect: It’s unclear when the above will roll out.
What we’d like to see: A $5,000 price point and strong, retro styling for that smaller capacity V7, meeting Europe’s A2 license tier and finally giving American riders an accessible, affordable, appealing entry-level standard. And a V12 Le Mans with tons of ground clearance and Ohlins suspension.
Aprilia
What we know: Aprilia is hurting sales-wise. No one in Europe has a job anymore and the brand doesn’t have great market penetration in America, despite outstanding products and super-competitive price points.
What we expect: This is the big question mark hanging over EICMA. Aprilia will either show up with nothing, or with big news.
What we’d like to see: An “RSV2” with a mid-capacity engine. And a re-think of the firm’s existing sub-V4 range to bring it up-to-date with better performance and more curb appeal. We’ll probably get some new scooters.
MV Agusta
What we know: MV Agusta is trying to bring a new model to EICMA each and every year. A big task for a tiny company. Last year, we got the Rivale. This year?
What we expect: An adventure bike or similar based around the existing steel trellis/cast aluminum frame and 800cc triple.
What we’d like to see: MV needs to reign in new model development and instead focus on solidifying its distribution. It’s particularly poorly represented in America, the only remaining major market for high end bikes.
What we know: Last week, we captured spy photos of Triumph’s new entry-level street bike.
What we expect: A Bonneville replacement is also said to be under development. Less weight, higher quality parts, same retro styling and same modularity to expand across the entire Modern Classic range. It’s coming at some point, hopefully to EICMA. But there’s also going to be a bunch of cruisers.
KTM
What we know: KTM’s fresh off two huge model releases — 1290 Super Duke R and 1190 Adventure. CEO Stefan Pierer has also stated that the production version of the RC390 will be debuting.
What we expect: Custom or “concept” versions of the above wearing a ton of Power Parts. Maybe they’ll even fit 17s to the 1190 and call it an SMT. Hopefully.
What we’d like to see: A smaller-capacity version of the Adventure with a lower weight and smaller price tag.
Ducati
What we know: Another big player at EICMA this year is going to be Ducati. A liquid-cooled version of the Monster using the same V-twin as the Multistrada and Diavel will be coming, as will the new Scrambler, which appears to be equipped with the 796 motor. Oh, and the first public outing for the Superleggera.
What we expect: Ducati typically rolls out a few up-spec or special edition versions of its range as well, equipped with names like S and R or with fancy paint. There will be a bunch of new colors and aftermarket too.
What we’d like to see: A Hyperstrada S with the same suspension and brakes as the Hypermotard SP.
Moto Guzzi
What we know: Both an entry-level roadster with similar lines to the V7 and a much lower price tag and a V12, with the same 1,151cc V-twin as the Griso and Stelvio, are under development.
What we expect: It’s unclear when the above will roll out.
What we’d like to see: A $5,000 price point and strong, retro styling for that smaller capacity V7, meeting Europe’s A2 license tier and finally giving American riders an accessible, affordable, appealing entry-level standard. And a V12 Le Mans with tons of ground clearance and Ohlins suspension.
Aprilia
What we know: Aprilia is hurting sales-wise. No one in Europe has a job anymore and the brand doesn’t have great market penetration in America, despite outstanding products and super-competitive price points.
What we expect: This is the big question mark hanging over EICMA. Aprilia will either show up with nothing, or with big news.
What we’d like to see: An “RSV2” with a mid-capacity engine. And a re-think of the firm’s existing sub-V4 range to bring it up-to-date with better performance and more curb appeal. We’ll probably get some new scooters.
MV Agusta
What we know: MV Agusta is trying to bring a new model to EICMA each and every year. A big task for a tiny company. Last year, we got the Rivale. This year?
What we expect: An adventure bike or similar based around the existing steel trellis/cast aluminum frame and 800cc triple.
What we’d like to see: MV needs to reign in new model development and instead focus on solidifying its distribution. It’s particularly poorly represented in America, the only remaining major market for high end bikes.
