It’s almost time for one of the motorcycle industry’s biggest trade shows—EICMA. But is the Milan-based event losing its lustre?
The pandemic, and the resulting national lockdowns, taught major OEMs that there are quicker and easier ways to break news than to spend big money on showing up at a trade show. And when EICMA returned to the calendar last year, major players like BMW, Harley-Davidson, Ducati and KTM were all absent. It could have been a result of travel restrictions, or slashed marketing budgets, but we’ve yet to see who’ll pitch up in Milan next month.
In the meantime, some brands aren’t content to wait. October has seen an unusual amount of new releases in the run-up to EICMA. We still have some stuff to look forward to (like the rumoured Honda Transalp), but in the meantime, here’s what’s caught our eye over the past month.
KTM RC 8C (Sold Out)
KTM might not be getting the results they want on the MotoGP circuit, but that’s done little to quell the love for the marque’s limited edition, track-only RC 8C. The Mattighofen-based marque has just released an updated version of it—and it’s sold out even faster than its predecessor did.
The first RC 8C broke cover last year, with all 100 units spoken for in less than five minutes. But the updated 2023 version flew off KTM’s virtual shelves in a mere two minutes, despite the company making twice as many units available.
We can’t say we’re surprised—after all, the RC 8C is the ultimate track tool for KTM-obsessed riders. It’s not just a redressed 2021 model either. It’s a bonafide upgrade, sporting a host of lust-worthy parts and features.
The revised LC8c inline twin now makes 135 hp at 11,000 rpm, courtesy of new titanium valves and conrods, a higher compression ratio, bigger throttle bodies and a handful of other smart upgrades. Power’s managed via a full suite of configurable electronic aids.
The 2023 RC 8C weighs a paltry 142 kilos dry, thanks to lightweight components like the titanium Akrapovič exhaust system. The suspension is an all-new WP Pro setup, while the brakes are high-end Brembo Styleema units.
A MotoGP-derived aero package comes standard, naturally. The RC 8C also gets a smorgasbord of carbon fibre bits, along with race-spec rims, triple clamps, switches, and an AIM dashboard. Oh, and the gearbox shifts MotoGP-style. The only thing the RC 8C doesn’t come with is Brad Binder’s skill on a bike. You’re on your own there.
The Triumph Chrome Collection
Nothing screams “vintage” like chrome—lots and lots of chrome. Triumph gets it, so they’re releasing eight ‘Chrome Edition’ modern classics, and two versions of the Rocket 3. If you like shiny things and have nothing better to do on weekends than polish your motorcycle, read on.
Triumph’s new ‘Chrome Collection’ includes special editions of the Bonneville T120, Bobber, Scrambler 1200 XE, Speedmaster, Thruxton RS, T100, Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900, along with the Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT. Each model will only be available for a year, and each follows the same basic recipe.
Each Chrome Edition bike features a fully- or partially-chromed tank, with an additional accent colour. Notable exceptions are the T100, Speed Twin 900 and Scrambler 900; these feature a painted tank with a distinctive chrome accent, instead.
The bikes are then further trimmed with contrasting jet-black parts. But if you want to get your shine on, even more, Triumph has a full catalogue of chromed accessories available for each bike.
It sounds silly on paper, but you have to admit that these chrome-laden machines look extremely luxe. It’s hard to argue with the combination of chrome and green on the Scrambler 1200, or the vintage Husqvarna scrambler vibe that the Speed Twin 900 gives off.
BMW R 1250 R (updated)
The 2023 BMW R 1250 R doesn’t seem that much different from the 2022 BMW R 1250 R. That’s because it isn’t really—short of a new set of liveries, there’s not much to report on.
What is newsworthy though, is what you get for your money. BMW Motorrad is a brand infamous for charging for every last optional extra, but they’re bundling more features with their naked boxer roadster than before.
Here’s the deal: the BMWs that hit our shores usually come pre-loaded with a host of optional extras, which makes them a little pricier. With the revisions to the R 1250 R, the company is looking to offer riders more bang for their buck by baking some of these into the ‘base’ model. ‘Dynamic Traction Control,’ an ‘ECO’ riding mode, BMW’s ‘Integral ABS Pro’ and ‘Dynamic Brake Control’ features, a USB port, new LED turn signals, and a cover for the passenger seat, are all now standard features.
There are murmurs that this won’t push the R 1250 R’s price up, though we’d need confirmation from BMW Motorrad South Africa on that. If that’s true, it adds a little icing on top of what is already a ripper of a motorcycle.
Ducati Panigale V4 R
Ducati are going all-in on their four-cylinder powerhouses this month, starting with the 2023 Panigale V4 R.
As if the current Panigale V4 wasn’t mental-slash-desirable enough, its replacement sports, even more, MotoGP- and WorldSBK-derived stuff. It’s an extensive laundry list of upgrades, so we’ll just breeze over the highlights.
The new V4 R has updated wings (obviously), a MotoGP-inspired paint job, and a new billet aluminium triple clamp that will bear each bike’s number. There’s a new clutch, new gear ratios derived from WSBK bikes, and a bunch of refinements to the electronics. It’s a party inside the motor too, with titanium conrods and pistons, and a special oil developed in partnership with Shell.
The result: a stunning superbike that looks bananas, and can hit 240.5 hp in track mode. Oh, and it’ll make that at 15,500 rpm—right before the limiter kicks in at 16,500 rpm.
Streetfighter V4 (updated)
Ducati have upgraded the Streetfighter V4 family too. The focus here was on chassis improvements, upgraded running gear and revised electronics.
Most of the chassis changes are derived from the Panigale V4, to improve handling. So the front frame’s been tweaked, the weight distribution’s been altered and the swingarm pivot’s been nudged higher. The Ducati V4 S also gets semi-active Öhlins suspension and Marchesini forged alloy wheels.
Also new are the tank shape (which has improved ergonomics), and the riding modes, which, again, have been borrowed from the Panigale. The engine’s been re-calibrated to match a larger diameter exhaust, and the Streetfighter now wears the Panigale’s clutch cover.
Ducati have a swanky new Streetfighter V4 SP2 as well. It’s a limited edition model, sporting carbon wheels, Brembo Styleema brakes, Öhlins suspension and a STM-EVO SBK dry clutch. You’ll know it by its livery, which was inspired by the pre-season MotoGP and WSBK test bikes.
Ducati Diavel V4
Continuing with the theme of exotic Italian four-cylinder motorcycles, Ducati have just announced a major update to the Diavel. As is abundantly clear from its name, the new Diavel V4 trades its two-cylinder motor for the V4 Granturismo powerplant from the Multistrada V4.
That move sees the Diavel take a step back in terms of capacity (from 1,262 cc to 1,158 cc), but a step forward in terms of power. It now makes 168 hp (7 hp more than before), while torque dips from 128.9 Nm to 126 Nm. But it’s not just about the numbers—the radical change in engines will surely make the Diavel totally different to ride.
The change also adds visual bulk to the already muscular Diavel—note the chunky air intakes, and the clustered four-piece muffler. All the styling cues befitting of such an excessive machine are present, including a contrast-cut and mega-wide rear wheel that looks like it came off a performance car.
Naturally, the Diavel V4’s chassis has been redesigned around its new engine. But despite its visual heft, it’s actually lighter than its predecessor, tipping the scales at 223 kilos without fuel. It also gets 15 mm more suspension travel, Brembo Styleema brakes, and a revised electronics package with a new TFT display.
When you think about it, doubling the Diavel’s cylinders makes total sense. It plays into the bike’s whole power-cruiser-that-eschews-definition mystique. Oh, and did we mention it now does zero to 100 in three seconds?
