The annual EICMA motorcycle show is taking place in Milan, Italy, as this is being written but, as all the manufacturers present presented their latest models and innovations at the press day preceding the public days, it is timely to have a look at the highlights.
In terms of completely new models, it appears to be a bit of a quiet year but that’s not to say that there haven’t been some interesting reveals. Perhaps the most interesting isn’t a complete motorcycle at all, but rather an engine. Honda showcased a brand new three-cylinder, four-stroke engine, a V3 no less, with an electric compressor to force as much air as possible into the combustion chambers.
The engine has two forward cylinders and one rear cylinder, set at a 75° angle and is liquid-cooled. There are a couple of advantages to using an electric compressor; the first is that driving the compressor will not drain power from the engine, as in traditional supercharger installations. The second is that, not relying on exhaust pressure to turn the turbine, means that it can be mounted in the most advantageous position and not in line with the exhaust.
Honda has given no indication of displacement, nor what bike it may appear in, but the company has said that it is likely that we will see it in the market in 2026. Honda also showed an updated XL750 Transalp model, with cosmetic and tech updates.
Another significant brand-new model comes from BMW and is a 450cc adventure bike, featuring a parallel twin engine. Named the Concept F450 GS, it is clearly aimed at filling the gap between the G310 GS and the F800/900 GS models. The engine pushes out a healthy 48 horsepower and, although BMW is not giving much away in terms of specification, it will have fully-adjustable USD forks, 19/17” simple ‘spoked wheels and weighs 175kg.
Pictures show it to look much more purposeful than the G310 GS – much closer to the F800/900/R1300 GS models and you’d have to say that it looks suitably rugged and chunky. Expect the electronics to be top-notch.
It is, of course, a concept for now, but BMW has stated that the production version will lose little of the visual appeal of the concept.
Ducati has revealed a brand new Panigale V2, dispelling fears that the V-Twin engine has had its day in a Ducati sport bike. The engine is all-new, developing 120 horsepower and the whole bike weighs in at an incredibly light 176kg. The base V2 uses Marzocchi forks and a Kayaba rear shock, while the V2 S will be equipped with Ohlins suspension front and back.
Accompanying the V2, Ducati also revealed new Streetfighter V2 and V2S models. Sharing the brand-new V-Twin engine of the Panigale V2, which is a 90°, 890cc unit, with variable valve timing and delivering a similar 120 horsepower to the Panigale models. The cylinder heads feature conventional springs to close the valves, desmodromic actuation having been dropped to reduce both production and maintenance costs. Suspension is similar to the Panigale V2 and V2S.
Surprising news from Suzuki South Africa is that they will be importing the new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM, the first time in several years that Suzuki SA has chosen to play in this field in the home market.
The ‘S’ model is a dual sport, while the ‘M’ is a Supermoto model. Both models feature a brand-new steel frame and KYB suspension. The engine is a single-cylinder with double overhead camshafts, delivering 38 horsepower and 37Nm of torque. Overall weight is around 150kg.
KTM has returned to EICMA after a few years’ absence and has chosen the event to reveal several new models, not least of which is the 1390 Super Duke GT, as insane a touring bike as you could ever wish
for.
Taking the basic 1390 Super Duke platform, the GT is created by adding a fairing and screen, provision for fitting luggage and tweaking the suspension to give a much more relaxed ride, if Comfort mode is selected. For those who want to carve up the canyons two-up with a full load of luggage, everything can be firmed up at the press of a switch, the semi-active suspension coping with changing road and riding conditions. The ergonomics have been updated to combine both comfort and room to position the body for sports riding. The electronics package remains as comprehensive as ever, complete with adaptive cruise control via the front-facing radar.
Other news from KTM includes the 390 Adventure R, 390 SMC R Supermoto and 390 Enduro R models. All use the latest version of the 399cc LC4c parallel twin engine, housed in a new steel tube frame, suspended by adjustable WP suspension and stopped by ByBre callipers.
The Adventure R and Enduro R get a 21” front wheel and 18” rear, while the SMC R has 17” wheels front and back. Expect a decent suite of electronics, including lean-sensitive traction control and a Supermoto mode, turning off the ABS at the rear wheel.
Elsewhere in the 2025 KTM line-up are the 1390 Adventure S and R models and 990 RC R, complete with a 990 RC R Track version. Despite slightly bleak forecasts from KTM in recent months, it doesn’t appear to have impacted new model development.
Recently, ZA Bikers was impressed with the range of CFMoto models that would be appearing in dealers across the country from this point onwards. Expect the new 675SR-R to be added to the line-up in due course.
Powered by a 675cc triple-cylinder engine, pushing out 95 horsepower at 11,000 rpm and 70Nm at 8,250 rpm. Fully adjustable KYB suspension attaches to a tubular steel frame, J.Juan brakes are fitted and it weighs 198kg. If the models tested at the recent press demo day are anything to go by, the latest addition to the range should be able to go head-to-head with rivals on a level playing field, including quality, the only difference being the much lower price.
There is a lot more mouth-watering machinery to see but, sadly, we’ll not see any of it in South Africa, including updated Aprilia Tuono V4 naked and Tuareg adventure models, an all-electric Royal Enfield, a Moto Morini 3.5, Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello updates and some funky-looking Fantic models.
If you’ve never been, the EICMA show has to be on the bucket list for any motorcycle enthusiast. The sheer scale of the show is mind-boggling and you’ll come across brand names you’ve never heard of, both motorcycle and every type of accessory brand.
