Motorcycles and scooters face the crucial crux of electrification like cars. On show at Rho Fiera until next Sunday many new models in each category proposed by the big names in the sector
by Mario Cianflone
The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 (on the right the S version) which boasts a top weight / power ratio for a non-faired bike: 208 cavall and 178 kilograms. The design is tough and pure from naked
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Milan, the capital of two wheels from November 7th to 10th, opening dates for the 2019 edition of Eicma. The 77th edition of the international cycle and motorcycle exhibition brings the present and future of the sector to the Rho-Milan trade fair, with a long list of related activities in the city, confirming the spirit of the Salone widespread. In the two days dedicated to the press, the positive trend of the sector was breathed in, constantly growing and supported by the many innovations arriving at the dealership.
Electrification is becoming a key word even between cycles and motorcycles, following what has already been seen in the four-wheeler sector, with the main difference linked to the importance of the emotions offered even in the absence of pistons and sound from the exhaust. In addition to the market, Eicma is also growing, for the first time extended to 8 pavilions for a total of 1800 brands from 40 nations, including the area dedicated to innovation and the world of start-ups linked to two wheels. In fact, more and more technology plays an active role in the sector, contributing to an industrial transformation that is closely linked with attention to emissions and in general to ensuring a more green footprint for the entire supply chain. As a tradition, scooters play the role of market leader, but the market share with motorcycles has dropped considerably compared to the past, now 56% and a few years later than over 70%. This change is explained on the one hand by the 50ini drop, the Z generation is more attracted by smartphones and sharing mobility, and on the other by the increase in motorcycles thanks to more affordable displacements and to vehicles that increasingly replace the car in everyday use.
Moving on to the Ducati previews, he anticipated everyone, with the premiere in Rimini, of the models on display at Eicma; among all the new items presented, the most interesting is the Streetfighter V4, a super naked with a sporty character and aggressive look with the best weight / power ratio on the market: 208 horses, 12.5 kgm of torque and 178 kilos in weight. The Panigale V2, powered by the Superquadro 955 cc twin-cylinder engine, and the Scrambler Icon Dark 800cc are also arriving.
Remaining among the national manufacturers, Aprilia presented the RS 660 and the Tuono 660 concept, while Moto Guzzi offers the super-equipped V85 TT Travel and the new V7 III Stone S and V7 III Racer 10th Anniversary. For 2020 Mv Agusta brings into production, and at the show, the Brutale 1000 Rr, a naked four-cylinder that feels like a true Superbike Replica. At Piaggio, spotlights are focused on the Beverly 2020 range, and on the Vespa in the Primavera Sean Wotherspoon, Primavera Red, Racing Sixties and Elettrica 70 km / h versions.
Among the Japanese manufacturers Honda unveils the Cbr1000rr-r Fireblade, completely new for the track, and the renewed Sh 125 and 150 range with new body and chassis and new more powerful and efficient Euro5 engines. Kawasaki renews the Ninja 1000SX, the Z900 and the Ninja 650. Suzuki presents the new V-Strom 1050 / Xt, whose distinctive style incorporates elements from two iconic motorcycles such as the historic Dr-z and the legendary Dr-Big.