#Eicma2014

Kawasaki announced it would introduce the single-cylinder Ninja 250SL sportbike and naked Z250SL to the European market as lighter, less expensive alternatives to the company’s on Ninja 300 and Z300.

Kawasaki revealed a new Z300, a naked version of the Ninja 300 sportbike. Based on the Z250 previously released in Asian markets but upgraded to the larger 296cc parallel-Twin engine, the Z300 will be offered in European countries.

For more information about Energica products visit www.energicasuperbike.com

We go for the motorcycles, but there’s more on display at EICMA that also grabs our attention. Grabbing attention, in fact, is what it’s all about in Milan, a thing they’ve known forever in the fashion capitol of the world. MO’s own burly fashionista, bon vivant, world traveler, suspension compressor, epicure and Creative Dissector, Sean Alexander, managed to take time out from his pressing (the flesh) duties to capture a few fleeting (probably frightened) images on his pheromone-soaked portable device. And our ace videographer, Chris Blanchette, put together an eye-candy-laced video for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.

Loyal MO readers will, no doubt, remember that Brough Superior had a three-month-old prototype of its SS100 on display at the  2013 EICMA show. Well, a lot has happened in the last year. Namely, Thierry Henriette, owner of Brough Superior Motorcycles SAS, says the SS100’s development has advanced to the point that he’s openly talking about assembly plant tours and product test rides. MO’s Editorial Director, Sean Alexander reports from Brough’s Eicma display that these latest prototypes are seriously impressive up-close and in the metal.

KTM revealed a new Factory edition 350SX-F that 2014 FIM MXGP World champion Tony Cairoli will ride in his title defense next season and the basis for the 2016 production model.

While the new Yamaha R1 and R1M are stealing the Tuning Fork headlines this year at EICMA, Yamaha also introduced another new model: the FJ-09, or MT-09 Tracer for the European market. Based on the FZ/MT-09 naked bike, the FJ-09 slots in below the FJR1300 as a more Sport-Touring machine for the entry level crowd. To meet the S-T needs for which it was designed, the FJ gets a host of new items like an adjustable windscreen, larger fuel tank, traction control, ABS and provisions for saddlebags, among others. E-i-C Kevin Duke is on hand at EICMA, where he gives us his first impressions of the FJ-09 after its worldwide unveiling.

Looking to tap into the lightweight touring segment, MV Agusta unveiled the Stradale 800 this week at EICMA. Resembling the sporty and athletic Rivale, the Stradale 800 takes that platform and modifies it for a slightly more touring-oriented ride.

The Adventure-Touring category is quickly becoming one of the hottest segments in motorcycling, and now BMW is throwing its hat in the ring with the S1000R-based S1000XR, introduce at EICMA 2014. Sharing the same engine and frame as the S1000R streetfighter, the XR version gets longer-travel suspension, plus a beefed-up subframe to handle saddlebags and the increased weight they entail. As usual, BMW has packed the XR with an impressive electronics package. E-i-C Kevin Duke is live at EICMA, where he files this report after giving the S1000XR a close lookover.

At EICMA 2014, Honda teased those in attendance with a street version of the RC213V MotoGP contender and this, a “True Adventure” model we suspect will be the reincarnation of the popular Africa Twin off-road machine. Propped up on a pedestal, away from spectators to reach, and strategically covered in dirt, it was difficult to learn much about the Africa Twin. Honda kept the mystery alive by releasing virtually no information about the prototype model. In his attempt to glean more info, E-i-C Kevin Duke sums up his thoughts on the bike, based on his visual inspection direct from EICMA.

For as much buzz as the Kawasaki Ninja H2 is drawing, arguably the real show stopper seen during EICMA 2014 comes from the Yamaha booth and the new R1 and R1M. Derived directly from the M1 MotoGP machine Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi pilot, Yamaha said bluntly the R1 was designed for the track first, street second. The Crossplane crank inline-Four is back, but that architecture is about the only thing retained from the previous R1.

Yamaha revealed an updated version of the TMax, its top-selling maxi-scooter, as well as a special edition TMax Iron Max at the 2014 EICMA show in Milan. The 2015 TMax receives a redesigned front cowl, new LED lighting and, in a nod to Yamaha’s sportbike tradition, upside-down forks and radial-mount brake calipers.

With 23 teaser videos spread between the no-limits Ninja H2R and street-legal Ninja H2, Kawasaki has done a masterful job of hyping the two H2 models. At EICMA 2014, Team Green took the wraps off the H2 model, and even though those in attendance practically knew what to expect, practically nobody could take their eyes – and cell phone cameras – away from the Ninja H2. MO’s Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Duke is at EICMA, and was one of those left in awe from the H2. in this video he explains what makes the latest Ninja so special.

Alongside the new 701 Supermoto production model comes a pair of scrambler concepts from Husqvarna. Dubbed the 401 Svartpilen (Swedish for “Black Arrow”) and 401 Vitpilen (“White Arrow”), the two concepts draw upon the company’s past while still offering a futuristic styling.

For more information about Energica products visit www.energicasuperbike.com