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After missing 2020, for reasons we don't need to explain, the big EICMA motorcycle show returns this year, opening next week in Milan. EICMA always means anticipation of new motorcycle models being unveiled to the media and the public.
Like everything else, however, EICMA (officially the International Bicycle & Motorcycle Exhibition) has been changed by the pandemic. Exactly how much it has changed may not be clear for a couple of years, until we see how things shake out. Most of the major manufacturers will be back for 2021, though there are two very notable absences: BMW has stopped doing shows and Ducati is skipping its home-country show in favor of its new method of unveiling new models virtually over the course of several weeks.
EICMA is also evolving as new brands take on higher profiles, from Chinese manufacturers producing less expensive bikes in huge numbers to new makers of electric vehicles. By the time EICMA closes, you'll probably have your own list of new motorcycles you found most interesting. But to set the table for the return of the big show, here's my totally personal and highly subjective list of three things I'll be watching for.
Moto Guzzi leaps into the late 20th century
This is the entry that really puts the "subjective" in my "highly subjective list," though I don't think I'm totally alone. Moto Guzzi recently announced plans for a new factory and museum in Mandello in Italy, which is great and all, but we're really here for the motorcycles. Moto Guzzi knows that, which is undoubtedly why they dropped some photos of the forthcoming V100 Mandello along with that news release.
Moto Guzzis have always been good enough bikes, but nothing that really made me desperately want to own one. With the V100 Mandello, Moto Guzzi has my attention. We know virtually nothing about it, except that it has a new, liquid-cooled engine in the company's traditional across-the-frame V-twin layout with shaft drive and moderate, sport-touring ergonomics.
Plus, I just really like the way the V100 Mandello looks, with a nice blend of clean, modern lines and nods to tradition. I can't understand why motorcycles with half fairings have almost totally disappeared. A little wind protection makes such a huge difference for those of us who really use our motorcycles, but I still like to see the engine. And I like the easier access for maintenance, compared to a full-fairing bike. But it seems everything these days is either full fairing or nothing at all. (That's a rant for another day.)
I'm hoping the weight and performance don't disappoint and Moto Guzzi has an enticing new entry into the sport-touring category.
A new take on Kawasaki green?
After Kawasaki spun off its motorcycle unit into a separate entity, it developed business plans that call for a big push into electric and hybrid motorcycles. So far, however, we haven't seen anything that's close to being ready for release to consumers. Kawasaki has promised, however, that it will unveil new models at EICMA.
Will one of those be an electric motorcycle that actually ready for prime time? Surely it's too much to expect a hybrid, right? We'll find out next week.
Start the countdown. #Z50thCelebration #KawasakiZ #GoodTimes #Kawasaki pic.twitter.com/IGKU4QTj7n
— Kawasaki USA (@KawasakiUSA) November 2, 2021
It's also worth a brief mention that this is the 50th anniversary of the original Z1 and Kawasaki has spit out a couple of #Z50thCelebration teasers. I won't be surprised, however, if we just get a Z900RS SE with some nice paint.
Do MV Agusta and "adventure" mix?
Even the most unflappable adventure-touring motorcyclist might hesitate at the thought of having to source MV Agusta replacement parts in Botswana or the cost of shipping them to Tierra del Fuego. Do MV Agusta and adventure-touring really go together? Is a brand known for good-looking designs and exclusivity really your first choice for round-the-world expeditions or journeys to remote destinations?
Then again, we know that most riders on adventure-touring motorcycles aren't crossing Botswana on a regular basis (or ever). Either way, MV Agusta is promising to unveil two new adventure-touring models as part of its Lucky Explorer Project.
MV Agusta owns the Cagiva brand, which it has said in the past it wants to use for a line of electric motorcycles. But will it also put the Cagiva name on the two new adventure bikes and revive the Elefant name from the 1980s and '90s?
The bigger picture is that MV Agusta will be yet another player in a middleweight adventure-touring segment that is hot right now (as well as full of African desert references, from the Yamaha Ténéré to the Aprilia Tuareg 660).
Of course there will be a lot more to see at EICMA than those three motorcycles. Will we see new developments in Triumph's push into motocross and enduro bikes? Is it too soon to hope for another version of Harley-Davidson's new Sportster platform? Will Honda come out with a homologation special to try to improve its lagging place in World Superbike? We get our first look next week.
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