MILAN, Nov 7 — In keeping with tradition, the world's leading motorcycle brands will premiere their latest models at the Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA), November 7-10. Visitors to the show will be among the first to feast their eyes on models slated to launch in the first quarter of 2014, including the Ducati 1199 Superleggera superbike and the BMW C Evolution electric scooter.  

Italian brands will be well represented at the show, where MV Agusta will unveil its Turismo Veloce and Aprilia will premiere its Tuono 2014. Ducati is set to steal the show, however, with the debut of its limited edition 1199 Superleggera, with a record power-to-weight ratio. Its Superquadro motor has over 200hp, while the entire model weighs just 155kg. Only 500 of these exceptional bikes will be produced and sold at €65,000 each.

Meanwhile, BMW — celebrating the 90th anniversary of its motorcycle division in 2013 — has at least two world premieres in store for Milan. The BMW R nineT is a tribute to the brand's very first motorcycle, the R 32, first introduced in 1923. Packing a 1,170cm3 twin box engine with 110hp, the R nineT accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds and boasts top speeds of over 200km/h, all at a dry weight of just 222kg. BMW will also premiere the new R GS1200 Adventure, its latest off-road bike, and may also debut a new roadster version of its S1000RR.

KTM will take advantage of EICMA to debut its hotly anticipated SuperDuke 1290 R, nicknamed “the beast” and packing a 180hp engine, making it the most powerful in KTM's range. The sporty roadster has a total weight of just 189kg, enabling spectacular acceleration from 0 to 200km/h in 7.2s. The SuperDuke 1290 R will also be equipped with antilock brakes and traction control.

Honda will premiere three 670cc models: the Integra, the NC700S and the NC700X. All of these new models feature dual-clutch transmission, which Honda first used in 2010 on the VFR1200F, and which enables riders to switch between manual and two modes of automatic transmission.

Kawasaki will highlight its latest generation of Z1000 roadsters, which the brand describes as “ready to pounce,” while Yamaha will present its latest MT-09 sports bike and its XV 950 custom cruiser, launched earlier this year.

Finally, Harley-Davidson aficionados can admire the brand's restyled 2014 collection at EICMA.

Next-generation scooters

Alongside powerful superbikes and off-road motorcycles, manufacturers will also present their latest developments in terms of city-friendly and energy-efficient scooters. BMW will present its very first all-electric model, the C Evolution, which is said to have a range of 100km per charge, and a charging time of just 4 hours through a standard electric outlet.

Kawasaki will present its new maxiscooter, while Yamaha is expected to announce its first three-wheeled scooter. Finally, Peugeot is expected to launch a number of models in a “neo-retro” style, while Vespa is slated to debut its new Primavera 50 and 125.

Facing a slump in sales, a number of manufacturers are aiming to turn the trend around by appealing to new types of clients — including women, as illustrated by the poster for EICMA 2013 — and by emphasizing safety features and energy efficiency, two aspects emphasized in recent years by car makers as well.

The 71st edition of EICMA takes place November 7-10 in Milan. — AFP-Relaxnews