The EICMA show brought some of the most technologically advanced, creatively designed motorcycles, besides some of the most radical concepts. This year was the 100th iteration of what is called the most in-depth cross section of all things motorcycle. We list down our top five picks from the show.
Kawasaki H2
The Kawasaki H2R was showcased a while back at the INTERMOT, and the road legal version, the H2 has now been showcased at the EICMA. The H2 carries a similar in-line four cylinder engine, albeit tuned to be suitable for street use. The air-intake and exhausts meet emission and noise level standards, while it also carries street legal running gear. The H2R made headlines with a claimed wild-300bhp power output when it was revealed, and the retuned mill on the H2 makes 210bhp with its supercharged engine, allegedly making it the fastest accelerating production bike in the world.
2015 Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R1M
The Yamaha R1 has been refreshed by the Japanese manufacturer, and it comes with performance and styling upgrades. Some of the changes include a redesigned engine, which is lighter and produces approximately 17.75bhp over the outgoing model, bumping up the power output to 197.3bhp. The new design focuses on increased air intake and lesser power loss.
Yamaha R1
Yamaha has also added the R1M to its lineup, which is the track focused version of the R1. This iteration uses ÖHLINS electronically-controlled suspension, lightweight highly textured carbon fairing, data-logging functionality that records riding conditions, and track focused tyres. The electronic racing suspension can be controlled by the SCU (suspension control unit), which supports integrated control of the front and rear based on information from the IMU and sensors.
Honda RC213V-S concept
The Honda Fireblade is only getting minor upgrades this year, and brings the rather humble 178bhp engine to the table, where rivals such as Yamaha and Kawasaki are boasting much higher figures. Honda has secured some reputation for itself at the MotoGP, with their ace rider Marc Marquez taking the trophy home this year. The Honda showcase had the RC213V-S concept, which is essentially the track racer with some bits of street legal gear such as mirrors and turn indicators. This however, gives us no more than a hope that this V4 engine might make its way to the production lines.
Ducati 1299 Panigale
At the heart of the matter, is where Ducati seems to concentrating. The Audi-owned Italian motorcycle brand added a new Panigale to its super-lineup. The engine capacity on this motorcycle has been bumped up to 1285cc, a slight increase from the outgoing model. This engine, however, is now claimed to make 205bhp, raising the bar for everyone else to match. The original 1199 Panigale will still be sold beside the two 1299 Panigale and 1299 Panigale S models, as the race-spec version with track focused gear making its way to the motorcycle.
Matchless Model X
Featuring a V-twin engine, a 12-piston caliper brake system, and lots and lots of shiny surfaces, the Matchless claims that they have 12 patents on the Model X. Some of the patents that they hold include easily adjustable seats, footpegs, and handlebars. The original Model X was built between 1929 and 1940 by the British brand. The bespoke 1916cc engine is fuel injected, and the frame acts as a fuel reservoir.