Motorcycles Prevail at the Trade Shows

In an era when trade shows seem to be less attractive for car companies, motorcycles, on the contrary, remain highly appreciated. The historic EICMA Show at Rho Fiera Milano once again excites enthusiasts this year with the most extensive edition in its history. 110 years after its first opening, the event, which concluded on November 10, 2024, continues to reveal all the latest innovations the cycling and motorcycle world has to offer: the two-wheeler sector is experiencing strong growth, especially in Europe, in contrast to four-wheelers. Over 600,000 visitors attended, with 770 exhibitors and 2,163 brands from 45 different countries, figures which, as explained by the organization, show an increase across all metrics compared to 2023. Many start-ups and traditional companies aim to capture the interest of young motorcyclists. Major brands like BMW and Harley Davidson return to the Show.
This year, Ducati introduces the new V2 engine for the Panigale and the Streetfighter, an engine that abandons the desmodromic technology (a historic fuel injection system for Ducati engines) to make room for technical innovations aimed at reducing the bike's weight. This is a complete departure from its past, which, until recently, featured signature elements like the trellis frame, the single-sided swingarm, and the desmodromic engine, the last remaining link to Ducati’s legacy. The Borgo Panigale company is thus looking toward a different future. Future trends suggest a focus on cost savings over tradition. 
Aprilia, too, targets a younger audience by presenting a fully renewed range, from the typical 125cc models for 16-year-olds to the RS 660 and the Tuono 660, which are now part of the "Factory" line, the brand’s premium range. Noteworthy is the Tuono 457, a completely new bike that, unlike its sportier counterpart, the RS 457, aims at young enthusiasts and those looking to enter the motorcycle world with an affordable, easy-to-ride option, staying at a much lower price range than the 660cc "sisters".
Honda, in addition to its myriad of displayed bikes, presents a revolutionary engine unique in its category. The configuration is V3, meaning three cylinders arranged in a V with approximately 90° between each, featuring an electric supercharger. This solution allows the supercharger to activate independently through "hybrid" technology, rather than relying on the exhaust gas flow. Known within the industry, the engine will enter production in early 2025, paving the way for a series of bikes, from a Naked model to an entire lineup. 
Alongside major motorcycle manufacturers, there were many Chinese or Italo-Chinese companies targeting mainly younger buyers with competitive pricing. Many historic Italian companies that had gone bankrupt in recent years have been acquired by Chinese companies that continue to fund the brands, while keeping the legal, design, mechanical, and engineering offices in Italy, staffed by Italian engineers. Among these is Moto Morini (a historic company from Pavia, revived in the East) with the new model of the Corsaro range, the GT, which joins the Corsaro Sport and Corsaro Naked. Also showcased were the new Allthrike 450cc, a medium/small displacement off-roader, and the X-Cape 700, a Touring/Adventure bike providing great riding comfort. 
A staple of this category, the F.B. Mondial brand, another historic Italian company that went bankrupt and returned to the motorcycle world in 2015, continues to expand its range every year, focusing on entry-level bikes with medium and small displacements that appeal to beginners. Notable is the new Sendero 300cc, an on-road enduro bike with a Piaggio/Aprilia-derived 28-horsepower engine that strikes a balance between comfort, power, and fuel efficiency. In addition to the Sendero, Mondial introduces the Mud 452 with a design by Rodolfo Frascoli. This bike, with a 450cc twin-cylinder engine and 48 horsepower, joins the road-going Piega 452, offering a comfortable off-road experience while standing out for its maneuverability and versatility. 
Benelli’s large display featured over 35 motorcycles, focusing in particular on the new concept TRK 902 Xplorer (coming in 2026) which will allow the Italo-Chinese brand, already established in the sector, to “raise the bar” in terms of both standards and displacement.
As we await to see these models on the road in early 2025, remember that the next EICMA event will return to Milan from November 4 to 9, 2025. Deluxu.it Magazine ©