Best Of EICMA 2018

With EICMA 2018 in full swing, we unpack some of our favorite two-wheelers from the annual Italian moto show.

With so many models being unveiled this week, we go over our favorite reveals from EICMA 2018 thus far. From concept bobbers, to production superbikes, this year's got a little of something for everyone, and then some…

2019 BMW S1000RR

When BMW introduced the S1000RR in 2009 it set a new standard in the liter-sized superibke class. The Bavarian two-wheeler was touted for its well-balanced nature, advanced electronics system, and ease of use despite its immense power, quickly becoming the go-to choice for elite track riding academies like Keith Code’s California Superbike School. In the years following the double-R’s release, the folks at BMW Motorrad continued to refine the liter-bike, improving the already class leading electronics package and receiving a minor facelift, but over its near-decade-long production run, the Beemer never underwent a major model overhaul, until now that is.

Behold, the 2019 BMW S1000RR. Powered by an all-new 998cc, inline-four that features BMW’s new “Shift-Cam Technology” (variable valve timing) and weighs a full eight-pounds less than the previous gen’s mill, the new power plant reportedly makes an impressive 204-horsepower (8hp more than last year’s model) and 83-foot-pounds of torque. Despite the abundance of rumors, BMW failed to make any mention of a MotoGP-style counter-rotating crank though.

The potent new four-barrel is housed in a redesigned frame that also weighs in a few pounds less than the outgoing model’s chassis. Thanks to the lighter engine and frame the 2019 RR tips the scales at 434lbs wet — 25lbs less than the 2018 S1KRR, albeit the 2019 model has a smaller fuel-cell. Though the stock suspension on the 2019 model — which includes what BMW calls “Full Floater Pro Kinematics” which is said to improve traction and feel in the rear — is plenty competent, the factory is still offering a several trick suspension upgrades such as semi-active electronically controlled suspension as well as a shim package.

The 2019 S1000RR is also the first BMW two-wheeler to receive one of several optional M-packages with various carbon parts and whatnot. Strangely a quick-shifter is not a standard item and is instead an optional add-on. While there are four different riding modes that come standard (Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Race), BMW is offering a trio of additional “Race Pro” modes that allows riders to tweak settings like engine braking and wheelie control, and adds a launch-control function and pit-lane speed-limiter.

As one would expect from a new S1000RR, the electronics package — which is now monitored on a 6.5” TFT display — is even more refined, now boasting a six-axis internal measurement unit which helps regulate the bike’s Dynamic Traction Control and cornering ABS “Pro”.

Royal Enfield KX Concept

Royal Enfield has a long history, spanning back well over a century, so it makes sense that RE frequently looks to its deep roster of previous models from throughout its storied existence. For EICMA 2018, Enfield opted to draw inspiration from the 1930’s KX, an air-cooled, 1,140cc, side-valve V-Twin.

To recreate the depression-era Enfield its designers drew up a set of reimagined girder forks that incorporate the headlight into the design, blending modern and antique visual themes. An old-school tank feeds into a classic bobber-style saddle that hangs above what appears to be a single-sided swing-arm. Surprisingly, the designers at RE opted to go for a monoshock setup in back instead of the original’s hardtail. The KX concept’s chassis is another reimagined version of the 1930’s model, this time integrating the airbox into the frame’s design and utilizing the 838cc V-Twin as a stressed member. The dual-pipe exhaust is another wonderful rendition of the original KX’s, and the ancillaries have been cleverly hidden, furthering the vintage look.

Royal Enfield unfortunately have made it clear that the KX concept at this point isn’t expected to see production, though if the prototype generates enough hype, you never know. Either way, a major tip of the cap to RE for getting involved in so many cool projects as of late, (like this, Cayla Rivas’ Bonneville project, Rough Craft’s Continental GT, etc).

MV Agusta Super Veloce 800 Concept

With MV Agusta already having pulled the cover off the F4 Claudio, America-Edition Dragster 800 RR, and the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro, we weren’t expecting any other big announcements from the Varese brand, but boy were we wrong. For the last year or so MV has been hinting at the release of a neo-retro cafe model, but the bike wasn’t expected to debut for quite for time. Fortunately, MV had one more trick up its sleeve for this year’s moto-show season, and have just unleashed the concept for the stunning cafe’d supersport with the Super Veloce 800.

Built around the venerable F3 800’s power plant and chassis, the modern-retro protobike sports full carbon fiber bodywork, heavily inspired by 1970’s race fairings, and converging on a single circular headlight. The fuel-cell features large knee-dents and heavily resembles the tank on the standard F3, albeit with a slightly reworked profile, and a markedly larger cap and leather strap to further the vintage vibe. While the SV8 uses the F3’s stock chassis, the modern-retro’s subframe is a totally new unit, allowing the setup to be easily changed from a monoposto tail, to a two-up unit. And as per usual, fellow Italian outfit, SC Project provided the proto’s exhaust; an asymmetrical three-into-one-into-three system capped off with blacked out tips — two on the right and a single pipe on the left.

MV says the Super Veloce (“Veloce” is Italian for “Fast”) is slated for a release in the latter-half of 2019. There’s no word on pricing, but based on the current F3 800’s MSRP of approximately $14K, we can assume the Veloce will cost at least that, probably a little more if the carbon fiber bodywork, TFT display, SC exhaust, and whatnot make it onto the production version next year.

Honda Sexes Up The Learner Class

So Big Red has made a myriad of announcements at EICMA this year; updated 500, launch of the production neo-sports-cafe 650, and an updated FireBlade (and SP-spec), but the news that really got our attention from Honda this year was the unveiling of a pair of eighth-liter concept bikes, dubbed the CB125M and CB125X — both of which are based on Honda’s new CB125R.

Starting with the CB125M (with the “M” assumably denoting “Motard”), we have a stripped down, minimalistic mini-motard featuring a high, MX-style tail feeding into a modern street tank. Up front a number-plate style panel rests just above a rectuanglar LED headlight, not unlike the popular aftermarket Grom light. Fork and hand-guards further the 125’s supermoto aesthetic — a visual theme driven home by the slick tires adorning the rims. The single header ends in a trick SC Project exhaust too.

Next we have to CB125X, the smallest (proto) addition to Honda’s ADV-oriented “X” range. The baby ADV concept sports full rally-style bodywork including the massive windscreen. Angular radiator covers and a sleek fuel-cell pair excellently with the rounded-out hand-guards, and the long sweeping seat looks like it would allow for plenty of sliding and shifting around. Unlike the “M”, the baby X gets what looks like long-travel suspension, semi-knobby rubber, and spoked rims, though both models sport SC exhausts and bash-plates.

Aprilia RS660 Concept

Back in July rumors broke that Aprilia was developing a two-cylinder supersport model that would essentially be the RSV4 1100’s engine with the rear-cylinders removed. It’s admittedly a clever way of utilizing an existing design that’s already proven to work. The supersport 600 clearly takes ample visual inspiration from its big sibling, the RSV4, though the feather in the RS’s cap is undoubtedly its advanced adaptive aerodynamic components.

Dubbed “A3”, short for “Aprilia Active Aerodynamics”, the 660 features winglets and fins that are able to adjust their position to provide optimum downforce for whatever situation the bike may find itself in. Not only does these carbon fiber pieces look trick as all hell, but they also help to limit intervention from electronic riding aides, allowing more power to make it to the ground.

Longtime GP fans may recognize the “RS” moniker on the new concept model, and that’s because the RS660 is constructed like one of the marque’s dedicated Grand Prix racers, built around an aluminum chassis, that uses the parallel twin as a stressed member, paired with an aluminum swing-arm. Interestingly the swing-arm is mounted direct to the swing-arm itself sans linkage, which Aprilia says this actually improves performance.

Supposedly the RS660 is the first of an entire range of new models in an upcoming 660 twin platform. Though the 660 is scheduled for a 2020 release, the new supersport will be making its way to North American shores, as well as in Europe and Asia. Pricing isn’t yet available, nor or specs, but we imagine Aprilia will offer several different variants of the new RS.

2019 Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 701 was pretty much a forgone conclusion. With the immense success of the prototypes, followed by production versions of the Svartpilen 401, Vitpilen 401, and Vitplen 701. With the immense success of the three aforementioned models, it’s so surprise that we’re now being treated to a larger version of the Svartpilen (or “Black Arrow”).

Unlike the Vitpilen models — which are neo-cafe racers — and the Svartpilen 401 — which is a neo-scrambler — the Svartpilen 701 is Husky’s modern take on a flat tracker (or street tracker if you want to get pedantic). The tail-section is comprised of a flat unit with an upswept end, connected to tracker-style side-panels. The new Svartpilen also boasts a slash-cut exhaust, tracker-style bars, and a low profile headlight.

Like its 701 sibling, the new Black Arrow is based on the KTM 690 Duke (KTM is Husqvarna’s parent company), meaning it makes the same 72hp and 54ft-lbs of torque while tipping the scales at 370lbs fully fueled. Suspension duties are performed by adjustable WP units, brakes feature Bosch ABS, and the stock rubber is Pirelli MT60 RS tires. Other highlights include a quick-shifter, a single bar-end minor, and APTC slipper clutch. While the rest of the 401 and 701 range come from the factory with passenger seating and foot-pegs, the Svartpilen 701 is a single-passenger bike, though there may be an optional accessory to remedy this.

Pricing is expected to be in the ballpark of the Vitpilen 701, and will be a 2019 model year bike.