P&H Motorcycles News & Events

A range of 2012 models, including the new Honda Crosstourer, have debuted at EICMA.

All the major motorcycle manufacturers are using this week's Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori (EICMA) event in Milan to showcase their 2012 ranges.

Japan's biggest motorcycle maker, Honda, leads the way with a host of new machines and updated favourites for the European market.

Attracting interest is the new Crosstourer, an adventure sports bike that is said to "take Honda's unique V4 heritage in a new direction".

First unveiled as a concept machine at last year's EICMA show, Honda's approach to designing a bike that is equally at home on the road as it is off is to use a powerful 1,200cc engine, and place it in a frame that is styled like a dirt bike.

This involves the use of an upright riding position and long-travel suspension, while the addition of the innovative Dual Clutch system makes the Crosstourer a "unique and versatile package".

Also new to Honda for 2012 is the Integra, which gives riders looking for the comfort and stability of a scooter a 670cc engine to enjoy, and two new mid-sized models.

The NC700S is aimed at commuters looking for a practicality with a bit more style, as the bike goes for a naked look to make the journey to work a bit more fun, while the NC700X uses the upright riding position of an off-roader.

Traditional Honda favourites have also been updated for the new year, with a special 20th anniversary edition of the CBR1000RR Fireblade, tested recently by World Superbike Championship star Jonathan Rea, complemented by a revamp for the iconic 1,800cc Gold Wing.

Kawasaki is also bringing a new model to the market for 2012, unveiling the Versys 1000 at the EICMA show.

The manufacturer has been careful to retain all the features that made the 650cc model a popular adventure bike, while squeezing in the 1,043cc inline-four, liquid-cooled engine from the Z1000.

Kawasaki has also added new power modes, allowing the rider to modify the engine output to change the way the power is delivered, providing adaptability no matter what the conditions. Throw in traction control and ABS brakes, and Kawasaki has developed a very versatile machine.

Not to be left behind, Italian manufacturer Ducati has brought out the big guns for EICMA, including a first look at the eagerly awaited new superbike - the 1199 Panigale.

The Bologna-based firm has designed a completely new monocoque chassis to go with the radical Superquadro engine.

Superquadro not only features a bore and stroke ratio of 1.81:1, increasing rpm with an ultra-short crankshaft, but the cylinders have also been rotated around the crankshaft, enabling Ducati to improve the weight distribution by moving the engine further forward.

With the new chassis design cutting the weight of the bike to 164kg and the Superquadro producing a whopping 195bhp, the result is a power to weight ratio that is causing quite a stir in the motorcycling community.

Ducati also used EICMA to unveil special edition AMG and Cromo versions of the popular Diavel bike, as well as the new Streetfighter 848, which takes its place alongside sister model, the Streetfighter S.

Back with the Japanese manufacturers, EICMA sees Suzuki introduce the 2012 version of its flagship superbike, the GSX-R1000.

Much stress and fatigue testing in the Suzuki labs has helped the company trim the weight of the pistons by 11 per cent while improving acceleration, part of a range of improvements that have shed 2kg from the overall weight of the bike.

Meanwhile, Yamaha has introduced its new scooter, the TMAX, which has an increased engine capacity of 530cc and a new swingarm to improve ride comfort while maintaining the manoeuvrability that makes it a popular vehicle in maxi scooter sector.

The press-only sessions at EICMA began today (November 8th), ahead of the public exhibitions running from November 10th to the 13th.