The annual EICMA Show in Milan is always a treat, with the show often the last chance for manufacturers to show off their coming models before everyone switches off in the lead up to Christmas. This year is no different, and while the show doesn’t officially start until Thursday NZ time, we’ve already seen plenty to make us with we were on a plane to Milan right now. Here’s our picks from what has been shown off so far…

Be sure to check back later in the week as we update this article with more bikes as they are unveiled!

Ducati

First to pull the wraps off their 2018 models were Ducati, with the all-new Panigale V4 the absolute headline of the Ducati World Premiere.

But it wasn’t just the new Desmosedici Stradale powered superbike grabbing our attention – also catching our attention was the new 1260 Multistrada and the new Scrambler 1100.

Yamaha

First of the Japanese manufacturers to make waves were Yamaha, with the tuning fork first focusing on the new MT-09SP and updated MT-07, before moving on to the Ténére 700 prototypes and the new Super Ténéré 1200 Raid Edition.

Yamaha also showed off their new Niken tri-wheeler which was unveiled in Tokyo a couple of weeks ago, as well as updates to the Tracer 900, but we’re still left feeling wanting. We were so sure the Ténére 700 was going to make our Christmas wish list! We’ll just have to wait until Yamaha decided they’ve got the recipe ‘just right’.

Honda

The Adventure theme continued to shine through this year with Honda pulling the covers off a new version of the Africa Twin. Dubbed the Africa Twin Adventure Sports, the new bike builds upon the success of the Africa Twin released in 2016, but adds a whole lot more, well, everything. Starting with a larger fuel tank, the bike has been redesigned to be an even more capable adventure machine with a hefty new bash plate, bigger fairing and screen, and flatter seat to allow for ease of movement in the rough stuff.

Also breaking the mould was the all-new CB1000R, which moves away from the streetfighter aesthetic of the old ‘Predator’ to reflect a more classic time. Don’t be fooled though, this thing is packing a punch thanks to its 2017 CBR1000RR derived DOHC four-cylinder heart which is backed up by more electronics than you can shake a stick at. We can’t wait to take this puppy around our Coro’ Loop testing ground!

BMW

Like many bikes in the middleweight segment, BMW’s mid-sized adventure tourers are growing up. Now sporting a capacity of 853cc from a revised parallel-twin, the F 750 and F 850 GS have undergone a thorough redesign to boot. Full LED lighting (plus toned down asymmetrical headlights) and a 6.5″ TFT screen are both highlights of the bike’s technology suites, while the full range of electronic aids are also present.

KTM

Following on from last year’s Scalpel concept is the official unveiling of the production ready KTM 790 Duke.

Sporting the all-new LC8c parallel-twin engine, the new Duke claims 105 hp and 86 Nm of torque from the extremely compact parallel twin engine with an unrivaled electronics package.

But it was the Adventure version of the 790 many of us were really looking forward to, and just like Yamaha with their Ténéré 700, KTM will be keeping us waiting a little bit longer for the 790 Adventure R.

With promise of the adventure bike perfection that matches performance and light weight, KTM will have a hot seller on their hands when they finally bring the 790 into production.

Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield used the EICMA stage to unveil its latest step into the 21st century, the Interceptor and Continental GT twins.

Royal Enfield Continental GT
Royal Enfield Interceptor

Making use of an all-new air-cooled 648cc parallel twin, the two new bikes build upon the success RE has found in the retro market. Power is claimed as 47bhp at 7100rpm, with torque a healthy 52Nm at 4000rpm, sent to the ground via a 6-speed gearbox. With both bikes weighing in around the 200kg mark dry, they won’t be the most high-performance bikes on the road, but like their contemporaries, they’ll be sure to inject a sense of style and comfortable riding which it seems we can only get from retro machines.