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Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo e Accessori , EICMA , the Milan Motorcycle Show , regarded as the largest and most important of all such exhibitions , a chance for manufacturers to display all that is coming for the new year .
Following the first few days dedicated to operators and media , there was little surprise that many muchanticipated new models would bring an influx of enthusiastic members of the public to celebrate the eighth anniversary .
More than seven hundred exhibitors witnessed a public of almost 564,000 to break all attendance records , up nineteen percent . Over two thousand brands were presented across eight pavilions in a display of lights , plenty of passion , and a celebration of two wheels . The new were represented , with many updates on previous incarnations , the travel and adventure segment well represented and yet the absence of one did not go unnoticed .
The Great Absent
Arguably the most innovative and interesting motorcycle of 2023 was forefront for its absence . Presented to the media just a few weeks prior , and already in showrooms to be tried by the public , the new BMW R 1300 GS was noticeable for it not being at EICMA 2023 .
For years the BMW R series GS has been atop the sales rankings and the newer version shouldn ’ t be any different given its complete redesign that includes an additional nine horsepower and twelve kilograms of less weight . It comes with a redesigned chassis and frame , including an aluminium cast subframe , plus a new engine that is more
compact , lighter with increased power . Developments in rider safety through suspension and electronics is a big drawcard yet the only representation at EICMA from a Bavarian company were on the stands of the large travel accessory companies such as SW-Motech or Touratech which were of course committed to displaying their innovative products for this model .
The Real News
For many the big news of EICMA was the models from Moto Guzzi and Moto Morini . Two historic Italian brands that continue to grow and improve , and yet have chosen completely different paths . Moto Guzzi , part of the Piaggio Group , has tried to keep things strictly Italian and perhaps that shows in design , whilst Moto Morini forms part of the Chinese backed Zhongneng Vehicle Group Company .
Despite the Chinese ownership , Moto Morini , has kept the design and development side of the business in Italy and it shows in comparison to the other Chinese brands . The success of the first models to reach the market , such as the X-Cape 649 , has seen a following build and the success continue .
Design , attention to detail , partnership with important European companies ( Brembo , Marzocchi , Pirelli , etc .) has characterised innovations that Moto Morini , with five new models , as the leader in the Chinese owned class . At EICMA Moto Morini was perhaps the most prolific of all manufacturers with two models based on the 1200cc platform , two on the brand new 750 , 96 horsepower V-twin , and the new ‘ Calibro ’, an original and beautiful motorcycle with a typically America flavoured bagger .
The 1200 V-twin X-Cape features the Corsa Corta Evo 1200 engine which , while maintaining all of the qualities of the historic powerplant , has been deeply updated with Euro5 + regulations in mind . The electronics have seen a major upgrade , they were previously non-existent , so that it now has four riding modes that help with engine management , as well as stability control and anti-lock brakes . The frame is completely new compared to the previous Granpasso and Scrambler versions and includes an upper constructed of aluminium plates and the lower in a tubular frame . The rear mono-shock system includes progressive links . Wheels include tubeless rims sporting 120 / 70-R19
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