It’s motorcycle show season with a host of new 2020 models soon to be revealed at the biggest motorcycle show on the planet, EICMA, in Milan in November and the Tokyo Motor Show starting Thursday (20 October 2019).
We expect the usual new models, updates, concepts and, of course, a host of electric motorcycles and scooters.
However, Ducati, Kawasaki and Honda will jump the queue with unveilings on Wednesday ahead of show season.
2020 bikes
Here’s our rundown on what to expect at the shows for 2020:
Ducati
We are kickstarting with Ducati who will steal the show on Wednesday night (23 October 2019) when it reveals its 2020 models including seven new models.
Their big-ticket item is the 208hp Streetfighter V4 weighing in at just 178kg dry. There may also be a Multistrada with the V4 engine.
Two other models we’ve heard of are the Multistrada 1260 S Grand Tour and a blacked-out Scrambler Icon Dark.
We may also see an updated Panigale 959.
Kawasaki
On the same day, Kawasaki will unveil their naked supercharged Z H2. It will be interesting to see if it has the same power as the H2 or whether it is “retuned”.
The Ninja 400 engine is expected to be added to the baby Versys, we could see a W800 scrambler version and there could be updates to the Ninja 650 and Ninja 1000.
Rather than a new model, the big news could be confirmation of the rumours that the big green machine has gobbled up Italian icon, Bimota, for which it has historically supplied engines.
Honda
Honda will also show its 2020 fleet on Wednesday, including the already revealed Honda CRF1100 Africa Twin.
Their big news will be the new CBR1000RR with a host of electronics to be competitive in the 2020 World Superbikes series.
Honda usually has some interesting concepts and the rest may just be updates of existing production models.
Triumph
The British invasion will include a Thruxton RS to bridge the gap between the ‘R’ and the ‘TFC’ and we expect a Bobber version to join their exotic TFC range.
BMW
The Bavarian promises six new models highlighted by the reveal of the production version of their first cruiser in 15 years, the 1800cc boxer-powered R 18 (spy photos at the top of this page and below).
We also expect to see the F 850 RS based on the Concept 9cento, an updated S 1000 XR sport tourer, the new S 1000 R streetfighter and perhaps more R nineT versions.
KTM
The Austrian manufacturer has been defying the sales slump with some clever new models in recent years and should continue the trend.
We expect a new 1290 Super Duke R with winglets as this teaser video suggests.
KTM is tipped to announce a range of entry-level 490cc twin-cylinder motorcycles, a range of 890cc models and a 790 Supermoto.
Aprilia
The Aprilia RS 660 production bike is the big tip following the unveiling last year of the concept model.
There should also be RSV4 updates with less weight and more power … as usual.
Norton
No new models, but we expect to see the Atlas models and V4 RR hit the showroom floor.
MV Agusta
A Russian funding injection and promises of new models has got everyone excited, but it may be too early.
Perhaps we’ll see yet more limited-edition models such as the Brutale 1000 Serie Oro to challenge Ducati Streetfighter V4 in a horsepower brawl.
RMK
This Finnish motorcycle company will unveil an electric motorcycle with up to 300km of range and a hub-less rear wheel housing the motor.
Suzuki
After years of teasing, we expect to see a turbo model, perhaps even a turbo Hayabusa or Katana, but probably more likely something in the mid-range engine capacity.
There will also be updates for the V-Strom 1000, new colours, new graphics and maybe a concept or two, probably electric.
Some have suggested a smaller version of the recently released Katana.
Indian
The American company is expected to unveil its Challenger bagger believed to be powered by a liquid-cooled 1770cc engine called the Powerplus.
Yamaha
The R1 and R1M will have an update and we should see at least one new variant of the popular MT range.
Moto Morini
The Italian manufacturer has hinted at an adventure bike with unknown engine capacity.
Moto Guzzi
The popular V85 TT adventure bike and V7 could be joined by more variants.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com