The 81st edition of the Milan Motorcycle Show ( the EICMA 2024 ) bucked the trend with record participation from manufacturers, journalists and attendees. But why should you care? Here’s a comprehensive list of two-wheelers from the show which should excite you!
BEST BIKES OF EICMA 2024
The EICMA 2024 in Milan once again set the global stage ablaze with groundbreaking reveals and thrilling announcements, marking its 110th year of celebrating two-wheeled passion. From cutting-edge electric innovations to adrenaline-pumping track machines, this year’s lineup showcased bikes that cater to every rider’s dream. For Indian enthusiasts, the event brought a mix of confirmed launches and tantalising possibilities, promising to shake up the market. Whether you crave a cruiser, a commuter, or a hardcore off-roader, the future of motorcycling in India just got a lot more exciting! Let’s dive into the best bikes unveiled at EICMA 2024, focusing on the ones coming to India.
Royal Enfield Classic 650
When – November 2024
How much – around ₹ 3.6 Lakh, ex-showroom
Engine specs – 648cc, parallel twin-cylinder engine. 46 HP and 52.3 Nm.
Based on the Super Meteor and the Shotgun, the Classic 650 offers the more relaxed riding posture the Classic 350 is known for. The bigger fuel tank, wider rear fenders, substantial large front forks, and unmissable twin exhausts give the Classic 650 a grown-up look. The increased kerb weight of 243kg matches the visual heft of this cruiser.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6
When – 2026
How much – around ₹ 2.5 Lakh, ex-showroom
Range – around 150km per charge
Royal Enfield’s foray into the electric motorcycle space is set to begin with the resurrection of an iconic nameplate as a sub-brand and a premium product. The Flying Flea lineup will contain multiple bikes, but the first product will be this small, lightweight urban bike called the C6. The C6’s design and the materials used are revolutionary for a production-spec Royal Enfield and will elevate the company’s future lineup – but it will come at a steep price.
Honda Activa Electric / CUV e:
When – by March 2025
How much – around ₹ 1 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 2 x 1.3 kWh batteries. 70km range. 8 HP, 90 Nm.
Honda showcased the CUV e: at EICMA 2024, which could be a precursor to what will underpin the electric version of the very popular Activa. Honda India may decide to bring the CUV e: as is and rebadge it the Activa as the product is developed for Indian users subsequently. With battery swap technology and a healthy claimed range on a single charge, the scooter will keep customers coming to the Honda showrooms who otherwise would have gone to Ather or TVS.
Ducati Panigale V2
When – 2025
How much – around ₹ 20 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 890cc, V-twin-cylinder. 120 HP, 93.3 Nm
If you read the quick engine spec summary above and thought, ‘that looks wrong’, you will be correct. The new V2 has a smaller engine (890cc vs 955cc), which outputs fewer numbers (120 HP vs 155 HP, 93.3 Nm vs 104 Nm). However, it also weighs less (179kg vs 200kg, kerb) and a host of electronic aids and better dynamics make it as quick or quicker on a track as the bike it replaces – says Ducati. Shrouding all the advancements in engine and chassis tech is a beautiful body inspired by the larger Panigale V4. For those looking for even more track performance, a V4 S version is also available – which, among other changes, is 17kg lighter!
Aprilia Tuono 457
When – by March 2025
How much – around ₹ 4 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 457cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 47 HP, 43.5 Nm
The RS 457’s engine’s torquey and usable low-end characteristics begged the setup to be plonked in a more upright, urban-friendly motorcycle – and it’s here in the form of the Tuono 457. The change in rider ergonomics, including the higher-set straight bars and the naked design, are noticeable changes from the RS 457, although Aprilia has not made an effort to make this look more like the Tuono V4. Underneath all that, the Tuono has a different final gearing, and that’s it. The KTM 390 Duke better watch out!
KTM 390 Adventure R
When – by March 2025
How much – around ₹ 3.5 Lakh to ₹ 4.0 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 45 HP, 39 Nm
Here we go again: Adventure motorcyclists’ and KTM enthusiasts‘ hopes are at a fever pitch with the unveiling of the new 390 Adventure R at EICMA 2024. It certainly looks more purposeful than the existing 390 Adventure, and KTM promises it is more off-road ready, too. The first sign is that this bike has block-pattern tyres shod on a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, and a more focused suspension. The addition of cruise control makes this a grand tourer, too. A non-’R’ version with road-biased tyres, smaller 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels and lower seat height is also on the cards for people more interested in road-touring than off-roading.
BMW F 450 GS Concept
When – by December 2025
How much – around ₹ 4.5 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 450cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 47 HP
BMW showed this as a concept, but it looked like a production-spec bike in concept-bike clothes. Nearly nine years after the G 310 GS was launched in India, BMW has unveiled its next step in growing the GS family of bikes. Highlights of the concept include 19-inch front and 17-inch cross-spoke wheels shod with tubeless block-pattern off-road tyres, a 175kg kerb weight, lean-sensitive ABS, riding modes, and a TFT screen with Bluetooth pairing – all enveloped in a design inspired by the larger R 1300 GS.
Sure, we are excited about this BMW, but we are more excited about what TVS does with this powertrain!
Hero Xtreme 250R
When – January 2025
How much – around ₹ 2 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 250cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 30 HP, 25 Nm
Hero announced its foray into the 250cc street naked segment, currently dominated by the KTM 250 Duke, with the showcase of the all-new Xtreme 250R at EICMA 2024. Hero claims this will be the quickest motorcycle in its class with a claimed 0-60kmph time of 3.25 seconds. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox, 43mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock take care of the suspension duties, and there are discs front and rear with switchable ABS modes. Hero also announced the same powertrain in a new Karizma ZMR 250. But the Karizma needs to go up a segment to be competitive and exciting again.
Triumph Tiger Sport 800
When – Around March 2025
How much – around ₹ 12 Lakh, ex-showroom
Specs – 798cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 113 HP, 84 Nm
Out goes the Triumph Tiger 850 Sport, and in comes the all-new Triumph Tiger Sport 800. Those looking to upgrade from the Triumph Sport 660 now have an alternative to the BMW F 900 XR in the middle-weight sport tourer category. The new Sport 800 dons the company’s new sleeker, angrier design philosophy, gets a whole host of rider assist features. That includes cornering ABS, cruise control, etc. and has fully adjustable suspension front and rear.
Internationally, the Sport 800 gets 40 dedicated accessories, both functional and cosmetic. The highlight, of course, is the new 798cc, three-cylinder engine, which is smaller but delivers more performance than the one in the outgoing 850 Sport. While the peak power and torque are developed at a high 10,750 rpm and 8,500 rpm. Respectively, Triumph claims 90 per cent of the maximum torque is available throughout the mid-range. Which means quick acceleration and sustained highway cruising will be a breeze on the new Sport 800.
