The four game changing reveals from EICMA 2022

The dust has settled on one of the biggest shows in the world. EICMA (aka the Milan International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition) is the event in every motorcycle manufacturer’s calendar. A show that draws the eyes of millions worldwide, and once again delivered the goods, with dozens of innovative motorcycles and technologies unveiled.

The show saw a defined focus on the future – with countless electric models on display – alongside an equal number of nods to the past – particularly when it came to adventure machines.

Here are four unveilings that could define the powered two-wheeler sector for the next 12 months…

Honda XL750 Transalp

The Transalp was a stalwart of Honda’s line up from launch in 1987 until its sad demise in 2012. But a decade on, the Japanese manufacturer has revived the name with the 2023 XL750 Transalp. It will feature the same 755cc parallel twin as the recently announced CB750 Hornet, making 90.5bhp and 55.3lb-ft, sat inside a lightweight steel diamond frame. This keeps it a lean 208kg wet, and makes it 18kg lighter than the Africa Twin, despite only being 10hp less powerful. An A2-compliant version will also be available.

The Ross White Tricolour scheme harks back to the original Transalp XL600V, but the reality is far more modern. The XL750 will feature a ride-by-wire throttle, slipper clutch, five riding modes, full colour, 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, anti-wheelie control, and ABS and traction control (switchable at the rear wheel). It will also be available in matte black and grey options.

Showa suspension with travel of 200mm and 190mm bookends the bike, with 210mm ground clearance and 21” front and 18” rear wheels promising off-road capability.

In terms of new-old adventure motorcycles, honourable mentions must also go to the Suzuki V-Strom 800-DE, and MV Agusta Lucky Explorer, both of which emulate machines from their respective manufacturers’ pasts.

Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

At EICMA 2021, Royal Enfield revealed the SG650 concept, in which it proved that the 650cc air-cooled parallel twin of the Interceptor and Continental GT would make a viable cruiser powertrain. And at this year’s exhibition, the manufacturer followed through on that promise with the reveal of the Super Meteor 650 and the Super Meteor 650 Tourer.

Featuring a low seat, feet-forward controls, and wide swept-back handlebars, the Super Meteors are based on an all-new, low-centre of gravity chassis created by Harris Performance. Componentry comprises upside down forks, LED headlamps and Enfield’s by-now-recognisable turn-by-turn navigation system.

Influenced by styles of the 1950s, the pair feature an eye-catching bechromed design and a breadth of customability. The Super Meteor will be available in black, blue, green and two-tone black and grey or green, while the Tourer will add a screen and pillion backrest, with the colour options of blue and white or red and white.

MV Agusta 921 S Cafe Racer Concept

MV Agusta isn’t afraid of a radical concept, and the 921 S Café Racer is one of the most beautiful machines to emerge from EICMA.

Drawing inspiration from the manufacturer’s 1973 750S, it features a glorious red, silver and blue colour scheme draped over an all-new tubular steel trellis frame, aluminium subframe, and billet swingarm. Cradled inside is a 921cc inline-four, with a claimed 115.5bhp and 85lbft of torque.

The 921 S’s classic appearance is complemented by high-spec componentry, with Öhlins electronically adjustable (compression and rebound damping) NIX USD forks and a manually adjustable TTX36 rear shock, while Brembo Stylema four-pot calipers on 320mm floating discs provide stopping power to the front wheel.

Also featured on the concept is an up-and-down quickshifter, launch control, traction control, cornering ABS and riding modes. There’s no word on whether MV will see it through to fruition, but with this level of detail, we doubt (/hope) it’s not just a design project.

Electric: Honda EM1 e: electric scooter

The future is electric – whether we want to accept it or not. And Honda isn’t going to be left behind. Back in September, the Japanese manufacturer revealed plans for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which included introducing 10 electric motorcycles by 2025.

The EM1 e: electric scooter is the first, and is aimed at young riders looking for fun urban transportation. It will be powered by a mobile power pack, which can be removed for convenient charging away from the scooter. With a promised range of over 40km per charge, the scooter is due for release in the summer of 2023.