Photo by H. Mitterbauer
Milan show begins flow of new models from European manufacturers
With the 63rd International Motorcycle Exposition opening
today in Milan, Italy — and now reputed to be the largest motorcycle
show in the world — manufacturers are unveiling more of their 2006
models, such as the KTM 990 Adventure S above.
Just in case you found the old 950 Adventure S a bit
lacking (we're joking), KTM installed its larger 999cc V-twin engine in its flagship
adventure-tourer, complete with fuel injection. KTM says the 990 comes
with a catalytic converter to meet European emissions standards and a
new anti-lock braking system that can be switched off for dirt riding.
The S version sports the blue Dakar graphics seen above.
BMW is particularly busy at the Milan show, unveiling
several new and important models.
 The
newest of them all is the F800S (right), a sporty parallel-twin
middleweight featuring a single-sided swingarm with belt drive and an underseat fuel
tank, similar to the F650GS and CS.
While the F800S represents a new line for BMW, the
German company is also unveiling some important extensions of its
current lines.
Following up on the K1200S and K1200R, the two most
powerful BMW motorcycles ever, BMW is unveiling its K1200GT, the
luggage-equipped sport-touring version of the new line. Not to be
confused with the previous K1200GT, which used the "flying brick" motor,
the new 1200 just adds carrying capacity, weather protection and other
amenities to the K1200S platform.
Another new BMW model is the R1200S, reputedly the most
powerful boxer yet and the sportiest member of the opposed-twin lineup.
Moto-Guzzi introduced a new 1,200cc sport-touring bike,
complete with full fairing and hard saddlebags, called the Norge, in
addition to a new cruiser model, the California Vintage.
Other European manufacturers, including Ducati, Aprilia,
MV Agusta and Bimota, are also showing off new models in Milan this
week.
The show, now held in the new Milan exhibition center
and featuring 1,560 exhibitors, was officially opened by Italian Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
© 2005, American Motorcyclist Association
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