2006 EICMA Milan international motorcycle show. Aprilia, Ducati, Bimota, MV Agusta +++++

V4 superbike engine-The new V4 engine was presented at the EICMA show. The details Aprilia released are as follows: projected to produce more than 210bhp @ 13.500rpm, 999cc, 65degree V4, 4 titanium and nymonic valves per cylinder, six-speed cassette type gearbox and fly-by-wire ready ECU from Magnet Marelli. Aprilia will start testing of the engine in a brand new chassis this spring and the first finished version should be on show at next years EICMA show for a 2008 attack on the World Superbike crown.

SL 750 Shiver-Aprilia had everyone that thought they would launch a Tuono 750 fooled and the name of the new 750 is Shiver. The bike features a brand new V90 engine that produces a claimed 95bhp @ 9.000rpm and 81Nm @ 7.000rpm. The frame is a mixed trellis/aluminium construction and dry weight 189kg. The Shiver is aimed at getting new customers to the brand and fills a big whole left by the RS250.

A 850 Mana-Not only a 750 was new because Aprilia also had a new 850 on show. The Mana 850 features an automatic gearbox. But the good thing is that you can switch to sequential gearing whenever you want by pushing a button. You can then either use push buttons or the gear pedal as usual. The new 850 has a seven speed gearbox, 90 degree V-twin engine that puts out around 75bhp and 76Nm of torque. Under the tank there’s room for a helmet or other items you’d usually need a scooter or big tourer to carry.

The Pegaso have been upgraded with new wired wheels and top suspension in the new Pegaso 650 Factory.

The Tuono Factory and RSV 1000R Factory was also on show along with a few new colours on models such as the Tuono R (Blue).

Benelli showed the same bikes as at the Cologne show, parallel twin Due 756, 449 enduro BX Cross and the Tre-K 1130 Amazonas. New was the prepared Tre-K Amazonas that the Brazilian importer will use on a 9.000 mile epic journey in the Amazon delta in South America. We spotted another TNT, the Officine, with special finishing.

Tesi 3D is Bimota’s latest version of the ground braking hub-steered Tesi. It follows the concept where the Tesi 1D and 2D left. New are a trellis front swingarm and the latest DS 1100 engine from Ducati. It produces 95bhp in the gorgeous Bimota chassis. Bimota will first produce 30 of the show version and then hopefully (Bimota quote) another 100 next year.

Of other Bimota news was that the DB5 S have received both the 1100 Ducati air-cooled twin and a pillion seat. Alberto Strada, Bimota technical boss, defended himself when I asked whether he would let his girlfriend ride pillion on that (and pointed at the tiny seat), with saying that his girlfriend was very petite.

BMW showed nothing new at the EICMA show, but loads of fresh ladies made it worth photographing the Xchallenge and K1200R Sport again

Buell launched a new crossover model in the Lightning XB12STT SuperTT at the Milan show. It is a mix between the firms Ulysses adventure tourer and the XB12S Lightning Long. In my eyes it’s just a City-X with a bigger engine, 100bhp and 110Nm of torque. The bike is available in white and you can customise with some streetwise graffiti yourself. Big interview with Erik Buell coming.

The Mito 500 was completely unexpected and finally there might be a supermono available on the market again. The decision to produce or not have not been taken yet, but we hope Cagiva will. Everything is Cagiva Mito 125, apart from the fact Cagiva have made a new 500cc single cylinder engine for it. Claimed figures are 60bhp and 50Nm and dry weight 133kg.

Both the Mito and Raptor 125 have received a new catalyser in 2007 to comply with Euro 3. They are both still two-strokes with around 29-33bhp in unrestricted form. The 2007 engines seem to be even more restricted in the lower rpms, but max power is still the same. Standard they are learner legal 15bhp. Suspension have been softened on both models in 2007 to be able to handle rougher surfaces better. The 2007 Mito 125 still holds the same popular sportsbike shape, but now gets a black and gold paint scheme.

Derbi showed a host of new 125’s and 659 models. The most striking was the Mulhacen Xvision with four camera lenses fitted. One at the front, one at the back and one on each side-All to film your riding and your mates. On the instruments is a big LCD screen where you can view the filming whilst riding. The Hot Bob is the world’s first Spanish custom based on a one cylinder engine. Striking paintjob characterises the model-Only a concept. The Café racer will be available from next year.

The new big bore 999 gets 160bhp and more torque than ever before. Ducati claims the new torque curve is better than any other bike considering the 173kg dry weight. That tells the tale of some serious pulling power. The new GP7 (Ducati's 800cc MotoGP bike) inspired instruments from Magnet Marelli is ready for most new gadgets such as traction control. With all that torque traction control will definitely be handy for racing. The mono block Brembo radial calipers are also virtually identical to the ones on the MotoGP bike. Great news for superstock and club racers should the new 1098 be allowed to race. Aerodynamics are improved compared to the

999 as well and the front is now much smoother with the ram-air intakes back under the two vertical headlights. There's a bit of 916, a bit of 999 and a bit of modern Japanese influence in the design. but still on the safe side of stylish Italian. The single sided swing-arm will be a popular return as well as the ditching of the 999 bread box in favour of double underseat oval pipes. The rumour goes that the new 1098 will be priced more competitively than the 999 which can only be good as the 1098 is arguably more value for money. The next generation superbike is born and we're sure the superbike champ Troy Bayliss approves. Also pictured: 1098S. Interview with 1098 designer Giandrea Fabbro coming. TS

Since the last time we spoke about the Hypermotard it have received an extra front brake disc and 100 extra cc. That the Hypermotard would get the 1100 was expected as it can only benefit from more torque and power. The DS 1100 is Ducati's latest air-cooled V-twin and Ducati claims they will get more than 95bhp from the engine in the Hypermotard. Torque released from the 1078cc twin is a claimed 103Nm @4750rpm. Dry weight 180kg, seat height: 845mm, Fuel tank 11,5 litres and the Hypermotard gets a six speed gearbox. Ducati will also show us the Hypermotard S with the best components for superb handling. TS

Ducati have shown some new faith in the Multistrada and now the air-cooled L-twin has grown to a big 1078cc displacement. That's 86cc more than the old DS1000 engine. New performance figures are 95bhp @7750rpm and 10.5Kgm @ very low 4750rpms. New Bore/Stroke is: 98x71,5. Ducati could probably have gained even more horsepower from the big bore Multistrada, but it also had to comply with Euro 3. But the figures sounds very good for the Multi(s)purpose in the real world. And surprise, surprise Ducati are now using a wet clutch to improve feel in the lever, make it quieter and more durable.

Gilera launched a new 800cc scooter with a long wheelbase. Gilera have called it GP800.

Gilera are one of the firms on Piaggio’s portfolio and the three wheeled scooter lives on in a Gilera. Gilera calls the oddball Fuoco 500ie. The concept is the same as Piaggio’s MP3, but Gilera have a bigger engine and Gilera are more on the sports side of the business.

The Motor company brought the XR1200 along to EICMA on its extensive European tour. This time it’s up to the Italians to tell Harley-Davidson what they think of a sporty Harley.

The Swedish makers of offroad and supermoto machines showed up at the EICMA show again with a new 950 Dirt-Track and 450 Motard with a new high tens stainless steel frame. Highland has big plans for the future both in China, India and Europe. They are now cooperating with prestigious design firm Caran on various projects. Caran are big in the auto-industry and employs 1000 engineers and designers mainly to build prototypes and new designs. Highland wants to build engines and concept bikes for other manufacturers.

The 950 Dirt-Track now features the firms 950cc V60 rather than last years 750. The engine has a claimed max power output of 85bhp, but more strikingly 104Nm of torque already at 4.000rpm.

The Motard have a claimed max power of 56 bhp @ 8.500rpm and 51Nm @ 7.300rpm.The front brake is a six pot Beringer calliper and dry weight a mere 103kg.

Honda proudly showed off its new RCV212 800cc V4 MotoGP bike with Nicky Hayden’s new number 1 plate. No doubt Nicky Hayden looks forward to the 2007 MotoGP season on the new 800. Honda also showed all the other 2007 bikes including the CB600F Hornet and XL1000V Varadero.

MV Agusta owned Husqvarna showed off its latest Tamburini design in the Husqvarna Super motard. STR 650 CRC the bike is called. We heard news of this bike earlier in the spring, but the bike was still at the concept stages at that point. The STR is a street motard, and the SM series will still take care of business on the race track. The STR is a thing of beauty, even though Tamburini’s talents might not show through as well on such a simple thing as a supermotard. We hope it makes it to production.

GT650X is a naked version of the Korean firms GT650 S and R models. The engine is a 650cc V-twin heavily based on Suzuki’s SV650. Hyosung seem to be able to launch new models each year and they can only grow bigger and better in the future.

Grifon is Italjet’s only big motorcycle and it remains a concept for now. Info is scarce and there was no press kit of the Grifon. Scooters are still the main business for the small Italian firm.

As we have told you for a few months now Kawasaki have made the same transformation to the Z750 as to the Z1000. Meaning a upgrade of exterior design, Engine now EURO 3 compliant and a big silencer. Kawasaki have axed the Z750S for 2007 so you can make a real bargain with your Kawasaki dealer on a 2006 Z750S right now.

The R gets radial brakes, 4 litres more fuel capacity, redesigned front, new instruments, mirrors, led rear lights, colours and graphics as well as full Euro 3 compliance. The 990 R also gets several carbon fibre parts, orange frame, CNC machined headstock, steering damper, single seat unit (only available as a single seater) and more horsepower.

The standard 2007 990 Superduke (see images below) gets the radial calipers, 4 litres bigger fuel tank, new chassis details and new instruments.

As expected KTM showed its new 690 Rally replica. It’s the closest thing you can get to a full works machine and perfect if you would like an adventure in the world rally championship. Best if you are a top athlete and good at navigation.

At the EICMA show Moto Guzzi launched the new 940 Custom with a shorter wheelbase than the California models. Moto Guzzi calls it an Italian street roadster and the new twin pipes complement the look.

The 8V Griso is a new and sporty version of the Griso 1100. Now with a 8 valve 1200cc twin that produces 110hp. Moto Guzzi have also altered the riding position to a more sporty one. To complement the looks and the extra speed available Moto Guzzi have launched their first motorcycle with radial brake calipers. The exhaust is new as well, even though it keeps the “Griso” looks.

Moto Guzzi will also have a new Norge 850 in their range in 2007 based on the Breva 850, but that bike was not on show in Milan.

The 1200 Sport was launched earlier this year and is basically a return to classic Moto Guzzi sport bikes such as the V11 Le Mans etc.

The MM3 is a Moto Morini concept bike based on the Corsaro 1200. It moves in the direction of Ducati Multistrada, but the bike on show in Milan looked far from finished.

The Veloce had its debut in Cologne and is basically a Corsaro 1200 with some fancy performance extras.

MV Agusta launched the world's most expensive production bike at the EICMA show in Milan November 14th. MV Agusta will build a 100 limited run of the C.C. (after Claudio Castiglioni since he dreamt it up one night). The bike gets extremely high specifications such as a 1079cc engine built from scratch (not an F4 evolution). The new engine produces 190bhp at the crankshaft whilst complying with Euro 3. With MV Agusta titanium replacement mufflers the engine produces a sky-high 198bhp. The upper crankshaft have been heavily modified due to the use of a new oil-cooled generator. Conrods and pistons are new, lighter and lowered. The cylinder block have also been lowered and the engine features 4 titanium radial valve heads. MV Agusta have used titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre wherever possible and many of the engine components are hand built. The bike have been limited to 315km/h but can do 320km/h without restrictions. The tyres are the issue here as they have not been homologated for speeds that exceed 315km/h. MV Agusta told me that they are taking orders for the bike already. You have to leave your dealer with a hefty deposit and then wait. Don't expect this one to be ready for Christmas. MV Agusta is asking €100.000 for the privilege. MV have also told us that they will throw in a Trussardi leather jacket and a Girard Perregaux watch made exclusively to the 100 new owners of the CC. Giacomo Agostini being interviewed on the F4 CC and Claudio and Giovanni Castiglioni. By Tor Sagen/Photos: Tor Sagen

MV Agusta have updated all models for 2007. One of them is the F41000R and yes, we are talking colours. But believe us, those new colours have been researched and combined with Michelangelo's touch. That's why the F41000R looks so fresh in white and black. The 2006 F4 1000 R engine had already received a lot of updates to make it cleaner and the 2007 engine stays the same. The Euro 3 modifications that had to be made involves adjusting the Magnet Marelli fuelling system and adding a lambda sensor directly in front of the catalyser. To achieve this MV Agusta F4 1000 R now features a one-piece exhaust system with no joints. This minimises the risk of anything disturbing the airflow and that means a smoother ride. The F4 is not restricted to any particular top speed and can do more than 300km/h, hence the need for the radial Brembo mono block brakes. The F4 1000 R produces 174bhp @ 11.900rpm and 111Nm @ 10.000rpm. Also available in red/silver and black.

The 2007 Brutale 910 S have received many of the same upgrades as the F41000R got last year and this year. The most important one is a new ECU, the same Magnet Marelli 5SM as on the F4. This has allowed both for EURO 3 compliance and improved power and torque. New intake valve angles and new valves and pistons generating another 2 horsepower on top and better delivery through the range. A lambda sensor have been introduced and the exhaust system is now without any joints. The modifications have also allowed MV Agusta to fit a larger air-box to the Brutale (As the ECU have been moved behind the cylinders). The Brutale 910 now produces a claimed 139bhp and 96Nm. New colour is orange.

Just the same as the 910 S, but with better suspension, radial Brembo mono block brakes and loads of detail work.

Castiglioni's tribute to the Italian world champion football team.100 will be made and those not awarded to the Italian football team will be for sale.

NCR are best known for its involvement in World Superbikes racing Ducati’s. But they also make specials in the exclusive price range. On show was a Classic sports bike and a street fighter. Both with Ducati engines tuned to the limit designed by Pierre Terblanche…

Based on the 2007 Ducati Sport 1000S. In NCR tune it features a 1100cc engine that produces 116bhp, dry weight 150kg, Brembo radial brakes, leather seat and loads of titanium. Handmade to order. Price: 32.000 Euro ex. vat.

Big scooter with three wheels. You get the safety of three wheels, but why not just get a Quad with four wheels? Well, Quads don’t lean like a motrorcycle, but that is almost what the MP3 does with the added safety of two wheels up front that allows more grip on the wet for instance. Produces 34hp and 37Nm.

At the EICMA show in Milan Scorpa launched a new concept with French design firm Boxer. Boxer was the firm behind last years SSR 1000cc sportsbike where you would

get both a sportsbike and a naked in one bike. This year Boxer have joined forces with Trial firm Scorpa for a 660cc Scrambler type motorcycle. The engine is a Yamaha 660 single and the design is French. Scorpa Boxer Raidster is a concept bike, but with a cheap engine and enough interest from customers it could be built next year.

This thing here looks like a real spider. We bet it can climb most things really easy!

This is the supermoto with the engine Enzo Ferrari developed. It’s a 500cc single that have a claimed max power output of around 60bhp. It’s a lot and the bike is littered with exclusive parts from top to toe. Just look at those solid Carbon fibre wheels. Even the handlebar is made of carbon fibre. If you have 22.000 Euro to spend on a supermoto then contact Terra Modena. Founder Dario Calzavara pictured next to the 198.

The V-max prototype evolved from the one showed at the Tokyo Motor Show last year will not be present at the EICMA show after all. Apparently it was sanctioned by one single European country. Why? Because this country have most likely imported too many MT-01 models and can't sell them they believe, if the V-max hits the showrooms too soon. According to one of my Yamaha sources it was a very close call, in the end decided by a single country. Bollocks we say.

CR&S concept bikes

CR&S is a Milanese based design firm. They design fairings and tune engines. Mostly small single cylinder engines.