EICMA hangover and analysis CMG- part 2

We are continuing the article prepared by the Canadian MotoGuide team about the EICMA 
First part here.  
All these new bikes will be presented also in Birmingham starting 23 Nov until 1st of Dec at Motorcycle Live. We will be present there- keep looking here for more updates and coverage

AND THE UPDATES

The R1200T gets BMW’s new water-cooled boxer motor.

As one would expect from a german company like BMW, updates come in a very logical manner, at least when it comes to the R range. New Boxer motors always appear in the flagship GS but then trickle down the range over the next few years before reaching the end, and then up pops a new motor. Second in line in the R throne is the R1200RT tourer which now comes with the new liquid cooled motor and has a new hill starting doo-dad and electric gear shifter for those too lazy to do either.
Honda has also been busy, with an update to the CBR1000RR (does anyone remember when those were happening every two years?) that boasts more power. What’s more surprising is their new track-orientated SP version with Öhlins suspension, four-piston Brembo monobloc brake calipers, a revised frame and new top and bottom steering yolks with less flex. There’s also a long-awaited update to the VFR800 which essentially has remained untouched since the V-TEC addition in 2002. No word on whether the V-TEC remains but there has been a boost in power and a significant drop in weight of 10 Kilos. Might be a good opportunity for Honda to bring it back into Canada.

The Z1000 is back, with new looks.

Kawasaki also updated their Transformer styled Z1000 to make it even more Transformer-like, Yamaha added some tweaks to the motor on its Super Tenere as well as a ZE version with some additional trinkets including electronically adjustable suspension. Oh and as we mentioned earlier, Triumph made some more variations of its big cruiser Thunderbirds.

LET’S NOT FORGET THE ELECTRICS

The Zero SR has more range and more power again. Their bikes get more and more competent.

The knock against battery bikes has always been limited range. Zero continues to tackle this problem; now, they’ve announced updates to their lineup (an optional add-on battery pack) that will enable riders to get a claimed 275 km of city riding; combined city and highway riding will get you as much as 210 km. Cruising around 90 will get you a 170-km range, and cruising around 110 will get you around 140 kms of range.
At least, that’s what Zero claims – we’ll wait until real-world users start posting their results before we get too excited. Still, this is an important step forward. Every year the Zero lineup adds a few kilometres of range, and hopefully one day they’ll be competitive with gasoline bikes, as long as costs are reasonable.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT?

Sure, the upcoming 2014 models are exciting, but what’s coming down the pipe long-term? Well, a couple interesting concept machines were shown off at EICMA, including a new supermoto from Husqvarna.

The Husqvarna 701 prototype shows the company hasn’t forgotten their supermoto models.

Husky’s future in street bikes was in doubt after their sale to KTM president Stefan Pierer, but the company appears to have a return to basics in mind. For years, the only street bikes they made were supermotos, and the new 701 concept follows that vein. Sure, it’s got trick bodywork, LED headlights and other trick parts, but it really appears to be a dirt bike with street tires at heart.

The Yamaha Tricity scooter concept will make it to production.

Will the 701 make it to market? It’s tough to imagine Husqvarna not bringing their supermoto lineup back, especially after seeing this, although we’re sure the street-legal models will be neutered versions of the concept, as always.
Yamaha had the other most interesting concept, the Tricity scooter. Basically, it’s a leaning three-wheeler, similar to existing machines like Piaggio’s MP3, but cheaper and lighter with a 125 cc motor. Yamaha actually says they’re going to bring this to market, with a projected cost of 4,000 Euros across the pond.

And let’s not forget the quirky Brits! Some firm has decided to resurrect Brough Superior, with an undated Steam Punkesque interpretation of the SS100, all for a mere 100,000 Euros, and British car makers and Formula 1 race team, Caterham, has decided to try its luck with bikes, introducing three models, one gas-powered and the other two electric.
While they’re all on the quirky side, we haven’t seen any real quirkiness since the market went south with everyone’s cash. Surely a sign that good times are a coming, even if they’ll likely never go on sale in North America.

The Caterham Classic E-Bike has a faux V-twin motor and a very short range.