Dec. 3, 2007 – A peek at what’s coming to U.S. market

Below is a list of some of the more prominent motorcycles and scooters unveiled by OEMs at the 2008 EICMA show in Milan, Italy. Unless noted, all of the vehicles listed below are expected to come to the North American market.
Aprilia
SMV 750 Dorsoduro
Aprilia says the SMV 750 Dorsoduro incorporates the best features of supersport and supermotard machines, and was conceived and developed off experience gained from the GP and supermotard circuits. The Dorsoduro is powered by a 750cc, 95hp, liquid-cooled engine with a second-generation ride-by-wire control system.
Other introductions: FV2 Milledue, RX/SX 125
KTM
1190 RC8
The 1190 RC8 is the completely redeveloped, sporty two-cylinder based on the LC8 range of engines which, with a top performance of 155 hp and a maximum amount of torque of 120 Nm, delivers plenty of power. A light tubular steel frame, quality suspension and brake components and unusual technical solutions, such as the exhaust positioned under the bike, complete the 1190 RC8, which weighs just 440 pounds with a full tank. The new KTM Superbike will be available in both color variations of orange/black and white/black starting in March.
Other introductions: 690 series
BMW
R 1200 GS
New features on this bike include an aluminum handlebar that can be mounted in two positions, and for the first time, BMW Motorrad is offering an off-road version of its Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) technology. Optional Enduro ESA is designed to meet the unique needs of adventure touring. Three damper settings — Sport, Normal and Comfort — give the rider the option of customizing both front and rear suspensions to his or her specifications. The system also features an off-road mode.
Other introductions: R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS
Moto Guzzi
Stelvio
Powered by a newly developed 1,200cc, eight-valve engine putting out more than 100 hp, the maxi-enduro Moto Guzzi Stelvio represents the Italian brand’s response to the large-displacement BMWs, KTM and Triumph.
Ducati
Monster 696
The Monster 696, features a Ducati L-Twin engine and a front brake system with two 320mm discs and four-piston radial calipers. The chassis is made up of a new Hybrid Trellis frame with larger diameter tubes; attached to a rear aluminum sub-frame. In addition, the dash instrumentation is now totally digital. Measuring 696cc, the engine boasts a series of updates and refinements. Power output gets a 9 percent boost to 80hp and an 11 percent increase in torque to 50.6 foot-pounds. The company says the new engine continues to have the best horsepower of all Ducati’s air-cooled units.
Other introductions: 1098 R, 848
Piaggio
MP3 HyS
First introduced in July, the MP3 HyS hit the Milan Bike Show as a prototype, although the company plans to reveal a production model by the end of 2008. The MP3 HyS features a parallel hybrid drive system that integrates an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Synergy between the two forms of drive is achieved by an integrated electronic control unit.
Other introductions: X7 (is not expected to come to the North American market).
KYMCO
MyRoad
The MyRoad scooter features a twin parallel 699cc, 8-valve engine, with an electronic injection system and three-way catalyst, with a maximum speed exceeding 100 mph.
Other features include a large storage compartment capable of holding two helmets; keyless ignition; and electrically adjustable suspensions. The scooter also comes with an allocation system and a tire pressure monitoring system. psb