2024 EICMA motorcycle show wrap-up

It’s a motorcycle expo like no other, where a huge catalogue of new, prototype and concept machines – and some engines as well – are unveiled in hyper-exuberant tones. 

That can only mean the EICMA show in Milan, and with the doors now well and truly closed on the 2024 instalment let’s take a look at the cool new models that captured media and public attention.  

As usual, the new releases were spread far and wide across the two- and four-wheel spectrum – some the realisation of open secrets, others with a little blindside factor attached – while the likes of Royal Enfield and Zero Motorcycles went further: the former with a new electric sub-brand, and the latter with a new off-road family. 

Upgrades were aplenty, especially in meeting the latest Euro 5+ emissions, while Suzuki launched the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM as long-awaited replacements for the DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM. 

New engines also enjoyed the spotlight mainly thanks to Ducati (V2) – which already has two models in the offing using the powerplant – CFMoto (V4 concept) and Honda (V3 concept with electrical compressor), while updates to the Yamaha Tenere 700, a new Aprilia Tuarag Rally and a concept F 450 GS kept adventure hardware firmly in the spotlight. 

Here’s an alphabetical take on what went down: 

The aforementioned Tuarag Rally has more armour, sits taller and has beefier suspension – and also looks trick as the model’s form and function goes to new heights. The new Tuono 457 and updated Tuono V4s straddle both ends of the naked sports segments. 

The parallel-twin F 450 GS concept already looks production-ready, while the M 1000 RR has set even higher performance benchmarks among updates to the M and S sports tackle.

Momentum doesn’t look like stalling for CFMOTO anytime soon, with the 209hp V4 set to power a new one-litre range of motorcycles, its new 675cc triple sports models are on the way and on the off-road wing its new sports side-by-side is turbo-propelled and the popular U6 UTV is also going electric.

There’s no meandering on the new V2 engine front with the lightweight variable valve timing (ie no Desmodromic) powerplant already locked in for Streetfighter V2 and Panigale V2 duties. Also, pre-EICMA announcements such as the updated Multistrada range and second-generation Scrambler family set the new product tone. 

The days of casting its immense presence over major motorcycle shows has seemingly ended, but Honda’s V3 with a turbo-like electrical compressor piqued some interest, and the company says its destined for use in large displacement models. A mildly revised CB750 Hornet with a new front headlight and a few technical tweaks was also on the booth, as well as an ergonomically modified CL500 and the EV Fun, set to be its first electric production motorcycle. 

A street-legal electric dirt bike in the shape of the Pioneer is heading our way with plenty of anticipation, and a Vitpilen 801 will join the already announced Svartpilen 810 in the company’s roadster ranks. 

Relatively quiet on the Kawasaki docks this show season, but certainly some substance in the shape of updates for the Z900, Ninja 1100 and Versys 1100.

An oft-mentioned up-spec R version of the 390 Adventure has finally come to fruition while the 1300 Super Duke GT makes a bold personality even bolder. A new 990 Duke R is also set to arrive Down Under in April 2025. A almost-production street-legal 990 RC R was also on display, and KTM has nailed the aggressive but not over-the-top styling. 

The return of the V7 Sport kept the purists happy, while there’s a limited-edition version of the Stelvio adventurer tourer to celebrate 100 years since the famed Stelvio Pass was first opened to traffic. How many units of the Stelvio Duecento Tributo are being manufactured? Well, 2758 to be precise, which is the altitude (in metres) of the famed mountain pass in northern Italy. 

A gorgeous tricked-up F3 Competizione Supersport machine is happening, weighing 14kg less than the standard model and limited to 300 units.  

The ‘Flying Flea’ electric sub-brand was officially launched, with the C6 retro roadster the first model in the range, expected to go on sale in 2026 and pitched as one step above a typical inner-city commuter but more than capable of day jaunts. Meanwhile, the debuts of the Bear 650 and the Classic 650 now take the 650 Twins range to six. 

Like its Japanese counterparts, there wasn’t a huge amount of pop and sizzle from Suzuki at EICMA, but a fresh dual-sport and supermoto assault via the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM? should make for some ridiculously entertaining riding, especially the supermoto. 

The Tenere 700 has been a powerhouse for Yamaha, but it’s been defying the odds for a while now with lagging spec levels. The company’s now addressed the shortcomings with a swag of updates focussed on performance, ergonomics and aesthetics. Updates to the Tracer 9 GT+ and MT-07 also did the news rounds prior to EICMA. 

A fledgling ‘X’ off-road line has kickstarted with two models: the flagship XE and XB while it’s premium adventure and street machines were also unveiled in 2025 spec.