9 EICMA showstoppers we want to see

The biggest motorcycle show on earth will fling its doors open next week – here are nine bikes to get excited about…

Husqvarna Vitpilen 1301

If you love the KTM 1290 Duke (and who doesn't?), then the radically styled Husqvarna-badged version is going to be a hoot. Using both the 1301cc V-twin engine and the trellis chassis, Husqvarna designers have cleverly created a very different looking bike by applying changes to the subframe and the ergonomics. The 1301 will be the biggest of a three-tiered Vitpilen range all based on KTM's growing Duke range. The Vitpilen 401 will use the engine and chassis of the 390 Duke and the forthcoming Vitpilen 701 borrows the 690 Duke's frame and powerplant. They're all expected to make their public debut in Milan next week.

Ducati Multistrada 939

This is good news for Ducati fans as it is set to become the most affordable Multistrada yet. There'd be plenty of people who have coveted one of the four versions of the 1200cc Multistrada but failed to justify its up to $30k price tag, and the 939 ought to be the answer. Using the 937cc Euro4 compliant engine from the Hypermotard and the recently unveiled SuperSport, the smaller Multistrada is expected to have a slightly smaller equipment list, too, to keep it affordable. Spy pics reveal a double-sided swingarm, what looks to be a largely accessible seat height as well as unmistakable Multistrada styling.

Honda X-ADV

It wasn't that long ago when Honda unveiled its then-ridiculous knobby-tyred twist-and-go scooter concept. But with more thought the once-funny concept slowly began to develop merit and so came the realisation that Honda always had various serious production plans for the strange scoot. It's the latest bike to spawn from a growing line of bikes based on the NC750 platform and it's also likely to gain the firm's dual clutch transmission.

Ducati Scrambler CR

Creating a cafe racer (CR) version of a scrambler might be taking this retro-tastic craze way too far, but if it's going to be anything, it's going to be cool. It's due to be unveiled alongside a dualsport or desert sled (DS) variant and they'll be two bikes Ducati hopes will capture both ends of the on-trend, retro, you-probably-should-shave-it's-warming-up, hipster motorcycle market. They'll both be powered by the original 803cc engine and will slot in alongside a growing line of Scrambler variants.

Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha's newest mid-sized adventure bike excites us for the same reasons Ducati's 939 Multistrada does – affordable adventure. Based on the firm's hugely popular MT-07, the new Ten will be powered by the same parallel-twin engine which means it, or a version of, is likely to tick Australia's LAMS boxes. It will have Yamaha's top build quality and touches of the tough-looking styling we've seen from the firm in recent years. And let's face it, has there ever been a bike to bear the Ténéré name that has disappointed?

KTM Duke 890

Speaking of parallel-twin engines, KTM is set to unveil its first inline twin-cylinder in a very long time when it whips the covers of its 890 Duke in Milan next week. What has us talking about this new model is – if the firm's history is anything to go by – it should mean the engine will form the basis of a string of 890 machines and that should see the Austrian firm also eventually jumping on the mid-sized adventure bike bandwagon. Word on the street says it will use a 270-degree crank to give it a lumpier note, one that will give it more resemblance to its single-cylinder and V-twin siblings. We'll see.

Triumph Street Triple 765

Upping the capacity of the sweet 675cc triple-cylinder naked bike is essentially throwing the much-loved machine a lifeline. As well as more cubes being more attractive to some buyers, it means that the British firm could do all the required strangling in order to meet the Euro4 emission regulations without sacrificing its oh-so-addictive torque (and power) outputs. It's rumoured to form the basis of a new four-tiered 765 Street Triple range, including a top-spec RS variant that's been tuned for more grunt and covered in bling. Yes, please!

BMW G 310 GS

Made in India and bearing one of the market's most premium badges, the soon-to-be unveiled G 310 GS is capturing two of the fastest growing segments in one fell swoop: adventure touring and small-capacity. It'll essentially be one of the least expensive ways to go just about anywhere and we're curious to see how the market reacts. Suzuki will be keen, too, as it will make its new V-Strom 250 officially official at EICMA, and there are even rumours that Kawasaki may have a Versys 250 up its sleeve, but Team Green might prefer to gauge the reaction to the BMW and the baby 'Strom before it proceeds.

Ducati Superleggera 1299

This one excites us for its sheer exclusivity. Smacking of homologation specials, of which we saw a few of in Cologne (Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki), the 1299 Superleggera is set to be about as top-shelf as a Panigale gets. As well as the obligatory carbonfibre wheels, there's talk of the new Superleggera employing a full carbonfibre chassis and swingarm, and all wrapped around an engine said to be good for 220hp. That's a helluva lot of power propelling an awfully lightweight motorcycle. Little wonder the rumours say it'll cost more than a road-going Desmosedici. Watch this space…

9 EICMA showstoppers we want to see

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