Motorcycles

In pictures: The best of Intermot 2016

In pictures: The best of Intermot 2016
BMW's crowd-filled booth at the Intermot 2016 starring the new R nineT variants
BMW's crowd-filled booth at the Intermot 2016 starring the new R nineT variants
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FB Mondial occupied a small, dark corner at Intermot 2016 to display the Hipster 125 and a new supermoto version built on the same base
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FB Mondial occupied a small, dark corner at Intermot 2016 to display the Hipster 125 and a new supermoto version built on the same base
Bridgestone introduced the new Battlecruise H50 tires at Intermot 2016, appropriately launched on a Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight custom
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Bridgestone introduced the new Battlecruise H50 tires at Intermot 2016, appropriately launched on a Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight custom
Horex came to Intermot 2016 with a café racer version of its VR6 six-cylinder motorcycle
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Horex came to Intermot 2016 with a café racer version of its VR6 six-cylinder motorcycle
A carbon-clad variant of the Horex VR6 Café Racer on display at the Intermot 2016
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A carbon-clad variant of the Horex VR6 Café Racer on display at the Intermot 2016
Brixton Motorycles is an Austrian company that manufactures a range of 125 cc bikes built on a common engine and frame combo with Asian roots
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Brixton Motorycles is an Austrian company that manufactures a range of 125 cc bikes built on a common engine and frame combo with Asian roots
Segway's German dealer displayed the new Ninebot mini transporter at Intermot 2016
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Segway's German dealer displayed the new Ninebot mini transporter at Intermot 2016
Hanway is a Chinese company that builds attractive 125 cc motorcycles for the European market, as displayed at Intermot 2016
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Hanway is a Chinese company that builds attractive 125 cc motorcycles for the European market, as displayed at Intermot 2016
The recently updated C-Evolution e-scooter was the only electric model in BMW's Intermot 2016 booth
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The recently updated C-Evolution e-scooter was the only electric model in BMW's Intermot 2016 booth
SYM from Taiwan introduced the new 300 cc Cruisym scooter at Intermot 2016
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SYM from Taiwan introduced the new 300 cc Cruisym scooter at Intermot 2016
For Harley-Davidson the new Milwaukee Eight engine constitutes its biggest breakthrough for 2016 and was of course the star of its Intermot display
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For Harley-Davidson the new Milwaukee Eight engine constitutes its biggest breakthrough for 2016 and was of course the star of its Intermot display
Yamaha came to Intermot 2016 with the MT-10 SP, essentially a standard MT-10 with high-end electronic Ohlins suspensions
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Yamaha came to Intermot 2016 with the MT-10 SP, essentially a standard MT-10 with high-end electronic Ohlins suspensions
The MT-09 triple from Yamaha, after three years in the market, arrived at Intermot 2016 with refreshed looks and a couple of new electronic gadgets (slipper clutch and quickshifter)
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The MT-09 triple from Yamaha, after three years in the market, arrived at Intermot 2016 with refreshed looks and a couple of new electronic gadgets (slipper clutch and quickshifter)
Yamaha unveiled the SCR950 at Intermot 2016, essentially the XV950 cruiser dressed for scrambling
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Yamaha unveiled the SCR950 at Intermot 2016, essentially the XV950 cruiser dressed for scrambling
The new Kawasaki Ninja 650 was introduced at Intermot 2016 as a new middle class practical and affrordable sport tourer
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The new Kawasaki Ninja 650 was introduced at Intermot 2016 as a new middle class practical and affrordable sport tourer
Kreidler is a historical European manufacturer that offers a 125 cc model family built around an engine of Asian descent
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Kreidler is a historical European manufacturer that offers a 125 cc model family built around an engine of Asian descent
Helmet manufacturer HJC launched a series of super hero-inspired helmets at Intermot 2016, like this Kylo Ren replica
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Helmet manufacturer HJC launched a series of super hero-inspired helmets at Intermot 2016, like this Kylo Ren replica
HJC advertizing its Kylo Ren motorcycle helmet at Intermot 2016
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HJC advertizing its Kylo Ren motorcycle helmet at Intermot 2016
Ducati will probably keep the best for its home EICMA show, but still delivered a strong presence at Intermot 2016. This is a new color option of the Monster 821
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Ducati will probably keep the best for its home EICMA show, but still delivered a strong presence at Intermot 2016. This is a new color option of the Monster 821
This Triumph Daytona 675 in an Iron Man livery was employed by HJC to introduce its new superhero-inspired helmets at Intermot 2016
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This Triumph Daytona 675 in an Iron Man livery was employed by HJC to introduce its new superhero-inspired helmets at Intermot 2016
Some examples of the superhero series of HJC motorcycle helmets at Intermot 2016 - including Spiderman's future lid
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Some examples of the superhero series of HJC motorcycle helmets at Intermot 2016 - including Spiderman's future lid
No new Scrambler from Ducati at Intermot 2016, but a large part of its display was dedicated to the popular mid-capacity model
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No new Scrambler from Ducati at Intermot 2016, but a large part of its display was dedicated to the popular mid-capacity model
The new Suzuki V-Strom models (shown here is the 1000) attracted a lot of attention at Intermot 2016 - and it wasn't just because of the beautiful girl
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The new Suzuki V-Strom models (shown here is the 1000) attracted a lot of attention at Intermot 2016 - and it wasn't just because of the beautiful girl
With Suzuki suggesting that the new V-Strom draws styling inspiration from the company's Dakar pedigree, its Intermot 2016 booth hosted this impressive DR Big racer
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With Suzuki suggesting that the new V-Strom draws styling inspiration from the company's Dakar pedigree, its Intermot 2016 booth hosted this impressive DR Big racer
We were hoping to see the new Himalayan for the first time in the flesh at Intermot 2016, but this interesting customized Bullet was all Royal Enfield had to show
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We were hoping to see the new Himalayan for the first time in the flesh at Intermot 2016, but this interesting customized Bullet was all Royal Enfield had to show
Benelli had a very discrete presence at Intermot 2016 through its German dealer, but didn't fail to bring a sport concept of its popular 300 cc package - could this suggest something about the new Supersport 300 racing class?
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Benelli had a very discrete presence at Intermot 2016 through its German dealer, but didn't fail to bring a sport concept of its popular 300 cc package - could this suggest something about the new Supersport 300 racing class?
Benelli showed the TnT 125 at Intermot 2016, effectively mimicking Honda's Grom (a.k.a. MSX 125 in some countries)
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Benelli showed the TnT 125  at Intermot 2016, effectively mimicking Honda's Grom (a.k.a. MSX 125 in some countries)
No new Moto Guzzis at Intermot 2016, so the MGX-21 Flying Fortress bagger understandably took center stage yet again in its booth
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No new Moto Guzzis at Intermot 2016, so the MGX-21 Flying Fortress bagger understandably took center stage yet again in its booth
Enduro travel organizer Overcross from Germany apparently set up this Intermot 2016 display in the belief that, with company branding removed from both bikes, no-one will know which is which
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Enduro travel organizer Overcross from Germany apparently set up this Intermot 2016 display in the belief that, with company branding removed from both bikes, no-one will know which is which
Kumpan Electric's booth dominated the e-motion section of the Intermot 2016
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Kumpan Electric's booth dominated the e-motion section of the Intermot 2016
Miss Germany assisted in lifting the curtain over the updated and refreshed Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter at Intermot 2016
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Miss Germany assisted in lifting the curtain over the updated and refreshed Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter at Intermot 2016
When the new Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter hits the showrooms, it will include a touchscreen display with smartphone app integration
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When the new Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter hits the showrooms, it will include a touchscreen display with smartphone app integration
Emco is a German manufacturer of electric scooters, including the Nova R2000 vespa clone that was displayed at Intermot 2016
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Emco is a German manufacturer of electric scooters, including the Nova R2000 vespa clone that was displayed at Intermot 2016
Greyp selected Intermot 2016 to launch its new G12H electric bicycle
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Greyp selected Intermot 2016 to launch its new G12H electric bicycle
ETT Industries displayed its Traysere-bike at Intermor 2016
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ETT Industries displayed its Traysere-bike at Intermor 2016
Skatey from the Netherlands came to Intermot 2016 with a full line-up of electric skatebords in several sizes and powertrain options
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Skatey from the Netherlands came to Intermot 2016 with a full line-up of electric skatebords in several sizes and powertrain options
The electric-powered Skatey Balance Bike proved to be very popular at the test ride track of the Intermot 2016
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The electric-powered Skatey Balance Bike proved to be very popular at the test ride track of the Intermot 2016
My Boo electric bicycles are built around a bamboo frame hand-crafted in Ghana and refined in Kiel, Germany
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My Boo electric bicycles are built around a bamboo frame hand-crafted in Ghana and refined in Kiel, Germany
Triumph's only Intermot 2016 news concerned two new versions of the basic Bonneville 900 family. This is the T100 Black model
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Triumph's only Intermot 2016 news concerned two new versions of the basic Bonneville 900 family. This is the T100 Black model
The Street Cup version of the Triumph Bonneville 900 series was launched at Intermot 2016
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The Street Cup version of the Triumph Bonneville 900 series was launched at Intermot 2016
KTM introduced a reshuffled Adventure line-up at Intermot 2016, rebranding the previous 1290 as Super Adventure T
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KTM introduced a reshuffled Adventure line-up at Intermot 2016, rebranding the previous 1290 as Super Adventure T
The Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rallye took center stage in its Intermot 2016 booth
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The Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rallye took center stage in its Intermot 2016 booth
KTM merged the 1190 and 1050 Adventure models into the 1090 Adventure, with a small redesign and the V-twin engine tuned to a real-world 125 hp (93.2 kW) output
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KTM merged the 1190 and 1050 Adventure models into the 1090 Adventure, with a small redesign and the V-twin engine tuned to a real-world 125 hp (93.2 kW) output
The Skyteam E-Max is a clone of the iconic Honda Dax moped, powered by an 800-kW electric motor and a 60 V/20 Ah battery
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The Skyteam E-Max is a clone of the iconic Honda Dax moped, powered by an 800-kW electric motor and a 60 V/20 Ah battery
A 125 cc Skyteam future model displayed at Intermot 2016
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A 125 cc Skyteam future model displayed at Intermot 2016
Chinese manufacturers have started understanding what western customers like, and displayed several such 125 cc examples at Intermot 2016
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Chinese manufacturers have started understanding what western customers like, and displayed several such 125 cc examples at Intermot 2016
Loryc manufactured around 120 cars in Mallorca, Spain from 1920 to 1925. One of them was converted to electric in 1923 by Charly Bosch, and now the new Loryc Electric Speedster appeared at Intermot 2016 with a brand new European vehicle type approval
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Loryc manufactured around 120 cars in Mallorca, Spain from 1920 to 1925. One of them was converted to electric in 1923 by Charly Bosch, and now the new Loryc Electric Speedster appeared at Intermot 2016 with a brand new European vehicle type approval
The EC-03 was Yamaha's only electric bike on display at Intermot 2016. The tiny e-scooter is powered by a 580 W motor and a 50 V/15 Ah battery
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The EC-03 was Yamaha's only electric bike on display at Intermot 2016. The tiny e-scooter is powered by a 580 W motor and a 50 V/15 Ah battery
Aprilia had very little to show at Intermot 2016, probably keeping its big news for EICMA. The little Tuono 125 was the only exception
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Aprilia had very little to show at Intermot 2016, probably keeping its big news for EICMA. The little Tuono 125 was the only exception
This nice custom was part of Suzuki's Intermot 2016 booth, powered by an old air-cooled four-cylinder engine
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This nice custom was part of Suzuki's Intermot 2016 booth, powered by an old air-cooled four-cylinder engine
Rev'It motorcycle clothing brand commissioned this incredible two-wheel drive Super Enduro custom, brought it to Intermot 2016 but unfortunately hid it behind a manequin
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Rev'It motorcycle clothing brand commissioned this incredible two-wheel drive Super Enduro custom, brought it to Intermot 2016 but unfortunately hid it behind a manequin
Ducati's 959 Panigale on display at Intermot 2016
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Ducati's 959 Panigale on display at Intermot 2016
This Vespa PX125 has gone further than most of us around the globe and rightfully was the first thing one saw when entering the Touring Boulevard of Intermot 2016
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This Vespa PX125 has gone further than most of us around the globe and rightfully was the first thing one saw when entering the Touring Boulevard of Intermot 2016
Detail from the windscreen of the touring Vespa PX125 that was on display at the Intermot 2016
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Detail from the windscreen of the touring Vespa PX125 that was on display at the Intermot 2016
KTM introduced this headlamp design for the Adventure range (1290 and 1090) at Intermot 2016
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KTM introduced this headlamp design for the Adventure range (1290 and 1090) at Intermot 2016
The new instrument panel of the KTM Adventure models (1290 and 1090) includes smartphone integration
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The new instrument panel of the KTM Adventure models (1290 and 1090) includes smartphone integration
KTM didn't miss the opportunity to display the new RC16 MotoGP racer at Intermot 2016. Seen in the background is the company's Moto3 250 cc racer
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KTM didn't miss the opportunity to display the new RC16 MotoGP racer at Intermot 2016. Seen in the background is the company's Moto3 250 cc racer
No novelties at Intermot 2016 for Husqvarna, although the 701 Enduro (seen here) and Supermoto models constantly drew large crowds
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No novelties at Intermot 2016 for Husqvarna, although the 701 Enduro (seen here) and Supermoto models constantly drew large crowds
The updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R on display at Intermot 2016
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The updated KTM 1290 Super Adventure R on display at Intermot 2016
The BMW R nineT Racer rolls in during its introduction at Intermot 2016
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The BMW R nineT Racer rolls in during its introduction at Intermot 2016
The 2013 World Superbike Champion, Tom Sykes, poses next to the H2 Carbon at the Intermot 2016 unveiling ceremony
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The 2013 World Superbike Champion, Tom Sykes, poses next to the H2 Carbon at the Intermot 2016 unveiling ceremony
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R was unveiled at Intermot by none other than former MotoGP champion Kevin Schwantz
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R was unveiled at Intermot by none other than former MotoGP champion Kevin Schwantz
World Superbike legend, Carl Fogarty, offered his services to Triumph for the Intermot unveiling of the Bonneville Street Cup
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World Superbike legend, Carl Fogarty, offered his services to Triumph for the Intermot unveiling of the Bonneville Street Cup
Honda presented the new Fireblade generation at Intermot 2016 with the help of MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (sitting aboard the left motorcycle)
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Honda presented the new Fireblade generation at Intermot 2016 with the help of MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden (sitting aboard the left motorcycle)
Two of Kawasaki's great contemporary heroes came to Intermot 2016 with three World Superbike Championships in their bags: one for Tom Sykes (right) and two for Jonathan Rea (left)
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Two of Kawasaki's great contemporary heroes came to Intermot 2016 with three World Superbike Championships in their bags: one for Tom Sykes (right) and two for Jonathan Rea (left)
No motorcycle show is ever complete without Valentino Rossi's Yamaha YZR-M1
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No motorcycle show is ever complete without Valentino Rossi's Yamaha YZR-M1
Two appropriately styled barbers were at hand at Intermot 2016
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Two appropriately styled barbers were at hand at Intermot 2016
The central corridor that connected the Intermot's six halls was called the Touring Boulevard and was filled with relevant motorcycles
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The central corridor that connected the Intermot's six halls was called the Touring Boulevard and was filled with relevant motorcycles
Good weather offered plenty of chances for test riding new models at Intermot 2016
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Good weather offered plenty of chances for test riding new models at Intermot 2016
Honda's RC213V-S drew a lot of interest at Intermot 2016 despite it being a year-old model
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Honda's RC213V-S drew a lot of interest at Intermot 2016 despite it being a year-old model
International motorcycle shows like Intermot are the best chance one has to see a MotoGP prototype up close - like Aprilia's RS-GP
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International motorcycle shows like Intermot are the best chance one has to see a MotoGP prototype up close - like Aprilia's RS-GP
Outdoors activities at Intermot 2016 included the 1/8 mile Essenza and the Sultans of Sprint race with several contestants on custom bikes
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Outdoors activities at Intermot 2016 included the 1/8 mile Essenza and the Sultans of Sprint race with several contestants on custom bikes
BMW's crowd-filled booth at the Intermot 2016 starring the new R nineT variants
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BMW's crowd-filled booth at the Intermot 2016 starring the new R nineT variants
Ducati debuted the Supersport at Intermot 2016
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Ducati debuted the Supersport at Intermot 2016
View gallery - 73 images

With a record attendance of 220,000 visitors, Intermot officially opened the 2017 model season in Cologne, Germany. Although manufacturers saved some news for the upcoming EICMA show, a virtual walk around Intermot's six halls has much to reveal besides international premieres including the new Honda Fireblade SP, the next generation Suzuki GSX-R1000R and the street-oriented Ducati Supersport.

The biennial Intermot show makes every even-numbered year a little more interesting for motorcycle fans, kicking off the new model season ahead of the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

European sales have been steadily picking up pace in a slow recovery process from the economic hardships of recent years, with a 3.3 percent increase during the first eight months of 2016. The German show provided first-hand evidence of motorcycle manufacturers' cautious optimism, with 1,133 companies from 40 countries displaying their products across Intermot's six enormous halls, and attracting visitors from 95 countries – the record attendance bettering the previous event by 17 percent.

If the first major international show of the 2017 model season is any indication of market trends, that would be the continuation of what we've seen during the last two or three years. Sensible rather than extravagant new motorcycles, focusing more on value-for-money instead of power-to-weight values.

Ducati debuted the Supersport at Intermot 2016
Ducati debuted the Supersport at Intermot 2016

Manufacturers invest with caution, making the most out of successful model platforms by generating more and more modular spin-offs. Motorcycle line-ups today seem more compact than 10 years ago, using fewer engines to power several different variants that still keep showrooms looking abundant.

Another clear trend is the re-adjustment of the mid-capacity motorcycle classes. Abandoning the race-replica hype of the past, Honda led the way in recent years with its super-efficient NC700/750 and CB500 model platforms, Yamaha followed with the MT-07 series, and now Kawasaki rolls out one ER-6 variant after another.

The middle class has evidently started to expand downwards, with the 300cc segment on a constant growth trend. With the exception of Suzuki, the Japanese factories are investing heavily in this category, KTM and BMW have already stepped in, and Triumph is also expected to join in soon, maybe even as soon as November at EICMA. Benelli also emerges as a very strong player, rejuvenated in China with a new 300cc line-up, while we are expecting Indian manufacturers to unleash their westward assault.

Benelli had a very discrete presence at Intermot 2016 through its German dealer, but didn't fail to bring a sport concept of its popular 300 cc package - could this suggest something about the new Supersport 300 racing class?
Benelli had a very discrete presence at Intermot 2016 through its German dealer, but didn't fail to bring a sport concept of its popular 300 cc package - could this suggest something about the new Supersport 300 racing class?

The constantly rising Asian markets lure the world's major motorcycle manufacturers like bears to a beehive, forming in the process a market segment where the East meets the West. Models like the BMW G310R and the KTM 390 Duke can serve as both affordable entry-level commuters in Europe and the US, and as attainable top-end bikes in Asia. There's no doubt we have a lot more to expect in this front.

Another booming segment efficiently combines Asian market standards with European legislation. The 125cc class is extremely popular in vast markets like those of India, Thailand and China, but it also caters the upper legal limit for new riders in Europe (aged 18 to 21 years). Intermot hosted a large number of 125cc offerings, including several from Chinese makers that seem to have grasped how to develop motorcycles with an appeal for developed markets.

Electric mobility occupied a hall of its own, yet very few actual new models made Intermot headlines. The major manufacturers continue to appear rather indifferent to electric models and the absence of existing models or prototypes did leave us with a negative impression. Harley-Davidson, for example, didn't bring the functioning LiveWire prototype that it displayed last year at EICMA, and Victory also failed to display the production Empulse TT. Even BMW didn't bother to show the eRR concept racer in its huge booth, despite the fact that this was its home show.

Miss Germany assisted in lifting the curtain over the updated and refreshed Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter at Intermot 2016
Miss Germany assisted in lifting the curtain over the updated and refreshed Kumpan Electric 1954L scooter at Intermot 2016

Kumpan Electric was the only European manufacturer to occupy a big booth in the electric section, right at the entrance of the dedicated Hall 5, hosting a world debut of its updated 1954L scooter – the model we rode at the Wave Trophy back in June – with fresh styling and richer features, like touch-screen instruments with smartphone app integration.

The Intermot e-motion section also hosted the debut of the Greyp G12H electric bicycle, and included a large indoor testing track that offered visitors the chance to try out some of the electric models on display.

While we're entering the final stretch towards the EICMA 2016 that will open its gates on November 8, jump to the gallery section for a look at the most interesting exhibits of Intermot 2016.

View gallery - 73 images
2 comments
2 comments
Charles Hoss
800kw in the skyteam scooter ? it must be powered by mr fusion .
Dan Parker
"The major manufacturers continue to appear rather indifferent to electric models and the absence of existing models or prototypes did leave us with a negative impression. " Companies like Harley Davidson and Victory have done precious little to promote their electric bikes. Sounds more like they're trying to suppress electric technology. Sure, Harley did it's nationwide roll out of the LiveWire, but then it all but disappeared. Have 99% of the bike riders out there ever seen one in the flesh let alone ride one? Victory's efforts with the Empulse flagship is even more effete with a rebadging, a few cosmetic touches and practically zero promotion. I live in a large metropolitan area. I've seen a grand total of one Empulse TT at a dealership and it was surrounded, (overshadowed really), by large, gas-powered Victorys. Zero bikes are hard to find around here too. It makes shopping for an electric bike a little like chasing a ghost.