MV Agusta Brutale 1000 Serie Oro

It’s not every day MV Agusta introduces a completely new bike, so the advent of the new Brutale 1000 Serie Oro is worth trumpeting – and all the more so because it storms in as the world’s most powerful nakedbike. Its 153kW at 13,450rpm or 156kW with the race exhaust fitted beats all but a couple of Superbikes and comes from an almost entirely new 998cc inline four. It’s Euro4-legal and will eventually power a new MV Superbike, too, but for now the limited-edition (300 will be made) Brutale Serie Oro is its only home.

The chassis is a new iteration of MV’s usual trellis-and-cast-alloy concoction, adorned with Brembo and Öhlins kit and, of course, a single-sided swingarm. Wings, definitely the hot trend of 2019, are added to the sides of the newly-designed carbon bodywork, while carbon BST wheels keep the weight down to just 186kg (dry). There’s all the latest electronics, with Bosch 9.1 cornering ABS, traction control and every other imaginable bell and whistle.

Ducati Diavel 1260

With the launch of the 1262cc XDiavel a year ago, it’s now the Diavel muscle-cruiser’s turn  to adopt the same more powerful and variable-valve-timed V-twin. It also takes on the XDiavel’s chassis, but its rear-set footpegs and a sportier riding position means it is more naked muscle bike than custom cruiser. There’s an S version with Öhlins suspension, but both models get cornering traction and ABS, Brembo calipers along with a host of electronic goodies like wheelie control and cruise control. The S also gets a quickshifter, multimedia control and launch control.

Husqvarna Svartpilen 701

A concept always guaranteed for production, the Svartpilen 701 is a neo-retro flat-tracker that draws heavily on the KTM parts bin, with the frame and engine from the 690 Duke, WP suspension and some surprisingly high-end electronics for a single-cylinder machine.

Spec-wise, it’s making 55kW at 8000rpm and weighs a skimpy 158.5kg dry.

Ducati Hypermotard 950

The updated 2019 Hypermotard 950 replaces the old 939 version – but still has the same 937cc engine capacity as before. Power is increased 4kW to 84kW at 9000rpm, while torque is unchanged at 96Nm, while a new trellis rear subframe and under-seat exhausts help provide styling reminiscent of the original 2007 Hypermotard 1100. Weight is down by 4kg to 200kg, while the higher-spec SP version is lighter still at 198kg thanks to forged alloy wheels. Cornering ABS is standard along with traction and wheelie control. The SP also gets a two-way quickshifter and some carbon body parts.

What else?

There were plenty of new features to see on updated, established models.

Honda CB650R

For 2019, the CB650F it’s replaced with the CB650R that adopts the same round-headlight looks as its newer CB siblings. As well as upside-down Showa SFF fork and radial Nissin calipers, it gets a power hike, higher revs and a lighter steel frame.

BMW R 1250 R

Using BMW’s new ShiftCam variable valve timed, 1254cc boxer twin the R 1250 R replaces the R 1200 R. There is a new bellypan, revised panels around the radiator and a TFT dashboard.

Kawasaki Z400

Given that the old Ninja 300 was replaced a year ago with the Ninja 400, it’s little surprise to see a new Z400 appearing as a replacement for the Z300 in 2019. It gets identical chassis and engine specs as the faired bike, which is a 399cc parallel twin making 33.4kW.

Honda CB500F

With changes being applied across the CB500 range for 2019, the naked CB500F gets the same engine updates as its CBR500R and CB500X siblings.

Retro machines

No longer a niche market, old-style is a mainstream moneyspinner.

Kawasaki W800

It looks much the same as before, but the new Kawasaki W800 has a redesigned frame, a revamped 773cc air-cooled engine that now passes Euro4 emissions limits and ABS-equipped disc brakes front and rear. Two versions are on offer – a naked Street and bullet-faired Cafe model. With 35kW, it’s not a powerhouse, but the W800 will be a genuine rival to Royal Enfield’s new 650cc twins if it’s priced low enough.

Royal Enfield Concept 1140 KX

Going right outside its comfort zone, Royal Enfield unveiled this spectacular prototype it claimed was just a “design exercise”. The feedback it got should convince the company to put it into production. Powered by a water-cooled 838cc V-twin, it pays tribute to Royal Enfield’s luxury tourer of the 1930s, the 1140cc side-valve V-twin KX.

Yamaha XSR700 XTribute

Designed as a homage to the old XT500, the XTribute gives the XSR700 a scrambler-style makeover including block-tread Pirelli MT60RS tyres, a flat seat, fork gaiters and off-road footpegs. There’s no change to the suspension or the 55kW engine.

Triumph Bonneville Limited Editions

Two new limited-editions graced Triumph’s EICMA stand – both cosmetic updates on the Bonneville T120. The T120 Ace, a tie-in with London’s Ace Cafe, has a bobbed rear fender, black engine and grey paint, plus an Ace logo on the tank. Just 1300 will be made. Meanwhile the Diamond Edition marks 60 years of the original Bonneville and will be limited to 800 examples. It has a chromed engine and subtle Union Jack tank.