Small gets big in the dirt-road touring market
EICMA is the world’s biggest showcase of new motorcycles. Now in its 76th year, more than 1000 exhibitors from 156 countries have revealed new motorcycles from every market sector.
KTM 790 Adventure
Finally ready for production, the 790 Adventure promises to be a leader in the middleweight adventure class. Two versions, the Adventure and Adventure R, share the same 70kW, 799cc parallel-twin engine and a remarkably high electronic spec, including cornering ABS and cornering traction control. The R gets a 48mm WP fork instead of 43mm, and has 240mm of travel at both ends compared to 200mm for the base model. Tech includes a full colour TFT display with smartphone integration.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
First appearing two years ago as the T7 concept, before evolving into the World Raid prototype and now the Ténéré 700. Under the Dakar-inspired styling is an MT-07’s 689cc, 54kW parallel-twin bolted to a new frame with a 43mm USD fork giving 210mm of travel. There’s 200mm of movement at the rear, and the Ténéré sports a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear rim to suit proper off-road rubber.
BMW F850GS Adventure
Appearing a year after the launch of the F850GS, the Adventure version shares the same 70kW parallel-twin engine and chassis but a substantially more adventure-ready machine.
The tank can hold 23 litres, while redesigned bodywork includes deeper side panels, a taller screen, engine bars and a new luggage rack. And the obligatory colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, too.
Moto Guzzi V85TT
he V85TT is a slightly quirky but convincing model that has few direct competitors. The completely redesigned air-cooled 853cc V-twin makes 59kW and boast shaft drive – unique to this capacity. With 170mm of suspension travel at each end, it’s not as off-road oriented as some rivals, but the 41mm USD fork and Brembo radial brakes will make it capable on asphalt while a wet weight of 229kg may be a bit on the hefty side for off-road use.
Kawasaki Versys 1000
While the 88kW, 1043cc engine and aluminium frame are essentially the same as the existing Versys 1000, Kawasaki’s 2019 version is heavily revamped in style and technology. The engine gets upgraded lean-sensitive electronics to assist riding modes and traction control. The higher-spec ‘SE’ version has electronic, semi-active suspension, cornering lights and a multi-directional quickshifter. As well as self-healing paint, the SE gets a colour TFT display to tether your phone.
BMW R1250GS Adventure
We’ve already gone into depth about the new R 1250 GS, but BMW held back the Adventure version until the EICMA show. Using the same ShiftCam, 1254cc variable valve timing engine as the base model, the Adventure makes the same 100kW peak power and 143Nm of torque. However, as usual, it gets a larger 30-litre fuel tank and more off-road oriented suspension. Mildly revised styling, an LED headlight and a multifunction TFT dash.
Ducati Multistrada 950
Beyond the new side panels that bring the Multistrada 950’s look into line with the 1250 version, you might struggle to spot the changes to the 2019 bike. Key updates include cornering ABS and the debut of a new S version. This gets Ducati’s semi-active Skyhook suspension, a multidirectional quickshifter, cruise control and LED lights, plus a colour TFT dashboard. There’s also a spoked wheel option for the 950 S, giving a more off-road style.
Honda CB500X
Like the rest of the CB500 range, Honda’s 2019 CB500X gets mild engine tweaks to boost midrange performance, even though the peak power remains unchanged at 35kW. Longer-travel suspension raises the bike 10mm, while the old 17-inch front wheel is swapped for a more off-road-suited 19-in rim. There’s a new fairing and front screen, increasing full lock turns as well as new LCD instruments.
