EICMA, as we all know, is one of the most important automotive events in the world. Ever since its first edition in 1914, it has been the destination for thousands of brands around the world to showcase theur innovations. Being one of the biggest platforms to create an interconnect between various brands and customers, the motor show attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The slogan for the 2022 edition of EICMA was EICMA EFFECT, chosen to reiterate the impact that the motor show has on the global stage.
To accentuate the impact of this massive event, EICMA welcomes thousands of journalists, photo-reporters, influencers and communication technicians and professionals. From India, xBhp got a press invite to attend and cover the show. As the rest of the team began the preparations for #roadTripUnited2022, one of our biggest pan-India roadtrips to date, Ankita Arora aka HighHeelsMotorcyclist got the opportunity to fly to Milan and cover the event representing xBhp.
We got to witness some very interesting exhibits put up by various motorcycle manufacturers and got witness unveilings and launches that took place at the event. One of the most interesting ones was the launch of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. Based on the engine that powers the Continental and Interceptor 650, Super Meteor 650 is Royal Enfield’s very first cruiser powered by the parallel-twin motor.
Next up, Kawasaki’s exhibit was a very interesting one as they showed off their plans for the future with an emphasis on Green Power and carbon neutrality. Mr Hiroshi Ito, President of Kawasaki Motors Corporation proudly showed off three electric and hybrid prototypes based on the existing Z and Ninja line of motorcycles. Along with that, Kawasaki also showed off a concept for a hydrogen-powered motorcycle based on the Ninja H2.
Suzuki brought their new middleweight streetfighter, the GSX-8S, along with the V-Strom 800DE to EICMA 2022. In addition to a special-edition RS 660, Aprilia also brought an electric two-wheeler concept called ELECTRICa to the event. Another Italian marquee, Moto Guzzi also presented their latest retro offering called the V9 Bobber Special Edition. Piaggio also came in with their 2023 Piaggio 1, the latest update to their electric scooter.
California-based Zero Motorcycles, with whom India’s Hero MotoCorp plans to co-develop EVs, also displayed their all-new DSR/X, along with theur entire 2023 range of electric bikes. Ducati had a very special exhibition as they were riding the high of winning the triple crown (Riders’ Title, Constructors’ Title, and Teams’ Title) in MotoGP 2022. The event was graced by the 2022 MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia.
Honda showcased their EM1e electric scooter, on top of the announcement of their plans to introduce at least 10 more electric two-wheelers by 2025. They also launched the CL500 Scrambler and the XL750TransAlp. Benelli’s exhibit was studded with the unveiling of the Tornado Naked Twin 500, BKX 250 S, and the BKX 250 ADV along with TRK 702 and TRK 702X. The event also witnessed the unveiling of the Moto Morini X-Cape 650 ADV-R, a more hardcore rally version of the brand’s X-Cape 650 mid-size adventure motorcycle. Finally, we also got to take a look at Hinckley’s take on an electric sportbike, TE-1 in the flesh.
This article was published in the Dec’22-Jan’23 Issue of the xBhp Print Magazine.
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