The EICMA show usually only appears on the radar of avid motorcycle fans the motorcycle show to attend if you want a glimpse of fresh metal, the occasional concept machine and the latest clothing and protective gear.
All the big names are in attendance, with Ducati, Yamaha and Suzuki using the show floor as an excuse to wow the crowd with the next generation of machines.
However, in recent years, attention has shifted to electrification and motorcycles with batteries and electric motors are becoming more common.
This year saw a number of established names in the cycling world drop the silk sheet on electrified bikes, while Milan’s Esposizione Internazionale del Ciclo also played host to a plethora of emerging brands from exotic markets you may not have heard of before.
Here’s a look at the most exciting metal from this year’s show…
1. Lambretta Elettra scooter
Is there a more perfect brand to unveil an electric scooter at an Italian motorcycle show than Lambretta? About as essential as coffee and pupil-dilating calzone, Lambretta opted for the home to unveil its electrified future in the form of the stunning Elettra e-scooter.
Stylistically, it builds on the company’s illustrious 77-year history with an evolved design that incorporates enough future touches to ensure it looks thoroughly modern, without straying too far from Lambretta’s iconic shape.
The scooter is powered by an 11 kW (or 15 hp) electric motor, meaning it won’t be much faster than some of its 125cc machines of old. Charging the 4.6 kWh lithium battery is said to take around five and a half hours via a household socket, while fast charging capabilities allow for charging in around 35 minutes via a public fast charger.
There’s no word on a maximum range, but Lambretta says the Elettra will have a top speed limited to 30 mph, making it perhaps one of the most stylish, learner-friendly scooters on the market when it eventually goes into production. Molto bello!
2. Kawasaki Z7 hybrid
Kawasaki recently unveiled its Ninja 7 Hybrid model, which slaps motorcycle convention in the face with a punishing 451cc parallel twin paired with a 9 kW maximum traction electric motor and small battery packs.
The result, according to Kawasaki, is 1,000cc of motorcycle performance from a relatively weedy 450cc engine, as well as the ability to travel a short distance on electricity alone. You can also switch between manual gear changes via steering wheel-mounted buttons or opt for a fully automatic experience. Pretty futuristic stuff.
Unveiled at this year’s EICMA, the Z7 Hybrid is essentially a stripped-down Ninja 7 Hybrid, boasting the same technology with a more aggressive, street-fighter aesthetic.
3. Royal Enfield electric Himalayan
Royal Enfield is quickly becoming one of the most popular motorcycle brands, thanks to its mix of stylish retro street bikes, adventure machines and low-capacity bikes that suit virtually all levels of riders, especially those on a tighter budget .
The brand suggested it was toying with the idea of electrification a few years ago, but surprised everyone at EICMA when it unveiled an electric Himalayan model.
However, this is more of a scientific study for Royal Enfield than a production machine as the electric Himalayan is still a work-in-progress prototype. Internally, the model is even called ‘The Testbed’ and therefore details about the powertrain, range and performance figures are still secret.
“We saw this as an opportunity to create something unique and inspire future generations. What started as a skills exercise for our teams is now this electric adventure motorcycle that we are very proud of; a new expression of our love for adventure and the mountains. said Mario Alvisi, Chief Growth Officer of Royal Enfield MCN.
4. Italian Volt Lacama
Another hero for the home crowd, the Lacama from Italy’s Volt, has been in the making for several years, but following its acquisition by electric technology company Tazzari EV it now has the power and technical know-how to put this beast into production.
Marketed as an electric street fighter, the Lacama features four driving modes, one of which is called Rocket and unleashes the full peak power of 150 hp and a massive 230 Nm of torque onto the road below.
Two versions are offered, starting with the most aggressive Hypersport that can travel more than 250 km (155 miles) on a single charge, while a Hyperlight version reaches top performance a little easier but loses a bit of weight, so tips the scales at 197 kg.
Tazzari EV’s engineering team has been instrumental in the development of the machine, producing an advanced battery temperature management system, which includes “circulation of dielectric fluid by immersion of the batteries”.
This ensures fast and intense cooling, while the heating ensures that they can be charged even in harsh winter temperatures. Apparently the system also has self-extinguishing firefighting properties.
In a final new move, the bodywork is completely swappable, allowing the owner to change the bike’s appearance with a few simple screws. The price is around €30,000/$32,000, so it certainly won’t be cheap.
5. Yadea Kemper
It may not have the same exotic appeal as, say, a Ducati Panigale, but the Yadea Kemper arrived in Milan with some serious performance credentials.
Firstly, the company stated that charging from 0-80 percent would take just ten minutes thanks to the ‘high performance battery pack’, while with a peak power of 40 kW it puts it in line with numerous middleweight 55 HP ICE roadsters currently on the be a market. .
The Chinese-made machine uses a 6.4 kW/h lithium-ion phosphate battery, compatible with Type 2 or CCS2 chargers and plugs, while its performance features allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds km/h (62 mph). up to a top speed of 160 km/h (almost 100 mph).
Four-piston Brembo brake calipers, KYB suspension and other high-quality parts suggest this could be a real competitor in the European and US markets, if the price is right.
6. Ultraviolet F99
The world already knows the F77 from Indian brand Ultraviolette, an all-electric performance machine that can accelerate from 0-60 km/h (0-38 mph) in less than three seconds, while its patented battery technology is said to offer a range of 300 kilometers. on a single charge.
It’s a fantastic-looking machine, too, while European prices of between €9,000 and €11,000 (about $10,700 / £8,700 / AU$16,600) make it a much easier pill to swallow than many competing electric bikes.
That’s all well and good, but just look at the F99 factory racing version, which seems to want to devour everyone who so much as glances at it. Designed with pure aerodynamic power in mind, the electric motor has been modified so that maximum power is 90 kW (120 hp) and top speed reaches into the region of 260 km/h.
Fingers crossed that a street version of this makes its way to dealers, as this writer would be willing to hand over an internal organ for it.
7. Velocifero Race-X
Aside from Royal Enfield’s electrified Himalayan, many e-motorcycles tend to appeal to the inner-city commuter, or perhaps the more spendthrift sportbike owners willing to part with huge sums of money to ride the spiky end of the performance spectrum.
The Race-X from scooter manufacturer Velocifero does things a little differently with fat tires, protective bodywork and a quasi-street-scrambler look that seems to take some inspiration from Ducati’s Scrambler model.
The battery has a capacity of 6.48 kWh and can be fully charged in 2.5 hours via a regular 110-240 volt socket, while a rear monoshock and a USD (upside down) front fork give it some extra strength. to give.
According to its makers, it is aimed at the youth scooter market, meaning it can be ridden by anyone with a basic CBT in the UK, or simple scooter licenses in other markets.
