Superbike takes the stage at EICMA
Pride of place in the event, which was inaugurated by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, went to WSBK champion Max Biaggi who launched a special edition of the bike with which he won this year's world title. The Aprilia RSV4R Factory APRC is equipped with a four-cylinder V65° engine, a new exhaust, Ride-by-Wire and a whole series of electronic gizmos to aid traction. The chassis is directly derived from the racing bike and is adjustable in three points.
Michel Fabrizio (photo) was there for his new team, Suzuki, the Italian showing the new Suzuki GSX-R 600 and 750 machines to the public. The two bikes have been completely redesigned with a new chassis frame and a series of lighter components. The 600 now weighs 187 kilos and has a declared power output of 125 bhp.
Spain's Carlos Checa, who finished third this year, was present at the Ducati stand, where the new 848 Evo and 1198 SP machines were on display.
And on to Kawasaki, where centre stage was taken by the new ZX-10R, which the Japanese manufacturer hopes will be up at the front in next year's WSBK championship. The importance of World Superbike is such that the new bike, which has a totally brand-new chassis and engine, received its world premiere at the Nurburgring during the German Round of the championship in September.
One of this year's key protagonists in World Supersport, Triumph, showed off a 675R machine, which can be used for racing. This version of the three-cylinder British bike has Ohlins suspension and Brembo brakes, as well as numerous lightened components.
2010 World Supersport Champion Kenan Sofuoglu could also be seen amongst the Milan Show stands, as well as Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow.
And still in the Supersport segment, considerable interest was aroused by the gorgeous MV Agusta F3, the new three-cylinder machine from the Varese manufacturer. The F3 on display was not quite the definitive version, but will only go on sale at the end of next year. As well as a new engine, it has a tubular stele frame, Marzocchi front forks, Sachs swingarm and Brembo brakes.
