The 2009 EICMA Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan has revealed some of the most highly-anticipated models for next year, with Ducati, MV Agusta, Aprilia and KTM taking the opportunity to launch new models on the opening day of the show.

DUCATI
Leading the charge is Bologna-based manufacturer Ducati, unveiling the Multistrada 1200, a bike that has seen Ducati combine sportsbike technology with comfort and versatility using technology derived from the race bikes used in MotoGP and World Superbike.

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200.

Ducati claims that the new model is four bikes in one, being an able supersport to a tourer for long journeys with a passenger and luggage, to an everyday bike which can breeze through the daily commute and also tackle off-road routes with the agility of an enduro.

The Multistrada 1200 uses the Testastretta Superbike 1198 engine, reworked to suit the power characteristics required for sports touring with a unique 11-degree configuration.

This angle has been reduced from 41 degrees when used in the Testastretta Evoluzione engine which powers the 1198. As a result, the fresh inlet charge flow is less compromised by the exiting exhaust gases, resulting in a much smoother combustion in addition to improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. Unburnt hydrocarbon emissions (pre-catalyser) are reduced by up to 65% and specific fuel consumption (and consequent CO2 emissions) by up to 15% (Euro3).

With 150 horsepower and 87.5ft-lbs of torque, the new Testastretta 11° sets a new standard for Ducati twin-cylinder engines.

Tests on fluid dynamics through the ports and in the combustion chamber have resulted in a modified power delivery profile and specifically the torque. New intake and exhaust ports combined with a radical adjustment of the cam timing and slight reduction of the compression ratio have enabled Ducati to achieve a favourable torque curve at low rpm, which remains strong through a wide range.

The gearbox and final drive ratios have also been optimised to enable the use of a higher-ratio sixth gear. It features an oil bath clutch with ‘slipper’ function, with a design that uses a progressive self-servo mechanism that presses the plates together when under drive from the engine, enabling the reduction of the clutch spring rates.

This results in a much lighter clutch lever at the handlebar, ideal in stop-start traffic or long journeys. When the drive force is reversed, the same mechanism reduces the pressure on the clutch plates, enabling them to provide a race-like ‘slipper’ action.

Along with the engine, it features Ducati’s signature trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, upside-down forks, radial brakes and 17-inch cast aluminium wheels. It’s also got ride-by-wire with three engine mappings, DTC traction control.

There are two versions of the Multistrada 1200 a standard version that can be specified with or without ABS and then a higher specification S.  The S is available in a Sport Edition or Touring Edition, with the sport version featuring carbon-fibre parts throughout, while the touring model has panniers, heated grips and a centre stand. Both bikes have electronic suspension, only featured on the S model.

The new Multistrada 1200 will be available in the two colour schemes: red or arctic white for the standard version, while the S version will be available in red, arctic white or diamond black. A host of accessories have also been released for the new model.

2010 Ducati Corse Special Edition 1198 R.

Two new special addition superbike models celebrate a change for the Ducati Corse logo, the 1198 S Corse Special Edition and 1198 R Corse Special Edition. Both are equipped with aluminium fuel tanks, DTC and a trick Ducati Corse livery. The 1198 R is essentially a rebadged 1098 R.

The new SE models join the lightweight and agile 848, now available in a Dark colour scheme, the standard 1198, and the higher-spec 1198 S to complete the 2010 superbike model line-up.

Ducati’s Hypermotard range has also been expanded with three versions now available, designed to suit different needs, but each with the same specific objective – to provide excitement and fun.

The recently-released Hypermotard 796 is now joined by a Hypermotard 1100EVO as well as the extreme version, the as yet unseen Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP. Ducati claims that the new EVO Hypermotards are seven kilograms lighter and have five more horsepower than the original model.

A host of changes are included throughout the Hyper range, including a lighter trellis frame, switchgear that stems from that of the Streetfighter range, re-shaped mirrors, plus various minor revisions.

The 1100’s crankcases are now vacuum cast using the same Vacural technology employed for the superbike engines, with a magnesium alternator cover and a lighter crankshaft assembly by using an 848 Superbike flywheel also included.

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100EVO SP.

Power gains have come not only from the new lightweight crankshaft assembly, but also from an evolution of the top-end of the Desmodue power unit. The cylinder head, which now has improved lubrication and cooling performance, also has a redesigned inlet port shape for optimum flow and a modified combustion chamber shape for improved burn efficiency. This improved efficiency is the result of a higher compression ratio and the change to a single spark per cylinder ignition now managed by Siemens electronics.

Ensuring a sufficient feed to the higher compression set-up is an improved flow airbox intake duct and increased valve lift for maximum volumetric efficiency.

A new oil cooler with an 85 percent larger cooling area protects the increased power output, and the 2-1-2 exhaust system is now monitored by twin lambda probes to ensure the most efficient fuel injection under all conditions.

Service intervals for the new engines have been increased to 12,000km.

Last but not least for Ducati, the Monster models are now available with ABS braking, with other 2010 revisions including new exhaust guards on both the 696 and the 1100. Brand new crankcases are added for the 696, which are 1.2kg lighter and the controls have also been revised with four-point adjustable clutch and brake levers.

MV AGUSTA

2010 MV Agusta F4.

MV Agusta revealed its new-look F4 model, which features a completely new engine, frame and single-sided rear swingarm – a bike that MV claims is the most compact superbike in production.

The new 998cc in-line four cylinder engine has variable-length intake tracts, a slipper-clutch, traction control and is claimed to make over 186 horsepower at 12,900rpm.

Its electronic fuel injection system has also been revised with a new ECU together with the TC MK II traction control system with eight levels of control, also containing double EFI mappings for sport and rain use.

The frame has been completely re-dimensioned, the single-sided swingarm is now longer and at the same time lighter while maintaining all of the adjustments of its predecessor. It’s 40mm narrower than its predecessor, with every detail and component redesigned to reduce the overall dry weight to a claimed 192.5kg.

APRILIA
In Aprilia’s bag of tricks is the new Shiver 750, which has the same 92hp engine and tubular frame is in 2009, but has been revised with a cowl surrounding the headlight, has wave brake discs and new colours.

2010 Aprilia Dorsoduro Factory.

It also has a new generation ride-by-wire throttle, along with an improved ergonomic position that has a 5mm narrower seat, 5mm lower footpegs, and sportier handlebars.

Joining the Shiver is an all-new Factory version of the Dorsoduro, an upgraded model of the popular motard-style bike. It has the shame distinctive shape, albeit with more adjustable suspension, carbon-fibre bodywork, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers and wave brake discs.

The engine of the new Dorsoduro Factory is unchanged, although it too has the second generation of ride-by-wire, featuring improved settings for the Sport, Touring and Rain power modes.

KTM
KTM also presented a range of innovative new motorcycles at EICMA, with the radical new 350cc Motocross prototype, the new Duke 690R and future models in the 125cc segment.

By presenting a 350cc pre-series racing bike, KTM again illustrates the typical determination of the Austrian company to go its own way. The 350cc will include fuel-injection and linkage.

KTM's new 350 four-stroke motocross bike.

KTM is the first manufacturer in the world to present a 350cc displacement bike for the sport of Motocross. The completely new bike, which will be “ready to race” from 2010 carries the distinct development signature of MX legend Stefan Everts right down to the finest detail.

With this project, the KTM MX team boss deploys meticulousness and all his unique ambition to catapult it to a new MX level. A concrete date for series production of this already very mature prototype has not yet been decided.

KTM also released a Duke 690 R. The single-cylinder LC4 now has 70hp packed into a vehicle weight of just 148kg. The 690R also features the orange frame specially reserved for the R models, as well as carbon mudguards, an extremely sophisticated fork and the new orange rear damper spring. Other improvements include an extended maintenance interval.

There were also smaller displacement bikes unveiled, with the introduction of a range of 125cc products that have been one hundred percent developed at the company headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria.

The four-valve cylinder head, water cooling, fuel injection, two overhead cam shafts and 15hp all demonstrate the desire for the highest level of technological development.

It has a latticed tubular steel frame and features high quality suppliers like WP Suspension and Brembo, the concept Race and Stunt 125s are a breath of fresh air for the segment.

As well as the very latest models, KTM also exhibits other models at EICMA that make the line-up of sports motorcycles for the model year 2010 broader and more attractive than ever.

KTM's 125cc concept Race bike.

These also include the rare RC8R Akrapovic Race Replica, homage to KTM’s impressive first season in Superbike, while the company is also exhibiting the Red Bull Replica for the first time.

Meanwhile, in honour of the amazing success of the KTM MX factory riders Max Nagl and Marvin Musquin, the motor sports company is also displaying genuine replicas of the MX1 and MX2 racing machines – naturally with orange coloured frames.

All current model updates and new optics are being presented in Milan along with the comprehensive range of KTM PowerWear and PowerParts products. With qualitatively better clothing ranges and performance-oriented spare parts and extras, the brand illustrates the Austrian lifestyle in best “Ready to Race” style.

Milan’s show will continue until 15 November after opening with a bang yesterday.