Eicma 2023: The Motorcycling Grand Spectacle and the Uninvited

So, Eicma 2023 – a cacophony of novelties, surprises, and dreams on two wheels. We've seen the most anticipated, the most beautiful, and the ones you might've missed. But what about the bikes we were waiting for, only to find an empty space in the showroom? Here's the lowdown on the great absentees stealing the spotlight.

**Ducati Desmo MX: The Pachyderm in the Room**

Ducati, the grand conductor of Eicma's anticipation orchestra, had us all on the edge, expecting the imminent debut of the 450 Cross – fresh off the hands of Tony Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino. We wanted a sneak peek, maybe not the Desmo engine details, but at least a glimpse of the bike's form. Alas, a postponed debut, possibly because the bike is still evolving. The waiting game continues.

**Triumph MX2: All Dressed Up with Nowhere to Go**

Triumph, just like Ducati, had a showstopper in its motocross lineup. Eicma could have been the grand stage, but Triumph and KTM played the absentee card, represented only through importers. A missed opportunity to unveil the imminent 250 bialbero from Triumph, leaving us yearning to witness the beast in the metal.

**KTM 1390 Super Duke R: The Big Duke's Big Brother**

The Mattighofen observers weren't predicting a new "Duke in the middle" anytime soon but rather a Super Duke makeover. Rumors hinted at a power boost for its formidable V-twin, keeping pace with Euro5 and the competition. Expected in 2024, with a visual tease at Eicma via the revamped 990 Duke, setting the style tone for Austrian naked.

**Kawasaki KLX 700: The Crossover Conundrum**

Entering the realm of speculation, Kawasaki, the lone wolf without a modern mid-displacement crossover, left us wanting. While the Versys 650 holds its ground, the competition demands a refresh. We hoped to glimpse the new twin-cylinder, possibly paving the way for a naked and a sport version. Kawasaki, however, remains poker-faced, keeping the KLX 700 dreams on hold.

**Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally: Nostalgia Revived**

A name echoing through the '80s and '90s, the Tuareg 660 Rally aligns perfectly with Aprilia's Motorally commitment. A slightly more adventurous version could have breathed new life into a model that initially struggled. Without meddling with the robust 659cc twin, a few tweaks like enhanced suspensions and an aluminum touch could have done the trick. But for now, no sign of the revived Aprilia Paris-Dakar.

**Honda X750 Transalp Paris-Dakar: A Transalp Reimagined**

The Transalp, historically not an off-road adventurer, might be due for a change. Honda seems to be eyeing Yamaha's success with the Ténéré 700. A more off-road-ready version, with upgraded suspensions, a touch more travel, shedding a few pounds, and maybe a tad less horsepower, could have given the Transalp a rugged makeover. Unfortunately, no signs of a Paris-Dakar revival at Eicma.

**Benelli TRK 800: The Awaited Flagship**

Expecting the refined version of the bike showcased a year ago, fans were met with the QJ-branded TRK 800, slightly less glamorous. Benelli, for now, settles (figuratively, given the sales numbers) with the TRK 702. The TRK 800? Not in sight, and the future depends on QJ's internal dynamics. Benelli's execs did express their intent to climb the displacement ladder. Hope lingers.

**Husqvarna 901 Vitpilen / Svartpilen: The Stylish Comeback**

Remember the allure of Husqvarna's initial roadsters, the 701 Vitpilen and the 701 Svartpilen? Austria still remembers, and word is they're working on a new generation using the LC8c engine from the Norden 901. Imagine the 901 Vitpilen and 901 Svartpilen, retaining the charm of their predecessors. Prototypes have been spotted, but a global presentation remains elusive, thanks to KTM's absence from Eicma's main stage.

In the end, Eicma 2023 delivered excitement but left us yearning for the ones who got away. Let's hope these uninvited guests grace us with their presence shortly, perhaps in a less chaotic venue than the bustling halls of Milan.