INTERMOT 2012: The Italians

Racebikes, repli-racers and Monsters dominate.

INTERMOT 2012: Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13

At Intermot, the big news about the Italian manufacturers was that they reserved their biggest news for the coming Milan EICMA show in November. Nevertheless, five companies showed hardware in Cologne: Ducati and four marques in the Piaggio Group (Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Piaggio Scooter and Vespa).

Aprilia’s RSV4 Factory ABS, a major update of the bike that is about to win the 2012 World Superbike title, wowed showgoers, not least because Max Biaggi unveiled the civilian clone of his racebike. Compared with its predecessor, the new RSV4 sports a 2-liter-larger and ergonomically sculpted tank. Also new is a very advanced ABS system that uses a sonic wheel and related sensor; it joins the rest of the electronic amenities already included in the Aprilia Performance Ride Control package. ABS can be rider-adjusted for three modes: Track, Sport and Rain. With the addition of ABS, the whole electronics package was upgraded and further refined.

Moto Guzzi used Intermot to show the three new versions of the V7: Stone, Special and Racer, and Ducati introduced the latest Multistrada 1200. But the show-stopper from Ducati was the Panigale RS13, the bike that Carlos Checa will probably ride in SBK next year in an attempt to regain the title he won in 2011. General Manager Claudio Domenicali did not release any details about the power (probably more than 200 hp), but he confirmed that Ducati has high hopes for the bike. Expect a Panigale R derivative sometime next year. Ducati also showed the Monster 1100 EVO in an Anniversary Edition that celebrates 20 years of the Monster and duplicates the original graphics and color scheme.

Ducati 1199 Panigale RS13

Lean, mean and beautiful in this medium silver gray dress.

Ducati Brass

Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio and General Manager Claudio Domenicali with the Monster EVO 1100.

INTERMOT 2012: Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS

Top new model in the RSV4 family.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory ABS with Brembo braking system

Detail of the Brembo braking system with the latest edition of Monoblock calipers, sonic wheel and ABS system sensors.