2009 Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa

Italy's Piaggio Group, maker of the Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and other brands announced a plethora of new models at the 2008 IIntermot show in Cologne, Germany. Much of what was announced won't be coming stateside, but there were a few interesting developments, including a V-Twin motocrosser and more info about the 2009 RSV4 Factory.

When is the RSV4 Factory superbike coming here? Soon, says Piaggio: The unofficial word is that it will be introduced as a late-'09 model in the second half of 2009. The Shiver, Mana and Dorsoduro models now get optional ABS, and the Shiver gets a GT version with a neat little fairing...but not for the USA. Also not coming here, the 2009 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport 4V, a beefed-up version of the 1200 Sport with the four-valve, 105-hp motor we've tested in the Griso 8V and Stelvio.

Aprilia showed off a motocrosser based on the SXV and RXV V-Twin supermoto and enduro. The MXV 450 uses a hotter version of the 77-degree, liquid-cooled, 449cc V-Twin, and to save weight, the battery and starter motor get pitched and the fuel tank and exhaust are slimmed down. It also gets a new swingarm and a beefier 50mm fork tuned for big air. It's not in the Piaggio USA catalog for 2009, but Piaggio may bring it in the second half of 2009 as a 2010 model.

Piaggio is known for scooters, and it showed 50 and 125cc versions of the Aprilia SportCity, which are coming to the U.S. Vespa showed off the cute-as-a-button 50S, which will also make landfall here.

Piaggio's odd-but-effective MP3 three-wheeled scooter gets some substantial changes for '09. There's now an "LT" version—in both the 250 and 400cc models—that is legal to ride in European jurisdictions without a motorcycle license thanks to its wider track, which makes it (legally speaking) a three-wheeled car. All the MP3s—including a new 125cc version—also get 14-inch rear wheels and Piaggio's fly-by-wire throttle system. Piaggio USA has yet to announce which models will be coming here, but don't hold your breath waiting for the MP3 LT: most U.S. states don't exempt three-wheelers this size from motorcycle licensing requirements.