The charm of European Superbikes

Unless it's an April fool's prank, summers has officially begun in Toronto. The black coats have been shed and people have finally begun to smile and show signs of life. For an enthusiast like me, summer is announced when I hear motorcycles whirring on the streets. What is surprising though is I do not see any Kawasaki's, Yamaha's, Suzuki's or Honda's. Nah! Neither are there many Harley's, Indian, Victory or Boss Hoss. Surprisingly, All I have seen are lots of Ducati's a handful of Aprilia's and an MV agusta. Yes, It's the old Europeans on the super bike scene with their new toys

Ducati is not a new name to many. Casey Stoner has made life hell for Valentino Rossi and his Team Fiat-Yamaha. The Ducati just makes up on straights what Yamaha has to struggle to cover on turns. Ducati's answer to the super bikes from East is the 1198. A history in bikes older than the Japanese is proof enough that these Red blooded Italians know how to build bikes. This 170 bhp monster had humble beginnings in the Ducati 851 in 1987. Ducati has since churned out a better technological marvel with each model.

Interesting fact: Ducati shoes from FILA are awesome and make a great style statement. Check out the FILA website.

Not many European companies have survived the recession well. But that doesn't mean that their products are not good. If there is one motorcycle which befriends the amateur biker in you, the name probably starts with A. Aprilia has always been known as a bike that handles like a GP track bike on the road even in the hands of a beginner and that is not a bad thing. The RSV4 is a successor to Aprilia's RSV series upgraded in 2009. For those who have seen the previous generation RSV, I don't need to argue how Aprilia's have grown beautiful under Piaggio. Aprilia is one of the first bike makers I would personally want to see in India.

Interesting fact: searching and clicking on another motorcycle marque 'Laverda' website will route your browser to Aprilia. Both are owned by Piaggio but Laverda name has been dropped.

The Italians sure love the way they do things. Wine and dine, Girls and style, making cars and bikes or anything they do. But one thing they have been bad at is Marketing. If you don't believe me check out Fiat India's record. Benelli is not better. Now a part of Chinese QianJiang Group, the company makes two versions of its famous Tornado super bike. The sad news is the timeless design now does look old and so is the technology. A famous example of how things stagnate in the wrong hands. The bike still retains its Italian character though. The now mediocre 1130cc engine needs an urgent update. Helping push the sales is a smaller 903 version which helps the 1130 save the face.

Interesting fact: apart from motorcycles Benelli brand can also be found on PWC's (personal water crafts) under HSR Benelli brand name and on shotguns under the name Benelli arms.

I am not writing about the MV Agusta last because its not well known or because its not competitive. In fact MV is extremely well known and can knock the daylights out of the Japanese super bikes. Hence for a bike maker with extremely turbulent history and a Ayrton Senna Edition bike to their credit deserve a final mention. At one time they had seven limited edition bikes. Not surprising enough that they are known as the Lamborghini equivalent in the motorcycle world. The F41000 along with RSV4, Tornado Tre and 1198 make up the big four super bikes that have the potential to show the world that style and innovation are not dead. (time to hire some marketing geniuses)

Interesting fact: Once a part of the Malaysian Group Proton along with British Sports car maker Lotus (Elise and Esprit fame), MV Agusta was sold for a token 1 Euro. The company is now a part of Harley Davidson USA and again up for sale. Fortunately in the first quarter of 2010 sales have shot up by 50%.Interested?

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BMW Motorrad has recently gave birth to some of the most improved motorcycles in their entire history. Now if they can make the same kind of ads for motorcycles as they do for cars. And they also prove that a sharp design is not always beautiful.

If I end my post here, I will be insulting the motorcycle lovers. How can I commit such treachery and not mention the great 2-stroker champion and the maker of the X-bow? Just as BMW is known by blue and Kawasaki is known by green, this great motorcycle maker is known for its yellow colour. Style, technology and automobile wet dreams cannot gel so well as the KTM 1190 RC8. I will let the picture do the talking.

Caution: For the classic AJS motorcycle lovers. The new company is said to import Chinese models and rebrand them. I am yet to hear a good review about them.