The New Tourer 2024 (part 1)

APRILIA

TUAREG RALLY 660

The 2024 version looks ready to take off-road adventures to a new level!
The three new colour schemes (Atreides Black, Canyon Sand and Dakar Podium, in tribute to the legendary rally) all sport red frames. The original accessories have been updated to include an air filter dedicated to off-road use. Here’s an interesting fact: the figure of 240 mm indicated on the front mudguard refers to the suspension travel.

BMW

R1300 GS

Although the brand itself didn’t appear at the Milan Show, its hotly anticipated new R1300 GS found a home at the GIVI stand, where it was fitted out with a rich set of dedicated accessories (see photo).
The motorcycle has a slim, sleek look with a compact and almost sporty overall effect (it weighs 12 kg less than the 1250). It makes a striking visual statement with a few particularly eye-catching details (first and foremost the new LED Matrix headlight). The 1,300 cc boxer engine offers an improved performance (9/10 additional horsepower) and delivers impressive torque in the medium rev range (reaching its maximum at 6,500 rpm). The gearbox is mounted at the bottom and the clutch at the front. While awaiting dynamic tests from the specialist press, we can point out the new steel frame, electronic suspensions, TFT dash, choice of engine maps and the presence as standard of radar (front and rear) + blind-spot monitoring.
It comes in three versions: Trophy, Triple Black, and the exclusive Option 719 Tramuntana. Other options for 2024 are the updated versions of the F 900 GS and Adventure bikes, and the F 800 GS which BMW presented to the press at the start of September.

DUCATI

The MULTISTRADA family

There are two versions which have grabbed our attention.  The V4 S GRAND TOUR is ready to tackle epic journeys thanks to its incredible list of features. In addition to the accessories that come as standard with the V4 S, it boasts side bags, a heated seat, tyre pressure sensors, a pair of LED spotlights, front and side radar, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, heated grips and much more.
Meanwhile, the Adventure segment has found a new ally in the DESERTX RALLY, designed for off-roading and more highly specialised than the standard version. As well as its unbeatable aesthetics, this twin-cylinder offers a number of racing features from a technical perspective: the high front mudguard, dedicated rally seat, KYB fork with 48 mm stanchions and 250 mm travel, new billet aluminium steering plates, improved KYB rear shock, and swingarm with a repositioned attachment point. The Ohlins steering damper also comes as standard. Unlike the standard version, the 21” and 18” spoked wheels come with air chambers.  The list of features continues with the carbon sump guard, brake pedal and gear lever in light billet aluminium. The motorcycle is also taller than the standard version: 280 mm of ground clearance with the seat at 910 mm. The electronics have also been overhauled with a view to more demanding usage, with the 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine optimised for off-roading.

HUSQVARNA

NORDEN 901 / EXPEDITION

At the brand’s stand, the public had the chance to admire the Norden 901 in both its standard version and the more advanced Expedition version. The first has received a significant technical upgrade, but it’s the second that’s really caught our eye. It’s been presented to the most demanding motorcycling enthusiasts with a set of technical accessories developed by Husqvarna Motorcycles, which make it ready to tackle routes of any kind, on any continent. The standard equipment includes an aluminium engine guard which rises towards the front compared to the standard 901, a convenient centre stand, waterproof soft bags, a high touring windscreen, a steering damper, and heated grips and seat.
The Husqvarna-branded J.Juan brake system brings MotoGP-derived technology to the Expedition (for maximum control, on and off-road); the ABS is by Bosch.
We mustn’t neglect to mention the 240 mm WP XPLOR suspensions front and rear, or the 4 mm aluminium plate mounted at the front and bottom to protect the engine and tank. An original colour scheme makes this top-of-the-range 901 truly distinctive.

KYMCO

CVL6 (Concept)

We were keen to include a maxi scooter in this review: one that could be used for touring, capable of tackling dirt roads and off-roads trails that didn’t present too much of a challenge. The Kymco CVL6 concept was the one we chose. In the history of epic two-wheeled journeys, the Vespa and other scooters have been the heroes of legendary voyages. This model is a sort of homage to the category, offering enviable riding comfort and positioning itself as an alternative to classic tourers (and to the undisputed champion, the Honda X-ADV).
The CVL6 crossover is powered by a 575 cc twin-cylinder engine producing over 50 horsepower. Its chassis consists of an aluminium frame and swingarm, 17” front wheels and 15” rear wheels, front suspension with inverted forks offering substantial travel, slightly knobby tyres, hand guards, a TFT dash, brake system with ABS Cornering, traction control (which can be deactivated), engine maps to adapt the scooter’s usage requirements, wide handlebar, and space to mount a trio of GIVI aluminium cases. The tank holds 13.5 litres. We hope to see it on our streets soon.

MORINI

X-CAPE 1200

The X-Cape is back at twice the size. The unabated success enjoyed by the 650 over the last two years has led the brand to venture into the arena of maxi road touring. Thus, the giant X-Cape 1200 was born: weighing 250 kg, powered by a CorsaCorta V2 Evo engine at 87° and 1,187 cc, designed in Italy (performances indicate 125 horsepower).
The colour scheme is captivating, with the aesthetic line featuring stylish details. The chassis offers a trellis frame, double-sided aluminium swingarm, 19” and 17” tubeless spoked wheels, tyre pressure sensors, and adjustable suspensions with inverted forks (50 mm). The braking system is by Brembo. The rider is supported by an advanced ABS, cruise control, quickshifter, traction control and radar for blind spots, with four riding modes.
The dash has a 7” TFT with integrated navigator. It is expected to arrive on the market in the second half of 2024.

CFMOTO

MTX

The brand that manufactures the engines for the KTM 790 introduced the public at EICMA to a prototype centred on off-road adventures. Proof of this aim is clear to see, in the two low side tanks, the long travel suspensions, and the vertical instrument panel (incorporating an 8” touchscreen) similar to those on rally motorcycles. The 21” and 18” wheels are further confirmation of the bike’s attitude. The MTX is powered by a 449 cc parallel twin inherited from the 450SR. The front end, with its stunning full LED headlight, is particularly striking.

450 MT

A new mid-capacity crossover powered by a 449.5 cc parallel twin, capable of delivering 44 horsepower at 8,800 rpm. Compact and light enough to manage, this motorcycle sports a pair of 21” and 18” spoked wheels and offers ergonomic riding that really pays off for those who leave paved roads behind for an easygoing off-road experience.  The seat height helps with that (820 mm from the ground). Two things to note about the chassis: a steel frame, and adjustable KYB long-travel suspensions, reaching 200 mm. Bosch two-channel ABS can be disabled on the rear wheel for off-roading.
Curved 5” TFT display, full-LED illumination, 175 kg dry weight. It is expected to hit the market in late spring 2024.

700 MT

Another new offering from the Chinese manufacturer, already present on the price list, which boasts impressive construction quality. It comes in between the 650 and 800 crossovers, making the most of the 693 cc twin engine featured in the CL-X series. It has an extra 10 horsepower compared to its little sister (specifically, 66.7 hp at 9,000 rpm).
The chassis consists of adjustable suspensions with 43 mm inverted forks, 17” light alloy wheels with 5 spokes, and a J.Juan braking system. The frame is the same as the 650MT (confirmed by the quotes). Other details: Dry weight of 207 kg, 18-litre tank, seat height 845 mm. 5” TFT dash and bluetooth connection.
Available in the Nebula White and Nebula Black colour schemes.

QJMOTOR

SRT 800/800X

The Chinese brand’s Adventuring range. Two maxi bikes are on offer, both already available on the market: the SRT 800 road tourer and the 800X… which has no fear of mud and dust. Both feature an 18.5-litre tank, bag and top case kit as standard (current promotion), weigh 236 kg and are powered by a 754 cc in-line twin that produces 76 horsepower and offers a torque of 67 Nm, with maximum peak at 6,500 rpm. The chassis consists of a trellis frame in steel and light alloy, and adjustable suspensions with fork developed by Marzocchi.
The braking system (with radial pump) is the result of a collaboration between Brembo, Bosch and SunStar. The dash touchscreen is generously sized (7”), Bluetooth connectivity, full-LED headlights. The 800 has a seat height of 795 mm, 17” front and rear alloy wheels. The 800X raises the seat height to 825 mm and features 19” and 17” spoked wheels.

ENERGICA

EXPERIA

An outsider that’s earned its place in this review: it’s the zero-emissions “Made in Italy” Green Tourer. Is it possible to make travel fully electric? Energica certainly believe so. The motorcycle weighs 260 kg and has a frame optimised for sport touring, an adjustable windscreen and a generous carrying capacity. The luggage storage capacity (considering the trio of cases proposed) is 112 litres. The seat is 847 mm from the ground.
The new engine is called PMASynRM, and the battery powering it has a greater capacity (up to 22.5 kWh) while weighing less. Maximum speed is limited to 180 km/h.
The indicated range is 420 km for use in the city, which goes down to 256 km with combined use. Fast charge takes 40 minutes. The electronics are the star attraction: it has absolutely everything to assist riding.
A short note on the chassis: 17” alloy wheels, trellis frame, aluminium swingarm, adjustable fork and rear shock produced by ZF SACHS. Brembo braking system. Three colour schemes: Metal Black, Flame White, Bormio Ice.

MV AUGUSTA

LXP ORIOLI

Explore without setting any limits: this is the concept celebrated by the brand with the world’s first luxury all-terrain motorcycle. In fact, only 500 units are to be produced (with a basic version to arrive in the future). The motorcycle also serves as a tribute to the legendary Edi Orioli, a true star of the world rally scene in the 1990s. In other words, it’s a collector’s piece as well as a motorcycle destined for riding. The iconic colour scheme of the LPX shows immense care for details, but it’s the numbers that really seal the deal. A completely new, 931 cc, 3-cylinder engine optimised for off-roading; a maximum of 124 horsepower; a maximum torque of 102 Nm at 7,000 rpm; a maximum speed of 230 km/h; and a dry weight of 220 kg.
The chassis: a double-beam main frame and detachable trellis rear frame, all in steel. Fully adjustable Sachs suspensions, inverted fork (48 mm, with 210 mm travel), and progressive link monoshock. Tubeless spoked wheels: 21” at the front, 18” at the back. Seat height 850/870 mm; ground clearance 230 mm; tank capacity 20 litres.
A 7” TFT dash, cruise control, launch control, 8-level traction control, immobilizer, full-LED headlight, chassis crash bar, electronic engine and vehicle set-up, and aluminium side bags are also as standard. Then there’s the dedicated LXP Orioli Kit, containing a Termignoni titanium exhaust silencer, end cap, heat shield, and dedicated motorcycle cover. The makers have also used the design of the ergonomic triangle, and implemented aerodynamic research for the windscreen and fairing.

VOGE

VALICO DS900X

After appearing at EICMA 2022, this maxi enduro has returned to the Show in its definitive form. It’s produced by the premium brand of Loncin (the Chinese company which has collaborated with BMW for years).
Not only does it boast a stylish appearance, but there’s plenty of substance too. The Valico DS900X is powered by an 895 cc parallel twin engine (the same used for BMW? The similarities are unmissable), which produces 93.8 hp at 8,250 rpm and reaches its maximum torque value, 95 Nm, at 6,250 rpm. There are 4 maps available for engine management, plus an electronic Ride by Wire accelerator (making it the first VOGE to offer this), as well as cruise control with radar and ABS which can be disabled on the rear wheel.
The new Voge has adjustable Kayaba suspensions (inverted fork), 21” and 17” spoked wheels with semi-knobby tyres, and a braking system with Brembo callipers.
The motorcycle has a dry weight of 215 kg and offers a 17-litre tank (the concept offered 20). The seat is 835 mm from the ground, while ground clearance is 190 mm.
The standard features are truly jaw-dropping: an adjustable windscreen, full-LED lights, a TFT display, heated grips and seat, a steering damper, tyre pressure control sensors, a centre stand…