10 Most Exciting Motorcycles from EICMA 2013

Image via Complex Original

While Caterham hasn't exactly been the team to beat in Formula One, the company's announcement that it has now created a motorcycle division makes us hope that their race bikes are better than their race cars. Plus, the company is serious enough about its bikes to be fielding a team in Moto2 (one of the feeder series for MotoGP) next year. Dubbed "the SUV of motorcycles," we're pretty sure this concept handles like a pig around corners. Put even fatter tires on it and you'd be halfway to a real-world Batpod.

While it's not a great leap forward for Honda's flagship liter-bike, upgrades like more power, Brembo monobloc front brakes, and a new Ohlins suspension (front and rear) are certainly good news. It's a good, solid bike, and it keeps getting better. At an MSRP of nearly $17,000, it really should.

If you thought the old VFR 800 was a pig, Honda heard you -- for 2014, the new VFR 800F weighs 22 pounds less. While a person might consider that a modest weight loss achievement, that's a significant amount on a motorcycle. Traction control, ABS, and heated grips are standard features. A new aluminum single-sided swingarm saves weight and looks great -- as do those 10-spoke wheels.

Only one problem: Honda currently has no plans to release the VFR 800F in the U.S. Not to mention how the 2014 CB650F (also unveiled at EICMA 2013) isn't currently scheduled for a U.S. release, either. WEAK. 

If you like the engine in the BMW S1000RR but wished it was stuffed into something with a little Italian flair instead, Bimota has unveiled just the thing for you. New owners have taken the helm of the struggling company, and issued the BB3 as their first effort. It certainly looks good, and with a claimed 190 HP figure and 394 lbs dry weight, it certainly sounds good on paper.

Harley-Davidson is one of the most well-known brands worldwide, perhaps second only to Ferrari. But even with a heritage as strong as theirs, it's important to keep attracting new customers to the brand. That includes new riders, who may not yet feel comfortable handling a Big Twin -- or even a Sportster. Enter the 2014 Street 500 and 750 -- the Motor Company's solid shot at the hearts of the urban commuter market.

Like the V-Rod, the Street line is liquid-cooled. Unlike the V-Rod -- or any other Harley currently on the market -- the Streets have a curb weight of just 460 pounds. MSRP for the 500 is $6,700, while MSRP for the 750 is $7,500. Of course, an infinite array of factory custom parts will be available to make your Street your own.

The original Brough Superiors were extremely high-end motorcycles that were manufactured by English racer George Brough from 1919 to 1940. They were very limited in production numbers, and featured exceedingly refined, well-crafted components. The word "Superior" was clearly not used as an idle threat. Unsurprisingly, only the very wealthy could afford to own one.

The confluence of these factors led some to dub Brough Superiors as "the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles." One of the most famous celebrity riders to own one was T.E. Lawrence -- otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia. Fast-forward to 2014, where the great Norton name is currently being revived, Triumph has successfully been reborn, but various attempts at resurrecting Vincent have unfortunately fallen through. It's no surprise that the Brough Superior name is rising up again -- and also no surprise that it's basically a beautiful and exclusive showpiece.

Featuring a beautiful V-twin engine that makes anywhere from 100 to 140 HP (depending on customer desires; these are built to order) and 92 lb.-ft of torque, it's a completely modern bike with retro-inspired styling.The company is asking $100,000 for each one -- almost the cost of two 1199 Superleggera. Or the MSRP of an 1199 Superleggera and a Desmosedici. Good luck with that.

Limited to just 500 units (the minimum number needed for race homologation, of course), and almost completely presold by the time it was officially "announced" in the leadup to EICMA 2013, this is not just another Desmosedici. The sad thing is, most of these will likely never see a track. Then again, if you dropped $65K on a bike, you probably wouldn't want to potentially high-side it at track speeds, either.

The 1199 Superleggera makes a staggering 205 HP with included race exhaust, while weighing 366 pounds dry. We'd love to see one of these being exercised to the fullest in the hands of an experienced non-professional racer.

This is the definition of "pocket rocket." Period. Weighing in at a mere 324 pounds (without fuel, but with other fluids onboard), making 43 HP, featuring a sporty suspension that includes a WP shock, as well as four-piston, radially-mounted brake calipers, and you know this bike is serious. It doesn't just look the part -- it will go (and stop) the part, too.

Unfortunately, no announcement about its availability in the U.S. has been made by the Austrians. We're pretty certain this thing will be tearing up tracks across the land if and when KTM sees fit to launch it here.

If you like both beautiful things and sport touring bikes, MV Agusta has just the thing for you: the Turismo Veloce 800 family. Using the same 800cc triple that's in the Brutale and Rivale, this MV is made to take you wherever you want to go with style, comfort, and sportiness intact.

The Turismo Veloce Lusso 800 adds beautiful hard panniers as standard features, so you can pack up and take off and not look back. The Lusso 800 version also features a Sachs semi-active electronic suspension system -- the very same one that made the Aprilia Caponord a legend back in the day. Although the bike itself was the start of the MV booth at the show, 2014 pricing has not yet been announced.

The Monster 1200 wasn't voted the Most Beautiful Bike of the Show at EICMA 2013 by the public for nothing. More than 10,000 responses were received, and over 500,000 attendees had the first chance to see the Monster 1200 and 1200 S in person. The Testastretta 11° DS engine makes 135 HP and 87 lb.-ft of torque. If that isn't enough, this 1199cc uber-Monster weighs just 461 lbs. with all fluids onboard. 

The 1200 S includes upgraded Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, a carbon fiber front mudguard, and machined rims. If you were looking for a little more grunt in a naked standard bike, go place your order at your nearest Ducati dealer. MSRP for the 1200 is $13,495, while MSRP for the 1200 S is $15,995. Both new Monsters will be hitting showrooms in early 2014.