Motofestival 2024: From beginners to touring bikes: These are the five motorcycle highlights in Bern

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Attention motorcycle enthusiasts, everything at the Moto Festival at Bernexpo until Sunday evening revolves around the latest innovations and highlights from the motorcycle world. At least 118 exhibitors from various sectors offer something for every taste. Are you looking for an entry-level motorcycle or two-wheeled off-road vehicle suitable for off-road use? Here are five tips for new products, which you can also experience live at the fair in Bern.

The wait is finally over. BMW unveils its No. 1 touring motorcycle at the 2024 Motofestival in Bern. The liquid-cooled boxer engine with 145 hp (107 kW) overcomes all difficulties, whether on or off-road. In combination with the environmental sensors of the optional Driving Assistant, you always have an overview, even on rough terrain. Remarkable: With the R 1300 GS, BMW is also breaking with a design tradition. The symmetrical light symbol gives the motorcycle a distinctive new face. The adventure starts from 19,700 francs.

Ducati is bringing its first single-cylinder supermoto to Bern. The fun motorcycle with racing DNA has 77.5 hp (57 kW), the most powerful in its segment, and aims to make the Ducatisti heart beat faster. Visually the clean lines and aggressive styling are clearly reminiscent of racing supermoto role models. If you want something even sportier, the RVE Edition comes with not only a custom paint job, but also the Ducati Quick Shift upgrade that lets you shift through the gears without having to pull back on the clutch or accelerator pedal. The price of the RVE starts at 14,290 francs, the basic version is already 1,000 francs cheaper.

Although hybrid driving is already standard in cars, it is still rarely seen in motorcycles. That’s why Kawasaki is bringing the Z 7 Hybrid, the innovative and first large hybrid motorcycle, to the Moto Festival in Bern. By starting the electric motor for five seconds, power can be increased by a further 24 hp from the standard approximately 70 hp (51 kW). Electric drive also helps during starting and can reduce emissions in Eco or EV mode. The price of the new hybrid Kawa starts from 13,490 francs.

Honda’s legendary Africa Twin will get a performance increase in 2024. The Touring vehicle receives additional torque at low and medium speeds, making accelerating and overtaking easier and safer, especially when traveling with a load. As a result, there is no performance loss; peak output power is 101 hp (75 kW). The Africa Twin is also at home off-road: With high ground clearance and updated suspension, any terrain can be mastered. The basic model starts at 16,590 francs.

If you are looking for an entry-level sports motorcycle, you will find happiness in Suzuki. The mid-range model GSI-8R is versatile and suitable for city commuting as well as for going over crossovers and even driving on the race track. The design is dynamic and sporty; also thanks to the parallel twin engine with 83 hp (61 kW) and 78 Nm of torque. In order to use the power correctly, the bi-directional quick-shift system helps with upshifting and downshifting, so even beginners can enjoy sporty driving. The GSX-8R is also priced for beginners and is available starting from just 9,995 francs.

Source: Blick