The EICMA 2021 International trade fair drew attention to the progress made in two-wheeler components. Deepti Thore highlights the mix expected to shape up next-generation products.
The 78th edition of the International Bicycle and Motorcycle exhibition, EICMA 2021 was held between November 23-28, 2021.It was testimony to the distinct competitive edge of component suppliers in the two-wheeler industry. Hosted at Fiera Milano Rho at Milan, in Italy, the show was a resounding success. m A total of 342,644 footfalls were registered in the five halls occupied this year apart from outdoor showcases. Over 820 brands from 36 countries in five pavilions are known to have displayed their new products,shared previews and give a glimpse into the future of mobility. The show saw 15 startup companies exhibit their products and holding their own in comparison to the big league. In all, the component manufacturers took centre stage by showcasing crankshafts, battery packs, chargers, lights and headlights, air and oil filters, brakes and brakes levers, disc brakes,ignition systems, engines, tyres, radiators, suspensions, transmissions to name a few.
The exhibition also turned out to be a good platform for young entrepreneurs from startup in a dedicated section this year. In his opening address, President of EICMA S.p.A Pietro Meda exclaimed, “Welcome back, EICMA, today the future opens again!” During the opening ceremony, which was attended by the Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, the President of the Lombardy Regional Council, Attilio Fontana, the Minister for Economic Development, Giancarlo Giorgetti, the Chairman of Confindustria ANCMA (National Association for Bicycles, Motorcycles and Accessories) Paolo Magri and the Managing Director of Fiera Milano Luca Palermo, the President addressed the return of EICMA as ‘a tribute to the passion and determination of the sector’. “Today we are back in presence and once again we are making Milan the world capital of two wheels,”he stated.
The components exhibitors
Temporary Bikers Shop drew the attention of enthusiasts and saw many two-wheeler components manufacturers showcasing their products. Garmin, specialised in navigations systems, showcased the new Zūmo XT satellite navigator designed for the most adventurous motorcyclists. Their 5.5” touchscreen display with HD resolution offers a clear road map coverage and is deemed easy to use. With functions like ‘Adventurous Routing’, it is capable of signalling roads based on the presence of curves and slopes. On the safety front, Garmin guarantees real-time warnings in the event of tight curves or where there are speed cameras, signalling sections with reduced speed limits. In addition, the bluetooth module allows the user to make and receive calls while driving.
Tosi S.N.C, specialising in equipment for tyre specialists and workshops showcased their new semi-automatic tyre changer equipment for motorcycles called SA30B. Designed for use in the workshop, on vans and race fields, SA30B allows users to tighten rims from five inches to 23 inches with the help of its self-centering plate. It also helps in adapting to each tyre with the help of specific blades for motorcycles. The SBK locking system, equipped with five adjustment holes, allows users to use the tool with precision, preventing operator errors. Available options allow quick change of the turret and the mounting of harder tyres with low shoulders. SA30 B is thus able to operate on motorcycles, scooters, go-karts and gardening machines.
Exeon, the interdisciplinary design and engineering studio develops innovative and comprehensive solutions for intelligent mobility. It showcased the concept of a unique tool called EDS, for quick design process planning and automated 3D configuration of the vehicle architecture and its components. At the stall, Exeon introduced the visitors to the process of product development: from the starting sketches, through detailed design and engineering to market implementation. Furthermore, visitors were encouraged to look inside the vehicle and discover the hidden details behind the respective product’s commercial success.
Vitesco Technologies showcased a broad range of innovations for two-wheeled vehicles starting from all-electric drives for light motorcycles and scooters to the demo version of a hybrid motorcycle and other electrification solutions. The display also encompassed emission-reducing systems for a wide range of two-wheeled and powersports applications. Focussed on the electrification of the two-wheel sector, the company introduced the 48V drive for a performance range of three- to-seven kW. It’s hybrid, on the other hand, enables all-electric driving and enhances driving pleasure. It’s smart transmission actuator helps switch the transmission independently and without actuating the clutch. The Vitesco electrification range included an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) control unit and the Electronics Motor Reducer 3rd Generation (EMR3), an integrated axle drive.
TVS Srichakra Limited, manufacturer and exporter of two-wheelers and three-wheeler tyres, were among the few Asian origin companies at EICMA. The company displayed its range of two-wheeler tyres under the Eurogrip and TVS Eurogrip brands. These included the Eurogrip Bee Connect range of scooter tyres. The new products from the Bee tyre family – Bee Sport and Bee City were also exhibited. Climber XC, Jumbo GT and XT tyres and Protorq Extreme Roadhound radial tyres also gained interest from show visitors.
Brembo S.p.A presented a braking system designed for the Sportster S, recently launched by Harley-Davidson. Aiming to replace the entire range of aftermarket brake pads by 2024, the company introduced the new GP4-MINI caliper for young riders. It also displayed a physical version of its new brake caliper concept called the New G Sessanta.
Hitachi Astemk Ltd., showcased next-generation products and technologies for motorcycles which included a cutting edge integrated control for suspension and brakes, powertrain systems with advanced environmental technologies, brake systems claimed to improve vehicle safety performance and a suspension that improves both the steering stability and riding comfort.
The startups
Sustainable and innovative solutions were the highlights at the startup arena. Fifteen young international companies showcased products ranging from transport to innovative components. These included the first telemetry system for MTB and MX of the company BYB to compatible batteries for HYBA electric vehicles. There was ample showcase of services and technological support systems such as the Pegase GPS tracker by SMT Performances, the innovative assistance and repair service at home for bikes Bikeflix, the system presented by Evovlo Mobility Solutions including charging stations and integrated solutions for e-bikes.
