When it comes to that plucky Vespa 946, engineers approached the bike with an eye toward incorporating modern technology and efficiencies to a classic design. The result is a scooter with all LED lighting and an engine capable of yielding 1,82 L/100 km. That figure is thanks in part to a new focus on weight savings. The 946 ditches steel for aluminum in its side plates, fenders and seat for the first time.
Too demure for your tastes? The Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring and Custom models boast the largest production twin-cylinder engine ever built in Europe, according to the company. At 1380 cc, the big twin cranks out 96 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque, but it's the impressive amount of detail lavished on the bikes that make them special. Moto Guzzi went so far as to screen print lettering on the machine's valve covers for a little extra flair. Take some time to chew on the gallery above. You'll be glad you did.
Finally, the 2013 Aprilia Caponord 1200 offers adventure riders an alternative to all those BMW GS, KTM Adventure and Triumph Tiger models rolling around. The Caponord 1200 uses the frame from the company's Dorsoduro 1200 paired with a 1197 cc V-twin engine. There's 128 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque to be had from the configuration, and engineers lavished the bike with a raft of rider aids. Those include traction control, ride-by-wire, separate engine maps and dual-channel ABS, to name a few. Shovel out a few extra dollars, and Aprilia will serve up the company's semi-adaptive suspension as well. Riders facing down cooler weather will also appreciate the adjustable windshield and heated grips.
