After the ASO pulled out all the stops for its 2025 EICMA display, where 31 bikes were part of an exhibit so massive that it received its own name, attendees this year might be disappointed to see a far more modest display.

With all the weirdness from moving the 2027 Dakar to Africa, however, you can probably forgive the organizers for not committing as hard. Maybe next year’s EICMA will bring a more extensive display to celebrate the 50th Dakar in ’28.

In the meantime, the ASO’s Dakar exhibit for EICMA 2026 consists of the Bedouin sitting atop a pedestal listing every bike, car, and truck winner. Along the back is a wall containing photos and shots over the years.

The main feature are ten motorcycles, five from the past and five current.

All five classic bikes were previously displayed as part of Desert Queens in 2025. From left to right:

• 1984 Yamaha XT600 Ténéré: Andrea Balestrieri finished seventh in the maiden Dakar for this legendary marque.
• 1990 Suzuki DR-Z 750: Beppe Gualini finished 15th overall in his third and final Dakar as a Suzuki factory rider.
• 1990 Gilera RC 600: Roberto Mandelli was 11th overall in his Dakar debut.
• 1991 Honda Africa Twin 750: Roberto Boano placed 11th overall on this made-for-privateer motorcycle.
• 2002 KTM 950 LC8: Fabrizio Meoni secured his second consecutive Dakar win in a row on this.

Three of the modern bikes competed in the 2026 Dakar, while the other two are set to take part in 2027. On the modern side, left to right:

• Honda CRF450 Rally: Tiziano Internó’s bike with which he finished eighth in Malle Moto at this year’s Dakar.
• Kove 450 Rally: Neels Theric retired twice in Stages 9 and 11 with mechanical issues, the latter knocking him out for good and ruining an otherwise impressive Dakar in which he won three stages in Rally2.
• Hero 450 Rally: José Ignacio Cornejo finished seventh in RallyGP.
• ZXMoto 450 Rally: Skyler Howes debuted Zhang Xue’s newest project at the Rallye du Maroc in September, where he finished ninth in RallyGP in what was more a test session for an underpowered bike under racing conditions.
• Ducati Desmo450 EDS Rally: Unveiled at EICMA, Internó will return to Original by Motul with this Ducati in January.

Featured image credit: Noa Sainct