For those of you that are heading to the International Motorbike and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, well, you’re in for a treat. Promising to be the most entertaining to date, this years show features all of the main manufactures, a host of the top names in BSB, WSB and MotoGP, an all-new stunt show in the Thunderdome Games Arena, the Harley Davidson V-Rod Experience, the Arai Race Paddock, James Whitham’s ‘How To’ Stage and Mini-Moto’s and Mini-Supermoto’s for you to play on. That’s not forgetting the Off Road Experience, Bike Ride-Out and all of the lovely stands full of what ever your heart desires, for you and your bike. We went along on press day to bring you a preview of what to expect.
For those of you going to see all of the ‘07’ models, you’ll not be disappointed. All of the big names are there, BMW are presenting their most varied range in the history of the company. You’ll be able to see their all new G 650 Xcountry and G 650 Xchallenge the latest single-cylinder model, which is a really great looking machine with all the characteristics of a fun, sporty town bike. You will also be able to see their K1200 R Sport, their most powerful model in its series, another bike well worth looking at.
Suzuki have their latest GSX-R 1000 on show for you to get your head round, with quite a few changes to the body work, air ducts and arse-end, one of the most visible changes is the double exhaust system, which makes you question whether they have gone about it the right way… Well, it’s there for you to decide. On the and technology side, once again Suzuki have hit trumps with the new three-way adjustable power delivery control system, thus allowing you to alter the power and torque out-put, i.e. low for wet riding, medium for road riding and full power for track riding, making the bike far more accessible to a wider number of riders.
Also on the Suzuki stand you’ll see the iconic 1300cc B-King, an interesting concept to reality bike. For the scooter lovers, Suzuki have a more practically restyled 125cc Burgman featuring more storage space and better security, which is definitely the way forward.
The Honda stage has five inspiring new models for you to feast your eyes on; the new light weight CBR 600 is stunning, weighing in at just 155kg, that’s 8kg less than the last release. Also the latest CBF600 Hornet is worth having a look at, having been restyled and tweaked to make the ride much more exhilarating and exciting. If you’re looking for a minimalistic nippy scooter, check out Honda’s SH300i, with looks very similar to the Liberty and offers great handling, and amazing power.
Yamaha’s new fifth generation ‘07’ YZF-R1 headlines their stage, promising to give you a hand full at 198bhp (at the crank) and MotoGP technology from Rossi’s bike including fly-by-wire throttle, multi-adjustable suspension, variable intake system and a slipper clutch, you’ll have to look closely for any changes in the body work, as it looks remarkably like last years. You’ll also be able to see the all new XVS1300A the latest cruiser with alloy frame and the up-dated popular XJR and Fazer models.
Kawasaki have the brand new Transcontinental Supersport 1400 GTR at the centre of their showcase, fronting a whole new era of high-performance bikes, although the styling could have been a little more adventurous. If a custom bike is what you are after, have a look at the Kawasaki VN900, a factory built custom that offers superior acceleration alongside big-bike style. In the adventure department the Versys is Kawasaki’s go anywhere from road to twisty country lanes machine.
Triumph’s revamped Tiger 1050 is a multifunctional machine, feeling as comfortable touring, as well as on winding roads it’s a great all round machine. The new Speed Triple has the same 1050cc fuel-injected engine as the Tiger with a completely redesigned swing-arm and frame, radial brakes, a lower seat and weight saving of 17kg; this will be available from December. You will also be able to see all of the new colour schemes available across the entire 2007 Triumph range.
American born Harley Davidson has their amazing XR 1200 Prototype on view for all to see, looking like a typical Harley, but with more funky and angular lines. Already past the development stages, the XR 1200 offers better handling and a sportier edge. It features downdraft fuel injection, lightweight cast wheels and an air-cooled V-Twin engine, and was inspired by their XR 750 dirt track race machine.
The Buell stand also has some cool bikes to go and see, the one that stands out is the XBRR Production Race bike. The introduction to this limited-edition production racing motorbike which is a Race-ready modified Firebolt XB12R, which brings Buell in a Full Circle... It features a modified XB12R Thunderstorm motor with a boost in displacement to 1339cc. The air/oil-cooled V-Twin motor is rated at 150-bhp (measured at the crankshaft) and is fed by a dual-downdraft 62mm throttle-body electronic fuel injection system. A new ram-air intake system is integrated with a new wind-tunnel developed carbon fiber fairing. The other models worth looking at are the ‘07’ Lightning XB12S, with its transparent coloured, matching fly-screen and wheels.
If you’re going to the NEC to rub shoulders with your racing hero’s, make sure you take your autograph book. Keep your eyes open for the Camel Yamaha’s Texas Tornado, MotoGP’s Colin Edwards and the Italian Fortuna Honda rider Marco Melandri who will both be at the show straight from the last round on Monday 30th October, there’s also a good possibility that there will be other MotoGP riders attending the NEC, more have yet to confirm. You’ll be able to catch up with Colin during his signing session on the Yamaha stand, and at the ‘Question of Bikes’ quiz which will take place the Blackhorse Stage in the Arai Race Paddock. Eurosport commentator and ex-MotoGP rider Randy Mamola will be gracing the NEC with his presence on the 2nd and 3rd November.
If you’re a MotoGP fan and are heading to the NEC Show for Sunday 29th October, don’t forget the final round of the GP from Valencia that will be showing on the enormous screen in the Arai Race Paddock. With Camel Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi and Repsol Honda’s Nicky Hayden head to head and both within grasping distance of the title, this year’s finale is sure to both exhilarate and excite you all to the very last corner. Watching the GP at the show will be an experience in itself, with lots of fans all cheering for different teams, the atmosphere is going to be electric.
Also from the racing world, you’ll be able to meet and chat with WSB and Britain’s own champion James Toseland, who will be at the show from Friday 3rd and Sat 4th Nov. The ‘06’ World Superbikes Champion Troy Bayliss will also be at the show on the same days as James. Carl Fogarty, who won WSB a staggering four times will be signing copies of his DVD at the BMW stand on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd of November, so keep your eyes peeled for him.
If British Superbikes is your thing, you can catch up with newly signed Rizla Suzuki rider’s Cal Crutchlow and Chris Walker will be wandering around the event. Also, make sure you go to the show on Wednesday 1st November, where you can see the Bennetts British Superbikes Awards Ceremony taking place. You’ll see ex-racer and commentator James Whitham, race commentators Fred Clarke and Larry Carter presenting the awards and you’ll also be able to re-live the exciting final round of BSB that took place at Brands Hatch earlier this month on the big screen, whilst witnessing this years victor Japanese Honda rider Ryuichi Kyionari, and runners up Airwaves Ducati riders Leon Haslam and Gregorio Lavillia pick up their well deserved awards. From Supersport Cal Crutchlow will pick up his award and from British GP125 winner, Dan Cooper.
The new Thunderdome Games Arena has been set up with a post-apocalyptic urban theme this year and featuring some of the best stunt riders from around the world. Each live extravagant show will be performed up to four times a day, so that you won’t miss out on any of the action. You can look forward to being gob-smacked and seeing a succession of out of this world maneuvers performed in each half hour show, including Freestyle FMX, Road Bike Stunts, stunts being executed on Quad’s, stunt fighters throwing themselves around, an inline skater and not forgetting the Thunderdome grand finale, of a 16 foot metal cage in which fearless and skilled multiple riders perform daring and precise heart stopping maneuvers.
The stars of the Road Bike Stunt Show will be two ‘rival’ gangs, The Chrome Scorpions and The Urban Metal Vipers who will compete against each other as part of an underground showdown. The show is observed and adjudicated by a character called the ‘Judge’, who is played by WWF wrestler ‘The Dominator’. Tickets for the Thunderdome Arena are prices at £4 for adults and £2 for children, a discounted price of £3 a ticket for adults, can be printed off of the NEC website.
Other entertainment for you at this year’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show include the Harley Davidson V-Rod experience, which will be in the form of a ride-out, offering you the opportunity to experience the extreme power that the 60° V-Twin Revolution engine. You will need to produce a valid driving license and will have to pass a breathalyzer test before going for the ride. Harley Davidson also has the Rock Café stop for you to refuel on drink and food before wandering around the show.
Like last year, James Whitham will be at his ‘How To’ Stage, offering an array of practical advice on a varied range of topics in biking and entertaining with his usual sharp sense of humor.
Back by popular demand is the Mini Moto; the bikes have been up-graded this year from 50cc to 90cc. and, for those of you with a competitive streak, there is a new timing system which will enable you to compete against the clock or each other, so it’s time to put your money where your mouth is! The circuit has also been revamped and there is also the option of Mini Supermoto’s for you to keep yourselves occupied.
For our next generation of bikers there’s also two-wheeled action in the form of ‘My First Honda License’. This is to support and encourage the 5-11 year olds. The children can try out for themselves 500cc bikes on an indoor track and at the end of their experience will get their first bike licence.
You can also try out most of the 2006 models form all of the major manufacturers in the ‘Bike Ride-Out’ road riding experience, and for those of you wanting to get some off-road action, you can try out the ‘Off Road Experience’ on a purpose built track built in the woodland around the NEC.
If you’re going there to pimp up your ride, you’ll have no end of trick bits and shiny add-on’s for your pride and joy. With all of the major players in the bike porn industry there to tempt you, you’ll have no problems spending your money.
Once again there is a varied and massive range of clothing, leathers, helmets, gloves and boots on offer from all of the big names in biking and some that you might not have heard of yet. There are no end of offers on tyres, fairings and all accessories that you might be able to think of, in short, what ever you want, you will find there.
We hope you have a safe journey to the NEC in Birmingham, whether it’s on two-wheels or four. There is so much there for you to do, see (including the babes draped over the bikes) and experience, so do make the effort to go and join in the fun.
Related GalleriesNEC Motorcycle & Scooter Show, 2006 - #1NEC Motorcycle & Scooter Show, 2006 - #2Related Linkswww.motorcycleshow.co.uk
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