With only two weeks to go until the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show (23rd Nov – 2nd Dec) opens its doors to the public, four of Europe’s top motorcycle manufacturers have today announced they will be premiering their brand new 2008 models to the UK audience. BMW, Ducati, Triumph and KTM’s announcement that their newly launched models will be at the Show, completes a star studded line-up of glistening new bikes on their way to the Birmingham NEC for their first UK unveiling.
The news that models such as BMW’s HP2 Sport, the new Ducati 696 Monster, the Triumph Rocket III and KTM’s RC8 Superbike will be at the NEC is another boost for bike fans across the country who are planning a trip to Birmingham for their annual dose of biker bliss. As well as UK launches from all the big manufacturers, visitors will be spoilt for choice for things to do at the Show, whether it be taking part in one of the amazing interactive features, watching hair-raising stunts being performed in the Thunderdome Games Arena or being entertained by a variety of shows on the Blackhorse Stage.
BMW Motorrad will be presenting a total of six new models for the first time in the UK at the NEC. Along with the stunning high-tech HP2 Sport, visitors to the BMW stand will also be able to see the long awaited F 800 GS - the completely new middleweight adventure tourer, together with its all-new sibling, the F 650 GS. The ever popular R 1200 GS and Adventure have been updated for 2008 offering more power, fresh dynamic looks and new technologies. Rounding off their display of brand new machinery will be the all-new G 450 X Sports Enduro, an innovative, no-compromise enduro racer, that is also totally street legal.
Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager“This year’s NEC Show is looking to be one of the biggest and best ever for BMW and, as in previous years, it will be the first opportunity for the UK public to see BMW’s exciting 2008 range with six brand new bikes.”
Ducati Returning to the Show after a year’s leave, Ducati will make a dramatic re-appearance with its hotly awaited new Monster – some 15 years after the original Monster was unveiled. Ducati will also be displaying their all new 848 Superbike, spiritual heir to the 748 and 749 models as the smaller superbike in the range to its big brother the award winning 1098. There will also be the 1098R, the homologation-special on which Troy Bayliss will attack the World Superbike Championship.
Lastly but by no means least there is the stunning Desmosedici, a bike that redefines the phrase “race replica”. The D16RR has been developed by the Ducati Corse racing division to be as close as possible to their all conquering MotoGP machine. The V4 16 valve, 990cc machine boasts 200bhp, race suspension, slipper clutch and full carbon fibre bodywork, yet can be ridden on the daily commute! At £40,000 and in very limited supply, visitors won’t expect to see many machines outside of the NEC. This roadgoing model will be joined on the stand by the MotoGP winning Desmo 800 which Casey Stoner used to such devastating effect this year – delivering Ducati the World MotoGP championship.
Tim Maccabee, MD of Ducati UK“We are very happy to be making our return to the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in Birmingham, with no less than 4 new bikes to display, from the Brand New Monster through to the awesome Desmosedici RR. And of course, coming to the show as World MotoGP champions, with the championship winning bike just adds to the sense of pride you’ll see on the faces of everyone on the Ducati stand!”
KTM will be showing their amazing RC8 Superbike at the NEC for the first time in full production spec. While previous incarnations have been exotic concept bikes, this machine is ready to take on Britain’s roads and race tracks. The first Superbike from the Austrian manufacturer has been built to go racing, its 1149cc V-twin engine designed to take advantage of the new rules in World Superbike. With WP suspension, Brembo radial brakes, a hidden underbelly exhaust and radical sleek looks, the RC8 will definitely turn heads at the show. KTM will also be unveiling their new 690 family including the Duke, 690 Supermoto R, SMC (Supermoto Competition), and Enduro models. Finally KTM will host the worldwide launch of the 990 Supermoto, which is fitted with the acclaimed 999cc LC8 fuel injected engine, currently used in the Super Duke and Adventure models.
Shaun Sisterson, Managing Director for KTM UK“With 2008 set to be a big year for KTM and its exciting new launches, the NEC Show is the perfect platform from which to unveil them to the British public for the first time.”
Triumph, Britain’s only major manufacturer will be making the short hop from Hinckley to Birmingham to show their exciting 2008 range at the NEC. The biggest news for Triumph fans is the awesome new Triumph Rocket III Touring which takes the massive Rocket 2,300cc triple and places it in a touring chassis. An all new frame, suspension, seat, lights and fuel tank has been developed with hard panniers and floorboards equating to a completely new Mega Tourer genre. The Triumph Classic range has now been updated with Fuel Injection while both the revamped Speed Triple and recently launched, brand new Street Triple will be on show.
Bruno Tagliaferi, Sales Manager at Triumph“The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show is always an important date in Triumph’s calendar and we are looking forward to exhibiting our exciting range of 2008 models for the British public to see for themselves.”
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions“With only a few weeks to go until the Show opens, we are delighted to be able to complete an already outstanding list of brand new models set to be unveiled at the Show. We want to make sure the NEC Show is the biggest and best two-wheeled event in the country and today’s announcement re-confirms that it’s the only place for bikers to see all the new bikes for the first time in the UK.”
Visitors who wish to ride bikes at any of this year’s interactive features must bring with them their full UK driving licence and may be required to take a breathalyser test prior to participation. This year’s Show takes place on the new dates of 23rd November – 2nd December (Press Day – 22nd November), in new halls 1, 2, 3, 3a & 4. Ticket prices have been frozen for a third consecutive year making the Show even better value. For more information visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk.
