The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show 2007 opened today at the Birmingham NEC with one of the most spectacular line-ups of dazzling new motorcycles ever seen at the UK’s premier two-wheeled show. Some of the biggest names in motorcycling gathered to mark the start of the ten-day biking extravaganza, which runs until 2nd December. Highlights of the day included the appearance of Britain’s World Superbike Champion James Toseland, British Superbike legend Chris Walker, and world-famous biking adventurer Charley Boorman, not to mention UK bike premieres from BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha. The biggest names have been queuing up this year to reveal their brand new bikes for the first time in the UK at this year’s Show, including the much anticipated return of Italian giants Ducati, the first ever show appearance by Benelli, as well as a stunning line-up of gleaming bikes from Harley-Davidson, Buell, Triumph, CCM, Hyosung, Victory and Vectrix.
KTM got the opening day under way with the world launch of its stunning new 990 Supermoto – the first time the manufacturer had held a world premiere in the UK. KTM Managing Director Shaun Sisterson commented, “The NEC is the perfect place to launch this new model. It’s a phenomenally exciting time for the brand which is evolving its off-road traditions whilst being careful not to forget its heritage”.
Unveiling Kawasaki’s latest flagship bike – the Ninja ZX-10R – for the first time in the UK was MotoGP star Anthony West and British Motocross Champion Billy MacKenzie. Kawasaki’s massive VN2000 custom cruiser also made its UK debut along with a selection of MotoGP, World Superbike and World Motocross bikes. Meanwhile on the Suzuki stand Steve Callaghan, General Manager of Suzuki UK, and Nick Palmer, Sales and Marketing Director, introduced the exciting, brand new GSXR600, GSXR750, and GSX1300R Hayabusa. The gathered crowds were also in for a further treat with the introduction of the Rizla Suzuki British Superbike team’s new rider line up of Atsushi Watanabe and Tom Sykes.
Head of Design at BMW Mottorrad, David Robb, was joined on the BMW stand by BBC MotoGP commentator Steve Parrish, NEC Bike Show ambassador Charley Boorman, and BMW’s new factory Endurance rider Richard Cooper, to present its stunning new range of bikes. Making their UK debuts at the NEC were the F800 GS, F650 GS, the updated R1200 GS, and the all-new G450 X Sports Enduro. Yamaha’s groundbreaking new YZF-R125 and XT660Z were given their UK premieres as Jack Burnicle and World Superbike rider Troy Corser presented the new models with Geoff Selvidge - Divisional Manager of Motorcycle Sales and Marketing at Yamaha UK.
A host of biking stars made the trip to the Honda stand towards the end of the day to present its 2008 range to the UK market including the hugely anticipated CBR 1000RR Fireblade, the XL650V Transalp and the CBF600. Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda Motorcycles, was joined by Isle of Man TT riders John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, British Superbike Champion Ryuichi Kiyonari, Leon Haslam, Johnny Rea, and Cal Crutchlow.
Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions, commented on the first day of the 2007 Show: “We have witnessed a fantastic first day of the relaunched Show. The line-up of bikes on display this year is superb and visitors will without doubt relish the chance to witness them all under one roof. The new layout feels like a completely new show, and I am looking forward to welcoming thousands of bike fans to the NEC over the next ten days to discover it for themselves. Once again our show offers an unrivalled amount to see and do with all the best bikes and interactive features.”
Visitors will also be spoilt for choice at this year’s Show with the number of bikes that can be ridden on-site and the sheer adrenaline-fuelled excitement on offer. New to the Show this year is the dramatic Wall of Death vertical ride, while the ever-popular Mini-Moto track is neighboured by a specially constructed Go-Kart circuit. Visitors as young as five years old can get their first taste of two-wheeled action at the My First Honda Licence, while older and more experienced riders can take their pick of bikes at the Bike Ride Out Zone, Harley-Davidson and Buell Ride Out Zone, and the Off Road Zone through the woods surrounding the NEC.
The 2007 NEC Bike Show is open to the public from 23rd November (Preview Day) to the 2nd December in new halls 1, 2, 3, 3a & 4. On Wednesday 28th November the British Superbike Awards take place at midday on the Blackhorse Stage. Ticket prices for this year’s Show have been frozen for a third consecutive year making the Show even better value. For more information visit
www.motorcycleshow.co.uk.
