Most manufacturers were there but it wasn't as large as I thought it would be. Suprisingly, not that many vendors were at the show. I saw so many more at the Republic of Texas rally in Austin this summer.
You'll see from my comments that I'm not a big cruiser fan. I can appreciate the curb appeal but I'm all about the riding experience and most cruisers perform like tuna boats. I also prefer sleek clean lines and cruiser types tend to bolt on gobs of chrome plated doo-dads which act like barnacles on a ship to the detriment of looks and performance, IMHO. That said, here's what I saw.....
Yamaha had two large booths (one for Star Cycles). Right up front was the new YZF-R6 sportbike. 140hp out of a 600cc bike with a 17500rpm redline! WOW! Only weights 357lbs dry. However, its too small for a real man such as myself (6'3", 235lbs and growing
). The new FZ1 is striking with its 150hp R1 derived engine but the fairing appears to be cheap plastic. Also saw the new FJR which is a very nice two up machine. I would consider it as my next bike if the thigh roasting problem is fixed. It also comes with an optional electric shift switch in lieu of a clutch. I always thought shifting was half the fun!!! As for Star Cycles, yawn. None of their bikes appealled to me at all.Honda (Wings and VTX's), Suzuki (GXR's & Boulevards) & Kawasaki (big ugly rocket ships) had large booths but not much to talk about.
The Harley booth was crowded, as always. A few interesting V-Rod variations but not much else (other than tuna boats with chrome barnacles).
Victory had a nice display and if I were to buy a big cruiser it would be a Victory. Clean, sleek lines (thanks to Mr Ness) and 250 rear tire. Very cool and definitely the best looking cruiser but too expensive for a second or third bike.
Buell had the new Ulysees (GS style) bike and it looks good. Its the first Buell that I would consider buying. Sadly, like all Buells, it only comes in baby bear size and is not for papa bears.
Surprisingly, Russian made Ural had a booth with a half-dozen sidecar laden bikes. They all had air cooled opposed twins and looked like '60 era Beemers!
Speaking of Beemers! They had all the new stuff (that's already in the showrooms). The new parallel twin was not there so I drooled over the K1200R & S, the new RT and ST. Sadly tho, the ST was not very comfortable. Hunched over seating and the tank cutout was too small for my knees.
The new GS was there to consider. Lots to like on that bike (maybe thats my next bike?)!!! The HP2 was much to my liking. I can't see spending $20,000 on a dirt bike but it sure fit me well. It's VERY tall (made for a real man) and VERY light with the new hex head and loads of power. No question this would be an absolute blast to ride! Oh yes, news on the new R1200R. A BMW spokesman confirmed that they will build a hexhead R1200R. Yipee!I also met up with some folks from the Two Wheel Texans website (twtex.com) at the BMW booth. Really nice bunch.
Next to the BMW booth was the Piaggio booth full of scooters. I ignored it completely until I realized that Piaggio now owns Aprilia and Moto Guzzi and that they were hiding the real motorcycles behind those little scooters! Aprilia had the new Tuono but it was on display and we couldn't sit on it. Guzzi had the new Breva 1100 and it is one nice bike. I bought my R1150R about 9 months ago when the Breva was not available. I love my oilhead but this Guzzi is aimed right at oilhead owners and I may have made a different decision if the Breva 1100 was available to consider. It has the benefit of Italian styling and slightly better performance, at a price & $12500. I think Guzzi has a winner here. They also showed the Griso which is a very mean looking naked bike and looks like a ton of fun to ride. Lots of torque but down on HP's (90). Sadly, I have to report that Piaggio shelved the MGS-01 Corsa for the Guzzi line. One of the sweetest looking concept bikes that I have ever seen!
Speaking of sweet rides. MV Agusta showed off their new Brutale 910. Oh my what a lovely bike, and with a man sized engine! Sadly tho, its man sized engine is crammed into a panty waist frame. Argh! Why do the little guys get all the cool hooligan bikes!!!
Ducati showed off most of their sexy lineup. Lots of Monsters and S3's & S4's. The Multistrada is said to be a nice bike but the styling is a bit goofy (Beemerish?!?!).
Finally, shame on Triumph for absolutely no factory sponsorship! Heck, if the Russians can show up then why not the Brits (especially with all their new toys)? Not a smart move, Triumph. British USA (local dealer) had a very small booth with only five bikes. The Rocket III (very fast tuna boat), Speed Triple (once again, too small), a ST and a couple of Bonnies(still a beauty).
If you made it this far then you are probably as bored as I am tonight but thanks for reading! The wife is watching some romance movie so I needed something to keep me busy!
Ride safe!
