Biking's nearest big show is on across the water, writes John Wheeler.
The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham is probably the best chance many of us will have to see some of the leading manufacturers' offerings under one roof. This year's show is noticeably smaller. A significant number of manufacturers are absent. If you had hoped to see anything from Aprilia, Benelli, Gilera, Motor Guzzi, MV Augusta, MZ, Peugeot, Piaggio, Sachs or Vespa, forget it. They are not here.
Apart from new and updated models, there are also impressive displays of classic and custom bikes on the Carole Nash stands. We were surprised and delighted to see a pristine, military version of the flat, transverse-twin Douglas, so rare as to be almost unique.
As ever there is a proliferation of clothing, accessory and regalia stands offering "show prices" as well as other small exhibits covering just about everything possibly related to motorcycling.
Also noticeable, in comparison to the past three or four years, is the fact that very few scooters are being shown. Other absentees include Beta, Hyosung, Daelim, Hartford, Highland, Kymco, Indian, Kangda & Siamoto.
Despite these omissions, there is much to see. Given the pressures of time and space we have to concentrate in this review of the show on what is new and interesting. However, all the manufacturers represented have on display their full range of machines.
HONDA: New for 2005 are the CRF450X, a 440cc, 48.5 Enduro bike, CBR600RR, the "naked" CBR 1300ABS, a 30th Anniversary edition of the GL1800 Goldwing, and a distinctly different moped - the 49cc, four-stroke, "Zoomer". It looks rugged enough to cope with the worst Irish roads can throw at it, and it should appeal to the younger generation wanting the moped version of SUV looks.
BMW: An all black and chrome, limited edition of the R1150RT, the "Black Beauty". This might be the last of the current R1150RTs. Since the introduction of the R1200GS in January, speculation has been rife that the next RT will have this all-new, lightweight engine.
Word has it that "the next R1200 will be a tourer", which is all BMW will admit for the moment. They have a new EVO5 helmet, claimed to be the quietest helmet yet made, in terms of wind noise. More high-tech in their Black Leather clothing which now has a concealed, silver inner membrane which deflects infra-radiation, and is claimed to be 10 per cent cooler in hot weather. A similar treatment has been given to their Pro Race suit. Also displayed was the naked chassis of their recently announced K1200S Supersports machine, as well as the detail of its radically different front forks.
SUZUKI: The new GSXR1000 is smaller in profile, more powerful, and said to give better handling. It is a total re-design which incorporates titanium valves and a new chassis. It is expected to be available in Ireland in early March 2005, priced at €14,800. New versions of the Bandit 650 are being launched at the end of this month. Expected features include adjustable handlebar and seat height, an ABS option on the 650, a 33 bhp model and an S version with ABS as standard. Motors will be testing both versions in Spain in early December.
TRIUMPH: Featuring its recently introduced new version of the Speed Triple and a Sprint ST1050. Complete with panniers and optional GPS. It will be available here next May.
ROYAL ENFIELD: This seemingly timeless collection of machines appears unchanged at first sight. Closer inspection reveals the introduction of the Electra variants. These have a completely re-worked engine, developed in Austria. The specification is, they claim, more 1980s that 1950s, resulting in much lower maintenance and better performance. The crank bearings, oil pump, cylinder and head of this lean-burn engine are completely new and the front, twin leading-show brake has been replaced by a single disk. The timeless "classic" looks are still retained.
DUCATI: Features its new Monster S2R, am 803cc desdromic, 77 bhp twin, with a six-speed gearbox and producing 77bhp at 8,250.
KTM: Best known for its powerful off-road machines and successes in the gruelling Dakar events, KTM now opens a new chapter by introducing on-road machines. The 950 Super Moto should be available in March. It is the first of its new road bikes. It uses the 950 Adventure engine, "tweaked" suspension and new wheels.
BUELL: The Buell Lightning City YX is specifically designed for city use and aimed at those who "wish to make a statement" and have a machine "with attitude". A muscular-looking machine in the café racer genre, it features translucent paintwork on the tank.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON: Yet another version of the V-Rod, in "Screaming Eagle" livery to tempt those who want an even more exotic variant of this triumph of form over function. They have a new version of the Softail de-luxe with yet more chrome, and somewhat more "retro" looks.
The new Softail Springer Classic with its chromed, exposed, front suspension coil springs rather echoes the famous "Panhead" of yesteryear.
KAWASAKI: Pride of place amongst its exhibits goes to the 2005 ZX6R, which is also available with a race kit. The 636cc engine, now with twin injectors and throttle bodies, delivers 130bhp at the crank. That is a power output equivalent to 204bhp per litre. The KLE 500, available in Europe, but not in Britain for many years, now re-appears. It uses the well-known GPZ engine and has similarities with the GPZ 500.
YAMAHA: The MT-01, we think the model name should be translated "Mighty One" is a 1,700cc Vee-twin which produces 90bhp and 150Nm torque. Essentially a replacement for the well-known V-Max. It is certain to attract those who must have a brutally powerful machine. Also displayed was a "police" version of the shaft-driven FJR 1300a which we recently tested, now in police trim.
This version meets European police specifications but is being further developed to satisfy the more rigid British Home Office requirements for radio suppression. Costing less than Honda's Pan European, it could appeal to budget-conscious police forces.
MALAGUTI: Showed its innovative Spidermax GT500 maxi-scooter, with a motorcycle-type aluminium frame and a distinctive "V" shaped design. The 500cc engine is said to deliver excellent torque, even at low speeds.
MOTO-ROMA: It is arguable whether road-legal quads and buggies come within our remit, but as they employ "motorcycle" engines we include them. This seems to be a new niche market, in France last year over 20,000 road-legal quads were sold. The Moto-Roma Urban Quad, of which there are 150cc and 300cc variants, is designed from scratch to come within the new "Quadricycle" road legal class.
H-C TRAVEL: This comes under the heading of expanding one's horizons. They are specialists in group or one-off tours to such places as India, Canada, Mexico, Philippines, and the US, to mention just some offerings. They can arrange for your bike to be shipped from wherever to wherever. For example, taking your bike from Manchester to Vancouver and back by air works out around €2,239. They can also arrange insurance in north America. www.hctravel.com
Over the coming months we hope to be able to report more fully on all the new 2005 models mentioned.
The 2004 International Motorcycle & Scooter Show is at Birmingham's NEC until November 14th