Cycle World International Motorcycle Show
Thursday February 18, 2010
Long Beach, California
Thanks to its proximity to many motorcycle manufacturers' US headquarters, the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Long Beach, California is known for new model introductions. And despite the tough economy, several manufacturers unveiled exciting new motorcycles and products, plus some custom bikes to be auctioned for charity. Cycle World magazine's display held a slew of bikes, including the latest one to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Named "The Good Fight," this streetfighter version of a Honda CBR1000RR Ride for Kids, project-bike was built by Roland Sands Design.
BMW
BMW Motorrad USA VP Pieter de Waal showed off the 2010 R 1200 GS and R 1200 RT, both of which have the new DOHC heads for about ten percent more power. Attendees also got a look at the radical new S 1000 RR superbike, which is rated at 193 horsepower. BMW will provide Keith Code's California Superbike School to S 1000 RR superbikebuyers in 2010.
Ducati
The flashiest event was Ducati's fashion show of its new apparel collection. Ducati displayed its 2010 Multistrada 1200 for the first time, outside of Italy, along with the Hypermotard 1100 EVO, EVO SP, Hypermotard 796, and the new Corse lineup of superbikes. Ducati North America's CEO Michael Lock quipped that, "it's a strange day when BMW introduces a superbike and Ducati unveils an adventure-touring machine."
Harley-Davidson
Sadly absent from the H-D display was the Buell lineup. The Motor Company showed the 2010 models we already covered, along with the "Fit Shop," where buyers can see how H-D's accessory items will change ergonomics on various models. Additionally a flag was available for people to sign; Harley will be sending it to our military personnel overseas when it's full.
Honda
Honda showcased its new VFR1200F Sport Tourer and announced a base price of $15,999. Also on debut was the NT700V 680cc V-twin. It comes with an adjustable windscreen, shaft drive, and integrated saddlebags for $9,999; add a grand for ABS.
In addition, Honda showed its new Sabre, Stateline, and Interstate lineup. Sabre is a new cruiser that's based on the Fury and uses the same injected 1312cc V-twin engine, but has a "pro-street" style starting at $11,799. The similar Stateline at $11,699 has larger fenders, while the touring-oriented Interstate gets a windscreen and leather-clad hard saddlebags, beginning at $12,749. Cobra Engineering brought a customized Fury with gold leaf, red pinstriping, a polished swingarm, and special clear-lens turn signals.
Also displayed was the Shadow Phantom, a blacked out bobber version of the 745cc V-twin Shadow with fuel injection for $7,999. The new Shadow RS, which looks somewhat like a Sportster, uses the same engine and sells for $7,799.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki had all its 2010 bikes on display, but the big news was the all-new Z1000. This new naked sport model features updated styling, a potent 1043cc inline-four and a new stiffer frame that improves handling.
Norton
The born-again Norton roadster is an updated version of Kenny Dreer's design from a few years back. The air-cooled parallel-twin is now injected and rated at 80 horsepower. The first production run should include 50 bikes to be imported to the US.
Suzuki
Suzuki's Steve Bortolamedi told us that the company has begun seeing some positive financial results, which raises hopes for 2010; yet, there are no new street models. The RM-X450Z Enduro gets fuel-injection and there's a revised RM-Z250. Suzuki also announced that its racing teams are now managed by the Yoshimura race shop, plus Tommy Hayden and Blake Young are back on the Yoshi superbike team.
Yamaha and Star
The new Star Stratoliner Deluxe bagger was there along with an updated V-Star 1300 Tourer. A Nick Anglada-built custom Star Raider, a baseball-themed bike that'll be auctioned to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, was the hit of the display. Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. led the project, which includes baseballs inset in the fuel tank signed by him, plus Hall-of-Famers, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays.
Yamaha's big draws were the new YZF-R1 Valentino Rossi M1 GP bike replica and Ben Spies' championship-winning R1, along with a custom R1, built to benefit the Riders for Health charity.
Victory
Victory showed off its new Cross Roads and Cross Country baggers, and announced a campaign called Full Throttle Salute, with special pricing for US military. The company also built two custom bikes to benefit families victimized by the tragic shootings at Fort Hood. A US Army-themed Kingpin 8-Ball, painted in olive-drab, will join a Hammer S with a glossy military scheme on eBay auctions.
