This weekend's Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach is the first chance for those of us in Southern California to check out the new '10 motorcycle models. Fortunately, despite just recently being annouced at the EICMA show in Milan a month ago, many of the new models made it over for us to view, sit on, and otherwise dream about the latest and greatest.
We spent most of Saturday at the show and the turn out seemed great. I have to admit that the show seemed a bit smaller than past years - probably expected as our economic doldrums continue. I was dissapointed that a couple medium to smaller manufacturers didn't attend, including KTM, Aprilia, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi and Bimota. Fortunately the latest bikes where still present for viewing for the multitude of booths from local dealers.
The two bikes that we were most excited about were also the most technologically advanced in recent memory - the Ducati Multistrada and the Honda VFR1200F - neither dissapointed. Here are some highlight's that stuck in my mind.
'10 Honda VFR1200F The all new VFR1200 is Honda's all new sport-touring bike, with the emphasis on SPORT. This ride will clearly be a markee bike for Honda as this new shaft-driven, V4 powered, ABS slowed, trottle-by-wire sport-tourer is a beauty. The fit and finish as the best of any bike and even the rich-ness of the paint are second to none. The styling is big and bold, yet remarkablely refined. Did I mention that the VFR also sports a dual clutch tranmission that allows you to shift normally or switch to a fully automatic setup? The VFR was clearly the most popular ride as there was a perpetual throng of on-lookers surrounding the only floor model.
'10 Ducati Multistrada If your prefer your sport-tourers Italian and laden with carbon fiber then look no further than the Multistrada. Completely re-designed for '10 the new Multi sports a 4-in-1 design where the engine and suspension and electronically controled for Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro riding. The styling is definitely Italian but dosen't dissapoint - looking MUCH better in person than on paper. The 4-in-1 concept has a hit for those riders that like to ride a bit of everything from twisties to fire-roads. More than one person was ready to throw down cash on the spot only to be dissapointed that it won't be in shops until Spring '10. Also a good tip from a nice guy at Ducati Newport - Ducati OEM carbon fiber is always better quality than the CF they sell aftermarket so if you like the CF on the 'Sport' model buy that one and add the touring stuff (side bags, etc) rather than getting the 'touring' model and then added the CF. Finally, good call from Ducati to open up the floor plan of their booth. In past years the Ducati booth was fully enclosed, leading to a extremely crowded viewing experience. Also the tall blonde serving free expressos was a nice touch.
'10 BMW S1000RR The BMW S1000RR is the Bavarian manufacturer's latest forway into the sportbike world. Sporting impressive numbers and priced to match the Japanese I4s, I was looking forward to seeing the bike in street trim (as opposed to the racing prototypes from last year). Unforunately I think the S1000RR falls short in this catagory. While by all engineering and specification determinations this is an impressive machine - the S1000RR seems to lack a certain intangible that is evident with the best BMW machines. Perhaps a victim of the success of their other bikes, but when you sit on any other BMW bike you can tell that you're on a well-made, well-engineered, quality machine. Yeah, it's extremely subjective - but I simply didn't get that feel from the S1000RR (and I wasn't the only one).
'10 Aprilia RSV4 Aprilia finally returned to SBK racing with the RSV4 - and it's easy to tell. A simple glance tells you that this is a purpose-built machine. As I mentioned, Aprilia didn't have a booth but thanks to San Diego's own GP Motorcycles and Moto-Forza, there was a RSV4 to check out. I drooled over the RSV4's V4 engine and styling over the course of this SBK season but I had a nagging fear as I threw my leg over. Max Biaggi piloted the RSV4 to great results in it's first year racing but Biaggi is a generous 5'6" and the bike looked perfectly sized for him, if not a bit small (his teammate Shinya Nakano is no giant either). I'm 6'1" - and as Mat Mladin recently mused: If people are getting bigger, why are the bikes being built smaller?. Anyhow - much to my chagrin, I found the RSV4 perfectly comfortable. The RSV's cockpit is surprisingly roomy and the ride height is also a smidge taller than most - allowing my frame to comfortably fit.
By in large the show was great and a good time was had by all. In addition to the new '10 bikes, there are a multitude of customs and other remarkable creations on hand. If a show is in your area don't hesitate to attend. Also be sure to pick on an official magazine/guide at the entrance and check out page 12.
