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A marvellous and mighty Motorcycle Live welcomes biking public

A marvellous and mighty Motorcycle Live welcomes biking public

Posted on Nov 30, 2015

Well, that was quite a weekend. The opening of Motorcycle Live saw thousands of bikers stream through the doors of the NEC, eager to catch not just the new models being launched for 2016, but amazing custom creations and beautifully restored classics. They were not to be disappointed. Our very own stand proved a popular port of call, thanks to a great line up of bikes which includes Mike Hailwood's 1966 Honda RC181, Rob Kingston's magnificent 256bhp Triumph Rocket III,  Ian Hutchinson's 2007 TT tri-podium placed CBR1000RR7 and the Eccythump Scrambler created by Manchester Ducati, DMC Moto and Paul Eccleshare. Rocket (retouched) Mike Hailwood RC181 TT 2007Eccythump Ducati Scrambler custom2007 TT podium Ian Hutchinson HM Plant2016 Indian Chief Classic Motorcycle LivePromotional model Principal Insurance Motorcycle Live         Of course, ours is just one of many contributions to what is proving to be a particularly fine show.

Many of the big boys of  motorcycle manufacturing world were showing off their wares, with many new models destined for dealers in 2016 getting making their UK debuts.

Among them were Ducati who have unveiled the new 959 version of the acclaimed Panigale, alongside a glorious Diavel Carbon and its heavyweight cruise variant, the X Diavel. The stand, 2C10 in Hall 2, is well worth a visit. Ducati 959 Panigal supersedes the 899 Panigale

Ducati 959 Panigale Motorcycle Live 2015Ducati Panigale 995 at Motorcycle LiveMotorcycle Live launch Ducati 959 PanigaleDucati launched the 959 Panigale at Motorcycle Live

Ducati's new 959 Panigale replaces the acclaimed 899.

Ducati Diavel Carbon

Ducati Diavel Carbon exhaustDucati Diavel Carbon enginDucati Diavel Carbon, Motorcycle Live

  C'mon on, the Diavel Carbon is a thing of rare beauty no?      

Honda are not ones to skimp when it comes to Motorcyle Live, the 2015 show definitely being no exception. Amidst a typically humungous stand the much anticipated CRF100L Africa Twin and CBR500R most caught our eye. The former, a 998cc parallel twin engined beaut, comes in six-speed manual and Dual Clutch Transmission variants and looks set to be a hit, as indeed does the feisty new 500R.

Honda CRF1000L Africa TwinHonda CRF1000L Africa TwinAfrica Twin, Honda CRF1000LHonda CRf1000L Africa Twin at Motorcycle Live Honda unveiled the much anticipated Africa Twin.       Japanese rival Yamaha is proving no slouch either, using Motorcycle Live as the launch platform for the MT-10 which the company describes as "by far the most powerful MT ever created." It's 998cc crossplane engine, derived from the YZF-R1S, can kick out 165bhp whilst its short wheelbase suggests it should be more than a little sprightly on the tarmac. MT-10 engine based on YZF-R1S Yamaha MT-10 Rear wheel exhaustYamaha MT-10 EngineYamaha MT-10 Rear wheelMotorccle Live, Yamaha MT-10    

The "most remarkable naked bike to be developed by Yamaha"?

The XSR900 comes equipped with a liquid-cooled 3-cylinder, 850cc, CP3 Crossplane Concept engine, married to a lightweight aluminium frame and a vintage-hued design which marks its position within Yamaha's Sports Heritage.

Yamaha XSR900 at Motorcycle live

Yamaha XSR900, Motorcycle Live

Yamaha XSR900Yamaha XSR900 engineYamaha XSR900The XSR900 owes much to the MT-09, including that CP3 engine.

Finally for today, a quick peek at the Suzuki stand (4D20, Hall 4) and the GSX-R1000, still allegedly at concept stage but widely expected to hit showrooms next year. Let's face it, this 200bhp machine, which comes with Moto GP informed variable valve timing, looks very much ready for the road. You'd best start mithering your local Suzy dealer to make sure you get the low-down on the anticipated launch.

Concept Suzuki GSXR 1000

Suzuki GSXR 1000 Concept Motorcycle LiveSuzuki GSXR 1000 ConceptSuzuki GSXR 1000 Concept at Motorcycle LiveSuzuki GSXR 1000 ConceptMoving from concept to showroom - but when?

Of course this blog barely scratches the surface of what's on offer at the hallowed halls of the NEC. Our photographer has captured much of the most talked about modern, classic and customs on show, so keep your eye out for the galleries we'll be posting on our social media throughout the week. The Facebook page is particularly suited to this endeavour so don't forget to give us a like, and keep a watch on the Twitter feed for our latest updates.

Naturally if you're at the show we'd be delighted to see you, to show off our stand and to furnish you with a free 2016 calendar.

Promotional model Principal Insurance Motorcycle LiveDrop by stand 4C40 in Hall 4 to claim your free Principal Insurance 2016 calendar.  
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