From Kawasaki to Royal Enfield - the A-Z of the NEC in pictures

Posted on Dec 02, 2016

Part 2: Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Peugeot & Royal Enfield.

With Motorcycle Live fast disappearing in the metaphorical rear view mirror all we're left with is fond, fond memories. Actually that's not at all true. Thanks to the foresight of the Principal bike insurance team, we've got a rather impressive photographic library which features the best of the new, custom and classic bikes that were on show. So, with part one already published and looking lovely, here we are with part two of the A-Z of Motorcycle Live 2016 in Pictures. Without further ado then, let's see what's just rolled out of Kawasaki HQ in downtown Akashi City.... Kawasaki The Japanese manufacturer had a busy stand and a busy show, with several new bikes on display. The 197bhp Ninja ZX-10RR was a timely addition given Kawasaki Racing Team's Jonathan Rea was so recently crowned WSBK champ. There was also the new Versys- X 300, a smart yet utilitarian addition to the family. But our eye was caught both by a pristine 1977 ZX650 (which we'll cover later in a classics and customs blog) and its freshly minted 2017 successor. Effectively a naked ER-6, the new Zed mirrors the existing Z800 in its (good) looks. The bike's naked tubular chassis is married to a 640cc parallel twin, both common to the Ninja, the latter tweaked to give more grunt at low revs. The monoshocked rear suspension is complemented by a gull-arm swingarm designed by Kawasaki engineers to deliver greater control A low slung seat and pegs are complemented by narrow bars, a combination designed to deliver a comfy, upright riding position. All told, definitely a worthy contender in the midweight sports bike space. Kawasaki Z650 2017

KTM The jewel in KTM's Motorcycle Live crown was the mighty 1290 Super Adenture R. It's a monster. A 160bhp spewing 1301cc V-twin and Chromium-Molybdenum steel trellis enduro frame, point to a bike capable of chewing up the tarmac whilst having the wherewithal to tackle all terrains. A stiff sprung WP-PDS monoshock and damped PDS spring are designed to support the chassis in dealing with whatever falls under the bike's generous wheels, 21" at the front, 18" to the rear. Naturally enough the Bosch ABS includes an off-road mode with the ability to block the rear wheel whilst keeping the front free and ABS controlled. The off road traction control also allows up to 100% slippage, so you can spin the tubeless Continental at twice the speed. That's right, they've not mucked around. This is a serious beast. 1290 Super Duke R

Moto Guzzi Whilst we were much taken with the dark devil that is Moto Guzzi's V9 Bobber, our true love was the enduring Italian manufacturer's V7 III. More specifically our hearts beat a little faster for the Anniversario, a special edition created to mark the 50th anniversary of the V7 family. Based around the new Special, this limited edition model benefits from its own distinctive tweaks. These include a leather saddle, brushed alu guards, solid spoked wheels, milled engine cooling wings and chrome tank decorated with a gilt finished Moto Guzzi flying eagle emblem. Each of the third generation of V7s - there are Racer, Stone and Special models - is powered by a 744cc V-twin offering out 10% bhp than its 2014 predecessor, that being 52 bhp at 6,200 rpm whilst torque clocks in at 44 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. The steel double frame has been reinforced at the front and the new steering configuration is claimed to offer enhanced bend-taking performance and to generally increase control. Moto Guzzi V7 III

NORTON Under normal circumstances we'd be slotting Norton in here between M and P, but such was the impact of the new V4 we've already covered it in a separate blog. If you've not already read it, then click the picture to get the full story on this show-stopping bike. Norton V4 Motorcycle Live

PEUGEOT Not the most glamorous of contenders but the world of motorcycling is nothing if not inclusive. And let's face it, for commuting and simply besting those crowded urban roads, a sold, stable scooter is just the ticket for many. But Peugeot's Metropolis 400i "urban scooter" is a top of the range job capable of getting you across and between towns. It features twin dual tilting wheels for "look no feet" stability at halt with ABS, traction control electric parking brake, tyre pressure monitor and keyless ignition among other standard features. Its 400cc Power Motion engine delivers 35 horsepower and a top speed breaking 93 mph. To improve ride quality the newly revised model features a strengthened chassis, bigger wheels - up from 12" to 13" - adjustable suspension. Peugeot Metropolis 400i 2017

Royal Enfield The chaps on the Royal Enfield stand were beaming proudly about the latest adventure machine launched by the fast-reviving marque. The Himalayan is the first fruits of significant investment and restructuring, a robust and accessible in more ways than one. Royal Enfield is pitching it as "the only motorcycle you'll ever need" claiming it to be the most versatile bike the manufacturer has ever produced. A half-duplex split chassis holds a monoshock rear suspension with a 21" spoked wheel to the front and 17" on the back. The 411cc air-cooled, 4 stroke, SOHC provides 24.5 bhp at 6,500 revs, with torque maxing at close to 24 ft lb between 4-4,500 rpm. The seat sits at just 31" making it much easier to throw your leg over than many other machines in its category. That commitment to accessibility also looks like it will extend to price. Whilst the company has yet to reveal just how many quids you'll need splash, the indications are it will fall comfortably below £4,000. That proving to be the case, and taking into account what looks to be impressive build quality, then Royal Enfield might just have hit the jackpot. Motorcycle Live 2016

Coming next.... OK, that's it for part two of the A-Z of Motorcycle Live in Pictures. Hold on to your helmets for part three as we take a look at what Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa and Yamaha brought to Birmingham town!

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From Kawasaki to Royal Enfield - the A-Z of the NEC in pictures

From Kawasaki to Royal Enfield - the A-Z of the NEC in pictures

Part 2: Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Peugeot & Royal Enfield.

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