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NEC to deck the halls with bikers jolly!
Posted on Nov 17, 2016
Christmas is coming early for British bikers as news filters through of countless new bike launches planned for the NEC Motorcycle Live show.
The 2016 show, which throws opens its doors at 9am on Saturday, is playing host to no fewer than 35 manufacturers. Many are set to unveil new additions to their ranges for 2017, including pretty much all the big boys - BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha.
Of course a number can also be a little coy about what they’ll actually be exhibiting, with their presence at the earlier Cologne Intermot and Milan EICMA shows usually the best indicator of what they’ll bring to Brum.
BMW
It’ll be interesting to see if BMW brings it’s HP4 Race machine to Motorcycle Live given the enthusiastic reception it enjoyed at EICMA. Based around the S1000RR, this prototype favours, like the Superleggera, carbon fibre for frame and wheels.
It looks fantastic but we’ll have to wait until next year to discover what BMW’s plans are for production.
In the meantime the German marque can tempt bikers with latest additions to its immensely popular R nineT range. The Pure, Racer and hot-off-the-press Urban G/S, the latter favourite among the lads and lasses of our motorcycle insurance team.
An appealing modern-retro look, which not such nods but furiously head-jerks at the early 80s R80 G/S, hints at off-roading rather than suggesting it’s a Dakhar contender. Wired wheels and knobblies are optional, not standard. It’s a stylish, maybe even a little poseurish, around-towner or, as some have suggested, a “boutique adventurer”.
Ducati
It seems unlikely that Ducati will hide under a bushel its extraordinary 1299 Superleggera. Limited to a production run of just 500 it is, literally, a thing of rare beauty, a super-light, 215bhp magnificent monster.
By making much use carbon fibre – frame, swingarm, sub-frame, wheels and fairing – the Italian manufactured has created a lean, mean superbike. It’s dry weight is 167kg. Measly mass coupled with the most powerful Superquadro engine yet. Indeed Ducati claims the Desmodromic EURO 4 is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced.
You just know it’s going to go. Unfortunately, if you want to buy one, it’s gone. Despite a jaw-dropping £72,000 price tag, each and every single one has already been sold. Never mind, us more humble bikers can still gaze admiringly by watching this video.
Never mind, much more accessible, not least financially, is the new Monster 797. Forecast to be sub-£8,000 when it hits showrooms, this sporty number is designed to reach the parts of the market other Ducatis can’t reach.
It’s light on bells and whistles, but looking both good and solid, it appears to be particularly string entry-level contender. Compact and contemporary it has at its heart the 803 Desmodue air-cooled L-twin familiar from Ducati Scrambler embedded within its tubular steel frame. Functional yet fun.
Honda
Meanwhile Honda is marking the 25th anniversary of its mighty Fireblade with the launch of three variants of a brand new model. The much anticipated CBR1000RR will come in standard SP and SP2 versions.
As you might expect the new ‘Blade offers more power, the liquid cooled 998 inline four cylinder common to the trio kicking out 10 more horses. It’s lighter too having lost 15 kilos - 33lbs in old money - meaning the power to weight ratio has been cut by some 14 percent.
This reincarnation has also seen the superbike embrace electronics, so in comes a ride-by-wire throttle complemented by riding modes system, the manufacturer’s nine setting Selectable Torque Control technology, Selectable Engine Brake plus rear lift and wheelie controls.
Another head-turner for bikers at Milan was the CRF100L Enduro sports concept bike. It’s a clever amalgamation of Honda’s awesome Africa Twin adventure bike and CRF450 off-roader, finished off with a tasty Termignoni exhaust. There’s been an early clamour for concept to be turned into mass production reality, but, as ever, Honda is keeping lips tight.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki revealed its new Z650 sports and Z900 streetfighter at Milan, with the two nakeds no doubt set to enjoy a repeat bout of acclaim when they make their UK debut at the NEC.
Sharing a frame (and more) with the Ninja 650 and boasting a green colourway reminiscent of the H2R, the lower cc model supercedes the ER-6N. It looks more muscular than its predecessor, its steel trellis frame hosting a 648cc twin-cylinder motor. At 69bhp it does though kick out two fewer horses than the ER-N, albeit with a better power to weight ratio.
The Z900, which replaces the Z800, features a 948 inline four cylinder offer up 126 horsepower whilst the steel trellis frame has helped cut weight significantly. The new machine is some 30kg (66lbs) lighter than the Z800, whilst packing an extra 142 cc. Looks good.
Keep an eye out too for the Versys-X 300, something of an all-rounder, part adventurer, part commuter.
Suzuki
Suzuki is to create even more competition within the crowded adventure bike market with the introduction of the wallet-friendly DL250 V-Strom. Nicking the 248cc parallel twin engine and frame from the established GW250, it promises a comfy ride, a claim you can test out on a 17 litre tank which Suzuki say can take you some 300 miles.
Meatier is the GSX-R1000 superbike, the sixth generation in the 22 year-old family. It comes with an all new 999.8 cc in-line four engine equipped with variable valve timing, giving more power at high revs whilst not weakening performance in the low and mid ranges.
But that’s not all. At Intermot chief engineer Shinichi Sahara told Pistonheads that: “Since last year [when the prototype was unveiled] almost every part has been upgraded or optimised on the GSX-R1000 models,. The main work has been within the engine to meet performance expectations, but also the electronics." Thus in comes an inertia measurement unit for greater stability and control.
Triumph
Triumph is set to continue its remarkable ascendancy with new models flying off the Hinckley drawing board and into production.
The pick of the new crop is arguably the Street Twin-based Scrambler, its cool retro styling belying some thoroughly modern technological wizardry. These include throttle-by-wire supporting h traction control and ABS – both switchable to suit on or off-roading - and torque assisted clutch.
Powered by a punchy 900cc water-cooled parallel twin, it looks the bees too, with its high-mounted twin brushed stainless pipes, spoked wheels and wide bars.
It’ll no doubt be joined by new street-racing sister, the Street Cup which, like the Scrambler, is available with an optional A2 compliance kit.
We’ll also no doubt cast more than a cursory glance in the direction of the T120 Bobber, should it also appear on the Triumph stand.
Yamaha
Motorcycle Live will give UK bikers their first sight of Yamaha’s refreshed R6, a staple of the supersports category featuring a Euro-tuned 599 cc in-line four-cylinder armed with the performance-enhancing electronic jiggery -pokery that are Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle and Chip Controlled Intake (YCCT and YCCI) systems.
A few ideas are, understandably, borrowed from the YZF-R1 – front forks, inverted suspension, front fairing, headlights – which had its own makeover last year, whilst its own innovations include a new sub-frame and seat, angled to give a riding position designed to promote greater control.
It’s evolution rather than revolution but nonetheless bikers should expect this to more or less ride itself out of your local dealer.
Hopes are high too that the T7 Tenere concept bike will grace the halls of Birmingham. A bit hit at EICMA, this gorgeous grunter features the MT-07s 698cc inline CP2 parallel twin mounted on an all-new chassis. This is the real off-road deal, a bike offering the grip and suspension - KYB at the front – which all but demands you tear off the tarmac.
And on the Principal Insurance stand….
Of course don’t forget to pop by the Principal stand (Hall 4, stand 4D30) where we’ll be offering up a veritable feast of rare, esoteric and mighty metal. We’ve previously tipped you the wink about a Tron inspired Light Cycle [INSERT LINK] and Eric Patterson’s stunning and double Bonneville land-speed record-breaking Brough, but there’s going to be much more.
We’ll not say too much so you can enjoy the thrill of the reveal. We will say, though, that among them you’ll find a Honda that’s a real Dream, a hybrid creation whose name recalls a shower brand (!) and an achingly beautiful custom.
That’s not all. We’ll have several more bikes, our eager and ever helpful bike insurance team, plus the Principal promo girls. The latter will be handing dishing out the freebies, including our delicious 2017 calendar, featuring a delightful dozen bike pin-ups.
We’re looking forward to seeing all you bikers there!
Motorcycle Live opens at 9.00am on Saturday, running through until close of play on Sunday 27th November Tickets on the door cost £25.00 for adults, £15 for seniors and a quid for kids (aged 11-16). Under-10s go free. Tickets include entry to the FMX Live freestyle motocross show. Secure indoor bike parking is also free, subject to availability.
And don't forget to pick up your free Principal Insurance goody bag!
An appealing modern-retro look, which not such nods but furiously head-jerks at the early 80s R80 G/S, hints at off-roading rather than suggesting it’s a Dakhar contender. Wired wheels and knobblies are optional, not standard. It’s a stylish, maybe even a little poseurish, around-towner or, as some have suggested, a “boutique adventurer”.
Ducati
It seems unlikely that Ducati will hide under a bushel its extraordinary 1299 Superleggera. Limited to a production run of just 500 it is, literally, a thing of rare beauty, a super-light, 215bhp magnificent monster.
By making much use carbon fibre – frame, swingarm, sub-frame, wheels and fairing – the Italian manufactured has created a lean, mean superbike. It’s dry weight is 167kg. Measly mass coupled with the most powerful Superquadro engine yet. Indeed Ducati claims the Desmodromic EURO 4 is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced.
You just know it’s going to go. Unfortunately, if you want to buy one, it’s gone. Despite a jaw-dropping £72,000 price tag, each and every single one has already been sold. Never mind, us more humble bikers can still gaze admiringly by watching this video.
Never mind, much more accessible, not least financially, is the new Monster 797. Forecast to be sub-£8,000 when it hits showrooms, this sporty number is designed to reach the parts of the market other Ducatis can’t reach.
It’s light on bells and whistles, but looking both good and solid, it appears to be particularly string entry-level contender. Compact and contemporary it has at its heart the 803 Desmodue air-cooled L-twin familiar from Ducati Scrambler embedded within its tubular steel frame. Functional yet fun.
Honda
Meanwhile Honda is marking the 25th anniversary of its mighty Fireblade with the launch of three variants of a brand new model. The much anticipated CBR1000RR will come in standard SP and SP2 versions.
As you might expect the new ‘Blade offers more power, the liquid cooled 998 inline four cylinder common to the trio kicking out 10 more horses. It’s lighter too having lost 15 kilos - 33lbs in old money - meaning the power to weight ratio has been cut by some 14 percent.
This reincarnation has also seen the superbike embrace electronics, so in comes a ride-by-wire throttle complemented by riding modes system, the manufacturer’s nine setting Selectable Torque Control technology, Selectable Engine Brake plus rear lift and wheelie controls.
Another head-turner for bikers at Milan was the CRF100L Enduro sports concept bike. It’s a clever amalgamation of Honda’s awesome Africa Twin adventure bike and CRF450 off-roader, finished off with a tasty Termignoni exhaust. There’s been an early clamour for concept to be turned into mass production reality, but, as ever, Honda is keeping lips tight.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki revealed its new Z650 sports and Z900 streetfighter at Milan, with the two nakeds no doubt set to enjoy a repeat bout of acclaim when they make their UK debut at the NEC.
Sharing a frame (and more) with the Ninja 650 and boasting a green colourway reminiscent of the H2R, the lower cc model supercedes the ER-6N. It looks more muscular than its predecessor, its steel trellis frame hosting a 648cc twin-cylinder motor. At 69bhp it does though kick out two fewer horses than the ER-N, albeit with a better power to weight ratio.
The Z900, which replaces the Z800, features a 948 inline four cylinder offer up 126 horsepower whilst the steel trellis frame has helped cut weight significantly. The new machine is some 30kg (66lbs) lighter than the Z800, whilst packing an extra 142 cc. Looks good.
Keep an eye out too for the Versys-X 300, something of an all-rounder, part adventurer, part commuter.
Suzuki
Suzuki is to create even more competition within the crowded adventure bike market with the introduction of the wallet-friendly DL250 V-Strom. Nicking the 248cc parallel twin engine and frame from the established GW250, it promises a comfy ride, a claim you can test out on a 17 litre tank which Suzuki say can take you some 300 miles.
Meatier is the GSX-R1000 superbike, the sixth generation in the 22 year-old family. It comes with an all new 999.8 cc in-line four engine equipped with variable valve timing, giving more power at high revs whilst not weakening performance in the low and mid ranges.
But that’s not all. At Intermot chief engineer Shinichi Sahara told Pistonheads that: “Since last year [when the prototype was unveiled] almost every part has been upgraded or optimised on the GSX-R1000 models,. The main work has been within the engine to meet performance expectations, but also the electronics." Thus in comes an inertia measurement unit for greater stability and control.
Triumph
Triumph is set to continue its remarkable ascendancy with new models flying off the Hinckley drawing board and into production.
The pick of the new crop is arguably the Street Twin-based Scrambler, its cool retro styling belying some thoroughly modern technological wizardry. These include throttle-by-wire supporting h traction control and ABS – both switchable to suit on or off-roading - and torque assisted clutch.
Powered by a punchy 900cc water-cooled parallel twin, it looks the bees too, with its high-mounted twin brushed stainless pipes, spoked wheels and wide bars.
It’ll no doubt be joined by new street-racing sister, the Street Cup which, like the Scrambler, is available with an optional A2 compliance kit.
We’ll also no doubt cast more than a cursory glance in the direction of the T120 Bobber, should it also appear on the Triumph stand.
Yamaha
Motorcycle Live will give UK bikers their first sight of Yamaha’s refreshed R6, a staple of the supersports category featuring a Euro-tuned 599 cc in-line four-cylinder armed with the performance-enhancing electronic jiggery -pokery that are Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle and Chip Controlled Intake (YCCT and YCCI) systems.
A few ideas are, understandably, borrowed from the YZF-R1 – front forks, inverted suspension, front fairing, headlights – which had its own makeover last year, whilst its own innovations include a new sub-frame and seat, angled to give a riding position designed to promote greater control.
It’s evolution rather than revolution but nonetheless bikers should expect this to more or less ride itself out of your local dealer.
Hopes are high too that the T7 Tenere concept bike will grace the halls of Birmingham. A bit hit at EICMA, this gorgeous grunter features the MT-07s 698cc inline CP2 parallel twin mounted on an all-new chassis. This is the real off-road deal, a bike offering the grip and suspension - KYB at the front – which all but demands you tear off the tarmac.
And on the Principal Insurance stand….
Of course don’t forget to pop by the Principal stand (Hall 4, stand 4D30) where we’ll be offering up a veritable feast of rare, esoteric and mighty metal. We’ve previously tipped you the wink about a Tron inspired Light Cycle [INSERT LINK] and Eric Patterson’s stunning and double Bonneville land-speed record-breaking Brough, but there’s going to be much more.
We’ll not say too much so you can enjoy the thrill of the reveal. We will say, though, that among them you’ll find a Honda that’s a real Dream, a hybrid creation whose name recalls a shower brand (!) and an achingly beautiful custom.
That’s not all. We’ll have several more bikes, our eager and ever helpful bike insurance team, plus the Principal promo girls. The latter will be handing dishing out the freebies, including our delicious 2017 calendar, featuring a delightful dozen bike pin-ups.
We’re looking forward to seeing all you bikers there!
Motorcycle Live opens at 9.00am on Saturday, running through until close of play on Sunday 27th November Tickets on the door cost £25.00 for adults, £15 for seniors and a quid for kids (aged 11-16). Under-10s go free. Tickets include entry to the FMX Live freestyle motocross show. Secure indoor bike parking is also free, subject to availability.
And don't forget to pick up your free Principal Insurance goody bag!
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