Something for Everyone at the Motorcycle Show
The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show (IMS) is in my hometown of Minneapolis this weekend – the 10th of the show’s 12 stops during the 2009/2010 tour.
I’ll refrain from covering the mixed martial arts and hip-hop sections of the show and cover the event’s more important aspects: the vehicles.
CAN-AM
Can-Am chose Minneapolis as one of six IMS stops it is participating in. Standouts at the display include the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RS (roadster sport) and new Spyder RT (roadster touring) models. Released in response to consumer demand for a Spyder with a touring platform, the RT features 5.5 cu. ft. of cargo space, an electric windshield and touring saddle. Plus, there's also a hopped-up "Audio & Convenience" model, an all-out luxury "RT-S" model and even a trailer.
Spyder RT-S
DUCATI
Ducati has come out with a stable of new bikes during the past couple of years: the Hypermotard, Streetfighter, Desmosedici RR, 848, 1198 and Monster 1100. This year check out the all-new 150hp Multistrada 1200.
Multistrada 1200 S
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
H-D is showing a seven model Touring family; an old-school chopper style Wide Glide that returns as one of five Dyna models; a darker and lower Fat Boy Lo; the evolved VRSC V-Rod joined by the V-Rod Muscle and Night Rod Special; the Sportster line highlighted by the recently introduced Forty-Eight; four CVO models highlighted by the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide; and the new Street Glide Trike that joins the Tri Glide Ultra Classic in H-D's Trike family for 2010.
Forty-Eight
HONDA
Honda’s display has something for everyone. For scooterists, there's the already-popular-in-Europe SH150i and the returning, redesigned Elite; off-road enthusiasts can find a CRF250R with an all-new engine, the Big Red side-by-side and a multitude of updates to Honda ATVs; V-twin fans have the company's Fury to check out; sportbikers can inspect the new VFR1200F; and long-haul riders will want to look for Europe’s best-selling NT700V now available stateside, the V4-powered ST1300 and Gold Wings offered in a variety of new hues.
NT700V
KAWASAKI
Over at the Kawasaki display, there’s the Ninja ZX-10R with upgraded suspension, transmission and bodywork; a Z1000 with a new chassis, engine and styling; the Versys featuring new bodywork, adjustable windscreen and revised passenger accommodations; a greatly enhanced Concours 14 that's now also available with ABS; the KLX110 with a new 111cc engine, transmission and push-button electric start; four models of Teryx 750 side-by-side; and a number of ATVs.
Z1000
SUZUKI
Suzuki's selection of on-road two-wheelers for 2010 includes the world-famous Hayabusa; best-selling GSX-R series of sport bikes; standards like the Bandit, Gladius and neat little TU250X; dual-sports including the popular V-Strom 650 & 1000; more than 12 Boulevard cruisers; three models of Burgman maxi scooter; and one of my personal favorites, the DR-Z400SM supermoto. Off-road, there are revised RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 motorcycles; changes to the King Quad ATV line; and a selection of four-stroke sport quads.
DR-Z400SM
VICTORY
At the Victory booth (Victory is participating only in the Long Beach, New York and Minneapolis shows) visitors can take a look at the company’s five families of motorcycle – the three Touring models, highlighted by the Victory Vision Tour ABS; the expanded 8 Ball Cruiser family; three models of Custom Cruisers; the two Hammer Muscle Cruiser models; and two Ness Signature models. Look for the Vegas LE. Like it? If so, act quick – only 100 will be made.
Victory Vision 8 Ball
YAMAHA
Finally, at the Yamaha display, there’s the new-for-2010 YZF-R1 Limited Edition Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha M1 replica; the R6 with a remapped ECU, new muffler and intake; the FZ1 revised to pack more punch; an updated Star Stratoliner Deluxe and V Star 1300 Tourer; and the completely revised YZ250F and YZ450F. Also, Yamaha has a 17-model ATV line for 2010, highlighted by the all-new YFZ450X.
YZF-R1 Limited Edition Valentino Rossi/Fiat Yamaha M1 replica
CAMPAGNA MOTORS
Campagna Motors produces the T-Rex (MSRP: $52,000) a queer looking three-wheeler outfitted with a 1400cc Kawasaki engine and six-speed close-ratio gearbox that can achieve zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, climb to a top speed of 130 mph and carry lateral acceleration of 1.3 g. Founded in 1995, Campagna Motors underwent an ownership change in 2008, was injected with capital, early last year settled into a new 24,000-sq.-ft. headquarter facility in Montreal, and is now seeking to boost brand awareness.
T-Rex
ROYAL ENFIELD
The Royal Enfield brand was founded in Redditch, England, but has been manufactured and headquartered in Chennai, India since 1955. The brand made an appearance at its “hometown” show (Royal Enfield is imported and distributed from a firm in Faribault, Minn.) with two all-new bikes: the Bullet Classic C5 and Bullet G5. The Bullet Classic C5 is a completely retro-looking model, channeling 1951 styling, but with a newly designed, modernized Unit Construction Engine (UCE) and Royal Enfield's first electronic fuel injection (EFI). The Bullet G5 is an updated G5 model that now also embodies the new UCE engine with EFI while retaining its 1955 image and style.
Bullet C5
KTM wasn't represented, and other well-known brands like BMW, KYMCO, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Vespa and Triumph were included only in displays manned by local dealerships. Remaining IMS show stops include Chicago, Feb. 19-21; and Daytona, Fla., March 3-6.
IMS organizers say the 2008-2009 tour attracted 585,101 attendees. The top three most-visited stops included Chicago (74,384), Cleveland (66,083) and New York (64,523).


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