The 2006 International Motorcycle and Scooter show saw almost 150,000 visitors this year. Despite the number of show goers being down on last year at 144,870, the mood from the exhibitors and those who did head to the NEC in Birmingham has been positive.
Highlights of the show included the Thunderdrome Games Arena with stunt shows and new factory models for 2007 including Suzuki’s B-King, Yamaha YZF-R1, Triumph Tiger 1050, the Honda CBR600RR and the first launch from Chinese manufacturer Wuyang. There was also the chance for bikers to try out some of the bikes on their wish lists.
Suzuki Marketing Manager, Paul de Lusignan, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by interest in the B-King and GSX-R750 models and its been great to meet so many Suzuki enthusiasts. We are looking forward to an exciting 2007.”
A host of stars from the world of sport also dropped in to sign autographs including World Superbike riders Troy Corser and James Toseland, MotoGP star Colin Edwards, British racing legend Carl Fogarty, and Bennetts British Superbike Championship winner and runner-up Ryuichi Kiyonari and Leon Haslam respectively.
The 2006 International Motorcycle and Scooter show saw almost 150,000 visitors this year. Despite the number of show goers being down on last year at 144,870, the mood from the exhibitors and those who did head to the NEC in Birmingham has been positive.
The Bennetts British Superbike Awards gave thousands of fans the chance to see their heroes receive their trophies on the Blackhorse Stage.
Babes and bikes 
Visitors to the Show will be able to see all the latest models from the biggest manufacturers before they hit the streets of the UK, including new models from BMW, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph and Harley Davidson amongst others.
BMW
Presenting their widest and most varied model range in the history of the company, BMW has unveiled its all-new single-cylinder model series including the G650 Xcountry and G 650 Xchallenge, with purist looks and sporty riding characteristics. Also on show, the fourth model in what has been hailed as its most powerful model series, the K1200 R Sport addresses the ambitious sports riders with a penchant for progressive ‘naked-bike’ technology.
CCM
An exclusive for the International Motorcycle and Scooter show, CCM launched the SR40 Street Scrambler to the world, influenced by the highly acclaimed CCM motocross bikes of the 1970’s and 1980’s, the theme of the SR40 is very much back to basics, with simplicity being the over riding style.
Harley-Davidson
Straight from the world launch at Intermot Motorcycle and Scooter Fair, Harley-Davidson brought the XR 1200 Prototype to wow the crowds at NEC. The XR 1200 has been developed beyond the concept and design stages, with an emphasis on performance, handling and sporting style. The bike, inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson XR 750 dirt track race bike boasts an air-cooled V-Twin engine, downdraft fuel injection and unique lightweight cast wheels.
Honda
Hitting big this year, Honda has 5 impressive new models, including the stunning new 2007 CB600F Hornet set to turn the Performance Naked class on its head. The dynamic XL1000V Varadero Adventure Touring bike will be a hit with its majestic good looks and impressive ride quality improvements. The SH300i provides exhilarating power, acceleration and handling while maintaining sleek and minimalist good looks.
Kawasaki
Following a busy week at Intermot, Kawasaki is showcasing the brand new 1400 GTR fronting an entirely new genre of high-performance motorcycles: ‘Transcontinental Supersport’. Next up, the brand new Kawasaki VN900 Custom, a factory built custom bike that delivers big-bike style response and superior acceleration followed by the Kawasaki Versys, a machine that can cope with anything from city streets to mountain passes and everything in between.
Suzuki
Suzuki is pleased to announce no less than five UK model debuts at this years Show. Set to be one of the highlights, the already iconic B-King moves from concept to reality with the final production ready 1300cc bike on show in all its glory. Joining the B-King in its UK debut will be the all-new GSX-R1000, boasting increased performance, agility and speed. And there’s something for scooter fans at this years show with the all-new Burgman 125, recently launched in Paris, the new 125 offers chic, stylish looks with enhanced storage, security and practicality.
Triumph
Launched at the North American dealer conference, the brand new Tiger 1050, with its sharp lines and performance spec will be on show in the UK for the first time at the NEC. The Tiger’s sporting credentials are clear at first glance, featuring a potent Speed Triple-derived engine tweaked to suit the Tiger’s unique temperament. Triumph will is also showcasing a host of significant existing model updates including improved performance and looks for the Bonneville and Bonneville Black and the Triumph America and Speedmaster.
Yamaha
An impressive range of improved models are on show at this year’s Yamaha stand, including the brand new fifth generation YZF-R1. The new R1 features a host of technological improvements including M1-inspired MotoGP technology such as a computer controlled throttle system and a duel adjustment hi/lo speed suspension system. Inspired by the 1930s US Custom bike and car scene, the XVS1300 which features a completely new 1300cc short-stroke V-Twin powerplant will also be on-show alongside the rest of Yamaha’s 2008 range.
