Motorcycle sales and consequently new models have been in the doldrums since the GFC, but they are about to turn the corner if the Intermot show in Cologne starting this evening is an indication.
Kawasaki Ninja H2The International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike Fair usually plays second fiddle to EICMA in Milan in November, but this year it hosts a raft of exciting debut models.
This comes as the European motorcycle market is up 7.4% in the first seven months of the year. Even though European scooter sales continue to slide, riders are choosing bigger and more expensive bikes with the BMW R 1200 GS now the most popular two wheeler in Europe.
Intermot will reflect this new wave of optimism with some very exciting debut models. Probably the most hyped have been the Scrambler Ducati and Kawasaki’s Ninja H2, both of which have had extensive internet video campaigns. While the Scrambler Ducati will be an affordable bit of fun, the Kawasaki will be a serious model with an expected high price tag, supercharger and claims that it will break the 300km/h self-imposed speed barrier. Other superbikes in the limelight will be the new Yamaha R1 and BMW’s new S 1000 RR.
Aprilia Caponord RallyWe also know that Yamaha will unveil a new XJR1300 and MT-03 stunt, Suzuki will unveil a more off-road oriented version of their popular DL650 V-Strom, BMW will have two other new bikes, Moto Guzzi is adding modern ABS and traction control to their retro V7, KTM will release a Super Adventure to compete with the BMW R 1200 GS and MV Agusta and Aprilia will release adventure versions of their Turismo Veloce and 1200 Caponord.
We’ve covered all those stories over the past couple of weeks on MotorbikeWriter and you can find them in the links below. We will also be burning the midnight oil tonight to bring you all the Intermot stories as the new models are unveiled.
Intermot will feature 900 exhibitors representing 1200 bike-related brands.