Suzuki M109
2006 Yamaha R6
MV Augusta Brutale 910R
MV Augusta F4 1000 Senna
Posted on 02/14/2006 2:46:28 PM PST by martin_fierro
They'll Take Manhattan
By Rob Doyle
The 2006 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show brought its 25th edition to the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City in late January. This year, in contrast to 2005's white-out blizzard, motorcyclists were rewarded with an out-of-the-ordinary, near-perfect weather weekend. Many bikes were parked in the area surrounding the Javits Center, indicating many motorcyclists were comfortable with riding to the show. An estimated 80,000 people attended the three-day event, according to show organizers.
The show began its run in November in Fort Worth, Tex., and winds down in Atlanta in mid-March. At the New York stop, about 274,000 sq.ft. of exhibition space contained nearly 2,000 exhibitors, vendor's booths, and manufacturer displays. Just about all the big manufacturers from around the world were present. Honda (HMC), Kawasaki, Suzuki (Xetra: 603090 - news) , and Yamaha (Frankfurt: 855314 - news) , represented Japan, while sleek Italian makes from Aprilia, Ducati (DMH), Moto Guzzi, and MV Agusta flexed their style, along with the scooters by Piaggio and Vespa.
FREQUENT CHANGES.
BMW (Xetra: 519000 - news) bikes flashed their high-end German engineering, while under the familiar orange and black banners, the traditional U.S. made Harley-Davidson (HDI) cruisers attracted a huge following. Not to be outdone on the sporting end, Harley-Davidson had their V-Rods and Buell motorcycles on display as well. Another American company, Victory Motorcycles, was there presenting their own cruisers, which seem to get more stylish every year.
For some odd reason, Triumph Motorcycles were not present, and notably missed, leaving Britain unrepresented.
In the sportbike category, it seems that major upgrades and redesigns are required every couple of years if models are to remain competitive in the market and on the racetrack. This time around, most of the 1000cc sportbikes were boasting big upgrades [see BW Online, 1/5/06, "Honda's Sweet New Sportbike"].
HIDDEN PIPE.
Suzuki showcased its new M109, a cruiser that features sportbike technology. But some of the hype around the company's display involved some of their real sportbikes. The redesigned midsize 600cc and 750cc GSX-R models signaled a new trend for Japanese manufacturers, with their short, compact exhaust systems neatly tucked away on the underside of the engine. It's a similar design to what Buell has been using for many years [see BW Online, 1/30/06, "Buell Introduces XBRR Motorcycle"].
Another Japanese model following this trend comes is Yamaha's 600cc R6 model. Yet the exhaust system makeover is only a minor item on this heavily redesigned high-end performer, with fly-by-wire throttle control and a screaming redline, rev limit of 17,500 rpm. The technology on this new R6 gives it bragging rights as Yamaha's most advanced production motorcycle.
The Italians weren't to be outdone this year, though. MV Augusta in particular had all their bikes on display, with their new Brutale 910R and F4 1000 Senna in the spotlight. The latter is a special tribute to the late Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. Both bikes are limited-production models, equipped with exclusive high-performance modifications.
The show provided a pleasant sensory overload for those hard-core fans who can gain satisfaction just from catching a glimpse of their favorite model's new alterations and colors. For many, grabbing the bars and throwing a leg over for some seat time, it could be considered their first test ride, albeit a static one.
Suzuki M109
2006 Yamaha R6
MV Augusta Brutale 910R
MV Augusta F4 1000 Senna
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I'm surprised they mentioned the M109 and not the Star Roadliner and Stratoliners. All of them have sportbike technology and are nice bikes.
I want it.
Hey MF ~ is that your new ride???
Not sure how it rides but most of the press has been pretty favorable. Looks best in black IMO.
I prefer the Dual Bagger configuration, myself.
That new Suzuki looks an awful lot like a Honda VTX.
Looks like they dimpled the back of the gas tank there so fat middle-aged guys like me can ride it.
They ride and handle very well. SV650 killer in my opinion.
Also the sport touring classic Kawasaki Concours remains in production and at the show.
I like Suzuki motorcycles better, but I like the looks of that Honda over the Suzuki ~ must be thew pipes. ;);)
Black is best ~ have you tried the Suzuki SV650 and SV650S.
Most of the testers like them a little better, but not by much.
All of them are great middle sized bikes.
Not yet, but I have sat on them and chatted with lots of SV owners. I figure I won't really be in the market for a new bike till 07, so until then it is really just cycle pr0n.
You will not make a mistake in getting a SV650, SV650S or a 650R.
The best middle weight is the Triumph Daytona 675 triple ~ it's a limited edition and they are only making a few.
Maybe when you ready to get a new bike, they'll have decided to unleash them on the world. ;);)
You live a great area for bike riding, I lived in the Bay Area from 1948 until 1990 and I owned bikes all of those years except for five in the late 50's and early 60's when I went through my "Sports Car" phase. :)
The roads and few cars make Oregon much more fun for bike riding, but we get more rain than the Bay Area.
Hopefully it's better than that old a$$ EX500 that it replaces! Those things were gross!
That M109 is pretty cool.
That can't be the same Concours they were making 15 years ago, is it? I haven't kept up with new bikes in a few years (still happy with '92 ST-1100 and '97 Fat Boy), but that thing was long in the tooth then.
yup, its the same. I think Kawi is STILL making their KZ1000 Police bikes too!
Guess parts would be pretty cheap.
That Triumph 675 is my desktop background on my computer. Not sure the ergos will be kind to me, but I'll have to wait and see when I can actually sit on one.
How tall are you?
Do you have any skeletal problems?
If I was a little younger I would put a deposit down on a Triumph 675, my SV650 has very low mileage, so I'll hang on to it. :):)
Yes it is. One major shakeup in 1994, but pretty much the same bike. They still everyone they make
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