NEW FOR 2001...
The big news from BMW is that the changes to the "oil-head" engine and transmission that started with the R1100S and R1100GS have now begun migrating down the line. The R1150R, or "Roadster" as BMW calls it, replaces the basic unfaired R1100R that's been rather unfairly ignored over the past couple of seasons.
The R1150R retains the basic charm and simplicity of a "naked" bike, but adds even more torque and horsepower, a much-improved six-speed transmission, and rather quirky looks obviously derived from the GS side of the line.
Buell's Blast is obviously an attempt to lure the newer or smaller rider, and for '01 the Cyclone has added a new model to appeal to the same crowd. The M2S features a seat height 38 mm (an inch and a half) lower than the standard M2, and Buell claims that by reducing suspension travel by about an inch the same lean angle and ground clearance are maintained.
Ducati's new superbike contender hasn't shown yet, although a prototype of the engine has been shown at the big European shows. Of more immediate interest to Canadian buyers, however, are two "bargain-basement" new bikes, the 600 Monster and a basic version of the 750 Sport. Both go some way to making the Ducati experience much more affordable while retaining the marque's unique look and "L-twin" feel.
The biggest news from Harley this year is a bike that's probably the sportiest big H-D yet, the FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-Sport. Adjustable suspension, an adjustable quick-release fairing and quick-detach ballistic nylon saddlebags move the model into the sporty-touring camp, but keeping some of the traditions of the discontinued Convertible. Minor updates across the rest of the line include the industry's trickest self-cancelling turn signals, with sensors for everything from time on to the bank angle of the motorcycle.
Three new models highlight Honda's 2001 machines, although an early announcement of what is supposed to be an early-release 2002 VTX1800 sometime next summer made four bikes in the announcement game. For the hard-core tourers, a new Gold Wing appeared, new from the ground up but still retaining its now-trademark flat six engine, punched out to a massive 1,800 cc. On the sport front, the CBR600F4 gets fuel injection and a "retuned" frame, and loses a few pounds to make it even more competitive in the SportBike racing ranks. And on the cruiser side, the 750 Shadow has gotten a looks makeover with a distinctly classic American drag bike look, plus a new name - Spirit.
Kawasaki's love affair with retro continues in 2001, with a fairly serious makeover of the popular ZRX1100 "Eddie Lawson Replica" replica. The bike's been punched out to 1,200 cc for more power, and fitted with a number of chassis changes to improve handling. The Indian-like-fendered Drifters also look quite different this year, with a lot of brightwork and solo saddles replacing the blacked-out antique look and twin seats of the past. Lower prices on most of the cruisers and an excellent accessory line round out Kawasaki's battalions for '01.
The boys and girls at Suzuki were busy over the past year. By now everyone's probably read about the deluge of praise for the new Bandit 1200 and GSX-R600s, and the GSX-R1000 is also waiting in the wings, flexing its muscles as it dreams of taking over the heavyweight performance crown.
And away from the performance side, there's a new middleweight cruiser, taking the engine and shaft drive from the Intruder 800 and combining it with the "fat boy" looks of the Intruder 1500. Also, a new DR250 trail bike has been introduced following the runaway success of the DR400 model.
Triumph, of course, is basking in incredible world-wide attention thanks to its new Bonneville, which combines the shapes and colours of the fabled late-Sixties machine with modern technology. Not to be overlooked, however, is a major upgrade to the big adventure-touring Tiger, which gets a torquey version of the lovely 955 cc injected triple that already powers most of the rest of the sporty Triumphs.
Yamaha is jumping into the semi-naked fray with a stripped version of the R1. The FZ1 is taking dead aim at bikes like the Bandit 1200, ZRX1200, and Speed Triple, to the joy of street squids everywhere. Plus, the V-4 Royal Star returns to Canada in standard and touring versions. And in off-road news, the tuning fork company has introduced its YZ and WR250F four-strokes, using the same five-valve technology used in all of Yamaha's high-end equipment.
In addition to the industry giants, 2001 brings lots of interesting new stuff from many of the more specialized motorcycle companies that will be at the 2001 edition of the SUPERSHOW.
Moto Guzzi, back in Canada last year after a long absence, is showing a new limited-edition special version of its acclaimed V11 sport, celebrating 75 years of Guzzi motorcycles. Its touring Quota and cruiser-styled Jackal and California models will also be on display.
Husaberg continues to supply its unique, almost hand-built four-stroke thumper machinery, including the monster FC501 motocrosser and a series of bikes designed for both enduro and cross-country use. And don't forget the wild FE600E Supermotard machine, which carries the idea of "street-legal" about as far as you can go.
Still on the off-road theme, KTM is also back with a full line of motocross and enduro machines, the enduro line in particular being a huge favourite with Canadian expert riders. There's also a line of junior-size machines for the budding off-roaders in your family.
Smaller riders will also be delighted with the offerings from LEM, with a full line of 50 cc small and big-wheel minibikes, and an ATV line for kids as well.
Trials is growing in popularity again, and you can expect to find Beta, Montesa, and Scorpa equipment. And still on the dirt theme, both the Spanish GasGas company and the Italian TM firm now have firm Canadian distribution set up, so if you're looking for something a little different for your off-road adventures you need look no farther.
And don't forget the line of Victory V-twin cruisers made in the U.S. by Polaris. The V92 series is getting great press reviews, and with cruiser, sport, and this year a new touring model, the expanding line is providing something for everyone.
Larry Tate
Buell's Blast is obviously an attempt to lure the newer or smaller rider, and for '01 the Cyclone has added a new model to appeal to the same crowd. The M2S features a seat height 38 mm (an inch and a half) lower than the standard M2, and Buell claims that by reducing suspension travel by about an inch the same lean angle and ground clearance are maintained.
Ducati's new superbike contender hasn't shown yet, although a prototype of the engine has been shown at the big European shows. Of more immediate interest to Canadian buyers, however, are two "bargain-basement" new bikes, the 600 Monster and a basic version of the 750 Sport. Both go some way to making the Ducati experience much more affordable while retaining the marque's unique look and "L-twin" feel.
The biggest news from Harley this year is a bike that's probably the sportiest big H-D yet, the FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-Sport. Adjustable suspension, an adjustable quick-release fairing and quick-detach ballistic nylon saddlebags move the model into the sporty-touring camp, but keeping some of the traditions of the discontinued Convertible. Minor updates across the rest of the line include the industry's trickest self-cancelling turn signals, with sensors for everything from time on to the bank angle of the motorcycle.
Three new models highlight Honda's 2001 machines, although an early announcement of what is supposed to be an early-release 2002 VTX1800 sometime next summer made four bikes in the announcement game. For the hard-core tourers, a new Gold Wing appeared, new from the ground up but still retaining its now-trademark flat six engine, punched out to a massive 1,800 cc. On the sport front, the CBR600F4 gets fuel injection and a "retuned" frame, and loses a few pounds to make it even more competitive in the SportBike racing ranks. And on the cruiser side, the 750 Shadow has gotten a looks makeover with a distinctly classic American drag bike look, plus a new name - Spirit.
Kawasaki's love affair with retro continues in 2001, with a fairly serious makeover of the popular ZRX1100 "Eddie Lawson Replica" replica. The bike's been punched out to 1,200 cc for more power, and fitted with a number of chassis changes to improve handling. The Indian-like-fendered Drifters also look quite different this year, with a lot of brightwork and solo saddles replacing the blacked-out antique look and twin seats of the past. Lower prices on most of the cruisers and an excellent accessory line round out Kawasaki's battalions for '01.
The boys and girls at Suzuki were busy over the past year. By now everyone's probably read about the deluge of praise for the new Bandit 1200 and GSX-R600s, and the GSX-R1000 is also waiting in the wings, flexing its muscles as it dreams of taking over the heavyweight performance crown.
And away from the performance side, there's a new middleweight cruiser, taking the engine and shaft drive from the Intruder 800 and combining it with the "fat boy" looks of the Intruder 1500. Also, a new DR250 trail bike has been introduced following the runaway success of the DR400 model.
Triumph, of course, is basking in incredible world-wide attention thanks to its new Bonneville, which combines the shapes and colours of the fabled late-Sixties machine with modern technology. Not to be overlooked, however, is a major upgrade to the big adventure-touring Tiger, which gets a torquey version of the lovely 955 cc injected triple that already powers most of the rest of the sporty Triumphs.
Yamaha is jumping into the semi-naked fray with a stripped version of the R1. The FZ1 is taking dead aim at bikes like the Bandit 1200, ZRX1200, and Speed Triple, to the joy of street squids everywhere. Plus, the V-4 Royal Star returns to Canada in standard and touring versions. And in off-road news, the tuning fork company has introduced its YZ and WR250F four-strokes, using the same five-valve technology used in all of Yamaha's high-end equipment.
In addition to the industry giants, 2001 brings lots of interesting new stuff from many of the more specialized motorcycle companies that will be at the 2001 edition of the SUPERSHOW.
Moto Guzzi, back in Canada last year after a long absence, is showing a new limited-edition special version of its acclaimed V11 sport, celebrating 75 years of Guzzi motorcycles. Its touring Quota and cruiser-styled Jackal and California models will also be on display.
Husaberg continues to supply its unique, almost hand-built four-stroke thumper machinery, including the monster FC501 motocrosser and a series of bikes designed for both enduro and cross-country use. And don't forget the wild FE600E Supermotard machine, which carries the idea of "street-legal" about as far as you can go.
Still on the off-road theme, KTM is also back with a full line of motocross and enduro machines, the enduro line in particular being a huge favourite with Canadian expert riders. There's also a line of junior-size machines for the budding off-roaders in your family.
Smaller riders will also be delighted with the offerings from LEM, with a full line of 50 cc small and big-wheel minibikes, and an ATV line for kids as well.
Trials is growing in popularity again, and you can expect to find Beta, Montesa, and Scorpa equipment. And still on the dirt theme, both the Spanish GasGas company and the Italian TM firm now have firm Canadian distribution set up, so if you're looking for something a little different for your off-road adventures you need look no farther.
And don't forget the line of Victory V-twin cruisers made in the U.S. by Polaris. The V92 series is getting great press reviews, and with cruiser, sport, and this year a new touring model, the expanding line is providing something for everyone.
17 of the world's top motorcycle and atv manufacturers unveiled their new 2001 models at the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2001
-top-Articles Page - Magazine Page - MAIN Page - SUPERSHOW - Spring Show
"SUPERSHOW Events", "North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW", "Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show", "International Motorcycle Magazine" are copyright of Bar Hodgson Productions Inc. The contents of the domain www.supershowevents.com are the property of Bar Hodgson Productions Inc., and may not be reprinted or reproduced without written permission.