MMIC Member Companies

Harley-Davidson/Buell

Performance is the name of the game this year for America's motor companies, as Harley's new V-Rod sets new power standards for the cruiser world - and new appearance standards for The Motor Company - while sport-bike subsidiary Buell introduces the Firebolt. Bursting with new ideas, the Firebolt uses a big V-twin engine, a twin-spar aluminum chassis that doubles as the fuel tank, an aluminum swingarm that doubles as an oil tank, and a perimeter front brake instead of conventional rotors.

BMW

For being the oldest extant major motorcycle manufacturer, BMW has some seriously avande-garde ideas. Take the new F650CS, for example. This latest version of the wildly-successful 650 line takes the fuel-injected, tank-under-the-seat F650 single and adds a single-sided swingarm, belt drive, and a bizarre luggage container built into the area where you might expect a fuel tank!

The opposed-twin line-up hasn't been forgotten either, with the latest 1,150 cc engine and six-speed gearbox being used in a revived RS model, BMW's entry into the sport-touring category. And most of the big bikes also share versions of BMW's latest trick ABX brakes, in some cases linked and with an actual power assist.

Ducati

The new 998 is more than just two cc bigger than the 996. The top end of the engine is much different, reflecting Ducati's recent race experience. There's also a Bostrom replica available, for fans of the affable and exciting American racer.

At the other end of the scale, the smallest Monster is now bumped up to 620 cc and gets a state of the art fuel injection system, plus upgraded chassis and suspension components.

Honda

The replacement for the much-loved VFR800 is, well, a better VFR800. Sharper styling, braking, and handling, plus more power through motorcycling's first big-bike variable valve timing system make the VFR a moving target for the rest. Also in the sport-touring line, a replacement for the ST1100 has been announced, although it won't be here before late next summer.

For the naked bike fad, there's the CBR900 - actually a 919 cc engine with fuel injection (a version of the first Fireblade motor), fitted into a sporting chassis without a fairing. And on the cruiser side, the massive VTX1800 has been joined by two retro-looking versions, and a 1,300 cc variant will appear next year.

Kawasaki

Sport-touring and so-called naked bikes are two hot segments right now, and Kawasaki enters the first with the ZZ-R1200 and the second with the ZR-7S. The big ZZ-R uses much the same engine as the muscular ZRX-1200, but mounts it in an aluminum beam frame with a comfortable riding position and cloaks the entire thing in sleek bodywork. Hard bags are available to make touring even easier.

The ZR-7S, with its small fairing and compact dimensions, is almost like a 3/4 scale Suzuki Bandit. It's light and quick with an excellent seating position, and is priced lower than any 600 out there.

And on the cruiser front, the Mean Streak is a high-performance version of the Vulcan 1500, using an upgraded engine and a front end closely-based on the ZX-9R sport bike. The handling is an absolute revelation for cruiser riders.

Suzuki

Suzuki's biggest street news is the new V-Strom, or DL1000. Using the monster V-twin engine from the TL series, the DL is an adventure-touring-styled machine with a comfortable seating position, and available heated grips and luggage.

For the kids, there's the new DR125, available in small and big-wheel versions. And for the ATV crowd, the new Vinson (500 cc) and Eiger (400 cc) machines have become runaway successes almost before they got to the dealers.

Triumph

The latest from the U.K. firm is a cruiser version of the Bonneville, dubbed the America. It's long and low and with a modified version of the Bonny's 800 cc parallel twin, it's the ideal bike for Anglophiles who like the cruiser style.

On the sport bike side, the new 955i engine introduced last year on the Daytona is now being used on the Sprint and Speed Triple models (in re-tuned form), and continues in the Tiger.

To commemorate 100 years of Triumph, there are Centenary editions of the Bonneville and the Daytona, with special paint and mechanical features.

Yamaha

Yamaha's semi-naked FZ-1 has been a great success and returns this year with a plate-full of accolades from many magazine tests. The top-line R-1 has received a serious makeover, with fuel injection added and weight removed, plus a new and much more aggressive look.

The biggest news, however, is probably the Road Star Warrior. This 1,670 cc behemoth appears to combine nearly the power of the V-Rod or Honda's VTX and match it with the handling of Kawasaki's Mean Streak. It's early to say, but it looks like the Warrior is going to take some beating in the power cruiser category for 2002.

SUPERSHOW 2002 also featured independent displays of Motorcycles, ATV's and Scooters from Arctic Cat, Indian, Moto Guzzi, Junior, KTM, Polaris, Titan, Victory, Crono, Lehman Trikes and more.