Intermot 2007 Special MO Preview!

Suzuki's new "B-King." The 1300cc engine is from the Hayabusa, but the frame is all new, including an aluminum swing arm. Light alloy is used in other places, too. This new entry in the Naked Bike category was floated to the publilc in 2001 as a study to test the waters.

The seven halls housing the exhibition cover 120,000 square meters, or more than 25 football fields. So much for the stats; what counts even more is the importance the major manufacturers attach to this event.

October 10 was Press Day. Here's where that importance shows. There were ten press conferences. I went to nine. I hope those loyal Benelli

KTM's press conference featured a new street SuperMoto, the 690 SM . Those potential customers intimidated by the bigger 950 SM will be at home with this model. However, the new engine puts out over 60 hp, so it's not exactly underpowered. One of the ways this higher output was obtained was by designing the new, large-volume exhaust system, prominent in the photo. KTM's presentation was purely technical, which by this time was something of a relief.

Here's a sampling of what I experienced today. I've selected (only) one photo (not an easy task) from each of the larger press presentations with an eye toward piquing your interest in this motorcycling extravaganza in Cologne.

A new 1200 Sportster from Harley.(NOTE: See below for more on the H-D--MO) It's starting to look good, what with its flat-track heritage. But wait - it's a prototype. You can't buy it. It's being introduced at INTERMOT to gauge reaction, particularly from the Europeans. Harley wants to use this bike to increase sales abroad and says they'll bring it to the production line in 2007 if the public's reaction is right. The fine print is a little more careful, stating that specifications may change "if and when development continues on the XR 1200 Prototype." What are those specs? 85-90 hp, fuel injection, Showa suspension -- ncluding 43 mm inverted forks -- and some good-looking pipes at the back.

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From Harley:

Sportster XR 1200 Prototype Developed with European Focus

Cologne, Germany (October 10, 2006) – Harley-Davidson revealed a prototype Sportster XR 1200 motorcycle aimed at the European market today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. The XR 1200 prototype places an emphasis on performance and handling with styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt track racer.

Created with the demands of the European market in mind, the XR 1200 prototype’s development goals include a powerful air-cooled V-Twin engine, agile handling, and high performance suspension and brakes.

“As Harley-Davidson seeks to further grow its presence and sales in Europe, INTERMOT and subsequent major European events will be used to carefully evaluate media and public reaction to the XR 1200 prototype,” said John Russell, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Europe. “If the prototype is well received, we hope to bring the XR 1200 to Europe in 2007.”

The Sportster XR 1200 Prototype features:

*XR 750-inspired styling

*1200cc air-cooled V-Twin with downdraft fuel injection (85-90 HP target)

*Specially tuned Showa suspension with 43mm inverted front forks

*High performance four-piston caliper Nissin brakes

*Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design

*Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tires:

- Front 120/70ZR18

- Rear 180/55ZR17