2007 Sydney Motorcycle Show New Models
The Motorcycle Show was the perfect forum for a showdown between the two traditional sports bikes rivals as sales of new motorcycles race to record levels. The Yamaha R1 has been top-selling sportsbike in 2006, but the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has won more industry awards since its launch in 2001, and three Australian Superbike Championships. Both the R1 and GSX-R1000 are all new for 2007 and feature many technical updates, a key driver in the sports bike market. Yamaha R1's boast a new fuel injection system which can vary the length of the intake tract, and is designed to change the intake velocity at different speeds to optimise the power traits and different engine speeds. The all new 'Yamaha's chip controlled throttle' still uses cables to open and close the throttle pulley, but a throttle position sensor (TPS) detects changes in the position of the pulley every 1000th of a second and adds or subtracts fuel for a smoother and seamless throttle delivery. These high tech features combine with a strong four-valve engine to produce an astonishing 189PS @ 12,500rpm with ram air effect. Power is transmitted to the tarmac via a race-style slipper clutch. And once the power gets there, a pair of six piston radially mounted front brake calipers ensure the rider is always in control.
At the heart of the 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is a new 999cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine generating increased power, torque and acceleration. Suzuki's new engine management system is four times more powerful than the previous system and a handlebar mounted switch allows the rider to choose from three engine settings to match riding conditions. Over a dozen all new models were on display at this year's show including two Honda Silver Wing scooters in 250cc and 600cc variants. Ducati showcased its all new 2007 Ducati Multistrada 1100 and 1100S, Monster S4R Testastretta, Sport 1000 Biposto and Sport 1000 Biposto S while Harley-Davidson featured its new 2007 family and 2007 Buells. BMW launched the 2007 R 1200 R at the show, as well as the new BMW F 800 S and F 800 ST. The all new 1050cc Triumph Tiger heralded the British marque's return to the Sydney Show.
The Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 headlined the John Sample Automotive stand, along with the Aprilia Tuono Factory and two new scooters - the Sports City 250 and the Scarabeo 500. The $50,000 MV Agusta F41000 was front and centre on the Paul Feeney Group stand, as well as the stunning MV Agusta Senna dedicated to the great Brazilian triple world Formula 1 champion, Ayrton Senna. The release of these new models coincides with exceptional growth in the Australian motorcycle market. Sales of nine months to the end of September were up 22.3 per cent on the same period for 2005, with the total market in 2006 tipped to eclipse 120,000 units for the first time. Yamaha was one of the big players at the show thanks to their Blue Zone Activity Area. After showgoers had feasted their eyes on the huge array of new models in the main hall, they were able to enjoy bikes in action outside.
The Blue Zone was an activity area designed to highlight Yamaha's junior website that features games, prizes, downloads and riding tips as well as info on Yamaha's Junior Development MX teams. Gary Reid's Yamaha Showtime FMX display centre formed the centrepiece of the Blue Zone activity area, where the Yamaha Showtime Freestyle Motocross Team entertained the crowds three times a day. Plus the Yamaha Off Road Academy were on hand to offer riding tips to youngsters who were able to book a ride on Yamaha's electric start TT-R50E fun bike. Inside the main hall roadbike fans were treated to the sight of the new YZF-R1 superbike. The new bike bristles with cutting edge features designed to give the R1 the edge not just in competition on the racetrack but also on back road blasts. Features like the world's first variable air funnel intake on a motor-cycle. The new R1 also sports 'fly-by-wire' throttle first used on Valentino Rossi's world championship winning YZR-M1 race bike.
The YCC-T system (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) senses a rider's accelerator operation and an ECU instantly calculates the optimal throttle opening to provide instant response and smooth power in every situation. Yamaha's latest motocross weapons, the 2007 model four-stroke YZ250F and YZ450F are also on show. Despite the fact that the 450F won the world MX title in 2006 (and the 250F was runner up), both bikes have undergone important updates aimed at decreasing weight and improving power delivery. The 250F sports frame and suspension mods to sharpen handling while the 450F cops a new engine balancer and clutch, plus numerous other tweaks to improve power delivery. Both bikes get new mufflers, seats and bars as well as a set of wave disc brakes. Cruiser fans were also able to check out Yamaha's first liquid cooled V-Twin Star, the XVS1300A.
The sleek custom machine has the look, feel and sound of an air-cooled bike but the performance and reliability of liquid cooled, fuel injected operation. And for styling connoisseurs, the big bore XV1900A and AS Roadliners feature a neo-streamlined look reminiscent of the 1930s. The radical Brown's Grafix custom-painted Roadliner on the Yamaha stand was another highlight. For 2007 Yamaha has eight scooters in its lineup ranging from 50cc to 500cc, all of which were on display in a dedicated area within the Yamaha stand. In addition to the models currently available, Yamaha showcased the futuristic CP250.
