Riders on the Edge

If you enjoy the feeling of hurtling through space and time, the wind blasting in your face and with only two rings of rubber holding you to this planet, you may have made solemn pilgrimage to the 20th Osaka Motorcycle Show at INTEX, where the world’s biggest names in motorcycles showed off the best, the fastest, the baddest machines.

Passionate bikers view these objects of desire in one of two ways — from a distance, appreciating the ensemble of shape, movement, proportions and the stance of the rider, yearning for the machine they covet — or from the saddle, attention focused on the road, alert to the nuances of sound, vibration, temperature and speed, completely lost in the thrill of the moment. At the International motorcycle show, which ran this year from 19th to the 21st of March, visitors always look for the Big Four Japanese motorcycling legends: Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki, and their spectacular models, which are always forerunners in technology and design. Competition is stiff, the battle engaged on the ramp between models in the same class. Generally the bikes are classified as supersport, touring, custom/cruising, competition, offroad, street and business machines.

Honda’s hi-tech racing technology RC211V Repsol racer stands besides its street-cousin, the CBR1000RR, both sharing liquid-cooled 990ccs. Breathing through 20 valves and double overhead cams with Unit-ProLink suspension and a new electronic steering damper, the minimum weight and maximum power and formidable road grip are the secret formula, and absolute control is the rider’s ultimate test.

Aerodynamic carbon fibre shock resistant body panels encase the 4X1exhaust system, which sticks out like a sting in a wasp’s tail. Speed and power are splashed into the generous graphics with Honda’s big wing adorning the fuel tank. Few can ride her to her limits, and the rest just stand and stare.

The imposingly proud Honda Goldwing: power and control in
a smooth and comfortable riding package meant for long and straight highways. Features include fully adjustable temperature con-trolled seats, on board entertain-ment systems, lots of storage space, radar, GPS navigation, you name it. An outstanding feature is the wraparound headlamp on the large fairing, but the beauty of this beast is it’s heart – 6 cylinder, flat, horizontally opposed 1832cc, liquid cooled, overhead cam, multi-valves, turbine smooth thrust and roll-on acceleration, all under perfect control. With all that, thankfully the centerstand is motorised!

Kawasaki’s jewel is the conce-ptual ZZZR-X sports tourer. Pure muscle gleaming through its modern broad curves and sinewy edges dividing the masses proportionally into a spectacular representation of power and comfort; fluid from nose to tail. The twin lever front swing arm and the large peripheral discs, shaft drive delivering silent, smooth power, and handlebars with grip-end levers discreetly peeping out from the shoulder. Large storage cases complete the touring image. The sweeping windscreen shrouds a neat set of compact lamps and a generous dashboard.

In dramatic contrast, Yamaha introduces a smart new lightweight 250cc 4 stroke single called the Tricker. Inspired by trial competi-tion bikes in shape and proporti-ons; low slung seat, big knobbly wheels and a slim perimeter frame. Built and bred for the city with look of a back-trail blazer; splashes of colour on body and engine to give it youthful appeal. Exciting!

Headlamps like feline eyes on the YZF R1 supersports begin the sharp lines that sculpt this 1000cc 180hp demon to fluidly finish the rear end with lamps and exhausts compactly packaged together. The incredible power-to-weight ratio turns it into a missile.
The radical XT 660X Super-motard is a popular European concept, ready to attack road and trail with 17-inch spoked wheels. Styled dynamic slashes and edges to the body work end in the beefy twin exhaust in the rear.

Suzuki displayed outstanding shapes in all categories. The legendary GSXR750, which started the line in ’85 stands fast and furious with its lighter 600 and supersports 1000 model close by. A common detail, the huge air vents sitting on either side of a sleek headlamp and the classic Suzuki white and bluetone flashes, while the GSXR1000 in all black looks deadly.

The GSX1400 showed off it’s squared, perfectly proportional, powerful classic motorcycle lines amongst all the daring revolution-ary shapes of today, aimed at leisure riders who like the special formula of easy handling and sportslike performance.

The V-Strom 1000’s unique in space age styling and excels as a sport-touring street bike and a backroad beater. Ruggedness, power and comfort are also seen in the 400cc Supermotard with its fat tyres that promise some great on-off road riding!

Over to Europe and the Italians with their striking forms and styling. MV Agusta’s award-winning naked superbike, the Brutal Sports sounds-like-it-looks-like-it-runs. Its aggressive curvilinear bodywork is a mix of chrome, brushed aluminium, matt and gloss blacks and paint from the unique headlamp to the slashed exhausts, all combine together to give a techno-indus-trial look to this 750cc, 127bhp machine.

Another Italian beauty is the stealthy streamlined Aprilia RSV1000R with it’s dominating air-intake flanked by headlamps.
Ducati’s Monster, in 600 and 900 cc versions is a unique, simple, perfectly harmonious and eternal design. The 749 Supersport showed off its typical tubular frame with the Desmodro- mic 103hp mill hidden behind a fairing housing vertically arrang-ed lamps and cheek air intakes.

European giant BMW’s impressive collection of Enduro tourers; famous for their stability and extremely reliable low centre of gravity engines, agility and safety. These technologically perfected German beasts retain their reputation of belonging to a history of some of the finest engineering ever known to man.

The 650CS Scarver owes its popularity to the original 650 launched in the mid 90’s. Outstanding ergonomics and features like a storage area with integrated handles giving options for either open or closed stora-ge, the aircraft style fuel filler cap and the robust rear carrier.

A small vented plaque with the BMW symbol on either side gives a retro touch to the model, reminiscent of the Z series cars seen with Bond, James Bond.

The R1150R Enduros boasting different graphics and head-lamp units speak of sheer robust- ness through the Tele-lever front swingarm and their stocky appearance. The asym-metric headlamp unit has character and expression and the rest of the lines are conventi-onally reassuring and well proportioned.

No European lineup is complete without the English and the graphic uniqueness of their off-road tourer, the 950 cc Triumph Tiger. The Triumph Rocket III bears it’s name well as it pushes motorcycling to new limits with it’s 2,300cc, 142 bhp in-line 3 cylinder shaft drive engine; a mass of chrome with Art Deco overtones in a custom package. It is the biggest capa-city production bike today.

Motorcycle icon Harley Davidson have even gone as far as patenting the deep rumbling ‘potato-potato-potato’ sound of their engine. The VRSCA is a designer’s dream and is fluid styling to the extreme. Right from the headlamp to the tip of the exhaust pipe are the long flowing lines that define the ultimate of cult bikes. Long and low and steady is the promised ride, meant for the long stretches of the straight unending free-ways. The XL1200R Sportster is compact and nimble for the easy rider who prefers a bike with soul.
To commemorate this year there was a special line up of the last 20 year’s domestic models, a real tribute to the greatest innovators in motor-cycle technology and design. Besides the show itself test rides for adults and children opened the adventure and excitement of motorcycling to all.

A special section for custom jobs in both engineering and painting showed off several personalised creations.
The charming hostesses were a pleasure to see, so delicate amongst the beasts in steel...
Looking forward to these models on the street soon and until the next show where a new dose of adrenaline pumping lightning fast shapes and gleam-ing power awaits. Ride safely.

Text: Suhail Shaikh • Photos: Jatin Banker