In a year when the automakers' displays were toned down, and exhibitor numbers at a record low, the motorcycle displays were particularly attention grabbing at the Tokyo Motor Show this week. Though Honda and Suzuki incorporated their bike offerings into their car display, Yamaha and Harley-Davidson (still with Buell in tow) had large individual stands.
Yamaha displayed a range of production bikes, new PAS electric hybrid 'semi-bicycle' concepts and the ubiquitous moto GP weaponry. But it was an amazing cloth and hard parts 'sculpture' of the proposed Super Tenere that grabbed the most attention.
With the impression of the fairing, tank and seat/sub-frame unit crafted from what appeared to be the headdress of a desert tribesman (think Dakar rally logo in Gauloises blue), the concept teased at the twin-cylinder adventure mount the production bike will become.
And make no mistake, there will be a production bike. Though Yamaha staffers were tight lipped, one suggested we wouldn't have that long to wait until we see the real thing.
When it arrives expect anti-lock linked brakes and traction control, hints Yamaha. And a compact large displacement parallel twin that features technology from its R1 and M1 cousins.
Honda's joint stars were the CB1100 retro four and the all-new 180ps-plus VFR1200F. In the case of the former, the bike's dimensions are compact and its styling hits the mark. No details on performance, but it should be more than enough to make it a great city and short-haul tourer.
A concept version with café racer style add-ons was our pick as one of the best looking vehicles the length of the show - four wheels and two.
Much has been written already about the VFR1200F. Suffice it to say, it is bigger and meaner in the metal. The bike suggests serious performance but accommodations are easily big enough to keep two tourers comfortable on fast interstate dashes.
Honda's eco credentials were bolstered by a range of cute electric scooters and scooter-like vehicles -- the pick an electric reprise of the original Cub.
Meaner and perhaps even leaner was Honda's trio of VT1300 cruisers. Taking a leaf out of the US custom bike scene, these feature radically extended (for a production bike) gooseneck steering heads and serious stylized bodywork. No chance of these being electric though - the 1300cc V-twin presents as an engine twice its displacement.
A touring version of the CB1300 debuted and, in a year when Honda seems to have everybody set to ride off into the sunset, there was even a touring version of the DN-01.
Over at Suzuki, a hydrogen fuel cell powered version of the Burgman scooter was a drawcard (for some) as well as Japanese market aimed 400cc versions of the Gladius naked and Boulevard cruiser. No sign of any new GSX-R models alas.
Published : Friday, 23 October 2009