Atlanta IMS Show: Personal Observations
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
Joined
·
242 Posts
Re: No Guzzi?
Yeah, it seems the Euro market for bikes is much more diverse than ours.
Yeah, it seems the Euro market for bikes is much more diverse than ours.
Joined
·
242 Posts
I'm glad you mentioned the Benelli. It was stuck near a low traffic part of the arena and would have been easy to miss. It was stunning wasn't it? There was a Benelli dealer on hand and he was guessing there wouldn't be more than 30 of the high-end spec Tornado Tre's brought into the USA. Talk about exclusivity!
Joined
·
11 Posts
Re: No Guzzi?
Gas Gas and Vertemati were represented. The Observed Trials demo used Gas Gas bikes as well. None of the others you mentioned were there.
Gas Gas and Vertemati were represented. The Observed Trials demo used Gas Gas bikes as well. None of the others you mentioned were there.
Joined
·
11 Posts
The Benelli was excellent. If I weren't old, fat and broke, I'd buy one! I hope they do well and can get some good dealers set-up in the US.
Joined
·
2,752 Posts
Defending the Kawasaki Concours
"The local Kawasaki dealer honestly advised me to buy the BMW then, saying it was a better bike. The Concours hasn't changed in those ten ensuing years, "
What is the price difference between the BMW and Concours? Did you ride a Concours vs the BMW? If so wasn't the BMW more crude motowise? What about the Kawasaki ZZR1200?
"The local Kawasaki dealer honestly advised me to buy the BMW then, saying it was a better bike. The Concours hasn't changed in those ten ensuing years, "
What is the price difference between the BMW and Concours? Did you ride a Concours vs the BMW? If so wasn't the BMW more crude motowise? What about the Kawasaki ZZR1200?
Joined
·
11 Posts
Re: Defending the Kawasaki Concours
Well, that WAS ten years ago. The BMW was a new model then, with paralever suspension, etc. The Concours reminded me of my early 1980s Suzukis, ten yeras after. There was nothing wrong with the Kaw; it just didn't have any personality. I prefer twins and triples to buzzy four cylinders, so I liked the BMW motor better. The BMW was a little more expensive, but resale is better on the Beemer. As far as the riding experience, the Concours seemed cruder to me.
I don't know about the ZZR1200. It looks good, but i haven't ridden one yet....maybe during Bike Week I'll get a chance.
Well, that WAS ten years ago. The BMW was a new model then, with paralever suspension, etc. The Concours reminded me of my early 1980s Suzukis, ten yeras after. There was nothing wrong with the Kaw; it just didn't have any personality. I prefer twins and triples to buzzy four cylinders, so I liked the BMW motor better. The BMW was a little more expensive, but resale is better on the Beemer. As far as the riding experience, the Concours seemed cruder to me.
I don't know about the ZZR1200. It looks good, but i haven't ridden one yet....maybe during Bike Week I'll get a chance.
I thought the Honda Rune was pretty interesting. If Captain Nemo built a custom for Buzz Lightyear, it would probably look something like the Rune. Of course I have NO interest in owning anything like it.
I was suprised that KTM was not at the Atlanta show, considering that their sales numbers are up - maybe they were there and I just missed 'em. BMW's exhibit was just flat dull. These folks really need some new product-and I'm a bit predisposed to like Beemers. At least BMW's exhibit was not as boring as the Harley's.
Vendor exhibit numbers were down, too. MIA were MOTORPORT, KENDON, and numerous others.
Several posts have mentioned that Guzzi was MIA. Well, it is not the first time. Actually they have not been at the ATL show in at least 3 years.
We were pleased to FINALLY see an FJR1300. One of lifes little mysteries - why Yamaha has been so determined to make sure as few people as possible even see an FJR for so long. Hey suits, BRILLIANT marketing! For this late 40's, beltline challenged fellow, the ST13 felt a bit more comfy than the FJR, but the ST"s seat was in the max up position. I watched a Honda rep lower it, but did not try the lower position. I don't remember any mag testers mentioning the ultra sano way that the FJR's bags detach.
Friday attendance was light. A business friend reports same for Sunday. Hope it was packed on Sat. For about 4 years, ATL had NO BIKE SHOW. We don't want to be exiled back to show Siberia - ie- the awful and laughable local dealer show, featuring JB ******* and the Cheap Dumbass Band - you have to see em to believe it and revel in the utter awfulness of it all.
Bottom line - other than the FJR and ST13, not a lot to interest me - no eye candy at all, even at Aprilia. Ducati did not show - the ones I saw were there courtesy of a local dealer....not a great show this year. I suppose the down economy is mostly to blame. There is always next year!
I was suprised that KTM was not at the Atlanta show, considering that their sales numbers are up - maybe they were there and I just missed 'em. BMW's exhibit was just flat dull. These folks really need some new product-and I'm a bit predisposed to like Beemers. At least BMW's exhibit was not as boring as the Harley's.
Vendor exhibit numbers were down, too. MIA were MOTORPORT, KENDON, and numerous others.
Several posts have mentioned that Guzzi was MIA. Well, it is not the first time. Actually they have not been at the ATL show in at least 3 years.
We were pleased to FINALLY see an FJR1300. One of lifes little mysteries - why Yamaha has been so determined to make sure as few people as possible even see an FJR for so long. Hey suits, BRILLIANT marketing! For this late 40's, beltline challenged fellow, the ST13 felt a bit more comfy than the FJR, but the ST"s seat was in the max up position. I watched a Honda rep lower it, but did not try the lower position. I don't remember any mag testers mentioning the ultra sano way that the FJR's bags detach.
Friday attendance was light. A business friend reports same for Sunday. Hope it was packed on Sat. For about 4 years, ATL had NO BIKE SHOW. We don't want to be exiled back to show Siberia - ie- the awful and laughable local dealer show, featuring JB ******* and the Cheap Dumbass Band - you have to see em to believe it and revel in the utter awfulness of it all.
Bottom line - other than the FJR and ST13, not a lot to interest me - no eye candy at all, even at Aprilia. Ducati did not show - the ones I saw were there courtesy of a local dealer....not a great show this year. I suppose the down economy is mostly to blame. There is always next year!
Joined
·
10,900 Posts
Re: Defending the Kawasaki Concours
The Concours will forever be stuck with the label "good bike for the money."
It works very well and the engine rips above 6000 RPM but is a bit gutless down low. It was basically a knock-off of the BMW K100.
I've got quite a few miles on a friend's Concours and it is a decent bike but very appliance-like and boring. The 80s motor is also very buzzy through the bars.
The Concours will forever be stuck with the label "good bike for the money."
It works very well and the engine rips above 6000 RPM but is a bit gutless down low. It was basically a knock-off of the BMW K100.
I've got quite a few miles on a friend's Concours and it is a decent bike but very appliance-like and boring. The 80s motor is also very buzzy through the bars.
Joined
·
10,900 Posts
Rune: swing and a miss
Honda is a little late to the party with the Rune styling. If one follows current customizing trends, the "street sweeper" fender style is long gone. The old school chopper look is what's in right now.
I think the Victory Vegas is really right on the money. It's superior to Victory's old designs which were very disjointed and not flowing at all, more like a collection of parts.
Honda is a little late to the party with the Rune styling. If one follows current customizing trends, the "street sweeper" fender style is long gone. The old school chopper look is what's in right now.
I think the Victory Vegas is really right on the money. It's superior to Victory's old designs which were very disjointed and not flowing at all, more like a collection of parts.
Joined
·
3,874 Posts
Lack of variety at these shows.
I think I know why there is a lack of diversity (Do we need affirmative action?) at these shows. The lesser manufacturers are not represented by their national organizations and must rely on local dealers or distributers to place product at the show. When there's several shows throughout the year, it becomes difficult to support. This in contrast to the European shows, where there is one location and date for all.
I think I know why there is a lack of diversity (Do we need affirmative action?) at these shows. The lesser manufacturers are not represented by their national organizations and must rely on local dealers or distributers to place product at the show. When there's several shows throughout the year, it becomes difficult to support. This in contrast to the European shows, where there is one location and date for all.
Joined
·
11 Posts
Re: Lack of variety at these shows.
Now that's some affirmative action I could support! I know these shows are expensive to put on and I admire the dealers who participate on their own. They do get som co-op funds from the distributors/manufacturers, but it's still a big hit.
Small dealerships (like most Euro dealers in the US) have minimal staffs, so either have to close the shop to staff the show or have minimal staffing at both.
The old addage of having to spend money to make money is no more evident than in the motorcycle business. If Ducati, Moto Guzzi and others want to get the customers, they have to get the bikes out in front of the people, let them see the quality, sit on them, compare prices. Let them see the value for the money. Some people never consider anything but what they've always bought because they've never compared the competition.
Now that's some affirmative action I could support! I know these shows are expensive to put on and I admire the dealers who participate on their own. They do get som co-op funds from the distributors/manufacturers, but it's still a big hit.
Small dealerships (like most Euro dealers in the US) have minimal staffs, so either have to close the shop to staff the show or have minimal staffing at both.
The old addage of having to spend money to make money is no more evident than in the motorcycle business. If Ducati, Moto Guzzi and others want to get the customers, they have to get the bikes out in front of the people, let them see the quality, sit on them, compare prices. Let them see the value for the money. Some people never consider anything but what they've always bought because they've never compared the competition.
"If Captain Nemo built a custom for Buzz Lightyear, it would probably look something like the Rune."
Then call me Captain Nemo! Here's a bike with they say is going to be a torque monster with over 140 ponies to rocket it; Honda reliability behind it; engineering behind it that surpasses anything in the H-D line up, even the V-Rod) custom features that H-D riders spend thousands adding onto their bikes (while most the time voiding their warranty). Funny how most riders complain that Honda is too boring and then when they do something that's not, Honda is too over-the-top.
Then call me Captain Nemo! Here's a bike with they say is going to be a torque monster with over 140 ponies to rocket it; Honda reliability behind it; engineering behind it that surpasses anything in the H-D line up, even the V-Rod) custom features that H-D riders spend thousands adding onto their bikes (while most the time voiding their warranty). Funny how most riders complain that Honda is too boring and then when they do something that's not, Honda is too over-the-top.
Re: Rune: swing and a miss
Honda's making their own party and is no longer reliant on H-D to set the trend.
Victory does have a very nice bike with the Vegas. But before everyone goes running to buy one they had better first see how well the engine does under all conditions. It's still an oil cooled engine in a time where increasing traffic demands require so much more of an engine. I would like to see some testing by a neutral third party on the Vegas in the Mojave Desert for extended periods of time, then in severe L.A. stop-and-go traffic before making a final decision.
Honda's making their own party and is no longer reliant on H-D to set the trend.
Victory does have a very nice bike with the Vegas. But before everyone goes running to buy one they had better first see how well the engine does under all conditions. It's still an oil cooled engine in a time where increasing traffic demands require so much more of an engine. I would like to see some testing by a neutral third party on the Vegas in the Mojave Desert for extended periods of time, then in severe L.A. stop-and-go traffic before making a final decision.
1 - 15 of 15 Posts
