Source: Thechronicleherald. ca

Just in time to fight away the winter blues, Halifax will host the first Halifax International Motorcycle Show this weekend at the Cunard Centre.

This show will be the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, putting the focus on motorcycles and manufacturers instead of retail of lifestyle accessories and related products.

Show promoter, Tim Leslie of Bikerboy Powersports Ltd., is optimistic that the show will be a hit. He anticipates upwards of 15,000 people in attendance.

"This is a true motorcycle show, put on the way it should be, [with] the latest machines from around the world," he explains.

These include companies from Italy, Russia, Germany, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Canada and the U.S. The show is meant to compete in the vein of other world motorcycle shows where manufacturers unveil the newest and best of their offerings.

Tim has made the show a local affair, using all local resources to plan and promote it.

After several years in the powersport industry, and 30 years in sales and as a local entrepreneur, he wanted to make sure the local dealers and businesses benefit from this type of show.

Some key exhibitors to look for include national manufacturers such as Kawasaki, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Victory and Yamaha, with manufacturers less common to Canada, such as MV Agusta of Italy and Russian Sidecar manufacturer, Ural also making appearances.

The exhibitor list also offers something for racers, with several racing and motocross equipment companies in attendance.

Another manufacturer that is sure to be a highlight of the show is Zero Motorcycles with their innovative electric bikes that are causing a stir in the market.

Take some time to come in out of the cold and make sure you check out the Halifax International Motorcycle Show. It’s sure to get you in the mood to ride.

Thechronicleherald. ca

Mike Hill 01/25/2012 Ultimatemotorcycling.com NO RIGHTS RESERVED OR COPYRIGHTS OWNED thanks to ultimatemotorcycling.com

2012 Carole Nash Motorcycle Show

UK residents will get their first view of BMW Motorrad's 2012 lineup at the Carole Nash Motorcylce Show in Excle Centre, London Feb. 2-5.

Taking center stage at the show will be BMW's newest maxi-scooters - the BMW C 600 and c 650 GT. BMW says these nimble and new concept solutions for urban mobility combine a frugal, yet punchy, parallel twin motor with smooth CVT transmission and outstanding practical touches, including generous storage space, year-round weather protection and integrated ABS.

The next star at London's Carole Nash Motorcycle Show will be the 2012 BMW S1000RR, which had its first revision since introduced in the moto-market back in 2009. BMW says the new 193bhp RR has a refined electronics package, improved midrange power delivery, restyled bodywork and revised suspension, making it even more agile.

Other sportbikes include the new K 1300 S HP, which is upgraded for 2012 with new bodywork and suspension, along with the F 800 R roadster and special-edition K 1300 R Carbon.

And of course BMW's GS range will be highlighted, with five new models for 2012: the retro-inspired R 1200 GS Rallye with its classic Dakar Racer paint scheme; the subtle new F 800 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Blacks; and the distinctive new blue and white F 800 GS Trophy. The final GS range new model is the striking black and yellow F 650 GS Special Edition.

Show-goers can also expect to meet some BMW special guests including the new Buildbase BMW Motorrad team's new S 1000 RR Superstock 1000 riders and their race bike. Visitors on Sunday will also have the opportunity to meet guests including ‘Long Way Round' and ‘Extreme Frontiers: Canada' stars Charley Boorman and Russ Malkin. In addition, adventure motorcycle and travel author Robert Wicks, will be launching his new book ‘The World's Great Adventure Motorcycle Routes' at the BMW Motorrad stand.

In addition, the World of BMW team will be on hand to offer advice and information on 2012's comprehensive range of motorcycle events, experiences and tours. Visitors can also enter a competition to win a place on BMW Tours' incredible ‘Return to the Arctic' trip, worth £2,500, for which BMW Motorrad UK will provide the use of a touring or adventure motorcycle.

The new 2012 World of BMW Activity Brochure, packed with tours, activities, adventures and opportunities to improve rider skills, will also be available to show-goers.

Visitors to the BMW Motorrad stand will also be able to see the 2012 Rider Equipment range, including the new TourShell textile suit and Start two-piece leather race suit, as well as a selection of casual wear from three exciting style collections for 2012: Heritage, Motorsport and Logo. Both Heritage and Motorsport are limited-edition ranges, so once they're gone, they're gone for good!

For more information on the Carole Nash Motorcycle Show or to book tickets, please visit mcnmotorcycleshow.com. For more information on BMW Motorrad products and services visit bmw-motorrad.co.uk or call 0800 777 155.

By Chuck Tannert MSN autos blogger Thanks to MSN.com

The 2012 Progressive International Motorcycle Show rolled into New York City last week, bringing with it some stunning new bikes, classic works of art and slick custom hardware. In fact, 500 or so of the latest model street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers and ATVs from dozens of manufacturers -- including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Indian, Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and more -- were on display. We had a chance to roam the halls of the Javits Center to look at these stunning 2-wheelers. Here are our picks for the most enticing:

Honda NC700

Is it a spirited adventure bike, a comfortable tourer or a convenient, reliable commuter? According to Honda, the NC700 is a little of each -- as well as simple, functional and inexpensive. Powered by a new 670-cc parallel twin engine with electronic fuel injection, the NC700 is aimed at those riders more interested in usability than strict horsepower one-upmanship. With a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons, the bike will have a range of up to 240 miles and get more than 60 mpg. Unlike most bikes, the gas tank isn’t positioned in front of the rider. Instead, it is concealed beneath the rider and accessed by flipping up the passenger seat. Where the gas tank normally resides is a flip-top storage compartment with 21 liters of space, enough for a helmet. The bike’s upright seating position should make for good visibility. Touring-friendly accessories include a 45-liter top case and 29-liter saddlebags. Also available are crash guards, LED fog lights, heated grips, 12-volt DC socket and center stand.
 

Price: $6,999 for the standard 6-speed transmission; $7,999 with dual-clutch transmission version with anti-lock braking system.

BMW S1000RR

BMW totally revised the S1000RR for 2012 with an emphasis on improving response, power delivery and handling. The S1000RR is still powered by a 999-cc, water-cooled inline-four engine that pumps out 193 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque. Enhancements include a reconfigured throttle for crisper response and an optimized torque curve throughout the four ride modes: Rain, Sport, Race and Slick. In addition, the suspension was tweaked along with the ABS and Dynamic Traction Control. Externally, the 2012 SS1000RR gets an upgraded instrument cluster, revised rear end, redesigned side panels with the addition of two winglets for improved aerodynamics, and a new range of colors.
 

Price: $15,050.

Husqvarna Baja Concept

Husqvarna is a legendary name in off-road circles, but its new concept bike isn't just about dirt; it's about having a blast getting there. The classic dirt-track styling is accented with a number of forward-thinking and modern touches. The headlight is a spray of LEDs across the front number plate, and although it looks more decorative than functional, it produces plenty of light. An ingenious multifunction instrument display is tightly integrated into the handlebars, providing at a glance all the most important information. All in all, the Husqvarna Baja looks like a great bike to have in the stable, and we hope it makes its way into production. It is equipped with parent company BMW’s 650-cc single-cylinder engine and a steel-tube perimeter frame. For a dual-sport, it has a relatively low seat height and friendly looks.
 

Price: TBD

2012 Can-Am Roadster Spyder RSS

Changes to this unique 3-wheeler are minimal at best, leaning more toward aesthetics and rider amenities than performance. For 2012, there are two “S” models to choose from: the Can-Am Spyder RS and the Can-Am Spyder RT Roadster. The 2012 RS is the sportier package, aimed more at the solo rider, with a slightly more aggressive riding position and less body work, while the RT is a full-on luxury tourer. Add-ons include an improved sound system with iPod compatibility, AM/FM and (optional) satellite radio; handlebar-mounted push-button controls; adjustable rear air suspension; GPS navigation; and LED lighting. The RS-S model also gets the new LCD display as well as new gas-charged Fox Racing Shox front suspension with adjustable pre-load.
 

Price: $18,099.

Steve McQueen Edition Triumph Bonneville

Who doesn’t like the classic World War II epic “The Great Escape”? You have Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Garner and, especially for bikers, Steve McQueen. This motorcycle is a tribute to the Trophy TR6 that McQueen rode in the film. It is a throwback, featuring blacked-out wheels, hubs, handlebars and other parts, along with a cool Wehrmacht-style matte-green paint scheme, a solo seat and a military-style stenciled Triumph logo. To confirm the bike’s provenance, each will be individually numbered with a plaque placed on the handlebar clamp. Collectors will love it. A limited run of just 1,100 is planned, about 300 to 400 of which will be available stateside.
 

Price: $11,299

Zero S Streetfighter

Zero Motorcycles has completely overhauled every model in its 2012 lineup. The aggressive-looking Zero S models (XF6 and XF9) were developed to take on urban streets while still being able to take occasional adventurous detours. Improvements include new powertrains and upgraded power packs that promise greater longevity, speeds of up to 88 mph and a significantly improved range -- in excess of 100 miles for the XF9. Recharging time for the XF6 is quoted at six hours using a standard outlet, while the XF9 takes nine hours. Quick-charge options can cut recharge times by up to 75 percent.
Price: ZF6, $11,495; XF9, $13,995.

Ducati 1199 Panigale S

Ducati’s new 1199 Panigale S is a race-tuned version of the Italian bike builder’s Panigale series. In addition to shedding 22 pounds from the outgoing 1198, the new Panigale cranks out 20 more horsepower. The Superquadro twin-cylinder engine generates 195 horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque -- enough power to set anyone’s hair on fire. Traction control is standard equipment, though anti-lock brakes are a stand-alone option. The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale is also the first superbike to feature an electronically adjustable suspension.
 

Price: The package will set you back $17,995 for the base model, while S trim nudges the price to $22,995. The top-of-the-line S Tricolore will fetch a heart-stopping $27,995.