Motorcycle show highlights new models

I went to the 28th Annual International Motorcycle Show in Manhattan last weekend. Lots of shiny chrome was on display, plus a fair amount of leather-wrapped cleavage.

It was awesome!

While there were the usual assortment of intimidatingly expensive custom cruisers, the show also reflected these diminished economic times with a huge number of efficient, low-cost machines. Chinese and Korean manufacturers, such as CFMOTO and Kymco had decent collections of low cost scooters and motorcycles on display. While none showed even half the build quality of a BMW, a lot of them seemed like pretty good deals for the money.

American, Japanese and European manufacturers should probably start getting nervous…just as a precaution.

The show also featured the reintroduction of automatic transmissions by mainstream motorcycle manufacturers. While most modern scooters are automatic, makers have largely stuck with manual transmissions for their motorcycles ever since Honda pulled it’s Hondamatic lineup from the U.S. three decades ago. Now, both Honda and Aprilia have brought automatic cycles to market. Honda’s DN-01 “crossover” has ungainly styling, and, at almost $15,000, is extremely expensive for a 680cc bike. The Italian manufacturer Aprilia is too new on these shores to have Honda’s sterling reputation and extensive dealer network, but it’s 850 Mana has much more attractive naked sport bike styling and is more reasonably priced at $9,900.

Hopefully these two bikes are the start of a trend.

Shifting a motorcycle isn’t intuitive for everyone (including myself — I broke my shoulder when I fell off my old Yamaha Seca after accidentally dropping the clutch while still in third gear. Automatic motorcycles will never appeal to purists or racers, but they’ll likely prove very attractive to beginners, urban drivers contending with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, and those stepping up from scooters.

Other interesting bikes at the show:

Harley Davidson seems to have expanded beyond pure cruisers and touring bikes — both the XR1200 and the V-Rod Muscle have some serious sporting character and clean lines.

Though I was saddened to learn Moto Guzzi had discontinued its Breva model range of do-it-all standards, the company’s new V7 Classic is absolutely stunning. Based on the outgoing Breva 750, the V7 has a roomy saddle, a comfortable upright riding position, and a manageable 401-pound curb weight. If driven sedately, it should get more than 60 miles per gallon. With some accessory bags and a windshield, it’d make an exceptionally handsome light touring bike.

Rhode Island-based Vectrix displayed two all-electric scooters that are road legal and promise 1-cent-per-mile operating costs on a regular AC charge. With a range of about 45 miles, they should meet most daily commuting needs.

Yamaha’s C3 scooter, which has been in the U.S. market for a while, is a brilliant design for short commuting. It combines 115 miles-per-gallon economy with a lockable under-seat storage area larger than some car’s trunks.