Confirmed 2008 Models appearing at the Show are as follows:
All the latest models can be viewed here.
Yamaha's brand new YZF-R125 is a star in its own right. With GP styled looks, the liquid-cooled four-valve 124cc machine lays claim to being the best performing learner four-stroke on the market. With a combination of race replica styling and handling along with a spec that enables riders without a full bike licence to ride it, the YZF-R125 is set to be on every young biker's Christmas list.
Also drawing in the crowds will be the brand new Yamaha XT660Z Tenere, a replica of the famous Paris-Dakar bikes of the 1980s. This impressive looking dual-purpose machine has long distance riding capabilities including a massive fuel tank, long-stroke suspension and dual lights. Designed with versatility in mind, the XT660Z Tenere is likely to attract city dwelling commuters and round-the-world adventurers alike.
Yamaha's impressive line-up of new launches will be topped off by a few familiar faces, including the YZF-R6. The 2008 R6 has been sharpened further still, adopting the revolutionary YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake) and a number of other features that make it the most advanced production 600 class motorcycle Yamaha has ever made. In addition, Yamaha's big commuter scooter, the 500cc T-MAX, is now stopped by powerful 4-pot brakes whilst undergoing a host of other changes.
Honda has announced that its new 2008 motorcycle range will be unveiled at the Show. Among the many new bikes sure to turn heads on the Honda stand, (1E20) are the long-awaited CBR 1000RR Fireblade, the XL650V Transalp and the CBF600. Honda is the latest big-name manufacturer to announce that its 2008 UK premieres will take place at the NEC. With seven weeks to go until the Show opens, consumers are already licking their lips in anticipation of the biggest collection of new bikes ever seen at the UK’s leading two-wheeled Show.
Honda’s impressive array of bikes will be fronted by the CBR-1000RR Fireblade which has seen a dramatic overhaul for 2008 as a result of feedback from James Toseland, whose Fireblade helped him win the World Superbike Championship for a second time. The all-new machine is now slimmer, smaller and lighter, with a revised engine and a radical hi-aerodynamic fairing. Honda’s perennial XL700V Transalp has also been on the receiving end of a significant re-design with a brand new 680 V-Twin engine and a more powerful fuel-injection system housed in slick new bodywork. While the new CBF600 becomes lighter, sleeker and more manoeuvrable, Honda will of course be bringing their usual impressive and hugely successful array of MotoGP, World Superbike and British Superbike machines to the NEC.
Kawasaki Motors UK 2008 models will be unveiled to the UK market for the very first time at the Show. Among the impressive line-up of new bikes are the updated Ninja ZX-10R and VN2000.
The flagship Kawasaki ZX-10R has some radical styling changes, with aggressive new MotoGP styling and a single, sculpted exhaust, which has a truly unique look. This potent machine has not only seen styling changes, the engine has been developed for even more high-rpm power and the chassis tuned to give better rider feedback. Also modified for 2008; the massive Kawasaki VN2000 custom cruiser. This machine epitomises the "long and low" Cruiser concept with acres of chrome and leg room. The new machine has seen detailed changes to the seating and handlebars to increase rider and pillion comfort, plus a new styled speedo and tank mounted ignition system.
Kawasaki will be exhibiting their full range of models including road and off road machines at this year's Show. Also on display will be a selection of Kawasaki's awesome race bikes from MotoGP, World Superbikes, World Motocross and a very special 550bhp ZX-12R drag.
Motorcycle giants Harley-Davidson® and Buell have announced they will be unveiling their stunning line-up of brand new 2008 models at the Show, in what will be their first appearance in the UK. The exciting range of Harley-Davidson and Buell bikes set to grace the halls will include the Harley-Davidson RockerTM, Fat Bob®, XR1200TM and NightsterTM along with the revolutionary Buell 1125R.
The Harley-Davidson (1C20) and Buell (1B20) stands will be situated in hall one, with their glistening array of brand new 2008 bikes. Kicking off proceedings, the Harley-Davidson Rocker models, a whole new series of machines dubbed ‘the Rockers' which have taken inspiration from the custom chopper scene. Showing off their massive 240-section rear tyres and ‘Rockertail' softail rear suspension, the Rocker and the Uprated Rocker C will both be on display. In addition, casting a welcome shadow over the Harley-Davidson stand, the Nightster which is a retro re-working of the Sportster 1200 with slick black styling will be jostling for the limelight alongside the production version of the XR1200 high performance street bike both on show for the first time in the UK.
Buell's collection of delights will be headed up by their amazing new 1125R. The watercooled 146bhp radical machine boasts a completely new Buell V-twin engine developed in association with Austrian firm Rotax and is a massive power up from previous models whilst still utilising the signature tensioned belt-drive. Another Buell 2008 highlight is a re-designed engine for the rest of the range, which features an all new electronic fuel injection system and an extra 500rpm redline.
Suzuki will also be unveiling its 2008 models. Suzuki’s array of exciting new models for 2008 will include the much-anticipated GSXR-600, GSXR-750 and the exciting GSX1300R Hayabusa.
Situated in Hall 1, the always eye-catching Suzuki stand will be showcasing among others, the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600, with radically updated looks which include triple stacked halogen lights and three way adjustable power settings. The GSX-R750 follows the new developments of its 600cc cousin with the addition of a new powerful digital engine management system, sporting a 32-bit processor combining the very latest technology with 20 years of pure racebred heritage.
Another addition to the family, the GSX1300R Hayabusa presents the latest incarnation of this radical machine that pushes the limits of outright acceleration and power. A huge 194bhp engine looks set to continue this machine’s reputation and with an adjustable 3-way power altering system, the bike can be tamed for different conditions. Originally dubbed the batman of bikes, 2008’s B-King has recently hosted its first road tests to rave reviews and is sure to be a favourite with visitors.
