2010 Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne

This year's show substantially lifted the bar for the motorcycle industry with 150 exhibitors representing all aspects of the industry, displaying over 500 new motorcycles.
The final stop of the East Coast Custom Australian Custom Bike Championships had over 40 entries, and there was plenty of deliberation before judges finally awarded the Overall Champion award, and the S&S 'X-Wedge' engine, to Queenslander Stuart Riley for his '47' Custom.
Undoubtedly the best bike related stand was the 'Just Bikes Bobber build off' displays featuring some brilliant 'bobbers'.
The importance of the Expo can't be underestimated with no less than 13 manufacturers previewing new models, along with introducing a host of upgrades to established favourites.
Among the stars of the show it was hard to go past the Victory CORE concept, or the awesome Ducati Diavel, but then again the Aprilia's Dorsudoro 1200 was also spectacular in its own right. One of the real pluses of this show was that wherever you looked there was a new model.
Among the champions that attended the Expo was reigning World Superbike (WSBK) Champion Max Biaggi at the Aprilia stand, along with teammate Leon Camier, Kawasaki WSBK rider and Aussie Chris Vermeulen, who was on hand to reveal Kawasaki's all new ZX-10R. Across on the Suzuki stand were local stars Josh Water, Troy Herfoss and Shawn Giles.
BMW Motorrad Vice President of Design, David Robb provided a unique insight into the design theory behind the manufacturer's range of bikes, and adventurer Steve Crombie provided a first-hand account of his two-wheel experiences in some of the world's most remote and toughest environments.
The Yamaha Action Arena was alive with activity, with Lukey Luke on his Triumph joining the lineup featuring the Showtime FMX team, Trials riders and the Brown's Grafix Mini Moto crew.
But undoubtedly the stars of the show were the new releases. These included:
Ducati
One of the stars of the show was the new Ducati Diavel. This naked bike, come cruiser looks fantastic with large twin pipes, 1200cc engine from the Multistrada. There are 3 engine modes (standard, touring and urban), with selection changing power delivery to suit conditions. There are also 8 levels of traction control. The Diavel rides low, with Ducati claiming a power to weight ratio of a muscle sport bike. It is Ducati's leading new introduction in 2011. It will arrive in February in standard or carbon fibre versions, priced from $23,490.

Victory
Victory had a brilliant display featuring all models of their American cruisers. Launched to the Australian market just two years ago in Melbourne, Victory has expanded its range with cross-country models introduced earlier this year. More products are coming our way from Victory in 2011, along with news of the opening of a new store in Sydney.
Highlights from Victory were the Vision Trike, offering an all luxury three wheeler, with enormous attention to detail and finish. The other attention getter was the naked CORE concept.

Aprilia
Aprilia was focussed on the racetrack with Max Biaggi's race bike on show, plus the new Dorsoduro 1200cc V-twin. Building on its previous 750, the 2011 model is powered by a 90 degree V-Twin, and riders have the choice of Sport, Touring and Rain modes, ensuring a better ride when there's less traction to be found.

Yamaha
Plenty of action coming up from Yamaha in 2011 with the new YZF-R15 (also available with Jorge Lorenzo race kit), the LAMS approved BeeWee 125cc scooter arriving in April alongside the XC125 scooter. Upgraded Yamaha XT1200 and XT660 Adventure bikes were also featured.

Kawasaki
There were 3 new model releases from Kawasaki - the W800, which pays homage to the W1 of 50 years ago, with a unique vintage feel and vertical engine. The popular Ninja 1000 ABS arrives this month, while Chris Vermeulen temporarily abandoned his crutches to reveal the new ZX-10R Ninja. The other good news was the arrival this month of the new Ninja 1000 ABS.

Kymco
This may not be a brand you are familiar with, but certainly one that is a powerhouse globally. Kymco was formed in 1963 in Taiwan, and entered the Australian market in 2008, essentially as a scooter supplier. They are Australia's fastest growing company locally and the largest independent distributor. New scooter models are the Vibe 50, Like 125/200i and the new Super 8 125.
Kymco are also moving into larger motorcycles with the release of the new naked Quannon 125 and the Venox 250, along with increasing their range of ATVs, which they started to retail just 12 months ago.

Triumph
Triumph revealed three new models - the America, which features 'more classic' styling and high wall tyres. The Speedmaster, with chopper styling, low 690mm seat height and fluted handlebars. Both these models will be priced at $13,990.
The final new release for 2011 is the Speed Triple - Triumph's tough street bike. The 1050cc, super naked bike is priced at $17,140. Add $1,000 for ABS. There are also two extra colour choices for the Thunderbird - sapphire blue and red.

BMW
BMW celebrated 30 years of the GS brand, with a walk down 'GS' memory lane, including an original R80 GS. New for 2011 is the K 1600 GT and GTL, offering for the first time from BMW a 6-cylinder, in-line power unit developed in house. With an enlarged engine output of 118kW and a maximum torque of 175Nm, the tourer is equipped for all conditions. The S1000RR was BMW's largest launch this year and will build on this with the GT production bike.

Honda
On a packed stand, the all new CBR250R was revealed in a bevy of beautiful girls and shower of fireworks. This 'high volume' model arrives in March in standard and ABS models. Also making its mark in the scooter market is the Honda PCX scooter.
Also of great interest is the Honda Crossrunner, a combination naked and adventure style machine. Powered by an 800cc V4 motor, upright seating position and wide handlebar configuration Honda say the Crossrunner offers the best of both riding experiences.

Hyosung
Hyosung sang the strengths of the 700cc Aquilia classic range, and the GV 650 in LAMs mode. Arriving in 2011 is the GT 260R with new graphics.

Husqvarna
Plenty of action on the Husky stand with the first public appearance of the new Husqvarna TE 449, TE 511 and TC 449. Also on show were the new TE 310, TE 630, SM 630 and the Minicross model CR 50.

Can-Am
Matching the super sleek Spyder RT trike is a matching new trailer that features integrated vehicle stability when towed behind the RT. The Spyder trailer is priced at $6,990. The ST Commander SSV ATV is another modern all-purpose machine on offer from BRP in Australia.

Suzuki
This year Suzuki celebrated the 25th anniversary of the GSX-R and the 50th anniversary of the company's racing involvement.
Two new models revealed were the GSX-R750, GSX-R 600 along with upgraded 2011 Street bikes. The RM-Z450 has a number of improvements for 2011 including a new cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, throttle body, camshafts and valve springs.

Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi rolled out a modern classic in the V7 Café racer, plus the new NORGE GT 8V ABS, which will arrive in February, priced from $23,990. Guzzi adventure bikes are also on their way with the Stelvio NTX and ABS.