What to expect at the Melbourne Expo

The 2008 Melbourne Motorcycle Expo opens tommorrow. Here’s what you can expect to see from the manufacturers.

The Melbourne Motorcycle Expo kicks off tommorrow, and as always, will show case the latest models available. Here’s a quick run down on what will be on show.

BMW Motorrad will display its versatile F800 GS and F650 GS models, perfect for riders who enjoy a mix of road and off-road experiences. The G 450 X, which made its debut here in 2007 as a prototype, returns in 2008 as a production model after extensive testing in the white-hot fires of world endurance competition.

The distinctive red livery of Ducati’s range is sure to capture attention, with the manufacturer showcasing a comprehensive range of its new models, including the Superbike, Monster 696, Hypermotard and Multistrada, amongst others. Visitors can experience this iconic Italian marque’s exhilarating performance and styling up close. Stop Press! Ducati has confirmed the appearance of its incredible new Monster 1100 on the eve of the event.

Harley-Davidson puts an all-new chassis under its popular Touring models for 2009, redesigned from the tyres up for a responsive ride and enhanced capacity and comfort. The newest models, including the Sportster XR1200, VRSC Muscle and Softail Heritage Classic, preserve the manfacturer’s authentic heritage and design.

A hugely popular exhibitor, Honda returns to the event in 2009 with another comprehensive lineup of new models for visitors of all ages and budgets. The DN-01 cruiser introduces an advanced, fully automatic transmission for lovers of the open road. Performance enthusiasts can check out the award-winning CBR1000RR, or hit the dirt with the new CRF450R sporting an advanced EFI system.

Austrian manufacturer KTM will be hard to miss, with the stand and range livery an eyecatching orange. A range of ATV, minicycle, motocross, road and off-road and adventure models will be on display, all influenced by KTM’s ‘Ready to Race’ motto.

Kawasaki will take wraps off its new motocrossers, with the KX250F and KX450F both sporting a new frame, engine and suspension setup. An evolution of the 2007 Ninja ZX-6R, the 2009 6R is set to take the performance of its track-oriented predecessor to a higher level. The manufacturer will also unveil its first full-dress V-Twin, the Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS.

BRP Australia returns with its revolutionary Can-Am Spyder, a three-wheeled paradigm-shifting powersports vehicle designed for the open road. It offers all of the open-air benefits of a motorcycle and many of the peace-of-mind features of a car, something not traditionally found in open-road riding. The manufacturer will also showcase its diverse range of ATV models, including the Outlander and Outlander MAX, as well as the Renegade and DS.

Yamaha’s lineup will include additions to its 2009 showcase, with the YZF-R1 sporting a MotoGP-inspired crossplane crankshaft, the first to feature on a production motorcycle. The new VMax bristles with control technologies including fuel injection, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake and Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle that offer linear delivery for its astonishing 200bhp and arm wrenching 166nM of torque. Plus check out the newest incarnation of the YFZ450R, sporting a higher power output coupled with superior handling.

Suzuki will preview its flagship GSX-R, the ’09 GSXR-1000, boasting a lighter, more-powerful and more-responsive new 999cc engine, all-new chassis and suspension, an enhanced brake package plus new styling. Other highlight models include the Boulevard M90 cruiser, and the 650cc, V-Twin- powered Gladius with a unique and distinctive look.

The world’s most expensive production motorcycle, the F4 CC returns to MV Agusta’s display for 2009 following an incredible reception at the previous event. The manufacturer will also showcase the new F4 1078 RR 312, described as ‘the ultimate cocktail of power and controlled aggression’.

Husqvarna will present a number of new additions to its lineup of widely-acclaimed enduro machines. The WR300 is the result of high demand for machines greater than 250cc, a perfect replica of the class 3 Enduro World Championship Series winner capable of superb power output. The TE 310 is another new model created to meet demand, featuring a renewed frame, wave type brake discs, high performance exhaust plus more.

Triumph’s Street Triple R will make its first public launch in Australia, and the class-leading middleweight street fighter is sure to impress showgoers. Brimming with racetrack technology, the motorcycle features a fuel-injected 675cc three-cylinder unit, with a new, fully-adjustable suspension unit and a premium braking package derived from the iconic Daytona 675.

Piaggio’s MP3 made waves when it was launched last year, and its newest model, the MP3 400 features the ‘Master’ 400cc liquid-cooled four-valve engine, producing 25Kw at 7500rpm and 38Nm of torque at 6500rpm, while meeting strict Euro emission standards. The unique design offers unsurpassed safety and stability levels, especially on uneven and wet surfaces, as well as the tram tracks of Melbourne.

Hyosung will display its range of tourers and sports cruisers at the event. The GT650S Tourer offers riders the luxury of throw-over panniers, heated hand grips, an aero screen and luggage rack for those long-distance rides. The GV650 Aquila is a proven all-round sports cruiser, responsive on all road surfaces for a perfect ride each time.

Victory Motorcycles is set to take the Aussie market by storm, introducing its iconic range of American motorcycles to the Melbourne public. Highlights will include the Victory Vegas Jackpot, featuring a 250mm rear tyre, colour-matched frame and chrome front end and the Victory Vision Street, a luxury tourer engineered for comfort delivering a smooth ride and unbeatable power.

Aprilia will uncover the Dorsudoro SMV 750 at an exclusive public launch at 5.15pm on Thursday (Oct 30). The Dorsoduro is powered by a 750 cc, 95 hp, liquid cooled engine with a second generation ride-by-wire control system. This exciting new motorcycle combines power and agility, sports construction and essential design, and incorporates the best features of racing supersport and supermotard machines.

Moto Guzzi will unveil two of its new models at 5.15pm also. The V7 Classic retains the character and heritage of the original 1967 model, updated with class-leading equipment levels, frame engineering and 750cc Euro 3 engine. The Stelvio 1200 4V has been designed and developed to brave any destination, devouring kilometres of roads and even off-road surfaces. Inspired by off-road bikes, it introduces new intense shapes and a dynamic energy that evokes the feeling of adventure, long routes; the most extreme use.

The event opens at 4pm tomorrow, Thursday October 30, and runs to 9pm. Opening hours on Friday and Saturday are 10am – 9pm. The final day of the event, Sunday November 2, will run from 10am – 5pm. Tickets start at just $13 for children, though for value, visitors can’t go past a family pass (2 adults and 2 children) for just $44.

Visit www.australianmotorcycleepxo.com.au for all the latest event information.