Sorry didnt see anyone there.
I took a ton of pictures but don't know a way to post them.
anyway, the highlights:
I went there to look at the new Yamaha FZ-1. Has all the features you've read about, seemed comfy, perhaps a little more upright than the Bandit. Seems like the original FZ-1 is also that way. It's really trick styling. I like the muffler, frame & inverted forks. You can also see the rear shock straight on from the rear through a space in the rear fender. I didnt like some of the cheap black plastic inside the fairing, my guess is that's pre-production and some of the details and edges will be smoothed in production. List was $9099, thats $200 less than three dealer quotes, it's probably wrong.
No Bandit in 06, even though they've improved the model elsewhere. The Suzi rep said that the new naked 1300 'Busa machine (GS- B-King) would be out next year and would replace the Bandit in US. I hope it's not too heavy and offers a windsheild fairing as an option.
The special white Busa is a knock out.
Suzi has new 1800V twin cruiser (the Boulevard 109 or something) that has a really nice style job with integrated headlight, radiator, rear fender & fat rear tire. I heard a cruiser guy say it was the prettiest bike he's ever seen.
Kaw is offerring a new 1400 Busa killer. Has a cheese grater fairing.
Nothing new at Honda.
Yamaha R6 is the most advanced sportbike I've ever seen. 17.5 redline! Barge Boards on the fairing. Seat is taller than the B12.
Triumph wasn't there. They were doing test rides at a local dealer.
Italians were neat as always. There's a new Guzzi called the Griza. Just beuatiful. MV had a big display....pretttiest bikes on the planet.
Ducati had the Paul Smart replica and all the usual stuff.
Beemer had the new models there this year including that Boxer that looks like a stripped as motocrosser. Beemer is carrying 2003-2005 models in their catalog.
I ended up buying a new Phoenix 4.0 jacket for $120, no tax. It's cool & has a rain insert. Real CE padding. Red and in my size.
all for now
John 98 Red B12