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motorcycle touring holiday Germany Europe classic Ducati Bimota Superbike experience
Intermot International Motorcycle show in Cologne October 2012
The KTM stand was certainly the most crowded on the day.
Partly because of the new Adventure model.
A new Trophy from Triumph, but the similarity to the BMW RT was underwhelming.
At least they could continue to attract with their more original models.
The BMW stand was vast and very well laid out.
Interesting to see that they still stock parts for a lot of vintage models.
The 6 cylinder K1600 launched here 2 years ago.
It looks like electric vehicles are being taken seriously by BMW.
Of course the model that most visitors want to see is the new GS, with complete new styling and a new engine.
An old style GS modification for the current model shown on the Wünderlich stand.
And a very cool HP2 styled sidecar outfit,
called: HP3.
Clean and fresh Ducati stand,
didn't show any new models, but was anyway good to look around at the current ones.
A race prepared Panigale on the Wieres accessory and parts stand.
Far away in hall 10, another Desmoseidieci.
The Horex presence increased this year with 3 models on show,
and some engine details, such as these angled pistons for the clever narrow angle V6.
Final price is 21,700 euros.
A great chance to see the insides of the engine.
Kawasaki showed the 40 year history of the KH and Z models.
A similarly impressive display by the Kawasaki owners club.
Typical spacious and clean Yamaha stand. Not sure about so much purple though.
Racing blue with grey or black was more impressive.
Usual variety of models on the Suzuki stand.
Most interesting bikes however were the ones that you can't buy, not from Suzuki anyway. A lightly modified Katana,
and a racing version.
I prefer Katanas to be in original condition. However a race modified GS1000S would be very cool.
Honda's Fireblade in HRC colouring or,
the evergreen Repsol Moto GP replica.
The race bike certainly looks better every year.
Historical RC30 racer, which I saw racing at Oschersleben Biketoberfest the previous weekend.
Nearby the RC30 owners club stand with a fantastic display including RC45 and RC50 (NR)
Swiss, European and Japanese spec RC30s,
and a stripped race version, no wonder these bikes are going up in value.
Peter Rubatto's Bimota YB4 seems to be everywhere this year, luckily.
More fresh colours for the Moto Guzzi V7.
And a 750 cup Laverda first shown here in 1996.
It wasn't so long ago, that I saw this revival of the famous Münch brand here at Cologne. Apparantly there are still 1 or 2 available for sale from the very small number that were finally built at very high cost.
Münch has recently become active again with the racing e-bikes.
Always nice to see a classic Münch Mammut too.
Motorrad classic magazine made a great display of motorcycling icons,
including a square case Ducati 750SS,
and an original Yamaha V max.
Another racing classic is this Moto Martin.
Harton? Harley Davidson sportster engine in a Norton featherbed frame on the Ace cafe stand.
Plus a more normal? Triton.
This is something new: Harley Sporster engine in a Ducati chassis, called Haduc!
Custom and cafe competition.
Lots of very fresh ideas to be seen.
Thunderbike showed their incredible 'paintless' show bike.
Brilliant details on this stunning one off.
Chopped hot rod was the main attraction on the 'Rusty Pistons' clothing stand.
Vintage Indians.
More vintage Indians. The patinered model behind could be my pick of the show.
The Zündapp owners stand showed a great variety of these cult bikes.
Monotracer is the newest generation of the famous Eco bike.
Bikes meet art on the Pirelli stand.
Art meets bike on the 'giants of steel', handmade steelworks stand.
Well worth the visit, especially to meet up with some friends. Thanks for the night out guys; we will definitely do it agian,
and get back safe and dry.