The Year in Review

By Mirage

With new technology coming to the forefront of motorcycle design, the inevitable updates of existing models and the introductions of new models, 2009 was a stellar year to be a motorcycle enthusiast. Of course each year that passes has its low points and 2009 was no exception but before we all drown our sorrows in a pint of Guinness, let’s start with some of the high points that this past year brought us.

Starting with motorcycle manufacturers I think the biggest news has to go to BMW for introducing its new sport bike – the S 1000RR. They didn’t just “stick a toe” in the water of the sport bike pool, rather they did a swan dive smack dab in the center of it. The jury’s still out on its success but from the preliminary reviews and the number of pre-orders it looks like BMW may have hit a home run.

Not to be outdone by their neighbors, Austrian manufacturer KTM illustrated that they’re a company that just doesn’t produce dirt bikes as they “pumped up” their existing sport bike contribution with the 1198 RC8R.

The Japanese foursome didn’t let 2009 go by without displaying a little fanfare of their own. Honda resurrected the VFR nameplate to produce an all new VFR 1200F, Kawasaki revamped its ZX-10R, Suzuki continued its tradition of enhancing its GSXR product line and with Yamaha’s successful implementation of its cross plane crankshaft for the R1 engine, they created their vision of the ultimate sport tourer – the FJR 1300A.

The European motorcycle manufacturers weren’t sippin’ cappuccinos and eating biscotti for months on end while their Japanese counterparts were building motorcycles. On the contrary as Aprilia demonstrated that they could take the RSV 1000 platform to another level with the release of the RSV4 and with its Mana model featuring a more refined auto drive mode, they’ve captured some riders who might have been looking elsewhere.

Ducati wasn’t sitting idly by either as they showed the world what they thought a true street fighter should be. If that wasn’t enough the “baby” Hypermotard 796 model blurred the line between pure sport bike and urban dweller.

Sport bikes weren’t the only motorcycle segment to see positive changes as choppers, cruisers and off-road bikes got some much needed attention from many well known companies as well as some newly formed start-up’s. Case in point: Victory introduced its new Vegas models that now have a new Freedom V-Twin 1,634cc (or 1,703cc) engine and Govecs, a German based manufacturer unveiled two new electric scooters: the SC and SR.

Unfortunately not all motorcycle manufacturers fared well in 2009’s difficult economic climate. Harley Davidson saw the need to close its Buell division and sell off the recently acquired MV Augusta. Combine those unfriendly media decisions with a recent recall of over 110,000 motorcycles because of a threat of gasoline leaking in the event of a frontal collision and 2009 is probably a year HD would like to forget.

Looking past Harley’s problems and towards what motorcycles were built - let’s go racing! MotoGP racing for 2009 was simply spectacular. Rossi won his 9th championship but runner-up Jorge Lorenzo’s skill and style improved greatly so who knows what will happen in 2010. Add in newly crowned WSBK champion Ben Spies to the mix and the upcoming MotoGP season is surely going to be a joy to watch. 

As mentioned Ben “Elbowz” Spies took the WSBK championship but it went to the bitter end with him ultimately winning and denying Noriyuki Haga his first ever WSBK championship. With Ben’s departure though that leaves the door wide open for the likes of Michel Fabrizio, Max Biaggi, Jonathan Rea or Troy Corser to win the 2010 title.

What about the AMA? Ahh yes, the premiere American motorcycle series. Sadly this was one of the low points of 2009 on many levels. Changing rules, soap opera type arguments and management who at times seem to loathe its riders did not make for a good season of racing or for being a fan. Combine the fact that Honda, Kawasaki and Buell will no longer participate in this series and we racing fans might have to say to our children “I remember when…”

That said, congratulations to Mat Mladin for winning his 8th superbike championship but as the old saying goes “all good things must come to an end” and that was apparent when Mat announced his retirement this past July. 

So now that 2009 is in the record books what does 2010 look like? It’s difficult to predict what the future holds (if I was any good at it I’d be able to pick the winning lotto numbers) but I do see electric bikes and scooters becoming a larger segment than they already are. Consumerism will still carry on and depending on how the U.S. recovery goes more incentives could be added by manufacturers to sell high inventories if the cut-back in their production wasn’t fully achieved in 2009.

Convenience will become more of a focal point for designers when they create new models for the upcoming buying season. Whether it’s incorporating a standard outlet to plug-in your radar detector/GPS or something as simple as adding a gas gauge to the dash; these types of items will gain in importance.

I also think that manufacturers will offer more “package deals” that includes road side assistance, protective gear, premiere membership to their organization (think Ducatisti) and scheduled maintenance. The philosophy of having customers live and breathe the product is a long standing marketing ploy (ahem, Nascar anyone?) but I think the benefits here outweigh any concerns anyone may have about becoming a spokesman for “the man.”

However 2010 unfolds here’s hoping that the year is full of beautiful weather, safe riding and time well spent with friends and family. Happy New Year!