2011 models

It is by this time of the year when the manufacturers show up some news about next year's market. Let's see a bit of what I found so far.

In the end -if this is really the end- of the world crisis; new models are hard to be found as many manufacturers haven't sold 2010 or even 2009 bikes.

Triumph has done the homework and they really are producing new bikes. We have examples of the new Tiger or the amazing Speed Triple. Here it is the new Thunderbird Storm. They have made an evident change according to nowadays' standards, they've changed the bike into black. Then they've put new handlebars but keeping the bike pretty much the same and with the same frame, the result is fantastic. Want more? the twin headlights taken from the Rocket III and the kit bore, which increases the bike into a 1700cc with 100 horse power. Big numbers.

 Suzuki is redisigning all their cruisers in order to make them follow the amazing Intruder 1800cc. However what you see here is the 800cc Intruder. This is a great bike, one of the greatest if you allow me. In Europe is one of the best rides you can choose as it's affordable and very realiable. But let's be honest. This bike was much better before, it looks a bit skinny after having seen the big one. Suzuki should have gone for the originality and keep the model as it was before and not just try to sell us an imitation of the big bike. I'd rather go for the classic Intruder.

 Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero. The now typical 1700cc with a new outfit. For me this is one of the best models of the year. We know how good kawas are nowadays, producing a range of the best cruisers all over the world. This bike's look is amazing. A lighter tourer was something I wouldn't expect from them after cracking the planet with last year's new models, but it was too bulky maybe. So here it is the amazing Vaquero. A cowboy in bikes.

 Honda, as also Kawasaki is doing, is well aware of the new predominance in the world of bikes of Triumph. They had never gone away but we know they stopped production. Now everyone wants to have a Bonneville. The most obvious bike to do it was the Shadow. A 750cc V-Twim -yeap, this bike comes from a Harley imitation- that is so reliable that its owners claim it never breaks down. The british ride and the café racers are back and this bike really suits the market. Lovely curves and easy handling and some Honda specs. I think it's lovely.

And the good news is there will be more models to come up this year!