form with interchangeable parts
and matching engines.
It only took another two years
until Ducati made its move with the
Monster. Designer Miguel Galluzzi
said of the Monster that “All you need
is: a saddle, tank, engine, two wheels,
and handlebars,” which was of course
not quite right – a dash of genius
helped too.
Management changes at the German
motorcycle industry association meant
that the show was moved to Munich
from 1998 and renamed INTERMOT.
It broke its connection with the
bicycle industry and concentrated
on powered two wheelers. I’m not
sure this was a good idea, at least
the move; Munich is not as close to
the centre of Europe as Cologne is,
and numbers of attendees shrank. In
2006, the show returned to Cologne.
Since then it has been thrilling
motorcyclists and informing the
industry in the new trade fair
buildings on the old site, and I have
been making the loyal trek across
the Rhine from my various hotels to
make sure I was up to date with all
the latest from across the globe.
Of course the outstanding local
beer and relaxed atmosphere in the
restaurants along the Rhine haven’t
hurt, either...
This year INTERMOT expectsnearly 1000 exhibitors, 200,000
visitors and media from 105
countries, including me from
Australia. The stars come out
in a big way. Of course all the
information from the major
launches is available on the web
as soon as it is released at the
show, but there are many small
manufacturers with fascinating
goodies who are only accessible if
you’re right there. Not to mention
the roar of the engines and the
smell of the crowd...
Every year, I meet a few of our
readers or advertisers over there for
the show. Might be you this year!A demonstration of the Bear’s
First Law of Motorcycle Shows:
when things are going well in the
industry, the girls on the show
stands are predominantly blondes.The big hit at the 2014 INTERMOT was
Ducati’s Scrambler. Hey, I bought one...