The 2014 edition of Sobre2Ruedas in Alicante was smaller than in previous years but still managed to pack in a few new models namely the Yamaha MT-07, the new V-Strom 1000 range from Suzuki and the revised Z1000 from Kawasaki. The car park was packed on Saturday afternoon when we attended and had to park on the road outside and walk.
After a few years of being linked to the Antic Autos show, with classic bikes and cars on display, this year as in 2013 the show was on at the same time as the new car show, which is a shame as it cuts down the appeal to bikers. There was a distinct lack of entertainment also, no trials display or cycle stunt riders to enjoy and the show was relegated to the smaller of the two halls with priority going to the cars.
Maybe this is a sign of the times, with bike sales at a low due to there leisure image. However the show was well attended on Saturday and Sunday with people trying on helmets and jackets from the traders. We noticed a good number of people filling in order forms for new bikes mostly on the Suzuki stand.
Suzuki had a full compliment of bikes on display with the new V-strom 1000 range taking centre stage and looking rather good along with the GSR750 and my favourite GSXR750.
Kawasaki had the Z800 and Z1000 on display to name but a few, with there futuristic appearance they where getting a lot of attention. Super nakeds seem to be the order of the day at the moment with cool styling and more than enough power combined with a good level of practicality they can be a good alternative to a sports bike or large scooter.
Indian and Victory made an impression with there custom cruiser style they are always good to look at.
Honda had a good range of nakeds with the new NC and CB models on display and a couple of CRF. It would have been nice to have seen a CB1100EX or the new Fireblade, but you can't have everything.
Triumph where well covered with a range of Tiger 800's, Speed Triple Scrambler, Bonnevile etc. they also had the Triumph Alicante special edition scrambler as featured in Motociclismo which was great to see.
Yamaha's new MT-07, which has had rave reviews in the press, made a showing which I almost missed as well as the rather cool looking SV950.
Ducati's were a bit thin on the ground and no showing from KTM was a shame but at the end of the day Sobre2Ruedas is just a regional bike show and as such is still worth going to see. Linking it with the Antic Autos appeared to work better as it attracted more bikers and trade stands, maybe this format will return in the future.
Enjoy the Slide show....