The 2007 Sofia Motor Show is dedicated to four-wheel motor vehicles, so two-wheelers – motorcycles, are more of an additional attraction than a serious element of the Expo.
Even so, the hellish traffic in Sofia and Bulgaria’s other major cities has pushed a growing number of people to start thinking about an alternative to their cars.
Scooters and motorbikes are an option, and this means that sales of motorcycles are growing every year. Fans of motorbikes will have a lot to see at the 2007 Sofia Motor Show.
Vespa, the classic Italian brand with more than 60 years of history behind it, presents its PX 150 model. The design looks back over the years with a retro-styled fuel tank, spare tyre and manual gears.
With Gilera, the most interesting model is the RCR 50, targeted at young people with a sporting spirit. The model most suitable for in-town use is the SMT 50.
The three-wheeler Piaggio MP3 250 RL is expected to attract great interest at the Auto Union exhibition stand. The revolutionary scooter has two wheels at the front and one at the back, with parallelogram suspension and electro-hydraulic control. This solution means a comfortable ride, stability on the road and 20 per cent shorter braking distance. Suziki’s brightest star is the new generation sport motorbike, the CSX-R 1000, known by its fans as the K-7. The revolutionary element of the GSX-R 1000 is its unique integrated option for the driver to change the rhythm of the engine in the process of riding, which is unprecedented in a motorbike. In comparison with the previous generation of motorbikes, the power of the engine has been boosted to 200 hp. The entirely new aluminium aerodynamic shape of Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K-7 ensures better stability for the bike and better protection from oncoming wind.
Another attraction at Suzuki’s stand is the enduro-tourer motorbike, the V-Storm 1000, equipped with lots of accessories, such as luggage compartments, protective shield and even navigation devices. The bike offers a comfortable and wide seat with good view clearance. It comes with a two-cylinder V-type engine, 996cc and 104 Nm at 6400 rpm. In total, seven bikes will be on show at the Suzuki stand.
Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi, which has 86 years of tradition in bike manufacturing, is also represented at the 2007 Sofia Motor Show. It presents its modern versions of the classics – Norge, Breva, California Vintage, Griso, Nevada, among others. They come with a wide range of engine types with individual options, including ABS and an electronic anti-theft system.
Of course, popular and world-renowned manufacturers Yamaha and Honda will be at the show.
Honda’s new models are five from the so-called “naked” class. Interest is concentrated on the CB 600 model and on the custom-made VT 750C model.
In the supersport category, of particular interest are the CBR600RR and the CBR125. The motocross segment is represented by the CRF250X, which is shown for the first time. For scooter fans, the thrill will be the view of the SH150, NSS250OEXR and PES125 models.
Although Yamaha doesn’t show premieres of new motorbikes, fans are able to view six motorbikes, three scooters and two ATB (four wheeled off-road machines) models. All are on the current Yamaha sales list. For the duration of the Expo’ the models are on sale at a special discount; ask at the stand for further details.
A final fascinating fact about the motorcycle element of the Expo is that for the first time in Bulgaria, models in the legendary Italian Garelli brand, established in 1919 by Alberto Garelli, are on display.
