Gallery: Best of AMID show 2012
2012-08-27 13:51
BIKERS DELIGHT AT AMID 2012: Two-wheeled enthusiasts were well pleased as 66 motorcycle exhibitors showed off their products, such as the Ural Tourist pictured above.Images: DRIES VAN DER WALT
The National Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg played host the 2012 Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors (AMID) show in August.
This year’s show saw the return of many bike makers to South Africa as well as the launch of new models.
STEVE McQUEEN TRIBUTE
In addition to the return of Husqvarna, Benelli and Moto Guzzi, Big Boy Scooters, the country’s biggest-selling bike brand, unveiled its ST300F, a bike aimed at the entry-level and commuter market.
It's expected to retail for around R20 000, bringing another contender into this popular market segment.
BMW also showed off its maxi scooters, the C600 Sport and C650 GT. Despite the nomenclature each will be powered by a 647cc parallel-twin engine capable of 44kW. The lighter (and cheaper) of the two, the C600 Sport, is said to be able to reach 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
IMAGE GALLERY
Other notable models on display were Yamaha’s jet fighter-themed Ténéré and Triumph’s Steve McQueen Edition Bonneville.
Based on the Bonneville T100, the Steve McQueen Edition has been styled along the lines of the Triumph Trophy TR6 which McQueen rode to fame in the movie The Great Escape.
According to Réhann Coetzee, AMiD’s national director, there were 66 exhibitors, the biggest display yet by local motorcycle distributors and retailers.
Coetzee said that Gauteng transport authorities were showing openness for the motorcycle industry in terms of easing the barriers of entry for the public to use two-wheelers. "We have had contact with the authorities in terms of a number of aspects relating to making two-wheelers more popular as a convenient and economical form of transport for commuters in South Africa.
"Two wheelers, motorcycles and scooters, are a major form of transport for individuals in most developing countries in Asia and certain regions of Africa, but this has not yet become a trend here in South Africa."
