INTERMOT 2016: worth a ride!
Anyone who has already been there can only confirm it. For everyone else, a visit to the INTERMOT in Cologne is more than worthwhile. The largest motorcycle fair in the world will take place approximately 2 hours away from October 6 to 9!
Alternating with the EICMA in Milan, INTERMOT is the most important event in the world for all brands active in the motorcycle market. And you can interpret that broadly. From motorcycle brands, clothing manufacturers to specialists in parts and accessories. They are all present at INTERMOT. Of course there is a lot of attention for touring motorcycles, choppers, ultra-fast belly sliders and other road motorcycles, but that does not alter the fact that there is also a lot to experience in terms of off-road. All the novelties from Airoh, factory riders from the MXGP and MX2, enduro, trial or Dakar... You just come across them! And that's not all...
EXHIBITORS
To list all the exhibitors that are interesting for motocross and enduro riders would take us too far. That list starts with 6D and continues with Alpinestars, Airoh, Arai, DC-Afam, EVS, Gaerne, Honda, Husqvarna, Ixs, Jopa, Kawasaki, Kenny, Kini, Klim, KTM, Leatt, Magura, MXF, ProGrip, Scott, Sidi, Suzuki, TCX, Thor, Wulfsport and of course Yamaha. In short, far too much to list!
Also worthwhile is the Custom Bike competition. With more and more sporting influences, this genre of motorcycles is honestly a lot more appealing than the standard chrome & flames of yesteryear... Although tastes can differ, of course? And who knows, maybe this year another award will be given to our compatriot Freddie Krugger, who won the 2014 Custom Bike Building World Cup in the Freestyle category.
PLENTY OF ACTION
On Saturday you can see the impressive “Sultans of Sprint” at work during the INTERMOT. These ultra-spectacular drag bikes competing against each other on a 1/8 mile drag strip might be worth the trip in itself. Among the participants is the Dutchman Herman Jolink (Jolinkdragracing) with his cool Ducati 1198 RD drag bike! The riders of the e-bike World Challenge will also make an appearance on the drag track. And let acceleration be the weapon of choice for electric motors.
For the first time ever, INTERMOT is also presenting a real dirt track track. This American version of speedway is definitely worth seeing. Martin Hünning and Dr. Robert Allgaier will give demos there. And on both Friday and Saturday, the cream of the German dirt track will be in action in competitions. Traditionally, there is also a lot of attention for bike stunts. The heroes of the stunt world will crush the crowd in the P1 and P8 event zones. Among the participants: Herczeg “Mokus” Balácz, Dirk Manderbach (BMW), Oliver Ronzheimer (Suzuki) and Chris Rid (Kawasaki), Horst Hoffmann and Dominik Csauth (both Suzuki), Arjan de Graaf (V2 Harley), Dennis Jansen (Yamaha). ) and the “Legend Team” stunt crew (Husqvarna, Kawasaki) from Moscow.
Robbie Naumann and his FMX team provide the freestyle motocross show. Those who want even more live action can combine INTERMOT with the 'Night of the Jumps', a round of the FMX World Championship or with the Monster Energy SMX Riders' Cup in Gelsenkirchen. After all, the Veltins arena is only an hour from the Messe in Cologne!
DRIVE YOURSELF
Anyone with a valid motorcycle license can try motorcycles for themselves. From agile single-cylinders to six-cylinders, a total of 100 engines from various brands and all different categories are available.
There is a special test zone for those returning to the test or those who do not yet have a driver's license. Where you can drive under the guidance of an expert. With scooters and motorcycles from 50 to 125cc, it is easier than ever to take your first steps in the wonderful world of motorcycle riding. You can also test drive quads, touring, enduro and even trials motorcycles! Last but not least, there is a wide range of practical and fun electric two-wheelers, both e-bikes and e-scooters. And because it is never too young to start, INTERMOT also offers a “Kids mini test track” in the P8 zone. Here children can try out both motorcycles and quads!
PRACTICAL
Have you heard the thunder in Cologne in the meantime? Are you craving to see all those goodies with your own eyes? A ticket for one day costs 19 euros, but if you order online here you only pay 14 euros. A two-day ticket normally costs 25 euros, but in advance you pay 19 euros.
Children up to 11 years old get in for free. From 12 to 17 you pay 3,5 euros at the box office and 2,5 euros in advance. You can find all practical information here: intermot-cologne.com
Text: Tom Jacobs – Photos: Koelnmesse
Also to read
Gallery: MXGP Portugal 2024 XXL from NiekFotografie
The riders and mechanics had a hard time in Agueda. This also applies to the photographers because the weather conditions were harsh! Yet our #NiekFotografie made this XXL gallery...Jorge Prado in Simon Laengenfelder over Agueda
The Grand Prix of Portugal will be remembered for a long time and may be one for the history books. The heavy rain that descended on Agueda made this 2024 edition a rush…Danee Gelissen on stage in Italy
During the second match of the Italian Women's Championship, Danee Gelissen was allowed to climb onto the podium. The Limburg rider finished second behind Kiara Fontanesi in both heats in Lovolo. The Ceres71 driver starts…VIDEO: Highlights MXGP Portugal 2024
After a two-week break, the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship continued in Portugal. The normally sunny south was treated to lots of water this weekend! Liam Everts made very…
Your reactions