Zurich International Show

ZURICH INTERNATIONAL SHOW

R. L. PRICE

THERE ARE MORE things coming out of Switzerland these days than cheese and watches. For the third straight year, Zürich has presented an international bicycle and motorcycle exhibit that earns for it a place on the world motorcycle map. Some 20 manufacturers from 10 countries filled three floors of Züspa Hall, with everything from bicycle pedals to a 700cc V-twin Moto Guzzi.

(Continued on page 115)

Dominating the exhibit were bicycles and mopeds, both of which play a significant role in the personal transport of Europeans. Aside from them, the exhibit is significant in the presentation of the 360cc two-stroke singles by Greeves, Husqvarna, Maico, CZ and Jawa. Supposedly, all are in production now, as opposed to previous versions only available in prototype.

Greeves introduced both a road racer and a motocross version, whereas the other makes showed only their motocross models. Greeves also displayed a complement of 250s. Both Bultaco and Montesa represented the Spanish two-stroke technique with trials and scramblers versions, but nothing especially new. Suzuki displayed their production, 250cc road racer, along with the rest of their already-announced products, and Kawasaki displayed their 250cc disc-valved bomb.

The biggest attraction in the four-stroke department is the rebirth of one of the world's most famous motorcycles, the Vincent. Just enough Swiss mechanics crawled out of their watch factories to redesign the brute to modern standards. First came a new backbone frame with shock absorbers in the rear instead of under the seat. Next, Ceriani forks were fitted along with the 18-inch wheels and a Fontana (four leading shoe) front brake. A stylish, fiberglass tank completes the outside features. Within, valve gear and cams were given a redesign by the world's best time-keepers, who also modified Manx-Norton parts for the big ends. All other mechanical components are manufactured in England. The l,000cc twin is available in special tune to 75 hp for those who feel the

standard 60 hp just can't pull hard enough, and a 500cc version is also available. The new Vincent sells in Switzerland for $ 1,650. but new-world riders can expect a price tag of at least $2 per cc.

Noticeably lacking from the exhibit was Friedel Mtinch's beast, the Mammut and, though Triumph was well represented, their alleged three cylinder 750 was not. The Zürich show also failed to attract any BMW products which were also absent from the earlier Earls Court show. It's true that BMW motorcycle production has moved to Berlin, but they have had prototypes of a new, large displacement machine in tests for over a year. And just how long can they keep an anxious public awaiting its announcement?

Honda Motor Company presented all their wares at Earls Court with nothing new and saw no reason to repeat themselves on the continent. Italian firms, except for Guzzi, were so absent one wonders if they got the word. Ducati missed, and a prolonged silence about their "Apollo" can lead the motorcycling public to just one, pessimistic conclusion. Count Agusta did not make it with his supposedly scheduled-for-production, 600cc four-cylinder, nor did Laverda with their Honda-looking 650-twin, also supposedly scheduled for production.

The basement floor was devoted entirely to parts and accessories, most of which pertained to bicycles or mopeds. The few interesting-looking shop items, like air compressors, turned out to be American made. Unlike Earls Court, no sidecars were presented in Zürich, not even the new, Swiss-made, fiberglass streamliner.

In general, the Swiss exhibit was well received and like their cheese, in very good taste, but with a few holes. ■