An impressive 70,289 bike fans visited the 16th annual Swiss-Moto show in Zurich in February to see "more than 400 top brands", with the biggest visitor draws for 2019 said to have been the special ‘Switzerland: Bikers' Paradise’ exhibition, featuring augmented reality technology, a visit from Hollywood star Keanu Reeves (Arch Motorcycles), a tribute to three times 125cc World Champion and Switzerland’s greatest motorcycle racing hero Luigi Taveri, and the world’s most expensive motorbike.
Among this year’s trends were the rise of electronic systems such as eCall emergency call systems and bending lights, technology for connecting smartphones with motorbikes and the entry of two major brands – Harley-Davidson and Vespa – into the electromobility segment with some promising electric bikes.
Swiss-Moto organiser Yves Vollenweider was delighted with how the event turned out. “The number of bike fans who travelled here, the positive feedback from exhibitors and the huge level of media interest once again showed that Swiss-Moto is an important platform for the motorcycle industry in Switzerland. We are particularly proud that the new DynaVolt Intact GP Moto2 team, made up of Tom Lüthi, Marcel Schrötter and Jesko Raffin, chose Swiss-Moto as the occasion to present their new machines for the first time.”
Star of ‘The Matrix’ Keanu Reeves and custom motorbike guru Gard Hollinger added a touch of Hollywood glamour as they unveiled their ARCH Motorcycle brand with Swiss motorbike specialists Speedbox. Visitors also enjoyed the accompanying events, from the country’s most beautiful bike tours and Alpine passes, all brought to life with augmented reality technology on the largest aerial map of Switzerland ever produced, to the launch of a Viking-inspired chopper bike built in Lucerne over a 14-year period.
The Swiss-Custom Customizing & Tuning Show, integrated into Swiss-Moto, saw leading AMD World Championship competitor Dorin Racz from Romania win the Rat’s Hole award (with 'Rise of Anarchy’), Swiss customiser Stephane Grand scoop the special 'Emirates Pick' award, and customising pro Brian Buttera winning the 'Best in Show' prize. Swiss-Moto 2020: 20-23 February at Messe Zürich.
www.swiss-moto.ch
