BMW wins the Paris "Best of Show"

Getting a group of international motorcycle designers to agree unanimously on the best design from all the new models introduced over the past year may sound ambitious. But that is precisely what took place at the 2005 Paris "Mondial du Deux Roues" recently, although as expected, the resulting debate was both lengthy and intense.

Eight models were shortlisted during the MDA's Designers' Night, hosted by the show organisers, on press day, 30 September. The task then left to the jury was to select one overall winner to receive the accolade "Best of Show". The criteria covered innovation, clarity of concept and the integration of bodywork with mechanical components, as well as overall aesthetic appeal.

Among the contenders were Odyssey Motorcycle's X-Rod, a muscular custom bike derived from the Harley-Davidson V-Rod, Yamaha's impressive MT-0S study, the bold new Kawasaki ER-6n, the Triumph Daytona 675 and the Suzuki GSR. Even the Polaris Revolver, a striking concept Quad, was under consideration.

After three hours evaluating the models on the stands, the decision was split between the Yamaha R6 and BMW's HP2. It was an extremely close contest, but the final verdict came down in favour of the extrovert Bavarian.

"The HP2 impressed the jury by its simplicity and clarity of concept", explains Glynn Kerr, co-founder and President of the Motorcycle Design Association. "It is a strong statement, almost Ducati-like in its minimalism, and yet still every bit a BMW. It's a perfect example of how less can mean more."

Jean-Michel Cavret, Director of BMW France's motorcycle division, accepted the "Best of Show" trophy on the BMW stand on the first public day of the show.