Motorcycle Insurance

Suzuki has unveiled Chris Vermeulen as part of its 2006 MotoGP squad.

The International Motorcycle Show at Birmingham's NEC provided the backdrop for the event.

Having ridden for the Camel Honda team in the last two rounds of World Super Bikes Vermeulen officially announced his departure from the series and will take his place in the Suzuki squad from November alongside returning rider John Hopkins.

Motorcycle Insurance - Get a quote now!

Hopkins has signed a two-year extension to his contract and will hope to emulate the success of Troy Corser who was also on the stand after celebrating his victory for Suzuki in World Superbikes.

Elsewhere on the Suzuki stand the full 2006 range was unveiled. The only completely new machine on show was the GSR600, which lined up alongside the GSX-R family, the V-Storm DL650 and 1000.

Not to be outdone, Suzuki's major rival Honda also unveiled a batch of new bikes including the CB1000F, the revised VFR800 VTEC and the 2006 FireBlade. According to the firm the 'Bladehas been updated with a revised rear suspension system new engine characteristics and an altered steering angle.

Less technical changes were revealed for the Goldwing, which has received a heated seat and heated armrests.