California, Here They Run . . . : The road to 2000 begins in Italy, where the latest bikes that are heading to the Southland are welcomed like arriving royalty. Here, we roll out our own red carpet for the best and the shiniest of the new model year.

MILAN, Italy — Movie stars, politicians, corporate honchos and sports figures filed into a sumptuous ballroom, their entrances illuminated by the flashbulbs of dozens of paparazzi. Awaiting the invited guests were brief speeches and a lavish buffet of elaborate appetizers, pastas, grilled meats and desserts, including dense tortes and bowls brimming with fresh berries.

In Los Angeles, it might have been a ceremony and party to accompany a movie premiere. In New York, a Broadway play’s first night. In any of the world’s cultural capitals, the opening of an art exhibition.

Perhaps only in Italy could such a ceremony mark the unveiling of a new motorcycle.

When the lights came up in the ballroom, there was the Cagiva Raptor, a rather mean-looking bike designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, whose best-known previous creation was Ducati’s phenomenally successful Monster. The politicians and other celebrities flocked to have their pictures taken with the new machine, which looked like something out of the “Transformer” cartoon show.

The scene during the next five days at the 57th Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo e Motociclo--the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exposition, the world’s largest such show of 1999--was far less formal.

Of the hundreds of thousands of people who ventured to Milan’s convention center last week to see what manufacturers worldwide were offering up for 2000, I spotted not one Hells Angel wannabe and hardly anyone sporting more than two colors of hair.

On weekdays, many of the people in attendance were in business attire--I saw a middle-aged woman wearing pearls climb aboard a Ducati 748 and men with suit jackets draped over their shoulders in classic Italian style quietly circle a bike for minutes, taking it in.

In this country, motorcycles are seen as neither emblems of outsiders nor purely utilitarian--they are objects of beauty, delight and power. They are a means by which to express prowess, not attitude.

It was a wonderful, affirming atmosphere in which to see the new products at a time when the motorcycle industry is expanding, especially in the U.S. Here’s hoping that in the future, motorcycling in the U.S. is less about stereotypes and posturing and more about the fun and skill involved in heading down the highway on two wheels.

Judging from what was on view at the show, the trend in motorcycles continues toward lighter, sleeker, faster and smoother, even among cruisers. Harley-Davidson brought to Milan its re-engineered Softail line, which is supposed to greatly ease the Harley vibrato that has rattled the bones of many a rider. And Kawasaki was showing an 800cc version of its Drifter, which is likely to join its 1,500cc big brother in the States in 2000.

The trend continues toward so-called naked bike designs that eliminate the streamlining of plastic fairings in favor of showing more engine machinery. But even among naked bikes, riders seem to be getting more choices from manufacturers in colors and customizing accessories.

One bike not at the show but probably on the mind of every sportbike manufacturer was Kawasaki’s new ZX-12R, a machine chock-full of design innovations that the company hopes will set a new standard among four-cylinder bikes for sleekness and speed. It officially debuts next week.

The following is what was known at press time, through presentations in Milan and elsewhere, about what new street motorcycles--cruisers, standards, sportbikes and tourers--will be seen in the U.S. from major manufacturers worldwide for model year 2000.

BMW

Already at dealers is the R1150GS, a major update of the German manufacturer’s dual-purpose bike for street and light off-road duty. This motorcycle is meant for riders who want to tackle somewhat rugged byways, such as fire trails, but also want a machine that can perform well on freeways and in the canyons. With a seat height of more than 33 inches, it is not for short riders. And like BMW’s cars, it’s not for bargain hunters--the base price is $13,550.

Later this year, the company will unveil an updated F650, its single-cylinder bike, which is expected to get at least a new engine. Other details are still under wraps.

Buell

The only major American manufacturer of sportbikes is coming off a tough year during which every bike it made since 1994 was recalled, voluntarily, to fix one or more problems. This halted production for several months.

Buell, 95%-owned by Harley-Davidson, is hoping to put all that behind with one of the major all-new model introductions of 2000: a single-cylinder bike that company officials promise will have lots of pep for its 500cc size and a “competitive” price tag aimed at entry-level riders. If all goes well, the single will make its public debut in November and then be at dealers early in the new year.

Cagiva

For hard-core sportbike fans, the hand-tooled MV Agusta F4, with carbon-fiber bodywork and gold magnesium wheels, is the stuff dreams are made of. But with a U.S. price of $36,995, this Serie Oro (Gold Series) model won’t make the move from dream state to garage for many. Indeed, the Italian company is making only 300 of these silver-and-red bikes--each individually numbered.

I had the chance to take No. 22 for a brief afternoon ride through lakeside towns and the countryside near Cagiva headquarters north of Milan. Its handling was breathtakingly elegant, even sensuous, as it danced smoothly through curves. As for power, though I never got the F4 higher than third gear on country roads, the bike’s torque politely rocked me back in its petite, single seat.

A “downscale,” slightly heavier version of the bike called the Strada was on display at the Milan show. The Strada, with plastic bodywork and aluminum wheels, was priced at $18,895.

Neither the Serie Oro nor the Strada is an everyday bike--their race-like seating positions would not be appropriate for a long commute, much less touring. They are more appropriate for a sportbike lover with liquid funds and room for a second bike. Both are due to arrive in the U.S. in 2000, but previously announced due dates have come and gone. As for the aforementioned Raptor, company officials say it will not come to the U.S. until at least 2001.

Ducati

Fans of the beautifully rendered bikes from Italy’s leading motorcycle manufacturer will have to wait at least another year for an update to its flagship 996 model. And there was no sign at the show of a rumored production model based on a Mike Hailwood racing bike. So there will be some updates but no blockbuster debuts from Ducati for this model year.

Among the updates on display in Milan were the first significant changes to the company’s best-selling Monster line of bikes that sparked the “naked” bike craze when it debuted in 1992. The Monsters will be available in several new colors (including a speckled fuchsia) and have a tachometer as part of the standard equipment package. All Ducati models will get a lighter clutch, higher handlebars and a more user-friendly side stand--the original was beautiful in its design and impossible to scrape in tight turns, but its automatic flip-up feature gave many riders fits.

Perhaps taking a cue from Harley-Davidson, whose bikes could not be more different, Ducati--now owned by Texas Pacific Group--is expanding the accessory and customizing lineups for all its bikes.

Harley-Davidson

This hugely successful cruiser maker isn’t known for being technologically advanced--it hasn’t had to be. Although Harley engines, handling and brakes are hardly state of the art, the company’s bikes have a loyal following akin to that of a religion.

But for 2000, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer is taking a big technological step forward with its popular Softail( series. These bikes will be powered by the company’s Twin Cam 88 engine, equipped with a new counterbalancing system that is supposed to iron out the pronounced vibration that is traditionally part of every Harley ride.

Perhaps even more important, the Softail as well as the Sportster models are getting upgraded brakes. As usual, the company--the Disney of motorcycling in terms of reaping merchandising profit--will be offering a vast array of accessories.

Honda

This industry giant will seek to reclaim supremacy in the 900cc sportbike class with its all-new CBR929RR, a model the company says will weigh in at an impressively light 375 pounds dry (without fuel or any other liquids) when it becomes available in the spring. The motorcycle features several technical innovations, including an exhaust-management system designed to boost power in the low and mid ranges.

For the less technically minded, the good news is that the 929 has a nice bit of under-seat cargo space, an easy-on-the-eyes instrument package and a handsome price of $9,999.

The Shadow Sabre is a new V-twin cruiser with ample amounts of chrome, a dragster seat and deeply valanced fenders, all meant to attract fans of custom bikes. And good news for shorter riders: The Sabre’s seat rides only about 27 inches above the pavement. Price: $8,199.

The RC51 is Honda’s new 1,000cc V-twin sportbike that can be upgraded for racetrack use. As with the 929, the sticker price is a buyer-friendly $9,999. The company is aiming the base model toward entry-level racers who dream of one day winning a coveted spot on the Superbike race circuit.

Kawasaki

Maybe there’s a secret bike out there somewhere, just waiting to be sprung on an unsuspecting motorcycle world in 2000. Barring that, it’s safe to say the most talked-about debut of the year will be the ZX-12R, a sleek motorcycle with bold design innovations.

For example, its gas tank is under the seat and its ram-air system pressurizes an air box that sits in the traditional gas-tank position. The result is a motorcycle that is notably streamlined in appearance, especially considering the approximately 1,200cc power plant it carries. Is it the fastest mass-produced motorcycle ever built, as is clearly the company’s intention? Time--and test rides--will tell. Kawasaki has not yet announced pricing.

The Japanese manufacturer’s other all-new bike is the ZR-7, a 738cc standard that will carry a modest price tag of $5,699. The company has two major upgrades in the offing--both its 600cc and 900cc sportbikes will reportedly be lighter and a bit more powerful for 2000.

And rumor has it that Kawasaki will bring two motorcycles to the U.S. that are already available in Europe and were on display in Milan--the retro-styled W650 that emulates classic British bikes and an 800cc version of the Drifter cruiser.

Moto Guzzi

Motorcycles made by this Italian company founded in 1920 have a fairly small but devoted following in the States, where they are beloved for their classic looks and distinct V-twin character. With an infusion of cash from American investors earlier this year, the company hopes to move beyond cult status.

Three relatively new models will be in the U.S. for 2000, all with 1,064cc motors: the V11 Sport, a naked bike previously seen at numerous trade shows; the already available California Jackal cruiser; and the Quota dual-purpose bike appropriate for touring.

Suzuki

The Japanese manufacturer had a big year for debuts in 1999, when it introduced the super-fast Hayabusa and the extremely popular SV650 naked bike. This season will be lighter on debuts, although a major update of the GSX-R750 is bound to garner a good deal of attention when it is officially unveiled next month.

The current version of this 750cc sportbike was renowned for its lightness when it arrived in 1996. Company officials say the 2000 model, to be in showrooms in the spring, will be so much lighter that it will approach the weight of some 600cc bikes.

The other major Suzuki update will be to the popular Bandit 600cc standard. It will get a new windshield to soften helmet wind turbulence, a lower seat height, a slightly longer wheelbase for increased stability and a new instrument package.

Triumph

The British company that made some of the most famous motorcycles of the 1950s (check out Marlon Brando’s bike in “The Wild One”) and ‘60s was at one pointgiven up for dead. But new ownership has rejuvenated the manufacturer, which has been turning out modern motorcycles to acclaim.

For 2000, it will dip into the highly competitive 600cc market with an all-new sportbike. Details are still sketchy.

Victory

This American company owned by Polaris Industries (best known for its snowmobiles) turned out its first bike in 1998, a heavy cruiser meant to grab a share of a market segment now dominated by Harley-Davidson.

Its new entry for 2000 will also go after the macho segment. In Milan, Victory General Manager Matt Parks told a German journalist looking over the new V92SC, “It’s a man’s bike.” The bike, powered by a 1,507cc motor, is similar to Victory’s current V92C model, but company officials say it has features that enhance handling.

Yamaha

The Japanese manufacturer has not yet announced its 2000 lineup. Whether it’s accurate inside information or just wishful thinking, rumor has it that the company will produce a sport tourer based on its lauded R1 sportbike.

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Times staff writer David Colker is Highway 1’s motorcycle columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].