2009 Motorcycle show NEC

[africajim]

Big bike shows seem to be struggling to keep up with people's expectations, I found the Scottish show is getting worse every year, Honda were back but even though,,,, .

Stick to the shows that are making rave reviews, that's my opinion! The Grampian motorcycle convention up here is a cracking day out in September. If travelling I'd plan for coming up on the Saturday, camp or stay in Alford overnight and sample some local delights of Strathdon, a nice day at the show and travel home on the Monday or Sunday night if pressed for time, but you will kick yourself if you don't make the time to take in some of the local roads.
The moped racing is not to be missed and the Purple helmets this yr were hilarious! I'll post up here next yr and put an entry in the calendar just in case anyone's interested.
As for the new Honda? We'll see, I am interested, and may even consider a new 1200 XLV, we'll see what Honda come up with.

[Grendel]

Used to go every year without fail for the past 10 years (Even before I was riding).
But after the last one I went to in 2007 with it being one small hall of bikes and 2-3 of just clothes at normal shop prices I decided it is no longer worth the cost of getting up there for the day.
Pity since it was an enjoyable day and it was due to the bike show influencing me which first bike to get.

[Frad]

Well my youngest son (16) and I went to the show yesterday and although Honda were not there and Ducati had the smallest stand ever, we still had a great time.

Plenty to brouse and just to watch my son sit on as many bikes as he could is well worth the entry fee alone

but he was dissapointed that there were not as much totty as last year

[micksylver]

Went today with a few mates, two are new (but old) bikers looking for their next bike for after test pass. Had a good day out, bought a few nick nacks, was sorely tempted to get some gear for my two boys (9 & 10) but I'm hopeless at getting sizes right - so next year I guess I'll have to take them with me.
Sad that Honda weren't there but plenty to look at anyway. Had a good look at the Versys touring ..... hmmmmm ....... maybe? New Multistrada looks great and all the techno mapping and suspension settings, can you have too many toys? Bit pricey for me tho .

[angelo]

Don't get me wrong I had a good day but it was not as goodas it should have been. What really disappointed was the lack of Adventure Bike stuff. I was expecting better and this should be a development area. I am not aware of a show that caters for adventure bikers so the NEC show is or should be the place - where are all the manufacturers of our type of kit - perhaps as Touratech sponsor that area they have been very selective who exhibits with them.

Why not have a hall only for the whole scene - hey why not a show for us only!!! Now there is a thought - if anyone has the backing I am up for getting involved!

I wonder if the Horizons Unlimited Event in the Peak District will be the closest to that - needs more manufacturers there though.

[micksylver]

Saw plenty of people offering adventure tours. Also Hall 5 was the off-road section although plenty of stall holders were peed off at how poor the signposting was for their area!

[Frad]

Saw plenty of people offering adventure tours. Also Hall 5 was the off-road section although plenty of stall holders were peed off at how poor the signposting was for their area!

I never got there ............. I thought that bit was only open during the Supercross bits

So they are right to be pi$$ed off !!!!

I am too would have liked that bit