As someone who has been to motorcycle live (or whatever it's been called) perhaps 25 times in the last 30 years or so, I'm somewhat surprised that this is the first I've known about this. Doing this virtually does feel somewhat pointless though, as so much stuff is online now. Mind you, it also seems a bit daft on a normal year to pay £20 or so, plus travel cost, plus a day off work to be advertised to and buy an overpriced pint when it's possible to see the bikes in showrooms and pop to the pub on the way home.
I went last year for the fist time in ages. It's a nice day out - the atmosphere, all the manufacturers, lots of kit on sale. The online event doesn't interest me so much. There's a million pictures and videos of motorcycles on the internet already if I want to see them on my computer.
Tend to agree about some stalls seeming like a market and hard to trust. I wondered if there might be some bike releases, but Triumph have already released the Trident and seem to be doing their own thing for the Tiger. I will keep going when it is back as I like being able to have a good look and sit on bikes without feeling I have to pretend to want to buy it. Living 10mins away probably helps! The internet is great for researching and buying things, but kind of removed the need for shows. Makes more sense for small companies to boost online sales than fill a van and go to a show with all of the costs and effort.
I still enjoy the annual pilgrimage. Appreciate the show is nowhere near as good as days gone bye. Well as far as clothing and tool stalls go anyway. Still good to see all the major players in one place to peruse the latest models. Last time I went I saw Guy, Henry Coles mate, wandering around on his own. Regret not saying hello and having a chat. Another moan. The way they keep moving the secure bike parking. Used to put us under one of the main halls. Last year the bike parking seemed miles away. I'm not the least bit interested in a virtual show.
I have the bikesure email in my inbox and have register my interest. I have been going to the NEC for years and really like to make a day of it, I will miss it this year. Not sure about the virtual event, but will likely have a look in.
Logged on to motorcycle live today. James Whitham opened the show on youtube setting out what is going through this week. I have spent the last hour in the new metal area of the show. It shows all bikes on show, with the latest launches and old favorites on show. I will spend a little more time over the rest of the day having a look around. I have also signed up for the news letter, which will provide information on what is available each day. First impressions are it can never replace the live experience, but it will provide a level of information that will likely drive investigation in places that I would not usually go.
Although the internet has brought many benefits... not least this forum ... it’s spoilt a lot of what was fun in the past ... going to shows, seeing the actual product you may choose to buy, talking to actual people and asking advice and stuff .. planning the journey and anticipation of the event, sharing the experience with friends ... I know this year has been a shut down but fingers crossed the world doesn’t assume we all want to experience life clicking buttons from a sofa and looking out for parcels dumped on the doorstep by courier ... how much more exciting can opening brown cardboard boxes get in 2021
Hotel Friday, out and get buckled at Scruffy Murphys, NEC show Saturday then back up the road after. Always a good do.
I think there'll be a significant bounce back after the restrictions are lifted. One thing we've all learned is not to take our freedoms and all the events, meet-ups etc. for granted.
Anybody been checking in on the virtual show this week? I have been on most days and whilst the new metal section and interviews and features have been interesting, it cannot replace being there and touching and feeling the bikes. It is the last day tomorrow, so if you want to see it you need to get on
I couldn't quite get up enough enthusiasm. Much of the appeal for me with bike shows is the fact it's like a gigantic showroom where you can look at the bikes, chat about them, have a sit and generally get up close and personal. I managed to get to the Scottish Motorcycle Show this year, which was one of the last events to go ahead before the first lockdown. That, and the odd visit to dealers, wil have to tide me through. One thing I'm not looking forward to is how rammed everything is likely to be next year as people flock back, appreciating what they've missed.
