Went yesterday having checked their covid protocol. Masks must be worn, covid pads to be presented. Walked in from train station side, four members of staff stood talking, got my phone out but before I could get the pass on the screen was given a bracelet to enter the nec complex. As I entered the halls clearly I was in the minority wearing a mask. A right shambles to be honest, that is my opinion. No where near as good as previous years regarding stores, bargains etc. No freebies, no MCN, Carol Nash girls. Looked at a compression vest and leggings on one Oxford stall,walked round the corner, £15 cheaper. Walked round with it in my hand looking to pay and did actually make comment about how easy it would be be to walk off, had to look for member of staff who was stood at the till completely disinterested.
I've tried uploading my show photos to a gallery album but it's not working and I've no idea why. As far as I can tell, they're are within the file size and dimension limits. Maybe @Rob or @Havit could work out what the problem is. Anyway, here's some of those photos... Suzuki has a selection of biles, including Joan Mir's and Kenny Roberts Junior's MotoGP bikes, and this beast... This one needs no introduction.
Hi Sprinter, I agree totally with what you say, I put my experience of the show in my original post. The whole Covid adherence was a complete joke, I heard people saying to one another "hey that app your mate sent me worked a treat", it was apparent they had not been vaccinated nor done a LFT. As you say a very small minority wore masks, and even the staff appeared not to be interested in informing people at the door what was expected re Covid. It was actually a "criminals charter" so to speak as those with a dishonest disposition could have walked off with all sorts, with no sign of the usual security in place (although few retail stands had a presence). Pre Covid I always found the Manchester Bike Show had lots to offer, I will attend the show in January 2022 and place a post on the forum regarding comparisons.
The new Fireblade. Stupidly fast, never really wanted one. Apparently a lot of people have bought them in the past. I'd probably prefer the CBR650R. It's nice to see the mid-size sports bikes making a comeback. Or for those with a bad back, the CB1000R My better half has a thing for sidecars. Never seen the appeal of riding a bike you can't lean, myself.
The Gold Star is so retro they built a time machine and had it made in 1968. Rotal Enfield with some nice machines on their small but packed stand.
Possibly my favourite stand was Norton's (after Triumph, obviously). That new VSV4 is a beauty. And so it should be at £44,000 a pop.
And so to Indian. Nick Sanders was there on the day, promoting his latest mad escapade that he's done on a FTR1200. I expect Nick rides to Instanbul and back just to pick up decent kofte.
Not much exciting for the Harley fans this year. Unless you like the new Sportster S (which I do) or want to stand in front of a Livewire wondering when the world went mad. They did have some unusual bikes from their sporting heritage, though.
And yes, there were a few Triumphs, including that new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. Start saving, boys and girls. They ain't cheap.
Thanks for sharing photos @Octoberon , some nice bikes there I didn't go this time, the first one I've missed for a good few years and it's always been a good day. Was a bit put off this time by the covid risk from being inside with crowds of people and the fact that it might be half cocked cos some manufacturers dealers not having stands. Interestingly background of your and others pictures don't look that crowded. Comfortable with my decision though. Hope back to normal for the 2022 one and got the Bike Shed Bike Show to look forward to in May
Your'e welcome for the photos. I always take a whole load and it's nice to share them with anyone else who's interested. Because we went on Wednesday the usual throngs were absent. Not to say there was much social distancing gong on but you could generally avoid close contact in most of the hall if you wanted to. It was a shame some manufacturers didn't participate but there was still plenty to see. I may tootle along to the MCN show in February, particulary if Spring turns up early next year. Didn't know about the Bike Shed show. I've added that to the diary for possible visitation.
Had a good poke around at the show today. Nice to get up close and have a sit on loads of bikes in one place. I got there for doors open and went straight to the adventure experience. Rode the Tiger 900 around the track for 10mins, a great laugh and I think it's given me the confidence to take my 850 off road a bit, maybe after the Barkbusters finally arrive! The sales pitch has worked, planning a date for the adventure experience in Wales!
Enjoyed sticking my nail in Sam Lowes' Moto2 rear rubber and having a good tap at the bodywork as race carbon fibre is sexy as feck. Hidden away on the Triumph stand. Suzuki and Honda had some cracking olde stuff on show. And the ZXR750 liveried ZX10RR was achingly beautiful. The new blade was just achingly ,thought,"This must be on a paddock stand?" Nope.
Thanks for sharing all your photos of these beautiful bikes at the show, @Octoberon. That looks just like my kind of place – apart from the Covid issues. What a great assortment of motorcycles and so many of them beautifully displayed. Looks like it was great fun! Looking forward to reports of the upcoming shows, too. Thanks for taking the time and energy to post.
My pleasure, @Sandi T . I'm glad you liked them. I was a bit rubbish and didn't get a good look at all the stands this year but still saw some lovely bikes. Roll on February!
I went to the MCN peat-bog-horror (Peterborough..) show earlier in the year and it was way smaller than the previous year imho. It wasn’t really worth the money (unless you REALLY wanted to buy a cheaper helmet or jacket) That too didn’t have all manufacturers there either.
A few people have made observations and comments about this year's Motorcyale Live event ion the forum. Now's your chance to let the organisers know what you thought as well. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/motorcyclelive2021/
I'm not so sure, he was not impressed with the current Tiger 1200 at all. He is a short enough fella, not to sure the new 1200 suits him, especially as there is no low version (just a low seat).
Went on a Wednesday, I enjoyed the show. I got a cheap Ryanair flight for £20 return, Dublin to Birmingham, free shuttle to the NEC, bought a ticket off a fella in one of the cafe's who's Dad couldn't make it, he gave it to me for free but I insisted he took a tenner. My Covid cert was fully checked on the way in. People were not wearing masks but I was not concerned at all, it was reasonably quiet and easy to get about without being on top of people. If I was concerned with Covid (I'm all Covid'd out, I don't care anymore) you would be more worried about a couple of hundred sets of hands on the bike grips, 1000 times more transmissible than no masks! Fair play to Suzuki, Kawasaki and Triumph, all great stands. For £30 return from Ireland I had a great day out, loved it. I also blagged a Triumph Tiger 1200 VIP invite, got in the show an hour early and got breakfast rolls and coffee off the Triumph fellas and a presentation on the new 1200 - massive improvement over the outgoing model. Long wait for a test ride though, April by the looks of it. I made a little vid of my visit.
