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I have not been to the NEC bike show since 2012 and with a flood of new models coming from a variety of manufacturers, this year’s event seemed to be a good opportunity to visit again. Add in the fact I need some new kit and bargains can be had at show time and the urge to go could not be resisted
Stu, my old BMW GS riding mate joined me for the day as he was on the lookout for some kit too.
We got in the show on the Friday nice and early to beat the crowds and made a bee-line for the Ducati stand to check out the new for 2017 Supersport. I am toying with the idea of buying one next year. I liked it, but I think that a test ride will need to be arranged before I can go any further with it. Generally though the things that struck me the most was the spread of the 300cc bikes to suit new licence regulations. Also obvious was the continuing demise of the sports bike as ever more adventure, naked, retro, custom, bobber and customs were on offer. The real upper end stuff, such as the R1M and GSXR1000 were still drawing admirers though, me included.
The continued renaissance of the British manufacturers was good to see, this was clearly show by the huge crowds constantly surrounding the new V4 Norton road bike. The Triumph stand was busy and the likes of CCM, Ariel, Hesketh and even specialist Metisse also had superb machines on show. BSA were missing, but I hear that Indian company Mahindra have bought the rights to the name, so you never know we might see that once great brand making a comeback soon.
The Chinese invasion also continues with a multitude of often retro styled bikes on offer under a variety of brand names, including the once proud AJS. Stuart and myself had a bit of fun trying some bike handling demonstrations on the BMW off road display. I had a bit of banter with Charlie Boorman here too as he was hobbling about in crutches, nursing a broken leg. I bumped into a few old friends as we walked about and Gill, who we last saw at a BSB round following Team Afterdark, was on the Raceways stand helping to flog bike kit at good prices. Despite this both Stu and I went home empty handed, but we both picked some good info on the Givi stand. Their display bike was a MV 1090 like mine, decked out in a full set of soft luggage! I might well get a set as this will allow to use it next year when I go touring.
But the best thing for me about the show was the superb range of custom bikes, including an offering based on an Indian Scout from my friends at Mid West Moto. It was special to see a mouth watering line up of Barry Sheene’s race bikes too.
So a grand day out and thanks to Stuart for keeping me company and stumping up for a particularly good light salad (I drove)Piccie time:
There is something appealing about the new Ducati Supersport
Good to get a GS pilot to try a Multistrada for size
I liked this special based on a XV950, a bike I enjoyed riding a couple of years ago
The MT-10 really does appeal, but I am not 100% sold on the styling yet
The slightly odd Husaberg Vitpilen….brave
Lovely Triton
Not sure about the ‘bike’, but I am sure about the young lady who was distributing free calendars, I have 36….
Now we’re talking
Hollis, yet another cool special
This Ducati based special was on the same stand
This Harley appealed
As did this one
Indian challenged each of their dealers to create a special for their stand at the show. This is the one entered by my local dealer, Midwest Moto. Looks very different to the Scout it is based on. Fun comes to mind…
It was a struggle to get a good look at the new Norton V4 such was it’s popularity
Easy to see why
Both Stu and I tried a few exercises on a BMW GS with the lads from their Welsh off road Experience facility
Hesketh, another impressive Brit, albeit with a engine sourced in Trumpton (the USA)
Stunning Honda, putting up a fight for the rapidly vanishes Sports bike genre
Highlight from the impressive array of classics from The National Motorcycle Museum
Perhaps my perfect combination, a limited edition Ford Transit VR46 with a R1M in the back!
So great to see the machines once ridden with such flair and great success by the late two times 500cc world champion Barry Sheene, even if they are Suzukis!
Loved the girder front suspension on this Ariel Ace
You might need the under seat tool kit more than normal with this Enfield
Very cool for a BMW
I think he wanted to take this one home…Great write-up Radar!
Jed and I went on Thursday trying to get a couple of calendars, but ended up with a Powerbronze hugger each (and I ordered a Beowulf can for the Tiger
). No calendars though! 
You didn’t mention the Royal Enfield Himalayan – their 410cc adventure bike that they’ve got Euro4 compliant and intend importing around spring-time. I’ve got a test-ride lined up…
RE HimalayanHere are a couple more (including some of the bikes you snapped, Radar):
Yours for £53k
Extreme Ice Bike Tiger
Well, that’s the Xmas decorations up!!
I also tried the Multistrada..for the future of course!! However I found the seat far too wide..really dug into my thighs when I had my feet on the ground…..
The salesman said you can get an after market Touratech one that’s a fair bit slimmer…but why should I have to??
Great write-up Radar!
Jed and I went on Thursday trying to get a couple of calendars, but ended up with a Powerbronze hugger each (and I ordered a Beowulf can for the Tiger
). No calendars though! You didn’t mention the Royal Enfield Himalayan – their 410cc adventure bike that they’ve got Euro4 compliant and intend importing around spring-time. I’ve got a test-ride lined up…
RE HimalayanThat Himalayan looks like an adventure bike you could actually have an adventure on…when are you riding it and where? I would love to blag a go too at some point.
In the meantime I will look forward to your review!
I also tried the Multistrada..for the future of course!! However I found the seat far too wide..really dug into my thighs when I had my feet on the ground…..
The salesman said you can get an after market Touratech one that’s a fair bit slimmer…but why should I have to??
Fair point they are an expensive bike (as so many are now). A friend of mine has just traded in his Panigale for one and so far he seems to be enjoying it
That Himalayan looks like an adventure bike you could actually have an adventure on…when are you riding it and where? I would love to blag a go too at some point.
In the meantime I will look forward to your review!
Hmmm – the dealer I had lined up in Stroud has just ditched RE to concentrate on Beemers
That Himalayan looks like an adventure bike you could actually have an adventure on…when are you riding it and where? I would love to blag a go too at some point.
In the meantime I will look forward to your review!
Hmmm – the dealer I had lined up in Stroud has just ditched RE to concentrate on Beemers
Have you tried this lot
Watsonian Squire
Unit 70, Northwick Business Centre, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos GL56 9RF, UK
Tel: 01386 700907 Company No: 02319399
). No calendars though! 
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