Discussion
Going Monday with three mates, full english beforehand en route to avoid poor expensive eats there, haven't been since covid so be bit of a jolly and a chance to mingle with all the other 'Saga' attendees, no doubt we'll moan on the way back about the price of new bikes and that there were no bargains on the clothing stores!, but still better than Xmas shopping with the wife but slightly less expensive.! :-)
Skyman said:
Is anyone going? It’s in my diary for Wednesday next week, with my son. Nothing planned other than browsing possible ‘25 acquisitions - KTM Duke 990R, Suzi DR-Z4S and the V2 Pani. Any reviews and comments from those who go in the meantime, would be most welcome.
Also there Weds with a mate, pm me if you fancy saying helloI’ve been today. It was busier than I expected, with the BMW stand being packed. I think this was partly due to their World of BMW show, which felt a bit tamer than previous years.
All the major manufacturers are there with the exception of Piaggio (so no Aprillia).
It was great to see so many 400/500c bikes, as I think this bodes well for the future of our hobby. Indeed, 6.5k for a brand new Royal Enfield is not a lot of money really although you can see they are built to a price.
Overall, I thought it was worth the c.25 entry fee although car parking was 19 quid (!) unless you’ve booked it in advance.
Thanks
Rob
All the major manufacturers are there with the exception of Piaggio (so no Aprillia).
It was great to see so many 400/500c bikes, as I think this bodes well for the future of our hobby. Indeed, 6.5k for a brand new Royal Enfield is not a lot of money really although you can see they are built to a price.
Overall, I thought it was worth the c.25 entry fee although car parking was 19 quid (!) unless you’ve booked it in advance.
Thanks
Rob
I'll be going on the bike for the free parking and so I can get out of the car park at the end, I'll just pick the day with the best weather 
I always make a full day of it by test riding a bike or two, have previously tried a Rocket 3 and an electric bike plus an off road course etc
I got a cheaper ticket from the Honda owners club (a quick Google will find them) you don't have to be a member
If anyone else needs one they've got a few left
I always make a full day of it by test riding a bike or two, have previously tried a Rocket 3 and an electric bike plus an off road course etc
I got a cheaper ticket from the Honda owners club (a quick Google will find them) you don't have to be a member
If anyone else needs one they've got a few left
Went today, it was better than I expected and stayed for 6 hours. The Chinese Adventure bikes have definitely improved, seem up to the quality of Triumph/Suzuki finish wise and come fully equipped at a price that makes Ducatis and BMWs seem really expensive, they are going to seriously damage other manufacturers sales in 2025.
Bike parking is good undercover but no signs indicating the way to the exhibition halls!, managed to bag a helmet at a decent price not much on offer with regard to other accessory stalls.
All in all thought it was a good day out, just wish some of the exhibitors would use staff who have good product knowledge rather than sales staff wanting your details to enter you into a free prize draw
Bike parking is good undercover but no signs indicating the way to the exhibition halls!, managed to bag a helmet at a decent price not much on offer with regard to other accessory stalls.
All in all thought it was a good day out, just wish some of the exhibitors would use staff who have good product knowledge rather than sales staff wanting your details to enter you into a free prize draw
Skyman said:
Loved the PV2S, so ordered one today but with the must have Termis. They really do tidy up the back end and the right hand side of the swingarm.
Before;
After:
That is heaps better. Is that the full system or does it keep the collector/cats?Before;
After:
Edited by Skyman on Thursday 21st November 08:45
Went yesterday. Better than I was expecting. Busy but not packed. I actually googled visitor numbers for last year and they're only 10% down on the Motorhome and Caravan show and that's the biggest show of the year so maybe there is hope for the industry.
Overall I feel like the Japanese manufacturers have really lost their way, they were all lacklustre with the exception of Kawasaki, but it wasn't a huge exception. Suzuki are using switches from Temu by the looks of it, we both laughed out loud when we saw them for the foglight. Honda has seemingly abandoned it's quality and engineering lead philosophy and barely looked at the Yamaha stand.
Overall I feel like the Japanese manufacturers have really lost their way, they were all lacklustre with the exception of Kawasaki, but it wasn't a huge exception. Suzuki are using switches from Temu by the looks of it, we both laughed out loud when we saw them for the foglight. Honda has seemingly abandoned it's quality and engineering lead philosophy and barely looked at the Yamaha stand.
ChocolateFrog said:
Went yesterday. Better than I was expecting. Busy but not packed. I actually googled visitor numbers for last year and they're only 10% down on the Motorhome and Caravan show and that's the biggest show of the year so maybe there is hope for the industry.
Overall I feel like the Japanese manufacturers have really lost their way, they were all lacklustre with the exception of Kawasaki, but it wasn't a huge exception. Suzuki are using switches from Temu by the looks of it, we both laughed out loud when we saw them for the foglight. Honda has seemingly abandoned it's quality and engineering lead philosophy and barely looked at the Yamaha stand.
Yeah, I agree with this. I also think the growth in 400c bikes is good for the industry as it gives beginners other options.Overall I feel like the Japanese manufacturers have really lost their way, they were all lacklustre with the exception of Kawasaki, but it wasn't a huge exception. Suzuki are using switches from Temu by the looks of it, we both laughed out loud when we saw them for the foglight. Honda has seemingly abandoned it's quality and engineering lead philosophy and barely looked at the Yamaha stand.
Went today, enjoyed it as usual
Didn't bother riding anything this year but watched the stunt guy and the FMX boys
Also listened to a few talks
The bike parking was poorly signed and weirdly they didn't open the connecting door so you had to walk outside
Always wanted one of these
I wouldn't want to ride it but I like the look of it
Nice to see some proper clocks for a change
Didn't bother riding anything this year but watched the stunt guy and the FMX boys
Also listened to a few talks
The bike parking was poorly signed and weirdly they didn't open the connecting door so you had to walk outside
Always wanted one of these
I wouldn't want to ride it but I like the look of it
Nice to see some proper clocks for a change
Went on Thursday, haven't been for years so was quite looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint to be honest. Good showing from pretty much all the manufacturers that interest me and whilst busy not so bad that you couldn't get near or on the bike you came to see.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the paint and general finish of the Hornet 1000SP. I don't mind a matt finish but it looked thin and cheap with scuffs already forming from people getting on and off and the stickers looked an afterthought. Oddly I thought the std bike in red looked by far the better and I don't think I'll miss 5 bhp over 150 and Nissin brakes aren't the end of the world either. It definitely needs a can and the SC project was a big improvement too. So I think I'll be going for the std bike, just a bit concerned over the silly low seat (809mm) making it a bit cramped, still demo in 2025 to check!
Had a look at the Suzuki GSXS1000 but can't get past the looks, headlights and switchgear.
The MT09 SP is challenging to love but it's a great bike with an odd face imo.
Finally the Z900, a possible contender but Kawasaki must be fuming at Honda's pricing, they're not going to sell many at £13k imo.
Good day out though before a long winter lay off for biking.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the paint and general finish of the Hornet 1000SP. I don't mind a matt finish but it looked thin and cheap with scuffs already forming from people getting on and off and the stickers looked an afterthought. Oddly I thought the std bike in red looked by far the better and I don't think I'll miss 5 bhp over 150 and Nissin brakes aren't the end of the world either. It definitely needs a can and the SC project was a big improvement too. So I think I'll be going for the std bike, just a bit concerned over the silly low seat (809mm) making it a bit cramped, still demo in 2025 to check!
Had a look at the Suzuki GSXS1000 but can't get past the looks, headlights and switchgear.
The MT09 SP is challenging to love but it's a great bike with an odd face imo.
Finally the Z900, a possible contender but Kawasaki must be fuming at Honda's pricing, they're not going to sell many at £13k imo.
Good day out though before a long winter lay off for biking.
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