Should I Go To Motorcycle Live 2024?

[@jasonjason7277]

its nice to see you raise your head again fella, i was starting to worry. personally, i wont go, on principal, due to the cost. i think its taking the mickey, charging customers excessive amounts to go and see products people are trying to sell you. id rather wait until anything im interested in appears in a dealership.

[@DickWhistles]

Salutations! I tend to agree with you. A trade show should incentivise attendance, not create barriers for participation. I still may go though… Thanks for the comment.

[@peakrider4886]

I’ve not been to the NEC show for at least 5 years, so I’m going next weekend. I don’t really have a lot of local dealers so for me it’s a good opportunity to see everything in person in one place. I’m keen to see all of the lower capacity adventure bikes 300-500cc, as I’ve been considering the CF Moto MT450 as my next bike, and that same engine appears to have been used in a similar models by Keeway, Mondial, and Moto Morini. There seems to be a lot more manufacturers going this year compared to previous years.

[@DickWhistles]

That’s the trick. Trade shows were established for folks who don’t have a network of dealers near them. You’d think manufacturers would realise this and make it more accessible by keeping costs down for attendees. Thanks for your comment.

[@1990-t1j]

Good to see you on the MSX/Grom. I couldn't be bothered going to any motorcycle show. I've only ever been to one. Nick

[@DickWhistles]

Which one? What were your first impressions? The Grom is a cracking little bike. So glad I nabbed one. Thanks for the comment.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Once every three years will do it for me. Not enough change on a yearly basis and it's nothing you can't see at your local dealer (in the most part). Specific details can be looked up on the web too.

[@DickWhistles]

Sound. Thanks for the comment.

[@SheldonElectricals]

Well, I am going so I think you should too!!

[@DickWhistles]

What are you going to see? What day are you going? Thanks for the comment.

[@NooBiker]

I don't have the time and won't be bothering with it

[@DickWhistles]

Would you bother if you had time?

[@NooBiker]

@DickWhistles probably not

[@Khar_Toba]

Definitely a few things I'm interested in. ZX4RR (maybe old news now I dunno) , GB350, Classic 650. But I don't imagine any of those would really surprise me

[@DickWhistles]

Huh. These three are on my list too. You going? Thanks for the comment.

[@GingerPiston]

As painful as it was, I watched Motobobs summary of all the new bikes at EICMA. Nothing that exciting really - like that Royal Enfield have put their 650 into a Classic, and the electric Flying Flea was interesting, but very much a concept. Honda debuted a V3 engine with electric driven forced induction. Mostly overall just felt like tweaks to current models, and some new paint jobs. Only thing new being revealed at Motorcycle live is CCMs new adventure bike, which would be worth a look. I suspect if you went, you’d probably just end up frustrated and disappointed.

[@DickWhistles]

“As painful as it was…” I can’t even. CCM is interesting to look at, but after having to cancel an order a year after deposit, I won’t be looking too closely. Thanks your comment.

[@markfraser6307]

The Honda GB350s looks good 4k

[@crispindry2815]

I came here to say this, can't wait to test ride one. The 'C' version (for classic I suppose) looks right up my street. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGOaZWZ-hd6rgqs

[@DickWhistles]

This is the Highness finally coming to our shores. I am hoping against hope that it is a proper “Japanese” bike and not some Indian-made piece of junk like other low displacement bikes on offer. If it comes in less expensive than the RE350s, Honda may have something here. The fundamental problem is they are not competing against the Indian tat, but rather their younger selves. They have a lot to live up to in this range. Thanks for the comment.

[@DickWhistles]

I too am curious about this bike. But I will be comparing it to past Hondas, not other contemporary models from other manufacturers. This may be a problem.

[@markfraser6307]

I went to Motorcycle live yesterday had a look and sat on the GB 350 s the Honda staff told me it will be in dealers in Jan 2025 £3949 and it’s made in Japan

[@DickWhistles]

Woo hoo! What were your thoughts seeing it in person?

[@martinowl]

At the recent Classic show, commentators were stating parking charge was £20. That is ridiculous.

[@marshy78]

It's £10 for motorcycle live if booked with your ticket. £18.95 on the day if not. Bikes are free.

[@martinowl]

@ That sounds much more palatable whilst still over the top. Tend to take the car, in case I buy stuff that I can’t carry on the bike. So, that’s £28.30 admission plus £10 parking plus approx £30 petrol. Roughly £70 before owt to eat or drink. 🤔

[@marshy78]

@@martinowl £23 general admission if you don't want a head torch or tyre pressure gauge with your admission. I don't think it's too bad to be fair.

[@martinowl]

@ £23 was for early bird tickets. And I agree, that price is not over the top.

[@DickWhistles]

Out of principal, I think a parking charge is unreasonable at a convention centre.

[@mikelight]

I am going, not to see anything in particular, but to see everything. There is always something that Interests me. Even if it's not the things that I thought might, there is usually a surprise from a smaller or less popular manufacturer that sparks my interest. I suppose, in answer to your question, if you have any interest at all in a new bike in the next 12 months, go. If you have no real interest in something else, it's not really worth it. The parking is always expensive, so we usually park near by and take the train in for the last 10 or 20 mins.

[@DickWhistles]

Park and ride… hmmm. What surprised you at the last show? How long do you usually spend at the show? Thanks for your perspective.

[@mikelight]

@DickWhistles, the biggest surprises for me were that adventure scooters are a thing. I saw them on the lexmoto stand. Semi knobbly tyres and full aluminium luggage on a 300 cc scooter! I'd neve have believed it if I hadn't seen it. And the benelli TRK502. That really surprised me as well. Seems like a really well screwed together machine, and overrode my expectations of a Chinese machine. I'm looking forward to seeing what's new this year. The last few trips I have been all day. It's 3 hours from home, so I try and make sure I get the most out of it.

[@DickWhistles]

Huh. I am a fan of adventure scooters as I have the CT125 by Honda. If you go before next Friday, let me know if anything peaked your interest on your visit

[@gordonyoung3668]

I would go Dick and check out the Triumph Scrambler 400X although i did see it was tucked away in a corner at Eicma. Always enjoy your take on things.

[@DickWhistles]

Thanks for the comment. I’ve seen the Triumph at last year’s show. I think I’d get a better take on it at a dealership and during a demo. Now that Honda and RE have theirs out, I’d like to try them all for comparison.

[@philliplum3845]

I have been for years.. But slowly getting very disappointed with it. Plus the extortionate parking fees.. I have, among others, questioned it. The caravan show and others have free parking.. So why do they charge so much.. Ironically they have never answered the question. So I am ignoring them too..

[@DickWhistles]

Heh. Philosophically, I am opposed to parking fees at convention centres. Thanks for your perspective.

[@MrB1967]

I'm going. Mostly because I get to have a mammoth breakfast on the way down, I'll get free bike parking and my mate has a spare ticket. I'm fully expecting to be underwhelmed, although I am kind of looking forward to seeing the new Enfields. If only to snigger at them. So yeah, go for it. EDIT: Oh, and the Chinese stuff - to see how they are getting on.

[@DickWhistles]

Did you have the same deal last year? This scenario sounds very familiar. Who is everyone so keen on seeing what the Chinese are doing this year? Have I missed something? Thanks for the comment.

[@MrB1967]

I didn't go last year, went the year before. The Chinese bikes are interesting right now to me because of the young Honda parallels. It seems that CF Moto and maybe Voge have it cracked wrt the quality of their bikes, with some interesting models and the aggressive pricing. Of course, Honda was built on engineering excellence but also let's not forget the commercial excellence of Takeo Fujisawa, the commercial genius partner of the great Soichiro.. is there a Chinese equivalent? Can China save motorcycling? Will I crash on the ice on the way there in a cheap bastard effort to save twenty quid in parking? Tune in next week..

[@DickWhistles]

Love it.

[@AlRos-i2c]

Personally I wouldn't bother.Went every year without fail until a few years ago.Went last year and i'll not bother ever going back.Better to take a day and go round the local dealers.Flight,Hotel,Entrance fee and extortionate food prices for shitty food makes it an expensive waste of time.

[@chrisbolton5461]

Give it a go. You never know.

[@DickWhistles]

Never…? I am considering. Are you going? Thanks for the comment.

[@AlexOnABoat]

No, save yourself the money, turn left out of Aintree Road and come for a coffee instead. You know you'd much rather try to talk me into buying another bike than schlep up to Brum for the "Festival Experience" that is this year's Motorcycle Live.

[@DickWhistles]

Always a better shout.

[@luckyintervale]

Good to see you! Go on, since I can’t 😂 Somebody needs to give us a true natter… any decent modern classics not RE?

[@DickWhistles]

How modern? How classic? Anything else you’d like to see if I decide to go? Thanks for the comment.

[@mattwilliams9758]

Take the punt, and tell us about the new 650’s from Royal Enfield. And for gods sake mind the wet fallen leaves in Wales… they’re like ice!

[@GingerPiston]

@@mattwilliams9758 But how bad could a crash be, given you’ll only be travelling 20mph?!

[@DickWhistles]

Good shout. The RE 650 is one bike that’s drawing me in. Despite it being promised since the launch of the Interceptor, I am curious. I wonder if the foot pegs are in the same troublesome position as on other 650 models. Worth the cost of admission though? Thanks for your comment.

[@leslieaustin151]

Nah, just come up to Wales and ride. Much better use of your time, and £30 would buy several large breakfasts at the Ponderosa or (insert cafe of choice). Les

[@DickWhistles]

You around next weekend?

[@leslieaustin151]

@ I can be. Saturday might be my easiest day, but could skip Church on Sunday! Les

[@leslieaustin151]

OK, Sunday morning now out for me, but I’d be OK from Sunday 1pm, or good for Saturday. Les

[@bikegeist]

Seems mega overpriced, but having the chance to sit on these bikes would be very tempting. Being 172cm means a lot of bikes are right on the cusp of being rideable if geometry is right. Large crowds of people though. Should you go? 🤷🏽‍♀ 😁

[@DickWhistles]

Should I go? We are the same height. Geometry is king. Problem with wanting to sit on all the bikes is getting near them and the grips not being sticky if you do… Thanks for the comment.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Nah, the NEC has been crap for decades.

[@DickWhistles]

Decades? Woah, I thought I was hard to please. Thanks for weighing in!

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Toss a coin. If the weather is too severe to enjoy Wales then suspend your fantastic skeptism & disbelief, grit your teeth & go to the show? If it were me, I would rather go to Wales…welcome back.

[@DickWhistles]

Cheers! I too would rather a ride in Wales. It may come down to whether I impulsively exit the motorway along the way… Thanks for the comment.

[@raymorris952]

I would not waste time and money on it, same shit same venue, Half the Manufacture won't bother, and the motorcycle industry is in decline, it's going to go through another metamorphosis and come out the other side more in touch with what people actually want! IE not 25k 200 bhp tec heavy track focused naked bikes!

[@trevorphillips3055]

I don't think the NEC has been good for the past 20 years. Each time I've gone, it's been extremely disappointing. Bike meets to see bikes and dealerships to see new stuff. 😊

[@DickWhistles]

Woah, 20 years. I thought I was hard to please. I agree. Meets and dealers. Diversify events to meet expectations. Thanks for your comment.

[@1100andFortyEight]

If you want to see what you missed at EICMA and save yourself the disappointment of Motorcycle Live, then you might find the KZbin channel Life of Smokey to be bearable. Smokey’s videos have minimal commentary, I just watched his video of the Yamaha stand and he doesn’t speak a word, he essentially just documents the bikes on display. Be warned though, when he does speak, you may find his presentation style not to your taste.

[@DickWhistles]

Heh. Now I’m intrigued. He doesn’t speak… but when he does… watch out. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@lostsoul3723]

Me and my mate drove 4 hours to Birmingham and spent 2 hours at the show, then drove 4 hours home. Why only 2 hours you ask? Because it was shite. The shows been on a steady decline for years but this year was a waste of time. The majority of the hall is used for stunt riding and the gig stuff. It’s hard to see the new models of bikes, for the amount of kids climbing all over them. I’m all for encouraging the next generation of riders but some parents really need to control their offspring. The amount of stalls selling unrelated products is increasing every year too. Stalls selling leather couches, phone charger cords and other shite. There’s my rant anyway. I’m sure I’ll have a load of disagreements but it’s only my opinion.

[@DickWhistles]

That’s THIS year’s show? That sound like my experience last year. Thanks for the input.

[@lostsoul3723]

@ yeah, this year is like last year and the year before that. We won’t be bothering next year. It’s annoying when you’ve paid together in and trying to look at bikes and there’s kids hanging off them. I saw a kid using the exhaust to stand on as he climbed on and his dad just stood there and allowed it. Ahh, it’s not for me anymore, not the day out it used to be

[@DickWhistles]

That’s a shame. Not surprising, but still a shame.

[@JelloThatsMellow]

Go ride instead

[@DickWhistles]

Always sound advice.

[@crispindry2815]

I'm soaking up anything and everything to do with the Honda GB350S - a long-stroke 70 x 90mm "Neo-Retro"; rumoured to be sold for £4K ish in 2025. I'd go just to see it in the flesh but, £50? Naah, I'll wait for it to be in the dealer's showroom and snag a free coffee while I'm there. Good to see you again, BTW.

[@DickWhistles]

Yep. This is on the short list. It has a lot to live up to in my mind.

[@crispindry2815]

@@DickWhistles Have you seen the GB350C (for Classic, presumably) ? Japan only at the moment. Very nice if you like the '50s look.

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

Dick lives! Nah, it’s a scam. Ride the bikes you love. Buy the bikes you fancy.

[@DickWhistles]

I am ticking along. Hope you are well. I agree. My tastes are eclectic to say the least. I doubt any show could meet my expectations. Thanks for the comment.

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

@ just out of prostate cancer surgery for me. New BMW F900GS will keep me amused for a while.

[@DickWhistles]

Hope your recovery goes well. Are you already on the bike? What drew you to the 900?

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

@ only had the op on 7/11/24! So, it will be a week or two yet …. I saw a 900 in a gas station in Monument Valley in 4/24. I just sad “yep, I want one of those”. It’s a big bike you could genuinely ride off road. Added to that, it handles like a fighter plane compared to my old Tiger Rallye.

[@oldguzziguy]

Don't bother

[@DickWhistles]

Succinct. I appreciate that.