Autumn Motorcycle Shows

Autumn Motorcycle Shows

LemonRock team take a well-earned break and take a little time to attend the NEC Motorcycle Shows. MotorcycleLive in Birmingham and the Moto Expo in Melbourne!.  Comparing notes, it seems that the shows are the same world over. but still, it is a good time to meet up with customers, friends and heroes!

Cynics might say it’s the same every year, but I for one like the annual pilgrimage and enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the motorcycle shows.

The Birmingham Bike show is always a good day out.  The major manufacturer’s stands were not to my eye as interesting as last years, but on the other hand smaller trade stands were of a higher quality.

Scrambler Madness!

BMW to their credit always run a professional stand and had their new small GS model G310GS on display.  We’ve had quite a few inquiries for smaller cc bikes for our rental. Fleet and so this was on our list of must-sees.  Their new R NineT scrambler looks quite pretty. But I’ am really bemused at the rush by the manufacturer to bring out scramblers. Safe in the knowledge that none will ever mount a footpath. never mind going off-road!. KTM has introduced an updated 1050. Now their 1090 adventure model. which is a good contender. However, 1290 is probably too much of a missile to make sense as a rental bike!

Not normally a fan of American cruisers, I was impressed with the new Victory range.  To my eye, the build quality has improved considerably from the models I’d seen in previous years.  I wonder how they might survive the rigors of The Wild Atlantic Way!

3 Wheelers

As both Tiernan and I have a sidecar racing background, the temptation is always there to add a sidecar outfit to the fleet.  The Watsonian Squire stand had a few nice outfits, including this BMW example.   However, none other than the URAL, had leading linked forks and most were running what look like solo tyres, so I wonder really how suitable they are for serious sidecar duty.

The spoked front wheels laced on the outside of the rim, make for a very strong wheel well suited to the stresses of sidecar cornering.

Africa Twin

Honda was displaying this Enduro version of their Africa Twin – not for mere mortals!  The baby brother CB500x, was notable by its absence – apparently now discontinued due to Euro4 regulations.   Seems like the days for petrol heads are numbered!  Get to your local show while you can!