Bike shows are quite a departure from car shows. The crowds walking the halls are altogether more knowledgeable and tend to be enthusiastic about the subject, wheras car shows appeal more to the "day out" people who aren't necessarily car enthusiasts but go to the motor show each year with their kids for something to do. As such, the bike show is less publicised and a bit more "rough and ready" when you're there, with smaller stands, fewer manufacturers and less of a wow factor. For this reason, it's always good to have some interesting concepts or significant releases to make people feel like their day stalking the halls has been worthwhile.
All the main manufacturers had their full range on display. Kawasaki attracted the crowds to their new Ninja and a selection of their racing bikes with an array of attractive ladies in tight-fitting clothes, and Ducati attracted the crowds by painting their bikes bright red and by generally having a desirable line-up of bikes. Of particular note was the Desmosedici, which though not winning a MotoGP riders' title this year is still a gorgeous and brutally fast bike in road trim. If you don't need to travel quite so quickly, the latest version of Ducati's stalwart, the Monster, was on display, and for those who like to provide their own power, you can choose from a suspiciously expensive-looking mountain bike or racing bike which probably retail for the same price as the Monster.
There were other Italian marques at the show, notably Benelli with their striking Tornado sports bike, and for younger riders (or the young at heart) Cagiva was showing their new-to-the-UK Mito SP525, which contrary to the name is an updated version of their popular Mito 125. The diminutive machine remains a two stroke, and takes styling cues from the Desmosedici. With Aprilia missing, the Mito was holding it's own amongst a sea of 125cc four-strokes.
Honda had their futuristic DN-01 at ground level this year to try out for size, and the styling still appeals, though I did hear other show-goers expressing their disapproval. Honda also had their genuinely futuristic V4 concept on display, which is more a clue towards future styling than anything else given that the wheels were seamless with the bodywork. Honda have a survey on their site to gauge opinion on the study.
As I mentioned earlier, shows that lack the wow factor really need something else to make you feel like your day, and your £17 plus £8 for parking, has been worthwhile. The 2008 NEC Bike Show was a good day out, but compared to the impressive venue and £10 of the British Motor Show earlier this year, there is still a long way to go.
More photographs below. All photographs ©Tarmac 2008
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