NEC Motorcycle Show 2008

After visiting the British Motor Show earlier this year, an opportunity to pop along to the Motorcycle Show at the NEC wasn't to be missed. What was new in the world of motorcycling?

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.

Of said four-strokes, Yamaha were displaying their YZF-R125 which had been introduced at the show last year. They're already starting to appear on the roads in increasing numbers, which suggests that even in credit-crunch Britain people can't resist the hottest little bike on the market. In desirability, Honda's CBR125 just can't compete any more, though it does still offer an attractive proposition for smaller riders, especially with the disappearance of the CG125. The evergreen CG has been quietly replaced with the CBF125, both more modern and larger, and as such Honda's cheapest 125cc bike no longer appeals to this reporter. It's a pity the CG wasn't able to continue in the range with modifications to bring it within EURO-3 emissions regulations, but the new CBF is still a worthy beginner bike. It costs less than £2,000, it's not over-complicated, it's clean, and capable of significantly more than 100mpg.

Much more appealing in Honda's line-up is the Zoomer. In a sea of noisy, badly-ridden, plastic-covered mopeds, the four-stroke Zoomer stands out a mile with its quiet engine, fat tyres and tube-frame chassis. That you don't see many on the roads is probably testament to the £2,000+ price tag, which gets you a perfectly respectable 125, but there isn't a 125 commuter or 50cc scooter in existance that's as cool as the Zoomer. Yamaha does get close with their retro-styled Giggle, which is available this year in olive/white and blue/white combinations.

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 for the rest of the show, little stood out. Royal Enfield had a good stand, with several Bullet Electra and Classic models. It's a range that really appeals for the more sedate aspects of motorcycling. The bikes are cheap, economical and have what could be described as adequate performance, allowing you to enjoy the open road without necessarily aiming for apexes and travelling at great speed. Custom bikes seemed to be popular this year, and they appeal for similar reasons, as well as some impressive engineering and paint jobs. KTM, Triumph, Harley Davidson and Eagle all had some interesting bikes, Eagle in particular drawing the crowds with some enormous cruisers and custom specials.

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