Rising Costs …

Was hoping there may be a few reductions/bargins at Birmingham next month at the show, fingers crossed.
Strangely never seems to be what I'm looking for on Black Friday, they seem to know what I have been searching for and keep the price unchanged or a minor drop in price. Anyone else notice the same thing?

 

Didn't seem to be many bargains at the (poor) show last year.....I wanted a visor and pinlock for my schuberth in fact more expensive. Got them both from sportsbikeshop.

 

I've missed out on deals in the past by waiting for the price to come down just a little more and the next thing I knew the "sale" was over and everything was back at full sticker price!

 

In recent years the Bike Show hasn't had the great offers it used to have so don't hold your breath.

 

I agree. I went last year after a break of 5 years and found it overpriced and underwhelming.

 

Agree.

Wife knew a stallholder so last time we got in for free but the charges placed upon the traders doesn't create a bargain city atmosphere
Everyone is chasing their tail.

 

I am no "IT" expert, but it is often worth clearing your computer 'cookies' or using a new "incognito" tab... Websites can 'remember' what you've looked at and that can indeed affect the prices you're shown... This is especially true when looking for flights...it wouldn't surprise me if it's for other things/sites too.

 

Just looked at admission price on the day £27 and £16.95 to park your car....absolutely appalling.....they are taking us bikers for idiots......!!!!

 

Although these events are no places for bargain accessories any more, they are often the only way to see a new model bike you're considering. Dealers seem to have very little floor stock these days and if you're looking at something popular you may have to put a deposit down and wait six months before finding out if it fits you.

I'll probably head to the NEC in a few weeks as I've not been for years, will try some bikes on my possibles list for size. And compare a few things like lids and gloves before going straight to Sportsbike Shop or a preferably a local to me accessories shop like Infinity, if they have the right size/colour.

 

Yes you're absolutely right about trying a few bikes of interest if you're planning to change, get a short list before heading to your dealer for a 2/3 hour test ride. Just check exhibitors are at the show !!! as a few were absent last year. But just as high prices are impacting all of us we should be encouraged to go to these events after all I'm sure we do not need courtesy coaches etc £5 to park would be OK, I've just returned from a weekend in Whitby for halloween weekend and the long stay car park...24 hour was £9...

 

If you pre-book it is £22 entry and £10 for car park or free bike parking. I pre-booked and will go on the bike. More concerned about the price of fuel, chocolate bars and Monster Munch myself.

 

Are you of an age to remember the ill fated 'Salt n vinegar' monster munch (light blue packet). Awful.

Roast beef every time!!

 

Yep, always roast beef!!

 

Going on your location info, I reckon you could walk it...................

 

I was quite partial to the pickled onion flavour Monster Munch.

And Frazles. And Worcestershire sauce flavoured Wheat Crunchies.



Feel hungry now...

 

I am convinced the shuttle bus drivers at the NEC hate bikers. After hiking the two miles from the furthest away South carpark, where car visitors to the Show were deliberately herded (even though I walked past two empty/closer carparks on the way) I decided to get the shuttle back, especially as it was raining hard when I got back outside. I found the right place to wait for the South carparks and waited. And waited... They had two buses running (after a while I memorised the reg numbers) and when they stopped at the East carpark stop for the sixth time in a row over a half hour period, and I could see the driver laughing at the by now huge queue of us all waiting and moaning, I gave up and walked. My jeans were still wet when I got home two hours later.

There was a reasonable amount of kit to look at but the prices seemed no better than normal, so I didn't bother. But at least I got to sit on my short list of potential new bikes. I am alas too short for the new Transalp but thankfully the Tiger 900's now seem to be a bit more shorty friendly than last time I stood beside one in a dealership. The Honda guys seemed offended when I asked if the Transalp came with a step ladder and refused to say if they were going to do a less tall version with smaller cast wheels and tubeless tyres. Grumpy so and so's. Perhaps they're mates with the shuttle bus drivers...?

 

Yes me and my mate noticed empty car parks nearer than the east4 car park we were on, also there was an empty hall next to the main entrance ideal for the guys who were travelling by bike. Still don't get why they have the show in November! Probably so most will travel by car......and same for the London show in Feb??? Just taking the P@s out of the general public...as usual..nothing new.

 

we also got piss wet through waiting for the dam bus, we also parked in South Car-park
I didn't have any real expectations for the show, i thought it was ok, but it didn't light my fire, would i go back next year......probably not

 

Well I enjoyed the NEC show. I went on the Monday, not deliberately because England were playing (I'd forgotten) but it meant there was plenty of room. Having been several times before I know the hazards and hassles of driving there and parking (in contrast, the two Stafford shows are easy and free), so I let the train take the strain. Fortunately there were no strikes and I booked far enough in advance to get a return from Stockport for £30. For anyone that doesn't know, the station is at the NEC, and a 5 minute (indoor) walk gets you to the halls.
I'd made a list of stands I wanted to check out and because it wasn't too busy I could try out a whole range of bikes for size. I don't know anywhere else where you can fondle, fiddle with, and chuck a leg over, such a variety of bikes all in the same place and be encouraged to do so. I am not very long in the leg so was pleasantly surprised when I could confidently straddle bikes with seat heights between 810-820mm, partly because of the narrowness of the seat. I don't think I'd have discovered this from visiting showrooms or reading reviews, only in this sort of environment.
We all know that internet shopping has affected the degree of discounts you can now get from shops, so I wasn't expecting any great surprises in terms of cheap bike gear at the show. Which pretty much turned out to be the case. But you do get a chance to have a butchers at a mountain of stuff and try on a few bits and bobs. I didn't go with the expectation of buying anything and didn't.
I had interesting chats with other show-goers, particularly around the section showing classic 90's bikes, mainly sports bikes. My era (ok, along with the 80's) and my type of bikes, including the first FireBlade, R1, YZF, RC30 and Ducati 886. Everyone a winner!
One of the chaps on the CCM stand almost sold me one of their Spitfires. Almost. Gorgeous bikes. He left me with the words 'Just drop in to our Bolton showroom and ask for me, we can always do a deal'.
I was there from 11.15am until 4.30pm, when I strolled to the station and caught the train home. A very enjoyable day, I didn't get wet or feel ripped-off. I even had a rather good Cornish pasty and reasonable pint of beer.