Boris
Well-Known Member
I visited the NEC yesterday to have a nose around the Bike Show. I’ll probably get a new bike during 2025, so was interested to view a few models that would hit the used market and be more affordable then.
I have no brand preference, nor loyalty. And my views are just my opinion. I’m also aware that just sitting on a bike doesn’t give any real indication of actual hours in the saddle.
Yamaha - Nothing of note for me on their stand. The newest GT Tracer looks great, but the seat to bar ergonomics are far too cramped for my liking. T700 is a bike I have no interest in, however there were a few on the stand, I presume different variants. The latest carbon R1 looks superb and very special, my hips and knees groaned just looking at it.
Honda - As I only ride tarmac I have no interest in bikes with 21 inch front wheels, therefore the AT is not for me. They do look good though and seemed comfortable for my fit. The new Transalp was quite nice too. I spent a bit of time looking over the NT1100 and I quite like it and it’s very competitively priced among the bikes I’m interested in. Sitting on it, all felt good. Spacious and good ergonomics for me. I quite like this bike.
Kawasaki - Nothing at all of any interest to me, although the Z900RS looks great and is a retro nod to my teenage bike memories. A good second bike if I could afford it.
Suzuki - Really like the bigger V-Strom, all feels right with it, ergonomics and spec. That new 1000GX looks good and the ergonomics are fine for my fit. I reckon this will be a big seller for Suzuki, it seems very very good. Time will tell. The 1000GT, although looking good, is too sport biased for my liking. Must say, a couple of places on the Suzuki’s felt cheap, particularly the handlebar/levers.
BMW & Ducati - Not bikes I’d consider, mainly due to initial cost. The new 1300GS looks very nice though, and felt comfortable and spacious. Ducati Multistrada range are superb, look the part, ergonomically good, just nice in every way…….except price. Both brands are way above what I want to spend on a bike. £23k+ for the MS.
Triumph - really like the adventure range here, eyes and heart drawn to the 1200, but in reality the 900 GT range would suffice. Very comfy and spacious seating/bar area. Some nice touches on these bikes. Quality appears high level.
KTM - really like these bikes and love the look of the 1290 SAS, however I’ve ridden one on two separate occasions and it wasn’t for me. The 790 and 890 look great and felt right while sat on it, unfortunately the 21 inch front excludes it for me.
HD/Guzzi and Aprilia weren’t at the show (or did I miss them), however these aren’t brands that currently have anything I’m interested in buying.
Enjoyed the show, plenty to see and lots of merchandise to look through. £17.95 to park though!
I have no brand preference, nor loyalty. And my views are just my opinion. I’m also aware that just sitting on a bike doesn’t give any real indication of actual hours in the saddle.
Yamaha - Nothing of note for me on their stand. The newest GT Tracer looks great, but the seat to bar ergonomics are far too cramped for my liking. T700 is a bike I have no interest in, however there were a few on the stand, I presume different variants. The latest carbon R1 looks superb and very special, my hips and knees groaned just looking at it.
Honda - As I only ride tarmac I have no interest in bikes with 21 inch front wheels, therefore the AT is not for me. They do look good though and seemed comfortable for my fit. The new Transalp was quite nice too. I spent a bit of time looking over the NT1100 and I quite like it and it’s very competitively priced among the bikes I’m interested in. Sitting on it, all felt good. Spacious and good ergonomics for me. I quite like this bike.
Kawasaki - Nothing at all of any interest to me, although the Z900RS looks great and is a retro nod to my teenage bike memories. A good second bike if I could afford it.
Suzuki - Really like the bigger V-Strom, all feels right with it, ergonomics and spec. That new 1000GX looks good and the ergonomics are fine for my fit. I reckon this will be a big seller for Suzuki, it seems very very good. Time will tell. The 1000GT, although looking good, is too sport biased for my liking. Must say, a couple of places on the Suzuki’s felt cheap, particularly the handlebar/levers.
BMW & Ducati - Not bikes I’d consider, mainly due to initial cost. The new 1300GS looks very nice though, and felt comfortable and spacious. Ducati Multistrada range are superb, look the part, ergonomically good, just nice in every way…….except price. Both brands are way above what I want to spend on a bike. £23k+ for the MS.
Triumph - really like the adventure range here, eyes and heart drawn to the 1200, but in reality the 900 GT range would suffice. Very comfy and spacious seating/bar area. Some nice touches on these bikes. Quality appears high level.
KTM - really like these bikes and love the look of the 1290 SAS, however I’ve ridden one on two separate occasions and it wasn’t for me. The 790 and 890 look great and felt right while sat on it, unfortunately the 21 inch front excludes it for me.
HD/Guzzi and Aprilia weren’t at the show (or did I miss them), however these aren’t brands that currently have anything I’m interested in buying.
Enjoyed the show, plenty to see and lots of merchandise to look through. £17.95 to park though!
