Day out to the bike show

Personally I find that once every three or four years is often enough to visit Motorcycle Live, the main UK bike show of the year. This year I went on my own and the weather was even mild enough that I rode the 250 mile round trip rather than driving. Of those 250 miles 245 of them were on dual carriageways or motorways so the ride wasn't anything special but it was good to spend that much time on my bike and remind myself how capable over long distances it is despite it's small engine size.

So here are a few photos I took at the show:

I'm not usually a fan of retros but this one looks a lot better than most.
MC Show 1 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr

In one corner an off road course had been built with opportunities to try KTM1290s, Honda Africa Twins or Triumphs from the twins range. There were plenty of low speed drops keeping the marshals busy running to help pick up fallen bikes. Riding slots were all booked until late afternoon but I got lucky, picking up a 'no-show' slot after just ten minutes waiting. That got me 15 minutes on an Africa Twin. The only downside being that I had to take the DCT (automatic) version. The dirt was pretty much like modelling clay, moist but not slimy or sloppy, and in some places ruts were appearing. Despite weighing 240kg and being on primarily road tyres the bike coped pretty well and I managed to stay upright throughout my session. I even got a 'well done' from the instructor for confidently tackling the railway sleeper step-downs.
MC Show 2 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr
MC Show 3 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr

There were some very bright scooters.
MC Show 4 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr

I'm not feeling the love for this.
MC Show 5 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr

And you've really got to have far too much money burning a hole in your wallet to buy one of these.
MC Show 6 by Keith Whitten, on Flickr