Motorcycle Live 2018 ran this year from 17th – 25th November, so now that is over I can post up a few photographs along with my thoughts on the show and what I saw this year without having to issue a spoiler.
This year saw 4 halls filled with the current (and upcoming) offerings of 40 manufacturers along with a chance to test ride numerous machines both on the road and on the ever popular Adventure course where you can test on the most popular adventure bikes on a well thought indoor track. It’s not taxing, not difficult at all, but it is fun.
The Live Arena was also present and what was previously a showcase for Arena Cross this year was taken over by Moto Cirque and what these guys can do on such a small stage really is spectacular. If you get that the chance to see their show in full, take it.
Other than that it is all about the bikes and I have composed a gallery of over 100 photos for your viewing pleasure but first I am going to point out a few of my highlights…
My most anticipated : The Honda Supercub :
This bike has been touted for so long now as ‘coming in Autumn 2018’ I had started to think Honda had forgotten about it. It got its UK debut at Motorcycle Live and priced at £3,400 it has become top of my list. The heritage behind this bike alone makes me want it, but honestly look at it, it is just coolness reborn.
After a few comments from well seasoned Honda Cub / C90 owners on how this remake didn’t have the quality and class that it should I was a bit gutted, but on seeing it in the flesh I am happy. Get a look at one and add it to your garage!
The Most Mind Blowing Tech : ARC Motorcycle :
At £90,000 this machine is pretty much custom made for you. The (also custom made) helmet has a HUD inside that is like something taken straight from Tron.
I don’t even know what to say! Check them out here : https://www.ourroadis.com
The WOW Factor : Norton Race Bike :
Every time I see, that’s what happens… WOW. Then when you hear it… WOWOW.
The Stand Most Likely to Make a Grown Man Drool : Ducati :
I not a sports bike rider, although I do appreciate their form, and Ducati have that form design down to proper art. You simply can not deny that they manufacture beautiful machines.
Best Overall Display : BMW
With their full range on display and their continuous displays from the Off Road Skills Team they are one of the dominators at the show. Although to be fair I am biased. I’d also like to say that if I was doing a best livery on a race bike it is just too hard to get away from how awesome the Tyco BMW looks. Even next to Hicky’s livery the TYCO just shines head and shoulders above the competition – but again I am biased.
The Bike that Got me Thinking : Triumph Scrambler 1200 :
I had decided that my next bike would be a BMW R-Nine-T Urban GS. Then I seen and sat on this. I need a rest ride but it’s definitely in the mix!
Then 2 Others Got Me Thinking More : Norton Ranger and Nomad :
Surely coming in at a similar price to the Scrambler 1200 these need serious consideration. I mean look at them, Norton cool in a naked almost adventure bike!
Best Looking Adventure Bike : Elf BMW R1200GS Adventure :
Just for the paint job – look at that paint job!
Best Looking Retro Adventure Bike : Yamaha Super Tenere :
Now that is mint.
Worthy Mention : CCM Spitfire Foggy Edition :
This bike was getting major attention, and rightly so. I associate CCM with their hard to get, hard to find 450 adventure offering but there wasn’t even a hint of that at this year’s show, everything focused on the road and the custom road. As for this Spitfire Foggy Edition there are only 300 on the planet and they look stunning. Rumour has it that they are all already gone, so if you are after one, good luck!
My Bike of the Show : Honda Dakar Bike :
It’s always going to be an adventure bike for me. So it needs to be the ultimate adventure bike – this one is good enough to take on the Dakar Rally and win.
There is plenty more to check out in the gallery, but in conclusion Motorcycle Live still continues to deliver. You can easily fill a day bumbling around the halls checking out what you would buy with a load of hopes and dreams so it is easy to recommend visiting the show. For me, I need to get a plane there, and one home. It’s my 4th visit and I hope to be there again next year. £25 gets you in with a free Oxford HD Disc lock – bargain!
Enjoy the gallery :
Motorcycle Live 2018 : Gallery :
