Welcome to the fifth and final part of my Motorcycle Live 2016 review. Previously I have discussed Honda, BMW, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Aprilia, Ducati and Moto Guzzi. Today I'll quickly run through the rest.
KTM
There was a good showing from KTM and when I was there, Bradley Smith was on the stand signing autographs. Their range of bikes were good and its a shame they've stopped making the RC8R, but with their MotoGP project in full swing, there are rumours of a KTM MotoGP machine available to the public. Now that could be special. Most of bikes seemed to have a updated front headlight display, which gave them all a great identity. KTM remain an exciting brand and this was represented by the size and scope of what was on display.
KTM
There was a good showing from KTM and when I was there, Bradley Smith was on the stand signing autographs. Their range of bikes were good and its a shame they've stopped making the RC8R, but with their MotoGP project in full swing, there are rumours of a KTM MotoGP machine available to the public. Now that could be special. Most of bikes seemed to have a updated front headlight display, which gave them all a great identity. KTM remain an exciting brand and this was represented by the size and scope of what was on display.
Norton
Norton showed up with their new V4 RR Superbike and its certainly a striking looking bike. The stand that they showed the two bikes on, was not. The bike was up on a circular pedistool with really limited viewing positions and only four access points. I guess it sounded good in practice, but in execution, is was just stupid and very crowded. They did however make up for this stupidity by have a range of their TT race bikes on ground level, which were as amazing as you would expect.
Norton showed up with their new V4 RR Superbike and its certainly a striking looking bike. The stand that they showed the two bikes on, was not. The bike was up on a circular pedistool with really limited viewing positions and only four access points. I guess it sounded good in practice, but in execution, is was just stupid and very crowded. They did however make up for this stupidity by have a range of their TT race bikes on ground level, which were as amazing as you would expect.
Ariel
Ariel had a great display, showing a range of their machinery, including two Atoms. The standard road car and the off road Nomad. The Ariel bikes do look great, being dominated by that amazing naked frame, but there in lies the problem. Those exposed beems are right where your knees sit and it just felt really uncomfortable when on the bike, which in my view, kind of goes against the cruiser style approach. Wearing leathers may overcome the issue, but wearing kevlar jeans could really highlight the problem.
Ariel had a great display, showing a range of their machinery, including two Atoms. The standard road car and the off road Nomad. The Ariel bikes do look great, being dominated by that amazing naked frame, but there in lies the problem. Those exposed beems are right where your knees sit and it just felt really uncomfortable when on the bike, which in my view, kind of goes against the cruiser style approach. Wearing leathers may overcome the issue, but wearing kevlar jeans could really highlight the problem.
When all was said and done, Motorcycle Live was a great show. The only main manufactuer who wasn't there were MV Augusta, which isn't a good sign. Motorcycle Live really is forging its place amounst the top shows in the world, which is very exciting from a UK perspective.
After a somewhat flat experience in 2015, it was great that 2016 hit all the right notes and I'm genuinely looking forward to next year now. The even better news is that there is a whole years worth of riding to fit in beforehand.
I'll leave you today with a few more pics from the show.
After a somewhat flat experience in 2015, it was great that 2016 hit all the right notes and I'm genuinely looking forward to next year now. The even better news is that there is a whole years worth of riding to fit in beforehand.
I'll leave you today with a few more pics from the show.
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