So last Thursday me and a bunch of work friends went to this years bike show. Last time I was there was back in 04. The difference this time is that i'm actually learning to ride. I wanted to check a couple of bikes to help make up my mind on which i'd like to get when I pass. But I also got to see some of the amazing bike I will never ride. Here are some of the bikes I saw.
First up two bikes that need no introduction. Valentino Rossi's M1 Yamaha and Marc Marquez's Honda RC213V. Incredible bikes!
Also got to see the Ducati Superleggera. Ducati are only making 500 of these and even though they cost £72000 they've already sold out!
While at Ducati I also got to see there new 797 Monster. Beautiful bike which uses the same air cooled engine as there Scrambler. While no price has be announced yet it is expected to be around the £8000.
Also the super cool Scrambler. Definitely a contender for my first bike.
The next stand we saw was Yamaha. There I found this stunning custom XSR700 (also a contender). Check it out.
Over at Honda we found this beautiful CBR1000 concept bike featuring Marco Simoncelli's (RIP) old number.
Over at Norton there was the Commando. The pictures do not do this bike justice. The detail and craftsmanship is incredible. I'd love one but they cost waaaaay to much for me.
Eventually we found Triumph, no not the bra maker. There I got to sit on the new Bobber, comfy as hell but not for me, the Street Twin and the new Street Scrambler. The last two are serious contenders for my first bike.
But bike of the show status goes to (drum roll)..... The Suzuki Vanvan! I'd never heard of on either. I literally stumbled across it at the Suzuki stand. Such an old little bike with it's huge back tyre, giant seat and tiny fuel tank. Let me tell you just sitting on this thing made me grin from ear to ear.
So there you have it. Hopefully this time next year i'll have my own bike to ride but until then i'll just have to dream.