Manchester Bike Show

[ChrisB]

http://manchestermotorcycleshow.co.uk/?id=2

It better be better than  the last bloody awful effort at £15 per ticket

[Kwikasfuki]

What was it like last time? Its near to me so tempted, but not if its going to be crap.

On the exhibitors they haven't listed anyone, so not looking good right now.

[Kwikasfuki]

Looks like it's a new exhibitor so may be good. Advance tickets are a tenner so maybe worth a punt. Also a good idea to support a northern motorbike show.

[Lonewolf]

I'm working on this one and definately wont be able to book it off otherwise I'd have gone for a gander.  :(

[patrick]

The Manchester Show was the 1st I ever went to and did the deal to  buy my 1st bike, a new 600 Hornet in 2001 (2 months before taking my Direct Access Test).

P

[100milesaway]

If it's anything like previous Manchester bike shows It will be a pile of poo. Is this one at G-mex? if so it just is not a big enough venue, All I can remember from the last one is being crushed like a sardine :'( into a building way to small to host a bike show. :(

[ChrisB]

Yes it's the GMEX show. I will go because I always go to the NEC and GMEX with the same group of mates, sort of a habit really. I have been to 3 previous shows at GMEX and all of them were absolute crap compared to the NEC. I keep going in the hope it will get better and to support the Northern Dealers if nothing else. The best ever bike shows in Manchester were at the old Belle Vue site in the 70s. How they can charge £15 when compared to the NEC is a joke, it should be free.

[100milesaway]

Yes it's the GMEX show. I will go because I always go to the NEC and GMEX with the same group of mates, sort of a habit really. I have been to 3 previous shows at GMEX and all of them were absolute crap compared to the NEC. I keep going in the hope it will get better and to support the Northern Dealers if nothing else. The best ever bike shows in Manchester were at the old Belle Vue site in the 70s. How they can charge £15 when compared to the NEC is a joke, it should be free.

Ah yes Chris, you must be a man of advancing years much like myself "I'm 63 me ya know" Oh memories, memories, of that great venue known as Belle Vue, apart from the annual bike show. For the benefit of you southern nancy boys, Belle vue was a massive complex now sadly long gone that held bike shows, had a massive dance hall, was the home track of belle vue aces speedway team ( now using the dog track just around the corner), and the best bazzin funfair incorparating  the fearsome "Bobs" which was a real scary ride much like a present day big dipper but run on a track that seemed to be built of matchwood and went quicker than an extremly quick thing and all the while looking like it was about to collapse to the earths crust at the next gust of wind. Me and my pals spent many a happy hour  there and quite often when either to drunk, or to skint to catch a bus or a taxi we walked home to Oldham. Oh yes happy days. Enjoy the show Chris I shall say a prayer that you avoid being crushed to death. :) ;)

[ChrisB]

My fondest memories of Belle Vue was seeing the Who playing Quadraphenia for the first time live, and placing a bus stop on the track during a stock car race for the benefit of number 57 Rob Lane as he seemed to stop every 100 yards. Dont forget the fireworks and the zoo and all the other great things.

[100milesaway]

Yes great days indeed Chris, I do remember the zoo but forgot to recall it, If I remember right they used to have camel rides, and a special time of day that you could take bread and feed it to the elephants. It really was a fantastic day out and is sadly missed. :)

[ChrisB]

I am a mere 57 years old therefore a youngster. With the bike show, I believe you can get tickets for £10 if booked in advance before Thursday this week. I will be there on Saturday, but not on the bike, I hate ridning through Manchester, even though I have lived and worked around the city all my life.

[ChrisB]

Did anyone go? It was just as I expected, great stands from a few local dealers, the most friendly and helpful being Hunt's Honda from Manchester. To be honest, the Kawasaki people deemed unapproachable and on 2 occasions I had to ask the bimbos to get off a display bike so I could look at it. Yes I know they look good but they really just got in the way. Best part of the day for me was breakfast at Weatherspoons and good company to chat to. Or am I just grumpy/

[Kwikasfuki]

I totally forgot about it. Oh well, next year