Was there today setting stuff up…
Ducati are big as always and Yam and BMW are shouting loudly, but there’s a poor turn out by Zook and Honda and there’s a lot less exhibitors than past years.
All the stand people were complaining how NEC had been a massive financial loss for a lot of people cos of the down turn which is why its so quiet…
Heard lots of talk of a possible “Motorbike Scrappage” scheme to try and help, but that could just be rumour eh…
NEC was terrible! I think 4 years ago was the last time i really enjoyed it.
Not going excel as think its gonna be same as NEC, quiet and no bargains. If honda and Zook cant be arsed then nor can i. shame really.
how did you get on with tigger?
a lovely women but talk about stress, lol
John, what on earth do you mean mate, she’s as laid back as a cuddly Panda… 
PM Sent fella 
I might not go Sunday then… Shame Honda couldn’t be too bothered.
Not going, spent all my money for now:D
Was that on the Ducati bill? 
So is it worth going to this show?
It can’t be bad…lots of other manufacturers be there!
Depends on what you want to do. If you want to sit on the latest GSXR-1000 then obviously you will be wasting your time as Suzuki aren’t going to be there. If you go there expecting hundreds of bargain stalls like you get at BMF Show in Peterborough, then you may be wasting your time as, from previous experience, this does not provide the space for that. Having said that, the exhibitors list this year does seem to include quite a few retailers, so I may be wrong. But I certainly wouldn’t rely on it.
If however you have a look at the Exhibitors page and decide there are enough there that interest you - from a fact-finding/comparison point of view rather than a bargain-hunting one - sufficiently to want to part with the entrance fee, travelling costs and a few hours of your time, then you should find it worthwhile.
I went a couple of years back expecting bargains galore and was disappointed - although I did pick up a Baglux tank bag at a good price, had a fun ride on a B-King, and my girlfriend had a go on a couple of scooters, so we can’t complain that it wasn’t worthwhile, especially given we took advantage of a “two tickets for a pound” offer that was going at the time.
This time I’ve done my homework and am keen to find out what Beowulf, Blue Flame, Autocom, Just Bandits and Stealth have to offer, and get advice about choosing and changing brake discs, chains and sprockets. I consider I am likely to get more than my £12 worth, and what’s not to enjoy about drooling over a few Ducatis and whatever other bikes are on display, etc?
I went to the Excel & NEC shows last year and I preffered the NEC show, I cant be bothered to go to the Excel show to see the same stuff I saw in December 
im going again - 3rd year for me so cant compare :ermm:
for me its more of compare/try/find grear that i normally couldnt! at the moment i need a helmet so will be able to look at infinity,helmetcity and other all at the same time
Hi Mel , honda made statement a while back that they wouldn’t be launching any new bikes at shows but would do them at dealers instead , makes more sense really as more people get to see them and for free too .
i have only been to the excell show once and that was a total waste of time and money so never again , even if it was free ! … and if there are less than before there …don’t bother …
the new VFR is lauching tonight i think , might take a mosy over to swanley to have look …
take care Mel
I’m not in the market for a new bike or care to go sit on any. I was thinking of going for some deals on gear. I want a new helmet and potentially other small stuff so probably not worth my time by the sounds of it.
last year i bought a friend of mine and AGV Barros helmet for £70 of RRP!
I go to George Whites where they always have good deals, I know they are going to be in the show so might be worth it but got an interview to prep for so weighing it up.
I went to the Excel show in 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed myself! Although I do quite enjoy just having a mooch about the stalls, playing with the bikes and eyeing up the Ducati girls! 
Honda are at the Excel, they wern’t at the NEC! They also have an event day on the 12th of Feb for the release of the VFR1200 at Chiswick Honda.
I like going just to spend a day with my mates looking at bikes and bikey things and have a few beers while we’re at it