WDA enjoyed a fantastic Motorcycle Live this year, incorporating a record breaking 24 meetings over 3 days(!) – while still managing to take in and enjoy the distractions.
The e-bikes scene continues to build with demo laps on offer from Kuberg. For those who have never seen e-bikes in action, the almost total silence is a little strange – however performance looked good, with one rider even managing a high-side under power! Other electric bikes included Zero’s latest range; while Italian firm Energica showcased their awesome Ego 45 (which we were informed by Paul on the stand had recently shown an S1000 a clean pair of heels in testing).
Further ‘hands-on’ opportunities were available at the Adventure Zone, ‘Try Trials’ and Two Wheel Tasters. In addition WDA client Yamaha again ran Darkside Tour demo rides of their MT fleet.
Steve Parrish was on good form hosting biking’s equivalent of a Question of Sport. This featured a panel of racers on the main Blackhorse stage. Also great to catch up with our friend Nick Sanders (complete with famous Union Flag jacket) who was giving a very animated and energetic presentation to celebrate the launch of his latest blockbuster.
Motorcycle Live goes back to the old school!
There was also plenty of nostalgia on offer including an amazing Barry Sheene 40th Anniversary display. Good also to see some old school trial brands back with SWM, Fantic and CCM all showing this year; and going even further back in time the resurrection of Steve McQeen’s Desert Race Replica – thanks to Gerry Lisi and the guys of Metisse.
In conclusion, Motorcycle Live seemed to once again have a real ‘feel-good factor’ which had started to disappear a few years back. There’s certainly lots to get excited about on 2 wheels at the moment – let’s hope it continues.
