Motorcycle live 2021

[Crudeoink]

Couldn't find a thread for MCL 2021 so here goes;

Dates are 4th - 12th of December for 2021

Anyone else going? Booked tickets for this year, intend to go on the Friday. Recently ordered the Mrs a Grom so we're hopefully going to pick up a bunch some riding gear for her there, havent been in a few years so hopefully they still sell some kit.
Also want to try out an Africa Twin, we bumped into a couple in Morocco that were touring on one, and Mrs CO has wanted me to get one since (she's a keeper lol) so we can have similar adventures, do you know if they allow test rides with Pillion at the show?

[KTMsm]

I'll be going, mostly because it's close.

I did the test ride thing previously - everyone else in the queue were testing bikes they had no intention of buying and TBH I think that's the best way - the ride is so short and slow it's pointless really and if you are thinking of buying one go to a Dealer and get a decent test ride.

[Freakuk]

Myself and a couple of mates will probably go, it's moved from Nov to Dec though...

It gets me out of the house and looking at bikes through winter which is always nice. It's expensive for what it is though, parking is ridiculously expensive and it has seemed smaller the last few years, likewise food/drink is expensive and average.

I'm sure you will find all the gear you need/want, I'm not sure there are any real bargains like there used to be though, but it's all under one roof so you have a good selection without going too far.

As for demo rides, I doubt they'll be any outside certainly not off the NEC complex, and two up I've never seen, best advice I can offer is to check on-line.

[Pazuzu]

We usually do this one but with it being moved to December we'll probably just wait for the Excel show in February.

Coming from Kent so the travelling and parking is usually a ball ache as well at the NEC.

[lukeyman]

I'd half planned going to London thinking this was knocked on the head this year. Excel is £15 each at the moment if bought in pairs by the way... but the NEC is much more convenient for me to get to.

The test ride I got in 2018 was not quite long enough to realise how uncomfortable the bike would end up being, but it was a reasonable run away from the grounds.

[Crudeoink]

Thanks all. Seems like it will be a bit smaller than previous years, but probably worth a visit none-the-less, and well, I already have the tickets.

A bit of searching online shows that there isn't really any guidance on 2-up at the test rides, I think i'll just chance it on the day, but if not as suggested i'll probably go to a dealer and try the AT for the day instead. I did notice that they offer a tryRIDE 20 minute session, so will try and get the Mrs on that. Probably should have done that before ordering her a Grom but hey ho, if she doesn't like it I'll ride it anyways!

[KTMsm]

Freakuk said:

As for demo rides, I doubt they'll be any outside certainly not off the NEC complex, and two up I've never seen, best advice I can offer is to check on-line.

They always have done before - it was just a follow my leader, in a loop around Hampton In Arden circa 5 miles ish

[Nick928]

Yes, ticket bagged a couple of weeks ago.

[Rob 131 Sport]

I Test Rode a Suzuki GSXR600 in 2016, because I was seriously considering buying one. The ride was a decent length and the whole thing was very well organised.

Whilst I liked the Suzuki a lot, I ultimately preferred the look of the Kawasaki ZX6R.

There is some suggestion that the show may be smaller than previous years. Are all the big manufacturers going to be there.

[boyse7en]

AFAIK all the majors will be there except Yamaha.
They claim they want to try alternative marketing methods, reach customers direct etc etc but I think it's because they haven't got any bikes in the country so have nothing to actually take to the show.

[Pothole]

All of you moaning about the cost of parking: you do know it's right next to a mainline railway station, don't you? Go by train and you can have a couple of really expensive beers while you're there, too!

[Rob 131 Sport]

Pothole said:

All of you moaning about the cost of parking: you do know it's right next to a mainline railway station, don't you? Go by train and you can have a couple of really expensive beers while you're there, too!

If your going for a test ride it’s not ideal taking all your kit with you (leathers and a helmet) on a train.

[Pothole]

Rob 131 Sport said:

Pothole said:

All of you moaning about the cost of parking: you do know it's right next to a mainline railway station, don't you? Go by train and you can have a couple of really expensive beers while you're there, too!

If your going for a test ride it’s not ideal taking all your kit with you (leathers and a helmet) on a train.

Few things are ideal. Parking is a tenner if you pre-book anyway. Or free if you ride there.

[Chicken Chaser]

I get a coach, brekkie on the way and a couple of beers inside. It's usually a decent day out. The last couple of years I've really made use of the test rides inside and out. Got to ride a trials bike for the first time which was great.

[KTMsm]

Rob 131 Sport said:

If your going for a test ride it’s not ideal taking all your kit with you (leathers and a helmet) on a train.

I'm 99% sure they provided full kit, I rode my bike there but then checked all my gear in.

[KTMsm]

Pothole said:

All of you moaning about the cost of parking: you do know it's right next to a mainline railway station, don't you? Go by train and you can have a couple of really expensive beers while you're there, too!

Many locals drive to the nearest train station with free parking, I just ride there mostly to avoid queues leaving and I CBA waiting for trains / buses

This year I'm hoping to buy new kit so I'll take a few bungees

[airsafari87]

I'll likely be there.

Haven't bothered booking tickets this year though, just incase more manufacturers drop out or if they introduce any silly restrictions for attending between now and the show.
I'll just buy my tickets on the day.

I'm really struggling trying to decide on what to replace my S1000R with so I'll have a good clamber over the bikes on display

[airsafari87]

NEC Website said:

Enjoy a safe event experience at the NEC


For your safety and comfort, we now have COVID-19 status checks in operation.
When attending an event with us, you will need to show proof of your COVID-19 status. If you cannot provide proof of your COVID-19 status and are not exempt, our Venue Protect team will offer the option to take a lateral flow test on-site, for which you will be charged £12. If the result is negative, you will be able to enter the venue.

Plan ahead for your upcoming visit and find out more about accepted forms of proof and our other venue safety measures...

I'll be giving this years show a miss based on that.

[Fundoreen]

Yes I could look it up but was hoping someone would actually say where the show is in all the posts.
Probably Excel but only because I have been there before and am guessing.

[TT1138]

airsafari87 said:

I'll be giving this years show a miss based on that.

Likewise, it’s just faff. Also not helped by moving it to December as I’d normally ride up.