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Bike Show Virgin – Motobke.co.uk sends intern Helen Lott to the MCN/Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show. These are her findings

Photos by Laura Pickett

It's your first bike show, so go sit on bikes! You’re 21, you’ve just passed your CBT and bought your first bike. You need to kit yourself out and you are also keen to get into the world of biking. So we dropped Helen in at the shallow end, launching her into the 2010 MCN/Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show… telling her nothing whatsoever about what to expect.

Take it away Helen:

“An invitation to the 2010 motorbike show at the London excel. As a virgin to the world of bike shows, this was such a great opportunity. I had no idea what to expect, although shopping had to be on the agenda for riding kit to go with my newly purchased YBR125.

My first impression, walking into the huge open space with stalls and shows and leathery smells, was that I wanted to explore. It all looked inviting. Sales people want to draw in their consumers, of course, and they did it well. The map was useful, with numbers to mark stalls, it was colour-coded, and on the floor large banners helped navigate your way around. The map may have been a little squashed and hard to read, however it proves the popularity of the show to have so many participators.

Ms Lott wrangles a bargain out of poor, defenceless salesman... you can just feel the love! Areas where the bikes were set out for viewing and sitting pleasure were well done by all manufacturers, bar one. Yamaha, who were being run by George White, seemed only interesting in the selling aspect. I was disappointed by this, as I would have loved to know more about the manufacturers of my bike, and learn about the different models. Other than this, I had a great time ogling some really gorgeous bikes and it was lovely to see parents sit their children in the seats. Many pictures were being taken at the displays, and the staff were helpful and keen to chat about their models. Ducati’s layout in particular was good for looking around, as it was a circle with plenty of space between the bikes, and BMW’s was easily accessible too.

I may complain about how George White run a display stand, but their range of clothes and accessories was good. They even gave a brilliant discount on some Frank Thomas boots. The dressing rooms were makeshift but functional, with full length mirrors outside. I see the appeal of buying kit at shows: the range of stalls was impressive; personalised ear plugs, touring stands, sparkly half-faced helmets, tools, bolts and bike parts, stickers, and the kit.

Charley Boorman - always entertaining, even when he is chatting about having a testicle removed! The seating area was social and bustling at lunch time, with many a pint being consumed. Later on for a talk by Chariey Boorman, people were comfortably crowded around the platform. I really enjoyed him chatting about what he’d been up to, the Dakar rally and UNICEF activities (Obviously, I prefer Ewan, what 21 year old girl wouldn’t? but Charley is a great inspirer and fun to listen to).

The main food sales area was outside the venue, which provided a break from the crowds, though there was a bar on the inside.

A big tip I would give to any newly qualified biker looking to buy riding kit is to go along with someone more experienced. The standard of kit varies greatly, so having someone along to point you in the right direction is essential.

I was very lucky as to my company, being with Bob and Laura Pickett (Editor’s note: sucking up to the Editor and photographer isn’t essential, but it does help). Bob taught me how to identify good/bad stitching on jackets (double is better); well done gluing on boots; good quality leather (thick and supple) and various other great tips.

Helen picks up a good deal on insurance... or is that Big Ed picking up a good deal? Also, I learnt it is very handy to bring a copy of RIDE, to survey the guide on what to buy enabling you to get good quality for the best prices.

Verdict: I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The mix of people, families and friends, hardcore fans and the not so knowledgeable, but loves it all people like me. I hope I go to many more shows, and I hope you go to one too. It’s a great experience you shouldn’t miss out on!”

Editor’s additional notes: It was interesting to hear Helen’s comments on George White’s stand. As a newbie to the world of biking, she was not able to learn anything from the stand.

I may take the Mickey about Helen’s comments on taking someone along with more experience, but it does help. Helen was initially quite keen on a jacket, so I waited until she decided it wasn’t quite right, before showing her why she shouldn’t buy it. Lesson learned, she then went on to find something much better.

That said, I am considering taking her along to more shows – especially when I want to buy some kit! After a quick spot of coaching in the art of haggling, Helen duly wandered off to the man at the George White stand and got an already generous discount increased to the point she got the boots half-price!

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