Syd bike show 05

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2005

Well here's a tip..........if you go next year........and you should............ride there........the parking is free and right out the front of the main doors! Drive and it will cost you both arms and a left ball, parking a tinlid at Homebush is not cheap!

But when you do get there, then the ill winds are forgotten and it's an amazing day! The promo reads something like * More Entertainment, More interaction, and More external display areas making this years Sydney Motorcycle Show bigger than ever before...........*, but......actually........yup.....it was! Sydney Olympic Park was the place to be.

I only got there for the Friday worse luck, could have spent the whole 3 days there, and an estimated 30,000 were expected and being catered for.

Well I wandered through the front doors and the first thing I saw was an electric scooter, 2 cents a kilometre to run they reckoned, 60km range and 70km top speed. Give them a free toll concession and watch the traffic problems in Sydney disappear! Ok, well you know the deal, bit like a fat chick, fun to ride but hope ya mates don't see.... (and oi! leave my big gut out of this, took 40 years to get it this good!)

If it was to do with bikes it was there. From the dual seat $77,000 (plus on road costs!!! ) MV Augusta F4 Tamburini that was one of only 3 in the world that just happened to be available at the show because the Sultan of Brunei had decided on the single seater instead, to just the sheer pleasure of inhaling the vapours exuding from the bright lights and polished chrome bits, the show had it all.

Interactive displays and demonstrations including Yamaha Freestyle, produced by Gary Reid and FMX, returned with core riders Steve Mini and Ben Jones. And damn can they do some crazy things. Jumping two at a time and that stoopid bugger on the minibike.....mad!

Licensed riders also had the chance to test ride bikes and everyone enjoyed the action attractions, show and shines and other motorcycle, scooter, ATV and accessory displays.

The Honda Red Riders arena also featured mini bike activity and Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) motorcycle instructors were on site, showcasing the best in riding techniques. There will also be a four-wheel motorcycle safety demonstration, a static display of off-road riding gear, and activities and demonstrations in conjunction with the Honda Riders Club of Australia.

Trial Zone/Sherco again presented their coveted high-level display featuring both men’s and women’s Australian Moto-Trials champions supported by a team of top riders in a presentation of skill and balance on Sherco trials bikes.

Yamaha, Buell, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris and Ducati, to name but a few showcased their top new bikes. Celebrities galore were imported for the event and closet bikers came out of the woodwork.

You could even relive the magic of some of the big screen’s celluloid greats or entertain the family in two wheel style, courtesy of Harley Davidson. If you’re a child of the 60s and once turned out in leather jackets and slicked-back hair, cult classics such as the Wild One and Easy Rider. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson’s legendary title, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man were also relived daily at the theatre.

If you didn't have a motorcycle licence, a free ride with experienced tour operators, Blue Thunder Tours, courtesy of Harley Davidson were available too!

As part of its major display, Honda was promoting The Snowy Ride.

“The ride has become one of the major events on the Australian motorcycle calendar,’’ Rhys said. “People come from all over NSW, Victoria and Queensland. It attracts riders of all ages and is a wonderful way to enjoy riding in one of the most scenic areas in the country.

Was good to see Cooma there too, promoting it's district to the motorcycle enthusiast. Yup, finally they are waking up out there, bikes mean business!

But this year, while there was no shortage of big muscle bikes, it was *Scooter Alley* that was a feature.

Fuel prices have sales of these things going through the roof. And why not. The range and performance available now is amazing! Figures show that scooters are the biggest growth segment of the market, with sales up 20.5 percent on the same time last year. It is hardly surprising when you look at the figures. You can buy a good 125cc scooter for $4000. It can sit on 80kms an hour on the highway and get 37 kms to the litre.

Anyway, mark it down and don't miss the next one! All we need now is a big band and a party Saturday night, some pretty girls on stage and...............now there's a thought..............