View Full Version : Ally Pally Bike show - January 29-February 6 2005
The MCN London Motorcycle Show runs from January 29-February 6 2005 at the Alexandra Palace, London.
So who's going and when?
To quote MCN....
It brings manufacturers, traders, racers, celebrities, girls and entertainment under one roof, to get you closer to the new bikes, the best deals, and the most exciting action.
I'll be going to take a second look at the Sprint ST, Probably going Sat 5th Feb.
Jelster
12-01-05, 11:25 AM
Probably going Sat 5th Feb.
Sounds like a plan.....
Carsick
12-01-05, 11:51 AM
the 5th seems probable for me as well.
Will hopefully be dragging a few people up from Southampton.
It looks like you beat me to it al :wink: , was going to put this up today :roll: was hoping that the soho massive could meet up and make a day of it :shock: i'am up for the saturday too
wyrdness
12-01-05, 02:27 PM
I'm going Sat
Which one?
Where is the "I'm not aloud to go" choice :( :cry:
CoolGirl
14-01-05, 04:21 PM
I'll be there on whatever day I can get a ride up the hill.
Failing that I'll drive and bring Isaac (at least then one of us can look at the new bikes with the prospect of owning one someday).
Debs
I'm going Sat
Which one?
5th
Dicky Ticker
14-01-05, 06:25 PM
I noticed that several of you are going on the 5th and assuming the people going are Greater London based will anybody be fancying a meal and drink afterwards This only applies to the non-drivers on the day as the weather might be a bit inclement on the 5th Either going out near Muswellhill/Highgate or back into Central/Westend London--whatever
If so will somebody put me back on the Colchester train?????????? :lol:
Jelster
14-01-05, 08:36 PM
It's Nicks Birthday that weekend, sounds like a good idea to drink beer later on... And Mab says he "may" join us (yeah, and pigs fly....)
.
SV-Sexy-virgin?
14-01-05, 10:21 PM
im goin on the 5th meet any one ?? suzuki stand sounds apropriate 12:00 n e one?
Hey guys - I'm on hols from 29th-5th landing late on the Saturday. Count me out of this one but have cool time.
Itching 2 go
17-01-05, 05:38 PM
Hey guys - I'm on hols from 29th-5th landing late on the Saturday. Count me out of this one but have cool time.thats no excuse there is always the sunday
SV-Sexy-virgin?
17-01-05, 05:41 PM
id be up for a swift half (a gallon) :wink: did any body fancy meeting up then ?
Gricey
Spiderman
17-01-05, 05:51 PM
i'm prolly gonna go on the 5th,
Best mate (who sold his R6 last year and has no bike now) is going and a couple of his mates too..... one of whom has an SV. Another member for our growing community possibly?
Dont wanna confirm till i book the tickets but will post again when i have.
rictus01
17-01-05, 09:02 PM
I will be going , but it'll be the first weekend, probably the Sunday.
Cheers Mark.
got a digital camera ? One person can come with me as my photographer :D all free 8)
Still waiting for hubby to confirm what day we're going, think we're probably meeting up with a few from another site. But would like to meet a few faces from here. Will let you know what date he finally decides upon.
D
Moriarty
20-01-05, 01:39 PM
Hi all.
Will probably be going on Sunday 30th - Debs, I have a back seat available from the Islington area if you want it.
I will be buying a pair of cordura trousers, looking at a new pair of boots and lusting after but probably not taking home all those things that men lust after.
Anyone want to meet up then?
looks like i'll be on my own on the 2nd then :cry:
william of nomateshire
Mr Toad
26-01-05, 10:10 AM
Hi all.
Will probably be going on Sunday 30th - Debs, I have a back seat available from the Islington area if you want it.
I will be buying a pair of cordura trousers, looking at a new pair of boots and lusting after but probably not taking home all those things that men lust after.
Anyone want to meet up then?
What about a new jacket :lol:
Baldyman & I are going on the 29th - happy to meet and say hello to anyone else on that date
wyrdness
26-01-05, 10:33 AM
Baldyman & I are going on the 29th - happy to meet and say hello to anyone else on that date
I'll be going Saturday morning, as the other half will be at college then and therefore she can't put her foot down and not allow me to go!
got a digital camera ? One person can come with me as my photographer :D all free 8)
I will try to get the DSLR from work.
I dont know when to go, either this weekend or next.
I shall be on the renegade stand for both weekends :D
Im not on commsiosn so i wont sell you an exhaust :)
Carsick
26-01-05, 12:10 PM
Ok, so for the convenience of those not arriving with others, any chance of a meeting place? Suzuki stand at midday? or shall we just congregate on the rene stand and be annoying?
On the 5th, btw.
topbird23
26-01-05, 12:26 PM
has to be Sun 30th for me
Moriarty
26-01-05, 02:00 PM
has to be Sun 30th for me
OK - How about we all meet up at the suzuki stand at Midday?
Any other takers for Sunday 30th?
rictus01
26-01-05, 02:57 PM
has to be Sun 30th for me
OK - How about we all meet up at the suzuki stand at Midday?
Any other takers for Sunday 30th?
that would be stand G95, centre row main hall, down one end.
I'll be there with my son.
PM me for mobile number if you like.
Cheers Mark.
I'm going on Friday 4th and then on to Soho (no weekend crowds that way).
.
Moriarty
26-01-05, 04:05 PM
What about a new jacket :lol:
Another comment about the jacket...
You wouldn't let it lie
I would have let it lie
But you didn't let it lie
CoolGirl
27-01-05, 08:41 AM
Isaac and I will be there at some point on Sunday 30th. Not sure exactly what time as he has a footy match to play and they haven't told us when or where yet.
BUT we'll be in the car and, seeing as I won't be buying anything, if anyone wants to bung anything bulky in the boot let me know.
I will probably go up on sunday, trying to get a new exhaust 'Road Legal one'.
What time will people be going there? Any plans to meetup somewhere?
wyrdness
28-01-05, 09:37 AM
For anyone who's going tomorrow (Sat 29th) and is interested, Charley Boorman is going to be on the BMW stand. He'll be signing autographs, if you're sad enough to collect them!
wyrdness
29-01-05, 03:57 PM
Quick show report:
It opened at 9am. I arrived at about 9:15, having dropped g/f off for college. It wasn't worth driving home and getting the bike as I was only about 10 mins away from Ally Pally. Even by 9:15 the car parks were getting full. I saw very few bikes, most people seemed to be arriving by car. There were no queues for tickets, as there were plenty of ticket booths. After handing over my £14, I was in and heading straight to the Triumph stand to check out the new Speed Triple and Sprint ST.
They are both gorgeous. The Twiple was painted a lovely two-tone blue and silver, with 'tribal' graphics and looked the canine genitalia. There was quite a crowd around it at all times. Everyone wanted to sit on it, from kids, to guys in race leathers, to fat old blokes! The show model had a bellypan and small fairing above the headlight but, oddly enough, no mirrors.
The ST was also attracting a lot of attention. It looked good and well made (someone else here had seen one at the NEC and didn't think much of build quality). There were a couple of things that I didn't like though. It had a silver (chromed plastic) strip on the side of the fairing and matching chrome scuff plates. These looked odd and out of place with the rest of the bike. It also had no bungee points, which seemed a bit odd on a sports tourer. I couldn't see how you could easily attach a cargo net. Perhaps Triumph expect owners to buy matching luggage. The riding position was comforatable and reminded me somewhat of my Ducati ST2. It felt like it would be a great bike for fast, long distance travel. The Daytona's and the Speed Four weren't attracting so much attention. Almost no-one apart from kids seemed interested in the Speed Four, which is a shame since it's a good bike and looked nice with the belly pan and other accessories. The Bonneville range and the Rocket 3 were also attracting a huge amount of attention.
Next door to Triumph was the BMW stand. They had a Long Way Round display with Charley's bike, Charley's riding kit and Charley himself signing autographs and chatting to people. He looked like a friendly guy who was geniunely enjoying meeting and talking to people. BMW had a range of bikes on show, but the GS's were attracting most of the attention.
The best-looking bikes on show were the Benellis, epecially the awesome Cafe Racer. I didn't bother asking how much they cost. The picture doesn't do it justice - you have to see it.
http://www.beaudrymotorsports.com/images/ben/ben_cafe_racer_tnt.jpg
Another superb looking bike was the Powerbronze R1. The newer R1's look great anyway, but this was just amazing. Can someone take a camera and post a photo here?
Suzuki had a stand with several tricked-up GSX-R's in that horrid rizla paint scheme. They had Bandit 650's but no SV's (why not?). They were the only Japanese manufacturer at the show. Yamaha, Kwakasucki (sp?) and Honda decided to stay at home. Ducati were there but I didn't pay them any attention, as I like bikes that actually work in wet weather. There was a hall of Italian bikes, with gorgeous MV Augustas (drool!), Aprillias (yum!), Moto Guzzis (nice!) and Ducatis. MCN had a display of classic bikes near their bimbo stand, with perfectly restored and stunning machines from the 30's to the 70's.
I sat on the Super Duke at the KTM stand, but the seat was extremely uncomfortable. I didn't want to stay on it for more than a few moments. The riding position reminded me a lot of a Buell, particularly the early Buells that tried to get away from under you when you twisted the throttle. It looked nice but I don't think that I'd like to own anything with a seat that hard.
There were lots and lots of lids, pipes, leathers, cleaning products etc. etc. there. I only bought a couple of things. One was a tuffmap (www.tuffmap.com), made from waterproof, untearable, washable plastic, similar to the stuff used for Australian bank notes. I'm sick of London A-Z's disintergrating, so I bought the London street map. At £10 (down from £24), I thought that it was pretty good. I was tempted by the UK road map too. The only other thing I bought was a Speed Triple (subject to test ride).
Carsick
29-01-05, 04:16 PM
The only other thing I bought was a Speed Triple (subject to test ride).
:shock:
Really?
You snuck that in there very nonchalently.
rictus01
29-01-05, 04:46 PM
The only other thing I bought was a Speed Triple (subject to test ride).
:shock:
Really?
You snuck that in their very nonchalently.
1/18th scale perhaps?
wyrdness
29-01-05, 05:05 PM
The only other thing I bought was a Speed Triple (subject to test ride).
:shock:
Really?
You snuck that in their very nonchalently.
I put down a deposit on one. I've arranged a test ride, once they get their demonstrator bike in (end of Feb). If I like it (and if the g/f hasn't put her foot down), then I'll get it. She said, "I hope you didn't buy a couple of bikes",
"Only one" I replied. She didn't question me further, so I may have got away with it. :D
Been this morning. Complete pain to park, had to park about 10mins down the road and walk back (up the hill!)
semed good. Got a deal on a new lid which is nice.
Kwak did have a stand there, had a sit on a Nijna6 :)
Dan
wyrdness
29-01-05, 05:16 PM
Kwak did have a stand there, had a sit on a Nijna6 :)
Oh, must not have been paying attention. I am blond, you know. Now you mention it, I do have a vague recollection of seeing green bikes.
Carsick
29-01-05, 05:48 PM
Complete pain to park, had to park about 10mins down the road and walk back (up the hill!)
Did you take a car or bike?
Oh do you remember if the Benelli stand had a tornado? :roll:
wyrdness
29-01-05, 08:54 PM
Oh do you remember if the Benelli stand had a tornado? :roll:
Yes there were several tornados. Lovely bikes. British bike design at its best! :D
Spiderman
29-01-05, 09:34 PM
Last minute change of plan... i'm going tomorrow now. Plan to get to my mate in crouch end at 9.30.
So anypne whose going i'll try and sterr fours other to the suzuki stand with me for 12ish and linger round a bit.
I'll be the one with the spidey lid, dont be shy... say hi. I'm more friendly than i'll look at that time of day on a sunday. Specially if the coffee there is rubbish :roll:
My show report.
Drove to the ally pally, parked in car park, walked up hill, ducked around the back with out being stopped or asked for pass(although i had one) walked to Renegade stand, stood on stand, for 4 hours, had lunch when i brought number plate light from ermax(£6) some oil and the 04 MotoGP DVD. Sat on BMW R1200ST(Nice but at £10k :shock: ), the Benelli TNT(Drools) Went back stood on stand, came home at 6.
:? Will see somw of you tomorrow no doubt :D
Iain, so would you be the correct person to speak to regarding a new Renegade zhorst for the Tuono :lol:
I'll be heading down next Saturday, better go & vote.........
Laterz all.
Damien.
Spiderman
01-02-05, 04:51 PM
My very brief show report:
Rode upto Ally pally with mates, all went into secure bike park and left our lids in the bus. £2 for lids £2 for full leathers and £1 for jackets. Handy thing to have there for sure.
Wondered about looking at as much as i could. Like Wyrdness said about the Benelli Cafe Racer... that photo does it no justice, you gotta see it to appreciate it.
The "stunt show" was a bit of a let down. The blokes MCing were recruited from kids panto i think. They really irritated me :evil:
The stunts were ok given such a small space, but the guys on KTMs racing were really giving it some, two touched wheels a little too hard and one came off. Up in a flash and poppin wheelies to catch the others.
The guy with the cars slipped and nearly fell off his yamaha engined thingy when he was trying too get back into it.
Advice...
1/ Go to the cashpoint before you get to Ally Pally, the one there charges.
2/ If you plan to buy tickets on the day, the cash queue is far shorter and quicker than the CC queue. there are 8 cash windows and only 3 for CCs.
3/ Get to the stunt display at least 30mins before they are due cos there is no queuing system... just a free for all at the doors and if you aint near the front you may not get in. We went back twice before we got in.
4/ Prepare to be dissapointed by the MCN girls. YUK. Dont think i saw one that was worthy of a second look :(
5/ Plan for getting changed if you need to.I had my thermals on under a long sleeved T shirt and kept my jacket with me cos i thought it may get cold in there. Not at all. Had to go to bogs to get out of thermals and unzipped the quilted lining out my trousers too. Ended up stuffing all that into the back protector pocket in my jacket and carrying it all with me. Wouldnt have if i'd known how warm it was in there.
We got there just after 10 on the Sunday and left just after 3. My legs are feeling it a bit today. :oops:
adamfool
03-02-05, 09:22 PM
went today and enjoyed it lots. my first bike show :)
bought myself and Delilah some little presents.... a powerbronze double bubble screen, some funky powerbronze l.e.d. indicators, thankfully with a normal flashing rate!
also grabbed an oxford compact sports tankbag in silver for £20 (bargain of the day) :D
and some alpinestars SP2 gloves, grey black and white.
and yes....the benelli cafe racer..... 8) 8) 8)
My very brief show report:
Rode upto Ally pally with mates, all went into secure bike park and left our lids in the bus. £2 for lids £2 for full leathers and £1 for jackets. Handy thing to have there for sure.
Wondered about looking at as much as i could. Like Wyrdness said about the Benelli Cafe Racer... that photo does it no justice, you gotta see it to appreciate it.
The "stunt show" was a bit of a let down. The blokes MCing were recruited from kids panto i think. They really irritated me :evil:
The stunts were ok given such a small space, but the guys on KTMs racing were really giving it some, two touched wheels a little too hard and one came off. Up in a flash and poppin wheelies to catch the others.
The guy with the cars slipped and nearly fell off his yamaha engined thingy when he was trying too get back into it.
Advice...
1/ Go to the cashpoint before you get to Ally Pally, the one there charges.
2/ If you plan to buy tickets on the day, the cash queue is far shorter and quicker than the CC queue. there are 8 cash windows and only 3 for CCs.
3/ Get to the stunt display at least 30mins before they are due cos there is no queuing system... just a free for all at the doors and if you aint near the front you may not get in. We went back twice before we got in.
4/ Prepare to be dissapointed by the MCN girls. YUK. Dont think i saw one that was worthy of a second look :(
5/ Plan for getting changed if you need to.I had my thermals on under a long sleeved T shirt and kept my jacket with me cos i thought it may get cold in there. Not at all. Had to go to bogs to get out of thermals and unzipped the quilted lining out my trousers too. Ended up stuffing all that into the back protector pocket in my jacket and carrying it all with me. Wouldnt have if i'd known how warm it was in there.
We got there just after 10 on the Sunday and left just after 3. My legs are feeling it a bit today. :oops:
Thanks for that Zig, certainly very useful to know.
.
Spiderman
03-02-05, 10:05 PM
No probs Jonboy... like i said just a few thing i wish i'd known before i went.
Saw your twin lights there and i ws very tempted but they wanted £55 for em and ive seen em advertised for £59 on websites so it wasnt a bargain enough for me.
And my screen would look a little odd above it wouldnt it? :lol:
And my screen would look even more odd above it wouldnt it? :lol:
Well... :lol:
.
Spiderman
03-02-05, 11:42 PM
And my screen would look even more odd above it wouldnt it? :lol:
Well... :lol:
.
Clearly not a fan of nakeds not being naked then eh greg? :wink:
A little cover stimulates the imagination when it comes to nakedness i think :lol:
yamahaR1
06-02-05, 10:04 AM
Bit short notice but.....
There are a bunch of us meeting in 1hr at the Ace cafe at 11 (Sunday). If you wanna meet us and come to the bike show too your more than welcome :).
http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=18044
Wiltshire7
07-02-05, 12:55 AM
dunno what the show was like the rest of the week but sunday sucked. far too hot and crowded... god knows how anyone can shop in there properly. i wanted to get some boots but theres no way i could try a few pairs on properly with that number of people about etc.
plus i didnt see any great bargins at all, so i spent £14 on getting hot. doh!
nice bikes though :lol:
I took the better half down saturday and meet the guys when we got there, wish we had got there a bit earlier but you know women :roll: as it was a bit mad :evil: still got to look at the pretty bikes :D and saved myself £70 on a lid I nearly bought a month ago :shock: :shock: I also got a nice pair of summer gloves which I needed but who knows if I will get a chance to us them. In all it was worth going and I'am even going to book myself into the suzuki racing school this year :wink:
The adjective " crap" doesnt do it justice ...check report on www2onT
Carsick
10-02-05, 04:21 PM
The adjective " crap" doesnt do it justice ...check report on www2onT
I was a bit disappointed as well.
I wasn't too disappointed, I went last year so I knew what to expect. :lol:
Ohh yeah forgot to ask. DAMIEN where are those photos!? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Jelster
10-02-05, 06:01 PM
It is what you make of it.... It's never going to compete with the NEC or the BMF show etc but it's an event that gives us an excuse to meet mates, drink beer and look at bikes. I generally never go with the intention of buying anything in particular, but this time I got a new pair if Sidi's for £125 with a free pair of gloves. I also got a new plate so I could change my tag.
It's a day out and it's not compulsory, so stop yer moaning and enjoy being with yer mates. :roll:
.
Sorry Raf!
Is this the photo you want :wink:
They led me onto the BMW stand, honest.
http://server3.uploadit.org/files/damienomen-Meows.JPG
Dave, Raf & myself in front of the new SV Thou
http://server2.uploadit.org/files/damienomen-DaveRafandme.JPG
I only wish I had the t-shirt which says, SV owners do it with twins, not that I own an SV anymore...
http://server3.uploadit.org/files/damienomen-Twins.JPG
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