Scottish Bike Show - Saturday:
Here's an early report from Ingliston.
Neighbour Tom and I were standing at the entrance at 09:00 waiting to be let in. £15.00 for him . . £7.00 for me as I'm now officially an OAP
We were directed into the West entrance then had a walk across the site to the hall. The sun shone and the showground was at the end of a rainbow. This might be a good day
Today is Launch Day for the F800GS and the F650GS. The BMW stand was just inside the main entrance and there was the new F800GS.
The F650GS seemed popular with the ladies . . . .
. . . . Whereas the blokes preferred the rufty-tufty 1200GS.
'Stumpy' was on duty on the BMW stand, here is 'Judge' (on left) and 'Stumpy'
Has 'Blackal' done a deal ? ? ? . . . Answers on a postcard.
At least 'Blackal' wasn't in his yellow banana suit. That's probably because he was on this instead of his R1
In line with tradition; the KTM stand was next to BMW
. Is this really a 1200GS rival ?
I've always had a regard for the Yamaha FJR1300. The current model is rather nice (but I won't swap my K1200GT).
Along the same lines is the Kawasaki GTR1400. It looks the biz but comparative road tests put it behind the (new) K1200GT and FJR1300 because the engine has less low-down torque and needs to be revved.
Now, if you want a really manic 'Sports Tourer' - try the Kawasaki ZZR1400 (but hang on tight
).
The new Honda Transalp looks a nice little bike (well, not that little - only against the big Beemers
).
I do like the Ducati Multistrada 1100.
Anyone for a 'Monster' ?
Its easy to see how the Ducati 1098 saved the company. I'm not a great Sports Bike fan - but I think this looks stunning (along with the MV F4).
The little Ducati GT1000 'retro' is lovely.
Try as I might, I just can't raise much enthusiasm for the H-D Brand. I must try one some day, then maybe I'll become a convert.
The Triumph 'Scrambler' looks the part (but reports say its not wonderful off-road). Nice 'retro-styled' bike though.
The new Triumph Tiger was getting lots of attention. To my mind it has lost its charm, it doesn't look like an alternative to the GS any more.
As usual, the best bike show was outside in the rain. I photographed every Beemer I could find but have far too many photos to post here (127 in total).
Is this one of 'ours' ???
The Scottish Show seens to be shrinking. This years was a lot smaller than it has been of late and I had seen it all in a couple of hours. Even the 'Classic Bike' and 'Club' stands were thinner on the ground. The weather turned foul, with torrential rain, around mid-morning and I guess that prospect might put exhibitors off, particularly as we lost the Sunday due to snow two years ago.
Nice to see the new bikes and to bump into old friends. I didn't see HRH Oonyack though, I called in on the BMW stand on my way out and was told that I had just missed him. I hear that Tash's new F800GS is in the van so I'm looking forward to hearing a report on it.
Regards all.
Bob.
