Well, I was planning to go to NEC this year. But.. Checked the prices and wow £ 17 for advance tickets and £10 parking. I planned to drive because of distance, cold weather and being able to buy at the show. So all in all, for me I recon it will cost me 60~80£. I guess like me a lot of visitors would end up spending money ( either planned or spontaneous) at the show or as a result of attending it. So why charge so much to get in?? Well mr NEC I will not give you my £ and put it towards my ???? I checked the London show, just as bad
3 off us are going down to NEC bike show, getting the train down, £25.00 return from Carlisle, £30 per room at the Premier Inn & a bucket load of drink to wash the curry down, it's a couple of days away from the wife & kids to look at bikes & scantily clad girls, can't wait.
Do you know any Gixxer owners? Save yourself the £17 entry fee https://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/motorcy...gsx-r-owners-motorcycle-live-ticket-giveaway/
I am not too sure why we have to pay. It's a bit like paying to look around your local bike shop and clothing dept. Plus all the exhibitors pay a fortune for a stand/s. Won't stop me going though
It's a rip off for sure but if tens of thousands pile through the doors every year then it's unlikely that anything will change.
Cheers @Muffking ...... I could do with some new boots and a nice textile to match my Gixer......wonder if there will be any discounts on RST stuff......
More than likely. Most of these brands will be changing their kit in the new year so they can call it 2016 gear, I've already had a 2015 RST 1 piece at a good price and that was from Parkitt who don't normally sell clothing. I do wonder though if we are looking at this from the wrong angle. It's a day out. We have a stand at other NEC events several times per year and it's expensive to be there, but you still need show deals to pull people in, so there's only one real winner. I think you just have to accept that it's a day out for bikers at a time where the weather's poor for actual riding.
If you look at this way, its a full day of entertainment for £17 - take your own drinks / snacks / lunch as you feel and for that you get stunt shows, demonstrations rides, live interviews (on certain days), cinema shows, demo rides (I think these are still available) PLUS the chance to see all the bikes, hop on them, compare kit, research new 'toys' , holiday options / ideas and as others say have a good day away with your mates. I hope there is a good forum meet one day this year , although my work plans are manic and changing by the week but that also makes it a social event. So if you are there for 7 hours which is easy if you see and do everything its just over £2 per hour plus travel costs which vary by person but can be had for a fair price if you plan ahead.
sadly I do not know and GSX owners. In my view most punter who go there intent so spend money on bikes or products so why charge so much (analogy to charging for browsing in a showroom is great!) So why not do different tiers: basic price for the show, add more £ for each entertainment. I suspect the costs to have a stand is high(specially the smaller retailers) but people like me would have more left to spend on you. I guess for those who make full use of all the show + entertainment it works out well special being allowed out of the house without the wife and kids (a welcomed break?!!)
Cheaper than a football ticket and that's 90 min , I always go when looking for a new bike as great chance to see all in one place, no way near as good as they were. A lot of the kit stalls sell outdated kit and even lids - check the dates inside! And budget brands but as a lot of said a day out with you mates,
I look at it not as an expense, more of a cracking day out. Yeah you could say £17.50 is a bit expensive but for those like me who dont ride during the winter, its the same as a tank of fuel and the price of a breakfast (split the fuel & parking charge with a couple of mates). Plus the chance of ogle all types of fine machinary and its good vfm.
for those of you who can make it, have a great time. My money will have to either go towards new tyres (deeper groves with all this rain) or heated gloves It is nice to have a treat from time to time
I think it's a great day out, price is good put into context with say a concert or theme park, full of like minded folks, gorgeous bikes, beer & burgers & usually an armful of goodies to take home......what's not to like
For me, having so many options to look at clothing/accessory wise under one roof is well worth the trip, and from Canterbury it is a long one. To find different shops which stock all the different brands, plus some that I may not even find would take longer, and cost more in time and fuel. Not to mention getting to salivate over the bikes. Unsure which day, my friend is getting tickets via the venue, as he used to work there, but it will be once they actually arrive, but one of the first days.
I like going as I go with mates and make a good day of it plus it's a good chance to see lots of stuff close up and all together. I've had a few good bargains but also spotted stuff that's expensive compared to other places not at the show. I'' be there on the 1st Dec
