Yesterday I took a trip into the deep south, a land of funny accents, strange places and crowds of people. It was difficult, challenging and a dangerous adventure.

Yesterday I visited Motorcycle Live......


I must admit, I had one real goal, to take a good look at the new Africa Twin. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed, I think the SuperTen is a little better.

It has some great features, feels like a Tenere to sit on, a nice 18" rear wheel, but. It's just a bit soft. By soft I mean I don't think it's going to crash well at all. The engine is a lovely gold but exposed to the ground, so you can cover it with a bash plate (and hide it) of have it on show and exposed to the stones. The plastics are the same as the other bikes, expensive no doubt but exposed and are going to mark easily.

On the plus side, I had a sit on the Zero Electric Trail Bike, and I was really impressed, it's light with plenty of travel in the suspender department, the seat feels good and it looked good too. Downside is only 80 mile range and the prospect of battery replacement after 5 years. Price was around �9k. They do a SuperMoto version of the same bike with better range of 120 miles, so it could be a great commuter.

Yamaha and it's range was easily the best in show for me. The MT09/07 range looked very good and quality finishes.

The new Multistrada, with spoke wheels looks the dogs danglers, but I still wouldn't part with my cash for one. It's never going to crash cheaply, and the indicators in the hand guards just defy and thought logic.

The show was busy in the morning , much better after lunch but still isn't as good as it's hayday. I thought many of the exhibitors were playing to the wrong crown with the number of cars on show, but actually the Atom Off-Road Buggy was impressive, and Honda's BTCC car looked great.

Highlights for me was the stand from the Motorcycle Museum, some cracking bikes there, Oh and a �25k KTM690 from Desert Rose .........

Anyone else had a trip to Birmingham? What were your thoughts ?

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.