Went to the Bike show at Westworld on Saturday, it was all in the new building there except for the test rides. They had the red/black anniversary GW there as well as the matte gray F6B, both looked great in person. I got to sit on the new Yamaha FJ-09, Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the Ducati 821 along with a bunch of other bikes. I was hoping for more vendors, but it was a little better than last year. I also rode the new Road Glide (very impressed with the 103 engine, especially since I have a 110 engine) and a Dyna Fat Bob (which reinforced that I am a windshield/fairing guy). I wanted to ride the FZ-09 (since they had no FJ-09), but it was a two hour wait and the wife was not feeling well. All in all not a bad way to spend the morning (especially since I had a free ticket!).
I went Fri and the best bike in the show was the new H2 Kawasaki. I finally saw it in person and it is bad ass. Looked at some other bikes too and even had my picture taken.
Not as good as the Long Beach show but it was OK. The show in Long Beach had a lot more vendors. Next year I will go there again.
We were going to go until we learned of the $12 a head to get in. I won't pay to see companies advertising their wares; those kinds of shows should be free.
There are usually fees. But discounts abound on the internet. I paid 9 bucks. I also got a Honda cap, and two free t-shirts and many other goodies. For me it was well worth it.
We were going to go until we learned of the $12 a head to get in. I won't pay to see companies advertising their wares; those kinds of shows should be free.
We were going to go until we learned of the $12 a head to get in. I won't pay to see companies advertising their wares; those kinds of shows should be free.
You're missing the point or perhaps I'm not being clear enough. The Arizona Bike Show was, for the most part, nothing but corporate stalls to advertise, and maybe sell, their wares. There was no NASCAR race, there was no football nor baseball game where advertising is (supposed to be) secondary to the race or game. The focus of the bike show was entirely about advertising and sales of a product and nothing more. To me, that is the same as going to the mall, except the Bike Show wanted cash to get in the door. I won't pay to do that; let the folks manning the booths pay the entrance fees. Was I clear enough this time? Oh, and you didn't pay to get in either.
I knew exactly what you meant......I was just poking at you because advertising is everywhere and frankly if it wasn't for companies advertising their products, many of our favorite sports would not exist. I agree that it was mostly manufacturers showing their wares, but it was convienient to have many motorcycle manufacturers in one place. I can see all the bikes I'm interested in without having to drive all over the Valley to visit different dealers. It is also nice to be able to browse without being harrassed by salesmen. In addition, there were companies there showing and selling items that are not kept in stock by local dealers and shops....I like to see/feel/touch products before I buy, especially clothing. Test rides were free, no admission necessary to ride several different bikes. And I did pay to get in.....$22,000 for a Goldwing included a free pass to the show. :joke:
Wow! People are sure getting testy here. How about this? If you don't want to PAY then don't GO! For me it is worth it to learn of new products that I would not see otherwise...
And horrors, when the Phoenix Auto Show comes around, I will attend that too!
<...>The Arizona Bike Show was, for the most part, nothing but corporate stalls to advertise, and maybe sell, their wares. <...> The focus of the bike show was entirely about advertising and sales of a product and nothing more. <...>
Tell me you *just* now figured that part of it out. :roll:
I've done that three times in eight years. The last time (two years ago) was well worth the -highly discounted- tix I bought for my wife and I ($8/each - regularly $20 each at the door...) along witht he gas to get there and back - on the bike - from home.
What we did? Ogled the new bikes - saw some displays - and spent plent of time to fit-check helments for my wife. Did I buy from any of those vendors at that time? No -plenty of *better* deals out there; just have to know where to find them when the time came to shell out the dough.
Could I have done that here in Tucson? I tried...and failed.
Bet you'd pay an entry fee at your local Honda dealer - just to see the new products. Until people wake up and quit paying to see 'the new products', those same people will continue to be ripped off. Oh well.....I'm outta here.
No, if not enough people don't come to the show it will just get dropped again. I saw on a blog that the Long Beach bike show is much bigger, so next year maybe ride over for that and go to Pinks for a hotdog too.
Going to the bike show is just like going to the Hunting and Shooting shows. Lot of vendors just standing around waiting to explain to you what they have to offer. Outfitters wanting you to sign up with them for you hunt. Walk around not making eye contact with some who wish you'd come over and stop to hear what they offer. My wife and I enjoy spending the day checking stuff out and yeah you got to pay to get in. Same with RV show too.
Preston from Bushtec trailers said it costs his Company over $7,000 dollars to go to shows. You might ask Lewis to confirm that but it was a bunch of money to send his trucks, people, parts and sales staff put everybody up in Hotel rooms, Feed them all just to do a show. And hey, it only costs me 12 to 15 dollars plus lunch or dinner. Maybe both. But we have a fun time. To go to the mall is not the same thing it's not moving down the road after a week.
I would have paid to go had I been in town. I ride a very expensive Motorcycle so I don't skimp. I even buy Honda Oil and Filters.
Oh yeah, I will also be going to the Auto Show.
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