I wasn't expecting to have to buy one. I expect a happy ending for free to help me decide if I want a V4
When you said VIP evening, I didn't realise you meant a trip to their NEC stand and they basically lock you in for a couple of hours after all the punters have left for the day. I clearly had visions of a private function room, a la carte dining, exclusive displays and access to all the new metal and some freely available alcohol, preferably in a real glass. Not so much VIP evening then, more a "crowd free" experience.
Couldn't possibly go the Italians don't know how to Queue Ive heard that it was like a sardine can this year which is a shame because Ive always fancied going. Happy with the corner shop (The NEC) this year not to much tat in the way of £5 gloves etc + an hour and a half from London straight into the NEC on the train for £16 return I saw all I needed to see in a day and it was stress free !!
It's busy yes, but bear in mind it's at least ten times the size of the NEC show if not more, so it never really feels cramped, even on the busier days. I have been twice now and there really is no comparison. In fairness the NEC is not in a position to match it and as a stand alone show it's OK but always feels as if it's massively underfunded both in terms of the content and manufacturers present.
I get your point re funding but they are the same bikes on display as at the Milan show + I'd just get distracted by all the Italian ladies !!
It is worth pointing out that the highlights of the evening were the interviews with Marco (?) the V4 engine design manager, Joe Collier (TriOptions Cup Winner), Steve Plater, Niall McKenzie and Neil Hodgson. So maybe it wasn't all bad
