Irish motorcyclists, and users of mopeds and scooters, had a rare treat last weekend; their first Irish bike show for 11 years. And they came out in their droves.
Previously bikers wanting to see what the "powered two wheel" (PTW) world has to offer had to make the trip to Birmingham or beyond.
Given that 20,000 people visited the show, as many as seen at the five days of the Boat Show, this could well become an annual event. In terms of marketing, the Irish industry has, with a few notable exceptions, lagged behind the rest of Europe.
Little effort has gone into promoting motorcycling. Have you ever heard of a motorcycle or scooter being advertised in a national newspaper, on the radio or on TV? Yet not a day passes without several cars being promoted.
The huge crowds at the show are evidence, if any were needed, that a huge potential PTW market. In Ireland PTWs account for around 2 per cent of our vehicle fleet; Europe-wide the figure is 14 per cent. We have a lot of catching up to do and, since PTWs are an important part of the traffic solution, the sooner the better.
The range of bikes on show was diverse. Of the major manufacturers Yamaha had an impressive display of its entire range, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Ducati, Piaggio, Peugeot, Muz, CCM, Gas-Gas and Honda featured some of their more popular machines. Although not represented by their Irish importers, there were examples on various dealers stands of Triumph, BMW, Kawasaki and Aprilia.
The display of Royal Enfield machines in their various guises attracted great interest. We have their "latest" model on long-term test - the 1955 Bullet 500, still in production but now with electric start and left-hand, 5-speed gearbox. It will be interesting to see how elegant simplicity, coupled with classic looks performs in today's conditions.
The award for the most useful exhibit would go to Eurosecure for its ingenious steel motorcycle garage, the perfect thief-proof solution. Also on show was its Street Clamp, a bike parking stand complete with storage locker, perfect for city-centre parking; it's the sort of thing local authorities should be providing.
Seekers of clothing were well catered for with many stands having displays of helmets and riding gear. An opportunity to compare prices and quality all under one roof.
There were a number of "fringe" displays, fringe in the sense that the connection with motorcycling was marginal. These includes tattoos, chocolates, digital TV, embroidery and bungee jumping.
For the eco-minded, needing simple local transport, GMI showed a range of electric bicycles, mopeds and scooters. As yet battery technology limits both power and speed but for many a commuting journey they are ideal.
Of the dealer stands, Meskell's of Limerick deserve credit for achieving the "real" bike show atmosphere with the most impressive stand. Crossans of Newry brought down its impressive mobile display unit, a familiar sight at race meetings. Horsepower, Ireland's first motorcycle mail-order business, much appreciated by those in remoter parts, had a tempting display of all those little bits and pieces you can't find elsewhere.
Motorcycling Ireland put on a display of racing machines, top-of-the range tourers, classic and veteran bikes and off road machines.
Inchicore Motorcycles showed the Lifan range of motorcycles and mopeds; relatively new to Ireland, they are made in north-east China. Build quality seemed every bit as good as Japanese bikes, and even more impressive were the very attractive prices. In terms of sheer output China is the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer and we look forward to testing some of their offerings later this year.
The Irish Rider Training Association had a number of its instructors present and ran a "try a scooter" experience outside the Shelbourne Hall. The Garda Traffic Unit, the National Safety Council and Dublin Corporation were all present, stressing safety.
On the "don't try this at home" front, there were displays of trial bike riding and moto cross. Appreciative crowds saw all the improbable things that could be done with a motorcycle.
An indoor track proved a great attraction with a display team showing what could be done with go-peds, including somersaulting. Other attractions were pint-sized mini-motorcycles which anyone could ride - and, for the very, very young, electric go-karts.
Outside the hall the Iron Butt Association, those hardened types who ride 1,000 miles on 24 hours, showed the ambulance they bought from the proceeds of their Irish Rally last year. Next month it heads out to serve in the Chernobyl region. This year's rally, on June 19th-21st, aims to bbut a new minibus for Rev Peter McVerry . . . there's more on www.ibai.ie)
The show attracted many motorists now moving into the "seriously interested" category. If anything, this show should have convinced them that PTW has a lot to offer.