FORGET challenging, it’s been a difficult year for much of the motorcycle industry since the Carole Nash International Motor-cycle and Scooter Show brought the two-wheeled world to the NEC’s halls in Birmingham last year.

Despite being confident of seeing great bikes and having the opportunity to buy bargains, I was unsure how the show would cope in the current climate of relentless gloom.

Would it look like a motorcycle version of ‘penny for the guy”? writes Tony Long.

Having got the entrances mixed up, I walked through the trade hall where I checked out the aforesaid bargains – and some extremely desirable bikes – on my way to the manufactures’ hall.

At the head of the stairs I stopped, not for a grand entrance – like the time the straps of my camera bag got tangled around my legs ending up with me sliding down the steps – but because I’d gone back to the future.

Below me were the Norton and Triumph stands.

Norton are indeed back in Birmingham where they started and while the bikes may have a retro look they are modern in design and performance.

US manufacturer Victory (proud to boast of being the only cruiser manufacturer at the show) regard the event as so important to their European market that they chose the NEC to unveil their new models – including the sporty styled Core, a bike that almost defies the definition of cruiser due to its performance-based image.

The most reassuring factor of this year’s show was the fact that the true driving forces of the motorcycle market, passion and enthusiasm, are still to be found in biking.

You’ll also find new bikes, scooters, clothing and accessories as well as that all important passion and enthusiasm at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show which runs until Sunday.

For full details and information check out the website motor cycleshow.co.uk.