The home of automatic scootering

Busy, busy, busy

Barely back from the experience of riding across Europe, it was then time to flit across to Milan for the EICMA Show. However, prior to that trip I had to do something that I wasn’t looking forward to – spend a short stay in hospital, so can I say thank you to all those who sent their best wishes. It was most appreciated.

All-in-all, it’s been a busy couple of months – much busier than I would have expected at this time of the year. It’s not over yet, as we have the new revamped NEC Show to attend – Carole Nash Motorcycle Live. By the time you read this, it will have already taken place, but the way magazine deadlines work out, this issue went to press on the day it opened. This means that a report on the event will appear in the next issue. On the face of it, the event looks to be a much-improved venture than in recent years with a fair number of scooter importers being present. Let’s hope that this is a positive sign for improvements in the motorcycle industry.

A good proportion of this issue is dominated by what went on at the Cologne and Milan Shows. There are other well-known shows on the circuit, but these two have always been accepted as the major events to be seen at. Originally, the status of being the main European event was shared in alternate years by Intermot and EICMA, but in recent years, the Milan organisers have taken to holding an annual event (well they need to fill the space in their new plush Rho Exhibition Centre, don’t they)? As far as scooters are concerned with Italian company Piaggio being such a major market player, this means Milan takes on a fair amount of importance, as far as T&G is concerned.

As you’ll have seen on the cover, we also have another scooter to give away. This time it’s a 125cc SYM Fiddle and it’s a prize you wouldn’t want to miss, so make sure you enter our competition – it’s free!

But that’s enough waffle from me. If you’re a subscriber, then you should have this issue prior to Christmas, so I’ll take this opportunity to wish everyone a “Merry Christmas”. If you purchased this issue after Christmas, then it’s a “Happy New Year” to you all.

Mau