Footie bonus for buyers

While the country goes mad for Euro 2004, the clever buyer will be out looking for a deal.

Frank Finch, RMI motorcycle retailers director, says: “England winning Euro 2004 would be fantastic, but it would have the unfortunate effect of delaying the increase in motorcycle sales that usually occurs during June.”

And that means if you go out holding folding while Beckham & Co are sweating their little hearts out – you could score a spectacular deal as bike stores aim to keep their cash-flow going.

The effect is likely to be felt in both the new and used bike trades.

The bike industry reckons once the footie is over buyers will start charging back through its doors, making up for lost time, so deals could be harder to come by then.

The other bonus of Euro 2004 for riders is, of course, empty roads. Whenever the England games are played you can expect traffic to be much reduced.