(25-06-2015, 02:13 PM)Yamanx Wrote: I remember Hondas 50th anniversary being quite a big deal on the island, 1999? They put a lot of effort into the whole event (Apart from Suzuki stealing the advertising banners on the straw bales  )

Hmm..... it was a big deal, but I thought only to Honda, and paid for by Honda as I recall - they really went to town on it.

Yamaha had a big anniversary too at some point, which was a big deal, but again to Honda, who decided to put all their effort into beating Yamaha in almost every race, and then putting on a massive fireworks display to steal the limelight. I've completely forgotten which year that was.

In neither case did visitor numbers rise because of the occasion, that's my point I suppose - I've only ever seen the 100th year bring about a massive boost to numbers. Mike the Bike's return was the only other thing I remember bringing in a big influx out of the blue.

That said, I suppose it doesn't stop a party happening