‘Total black’ stage dedicated to the XDiavel, an undisputed ‘star’ of the show
• Ducati Scrambler stand hosts new Ducati Scrambler Sixty2
• Eight new Ducati bikes enthral the crowds at the Motorcycle Live
• Ducati British Superbike riders, Shane Byrne, Glen Irwin, Danny Buchan, World Superbike star Chaz Davies and MotoGP star Scott Redding meet fans
• Great British Bake-off Chef, Paul Hollywood and McBusted star Matt Willis visit the stand    

The Ducati stand at this year’s Motorcycle live at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham was the place to be for visitors to the show. Ducati had arguably the most to shout about for 2016 with an unprecedented nine new bikes joining the model line-up.

For Superbike fans the 959 Panigale was the highlight, replacing the award winning and sales success that was the 899 Panigale. The new Ducati ‘Super-mid’ gains more power and torque thanks to a new 955cc Superquadro engine as well as improvements to the chassis and fairings.

Although the 959 Panigale may have tried to gain all the attention it was the XDiavel that hogged most of the limelight with its mixture of sophistication and stylish design. Ducati dedicated an important part of its stand to the XDiavel, creating an elegant ‘total black’ room replicating a world that identifies with this bike.

With this fascinating bike Ducati enters the cruiser domain and does so in its own inimitable way, presenting a true cruiser but with all the design, technology and performance one expects from a Ducati thoroughbred. The XDiavel brings together two worlds: the cruiser world - low speeds, relaxed riding and long journeys - and the Ducati world, characterised by Italian style, refined engineering and unparalleled performance.

Ducati enters another new segment in 2016 venturing into the off-road adventure world. The Multistrada 1200 Enduro is a born explorer, designed to be unstoppable on any terrain. Built to withstand the stresses and strains of off-road riding, it carries spoked wheels, 19’’ at the front and 17’’ at the rear, a 30 litre tank and an array of accessories to ensure the possibilities of adventure are endless.

As is now the case the Ducati Scrambler had a dedicated stand to showcase the Scrambler brand and the new Scrambler Sixty2. The Sixty2 with a new 399cc engine doesn't just simply enlarge the range on offer from the new Ducati brand, it opens the way for a new two-wheel market segment, meeting the requirements of those seeking an accessible bike that is easy to handle, has low running costs and is A2 ready but don't want to miss out on the unique Ducati Scrambler spirit.

Other additions to model year 2016 include an updated Hypermotard family with a 937cc Testastretta engine offering 3hp more and 10% more torque as well as being euro 4 compliant. The Monster 1200 range is also expanded with an ‘R’ version offering a 160hp and track-ready handling for those that demand sports performance with the practical appeal of a naked bike.

Visitors to the stand had the chance to meet their race heroes, take selfies and have posters signed. British Superbike riders and Be Wiser PBM team mates Shakey Byrne and Glen Irwin were the first to be guests on the Ducati stand, later joined by MotoGP and OCTO Pramac rider Scott Redding. All three were interviewed by Ducati TriOptions Cup ambassador Niall Mackenzie with each rider taking their chance to pick their favourite bike from the range. Shane Bryne was particularly taken with the XDiavel while Scott Redding, with his eye on gaining his road licence, tried out the Scrambler sixty2. New Ducati and British Superbike rider, Danny Buchan (Lloyds British Moto Rapido) also joined visitors on the stand along with Ducati legend and BT Sport MotoGP commentator Neil Hodgson. Ducati World Superbike rider (Aruba.it Racing) Chaz Davies rounded off the show with his attendance on the final day.

The Ducati brand is always popular with celebrities and Ducati owner, celebrity Chef and star of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ Paul Hollywood was another who was drawn to the XDiavel as was Matt Willis, band member of McBusted who made a special trip with friends to see the bike and visit the Ducati stand.

To see the full Ducati 2016 range visit and find your nearest dealer visit www.ducatiuk.com

MACAU Grand Prix winner Peter Hickman is set for guest-speaking duties at Newark’s New Year classic motorcycle event.

The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic will welcome the Lincolnshire star just weeks after he pulled off the stunning victory on November 21 to grab international headlines. It followed an impressive year for the 29-year-old who took the Fastest Lap by a Newcomer record at the Isle of Man TT with a 131mph circuit at this year’s races.

Just days before the Macau win, it had been announced that Hickman would be making the switch from the RAF BMW Reserves team to GB Moto Kawasaki for the 2016 British Superbike Championship and next year’s international road races.

Head of the event Nick Mowbray said: “Peter has enjoyed a superb year culminating in the Macau win; he’s definitely served fans with notice of his superstar potential. We’re delighted he’s on board for our Newark event and he’ll surely prove a popular addition.”

Taking place at Newark Showground, the event is something of a homecoming for Hickman as the Louth-based rider is originally from nearby Burton-upon-Trent.

The rest of the January 9-10 weekend will include hundreds of trade stands and autojumble plots packing in to the halls of the venue giving visitors the chance to pick up parts, spares, tools, accessories, clothing, memorabilia and more.

Club stands and private entrants will also be displaying pristine restored and maintained classic machines of various makes models and eras.

Also part of the event is two dedicated scooter halls which will mix displays, trade and jumble with interactive attractions such as the Skills Area and an Engine Rebuild competition. Former British scooter and sprint champion Norrie Kerr will be the Scooter World special guest for the weekend.

Advance discount tickets are on sale now from Classic Bike Shows, with a one-day adult pass costing just £8 – a £2 saving against gate prices.

Honda has announced that John McGuinness and Conor Cummins will remain with Honda Racing for its 2016 road racing campaign including the Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy. The announcement was made on the main stage on ‘TT Day’ at the Motorcycle Live exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham.

The ‘Morecambe Missile’ and the ‘Ramsey Rocket’ will contest the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT races at the Isle of Man TT, as well as the North West 200, aboard the proven Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP. Cummins will also take part in the 2016 Ulster GP and both riders are scheduled to race at Macau later in the year.

With 23 TT wins to his name, McGuinness proved he was still the man to beat in 2015, storming to victory in the blue riband Senior race and smashing the outright lap record around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course with a 132.701mph lap.

Isle of Man native Cummins, 29, took two podium places in tricky conditions at the 2015 Ulster GP aboard the Honda CBR, finishing second in the Dundrod 150 Superbike race and the final Superbike race of the day. Both riders competed in last month’s 12-lap Macau Grand Prix where they took fourth and seventh places respectively on their Honda machines.

In addition to their commitments with the official Honda Racing squad, McGuinness and Cummins will race with the private Jackson Racing team on Honda’s CBR600RR in the Supersport class at the NW200 and TT. The duo will also compete in the 2016 Endurance World Championship Superstock class aboard the Fireblade SP and Cummins will compete for Jackson Racing in the Superstock class on the roads.

John McGuinness:

“2014 was a tough year for me so coming into 2015 I was determined to get my confidence back and show that there was still life in the old dog! I think I proved that in the Senior TT and managed to silence some critics who thought that my career was over! Smashing the lap record was the best feeling, but I know that there’s some great competition out there who are looking to take that from me. I’m confident in the Fireblade, and also myself, I know I have a good package to get back out there next year and do it again. The Honda team is like a family to me and the continued support means everything.”

Connor Cummins:

“2015 was a mixed season for me, I didn’t really get the results I wanted at the North West or the TT, but it all came together at the Ulster and leaving with two second-places was great. The Fireblade is a great machine and I’m so happy to be back with Honda Racing again for now my third year. I feel like 2016 could be my year, I have two-years experience with the CBR now under my belt and looking forward to seeing what the season brings.”

Neil Tuxworth:

“We’re pleased to be keeping both John and Conor for our 2016 road racing campaign. Our relationship with John is like family now and is proven to reap results. What he did in the Senior TT was unbelievable and to achieve a near sub-17 minute lap was phenomenal. Conor continues to impress us with his work ethic and attitude, there’s no doubt that he’s hungry for success and puts in 100% effort on and off the bike. We’re looking forward to 2016 and seeing what we can do in the road racing events.

Charley Boorman, renowned adventure motorcyclist, TV presenter and documentary maker has agreed to join Triumph Motorcycles as one of their global ambassadors.

Charley has always been a biker whose garage was filled with a range of brands and styles, even through his memorable TV documentaries, Long Way Round and Long Way Down, were supported by BMW, his love of all thing two wheels is of no secret!

“I’ve always seen change as a good thing. Sometimes it’s not easy to change, but afterwards you see the benefits. I’ve had a great time working with BMW over the years and the Long Way documentaries have been a massively positive part of my life. Change is good, it’s refreshing and we all need to do it as we open our minds up to new ideas and new horizons.”

Charleys involvement with the UK 'retro' motorcycle genre, his enthusiasm for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Motorcycle Ride and his association with the new hipster motorcycle emporium based in London – The Bike Shed, has shown that Boorman is not a one brand player, yet open to all things bike, from adventure touring to cruisers and sports to modern classics.

“I’m so excited with the Triumph range of bikes. I love the retro look of their modern classics, especially the Thruxton with it’s café racer history. I’ve always said you should have a bike for each mood – I think Triumph have it covered! Oh, and hey, the whole ‘it’s British’ thing is pretty cool as we see historic British bike brands in the ascendance. I haven’t forgotten my adventure roots and so I’m desperate to try out the new Triumph Explorer on my 2016 adventure rides in Australia and South America.”

Triumph added: “We are delighted to have Charley on board as a member of the team. It's great to be working with such a passionate, enthusiastic and experienced biker as one of our global ambassadors. We look forward to many exciting adventures together.”

www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

www.charleyboorman.com

Sunday 20th December - Depart 11.00am

One week after the annual Xmas Toy Run and again meeting at the cafe to depart at 11.00am, is the annual ride out to attend the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Rise, NW10. Established during the reign of Queen Victoria in 1886, the home is entirely funded by and dependent upon public support.

Being the season for giving, we must not forget the animals, so often overlooked and neglected, and which entirely rely on places like "The Mayhew" and the generosity and support of all.

The Mayhew welcomes gifts, to include towels, blankets (used as bedding) as well as pet food and treats for cats and dogs.

Private donations can also be made on your visit to the Mayhew. You may even find a furry friend that you may wish to adopt!

For those of you who can't make the run, there will be collecting tins on the counter and a collection box for food, treats and bedding etc at the cafe in the week leading up to the run.

www.mayhewanimalhome.org

On the same day, Sunday 20th December, why not join us for the cafe's annual candlelit Xmas Carol Singalong & Service, from 7pm, followed by complimentary hot, oven fresh, mince pies!

For more information about Ace Cafe London, or what's on, check out: www.ace-cafe-london.com