Category: Events and Shows

1. FREE test rides at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 12:01am Wednesday 31st Oct 2012

   The Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return to Motorcycle Live 2012 thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada and a great line up of models from some of the world’s leading manufacturers.      

   Show goers with a full motorcycle licence can sign up for a FREE 20-minute test ride on a model of their choice before heading out on the open roads around The NEC accompanied by an out-rider. Those visitors travelling by train or car can also get involved, as Shoei, Sidi and Spada will be providing all the necessary safety equipment. Here’s what last year’s visitors had to say about the feature:      

   “A good idea for those who are not sure what sort of bike to buy. You can get good advice on what bike suits your needs and what sort of riding gear is available to you.” – Colin Williams, 65, Cardiff      

   “The best way to ride different manufacturer’s bikes all in one place.” – Gene Loder, 45, Hartlepool      

   “Great for deciding if that new bike is right for you.” – Steve Collier, 47, Wolverhampton      

   “Buzzing, informative and a pleasure.” – Nicola Ford, 55, Beccles      

   The following manufacturers will be providing motorcycles (models TBC): Ducati, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Honda, KTM, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Victory, Yamaha and Zero. Participation is subject to availability. Participants must be over 21 years old and hold a full UK licence and bring both parts of this for verification. To book a ride, head to the Test Ride Zone check-in desk in Hall 4. Bookings will be taken from 10.00am.      

   The Test Ride Zone is just one of the exciting live features at this year’s show. The all-inclusive Motorcycle Live ticket gives access to five exhibition halls crammed with all the latest bikes, clothing and accessories and seven FREE opportunities to ride a bike**, plus non-stop entertainment from some of the biggest names in biking on the Blackhorse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone. Also featuring the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone, the Yamaha Escape Zone, the Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum and FREE entry into the Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena**.      

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or click here.      

   For real-time news and updates:  

   Visit www.facebook.com/motorcyclelive  

   Follow @motorcyclelive on Twitter

    

2. MOTORCYCLING LEGENDS LINE UP FOR THE FOOTMAN JAMES CLASSIC MOTORBIKE SHOW

   Posted on 12:01am Monday 15th Oct 2012

   Plans are revving up for this year’s Footman James Classic Motorbike Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 16th to 18th November. With over 250 motorcycles on display, the UK’s best motorcycling clubs once again pull out all the stops to showcase rare and exciting motorcycles ranging from the traditional Great British manufacturers, Japanese speed demons, Italian exotica, retro scooters and many more.

   Clubs showcasing their amazing motorbikes include the BSA Gold Star Owners Club, which will mark the 75th anniversary of racer Walter Handley, while the BSA Bantam Club celebrates its 10th anniversary. Other clubs joining them include the Goldwing Misfits, Moto Guzzi Club GB, Norton Owners Club, Royal Enfield Owners Club and the Vincent HRD Owners Club to name a few.

   British motorcycle racer Guy Martin will make his debut at this year’s show when he meets motorcycle fans and sign autographs on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th. Guy started his career at Team Racing and made a successful debut in the Isle of Man TT. He later moved to AIM Yamaha where he competed in the British Supersport Championship before moving to Hydrex Honda. After four years at Hydrex Honda and a year with Wilson Craig Honda, Guy switched to Relentless Suzuki before joining Tyco Suzuki for the 2012 season. He also starred in the motorcycling documentary film TT3D: Closer to the Edge following the leading riders in the 2010 Isle of Man TT races.

   Visitors can find Guy on the Live Motorbike Stage where our host and well known TV and radio presenter and biking enthusiast Steve Berry will interview him about his career and the bikes he has in his own collection – and those he wants to add. There will also be a chance for visitors to ask their own questions in a Q&A session. Steve will also be interviewing motorcycle legends such as motorcycle racer and TT rider Mick Grant and Speedway legend Eric Boocock.

   Mick and his team of expert trials riders will be riding classic machinery as they negotiate an extensive purpose built indoor course. All the skills, thrills and spills of a classic trials 'meet', but you won't need your wellies! They will be joined by Eric who’ll be commentating and making sure the riders stay on track.

   There will also be the Pride of Ownership competition, supported by Meguiars, where individual owners get to show off their own bikes with chrome gleaming and tyres blacked. There will also be a Vintage Wall of Death, guaranteed to make you hold your breath.

   Enthusiasts can also browse the extensive trader village for the latest products and services or motorcycle memorabilia. Search for that elusive part or spare in the Bike Jumble.

   You can also enhance your visit by buying a dual ticket that also gives you access to the Footman James Classic Motor Show, with over 1,250 classic cars on display as well as the Wheeler Dealer Live Stage, Restoration Theatre and the chance to have a ride as a passenger in your dream car in exchange for a charitable donation.

   Ticket prices range from £10 when purchased in advance.

   www.classicmotorbikeshow.com

3. If you think the Rally season is over, fear not!

   Posted on 12:01am Friday 5th Oct 2012

   ... as the Original Cruisers (those of the Rally in a Chalet fame), bring you a Halloween Extravaganza, 26th - 28th October @ Pontins in Southport!

   With Rock bands, Rock DJ, lots of trade stalls, charity raffle for the Northwest Air Amblulance, last man standing bars, all you can eat brekies and dinners, happy hours and a swimming pool!

   price: Ticket £12. Chalets: £20 - £26 pp.

   www.southportoriginalcruisers.webs.com

4. Go off-road with Yamaha at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 12:01am Wednesday 26th Sep 2012

   Motorcycle Live 2012 is so much more than a display of the hottest new bikes and the latest accessories, it’s a chance to get fully immersed in every aspect of the world of two wheels – and to discover and experience parts of that world you never thought you would!      

   Take the FREE Yamaha Off-Road Experience for example. A specially-designed indoor motocross circuit run under the watchful eye of trained instructors, it gives road riders the chance to try off-roading for the first time. 

   If you’re already a fledging dirt rider, you can pick up some new skills and improve your technique. It’s a must-try for any adventurous rider looking to broaden their two-wheeled horizon, but don’t take our word for it, here’s what our 2011 visitors had to say…      

   “Awesome and exhilarating!!!” – Nicola Ford, 55, Beccles      

   "I loved it! Although the experience was free on the day it proved very costly a few weeks later when I went out and bought myself an MX bike!" – Tim Teale, 33, Wilmslow      

   “With seeing so many new bikes on display, it was awesome to get a chance to ride one too. The Yamaha guys know exactly what they are talking about and it doesn’t matter how good or bad a rider you are, you leave the course feeling that you had learnt something from the experience.” – Mick Fenwick, 42 , Tiverton      

   “It was superb. They look after you, give you all the kit, make you feel welcome and you don’t get treated like an idiot. It’s a great experience, well worth doing and I’d do it again.” – Dave Vaughan, 35, Solihull      

   “It was a brilliant experience. I ride on the road all the time but this was my first time on dirt and I really enjoyed it.” – Peter Roberts, 23, Lincoln      

   The Yamaha Off-Road Experience is overseen by Chief instructor Barry Johnson (a former Motocross Grand Prix Rider and current Auto Cycle Union Instructor) and caters for all levels of experience - from those who have just the basics of clutch control, through to experienced road riders. All safety equipment is provided.      

   It is just one of the exciting live features at this year’s show. The all-inclusive Motorcycle Live ticket gives access to five exhibition halls crammed with all the latest bikes, clothing and accessories and six opportunities to ride a bike**, plus non-stop entertainment from some of the biggest names in biking and the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone, the Yamaha Escape Zone and the Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum and entry into the Ramp’d Up Freestyle Motocross Arena**.      

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk and click ‘Tickets’

5. BUY A SLICE OF RACING HISTORY AT BRITAIN’S BEST CLASSICS SHOW!

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 25th Sep 2012

   Winner’s trophies from the personal collection of six times Grand Prix world champion Jim Redman will be sold to the highest bidder at the 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Stafford.

   The event, which takes place at the Staffordshire County Showground on October 20-21, includes a Bonhams auction where the trophies, most of them silver replicas from Jim’s TT triumphs during the early to mid 1960s, and dozens of rare motorcycles will be sold.

   Among the show’s other attractions will be star guests including legendary Kiwi racer Graeme Crosby and trials rider Yrjo Vesterinen, live action displays, exhibitions and much more.

   Hundreds of traders will set up shop at the event selling bikes, parts, tools, leathers, maintenance services, insurance, workshop manuals, books, magazines, memorabilia, transfers and even gifts.

   Classic Bike Shows organiser Nick Mowbray said, “It’s not every day you get a chance to buy a unique piece of motorcycling history and we’re privileged to be able to offer this opportunity at our show.

   Stafford is something special. It’s a celebration – not just of classic motorcycles but of the history that goes along with them too. I am proud to say that this year’s show will embrace classic machines from every era like never before and demonstrate the passion that exists for bikes of all ages.”

   “You need only look at the clubs who’ve already booked to exhibit at the show. We had more than 70 at the last count, so you can see a bevy of beautiful 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s machines looking their very best.”

   The VJMC will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of its UK wing with a display to mark the occasion and the BSA Bantam Club will also be hosting a display to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

   The Different Strokers stand will feature examples of the finest 750cc race-replicas from the late 80s and early 90s and the Air-cooled RD Club will have a large selection of 20 singles, twins and triples on display.

   Among the private entry display machines will be everything from single cylinder air-cooled scooters through a pair of Honda six-cylinder CBX1000s and an NS400R two-stroke triple to a rotary-engined Suzuki RE5.

   Not only that, the show includes final round of the Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year Award. This takes the overall winner from shows at Newark, Bristol, Lanark, Netley Marsh and two previous Stafford shows and puts them together in a face off to decide the best of the best. First prize will be £1000 worth of goodies from GP Legends and a unique trophy built using parts from John McGuinness’s works Honda Fireblade motorcycle.

   There’s free parking at the show and dogs on leads are welcome.

   Gates are open 9am to 6pm on the Saturday and 9am to 5pm on the Sunday.

   Pre-booked one-day tickets cost £10 for adults, £8.50 for senior citizens and £3 for under 15s. Two-day tickets cost £20, £17 and £6 respectively. Weekend camping costs £40.

   You can even arrive on Friday and get a three-day ticket. These cost £30, £25.50 and £9. One-day tickets on the gate will cost £12, £10.50 and £4.

   Call our pre-booked discount ticket hotline today on 01507 529529.

   To book a stand, call 01507 529430.

   For more information visit www.classicbikeshows.com