Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 is to be restored to full working order at this year’s Motorcycle Live – which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham – as part of the Japanese manufacturer’s presence at the annual event.

The iconic Grand Prix machine will be completely stripped, before being carefully and meticulously restored by Team Classic Suzuki chief mechanic Nathan Colombi. The restoration will be supported by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme.

1989 was arguably Schwantz’s best season for results, with only crashes preventing him from lifting the world title. He finished either first or second in every race he completed that season, taking six wins and a further three runner-up finishes. He would eventually lift the world title for Suzuki in 1993. The Texan was named a Grand Prix legend in 2000.

Suzuki restoration projects or builds have become a mainstay of the Motorcycle Live features list in recent years, and after the Vintage Parts Programme was launched at the 2013 event, Suzuki has gone on to build a brand new TL1000S, restore an original GSX-R750F, and build Team Classic Suzuki’s Katana endurance racer at the last three shows.

Suzuki GB aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, said of the project, “Kevin Schwantz is still, undoubtedly, a legend among motorcyclists in the UK; we saw that with his presence at British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year. For us at Suzuki, it’s no different, either, and his 1989 RGV500 is an iconic machine that we’re looking forward to restoring. We’ve built or restored a number of bikes at Motorcycle Live in recent years but this is the first time we’ve restored a legendary racing machine like this. It’s a new challenge, and also something different for visitors to the show, while still allowing us to highlight just how many genuine Suzuki parts can be ordered through the Vintage Parts Programme.”

The restoration of Schwantz’s RGV500 won’t be the only feature on the Suzuki stand at Motorcycle Live, with the popular ‘elbow down’ feature making a return.

Suzuki’s extensive 2018 model range will be available for show-goers to explore and try for size, along with a display of race bikes that will include Michael Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT-winning GSX-R1000, while free teas and coffees will be served from on the stand for visitors who want to take a break from walking the halls. The Suzuki Shop will stock the latest lines in Suzuki merchandise and clothing.

Suzuki can be found on stand 3A20 at this year’s Motorcycle Live when doors open on November 18. For show information and tickets, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

TENS of thousands flocked to Warwickshire’s Stoneleigh Park for the four-day spectacular of mud, motorcycles and rider announcements.

Partnered again by oil giant MOTUL, the event – from October 26-29 – built on the successes of last year with another fantastic show as the scene’s major players displayed their 2018 ranges alongside more than 100 trade stands and exciting live action.

At the venue and across social media, showgoers loved the revamped premier off-road exhibition in Europe and said they will be heading back in 2018.

Main organiser of the event Nick Mowbray said: “What a great four days. Thanks to all the punters for coming and to the exhibitors for putting in so much effort to make it a superb show. The entire weekend only serves to demonstrate the strength of this show and the off-road scene generally.”

MOTUL brand manager Richard Barrett added: “This year’s show was fantastic yet again. The new layout gave the show a really good feel with the retail and trade zones buzzing for the whole four days. I’m already looking at next year’s show as we have a really exciting stand planned which will give people a unique insight into what an oil has to endure. See you next year.”

At the heart of the action was a who’s who of star riders and top names gracing the main stage, which attracted large crowds. It was three-time world champion and KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings who arguably created the biggest buzz; the Dutch motocross star flew in from Amsterdam especially to visit the show and be on hand to meet the fans.

Team GB’s Motocross of Nations superstar Max Anstie also caused quite a stir on the main stage as he spoke about his double win at Matterley Basin.

Two live action halls provided the thrills with three sessions per day of motoball, the weird fusion of fun, football and motorbike madness described as “something you have to see to believe” and non-stop racing in the action-packed MiniBike Supercross competition.

Dougie Lampkin’s Arena Trials at the main entrance also wowed the sea of spectators as they entered the show.

However, the main draws were undoubtedly the manufacturer, trade and retail halls which were inundated with eager shoppers looking to upgrade their hardware for the new season and pick up a bargain or two.

Show manager Nick added: “We already can’t wait to get back to Stoneleigh next year, so get the dates of Thursday to Sunday, November 1-4, 2018 in your diary… it promises to be another unforgettable four days.”

For more information on the show, and to keep up with what’s coming in 2018, visit dirtbikeshow.co.uk and be sure to add it to your favourites.

... came to our home to see my husband John Melling who was terminally ill. We had a lovely afternoon catching up with old friends and it really cheered him up.

Unfortunately, John passed away peacefully on 25^th June 2017 and, once again, CAT MCC supported myself and our family by escorting him on his last ride on 4^th July. I will be eternally grateful to them for their love, friendship and support.

Supplied by Tania Melling

A full-powered Youth AX Experience makes its debut at Motorcycle Live with two mini-AX dirt tracks suitable for novice and intermediate riders aged between four and 12. Partnered with electric bike manufacturer, Kuberg, the limited-edition Arenacross Range of bikes will be available to ride. Advance bookings now being taken!

Yamaha is going all out at this year's Motorcycle Live, bringing its Dark Side MT Tour test rides, a Nick Sanders feature where you can meet the man himself, plus a 20th Anniversary display of the YZF-R1 including some very special machines.

The top 10...

1st - The Bikers Cove - 170 votes  
2nd - Hot Tram Roll - 128 votes
3rd - Hungry Hogs near Belton A47 - 82 votes
4th - Route 59 Cafe - 58 votes
5th joint - Goodfillers sandwich bar - 43 votes
5th joint - Lynn's Raven Cafe - 43 votes
6th - Doms Bike Stop - 32 votes
7th - Squires Bikers-cafe - 24 votes
8th - Owls Nest Tea Room Diner - 22 votes
9th - The Pit Stop Diner Stockton - 21 votes
10th - Chequered Flag SW - 18 votes

Lakeside Cafe, Onehouse - 17 votes
Ponderosa Café - 13 votes
The Leadburn Motor Crossroads Cafe - 12 votes
Super Sausage Cafe - 9 votes
Devils Bridge - 9 votes
Hartside Top Cafe - 7 votes
Loomies - 6 votes
The Filling Station - 6 votes
Jacks Hill Cafe - 4 votes
The Doof Cafe - 4 vote
H-Cafe Berinsfield - 4 votes
Steel Horse Cafe - 4 votes
Wessons Cafe - 3 votes
Whistlestop Cafe North Wales Ltd. - 3 votes
The Whistlestop Cafe, Whitby - 3 votes
Seaways Cafe - 3 votes
Ladybower Cafe - 3 votes
Grindleford Station Cafe - 3 votes
Oakdene - 3 votes (added manually as an exseption)
GMEC Motorcycle Cafe - 2 votes
Nell's Cafe - 2 votes
Ace Cafe - 2 votes
Yondermanns - 2 votes
Willingham Woods Kiosk - 2 votes
The Haven - 2 votes
Spitfire Cafe - 1 vote
Iron Horse Ranch House - 1 vote
Oasis Cafe - Scarborough - 1 vote
Sam's Diner - 1 vote
Junction 26 Diner - 1 vote
Tooters Diner - 1 vote
Food Stop Bikers Cafe Bridgnorth - 1 vote
Billy's on the Road - 1 vote
Blenkinsopp Castle Inn - 1 vote
Ryka's Cafe - 1 vote
Original Tea Hut - 1 vote
Silver Ball Cafe - 1 vote
Knott End Cafe - 1 vote
Dinkys Dinah - 1 vote
Fourways Café - 1 vote
Rockyjo’s - 1 vote
Route 1066 - 1 vote
Manor Farm Cafe - 1 vote
Route 11 Kitchen - 1 vote
The Vale Cafe - 1 vote
Krazy Horse Customs Cafe - 1 vote

The poll ran from 27th September to 1st November 2017 - 12 noon. 

Voting took place on THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group, via the pinned poll at the top of the page.

www.facebook.com/groups/thebikerguide/

The poll took place on the facebook group for THE BIKER GUIDE, as the group has the facility for a poll and a tick count. 

When we started this a few years back, we used to add all the votes up from comments, which as we are sure you can appreciate took a long time. By using the 'poll' facility on the group, it is easy for all to see the vote.

As stated, this is a poll as voted for by members of THE BIKER GUIDE facebook group, ran by THE BIKER GUIDE website.

We did look into running an external poll, however this meant people had to supply emails and register, by using the poll on the facebook group the only prerequisite is to be part of the group, with no personal details given.

We have lots of places popular with Bikers included on THE BIKER GUIDE website, from the south to the north of Great Britain, into Wales and to the Highlands of Scotland.

See THE BIKER GUIDE website for extensive listings.

www.thebikerguide.co.uk/bikerfriendlymeetingplaces.html