Despite the unseasonable time of year, Tuesday saw the BMF amongst the hundreds of riders from all over Europe who converged on the European Parliament building in Brussels to protest at the latest raft of motorcycle related Type Approval Regulations emanating from the European Commission.

Organised by Motor Cycle News, about 200 riders, mostly from the UK, assembled at the Parc du Cinquantenaire to take part in the ‘Back Off EU’ protest ride. Before the start of the ride they were addressed by MCN’s Senior Reporter Steve Farrell, the British Motorcyclists Federation’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, British MP Mike Weatherly and the Motorcycle Action Group’s President, Ian Mutch.

A ride-past the European Commission offices ended at the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg where UKIP MEP Marta Andreason also addressed the riders, emphasising that she had been previously campaigning with bikers across the UK and with MCN to ensure that ‘this needless legislation is thrown on the scrap heap.’

Although there are a number of issues of concern say the BMF, the principle one is of the anti-tampering regulations. These have the effect of preventing any changes to a machine from its standard specification which, given the independence and individuality of owners, is an anathema to many motorcyclists say the BMF.

Speaking afterwards MCN’s Steve Farrell said: "People can question whether protests like this make a difference, but we can be certain that nothing will be achieved by sitting at home. 

Supporting this line, Chris Hodder of the BMF said: “At times it’s important to visibly show solidarity and demonstrate the strength of feeling there is when debating items like this with politicians and civil servants.”

The BMF’s EU Type Approval Briefing document

This show aims to give the motorcycling community in the North West a major indoor motorcycle show to be proud be part of and attend... and in March, when hopefully the weather has started to improve with the anticipation of a good summer to follow!

The event has three large exhibition halls, along with outdoor areas, covering over 12,000 sq meters of space - about the size of two football pitches.

Attending will be a large variety of exhibitors and traders including local and national dealers, clothing and helmets, parts and accessories, touring holidays, along with many other exhibitors that you would expect to see at a bike show of this size.

Current confirmed guests are Jenny Tinmouth, the fastest lady round the Isle of Man plus Charlie Williams, nine times TT winner and Steve Colley who will be doing the stunt shows twice a day.

Music and indoor entertainment will be taking place throughout the weekend inside the halls, including a the Wall of Death, a rock dj and more...

To date there are 22 clubs booked to attend the show including Rainy City Harley Davidson, Mid life Crisis MCC, North West Motorcycle Club, Salford Knights Scooter Club, Vulcan Riders Association, West Yorks VJMC, Suzuki Owners Club and MAG, with more to follow.

Clubs and individuals are welcome to display their bikes. Entry forms are available on the website.

We @ THE BIKER GUIDE hope that this event will be a huge success... Come and see us on our stand...

The organiser

Andrew Greenwood Classic Shows have over a quarter of a century of experience in the exhibition industry, organising 700 plus events, including London International Custom Show, the Malvern Classic Bike Show and The Classic Japanese Motorcycle show at Donington Park.

The venue

A new venue has opened its doors in Manchester named EventCity, literally two minutes off the M60, with 3,000 dedicated, free parking spaces and almost unlimited parking at the adjacent Trafford Centre.

venue: EventCity, Phoenix Way, off Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 7TB. Free parking.
price: Pre-book: £10. Seniors: £8. OTG: £12. Accompanied children - 5-14: £1. No booking fee and no premium rate number to call in order to book tickets.
tel: Advance ticket hotline; 01749 813899. Organisers number; 01484 667776
web-site: www.manchesterbikeshow.com
facebook:
e-mail: [email protected]

The Manchester Bike Show 2012 @ EventCity
17th & 18th March

MotoGP’s Dani Pedrosa was the star of Motorcycle Live today after jetting in for a whirlwind visit to the show at The NEC, Birmingham courtesy of Arai. The Spanish rider was greeted by hordes of his UK fans as he made his first appearance of the day at the Arai stand. 
 
Having been showered with gifts and the odd cheeky kiss, Pedrosa made his way to the main stage for a MotoGP-themed Q&A with James Whitham and Steve Parrish. He was then joined by BSB stars Chris Walker, Gary Mason and John Reynolds and road racer Ryan Farquhar for the Fast Bikes Question of Bikes quiz. 
 
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Honda stand, where Pedrosa offered his expert tuition to one lucky young lad at My First Honda Licence. He guided the delighted youngster around the course and presented him with his mock-up licence at the end of the session. 
 
“I’ve had a great day at Motorcycle Live,” said Pedrosa at the end of his visit. “I couldn’t attend yesterday as planned because of the bad weather but I managed to re-schedule for today and I’m happy that I was able to make it. I am grateful for the support of my UK fans and I’ve really enjoyed being able to meet some of them here today. Thanks to Arai for the invite.” 
 
Motorcycle Live continues until 27th November and the ticket price is completely all-inclusive, meaning visitors can enjoy everything the show has to offer at no extra cost. Tickets are £19 for adults, £12 for seniors, £8 for children aged 6-16 and  kids under five accompanied by a paying adult go free. Visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk or call 0844 5812345. For the latest news and updates, visit www.facebook.com/motorcyclelive or follow @motorcyclelive on Twitter.

Former British and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson will take on the role of Ambassador with Ducati to promote and support the Ducati 848 Challenge.

Hodgson, who won British and World Superbike Championships with Ducati will make a number of appearances at British Superbike rounds and is also scheduled to be at one of the overseas rounds such as World Ducati Week, 21st to 24th June in Misano. Neil will be on hand to give advice and mentoring to the 848 Challenge riders on and off track and pass on his knowledge of the circuits. As well as sharing his experience with the 848 Challenge riders, Neil will also be available to present trophies, media interviews and personal appearances and will be an invaluable presence in the paddock for both riders and fans alike.

Ducati UK and Neil are working together to produce a package that will offer unique opportunities to younger and more established riders competing in the Championship. Ducati UK will announce further details in due course.

Neil’s first Ducati 848 Challenge role will be a pre-season track day with the 848 Challenge riders where he will assist the teams and riders with advice and help riders shake off some pre-season rustiness.

As well as his ambassadorial role for the 848 Challenge, Neil will attend Ducati UK events and dealer openings throughout the year and you will be able to meet him at the Ducati stand at Motorcycle Live.

If you are interested in competing in the Ducati 848 Challenge then please contact:
[email protected] or visit www.848challenge.co.uk

Hot Rod Night & Raydar Magazine

Meet Paul Haywood and the team from the new magazine "Raydar" on Hot Rod Night, Wednesday 7th December, and be in with a chance of winning a first edition copy, as well as other prizes. Spend £5 or more over the counter to receive a raffle ticket.

Raydar magazine is the first publication from the folks at Ray Gun Industries, better known in the Hot Rod world for the Rad Rods series of DVD's, so expect the unexpected, as it will not only cover all that is cool today, but also things that you thought were cool way back when - Horror Comics, Bubblegum, Superheroes, Cars, Bikes, Art, Sci Fi and much more!

www.raygun-industries.co.uk/raydar