Category: Events and Shows

1. Motorcycle Live announces Ace Builds custom showcase finalists

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 6th Nov 2017

   The organisers of the UK’s biggest bike show, Motorcycle Live, have announced the finalists in its Ace Builds custom showcase competition. The four machines will go on display at Motorcycle Live at The NEC, Birmingham from 18-26 November, where show visitors will be able to vote for the ‘Ultimate Ace Build’. 

   The initial entries to the competition were whittled down to just 14 shortlisted machines by an expert panel consisting of Motorcycle News deputy editor Richard Newland, Built magazine and Classic Bike editor Gary Pinchin and Bike Shed founder Anthony “Dutch” van Someren. The decision was then handed over to the public, who have been voting via the Ace Builds website over the last two weeks, to decide the four most popular bikes.

   The finalists are:

   - A Kawasaki KH500 named “KH Five” built by Pip Davidson 
   - A Yamaha XS650 named “Eleanor” built by Luke Cormack 
   - A Ducati 900 Tracker built by Ali Latimer 
   - A Yamaha XV750 Virago named “Café Racer PP2” built by Phil Price 

   All four finalists will each receive four tickets to Motorcycle Live and £200 of Motolegends vouchers, plus of course, the chance to have their bike on display by the Black Horse Stage in the Eurosport Entertainment Zone at the heart of Motorcycle Live.

   The ‘Ultimate Ace Build’ will be decided by Motorcycle Live visitors, who will be able to vote for their favourite of the four finalists throughout the show. The owner of the winning machine will be awarded £1000 of Motolegends vouchers and the chance for their bike to feature in a Motolegends catalogue.

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live are on sale now, priced at just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds* and FREE for children aged ten and under (accompanied by a paying adult). There is also a £25 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a Spada Gonzo bag worth £29.99**.

   To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
   

   Motorcycle Live 2017 takes place at The NEC, Birmingham from 18-26 November.

   *Advance ticket price, closing date for advanced tickets midnight on 17 November 2017. There is a £1.50 fulfilment fee per order.

   **Limited offer while stocks last

2. Kevin Schwantz RGV500 to be restored at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 2nd Nov 2017

   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

3. Dirt Bike Show 2017

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 2nd Nov 2017

   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.

4. Motorcycle Live - under three weeks away!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 1st Nov 2017

   

   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.

   Motorcycle Live is the best place to check out all the latest kit and accessories under one roof. From helmets, boots and riding gear to on-board cameras, sat navs and tool kits... if it's two-wheel related, you'll more than likely find it at the show! See the full list of exhibitors here. 

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live are on sale now! Prices have been frozen at 2016 rates and the tickets remain all-inclusive, so every single live feature, event and experience at the show is absolutely FREE to enjoy. Advance buyers also benefit from significant savings in comparison to the on-the-door price and they can win one of hundreds of prizes in our Golden Ticket promotion... what are you waiting for?!*

5. Pre-book now for the FREE Experience Adventure feature at Motorcycle Live

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 18th Oct 2017

   Advance booking for the FREE Experience Adventure bike skills feature at Motorcycle Live 2017 is now open! Click here to reserve your slot to ride one of the stunning adventure machines on offer from Honda, KTM and Triumph on the terrain for which they were made.

   The Classic Feature supported by the National Motorcycle Museum returns with an adventure and off-road machinery theme and a showcase of its vast inventory of scramblers, trials bikes and speedway racers, as well as early examples of adventure road models. 

   Non-stop entertainment will be provided courtesy of the Eurosport Entertainment Zone featuring the Black Horse Stage, where visitors can enjoy quizzes and game shows with loads of prizes to be won from KTM, Dunlop, Arenacross & Dunlop - plus daily Q&As with racing stars – all hosted with the usual witty banter.

   For newcomers to the world of biking, the industry’s Get On initiative will be offering FREE Two Wheel Taster sessions in a safe, private, indoor space with expert tuition from qualified instructors on a range of motorcycles and scooters from the leading manufacturers. 

   Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live are on sale now! Prices have been frozen at 2016 rates and the tickets remain all-inclusive, so every single live feature, event and experience at the show is absolutely FREE to enjoy. Advance buyers also benefit from significant savings in comparison to the on-the-door price and they can win one of hundreds of prizes in our Golden Ticket promotion... what are you waiting for?!*