Well, that time of year is nearly upon us again, for the Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham. From the 28th October to the 6th November we will all be able to see, touch, sit on and perv over all of next years bikes. With nearly 300 exhibitors attending, there will be plenty to do and see; from test riding a Yamaha WR450F at the Yamaha Supermoto School circuit, to looking at beautifully restored classic motorcycles from National Motorcycle Museum, at the Carol Nash Classic stand.
LB will be there on Press day, so that we can give you a preview of what to look forward to, or what you missed out on if you don't go.
Centre stage at the NEC will be taken by BMW Motorrad UK, with a world premier of a new model that will be on sale in 2006. When this new model is exposed at the show, BMW want the press and public to see how their new philosophy has been developed. 2005 has been a very successful year for BMW Motrrad with the K1200 S, K1200 R and the HP2 Enduro. CCM motorcycles (recently revived) will be at the show to launch its brand new FT35S, its version of an American style retro flat tracker, heavily influenced by their own off road style. It is believed that there will be three engine sizes; a 400cc, a 650cc and maybe a 750cc on offer, for the road range. With White Power upside-down forks and rear shock, Brembo callipers front and rear, as well as a low slung exhaust. This is a must, on the ‘To See’ list.
Ducati UK will be launching their new Limited Edition Monster S2R1000 to the UK market. Honda will have its next generation of CBR1000RR Fireblade on show, the Honda Deauville will make its UK debut, as will the latest in the CBF range. The CBF1000 promises to bring value, comfort and performance to an all-round fun and easy ride. Kawasaki will be teasing us with their four new models, the ER-6–f, ZZR1400, VN900 Classic and KX450F, all being unveiled for the first time in the UK. Suzuki will be making us moist, with their most advanced new GSX-R600 and GSX-R750s to date. They will also be showing the updated Bandit 1200/S, with its changed gearing, making it appeal to more types of people. Suzuki will be launching its exciting new streetfighter, the GSR600, with its unmatched technology, handling style and performance. For 2006 one of the most anticipated arrivals is the triple cylinder Triumph Daytona 675. Offering plenty of bottom-end torque, a thumping mid-range punch, that's finished off with an amazing burst of peak power. Also from Triumph, expect to see the Rocket III Classic and the twin cylinder Classic Scrambler which is shown for the first time in the UK. Not forgetting Yamaha, whose MotoGP technology features in their breath-taking new YZF-R6, and the limited edition tour-de-force YZF-R1 SP. They have the all-new brutal FZ1 Fazer with the R1 engine, and for the touring lovers, the FJR1300AS is the first production semi-automatic motorcycle.
If that’s not enough to whet your appetite there is the Off-Road experience, where for free, you can ride bikes supplied by the top manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. Go into the woods and experience some serious off road riding. Also at the show, the Yamaha Supermoto School are offing (also for free), the chance to have a go on their fun WR450F's on a specially designed circuit. It’s a chance to try something totally different and to learn the unique riding style of supermoto. With the mix of road and dirt riding it’s the ultimate test on the rider and bike. (Both of these activities must be booked upon arrival at the Show). And then, there is the Mini Moto race circuit, which has been especially designed indoors for anyone over the age of 12. You will be supplied with all the gear to keep you safe and it is fully supervised. There will be a competition running every day for the fastest lap; the prize will be a brand new mini moto. The BSM Training Centre is there, giving free instruction to anyone over the age of 16 who would like to have a go at riding a geared bike or scooter, up to 125cc. All the safety kit you require is supplied, it’s all fully supervised and a briefing is given. Again, this must be booked on arrival of the show.
Then there is the Touring and Leisure zone, showing you that anything is possible with regards to travelling the world on your bike. With more than enough information, to take you on the trip of a lifetime. James Whitham will be on hand to answer questions about tyres and suspension at his ‘How To?’ stage, He will also be discussing other specialist topics. The MCN Race Paddock will be a favourite to visit this year, offering 17 trucks full of information, from setting your bike up for the track, bike performance and rider wear. Perfect if you’re a track day loony. There will be a few biking celebrities there to give you advice, a photo or an autograph. On the last weekend of the show, you’ll be able to watch the MotoGP live from Valencia in the MCN Paddock, truly an experience in itself.
All of the other main retailers will be there, for you to splash you cash on all the new goodies coming out or even to get an end of season bargain. Arai will have seven brand new race replicas there for you to drool over. Ohlins will be at the Harris Performance stand, with all their new products. Staff will be on hand to give advice on set-up or issues with bike handling. You might have the chance of meeting riders Kiyonari, Rutter, Haydon or Harris at the Shoei stand, where their very own Shoei race technicians will be there to give you advice on care and maintenance in their products. Also at the show will be the race teams showing off the bikes they have been using this season, and the ones for next. You can look forward to seeing Honda Racing, Hawk Racing, the Dutch Ten Kate Honda Team, Alstare Corona Suzuki Team and Rizla Suzuki.
If all of that isn’t enough to squeeze your lemons to, I don’t know what else to suggest. We look forward to bringing you all the latest from the NEC Motorcycle and Scooter Show. Have a safe journey there and you never know we might see you. All ticket prices and opening times can be found on the NEC website.
Related Linkswww.motorcycleshow.co.uk
Related News
