Category Archives: Motorcycle Live

Motorcycle Live 2014 hailed a success

The nine-day biking spectacular that was Motorcycle Live 2014 drew to a close on Sunday after thousands of bike fans flocked though the doors to SEE all the new 2015 models for the first time, LEARN to ride a bike, WATCH amazing live action, RIDE on and off road, MEET racing stars and celebrities and ENJOY the UK’s best day out in motorcycling.

We would like to thank every single person that attended the show and made it such a brilliant nine days – we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! If you did attend, you may receive an email asking you to complete a short survey about your experience. We would really appreciate your feedback so that we can make Motorcycle Live even better next year.

Speaking of next year, Motorcycle Live 2015 will take place from 21-29 November 2015 – add it to your diary now and we hope to see you there!

Full 2015 BMW Motorrad range to make its UK debut at Motorcycle Live.​

Visitors can see the new S 1000 XR and S 1000 RR in person, meet Charley Boorman and save £50 on World of BMW activities.

Motorcycle Live will be the first opportunity for UK customers to see the dynamic new 2015 S 1000 XR, S 1000 RR, R 1200 RS, R 1200 R and F 800 R in person. Visitors will also be able to request test rides on the new 2015 models.

The BMW Motorrad UK stand (2C30 in Hall Two) will also feature displays from BMW Rider Equipment, BMW Financial Services, World of BMW and more, with staff on hand to answer any questions..

The stand will also feature a range of factory-lowered models and a selection of motorcycles outfitted with accessories from the huge range of BMW Motorcycle Equipment, giving visitors the opportunity to see and feel the many options for customisation on offer.

In addition to all the 2015 motorcycles, the stand will be displaying a selection of fantastic café racer style customs from Kevil’s Speed Shop alongside a customised BMW R nineT which will be making its debut at the show.

Adventurer Charley Boorman will be visiting the BMW Motorrad UK stand from Wednesday 26 November onwards to sign autographs and chat with fans. Charley will also be taking part in an on-stage panel with other BMW Ambassadors at 12pm on Adventure Wednesday on the main stage.

The World of BMW stand will be staffed by instructors and tour guides from BMW Rider Training, BMW Off Road Skills and BMW Tours, allowing visitors to get advice and information as well as plan their 2015 calendar.

Customers can also pick up a complimentary copy of the 2015 World of BMW Activity Brochure and take advantage of a fantastic offer saving £50 per person on any courses booked online or over the phone during the Motorcycle Live show.

For more information or to book tickets for the Motorcycle Live show, visit www.motorcyclelive.com.

Ride KTM At Motorcycle Live

KTM is offering riders attending Motorcycle Live the chance to sample bikes from its Street range with free demo rides.

The nine-day show, held at Birmingham’s NEC, from November 22-30, will showcase the entire 2015 Street range of motorcycles along with highlights from the Off-Road collection on the main KTM stand, while the ‘Test Ride Zone’, located in Hall 4 Zone 4, will offer the chance to ride the RC 390390 Duke690 Duke R690 SMC R1190 Adventure1190 Adventure RRC8 R and 1290 Super Duke R.

To participate in a free test ride, you must have a full UK licence, both photo and paper parts, and be over the age of 21. Please bring both parts of your licence to have these validated.

For those thinking of getting on two wheels for the first time with a KTM 125 Duke or the new RC 125, then the Get On zone, also in Hall 4, is the place to go. New riders can get a fantastic first time experience for life on two wheels in a specially constructed indoor area with expert tuition provided for free courtesy of the industry’s Get On Campaign. Riders can choose to ride either of KTM’s exciting 125cc machines.

Bookings are subject to availability and can only be made upon arrival at the show by visiting the booking desk in Hall 4. A breathalyzer test will be required and there is a zero tolerance policy. Don’t worry if you are planning to go to Motorcycle Live by car as riding equipment can also be provided on site.

For more information on KTM, visit www.ktm.com/gb

For Motorcycle Live information, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

Arai at Motorcycle Live 2014

FREE ARAI HELMET SERVICE

Our aim for Motorcycle Live 2014 is to service 2000 helmets and we need your help to do this.

Visit Arai at Motorcycle Live on stand 2C45 with your Arai and be part of this iconic brand.

You can leave your helmet with one of our Arai trained technicians enjoy the show and then collect at the end of your day or take advantage of our notification service and we’ll text you as soon as it’s done.
Part of owning an Arai is the ability to access your free service and 5 year warranty plus if you’re thinking of buying into this iconic brand then why not take advantage of our Arai Try Before You Buy range of helmets and one of our trained staff will size and advise.

Do you already own an Arai? Why not come and see us for any fitment advice and take advantage of the custom fit service for you newly purchased Arai.

Visit the Arai stand on 29th and 30th November and get the latest advice on how to fit, maintain and replace Pinlocks. See demonstrations on the latest photo chromatic lenses and anti-fog technology.

What’s more is that we’re allowing you to book in for a specific day and notify us of any issues you may have prior to visiting the show to make sure we have everything you need to keep you riding.

Don’t want to book in? No problem, visit us at the show and we’ll make sure you receive the same level of service.

Dark Side MT Tour at Motorcycle Live

The popular ‘Dark Side MT Tour’ will add one more stop to its 2014 schedule when it visits Motorcycle Live from 22nd – 30th November.

Following a hectic five city UK tour during the summer of 2014 the popular MT Tour has added one final venue to its schedule for the year, as it is now confirmed as a new feature at this year’s Motorcycle Live at the NEC.

The MT Tour has already provided an opportunity for riders across the country to experience the new range of Yamaha MT bikes and discover their ‘Dark Side’ by trying out an MT for themselves. The summer events included stunt shows, an Extreme Wheelie machine and even a new rider MT experience with both an MT-125 and restricted A2 compliant MT-07 machine available with fully trained instructors.

The appearance of the MT Tour at Motorcycle Live adds yet another new dimension to this year’s premier event and confirms why the NEC remains a must visit destination for every serious rider.

The giant MT Tour truck will take centre stage for the MT Tour display with its Dark Side branding and collection of MT clothing and accessories. Sited inside Hall 3 right next to the Yamaha stand, the MT Tour truck will have many of the accessorised MT Tour bikes on show, along with the Dave Coates MT-09 stunt bike which comes to the event straight from its last show.

But the most popular attraction is certain to be the fleet of MT-09, MT-09 Street Rally and MT-07 demo bikes that will be available for riders to enjoy in an escorted test ride. Bookings for the test rides can only be made on the MT Tour truck on the actual day so riders should make their way to the Yamaha stand on arrival and secure a slot as places are limited.

Riders can find details of the additional MT Tour dates at Motorcycle Live and requirements for booking test rides by visiting:

http://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/experience/mt-tour/index.aspx

With new 2015 MT models and colours on display on the Yamaha stand next to the MT Tour truck Motorcycle Live will be another new chapter in the MT story. And following the huge number of awards the MT range has received this year the MT demo bikes are certain to be a popular addition to the line-up at Motorcycle Live this year.

The 2014 Motorcycle Live event runs from Saturday 22nd Nov to Sunday 30th November 2014. Doors open at 10.00 each day. For full details of the event visit:

http://www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/

Some restrictions apply to riders wishing to book a test ride and riders must present a full valid motorcycle driving licence. See website for full terms and conditions

RIDE… on and off road at Motorcycle Live

Motorcycle Live – the UK’s biggest bike show – is so much more than a static display of the latest machinery. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to actually get on a bike and ride, both on and off-road.

The Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return to the show thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada and a great line-up of bikes from the world’s leading manufacturers. Accompanied by out-riders, visitors with a full motorcycle licence can take a FREE test ride and get a real feel for their chosen model, before visiting the manufacturer stand with any questions they may have.

For visitors keen to swap the tarmac for the dirt, the Yamaha Off-Road Experience offers the chance to do just that on a specially designed indoor circuit. Catering for all levels of experience, chief instructor and former MXGP rider Barry Johnson and his team will guide participants through the required techniques, all for FREE.

Yet another opportunity to ride comes in the form of the ACU Try Trials feature, in association with BUMPY. The FREE 15-minute sessions, hosted by ACU instructors, aim to give an introduction to the highly skilled discipline of trials riding on an indoor course. Trials riding demonstrations by the ACU coaches will also take place daily.

Kids of all ages can also get on two wheels with a whole range of FREE features, including the Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track for two-12 year olds, Honda’s My First Licence for 5-11 year olds, the Arenacross Youth MX Experience and the Kuberg Children’s Trials feature for 5-12 year olds and Silverstone’s Rookie Rides for those aged 11-16.

Motorcycle Live takes place at The NEC, Birmingham from 22-30 November 2014. Advance tickets are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 11-16* (kids ten and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). There is also a £20 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a three-pack of Oxford Comfy neck warmers worth £15.

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

*Advance ticket price, closing date for advanced tickets 5.00pm on 21 November 2014.

HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge visits the Ducati stand at Motorcycle Live

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, made a special visit to the Ducati stand on Saturday, 30 November, as part of his official trip to the Motorcycle Live event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.

Tim Maccabee, Managing Director, Ducati UK Ltd hosted the Royal guest, introducing him to the features of the brand new Ducati Monster 1200, in addition to the Ducati Diavel, which the Duke climbed aboard when prompted by a member of the public who shouted: “Go on, get on it!”

With a smile, Prince William duly pleased the crowd by trying the Diavel for size, before meeting former Ducati British Superbike Champion, Shane Byrne, with whom he shared some comments on the enjoyment of riding Ducati Motorcycles.

The Duke also took the opportunity of his visit to have a closer look at the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, which was making its UK debut at the packed show. The limited edition model of only 500 represents the most exclusive and desirable Ducati in the range and with components in magnesium, carbon fibre, and titanium, the model boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history.

“It was a real pleasure and an honour to host HRH Prince William on our stand,” commented Tim Maccabee. “He was pleased to take a look around and certainly seemed to enjoy sitting on the different models. He commented on how light the Diavel was, but I think he favoured the 1199 Superleggera.”

The visit was completed with a look at the new Ducati 899 Panigale and an overview of the Ducati TriOptions Cup series in which the model will compete, announced for 2014 as a support race within the British Superbike Championship.

Discover 90 Years of BMW Motorrad at Motorcycle Live

Biggest-ever presence at show with thirty classic motorcycles and over forty 2014 models.

BMW Motorrad UK is bringing its biggest-ever stand to Motorcycle Live, with 30 classic models spanning 90 Years of BMW Motorrad and over 40 of the latest 2014 motorcycles on display.

Motorcycle Live, open from 23 November – 01 December at the NEC in Birmingham, is the UK’s biggest motorcycle and scooter show. Visitors can see every new BMW motorcycle, book test rides and meet BMW Motorrad celebrities and famous racers.

For the very first time, BMW Motorrad will have a wheelie simulator, giving show-goers the chance to lift the front wheel on the 193bhp BMW S 1000 RR supersports bike and pose for photographs.

BMW Motorrad highlights at Motorrad Days 2013:

  • See all new 2014 models including S 1000 R, R 1200 RT, R 1200 GS Adventure and R nineT
  • Celebrate 90 Years of BMW Motorrad with 30 classic and over 40 new BMWs
  • Two customer competitions to win on-and-off-road experiences from World of BMW
  • Meet Charley Boorman on the stand on Monday and Wednesday
  • BMW S 1000 RR wheelie simulator
  • Watch stunt star Mattie Griffin on his BMW F 800 R every day in the Crank’d show
  • Brand new 2014 World of BMW Activity Brochure available from the stand
  • BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment, Finance & Insurance and much more

Journalists and visitors on Media Monday (25 November) are invited to join BMW Motorrad for a short new model press conference and Q&A session from 11:30am featuring Charley Boorman and Harry Schmidt, motorcycle designer and project leader on the new BMW R nineT, hosted by TV presenter Tony Jardine.

On Dirt Day (Wednesday 27 November) BMW Motorrad and World of BMW will be hosting a Q&A session on the main stage at midday featuring Charley Boorman, Simon Pavey and other BMW ambassadors. This lively, entertaining session, hosted by James Whitham, will inspire and encourage riders to enjoy their own off-road and round-the-world adventures.

BMW-riding adventurer Charley Boorman will be on the stand meeting riders and signing autographs on Monday and Wednesday, and BMW’s stunt rider Mattie Griffin will be performing daily on his BMW F 800 R as part of the exciting Crank’d show.

As part of the year-long celebration of BMW Motorrad’s 90th anniversary, a selection of 30 iconic classic motorcycles from 1923 to 2013 will be on display, showing the development and evolution of BMW Motorrad. Highlights from the display include the R32, BMW’s first ever motorcycle, the original R 80 G/S and the original World Superbike-winning R 90 S superbike.

In addition to seeing the oldest BMW motorcycles, the very latest will be on show as well; with the BMW S 1000 R naked sportsbike, R 1200 RT tourer, R nineT classic roadster and the new R 1200 GS Adventure making their UK debut at the show. Almost fifty 2014 models will be displayed on the BMW Motorrad stand, including the production version of the C evolution e-scooter.

Visitors to the World of BMW area will be able to pick up a copy of the brand-new 2014 Activity Brochure, speak to staff and instructors from Rider Training, Tours and Off Road Skills and Track Activities, and plan their next riding adventure. Visitors can enter competitions to win five places on a special BMW Off Road Skills course hosted by Charley Boorman and Simon Pavey, as well as three BMW Rider Training courses (CBT for non-riders and one-on-one expert instruction for riders) at the stand.

Show-goers can also explore a selection of the latest BMW Rider Equipment and BMW Motorcycle Accessories, and speak to staff from BMW Financial Services and BMW Insurance. The show stand, as ever, will be staffed by experienced motorcycle enthusiasts from BMW Motorrad, who will be on hand to answer any questions about the bikes, accessories, finance and aftersales support.

For tickets and more information about Motorcycle Live, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.

The Ducati 1199 Superleggera, Monster 1200 and 899 Panigale headline at Motorcycle Live

Ducati headline this year’s Motorcycle Live with an array of new models and updates to their range. Model year 2014 again sees a line-up that is exciting, innovative and continues to push the boundaries of technology and performance.

None more so than the stunning 1199 Superleggera, a bike designed with no limits, a machine combining  an opulent cocktail of  materials  such  as  titanium, magnesium and carbon fibre to set the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle in history. Producing more than 200hp  and  weighing-in  at  just 155kg*  (341.7lb*),  Ducati  showcase  their  innovative engineering and stylish approach to design, while affirming the maxim: “Authentic Italian Performance”.

Whilst the Superleggera showcases Ducati’s commitment to performance technology and lightweight construction, the 899 Panigale provides a more accessible entry into the world of Ducati Superbikes with this “Supermid” version. The 148hp superquadro powered 899 with a torque of 73lb-ft (10.1kgm) achieves both an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and ride-enhancing agility with a dry weight of 169kg* (372.5lb*). The 899 Panigale priced at £12,495 joins the 1199, 1199 S, 1199 Panigale R and the exclusive Superleggera on the stand to complete the 2014 Superbike family.

Although the Superbikes may grab some of the headlines, arguably the biggest news is that there is a new Monster in town. More than two decades on from the Monster’s first unveiling, Ducati now introduce the iconic model’s latest generation with the 2014 Monster 1200 and 1200 S. Powered by the formidable, Superbike-derived 1198 Testastretta 11° DS engine with an enhanced set-up for mid-range power delivery and rideability, the brand new flagship of the family presents an entirely new chassis and muscular design fully integrated with Ducati’s latest technologies. High-spec brakes, suspension, single-sided swingarm and lightweight wheels combine with Ducati’s best-yet ergonomics to offer the Italian manufacturer’s most attractive Monster ever. Super comfortable and introducing an innovative adjustable seat height, the model also combines 8-level traction control, 3-level ABS and 3-level Ride-by-Wire into Ducati’s user-friendly, press-button Riding Modes.

Evoking the exciting memories of past models such as the powerhouse S4R and S4RS, the 2014 Monster 1200 also boasts an exclusive S model with 145hp and a ride-enhancing 92ft-lb of high-accelerating torque, wrapped beautifully in a spec-impressive chassis that tips the scales at 182kg (401lb) dry weight.

While the Monster 1200 is presented in Ducati red with red frame and black wheels, the Monster 1200 S offers Ducati red with red frame and glossy black wheels in addition to the striking scheme of white with bronze-coloured frame and glossy black wheels. The Monster 1200 will be available in the UK at £10,695 and the Monster 1200 S at £12,995.

A bike not to be missed is the Diavel, a bike that has grin factor in abundance due to its stunning engine and rideability. The new generation Hypermotard range will also be exhibited including the touring inspired Hyperstrada and the extreme Hypermotard SP. There is also the Monster 696 and 796 as well as the popular Streetfighter 848 to explore.

A number of accessorised bikes will be on display as well as the latest 2014 range of Ducati Apparel. Ducati Finance staff will be in attendance to explain the Ducati TriOptions finance deals available throughout the range.

The newly designed Ducati stand incorporating a Ducati Apparel retail store can be found in Hall 3 (stand 30).

Motorcycle Live takes place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from November 23 – December 1. For ticket information visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

*dry weight

Kiddimoto – Children’s Fun Track!!

Motorcycle Live in conjunction with Kiddimoto present a feature tailored for our younger visitors! Youngsters from as little as 2 can have a go on a Kiddimoto balance bike around their fantastic inflatable Track!!

Everyone from beginners to balance bike experts are able to have a go, up until the age of 12! What’s more, as with all the exciting features at Motorcycle Live, this feature was provided free of charge by Kiddimoto.

An experienced instructor will give children basic guidance on how to safely use the track and if the youngsters were a little reserved in trying this alone then parents are welcome to hop in and guide their budding biker round the track!

Children will be kitted out with a helmet and balance bike relevant to their size and off they go!

If you like the look of the bikes you can follow Kiddimoto on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/kiddimoto and on Twitter @kiddimoto.

New Honda Models to Make UK Debut at Motorcycle Live

Honda is gearing up for this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the Birmingham NEC (23 Nov – 1 Dec), where a number of its exciting new-for-2014 models will be on show to a UK audience for the very first time.

Many of the new Honda models have only recently been unveiled at the International Motorcycle Show in Milan (EICMA), so visitors to Motorcycle Live will be amongst the first in Europe to see the latest two-wheeled offerings that carry the Honda wing.

Expanding on the uniquely wide and varied range, Honda offers a host of new or upgraded machines for 2014. The new additions highlight Honda’s tradition of technical innovation and desire to attract both a new generation of motorcyclists and existing two-wheel lovers.

New for 2014 are the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP – Featuring engine enhancements and equipped with Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes for even sharper on-track performance; the CTX1300 – A distinctive custom cruiser, offering a unique combination of comfort and technology; and the CBR650F and CB650F – A stylish new middleweight pair, designed from inception by a young team of Honda engineers, the CB650F is a naked bike with streetfighter style and attitude, while the CBR650F is a sleek sports machine. Both feature a new liquid-cooled 650cc four-cylinder engine, tuned for high torque, especially in the low to mid rpm range.

Several machines are significantly upgraded for 2014, including the VFR800F – Given a totally new look and a host of upgrades including ABS, heated grips, adjustable seat and self-cancelling indicators; Integra, NC750X, NC750S – The trio of models introduced in 2011, receive further utility enhancements and an increase in engine capacity for more power and torque and even better fuel consumption; CBR300R – More power and torque from a bigger capacity engine, and Fireblade-inspired styling for the motorcycle that represents the first step into Honda’s Super Sport line-up.

Alongside the gleaming new metal on display, star visits are also planned on the Honda stand from some of Honda’s top two-wheeled racers, including John McGuinness, Jonathan Rea, Leon Haslam and Alex Lowes.

Younger visitors to the Honda stand will be able to get their first taste of riding and experience just what it’s like to get on a Honda motorcycle with Honda’s unique ‘My First Licence’. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can take a supervised ride around a specially constructed street scene, and experience the fun of two wheels, whilst also learning about road safety and awareness. It is the perfect introduction to motorcycling and the start of the journey for any budding young rider.

The Honda stand (Hall 2 – 2D30) will encapsulate a bold new design concept that will make you ask yourself questions about what type of rider you are or want to be, what you seek in a motorcycle and why you choose to live unlike the others. It should be the first destination on any showgoer’s schedule!