Bikes come to Brum

Nov 9 2009 Harriet Ridley

Bikes come to Brum

THE Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC is set to kick off on November 27 for ten days of motorcycling fun.

And while most bike shows are purely about gawping at the latest models and kit on display, the NEC show is much more action packed.

But let's start with the gawping - by that I mean the new bikes.

Some manufacturers treading cautiously at times of recession have decided not to attend this year's show. Noticeable absentees include Harley-Davidson, Honda and Ducati. But there are still plenty of big names lending their support including Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki. They'll be displaying their 2010 line-up, with Kawasaki unveiling its new learner models for the first time.

Of course, Triumph will be there to support the British show, as will the recently resurrected British marque Norton that will unveil two new machines, the 961 Commando and the Café Racer Commando.

Norton will also display its NRV588 Rotary race bike that was recently clocked at more than 180mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Austrian manufacturer KTM will also be present. It wouldn't want to miss this year's NEC show, which will have a larger than usual off-road presence. The latest dirt machines will be on display, including bikes from BMW-owned off-road marque Husqvarna.

After a 12-year absence from the NEC, Husqvarna has chosen the event to unveil four new off-road models.

And if you've ever dreamt of trying your hand at dirt biking, the NEC show is your chance to try out the latest bikes on the UK's largest supercross circuit. All equipment (helmet, goggles, gloves and boots) will be provided, as well as instruction from qualified motocross coaches including Yamaha's Barry Johnson.

In addition, the Suzuki Off Road Zone will offer visitors as young as six their first taste of off-road riding. And to kick-start the show in style, the NEC will be hosting rounds one and two of the British Supercross Championship on November 28th.

But if getting dirty's not your thing, then you can always get your kicks at the indoor karting and mini moto track. If you'd rather just spectate there'll be all the usual stunt shows and wall of death in the action-packed arena.

This year the show is divided into zones including the Touring and Adventure Zone, Custom Zone and Training Zone.

For race fans, there'll be a dedicated Race Paddock as well as a Classic Racers Zone, where Freddie Spencer's 1985 Rothman's Honda 500 will be on display alongside other legendary machines.

There will be plenty of human legends kicking about too - racing heroes Jamie Whitham, Guy Martin, Tommy Hill, Leon Camier and James Toseland are just a few of those casually milling around and giving interviews at the various stands.

Finally, the NEC has an entire hall dedicated to its 'Marketplace', where manufacturers sell last year's clothing and accessories at bargain basement prices. There will also be competitions to enter, with plenty of worthwhile prizes to win including a Suzuki GSX-R1000, top of the range Arai helmets, MotoGP passes and off-road experiences.

The show runs to December 6. For details check out www.motorcycleshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 2345.