LOOKS SET TO BE A ROARING SUCESS

The inaugural Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show, held from the 14th to the 16th November at the NEC, looks set to be a roaring success after receiving great support from classic bike fraternity. Everyone from enthusiastic bike clubs to the National Motorcycle Museum and the iconic Ace Café have rushed to support this exciting new hall within the show.

So it doesn’t matter which motorcycle era you like to throw your leg over, there’s bound to be something of interest for you to get all misty-eyed over; from the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists to the UK Honda Turbo Association. There will be over 20 club stands alone as well as trade stands and a bike jumble.

Of course, that’s not all! In addition to the accessory and parts dealers, the National Motorcycle Museum is bringing along a few of its mightily desirable collection.

There’s the Texas Cee-Gar, which is a Bonneville streamliner ridden by Johnny Allen on the Salt Flats to set a world motorcycle speed record of 214mph in 1956. Powered by a Triumph Thunderbird engine, this very streamliner was the inspiration for the iconic Triumph Bonneville model – and the NMM will be bringing along a Bonnie from the bike’s first year of production (1958) too.

Other Triumphs include a 1968 Triumph 350 Twin prototype, which was the great Edward Turner’s last design and an early 1968 Triumph Trident. Also, whilst we’re talking triples, the NMM has loaned the Trident & Rocket 3 Owners’ Club a one-off BSA Gold Star 3; this was a concept produced by US dealers based on what a Gold Star Rocket Three would look like, but it never made production. Providing yet more food for thought about the British motorcycle industry.

Mention ‘Gold Star’ and you inevitably think café racer and the spiritual home of the ton-up boys, the Ace Café will also be putting on a strong display of alloy-embellished, clip-on packing lovelies. From Reg Allen’s TriTon and the Rickman Metisse Café Racer to the Triumph T140 Flat Tracker – this will be a stunning display. Then, bringing the Ace story up to date, Stonebridge Motor Company’s fantastic 1650cc Ace-inspired Little Miss Dynamite will be on show too.

If all this has inspired you, well, it’s not too late to enter your motorcycle into the Pride of Ownership competition, which is being generously supported by RealClassic magazine, and Classic Bike sponsors Meguiars and Footman James.

This display is open to all manner of bike from show pony to daily rider and has already attracted a large and varied selection of entries. There’s a Sunbeam S7 which is still being used daily; a fully-restored Kawasaki 750 Triple so shiny you’d better bring along your sunglasses; a selection of John Callow-built grass trackers; Paul Rantin’s unique Sunbeam XB9 Special; and Graham Gamble’s superb ‘Captain America’ replica.

So whatever your two-wheeled tastes or interests, there’s something to reel you in at Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show.

Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show is open from 10am until 6.30pm on Friday, 9.30am until 6.30pm on Saturday, and 9.30am until 5.30pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from £15 when purchased in advance and all tickets include entrance into Classic Bike and the Classic Motor Show. For more information, the latest updates or to book tickets, visit classicbikesatclassicmotor.com or tel: 0870 060 3776.