Bike show show biggest ever

Nov 18 2008 Harriet Ridley

THIS year's Carole Nash Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC from November 27 to December 7 is set to be bigger and better than ever.

The show is running later in the year than usual so there's no chance of it clashing with the Milan event, which gives manufacturers plenty of time to recover from the Italian bonanza and make their way to our shores.

This is your chance to see all the latest 2009 models in the flesh, with almost every big manufacturer present including Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and KTM. And of course the Brits will be out in force - check out Triumph's fabulous new Street Triple R and the new and improved 675.

The 675 won this year's British supersport championship with Glen Richards on board, and developments from the racetrack have made their way onto the 2009 production model.

Of course, being December it may be rather chilly to turn up by motorcycle. But that's no bad thing. In fact, even if global warming turns the event into a balmy 10 days of sunshine you may still want to turn up in the most spacious four-wheeled vehicle you can get your hands on to fill the boot up with bargains.

There's also a mind-boggling array of entertainment. Indoor features include the wall of death and games arena, while outdoors will see a karting and minimoto area, and an off-road zone that will let you venture into the woods of the NEC to experience Off Road riding with a choice of bikes supplied by Kawasaki and Yamaha. Now that's a first for a bike show.

And of course you'll be rubbing shoulders with motorcycling's biggest celebrities who turn up every year in droves.

If you're into bikes and you live in the UK, then there's no excuse not to attend the NEC motorcycle and scooter show.

The first day is for press and trade only, while the 28th is preview day, which is open to the public at £28. Tickets cost £15 in advance and £17 on the door any other day. Go to www.motorcycleshow.co.uk for more information.