HORDES of leather clad bikers packed this year’s 2008 MCN motorcycle show held at the Excel exhibition centre in London’s Royal Docks. The MCN organised show delivered a good mix of bike manufacturers, equipment retailers, racing teams and of course biker babes. Those who had made the trip to the event definitely were not disappointed.

At the show, technology led motorbike design company, ‘Ecosse Spirit’, showcased their F1-inspired superbike. At only 120kg and with a top speed of 230mph, the ES1 is currently the world’s lightest and fastest superbike. Whilst US based Buell, unveiled their latest addition to their adventure sportsbike range, the Buell Ulysses XB12XT.

On the racing front, Warrington based Red Viper Racing had made the trip south to show-off their latest recruit, sports bike rider Aaron Zanotti, (pictured right). On prospects for the coming racing season. Zanotti said he “couldn’t wait for the racing season to start” and was “hopeful that 2008 was going to be his year”. We look forward to watching his debut for red viper in the spring. Only British based bike manufacturer Triumph were notable in their absence from this years show, so we didn’t get to check to out their latest offerings. Lets hope that the best of British makes it at next years show.

The market stall section of the show proved ever popular, with bargain hunters snapping up the latest in biker outwear and equipment. Essex stunner ‘Elise’ (pictured right), was helping customers choose new gear at the sportsbikes shop causing sales and temperature to soar. Good job she’d changed from her biker gear to something more comfortable.

All ages seemed to find something of interest, veteran bikers Odin and Storky had made the journey and were glad of the opportunity to get up close to the latest offering from Harley Davidson, the FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones.

The babes (pictured left), from Kent based Harrison Billet were also ready to bring some shine to Billets extensive Caliper range. We’d say they’d make essential equipment for any discerning biker too… full points Billets we like your style.

The live action arena played host to a impressive stunt show which wowed a packed audience young and old. AC Farias kick started proceedings with a mix of comedy tricks and automotive stunts. Whilst Official Renault Formula 1 stunt driver, Terry Grant performed a variety of car stunts including parking a renault Twingo using a ‘J turn’. Finally freestyle motorcross team, UK FMX, closed the show with a spectacular 360-motorbike airborne jump.

Charly Boorman (pictured right), star of the BBC’s tv’s ‘Long way down’ together with his BMW R1200 GS adventure bike, was also on hand to chat about his 15,000 mile adventure with even the youngest of visitors.

Road traffic biker, Sergeant Mike Wallace (pictured left), was at the show offering safety advice and publicising the Police’s ‘Bike-Safe’ initiative which is run by forces all over the UK. Mike is an instructor on the popular ‘Rider Skills days’, an advanced driving course for motorcyclists. We dared to ask if the course covered “How to ride fast and not get caught by the cops”, but we couldn’t raise a smile, so we guess it doesn’t!. Starting at only £50 we reckon that they could be one of the best investments in your safety that you ever make.

Also putting in an appearance were Speedway GB, who were present to promote the forthcoming speedway racing season. Paul from Reading Speedway stadium animated “You can’t beat the thrill of a speedway, a great event for all the family”. The bikes have 500cc engines, no brakes and just one gear, they run on methanol fuel and accelerate from 0-60 in just 2.5 secs and average a speed of 70-80mph on tracks just 300 metres in length!. Each race is four laps long and the first race event this year of the sky sports elite league is in March, tune in or see you there.

MCN BABE WINNER: Closing the event was the hotly awaited motorcycle show babe final; winner Becky Jo Hayhurst of Manchester was in perfect form, and left the stage with no shortage of offers for a lift home.
The next major UK bike show is at the NEC in Birmingham 28th November-7th December.


Reporters: Alastair Grant, Sasha Masalina, Photos: Rob Tyers
London MotorCycle Show 2008 - 31st January and 3rd February