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