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Busy opening as bikers flock to NEC show
Posted on Nov 21, 2016
The NEC Motorcycle Live show was kick-started by huge crowds as bikers from across the UK and beyond flocked to check out the latest and greatest machines on display.
A slew of new bike launches no doubt boosted visitor numbers as the likes of BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Norton, Triumph and Yamaha debuted fresh metal and water-testing concepts.
A few hours after the doors opened exhibitors were united in their opinion that this was the busiest show for some years. The Principal Insurance bike insurance team were among them as our friendly posse raced to keep up with demand for the lush 2017 calendar we're giving away on stand.
But that is far from the only reason bike aficionados are flocking to our stand. They're coming mainly to drool over the eight magnificent machines we have on show.
Catching most bikers' eyes is the Lightcycle inspired by the futuristic two-wheeled star of the Tron movies. This all-electric beast, which is powered by a 40,000 watt direct drive motor, looks like
nothing else on earth and with its vast 32" hubless wheels and lengthy, low-slung chassis prompted the most asked question of the day: "Can you ride it?". The answer to that is yes, technically at least!
For purist bikers though, this super-sleek Brough Superior was more their cup of PG. Designed specifically to be ridden by veteran racer Eric Patterson on the Bonneville salt flats, it scored two world land speed records on its Utah debut. As you can see, function is matched by form, the JAP 1150 v-twin complemented by beautiful and supremely aerodynamic bodywork. By any yardstick, it's a stunning machine.
Our very own policyholder Kevin Johnson has supplied this beauty of a Bobber for bikers' to drool over. Built around a lowered and modified woodburner frame at a 30 degree rake, it borrows a GSXR750 Slingshot engine boosted by three Dynojet carbs. To the front you'll find GSXR USD forks, wheel, discs and yokes with TL100 calipers, the rear being armed with TL1000 wheel and gearing with GSXR caliper and disc. Check too that stainless bullet headlight and understated paint work which sees Harley pearl white set off by Mitusbishi metallic red.
Now then, would you give one or two limbs to own this beaut? One of a limited edition launched to mark Honda's 50th anniversary, this Dream 50 has been held in a private collection ever since it rolled off the production line in 1997. Consequently it has clocked just two miles and is as pristine as it was nearly 20 years ago.
That DOHC four stroke generates a modest 5.6 hp at 10,600 rpm and 4.11 foot pounds of torque at 8,500 and is complemented by a five-speed manual chain driven transmission. The suspension comprises twin shocks to the rear and telescopic fork with inner springs on the front.
Or biker buddies, what about this rather tidy YZF-R1M, Yamaha's all new souped-up version of the R1? It comes with a six axis inertia measurement unit to offer greater control on the tarmac, enhancing traction, braking, front wheel lift and slides. That short wheelbase chassis houses a 998cc 200PS four cylinder engine, Ohlins electronic racing suspension and 3D control electronics, whilst the carbon bodywork is finished in M1 style. As track-to-road conversions go, this is right up there with the best.
Also new is Victory's MY17 Octane, a 1200cc V-twin based on the racing prototype that took on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. That four-valve DOHC kicks out 103 hp and generates 76 foot-pound of torque and is mounted on a light aluminium cast frame with standard spec bullet cowl. That combination enables what Victory pitches as the most aggressive motorcycle it has ever built to hit 60mph within four seconds.
More of a hardy perennial is this fabulous Triton, a mighty hybrid of Norton's 750 wide-line featherbed frame - designed to tackle the TT - and a Triumph parallel twin. Triton's best-of-both-worlds design philosophy led to creation of some magnificent monsters, this being one particularly fine example.
Last, but by no means least, the Principal stand is very much graced by the presence of Thruxton 1200 R, Triumph's ultra-specified high performance motorcycle. That liquid-cooled, eight valve single overhead cam 1.2 litre engine is capable of generating 96 bhp at 6750 revs and 112 Nm of torque at 4950 and is mounted on a tubular steel frame. Suspension is provided courtesy of Showa USD big piston forks to the front and Ohlin twins on the back, with Brembo floating disc brakes and four piston radial monobloc calipers handling front end stopping, with a single disc and Nissin two piston floating calipers on rear braking duties.
So there you go, a taste of what you can see on the Principal Insurance stand at the UK's biggest and best motorcycle show. If you've not yet been, then we strongly recommend you hit the M42 and get down to the NEC because this year's show is more than a bit special.
Keep an eye on our blog too as we'll be posting more galleries featuring the the best new, classic and custom motorcycles that Motorcycle Live 2016 has to offer.
Motorcycle Live is open to bikers until 6pm on Sunday 27th November. Tickets cost £25.00 for adults, £15 for seniors and a quid for kids (aged 11-16). Under-10s go free. Tickets include entry to the FMX Live freestyle motocross show. Secure indoor bike parking is also free, subject to availability.
The Principal posse will be on stand throughout so don't forget to pop by, enjoy the bikes on show and claim your free goody bag!
Photography by Martin O'Neill.
nothing else on earth and with its vast 32" hubless wheels and lengthy, low-slung chassis prompted the most asked question of the day: "Can you ride it?". The answer to that is yes, technically at least!
For purist bikers though, this super-sleek Brough Superior was more their cup of PG. Designed specifically to be ridden by veteran racer Eric Patterson on the Bonneville salt flats, it scored two world land speed records on its Utah debut. As you can see, function is matched by form, the JAP 1150 v-twin complemented by beautiful and supremely aerodynamic bodywork. By any yardstick, it's a stunning machine.
Our very own policyholder Kevin Johnson has supplied this beauty of a Bobber for bikers' to drool over. Built around a lowered and modified woodburner frame at a 30 degree rake, it borrows a GSXR750 Slingshot engine boosted by three Dynojet carbs. To the front you'll find GSXR USD forks, wheel, discs and yokes with TL100 calipers, the rear being armed with TL1000 wheel and gearing with GSXR caliper and disc. Check too that stainless bullet headlight and understated paint work which sees Harley pearl white set off by Mitusbishi metallic red.
Now then, would you give one or two limbs to own this beaut? One of a limited edition launched to mark Honda's 50th anniversary, this Dream 50 has been held in a private collection ever since it rolled off the production line in 1997. Consequently it has clocked just two miles and is as pristine as it was nearly 20 years ago.
That DOHC four stroke generates a modest 5.6 hp at 10,600 rpm and 4.11 foot pounds of torque at 8,500 and is complemented by a five-speed manual chain driven transmission. The suspension comprises twin shocks to the rear and telescopic fork with inner springs on the front.
Or biker buddies, what about this rather tidy YZF-R1M, Yamaha's all new souped-up version of the R1? It comes with a six axis inertia measurement unit to offer greater control on the tarmac, enhancing traction, braking, front wheel lift and slides. That short wheelbase chassis houses a 998cc 200PS four cylinder engine, Ohlins electronic racing suspension and 3D control electronics, whilst the carbon bodywork is finished in M1 style. As track-to-road conversions go, this is right up there with the best.
Also new is Victory's MY17 Octane, a 1200cc V-twin based on the racing prototype that took on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. That four-valve DOHC kicks out 103 hp and generates 76 foot-pound of torque and is mounted on a light aluminium cast frame with standard spec bullet cowl. That combination enables what Victory pitches as the most aggressive motorcycle it has ever built to hit 60mph within four seconds.
More of a hardy perennial is this fabulous Triton, a mighty hybrid of Norton's 750 wide-line featherbed frame - designed to tackle the TT - and a Triumph parallel twin. Triton's best-of-both-worlds design philosophy led to creation of some magnificent monsters, this being one particularly fine example.
Last, but by no means least, the Principal stand is very much graced by the presence of Thruxton 1200 R, Triumph's ultra-specified high performance motorcycle. That liquid-cooled, eight valve single overhead cam 1.2 litre engine is capable of generating 96 bhp at 6750 revs and 112 Nm of torque at 4950 and is mounted on a tubular steel frame. Suspension is provided courtesy of Showa USD big piston forks to the front and Ohlin twins on the back, with Brembo floating disc brakes and four piston radial monobloc calipers handling front end stopping, with a single disc and Nissin two piston floating calipers on rear braking duties.
So there you go, a taste of what you can see on the Principal Insurance stand at the UK's biggest and best motorcycle show. If you've not yet been, then we strongly recommend you hit the M42 and get down to the NEC because this year's show is more than a bit special.
Keep an eye on our blog too as we'll be posting more galleries featuring the the best new, classic and custom motorcycles that Motorcycle Live 2016 has to offer.
Motorcycle Live is open to bikers until 6pm on Sunday 27th November. Tickets cost £25.00 for adults, £15 for seniors and a quid for kids (aged 11-16). Under-10s go free. Tickets include entry to the FMX Live freestyle motocross show. Secure indoor bike parking is also free, subject to availability.
The Principal posse will be on stand throughout so don't forget to pop by, enjoy the bikes on show and claim your free goody bag!
Photography by Martin O'Neill.
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