Classic bikes at 2009 Classic Motor Show

This may only be the second year that the Classic Motor Show has included a dedicated hall for classic motorcycles, but you’d never guess it, because of the sheer number of two-wheeled clubs, exhibitors, trade stands and events attending.

If you thought 2008 was impressive, well, 2009’s line up is liable to make such an impression on you that your feet will be throbbing somewhat at the end of the day.

Starting with the club stands, 2009 has seen a marked increase in the number of clubs present, so no matter what your fancy is there is bound to be something on two-wheels to tickle it.

The International Laverda Owners’ Club will be showing a Seventies 1000 triple Bol D’Or 24-hour endurance racer, a 750cc twin and a 100cc two-stroke bike which once competed in the Moto Giro.

Talking of motorcycle competitions, the Norton Owners’ Club will be celebrating its 50th anniversary by exhibiting production racers and having a couple of personalities present — including former GP road-racer Peter Williams. So do bring along your autograph book.

Representing the motorcycle which started many a British biking career, the BSA Bantam Club will not only be exhibiting 2008’s Best Bike In Show but there’s a BSA/Triumph hybrid built from a modified BSA B25 SS frame with a Triumph T100 engine.

And at the other end of the biking spectrum, the Vincent HRD Owners’ Club will be bringing along motorcycles which tell something of this aristocratic marque’s competition history.

If that’s too traditional for you, then perhaps the new Diff’rent Strokers club might have something to hook your interest. The club’s focus is Japanese two-strokes, ‘grey’ imports and limited edition bikes – so there’s bound to be a couple of ‘I haven’t seen one of those before’ moments.

The crowning glory of Classic Bike however, is the Ace Cafe Racer Concours which takes pride of place in the middle of the exhibition hall, supported by the automotive surface product specialist, Meguiar’s. This is a concours competition for only the very best special, modified and standard cafe racer motorcycles.

‘RealClassic’ magazine and Meguiar’s are also supporting the 2009 ‘Pride of Ownership’ contest which will see 50 individual owners of classic motorcycles competing for a range of prizes. There are six classes (Pre 1946; 1946-1959; 1960-1969, 1970 – to current; British; European; and Japanese) and prizes range from Meguiar’s products to a feature in ‘RealClassic’ magazine.

Top this off with trade stands offering motorcycling memorabilia, helmets, leathers and everything else you can think of and the popular bike jumble, and you’ll be in motorcycle heaven as well as having full access to the rest of this classic motoring extravaganza.

For more information, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit classicbiker.co.uk.