Top bike action at Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show
This year’s Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show, held on 20 and 21 March at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, brings the very best in bikes to enthusiasts North of the Border. Featuring top-class action as well as displays of the latest bikes, classics and heavily modified custom machines, there’s something for anyone who loves motorcycles.
Among manufacturers exhibiting are BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Benelli and Augusta but for those who like their motorcycles modified local custom bike builder Area 51 has put together the biggest-ever display of custom bikes seen in Scotland, with prizes for the best in each category.
The custom area features the latest in chopper and bobber creations, but trikes, streetfighters and rat bikes too – entries are still being accepted so if you’ve got a bike worth showing, contact Area 51 (0141-952 7877).
And if you’re looking to build a custom bike, plenty of exhibitors are on hand, including Kitech Performance, ESP Powder Coating and McLaren Signs Pinstriping. They’ll be on hand to offer advice and help on getting your first custom on the streets.
For enthusiasts who like their bikes older and just as their maker intended, there’s also the Carole Nash Classic Pavilion, which promises a fine display of classic machines. Celebrated Grand Prix rider Tommy Robb, whose career began in 1957, and who was one of the first non-Japanese Honda riders, will be making a very welcome appearance.
Outside, stand by for the very best in live action, including an official round of the Scottish Supermoto Championship featuring 2009 S1 and S3 Champion Dougie Cunningham and S2 Champion Willie Mathieson. “We are really excited to be part of the MCN Scottish Show and hope that this event will become an annual part of our calendar. We’ll have all the main riders there and hope that we can get some competitors from across the border to travel up and take on our Scottish riders at the event,” says Supermoto representative Jack Gow.
The weekend sees different classes competing on the Saturday and Sunday: On the Saturday ‘S3’ (any four-stroke between 151 and 250cc (or two-stroke 86 -125cc) and an open event: On Sunday it’s time for the S1 (any four-stroke between 251 & 450cc (or two-stroke 126 - 250cc) and S2 (any four-stroke of cylinder capacity between 451 & 950cc or two-stroke 251 - 500cc).
Meanwhile direct from Belgium, Monster Energy-sponsored freestyle rider Fred Crosset is appearing for the first time and will be performing an action-packed stunt routine, while back inside the URAL bikes display team are providing Russian-style thrills-a-minute motorcycle sidecar action. But that’s not all – extreme motorcycle stunt rider Kevin Carmichael will also be demonstrating his breathtaking tricks on the Triumph bikes.
Making a welcome return is the Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death – it’s live action with a classic theme, as Ken and his team climb the mighty wall with a selection of old-school bikes.
Setting youngsters on a career working with motorcycles isn’t always easy, help is at hand with the Rural and Urban training scheme, which aims to find placements for school leavers interested in working with bikes.
And with hundreds of trade stands and a bike jumble, you’re certain to find a vast array of elusive spares and parts.
There’s also the opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets (worth £400) to the British Superbike round at Knockhill on 4 July. The lucky winner will receive hospitality passes which include parking, breakfast and lunch. Drop by the Knockhill stand to enter this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and meet former British Supersport champion Stuart Easton and Niall Mackenzie, the only man to have won three successive British Superbike Championships, who will be on the stand on Saturday.
And with live music all weekend courtesy of Area 51, children’s quad bikes and a fun fair, the Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show is a true family day out.
Adult ticket prices start from just £12 when booked in advance or £15 on the door. Senior citizen tickets are £7, and entry for children aged under 15 is free. Parking is £3 per car, motorcycles are free and secure helmet storage is available. To book tickets call the 24hr ticket hotline on 0871 230 1108 or visit scottishmotorcycleshow.com where you can find all the latest updates.
