TEMPERATURES OF -4°C FAILED TO COOL THE SPIRITS OF THE RECORD CROWDS THAT TURNED UP FOR THIS YEAR’S DIRT BIKE SHOW.
23 November 2005 - Dirt Rider Expo

Interest in off-road motorcycling is at its strongest for over a decade, if attendance at the 2005 Dirt Bike Show is any measure.

Final figures have yet to be announced, but early indications are that nearly 21,000 people braved sub-zero temperatures and freezing fog to see the latest hot bikes, kit and clothing. That’s an increase of 2.5% over the previous record year in 2003, bucking the trend of other major events, many of which are down on last year and creating an all time record in the event’s six year history.

Once past the new covered ticket booths, visitors got a warm feeling in the new virtual paddock feature, where Bike It Dixon Yamaha, Rob Hooper Maximum Solutions Suzuki, Molson Kawasaki and CAS Honda had their race trucks and bikes on display. The central ‘Try a Quad’ feature proved particularly popular with younger visitors, giving parents some welcome peace and quiet.

There was certainly plenty of hot metal to keep the winter frosts at bay. APRILIA, who were exhibiting at an off-road show for the first time in 30 years, launched their revolutionary V-twin RXV and SXV dirt bikes to UK riders. Highlights from other manufacturers included BETA’s Enduro RR range, CCM’s British FT-35 flat-tracker, the Pro Trials bikes in 250, 280 & 300cc options from GAS GAS and HONDA’s new CRF250-R, with its distinctive dual silencer exhaust. HUSQVARNA were focusing on their TC250 enduro machine, while for KAWASAKI the KX250F and 450F 4-stroke bikes took pride of place. KTM’s 250 SX-F generated much interest, as did their Carl Nunn replica range of junior motocross machines. The SUZUKI RM-Z450, which is synonymous with Ricky Carmichael, and YAMAHA’s new YZ450F and YZ250F models, with all new alloy frames, created great interest. The small but perfectly formed THUMPSTAR 125cc BSF Spar Carbon demonstrated just how trick mini bikes have become.

Four-wheelers were well represented too. The Outlander quad from BOMBARDIER, powered by an 800cc V-twin motor, the Vector 250 from E-TON, Predator from POLARIS and PGO Bugrider 250 all provide road-legal thrills. For the sport quad rider, HONDA’s CRF-engine powered Sportrax 250 & 450 and SUZUKI’s LTR450 sports ATV displayed cutting edge racing technology.

Trials and motocross bikes of the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies joined the latest 2006 models at the Dirt Bike Show, with the new Classic and Twin Shock feature proving popular with visitors and exhibitors alike. Sammy Miller brought a selection of iconic machines from his musuem, including the three most successful trials bikes of the past 40 years. These are his original British Ariel trials iron, his 1965 4-speed Bultaco Sherpa, credited with starting the ‘Spanish invasion’ of trials and the stunning Honda 305 short stroke, which emerged from Japan in 1969-’70. Bultaco were well represented, with a large display including Bernie Schreiber’s 1979 ex-World Championship bike. These classic and twin shock machines remind us of a time when European manufacturers dominated and there was a significant showing of Maico moto-crossers from 1960-’81, while CCM had a selection of machines from their 32-year history.

The dbr stage provided a focal point with free entertainment throughout the day. The Dirt Bike Dancers had all the latest moves and rounded off each show by kicking mini footballs into the audience. Nik Fisk was on the microphone interviewing the stars, including Maxxis MX2 Champion Carl Nunn and under-21 rising star Tommy Searle among many other familiar faces.

For many people the Moto-X Live Action Arena provided the most dramatic memories of their day out. In a packed programme featuring trials, mini bikes and superbikes there was non-stop action lasting over 30 minutes. Gary Taylor, rated as “Britain’s brightest freestyle superstar” brought his mini bike freestyle team to Stoneleigh. The ‘Glamour Boy’ built his reputation in FMX by pulling out death-defying stunts and his mini bike team proved that size doesn’t matter with a breathtaking display that culminated in a slow-motion back-flip! Panto came early to the Dirt Bike Show courtesy of the X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trials Display Team and their MC, Wayne Kershaw, who got the capacity crowds clapping, stamping and whooping at maximum volume. Riders Dan Clark and James Dabill were in spectacular form, combining world-class control with a healthy dollop of showmanship and humour, even using MC Kershaw as a human ramp at one stage. Zoltan Angyal from Hungary was back by popular demand to provide an international flavour to the proceedings. Forget the Moscow State Circus, because when it comes to Eastern European thrills and spills, Zoltan delivers the goods. Combining the skills of a clown and an acrobat, the young Hungarian performed on a 20-year-old 125cc MZ and new Honda CBR600RR supersport road bike with consummate ease – his hands-free stand up wheelie would make many a trials rider jealous! No wonder that 90% of those questioned rated the Live Action as “good” or “excellent”.

Kevin Burk of KTM UK commented “This year’s Dirt Bike Show has taken things to a new level and we’ve experienced an enthusiastic reponse from visitors. It’s fantastic to see brands like Fox Racing Europe and No Fear Europe officially exhibiting in the UK – this is becoming an international event.” Darren Symmonds of Cti knee braces added that “This has been our best show ever and we’ve been coming since the beginning.”

Dates for next year’s show have been announced and initial results from the vistor survey suggest that 84% of vistors will be returning to Stoneleigh next year.

Next year’s Show will run from 16 – 19 November at Stoneligh Park.
Tel. 0870 240 9019 or visit www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk

www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk

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