Only 3 weeks to Motorcycle Live 2012, the event that brings together all that’s great about motorbikes and scooters. And there’s much more to the Bike Show than just admiring the new motorcycles and buying some winter motorcycle kit.
You’re never too young to start learning to ride, with Kiddimoto running fun sessions for children aged 2 – 12 on their funky balance bikes. They can work on their riding skills around an inflatable track in Hall 3.
Also in Hall 3, My First Honda Licence will get children aged 5 – 11 riding real 50cc motorbikes around a miniature street scene, wearing full protective gear of course. As well as getting the taste for motorcycling, they can learn some road sense that will also keep them safe on their bicycle or on foot.
Aged 16 or over, and not riding yet? Sign up for a Get On Free Ride at Motorcycle Live. One of our friendly, qualified instructors will fit you with helmet and safety kit, and get you riding a scooter or geared motorcycle. It’s all in Hall 4, so whatever the weather you can find out whether riding is for you. We’ll have a range of machines, including electric motorcycles, and you can ask any questions you have about CBT or other training. To make sure you get your ride, book in advance via the Get On Free Motorcycle Ride page.
Over 21 and already got your full motorcycle licence? Check out the Test Ride Zone, also in Hall 4, where you can try a new motorcycle from a range of major manufacturers. You don’t have to bring your own kit – Shoei and other sponsors can lend you everything – but you do need to bring both parts of your licence. And, like all the other riding experiences, you need to stay off the alcohol until you’ve finished riding.
Fancy trying something different? The Yamaha Off Road Experience offers a rare chance to try offroading indoors. You must be over 14 and at least 5’4” tall, and have basic riding skills including clutch control. Also in Hall 4, and there’ll be a photographer on hand to capture your moments of triumph.
For younger would-be offroaders, the KTM Red Bull Pro Nationals Motocross Experience will get kids aged 5 – 12 onto 50cc off road machines and riding around an indoor course with qualified motocross instructors. No experience is needed, and again it’s free with all kit provided.
For the more ambitious, or those with fond memories of Kickstart, how about trials riding? The Auto Cycle Union, with charity BUMPY (Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth) will run free Try Trials sessions. For 15 minutes you can test your balance and control skills, with all kit and equipment included. You must be 16 or over and have a full motorcycle licence or an ACU competition licence (16 & 17 year olds must bring a parent or guardian). Book at the ACU stand in Hall 2.
Check out the Motorcycle Live 2012 Live Features, book your tickets and we’ll see you there!
Don’t forget, if you can’t make it to Motorcycle Live, you can still do a Free Ride through Get On – just enter your details on the left and we’ll put you in touch with a training partner near you.