Locals gear up for annual motorcycle festival

According to organiser Billy Nutt, “Floor space to accommodate virtually every manufacturer is sold out and that’s encouraging given these recessionary times.

“For motorcycle insurance specialists – Adelaide Insurance Services, the main sponsor, this is their 10th consecutive year to be involved in what can best be described as a massive shop-window for all things biking.”

At a recent press conference Ben Wilson of Gearlink Kawasaki and our own Alistair Seeley both attended to promote the show.

Born in Lincolnshire, 30-year-old Wilson is beginning his fourth season on Kawasakis while his new team-mate and auld enemy Seeley will be in the same colours after four years with TAS Suzuki.

Last year’s Adelaide Motorcycle Awards winner, Seeley lifted the British Supersport title in the same year following a cliff-hanging battle with Wilson.

It went right down to the wire with the East Antrim rider winning by a single point.

So far as the King’s Hall is concerned Nutt is delighted to have the likes of Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Yamaha, KTM, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi all on board.

“Following a year’s absence Harley Davidson and BMW are making a welcome return while Victory and Husqvarna are new to the Show,” confirmed Nutt who is promoting his 18th Show.

“Some special machines will be on display including a Yamaha Moto GP bike and a Yamaha concept bike.

“The Suzuki GSXR 1000 Limited Edition will be on view to celebrate the one-millionth GSXR Suzuki being sold. The new C1500 Intruder will have a special low rate finance offer at the Show.”

“From Triumph we will have a 675 cc Street Triple R on view alongside the new 675 Daytona and the 1050 Tiger which will have its first public showing in the UK.

“The Kawasaki stand includes an Z800 as well as a Ninja ZX6R636 and the new Ninja 300 cc Superbike while KTM will have the eagerly awaited Adventurer to whet a biker’s appetite.

“A large selection of motorcycle accessories and parts will be available from the likes of Clinton Enterprise, Crossans, Doran Wholesale and Bike Bits NI.”

Crossan Motorcycles will have a new 4x4 off-road buggy on view as well as a special offer on the Arai Helmet 2012 range along with the Rivet clothing collection.

“Under the auspices of the MRA and the Off-Road dealers we will have a special off-road village concentrating on motocross, trials and enduro machinery.”

The 2 & 4 Wheel organisation will be there under the banners of MCUI (UC) and the NIKA Karting clubs. There will be information on both stands of this years activities for road racing, short circuit and karting.

The title sponsors, Adelaide Insurance, have struck-up a useful working partnership over the last 10-years with Nutt Promotions.

Sam Geddis, Director of Adelaide Insurance Services, said, “As a company we continue to support motorcycling by investing in sponsorship and motorcycle safety initiatives like our Adelaide Advanced Motorcyclists Group enabling motorcyclists to become Advanced Riders. Visit them at the Festival on the BikeSafe stand.

“We’re immensely proud of being voted the UK’s number one insurer for Value for Money by 29,000 Auto Express readers, beating the UK’s best known brands in 2012.

“We challenge all motorcyclists to put our motorcycle insurance to the test!”

The ever popular auto jumble will be back again, along with some very special vintage and classic motorcycles.

Clifford Stewart will have his amazing display of TZ Yamaha’s; these in themselves are well worth a visit to the festival.

From a charity point of view those fans attending the Show will have the opportunity to help Cancer Research UK.

Barry’s Biker Babes, thanks to Portrush businessman Barry Torrens, intend running two charity events next year.

The first with support from Charles Hurst Motorcycles offers those donating to Cancer Research UK the opportunity to win a fabulous new 2013 Yamaha YZF R1 worth £12,000.

Those donating £1 merely have to guess the code to crack a safe which contains the keys to this outstanding prize.

More information to follow in the weeks running up to the show with some star names and star attractions to be confirmed.

The Show runs for three days starting on Friday, February 8 and further information can be had from: Nutt Promotions at: [email protected] or telephone 028 7035 1199.

On the Friday (8 Feb.) the Show will open at 2pm and run until 10pm.The opening times for Saturday and Sunday are 10am to 5pm on both days.