Daily Mirror

SHOW’S ROLLING BACK GLORY DAYS

- BY FRASER ADDECOTT

It’s not every day of the week you get the opportunit­y to see a bunch of the most successful and influentia­l bikes in MotoGP side by side under one roof.

But that’s exactly what’s on offer at the London Motorcycle Show, which gets underway tomorrow.

From Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki XR27, via Wayne Rainey’s 1992 Yamaha YZR500 and Kevin Schwantz’s 1994 Suzuki RGV500, all the way to Marc Marquez’s 2017 Honda RC213V, the collection spans 38 years of top-flight racing.

Also included are Freddie Spencer’s 1883 Honda RS500, Kenny Roberts Jnr’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500 and Valentino Rossi’s 2003 Honda RC211V and 2004 Yamaha YZF-M1.

Of course, also on show will be all the latest machinery from 24 of the world’s leading manufactur­ers – including the first public airing of Triumph’s Speed Triple S and RS machines.

If you fancy a beer during your visit, head on over to the pub where none other than John McGuinness will be pulling the pints and chatting about his recent contract to ride the Norton SG7 at this year’s IoM TT – which he has won 23 times.

Live action events will include the chance to see WSB legends Carl Fogarty, Chris Walker, Neil Hodgson, James Whitham and Ruben Xaus go head-tohead in the boardtrack-inspired Michelin Thunderdro­me, which features 45-degree banking.

A new feature this year will be the “Barn Finds” exhibit, which hosts 30 of the best cafe racers, scramblers, bobbers and trackers from across Europe, all exquisitel­y restored.

And of course there are more than 200 stands, brands and manufactur­ers to browse.

The London Motorcycle Show is at ExCel London, tomorrow until Sunday. mcnmotorcy­cleshow.com

Looking likely to set a new record is an iconic Honda CB750, which goes up for auction at the National Motorcycle Museum, in Bickenhill, near Birmingham, on March 4.

One of just four pre-production models built in Japan in 1968, it was used by Honda UK to launch the bike in 1969.

It is one of only two now thought to exist – and the other sold in the US, in 2014, for £107,000.

Mark Bryan, of auctioneer H&H Classics, told Mirror Motorcycli­ng: “This is one of the most historical­ly important bikes we’ve had the pleasure to offer for sale – referred to on its launch as the most sophistica­ted production bike ever.

“The standard bike at launch was capable of 120 mph and was equipped with non-fade front hydraulic brakes.”

The bike is estimated at £35,000 to £40,000.

 ??  ?? MEAN AND LEAN MotoGP champion Marc Marquez’s Honda will be on show
MEAN AND LEAN MotoGP champion Marc Marquez’s Honda will be on show
 ??  ?? DEBUT Triumph’s Speed Triple S and RS will be at London
DEBUT Triumph’s Speed Triple S and RS will be at London
 ??  ?? ICONIC Honda CB750 for sale
ICONIC Honda CB750 for sale

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