KICK OFF YOUR 2020 IN STYLE…
…the countdown is on to London’s biggest and best motorcycle show
This year’s Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show is shaping up to be a belter. Firmly established as the capital’s premier bike show, the 2020 event at ExCeL is living up to the hype with a delicious smorgasbord of celebs, racers, classics, customs and the exclusive UK launch of brand new machines.
Stars turn out in force
Celebrities and racers confirmed include John McGuinness, Michael Rutter, Carl Fogarty, Steve Parrish, Dougie Lampkin, Peter Hickman, James Hillier, Dean Harrison, Jamie Coward and a host of other major names who will be around and about the show or doing highoctane battle in the Michelin Thunderdrome live show.
Daytona stirs the soul
Interesting point of view from Steve, (MCN Letters, January 15). I have a new Daytona 765 Moto2 LE and am surprised that carbon and aerodynamic styling can be interpreted as bland. I like my bikes to stir emotion, provide excitement, and represent a good combination of engineering and practicality.
Nigel R. Barnard, email
Is this guy for real?
I can’t believe Hal Williams is serious when he says we should fight for the right to kickstart (MCN Letters, January 8). Tech advances for a reason and electric start is a forward step. We’ve all been puffing and panting at the side of the road after 20 kicks and no start as the fault is elsewhere. Why do you think cars don’t have starting handles? Can you imagine trying to crank your Focus ST? If it won’t start on the button then bump start it. Bring back valve de-compressors, I say.
Paul Vardy, electric start Bandit owner
Way better than an LC
Thought you might like to see my restored 1988 DT125R for your feature on Yamaha two-strokes. Not quite 40 years old but a bike that started many riding back in the day. A big step up on the old LC range (see p34), in my humble opinion! Harry Smith, email
Never seen an E-bike
I realise producing a sexy 200mph superbike will get headlines and attention but, given current battery technology, they are not what the market needs if electric bikes are ever to get off the ground. What’s needed is a commuter bike, 50-60 miles range, easily swapped battery, plenty of luggage space, weather protection and rock solid security. Aim it at disenchanted train users and we might get lift off. It’s surely no coincidence that while I see a fair number of Tesla cars on the road, I’ve yet to see an electric bike. Nigel Savill, Northolt
She must face justice
I feel that it’s time that MCN created its very own honours system and it should award MBEs (Motor Bike Exceptionals) and CBEs (Crap Behaviour Extraordinaire). I nominate the very first MBE awards to Harry Dunn’s family and spokesperson for their amazing ability and perseverance in keeping this story alive on an international level. The CBE without doubt goes to Anne Sacoolas. She should do the right thing and return to the UK.
Mike Ryan, Tewkesbury
The spirit of biking
It was sad news to hear that Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist from Rush, passed away this week. While most of the press have focused on Neil the drummer, he was also a keen motorcyclist, and travelled extensively through America and the UK. Neil covered thousands of miles of adventure riding - both on and off road. He captured some of his adventures in books, articles, and his blog. His book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road - a 55,000-mile motorcycle journey through North