mono motorcycles & friends at Motorcycle Live 2019

On Wednesday 20th November, Daniel, Katy & a small group of friends, hired a minibus & headed off to the NEC Birmingham for Motorcycle Live 2019.

This vast show always goes the extra mile to showcase the very latest innovations, the latest models of motorcycles from the leading manufacturers & enables motorcyclists & bikers from far & wide to immerse themselves in all things related to motorcycles.

Daniel, Katy & a small group of friends, hired a minibus & headed off to the NEC Birmingham for Motorcycle Live 2019.
Daniel, Katy & a small group of friends, hired a minibus & headed off to the NEC Birmingham for Motorcycle Live 2019.

We have chosen a few key moments to share with you & a couple of our good friends have also offered their thoughts on the things which have impressed them the most at this years show.

Daniel having recently rekindled his passion for Trials Bikes & trials biking, was impressed to see the new model Honda Montesa taking centre stage on the Honda stand.

The Montesa Cota 4RT 260 single, 4 stroke liquid cooled trials bike, weighs in at 73kg dry, with a 258.9cc engine & the base model will set you back a mere £5,999.

The Montesa Cota 4RT 260 single, 4 stroke liquid cooled trials bike, weighs in at 73kg dry, with a 258.9cc engine & the base model will set you back a mere £5,999.
The Montesa Cota 4RT 260 single, 4 stroke liquid cooled trials bike, weighs in at 73kg dry, with a 258.9cc engine & the base model will set you back a mere £5,999.

However, also on the Honda stand, the Montesa Cota 301RR, sporting the slightly bigger 299cc engine, with the same weight as the 4RT comes in at £7,999

The Montesa Cota 301RR, sporting the slightly bigger 299cc engine, with the same weight as the 4RT comes in at £7,999
The Montesa Cota 301RR, sporting the slightly bigger 299cc engine, with the same weight as the 4RT comes in at £7,999

It was great to catch up with those clever people at the DATATOOL stand at Motorcycle Live 2019. John Singleton – Operations Manager for DATATOOL, was on hand to keep us updated on the latest innovations & updates on the DATATOOL products & services.

It was great to catch up with those clever people at the DATATOOL stand at Motorcycle Live 2019. John Singleton - Operations Manager for DATATOOL, was on hand to keep us updated on the latest innovations & updates on the DATATOOL products & services.
It was great to catch up with those clever people at the DATATOOL stand at Motorcycle Live 2019. John Singleton – Operations Manager for DATATOOL, was on hand to keep us updated on the latest innovations & updates on the DATATOOL products & services.

DATATOOL TrakKING Adventure S5 tracker is supplied & fitted for £369. Please note, for an additional cost, we can now add in an immobiliser circuit with the tracker fitting. Many insurance companies expect both a tracker & immobiliser; this option allows it to be done in one fitting. https://monomotorcycles.co.uk/datatool-trakking-adventure-…/

If you are seeking the 140 decibels of the flagship DATATOOL S4 Red Alarm, this is also offered at £369 supplied & fitted.https://monomotorcycles.co.uk/datatool-s4-red-alarm/

Electrification – Zero & BMW

One of the progressive themes of all automotive shows these days, is each companies need to keep up to date with necessary environmental trends. Electrification being a natural & seemingly acceptable form of energy based transportation, still has many people on the fence & in particular when it comes to motorcyclists & motorcycles.

With a lack of engine sound (synonymous with the experience of motorcycling) distance anxiety & purchase costs being a considerable contributory factor to the resistance for many motorcyclists to change from the internal combustion engine to, what is the only offering currently, electrification; the motorcycle industry still has some considerable way to go to convince motorcyclists that ‘electrification’ is the only way forward.

BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster

BMW who released their Motorrad Vision DC Roadster concept in June 2019, brought the concept to the NEC.

Despite the fact that their website extols to virtues of it’s aesthetic & even goes as far to explore the need for the specifically designed matching ‘rider equipment’ to be a key feature; there is limited technical data thus far, which includes any information on distance capabilities, charging times & costs.

The one thing they do say in their promotional materials is:
“The large battery with its laterally protruding cooling systems is positioned at the centre of a frame milled from aluminium. The three-dimensional surface finish on the battery trim conveys a contemporary aesthetic appeal with its precise contours. The cooling elements echo the slight forward tilt of the battery silhouette, giving the side a dynamic momentum. When starting the electric motor, these cooling elements move out slightly, indicating that the bike is ready to go” press.bmwgroup.com

BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster & the Zero DSR Black Forest
BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster & the Zero DSR Black Forest

Zero DSR Black Forest

New for this year, Zero have launched their Touring electric motorcycle. With distance anxiety still rife amongst those in the motorcycling community, there is still some eyebrow raising to this latest innovation. However, in true Zero style they have managed to pull this off with the Zero DSR Black Forest. With a city range of 204 miles, highway range 121miles & a combined range of 153miles, the DSR Black Forest also sports a net power of 69hp, with continuous power of 30hp. With a top speed of 98mph, weighing in at 210kg, a carrying capacity of 142kg & a cost to recharge at £3.20; this is an attractive alternative for the eco conscious tourer.

With different options for charging, the Charge Tank option is compatible with Level 2 charge stations and delivers roughly 6x faster charging than when compared to a standard wall outlet. Depending on the battery, a typical recharge can now take as little as an hour.  Zero.com  

Ariel – “The stand out motorcycle for me (Katy) this year, was the Ariel Ace Iron Horse. “

“I cannot help but be blown away by the Ariel company ethos & having always had a particular affection for the Ariel motorcycle throughout it’s many classic years & more recently the phenomenally fun, Ariel Atom; the Iron Horse is the very latest way that Ariel are leaving their mark in the motorcycling halls of history.

The wonderful thing about the Ariel ethos, is that each motorcycle is built by one person & each Ariel has a unique plaque with the name & signature of the builder in place. This personal level of detail keeps the Ariel brand head high above other manufacturers, as there is such a personal & individual touch brought to every machine.

The Ariel Ace Iron Horse, is a simply stunning, menacingly beautiful, glorious piece of British  engineering. Sporting a Honda V4 engine & a considerable1200cc capacity; the Iron Horse delivers 10,000 rpm on power & 8750 rpm torque. With a 6 speed manual gearbox, Ariel Girder with Ohlins TTX dampner & spring Pro link single sided swing arm & Ohlins adjustable dampner; Ariel are not skimping on their design elements for comfort & performance. With starting prices from £29,686 this is another investment not for the faint hearted; however, for me, I feel it is a stunning example of how British innovation can stand up & be proud.” Katy

The Ariel Ace Iron Horse, is a simply stunning, menacingly beautiful, glorious piece of British  engineering.
The Ariel Ace Iron Horse, is a simply stunning, menacingly beautiful, glorious piece of British engineering.

Suzuki stand – Barry Sheene.

“I cannot help but become nostalgic every single time I see that No 7. The Barry Sheene display on the Suzuki stand this year made me smile, especially as I had been following the route of the bikes through their journey to the show this year. The bikes on display, which spanned many years of Sheene’s career, have been lovingly & respectfully restored using all original Suzuki parts. “ Katy

"I cannot help but become nostalgic every single time I see that No 7. The Barry Sheene display on the Suzuki stand this year made me smile, especially as I had been following the route of the bikes through their journey to the show this year. The bikes on display, which spanned many years of Sheene’s career, have been lovingly & respectfully restored using all original Suzuki parts. “ Katy Mason
“I cannot help but become nostalgic every single time I see that No 7. The Barry Sheene display on the Suzuki stand this year made me smile, especially as I had been following the route of the bikes through their journey to the show this year. The bikes on display, which spanned many years of Sheene’s career, have been lovingly & respectfully restored using all original Suzuki parts. “ Katy Mason

P&D Custom Bikes bike on BSH Stand Always lovely to see our good friends at P & D Custom Bikes represented at the major bike shows & welcomed as always, by the Back Street Heroes stand.

Always lovely to see our good friends at P & D Custom Bikes represented at the major bike shows & welcomed as always, by the Back Street Heroes stand.
Always lovely to see our good friends at P & D Custom Bikes represented at the major bike shows & welcomed as always, by the Back Street Heroes stand.

Ducati 916 celebration The Ducati stand this year, held a celebration of 25 years of the Ducati 916. When the 916 was first released 25 years ago, it was a uniquely stylish, elegant, light & technologically innovative motorcycle, which epitomized the grace of Italian motorcycle engineering. It was of course the Ducati 916 SBK which took Carl Foggerty to Superbike World Championship status in 1994 & subsequently Troy Corser who also won the World Superbike Championship in 1996 riding the Ducati 916.

The Ducati stand this year, held a celebration of 25 years of the Ducati 916.
The Ducati stand this year, held a celebration of 25 years of the Ducati 916.

It was a Ducati 916 which launched mono motorcycles & has held a special place in our history. Check out the story of her regeneration & rebuild here. https://monomotorcycles.co.uk/the-fall-rise-of-ducati-916-senna-3-sn-197/  

Yamaha R1 M

The Yamaha R1 M was considerably impressive. The carbon styling gave the bike a stylistic & modern upgrade yet still coming in at 202 kg. The 1000CC R1 M specification boasts 13,500 rpm max power, 11.500 rpm max torque, triple ABS-Unified brake system & a 17 ltr fuel tank capacity. With an on the road price of £22,145 & the show bike sporting another £1190 of accessories the new R1 M comes with a PCP option of £255 per month.

The Yamaha R1 M was considerably impressive.
The Yamaha R1 M was considerably impressive.

We always like to hear what other people have to say about the latest innovations & Sarah, Andy & Daniel have shared their thoughts on what impressed them the most at Motorcycle Live 2019

“This vehicle pod looked a very good idea if you are going to store your bike for winter. ”

“It keeps your pride and joy in a permanent protective controlled climate with low levels of dust and humidity, and is designed to protect against moisture mould, mildew or rust.  The only down side for me is that they have not yet designed a version for use outside, for those of us not lucky enough to have a garage or shed to store our bikes in” – Sarah Parrott

" This vehicle pod looked a very good idea if you are going to store your bike for winter."
” This vehicle pod looked a very good idea if you are going to store your bike for winter.”

“We were happy that we found the Can Am stand as this is a vehicle we hope to own one day. ”

“It was nice to be able to sit on a variety of models and compare the level of comfort, riding positions and features. As far as we were concerned there was one outright winner, the F3 limited Dark Edition Spyder – in bright orange.  Just have to save up now as they start at a hefty £25k!” – Andy Parrott

"We were happy that we found the Can Am stand as this is a vehicle we hope to own one day."
“We were happy that we found the Can Am stand as this is a vehicle we hope to own one day.”
Andy & Stuart rehearsing for the new Wallace and Gromit movie at Motor Cycle Live, on the 1914 Clyno 750cc v-twin.
Andy & Stuart rehearsing for the new Wallace and Gromit movie at Motor Cycle Live, on the 1914 Clyno 750cc v-twin.

“The new BMW S1000RR was the bike of the show for me. The Bavarian Motor Works have got the styling spot on. Looks like it’s doing 200mph when it’s parked. Stunning!” Daniel Morris  

"The new BMW S1000RR was the bike of the show for me. The Bavarian Motor Works have got the styling spot on. Looks like it’s doing 200mph when it’s parked. Stunning!” Daniel Morris
“The new BMW S1000RR was the bike of the show for me. The Bavarian Motor Works have got the styling spot on. Looks like it’s doing 200mph when it’s parked. Stunning!” Daniel Morris
"The new BMW S1000RR was the bike of the show for me. The Bavarian Motor Works have got the styling spot on. Looks like it’s doing 200mph when it’s parked. Stunning!” Daniel Morris
“The new BMW S1000RR was the bike of the show for me. The Bavarian Motor Works have got the styling spot on. Looks like it’s doing 200mph when it’s parked. Stunning!” Daniel Morris

Once home, we were back into the swing of running mono motorcycles at our workshop in Funtington.

Our social calendar still has one very important date left this year & that is our Christmas Charity Quiz in aid of SERV. Gather your friends & family & join us for this wonderful evening, test your motorcycle & general knowledge, whilst raising money for the amazing SERV Wessex Blood Runners.

On Saturday 14th December, the mono motorcycles Christmas Charity Quiz in aid of SERV will be taking place at The Pallant Centre, Havant from 7.00pm – 10.30pm.
On Saturday 14th December, the mono motorcycles Christmas Charity Quiz in aid of SERV will be taking place at The Pallant Centre, Havant from 7.00pm – 10.30pm.

For all your motorcycle wiring, motorcycle service, motorcycle repair, motorcycle detailing & motorcycle security, contact Daniel or Katy on T: 01243 576212 / 07899 65444 or contact us through our contact page.