As always, the event at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet on February 18 and 19 is a must, packed with bikes, bits and things to buy for your winter project, and where the latest restorations make their first appearance.

But this year the season really starts with a bang… from the Bonham’s gavel.

The auction house is holding a brand new sale of vintage and classic motorcycles, and Bonhams bosses couldn’t be more delighted.

Ben Walker, Bonhams’ head of motorcycles, said: “We are delighted to have been invited to hold an auction at this ever-popular event. At Bonhams we are always looking to expand our reach and make contact with motorcycle enthusiasts, and we are very excited about being at this show.”

Already confirmed as part of the auction is a superb collection of over 50 ‘barn find’ and low mileage machines which include:

1928 Ariel Model B De Lux (estimate £1000-1500)

1936 Ariel 350cc Red Hunter (estimate £1000-2000)

1946 Norton 16H (estimate £1000-1400)

1947 Velocette KSS (estimate £3000-4000)

1958 Panther Model 100 (estimate £1500-2000)

1960 Velocette Venom (estimate £3000-4000)

1975 Suzuki GT380 (estimate £300-800).

Together with a host of other marques spanning the 1920s to the 1960s.

Mr Walker said: “Barn finds always prove popular and to find a collection as untouched as this is a rare event. The motorcycles on offer are all largely low mileage and have been carefully stored for decades - the tyres even held air when we inflated them.”

The rest of the show is pretty special too, as the thousands of visitors who come every year will confirm. With more than 100 years of motorcycling represented in the exhibitor halls and more than 1000 bikes on display, plus 700 trade stalls and one of the biggest dedicated bike jumbles in the UK, the Bristol show simply represents superb value for money.

You’ll need to arrive early (the show opens at 10am and closes at 5pm on both days) to make the most of it. You can pre-book for £9.50 adult, £8 for seniors and £3.50 for under-15s, but on the day prices are £11, £9.50 and £4.

There’ll be the usual excellent turnout from a variety of clubs which always pulls out the stops for Bristol, while for many classic enthusiasts, it’s the trade stalls and the jumble that take up much of the day.

Show organiser Nick Mowbray said: “Bristol has always been a great curtain-raiser for the season, now it has just got even better. The addition of Bonhams really will make it extra special.”

At the recent annual British Dealer News awards, attended by motorcycle dealers across the UK and members of the wider motorcycling industry, a highly surprised Victor Devine was called to the stage to a rapturous and standing applause, to receive his award.

First established as Weddell and Devine in Clydebank in 1948 by Victor’s father, the company became Victor Devine Motorcycles in 1961, which is when Victor took the helm over half a decade ago, and re-established themselves at the St Georges Cross end of Great Western Road in Glasgow. In 1970 they obtained the Honda franchise they still hold today and have never looked back. Moving to new premises in Hydepark Street in the spring of 2002, they set about creating one of the foremost Honda motorcycle dealerships in the country.

In a humble but usual jolly tone, Victor commented, “I think I’m speechless, which is not something I’m used to! I’ve been in this industry for a very long time and seen so many changes and developments. During that time I’ve done the best I could to support other dealers, Honda and mostly our customers, but that’s just the right thing to do so I wouldn’t say that I deserve a lifetime achievement award. I am overwhelmed to receive such an award though and also to know that people think me worthy of such, and thank you to everyone for this honour.”

General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, Steve Martindale, commented, “It‘s right and fitting that Victor has been recognised for all his hard work and valuable contribution to the industry over the years. At Honda (UK) we’re proud to have had a long standing relationship with Victor which is both on a professional level, but has also grown into a greater friendship too. When I came into my role five years ago, Victor took time to really help me understand the motorcycle industry and also the needs of a motorcycle dealer, so personally I also have a lot to thank him for. There is no doubt that Victor is a true gentleman and it’s fantastic that the industry has recognised his incredible contribution as there is no one more worthy than him to receive such an award.”

Further information about Victor Devine Motorcycles in Glasgow can be found by visiting the dealership at 60 Hydepark Street or www.victordevine.com, or by calling 0141 225 8100.

The 2011 show proved to be a huge success for MCI Exhibitions, attracting a 14% increase in attendance on the 2010 event, and organisers are hoping for yet another thrilling year when the 2012 show opens between November 24 and December 2.

Ticket details for the show, as well as details on the exhibitions and attractions, will be announced later in the year.

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions, said: “After the overall success of the 2011 show, we are very pleased to confirm the dates for 2012 and look forward to welcoming bike fans and their family and friends to the UK’s biggest motorcycle show.”

The show is being held in conjunction with Barry Potters International Toy Fair, which attracts toy dealers from all over Europe and will include not only the cars themselves but also the people who drive them.

Also on hand will be authors who have written about speed record attempts and artists who have depicted the cars across the last one hundred years.

“This is a one off that is not to be missed,” said organiser Geoff Holden. “It is the first time that we have been able to get everyone together like this and it may not happen again.”

Barry Potter organiser of the International toy fair said: “This is a unique opportunity for anyone who is interested in speed record breaking. It will be a fantastic day out where enthusiasts can combine the real thing with their smaller counterparts. Last year we celebrated with CMC (Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth) and Jaguar Heritage the 50^th anniversary of the E-Type now, now we are celebrating speed record holders and it is our intention to bring other exciting opportunities that will enhance the international toy fairs that we have run successfully for many years.”

Amongst the items on show will be:

Bloodhound SSC (SuperSonic Car) show car
The team aims to break the current world land speed record of 763mph in 2013 with a combined jet and rocket powered vehicle on Hakseen Pan in South Africa, and ultimately go on to exceed 1000mph. Previous world land speed record holder Richard Noble heads the project and the car will be driven by current world land speed record holder Andy Green.

Team members will be on hand to answer questions; visitors will have the opportunity to try out the Bloodhound Driving Experience, as well as choosing from a wide range of Bloodhound SSC merchandise and joining the Bloodhound 1K Supporters Club.

Bluebird Electric / 100 Years of Bluebird
The current UK electric land speed record holding car with which the team hope to raise the UK record speed further in 2012 will be on display.  It is also hoped that Don Wales, grandson of World Land Speed Record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell, will be able to attend

This is one of many events taking place throughout the year to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the naming of the first Bluebird car by Sir Malcolm Campbell.

Angelic Bulldog
A motorbike streamliner being built with the aim of achieving an outright world land speed record for motorcycles in excess of 400mph in 2012. The ‘bike will be on display and driver Gabriel Uttley will be in attendance throughout the day to answer questions, offer sponsorship opportunities and enrol new members into the Angelic Bulldog Supporters Club.

Book Signings
Authors of recently published speed record related books will be signing copies during the show including Mike Varndell, author of ‘The British are Coming’, published by Transport Bookman Publications, and Neil Sheppard, author of ‘Donald Campbell, Bluebird and the Final Record Attempt’, published by The History Press.

Speed Record Art

Arthur Benjaminsis an accomplished artist whose work appears on the dust jacket and flysheets of Mike Varndells book ‘The British are Coming’. Examples of his paintings and prints will be on display, and he will also be on hand to sign copies of Mikes book on request. Arthur specialises in land and water speed record subjects as well as motor racing scenes.

Martin Squires is a young artist with a personal interest in older automotive subjects including speed record vehicles, examples of which will be on display.

Brooklands
The Brooklands Outreach team will be displaying material relating to the famous racing circuit in Weybridge, just a short distance from Sandown Park that is known as ‘The Birthplace of British Motorsport and Aviation’. Visitors will be offered the opportunity to become Brooklands Trust Members.

Autodromo
Master model making from the studios of Autodromo. Examples of very high quality large-scale models from The Autodromo Collection will be on display, alongside a prototype1/12^th scale model of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s 1935 Blue Bird land speed record car. The finished model will be available in a limited edition later in 2012, and orders for this or other models from the Autodromo Collection may be placed on the day.

The Speed Record Club
Representatives of the Speed Record Club, a worldwide group of enthusiasts interested in speed record attempts of all types both historical and current, will be on hand to answer questions of any nature on the subject. The club display will include promotional items, magazines and club membership offers.

The Bluebird Supporters Club
The objectives of the Bluebird Supporters Club are to keep the Campbell and Bluebird Heritage alive, and to promote any future record attempts by descendants of Sir Malcolm Campbell.  Promotional material, club magazines, books and photographs will be on display and new members will be welcomed on the day.

Show Opening Times and Admission
Speed at Sandown Park and the BP Fairs event will both be open for general admission between 10:30 and 15:30, with ‘Early Bird’ tickets available from 08:00.

Admission prices to the BP Fairs event including access to Speed at Sandown Park are Adults £5.00, Seniors £4.50, Children £2.00, Early Bird £10.00

Major bike manufacturers such as Triumph, KTM, Ducati, Suzuki, Victory, Honda, Yamaha and Harley Davidson will showcase their new models for 2012. Plus there will be exclusive offers from the dealers on new and 2011 motorbikes.

Thrill seekers can also enjoy stunt shows from Kevin Carmichael and Broke FMX in the outdoor Live Action Zones or head indoors to see ex trials champion Steve Colley perform.

Take a ride down memory lane in the Classic Bike magazine Classics Pavilion where you can find Scotland’s biggest collection of classic motorcycles spanning over 80 years or keep ahead of the trend in the Custom Zone hosted by the House of Custom.

Plus don’t forget to check out the Knockhill Stage, hosted by Moto GP presenter and motorcycle legend Steve Parrish. Steve will be interviewing motorcycle legends as well as giving you the chance to get autographs and pictures with your favourite riders.

Bag a bargain in the Bike Jumble and browse the Retail Village where a host of traders will be able to fit you out with new leathers, boots or helmet. If you want to improve your bike’s appearance there’s a wide array of suppliers to help make your bike stand out from the crowd.

Children under 15 go free and there’s plenty to keep them occupied: the fun fair, extreme rides and inflatables means the Carole Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show is THE place to be for all things bike!

Show is open 9am until 5pm each day. Adult ticket prices start from just £12 when booked in advance or £16 on the door. Senior citizen tickets are £7 in advance or £12 on the door. Parking is £4 per car, motorcycles are free and secure helmet storage is available. To book tickets call the 24hr ticket hotline on 0844 873 7346 or visit www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com where you can find all the latest updates.

As a long-standing supporter of the London show, motorcycle insurance broker Carole Nash is well known for its exciting displays of custom machines and 2012 will be no exception. Highlights will include two stunning Shaw Speed & Custom Harley-Davidson creations - the 2009 Fatboy that was completely dismantled and re-built in support of the film Captain America and the unique Rocker C ‘Mission Impossible’ - so called after the owner’s very specific brief.

As well as seeing these impressive motorcycles, visitors will also have the chance to chat to the Carole Nash staff about all things biking. Experts will be on hand to offer invaluable advice on the best motorbike insurance packages available and provide quotes to suit individual bikers’ needs. The ever-popular Carole Nash girls will be available for photos while they hand out the last of the much sought-after 2012 Carole Nash calendars.

By entering the annual Carole Nash promotion, one lucky visitor could become the proud owner not only of the bike of their dreams, but also the means with which to customise it. The winner will be free to choose any motorcycle of their choice up to the value of £15,000 plus £10,000 for any modifications.

Having paid a visit to the title sponsor’s stand, visitors can head out into the rest of the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show to experience everything that ‘the greatest bike show on earth’ has to offer. Some of the world’s leading manufacturers will be present displaying their hottest new bikes and accessories, racing stars will be dropping by for autograph signing sessions and visitors will have the chance to make massive savings on kit and accessories.

This year the ticket price includes entry to the unique and action-packed Revolution show - a head-to-head adrenaline fuelled competition featuring some of Britain’s best biking talent, including John McGuinness, Neil Hodgson and David Knight. The advance ticket price of £20 represents great value for anybody with a passion for motorbikes and Carole Nash is proud to continue its support of the show.

“We’re excited about the year of great shows and events ahead as each one provides the perfect opportunity to extend our ongoing commitment to understanding motorcyclists,” explains Carole Nash Events Manager Sarah Griffiths. “It is so important that we are out there in the community, talking to motorcyclists not just about insurance, but about motorcycling as a whole and what makes bikers tick. Everyone is welcome on the Carole Nash stand and we have some great promotions and giveaways planned, so come along and see us if you can.”

See where Carole Nash will be in 2012 in our shows & events calendar.

Hutchinson has suffered a tibia and fibula after twisting his leg during preparations for the show at the ExCeL in London. The damaged leg has been placed in a metal frame and Swan Yamaha could face up to five months out of action.

The Yorkshireman is scheduled to compete for Shaun Muir’s outfit in the British Superbike championship, the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and the Ulster Grand Prix.

It is the second leg-break 18 months for the 31-year-old who crashed at Silverstone in September 2010, just months after securing a historic five TT wins in a week.

Since his crash the eight-times TT winner has undergone 16 operations to fix his tibia and fibula and had to wear an external cage to hold the bones in place while they healed. He returned to racing in November and finished third in the Macau Grand Prix.

Fellow BSB rider Niall MacKenzie will step in to replace Hutchinson in the Revolution Live Show.

BikeSafe is a police led motorcycle project that is run by most forces throughout the UK. The main aim is to reduce the number of bikers being hurt on the roads. BikeSafe thinks that riding should be fun and by improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness it will hopefully make riding safer and more enjoyable

The BikeSafe workshop explores the main issues facing today’s bikers. It also explores the principles of advanced riding through the on-road element. The BikeSafe Observer will give assessment and feedback which will highlight areas where the rider needs to develop

BikeSafe is about starting on the right path to development as it “Bridges the Gap”. Riders should continue to train throughout their riding years and not just stop once they have passed their bike test

Glen Dennis commented on the support from Ducati UK, “The name ‘Ducati’ has always stood for fun, dynamically sporting and beautifully stylish motorcycles. Therefore, BikeSafe is extremely proud to be working with Ducati and accept the Multistrada 1200 for use on BikeSafe events. This is a really exciting opportunity which should raise the profile of safe and enjoyable motorcycling across the country”

From the availability of ABS on the entry-level Monster 696 to switchable riding modes that allow the customer to adapt power delivery, traction control and ABS settings to suit conditions on the Diavel, Multistrada and forthcoming 1199 Panigale, Ducati is at the forefront of providing safety enhancing features on new motorcycles. However, the bike is only part of the story as Tim Maccabee commented “Ducati UK are delighted to be able to support the BikeSafe initiative. I personally believe that BikeSafe is a valuable programme and would recommend it to all motorcyclists - indeed I made sure all staff at Ducati UK who ride bikes had an assessment earlier this year. No matter how frequently you ride or how experienced you are, anything that can improve your riding safety has to be worth it.”

For further information regarding BikeSafe visit www.bikesafe.co.uk/

With just a couple of weeks until the international press launch of the new 1199 Panigale, anticipation and excitement surrounds this new Superbike with unprecedented demand reported throughout the dealer network.

The ground-breaking 1199 Panigale begins a new chapter in Ducati’s Superbike history setting the benchmark and future for Sportsbikes. The most powerful twin-cylinder production engine on the planet is now an integral part of an innovative monocoque chassis that combine to deliver an astonishing 195hp from 164kg (dry weight) (361.5lb), the highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world. The 1199 Panigale also boasts an almost endless specification list that includes ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Engine Braking Control and Ride-by-wire.

Despite taking centre stage, the 1199 Panigale will have a supporting cast that will include the Diavel (MCN bike of the year 2011), the Multistrada, the new Streetfighter 848 and 848 Evo Corse as well as the Hypermotard and the iconic Monster range.

Ducati UK will be displaying the new 2012 Apparel collection and will have a retail area selling the latest clothing selection available from Bologna. Visitors will also be able to see Ducati Performance accessories on display on selected motorcycles from the range.

The MCN London Motorcycle Show runs from the 2nd to 5th February and tickets can be booked by visiting www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com. For further information about Ducati’s Motorcycle range, accessories, apparel and events and road shows visit www.ducatiuk.com or call 08456 718500

Suzuki has claimed that, despite some major technical innovations and revisions for the new model, pricing remains extremely competitive amongst its rivals. The price makes the Suzuki cheaper than the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, priced at £11,175, and both the Yamaha R1 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which cost £11,999.

With the new GSX-R1000 set for UK customer launch on Saturday 11th February, UK dealers are already taking deposits for the flagship GSX-R.

“With UK dealers set to showcase the new GSX-R1000 nationwide on 11th February, we’re delighted to announce the recommended retail price too,” said Suzuki GB’s Paul de Lusignan. “Despite the new GSX-R1000 being subject to considerable technical enhancements and with an impressive specification that includes Brembo Monobloc calipers and Showa Big Piston Forks, we’re pleased to bring this model to the UK at such a competitive price.”

The 2012 GSX-R1000 will be launched to press on 8th February in Miami, with participating dealers welcoming customers from the following Saturday. As well as the new GSX-R on display, participating dealers will also have details on the rest of the 2012 range, including the GSR750 ABS and V-Strom 650 ABS, as well as special editions of the Intruder M1800R and Burgman 400.

Customers can follow the press launch of the 2012 GSX-R1000 in Miami, USA, live on the official Suzuki GB Facebook and Twitter channels from 6th - 9th February at - SuzukiBikesUK.

For more information on the 2012 GSX-R1000 visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk