It’s finally here! After weeks and months of build-up, planning and preparation, the 2017 International Dirt Bike Show in partnership with MOTUL opened its doors today. If you’ve not yet planned your visit, here are the top 10 reasons to visit the IDBS.
1. Bikes, bikes, bikes
The buzz has been building for a while now about what we’ll see from the manufacturers who will come together to display a staggering number of bikes covering every off-road discipline. Industry titans will pack the latest production machinery under one roof in Hall 2, with major exhibits from Honda, Husqvarna, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha showcasing the advances and upgrades which have been made to next year’s ranges. Beta, Gas Gas, JotaGas, Rieju, Sherco and Vertigo will also be at Stoneleigh to show off their bikes to visitors, with all the big players having teams of experts on hand to talk to showgoers about what’s on offer. Throw in a display of historic machines in the classic display and there really is something for everyone to see… and maybe buy!
2. Bargains galore
If you’ve got a machine sorted for next year, you’re going to need all the gear to go with it, and that’s where two huge retail and trade halls come in. It doesn’t matter whether you plan on going racing, if you’re taking to the trails, or if you prefer the non-competitive side of off-road, you will find what you want for sale. The leading distributors of top-of-the-range clothing will all be on-site offering great deals on the latest kit, alongside those stocking accessories, riding gear, cleaning products and more. It’s not just yourself that you can treat either – get a few bits for your bike as well with the leading tyre brands for sale direct from the main suppliers and well-known retailers. And that’s not all… race truck and trailer companies will be displaying their facilities, and you’ll have to go some to find a better venue for trackside equipment such as gazebos, instant shelters, flags, bunting, banners, tables and chairs. No-one’s going to miss you at your next event! Don’t forget, too, it’s nearly Christmas, so the show is the perfect place to pick up a bargain for your nearest or dearest.
3. Bargains galore… in the Motojumble
Need parts, spares or maybe even a project? Bring some cash, head to the Motojumble and barter till you’re blue in the face!
4. Thrilling live action and entertainment
Trials legend Dougie Lampkin – fresh from his incredible wheelie effort on the Isle of Man – will be putting on trials demonstrations across all four days, and the 12-time world champion and 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial winner will be joined by mountain bike ace and IDBS favourite Danny Butler. There’s Minibike Supercross racing taking place throughout the weekend, too, plus the gravity-defying Wall of Death.
5. Have-a-go activities for the whole family
This being the biggest off-road event of the year, it’s only natural that there are a range of activities and exhibitions for you to get involved with. For the first time ever there is a chance to tackle a minibike supercross on a dedicated track which will be built at the show, while there are a have-a-go electric trials areas for both adults and kids. The younger members of the family can also enjoy getting to grips with quads, remote-controlled racing and Strider balance bikes.
6. Get associated
If you want to discover how to get involved in racing, the scene’s major associations – ACU, AMCA, BSMA, MC Federation and YMSA – can be found with all the information you need. To find out about how to start racing, try a different discipline or just to learn more about the huge selection of events taking place throughout the year, head over to these stands in Hall 2.
7. Hear from the stars on stage
Head over to the hub of activity which is the main stage and enjoy a well-earned sit down while you listen to Eurosport commentator, Dirt Bike Rider contributor and off-road fanatic Jack Burnicle as he interviews star riders, industry figureheads and racing legends. Among those already confirmed to appear are leading Extreme Enduro racer Jonny Walker and recently crowned Enduro 3 world champion Steve Holcombe, but you can expect many more top names to appear throughout the duration of the show.
8. Presentations and challenges
As well as on-stage interviews, various organisations will be at the dirt bike show to present major annual awards and prizes, and there will be the usual raft of on-stage activities including the PS4 competition and tyre-holding challenge.
9. WIN!WIN!WIN!
The show has teamed up with some very generous people to offer the chance to win a range of prizes, top of the shop being an experience day at the Mick Extance off-road school. There’s also an amazing daily giveaway from event partner MOTUL in a new social media photo competition (see dirtbikeshow.co.uk for more), and a child’s Strider bike is up for grabs. TMX and DBR are running the fastest lap on the main stage – get the fastest lap of the show on the PS4 and you can bag yourself the Sony Playstation 4, a copy of the MXGP2 videogame and a Director’s Chair. You can be sure that many exhibitors will be running their own competitions as well, so there will be many more chances to win during the four days.
10. It’s SUPERB value for money
You can take advantage of some fantastic savings when buying in advance, but even the gate prices offer a fantastic day out for not a lot of dollar. There’s FREE entry for under 10s, FREE parking at the venue and a FREE show guide. It’s all held indoors, plus there are several different catering and refreshment options available. What more do you need!
