Strong support from local motorcycle importers has vindicated CRC Speedshow director Ross Prevette’s decision to create a special ‘motorcycle mega-site’ in the main hall at this year’s 19-20 July event at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds.
Harley-Davidson was one of the first major two-wheel marques to confirm its presence at this year’s show and since then Ducati, Victory and now Indian have committed to individual stands while – literally – every other major manufacturer, from Aprilia to Yamaha, and BMW to Honda, Suzuki, Triumph and Moto Guzzi will be represented in a dedicated ‘mega-site’ coordinated by Bike Rider and Dirt Rider Downunder (DRD) magazines.
“If it’s got two or three wheels, road, off-road or in-between, it will be there,” says Prevette, himself a keen motorcyclist who before taking on the CRC Speedshow ran a dealership and was a noted custom bike builder.
It’s been a particularly busy time in the bike front of late with new models from almost every company including Harley-Davidson, Indian, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM, meaning CRC Speedshow will be the perfect place for motorcycle enthusiasts to get up to speed.
“Sure you can surf the internet but I know from personal experience that nothing matches seeing a new model you’ve heard or read about ‘in the flesh’ for the very first time,” says Prevette.
Some new models – like Suzuki’s all-new V-Strom 1000 ABS – will be of interest to show-goers with a sense of adventure. Others – like KTM’s new 1290 Superduke R – will appeal to those with a need for speed while Yamaha’s ageless SR 400, a true classic which has been in production in Japan since the late 1970s and is back on the local market in original form, will appeal to show-goers who hark back to simpler times.
Complementing the displays of new two, three (and yes, even some recreational ATVs with four wheels) will be displays of the latest apparel and safety equipment. The ProRider riding training organisation and specialist motorcycle mover BikeTranz will also have a presence at this year’s show.
Prevette adds: “There are some absolutely stunning classic and custom motorcycles entered in the Classic Cover Insurance Classic Show and Castrol EDGE / Teng Tools Custom Show. You can also expect to see motorcycles for sale in our brand-new Park ‘N’ Sell area and undoubtedly there will be more cool bikes taking part in the Meguiar’s charity cruise which enjoys a parade lap around the Ideal Wheels live action arena on Sunday morning.”
Finally, in keeping with what has become a (very welcome) tradition at earlier CRC Speedshows, motorcycle parking is free and there is a dedicated helmet-check service so that those who arrive on a bike have one less thing to carry as they check out the various exhibits.
The CRC Speedshow runs at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland over the weekend of 19 and 20 July 2014 with two new display halls bringing the total to five, hundreds of vehicles on display, opportunities to meet racing stars and to enjoy top-class entertainment in the Ideal Wheels live action arena. Follow CRC Speedshow on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Speedshow), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/speedshownz) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/speedshow/).
