This year’sshow is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of motorcycling heritage, with over athousand stunning bikes on display.
From rare retro rides to iconic classics, StaffordshireCounty Showground will be packed to
the rafterswith two-wheeled legends.
Special guests, and long-time friends, Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall will be taking to the stage throughout the weekend, ready to share stories and answer your questions about their incredible careers. These
racing icons have made an undeniable markonmotorcycling historyand are afantastic addition to this year’sline-up. Motorcycle clubs from across the UK will once again come together to showcase their passion, craftsmanship, and the vibrant community built around
classic bikes.
Looking for parts, gear,orrare finds? From elusive motorcycle components to top-quality merchandise, the trade stands and autojumble are amust-visit for anyenthusiast.
The show will also be bursting with live entertainment
including jaw-dropping stunts from Bolddog FMX, the gravitydefying Wall of Death, and toe-tapping live music from The Daisy Belles.
Save £4.50 when you book in advance –adult tickets just £16.50! Find out more at www.classicbikeshows.com
Legends alignat Stafford!
Youcan meet TWOracing legends,bepartoftheirbanter,see some verygorgeous motorcycles AND win Wayne Gardner’s title-winning hat if you come to the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford this October!
You really need to be at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by CaroleNash over the weekend of October 11-12.
And I’ll tell you why… For me, it’sthe best showof the year (but then Iambiased) and this October’sshowatthe StaffordshireCounty Showground will be the best-ever:and here’s why.
Firstly,we’ve got two of the finest special guestsever. Ican speak from experience when I saythat you will love thebanter between two legends and good mates Wayne Gardner(1987 500cc world champ) andhis best pal Roger Marshall (11-times British champ.) Their stories are both hilarious and momentous. You’ve got to come alongand listen to Jack Burnicle quizthem both on their careersand life-long friendship…
Best of all, CMM has gotten hold of ahat WORN by Wayne Gardner during his championshipwinning season in 1987 and one luckyshow-goer will be receiving it. Detailsare yet to be finalised and it mayinclude acharity bid or two, but we want to see this unique piece of motorcycle race memorabilia go to aworthyand newhome. You’ve got to be in it, to win it! More detailsabout this can be found later in theshow guide!
Then there are the bikes… as usual there will be hundreds of beautiful bikes on displayon the manyclub stands. So, all of us (around 30,000 over the weekend) can have agood gawp at some stunning two-wheeled machines.
As usual and like Classic
Motorcycle Mechanics magazine itself, the focus of the show is all that’sbest in modernclassic motorcycling –sothat’sbikes from Japan and Europe from the 1950sthrough the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and even nudging into the late 2000s. We follow the rules of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC)… so ‘anything 15 yearsorolder’ is eligible as aclassic. This means
the show coversawonderful breadth of machineryand all of these eras and beyond will be on displayinthe manyhalls. Don’t forget to check out the Bonhams auction: whether you’ve got the moneytobid or not: it’sstill good to dream…
And then there are the race machines, manyofwhich will be fired up outside in the Classic Racer GP Paddock. That is areal
AMessage from OurSponsor
2025 is aspecial yearfor all of us at Carole Nash, as we proudly celebrate our 40th anniversary. As we markthis incredible milestone, we’redelighted to once again sponsor the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Taking place over the weekend of October 11–12, this familyfriendly event remains the largest gathering of classic motorcycles and enthusiasts in the world -and it’sonly getting better!
Now firmlyestablished as akey date inthe biking calendar,the ClassicMotorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by CaroleNash continues to grow,and this year’s event promises to be the most thrilling yet.
We’reespeciallyexcited to welcome 1987 WorldMotorcycle Grand Prix Champion Wayne Gardner and multi-time British champion and former Grand Prix rider Roger Marshall, who will be
sharing memorable stories from their legendaryracing careers.
As always, the halls will be filled with an incredible arrayof classic and retro motorcycles. The club stands will be going all out to impress, each hoping to takehome the coveted Best Club Displayaward.
Private collectorswill also be showcasing their prized machines, painstakingly restored to their former glorywith passion,
treat for the ears(and nose if you likeCastrol R) but do bring some ear plugs just in case!
Of course, the show is not just about the bikes –it’sabout the bits –you will be able to find heaps of parts being sold on the various stands and stalls over the show weekend. And bring the family too, as there’s plenty to see and do, withsome entertainment around the
showground and plenty of food and drink stands to keep you fed. So, what are you waiting for?
The show is over the weekend of October 11-12 at the Stafford County Showground –that’s ST18 0BD for your sat-nav. Formore details of opening times, ticket prices, go to: www classicbikeshows.com/staffordo/ Bertie Simmonds
precision, and remarkable craftsmanship.
The expansive trade and autojumblearea offersaparadise for motorcycling fans, fullofparts, tools, and rare finds to fuel any project, no matter the size.
And of course, the renowned
Bonhamsauction will once again drawacrowd, withastunning selection of bikes up for grabs for those bold enough to win them in ahigh-stakes bidding battle!
We hope you enjoythe show The Carole Nash Team
Packed crowds admire rows of gleaming machines at last year’sClassic Motorcycle Mechanics Show,celebrating the best of vintage and classic motorcycling.
Visitorstothis year’s Stafford Classic Bike Show are in for atreat, with notone, but two cracking guests linedup! Great friends and racing legends Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall will taketothe stage throughout the weekend, recounting thehighs and lows of their successful racing careers.
Wayne Gardner,the “WollongongWhiz,”discovered his passion for motorcycles early, racing minibikes by age 12 in NewSouth Wales. After leaving an apprenticeship to chase his racing dream, he debuted in 1977 on asecond-hand250cc Yamaha, finishing second at Amaroo Park and winning soon after at Oran Park Raceway.His fearless, ‘win or crash trying’ mentality sawhim rise quickly, though it almost led to aban from the Auto Cycle Union. His sponsor,KarlPraml, intervened
Racing royalty
at Stafford
The ‘Wollongong Whiz’ joins long-time friend Roger Marshallfor aweekend of live stage sessions and GP Paddock fire-ups —stories, insight and proper race-bred banter
and urged him to refinehis skills and focus on winning championships. By 1979, Gardner was excelling in both350cc and 750cc categories, and in 1980 he dominated awet race at Sandown, Victoria. HisJapanese engineer,Mamor Moriwaki, recruited him for the Australian SuperbikeChampionship and international events.In1981, Gardner and co-rider John Pace stunned factoryteams by taking pole at the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours. That same year,hewon his first British race and formed alasting friendshipwith mentor Roger Marshall, who helped him master British circuits and hone his skills further.Despite a fractured ankle, Gardner won at Suzuka again that year He joined Honda in 1982 and entered the 500cc world championship. Ahorrific crash involving Franco Uncini shook
him deeply,but Gardner pressed on. With limited supportin1984, he self-funded his European campaign and won the British 500cc title. Honda backed him in the 1985 world championship, but his three-cylinder bike struggled against more powerful rivals.
In 1986, Honda finally provided competitive machinery, and Gardner won his first 500cc Grand Prix, making historyasthe first Australian to do so,before finishing the season second overall. The following year,he clinched the blue riband world championship, becoming the first Australian to achievethe milestone.
Acareer highlight came at the inaugural 1989 Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, where he claimed adramaticvictoryrepeating the feat in 1990 while injured. His teammate, Mick Doohan, inspired by Gardner’s
success, would later go on to win five worldtitles.
Gardner retired from Grand Prix racing in 1992 with 18 Grand Prix winsand four Suzuka 8-Hour victories. He moved into V8 Supercars, winning at the 1993 Australian GP and earning the nickname “Captain Chaos.” He later competed in Japan’s GT Championship and made a one-off appearance at Le Mans in 1998. Gardner’sfearless spirit and success left alasting legacy in motorsport.
Joining him on stage will be none other than Gardner’sbest mate, multiple British champion and former Grand Prix rider,Roger Marshall. Marshall first knewhe wanted to race after watching his first-ever bikerace at Cadwell Park as ayoung boy.
In 1970, he went halves on a sidecar outfit witha mate and completed afull season racing as apassenger.Fast forward a
fewyears, and he found himself as afactoryrider with Heron Suzuki. In 1982, he won the British Championship, Formula 1Championship, and the Ulster Grand Prix before being voted MCN Man of the Year by fans, ahead of Ron Haslam and Barry Sheene.
Marshall collected an impressive 11 British championships throughout his career and finished runner-up to JoeyDunlop in the 1984 F1 World Championship after switching to Honda. He also claimed podiums at the Isle of Man TT,finishing second three times, and wasa formidable force in Grand Prix racing,taking victories at both the Ulster Grand Prix and the North West 200.
See both these racing legends both on stage and firing up some legendaryrace bikes in the GP Paddock throughout the weekend –you won’twant to miss this!
Back for2025– Step into theRetro Hall!
Get ready to be transported straight back to the golden era of motorcycling.The
Retro Hall is the ultimate destination for modern classics, bursting at the seams with gleaming ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s machines polished to perfection.
From painstakingly restored showpieces to well-loved originals, everybikestill radiates the same charm, character,and heart-racing excitement that made them icons of their day. Whether you’re aseasoned rider or just discovering the magicof two wheels, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear as you soak in the nostalgia.
This is atruecelebration of motorcycling heritage,with fantastic clubsalready confirmed including the Yamaha XJR OwnersClub, Old Skool Suzuki Club, and the UK 2Stroke Club –each bringing an incredible lineup of retro legends. Admire the craftsmanship, swap stories with proud owners, and connect with fellow enthusiasts whoshare your passion.
Everybikeinthe hall tellsa story –asnapshot of acool, rebellious era that continues to inspire today’s ridersand fuel the dreams of the next generation.
Hear the roar of racing history in theGPPaddock!
Immerse yourself in the golden age of racing in the iconic Grand Prix Paddock –the ultimate live startup zone at The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash.
Hear the past roar backtolifeas legendaryclassic and retro machines fire up and shakethe ground beneath your feet. Feel the rumble, smell the oil, and witness these masterpieces in motion as passionate ownersbring them alive. Adding even more depth to the
experience, the ever-knowledgeable John McCrink will guide you through the history of each machine, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the engineering, ridersand racing moments that shaped motorcycling’sgolden era.
Whether you’re alifelong enthusiast or just discovering the thrill of classic bikes, the Grand Prix Paddock offersan adrenaline-charged journeythrough time. Don’tmiss this chance to see, hear and feel the rawpower and legacy of racing’s finest.
Ashow-stopping Yamaha race replica on displaywith theUK2Strokes ClubatThe Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash, Stafford.
Getyourbike under the hammer at Stafford
Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts,collectors, and sellers—Bonhams invites you to be part of the most anticipated event of the year: the Autumn Stafford Sale,taking place October 11-12, 2025 atthe Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash. Afterarecord-breakingSpring Sale, which achieved £3.2 million with a96% sell-through rate, Bonhams is firing up the classics once again with astellarlineup of legendarymachines. From rare pre-war icons likethe 1937 Vincent-HRD Series-A Rapide, to historically significant barnfinds, racing icons and top tier superbikes, this auction includes something for everytaste and budget.
The Bonhams Motorcycles team will be on hand throughout the weekend in both the main show hall and the auction saleroom, located in the Sandylandsand
ArgyleHalls. They’ll be offering free expertadvice oneveryaspect of buying and selling at auction, and will also beaccepting additional motorcycle entries. Looking ahead, the team’sfinal sale of theyear will take place online from 5–15 December,hosted from their dedicated motorcycle facility in Milton Keynes –with complimentarystorage and professional photographyavailable forall sellers.
Whether you’relooking to sell acherishedvintage bike, a sought-aftermodernclassic, or alarger collection,there’snever been abetter time toconsign with Bonhams. With unmatched global reach, decades of expertise, and a trusted platformthat consistently deliversexceptional results, Bonhams is the ideal place to showcase yourmotorcycle to a worldwide audience.
Let your motorcycle takethe spotlight!.
The Autumn StaffordSale
The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Sandylands &Argyle Halls I11& 12 October 2025
BRING
PUBLIC VIEWING
Sandylands &Argyle Halls
Saturday 11 Octoberfrom09:00
Sunday 12 Octoberfrom09:00
ENTRY
Gallery Guides £10 (admits one)
ENQUIRIES
+44 (0) 20 8963 2817 motorcycles@bonhams.com
HERE’S ASNIPPET OF WHAT’S CONFIRMED AS GOING UNDER THE HAMMER’
OCTOBER11–12,2025
TIMETABLE
10.30am John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incrediblemachines in the GP Paddock area
10.30am BolddogFMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
11am Jack Burnicletalks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage 11am OwdCodgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
11.30am Livemusic by Daisy Belles on the bandstand
12pm Bolddog FMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
12pm John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incrediblemachines, plus special guests Wayne Gardnerand Roger Marshall
12.30pm Livemusic by The Daisy Belles on the bandstand
1.30pm OwdCodgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
1.30pm Livemusic by The Daisy Belles on the bandstand
2pm Jack Burnicletalks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage
2.30pm Bolddog FMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
2.30pm John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incrediblemachines in the GP Paddock area
3.30pm Jack Burnicletalks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage
4pm Bolddog FMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
5pm Showcloses
SUNDAY
10.30am John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area
10.30am Bolddog FMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
11am Jack Burnicle talks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage
11.30am Owd Codgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
11.30am Livemusic by The DaisyBelles on the bandstand
12pm Bolddog FMXStunt Team in the Main Ring
12pm John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area, plus special guests Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall
12.30pm Livemusic by The DaisyBelles on the bandstand
1.30pm Owd Codgers’ trials demonstrations at the Classic DirtBikeExperience
1.30pm Livemusic by The DaisyBelles on the bandstand
2pm Jack Burnicle talks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage
2pm John McCrink hosts the livestart-up of some incredible machines in the GP Paddock area
2.30pm Bolddog FMX Stunt Team in the Main Ring
3pm Jack Burnicle talks to Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall on the Carole Nash livestage
4pm Awards presentation in the Main Hall 5pm Showcloses
Head to our stand for fantastic
our
Get your classic bike fix throughout the year and takeadvantage of our brilliant
at the
This year’sClassic Motorcycle Mechanics Show,sponsoredby Carole Nash, promises an
for
enthusiasts and families alike—with apacked programme of entertainment, thousands of stunningclassic and retro bikes, and abustling trade and autojumble scene. Whether you’re aseasoned rider or simply looking for afun dayout,there’s somethingfor all the family to enjoy.
Returning for 2025, the freestyle motocross legends Bolddog FMX will once again light up the main arena with gravity-defying stunts.
As Honda’sofficial, and the UK’s number one motorcycle display team, they’re famous for jawdropping tricks performed on the world’slargest and most advanced mobile landingsystem. Expect heart-stopping moments as the riderspush the limits of what’s possible on two wheels, soaring 35 feet in the air while delivering on-board commentary for each mind-blowing move.
Get your dancing shoes ready, because The Daisy Belles are back. With pitch-perfect harmonies
and anostalgic setlist, they’ll transportyou through the sounds of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Their energetic, retro-inspired performances offer the perfect chance to unwind —whether you’re dancing along or enjoying apicnic by the bandstand as the sound of classic bikeengines hums in the background.
Also returning is the legendary Foxfamily’sWall of Death, thrilling crowds with breathtaking,highspeed stunts performed on a vertical wall. It’saspectacle that defies physics and has to be seen to be believed.
And, of course, no Stafford Classic BikeShow would be complete without exclusive live interviews on the main stage.
This year,racing legends Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall will share insights and stories from their extraordinarycareers—a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from two of the sport’smost iconic figures.
With allthisand more, the 2025 Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show,sponsored by CaroleNash, is set to delivera weekend packed withnostalgia, high-octane action and familyfun.
Scan the QR code for full
High-flying fun at Stafford
SneakPeak this Week
Few bikes have the pedigreeand track success at the Honda RS series of race bikes. Neil Smith’sexample, which can be found in the competition hall, is a 1999 Honda Rs125nx4 Grand Prix spec machine. An ex-British Super Bike contending machine which also campaigned on the fearsome roads of Ireland.
The RS125 is known for its intense and aggressive riding experience with a verynarrow powerband putting out ahefty 48bhp at 12,250rpm.
The 1982Yamaha RD350 LC wasknown for its race-derived design, fun handling,and distinctive two-stroke characteristics. Manywere raced/ hacked to death in the UK on the club circuits as it wasverymuch a bikeyou ride to the track, race it, crash it andthen ride home for tea!Dave Smith’sexample has been owned for 9years and up to summer 2024 he wasstill riding this bikebut collecting newold stockparts along theway.Atthe beginning of winter 2024Davefitted all NOS parts andrebuilt the matching numbers engine making what has to be, one of the best, most original examples around!
Itmight not be retro; it might not be Japanese, but John Weeden 1965 DMW 500cc Hornet is just poetryinmotion. In August 1965 DMW launched what wasthe British bike industries answer to the rise of ‘foreign’ race bikes. Apair
of 250cc Villiersengines were mounted in amodified ‘Hornet’ frame to create this formidable 494cc stroker known as the ‘Starmaker’. There wasalso the alternative choice of using a pair of RoyalEnfield engines to makeyour dream racer
In1989 Suzuki let loose the RGV250 on the British public. It was an instance hit and the closest Joe Public could get to feeling likeaGrand Prix racer or,inreality,be Kevin Schwantz everytime you rode it. It wasSuzuki’s answer to the Kawasaki KR1 and Yamaha’sTZR250.
This beautiful 1990 Suzuki RGV250M VJ22A headbanger belongs to Alan Percival and is the best factorypaint scheme for the entire production runfrom 1989 to 1994. The VJ22A featured upside down forks, a17” rear wheel and power increase to 62hp.
WIN WAYNE’SHAT!
The 1987 500cc Grand Prix champion Wayne Gardner will be the star guest at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show sponsored by Carole Nash, over the weekend of October 11–12, 2025.
And you’ve got achance to win the veryhat Wayne wore during that legendary1987 season, at the Stafford County Showground!
Wayne wasthe first Australian to win the 500cc World Championship. His path to international successbegan when he came to the UK in 1981, where he struck up a
friendshipwith multiple British bikeracing champion Roger Marshall
The duo wowed the crowds at The ClassicBikeGuide Winter Classic in Newark this January, and you won’twant to miss them together againonstage at the CMM event.
Last month, you mayrecall, CMM editor Bertie Simmonds won Wayne’sold hat at auction. Wayne had originally given the hat to legendaryGrand Prix paddock journalist John Brown in 1987, just after claiming his title. JB treasured it for yearsuntil his
passing in 2012.
Bertie says: “I took the hat to the Newark show and Wayne recognised it immediately.Wayne said that JB wasalovely fella, and he’shappyfor us to auction his hat off. He’ll hand it over to the winner at our show in October –and he’seven planning to bring along some other goodies too.”
John Brown suffered from heartissues later in life, so we’ll be raising funds for the British HeartFoundation.
Keep an eyeonthe next issue of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics
and the Classic BikeShows social channels forfull details on how to win this fantastic prize!
