Royal British Legion Riders Branch

The weather was kind again to Colin Appleyard’s GoldWing Centre at Keighley for their Open Day today, Sunday 28th March, although there was a cool breeze and the clouds did build and threaten.  But it didn’t rain.

Maybe this accounted for the strong turnout from the West of the Pennines, where it was sunny and fair.  But the numbers overall seemed lower than last year, although it was still a large gathering of GoldWings and Wingers by any standards.

Appleyards have re-configured their upper floor area to provide increased showroom space and this was a welcome improvement.  There seemed to be much more space and the accessories were better displayed.  Likewise downstairs they had tidied up as usual and the Nosebags (excellent again this year) were well organised but there was also more organisation about the Used Bits Area and there was a part-finished Trike under construction in what is now a dedicated Bay of the Workshop, such is the scale upon which Appleyards are now building (and presumably selling) them.    Maybe it was more spacious and interesting to wander around because there were fewer people there this year but it seemed to me to be a big improvment so congratulations to Appleyard’s Staff for all the work they did preparing so well for their Open Day.

Stunning GL1800 sidecar outfit - candidate for the Exceptional GoldWings series?

Another change was the appearance of another Club stand – that of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, which formed only five years ago but has had a terrific impact both within the UK Biking Community and on the Legion’s Poppy Appeal.  They only started fund raising in earnest three years ago and this past year have raised over £100,000 for the Legion’s Poppy Fund, which is a staggering amount.

I hadn’t appreciated until I spoke to the bikers on the Riders Branch Stand that you don’t need to be ex-military yourself to join either the Royal British Region or the Riders Branch.  But you get to dress up looking very smart and military if you want to anyway, as those present clearly showed.  Anyone who has an interest in supporting the Branch’s work (in supporting the Poppy Appeal and therefore serving and ex-Service personnel and their families) and in enjoying the Fellowship it provides for Members.

You can even join the Riders Branch if you’re not a rider – and why not?   So Military Wanabies are welcome too, although it’s probably best not to wear SAS badges etc on your leathers unless you really were in the SAS.  (They will probably be able to tell.)

Inviting biking clubs, especially those involved in good causes such as the RBLRB, to  exhibit at the Open Day is a welcome development and added to the interest of the occasion.

Four fork handles

Appleyards Open Day is a primarily a commercial occasion but it’s also, timed as it is at the start of the biking season, quite a social occasion.  Last year the atmosphere was perhaps a little guarded, even a touch strained after the upheavals of 2008, even though everyone was being scrupulously, carefully polite.  This year the atmosphere was clearly much more relaxed and genuinely friendly, which surely all decent Wingers will welcome.  It doesn’t take a genius to work out that there can be no surer way of bringing a friendly club into disrepute, and therefore damaging it, than doing conspicuously unfriendly and disreputable things in its cause.

The presence of a display van from MAG Europe Ltd, who are the sole importers into UK of Kuryakyn Accessories and some other motorcycle accessory brands.  They were at Knutsford Honda’s Chrome Crazy Weekend a couple of weeks ago too.  MAG Europe are not retailers but their willingness to support their Dealers in this way is encouraging. Direct contact with the users of the products they sell will also presumably help them to gather customer feedback – which they are open to, as I have discovered in connection with a quality control issue which will be the subject of another Article on this Blog in the near future.  So far so good; their General Manager Robert Brinkmark is being very open and helpful.  More about that in due course.

Nothing quite like a good rummage through spare bits and pieces

The Used Bits Sale this year seemed to be particularly rich in treasures, including lots of old-stock shiny bits which were being sold off very cheaply as well as bits removed from bikes, clearly much of it in the course of building trikes.

Stuart Feeney was his usual affable and charming self and hopefully this won’t be the last time we see him at an Open Day even if he does retire as planned within the next twelve months.  Barry was visibly hyperactive this year as well as every bit as vocal as usual, with a friendly word (or several) for everyone.  He didn’t stand still anywhere for more than two seconds as far as I could see.  Well done Barry, it all seemed to go very smoothly.

They have always discounted the shiny bits extra generously for the day – and not necessarily having put the prices up prior to doing so either, as some Wingers have suggested.  And the Open Day is also the once-per-year opportunity to see their accumulated stock of second hand bits – a veritable Alladin’s Cave for Wingers.  As one of the busiest GoldWing traders in the Country, even if they are no longer a Franchised Honda Dealer, Appleyards accumulate a lot of potentially useful leftover bits, which they take this annual opportunity to clear out by letting Wingers buy them at knock down prices.

Open Day at Appleyards Keighley Showrooms is also neutral ground for the GoldWing club scene, so it’s a chance to chat with old friends right across the GoldWing Community too.

Eating for Charity

Another popular feature of Appleyards Open Day is the food; they always lay on what is often referred to as a “good nosebag”.  For a modest donation to charity you get a packed lunch – something like a sandwich, bag of crisps, soft drink and a bun or cake.  This year they have also arranged for a mobile Coffee Shop (mocha-whatnots etc) to be on site; you will have to pay separately for these drinks but part of the proceeds will go to charity and it will save queuing for ages at Appleyards’ own coffee machine.

So, turn up early to park easily and get your lunch before 1215 in case they run out – but above all enjoy meeting fellow Wingers, chatting, looking forward to the 2010 Season together and maybe even spending a bit on the bike before the next Government takes it off you in extra taxes after the forthcoming Election.

This is just one corner of Knutsford Honda's GoldWing Accessory Store above their Showroom

Knutsford Honda are holding an Open Day for GoldWing Owners and Riders this  weekend (Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th March) and offering special discounts and deals, especially on chrome accessories, of which they keep an extensive stock, probably the best in UK.

With the weather forecast looking good, dry and sunny with no overnight frost, so no salt being spread on the roads, there is likely to be a good turn out of Wingers to see what goodies and shiny bits are on offer – as well as to meet, chat and, of course, is eat.

Knutsford Honda is one of only two Franchised Honda Dealerships in UK  which are taking a  special interest in GoldWings and stocking accessories – and the only one in the North of England.  They can already claim to be the premier GoldWing Dealership and Accessory Stockist in the North West and although relatively new on the scene they are clearly setting out to give Appleyards some competition.

A few months ago they took over PricedRight Ltd, a prominent UK mail order GoldWing Accessory Supplier, and now operate a mail order service for GoldWing accessories from their Knutsford site as well as stocking GoldWings for sale and providing servicing and repair facilities too.  Click here to visit their GoldWing Mail Order Website which shows the range of their stock.

Click on the Map for a larger image

Knutsford Honda will be open all day on Saturday and Sunday to welcome GoldWing riders and interested visitors and there are refreshments on offer as well as demonstration rides.

If you haven’t been to Knutsford Honda yet this will be a good weekend to pay your first visit – and you will be sure to meet lots of other GoldWings and their owners there, there’s sure to be a good turn out.

Knutsford Honda are on the A50 just a few miles east of Junction 20 of the M6, about half way to its junction with the A556.  It’s the site once occupied by GoldWings International, which was when Chrome Crazy Days first started.

It takes place at the Manchester Arena (formerly GMEX) and advance tickets are only £10, children and OAPs £5.  It will cost £12 for adults if you pay at the door.

There are stunt shows and an opportunity to get a feel for doing wheelies on the safety of a tethered trianer/simulator.

There are also said to be lots of dealer and trade stands.

The Federation of UK GoldWing Clubs was to be exhibiting at this Show – it would have been the first outing for its posh new Exhibition Stand – but unfortunately the new dates clash with other commitments, so maybe next year.

Further information by clicking here.

This was to be the first Bike Show at which the Federation of UK GoldWing Clubs would exhibit using their posh new Exhibition Stand. which has been donated by a Sponsor. You will therefore have to wait for another Show to see this facility unveiled, hopefully soon.

If so this is very sad day; Cusworths have been in the trade for over 100 years.  They were supporters of the 2008 Blackpool Light Parade, when they attended with a plentiful stock of GoldWing accessories and they kindly donated some attractive accessories as prizes.  They are also listed as Sponsors of Yorkshire Wings’s website, so they were certainly doing their bit for the GoldWing Community.

Their Website (pictured here) is currentlyis promoting a Sale starting on Monday (November 9th) so this could mean bargains for GoldWing owners if they still have stocks of GoldWing accessories, which seems likely.

If you wish to check what is happening before riding over there to express your sympathies (or maybe to grab a bargain) you could try telephoning 01302 814444 which is, or was, their number.

Their Showroom address, if you need it for your satnav, is Wood Street, Doncaster, DN1 3LH but note that the website is now advertising  a different address: 23-25 Princegate Doncaster, DN1 3EW

Only three minutes from the M6

I am pleased to be able to announce that Knutsford Honda, who are based on the A50 just East of Junction 20 of the M6, on the site once occupied by GoldWings International, are to be the Main Sponsors of the 2009 Blackpool Light Parade Weekend.  They will be present in style, both on the Promenade and at Pontin’s, indeed throughout the weekend.

Sean Davis, their General Manager, has agreed to judge the Best Lit Bike Competition and he’s keen for his Company to have involvement throughout the BLP Weekend – and so of course are we.

Who says it's not a proper GoldWing?

Sean has been building a relationship with Bob Summers, Chairman of GoldWings North West, for some time.  Between them they ensured that there was a promninent display of new and classic GoldWings at the Northwich Thundersprint in May this year.  Knutsford Honda also arranged for the HM Plant Honda Britsh Superbike Team to attend, so it’s quite a large and pretigious Event.  Bob Summers said he was delighted for GoldWings NorthWest to have been involved so conpicuously and looks forward to doing the same again next May.

Always a coffee available!

Sean is looking to revive the special involvement which the GoldWings International site had with GoldWings in former years.  They are planning to offer servicing facilities for any model of GoldWing in their workshops as well as GoldWing and GoldWing and accessory sales.  They plan to build a stock of used as well as new GoldWings as well as other Honda bikes.

Incidentally they are currently very short of used bikes genberally and GoldWings in particular, so if your are thinking of changing or selling your Wing, it would make sense to check with Sean how much they will offer you before you commit to any other deal.  So this is a very good time to approach them about selling a GoldWing as well as part exchanging it.

Knutsford Honda’s next promotional event is this coming weekend when they will be present at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power where over 150 of the best historic racing cars and bikes will be driven at breath taking speeds on the specially constructed track.  Knutsford Honda will be supplying last year’s Winner Chris Mayhew with a specially prepared cutting-edge Fireblade for the Event.

Cholmondeley Castle is off the A49 about half way between Warrington and Shrewbury.  The Weekend incorporates flying and military displays as well as the classic car and bike and superbike racing.  It’s an outing worth going to if you have the opportunity.  (GoldWings North West are committed to Fleetwood Tram day this year but maybe next time.

Honda’s Motorcycle Dealers have been encouraging HondaUK to allow them a more prominent role in promoting Honda motorcycles at events and with launching new models.  Knutsford Honda is already shaping up to become the North West’s main Honda and GoldWing dealer, so maybe we’ll see the next GoldWing model launched there in 2011 – here’s hoping!

Bargain price GL1800s

Castle Motorcycles, the Honda Dealer in Castleford, North Yorkshire, are currently offering a selection of three red GL1800s, all of which are airbag models and they are all well below the list price for a new one.

One of them is a bike loaned by HondaUK to the Organisers of the 2008 Blackpool Light Parade, for use by the Central Florida Motorcycle Drill Team.

The three bikes now at Castle Motorcycles are likely to be identical in specification, differing only in date of registration and mileage.  These range from late 2008 and 1,500 miles (the ex-Display Team bike) through early 2009 and 1,000 miles to late 2009 and only one delivery mile, so this one is a new but pre-registered bike.

If you are looking for a red GL1800 GoldWing de luxe, as this model is now officially called in UK, all these bikes represent very good buys.

The ex-Display Team bike for sale in Castleford

The 2008 bike, which is definitely one of the four new red GL1800s which came to Blackpool because the registration number tallies, was used by the Team Captain, Randy Rodriguez.  It’s a real bargain at under £15,500.

This is all but £6,000 or nearly 30% off the current list price for this model, which is £21,451.  From its mileage as advertised by Castle Motorcycles, it has done very little since it went back to HondaUK last September, a couple of hundred miles at most.

Still showing Blackpool scars?

The 1,000 mile bike is an extra £1,000 and the as-new one is another £2,500 on top of that, but still £2,500 below the current list price for a new one.

Is there any reason to avoid the 2008 bike, because it was used by the Display Team?  I don’t think so.  It was ridden by a real expert and although the lower cowl still bears the scrape marks to show for the extremely skillful (and extremely tight) turns he did during display routines, only very superficial damage to the paintwork was ever done.

Bill Squires and I went over all four display bikes very carefully before they were returned to Honda and we thought we had touched up all the scrape marks on the lower cowls with silver paint.  But either we didn’t do a very good job on this one or, much less likely,  someone else had been scrapping it around right hand corners since then.

Seen here being ridden by Randy (left) during a Display Routine in Blackpool

If you want a bargain – and also a bike which has an interesting bit of history to it, which you brag about if you want to, this is your chance.  If I didn’t already have a 2008 model GL1800 in the garage I would buy this ex-Display Team bike myself.

Many of the good used GL1800s for sale in UK have been snapped in recent months by dealers from mainland Europe because their Euros have had such terrific buying power.  Don’t hang around if you want to buy one of these bargains; despite the recession they’re reported to be still at it!

Knutsford Honda's posh new Showroom

The new Honda Dealership which has opened in Cheshire, Knutsford Honda, on the site on upon a time occupied by GoldWings International, has declared a special interest in GoldWings and is holding an Open Evening this Friday starting at 6pm.

They issued their invitation to GoldWngs North West but they will also welcome all other Wingers.

Bikes for sale includes several GL1800s

The pictures accompanying this notice show how smart their new Showrooms look and there will be plenty of bikes, accessories and clothing to drool over.

Spacious and well stocked Clothing Store

A free buffet is on offer too, so gamble on not having your tea before you go in order to do it justice. You can always go tot he Chippy to top up afterwards if necessary, it is a Friday Evening after all.

So that’s it, an open invitation to Wingers (and less fortunate bikers) to visit this new Showroom and get fed for the trouble too.

Somewhere comfortable to sit if you have to wait for any reason

Friday 5th June starting at 6pm.

Directions:  Exit M6 at Junction 20 (the exit for Lymm Truckstop Services) and head East along the A50 towards Knutsford. You will come to  Knutsford Honda on the left after about 2 miles.

Photographs courtesy of Nigel Mackintosh.