Stafford Show 17/10. ENGEL Muppetts. PICS!

The Motorcyclists Union of Plastic Processing Expert Technologists or, rather more appropriately in my case, The Muppets, was formed earlier this year by Graeme Herlihy of a company called Engel. They have undertaken a number of biking events including a couple of track days and rather excellent sounding trip to Austria and KTM that I couldn’t make. Bugger.

Anyway the latest meet up was to attend the Classic Bike Show at the Satfford showground last weekend. As with the previous meet for this event back in April the group met at the charming Holybush Inn in the equally charming little village of Salt. Despite the rather chilly start to the day I turned up on bike this time having rather embarressed myself as I rolled up in my car back in April.

Seven bikes were out, and two people came in cars so my honour was restored at least. A good selection, Graeme on his Triumph 675 Daytona, Ian on a ZZR600, Jon on a Fazer 600 plus others on a CBR600, a FJR1300 and a BMW. I didn’t catch everybodies name. After an excellent meal we mounted up and rode the last couple of miles together to the show. The sun was out by now and the crowds were out in force.

We split up to check out the bikes, there was the usual collection of mint machines and projects on the many stalls inside and outside at show:

Head Muppett on his 675

Ian on his ZZR600. He was determined to come on his bike this time too

More Muppetts

Tidy Z900, the first bike I came across at the show

Whilst prdominently featuring Japanese bikes of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, there was some excellent classic British bikes dotted about typified by this Velocette and a Scott

Literally hundreds of project bikes were on display; some were more complete than others..!

Italian machines were in evidence too, this Benelli 4 catching my eye

This Solex looked like it had been dragged up from the bottom of a canal. The peice of cardboard the price was written on was worth more than the bike!

The rotary engined Suzuki RE5

A few Bike forum members were out and about too. This is ‘mechanic’ with a COMPLETE CB100N

Incredible GS750 model perched on the back of the real thing

More forum members on the prowl, Thumper and Toggsy with his son

Rather tasty 1960’s Triumph scrambler…almost too tidy

Trick Kat looked cool

Impessive GSXR/GT750 Kettle hybrid. Apparently the chap who owns this bike is trying to set up a 70’s strokers only track day…do you think it might be because he would definately win on this beast?!

Honda CB1100R…these things were the dogs dangly bits in the early 1980’s before the GPZ900R and GSXR750 came along and wiped the smile off Honda’s face

Honda are not fond of two-strokes overall, so it was good to see this uber rare MVX250 on show

There were five halls and a huge auto-jumble/trade fare outside too

Hesketh V1000…just like the one I saw displayed in the window of the Hailwood and Gould showroom back in 1981 or 2

You wait ages to see one Honda turbo and then 5 turn up at once!

Fighter special…like the paintwork. Not sure what frame is wrapped around the Gixxer or Bandit mill. Moto Martin?

Kawasaki GPZ900R…are prices about to seriously lift off on these?

Exquiste RD/YPVS special. Differnt paint job either side. What looked like an RGV banana swinging arm, wire wheels…I wanted to take it home. Bike of the show for me

RD500LC YPVS…I will have one at some point in my life…

Made me smile

Brilliantly done replica of the MFP Kawazaki from the original (and best) Mad Max film

A proper Green Meanie. Very subtle MrTurbo kit…

I don’t know this bloke from Adam, but I like the fact he had the forsight to bring a trolley with him…note the oil leak from the engine…it might be sometime before this Montessa is back on the road!

A highly enjoyable day. I did try to hook up with the Muppetts again at 4pm, but only found Ian and his friend.

Thanks to Grahame of Engel (Chief Muppet) for organising and laying on another great meet.

https://www.engelglobal.com/uk