Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic

The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic is a bit of a mouthful for a show title. Organised by the Classic Bike Guide magazine, the Winter Classic offers a fantastic event for motorsport photographers. Held at the Nottinghamshire Newark Showground in January, I make it one of my first stops before the new motorsport season kicks off. While it might not initially appear thrilling to the hard-core motorsport photographer, it provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts like me. Those opportunities are to practice my creativity and indulge in my love of all things two wheels.

The Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show primarily targets Classic Motorcycle owners, focusing heavily on restoration and maintenance. This allows casual visitors like me to get up close to a diverse range of rare and interesting road and race machines. Some of the bikes have undergone restoration and modifications, while others retain their original patina, offering a wealth of photographic opportunities.

Photographing the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic

From the images I have selected, you can see I like a close-up detail shot. Most of the modern motorcycles, I’m talking the 1990s here, have been modified. You don’t have to get up close to these bikes to see they have been modified; it’s obvious. It’s only when you get up closer that the small changes really become noticeable. It’s one element of the show I like and look forward to. What crazy design features have the owners been working on in the last 12 months?

Most of the classic bikes have been restored to original manufacturer specifications. I’m no Concours d’Elegance judge, so my observations of the way the classics have been restored are purely from an enthusiastic observer’s point of view. Some of them could be completely wrong in the eyes of a purist. I just appreciate the work that has gone into keeping these historic machines on the road. Some of them are absolutely works of art.

Every year there is something different at this show. It’s one of its aspects that I enjoy, not knowing what you are going to discover. Making my way through some stands hosting classic machines I spotted one motorcycle that was not what I was expecting at this show. A full blown modern Superbike, to be specific Lord Storm Stacy’s Superbike. It is a rare treat to get this close and check out the details on this red blooded race machine.

Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Club Stands

Most of the show takes place indoors, keeping you warm and dry even in inclement January weather. Three main halls host different clubs and individual exhibitors. Each year, the show features a fresh selection of restored and new (old) machines, showcasing the owners’ passion for classic bikes. Club displays range from modern Japanese to BSA, Triumphs and Norton to name but a few. Also there is always a good selection of classic two-stroke motorcycles of my youth.

Beyond motorcycles, the show boasts a strong scooter presence. Custom, classic, and restored Lambretta and Vespa scooters were on display, and some were even brought to life in the start-up area. This area is exactly what you’d expect; classic bikes and scooters are literally started up for show visitors. However, prepare for some loud noises, so earplugs are recommended. It’s challenging to take photos with your fingers in your ears, and some of these machines are quite loud.

As the bikes are unveiled to the crowd, owners talk about their machines before they’re started. Interviewed by Ex racer Steve Plater, Steve Lomas the legendary speedway star of the 70s and 80s unveiled his unique sand racer. At the hart of his heavily modified machine it has a Yamaha DT 125cc engine. Bored out to 200cc to be eligible for the up to 200cc sand racing class. Steve is a regular at the Mablethorpe beach racing events, now in His 70s Steve is still able to show the young racers  a thing or two about going fast and turning left. The bike sounded great as Steve slowly piloted it round in front of the large crowd.

Guest of Honour

Every year that I have attended the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic there has been a celebrity host. This year it was the The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It host Henry Cole. Quite an inspired choice considering the demographic that attended the Newark Winter Classic. Mr Cole can usually be found rummaging around auto jumbles and drinking tea in sheds. He connected well with the crowd who were mostly kindred spirits in these aspects. Chatting about his life as a motorcycle enthusiast on the small stage and co-hosting the start up demonstrations he kept the crowd entertained with his easy going banter.

Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Trade & Autojumble

As expected at a classic bike show, there were numerous motorcycle stalls selling parts and memorabilia. Henry Cole and his side kick Guy “Skid” Willison took the opportunity to film an episode of Junk and Disorderly at the show. In previous years this auto jumble element of the show has been rather small. This year it was quite the opposite sprawling over a large area. Some of it was undercover, most was out in the elements. From ready to go motorcycles to that elusive part you might need for your rebuild there was a good selection of classic and modern bits and bobs for your restoration. 

In summary, the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show primarily caters to classic motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. However, it also features enough interesting stands to keep casual visitors entertained for hours. As a photographer and motorsport enthusiast, I found plenty of subjects to capture and came away with many memories and some great photos.

Photographic Post Script

For this event, I used my Nikon D500 DSLR with a 17-55mm f/2.8 DX lens for detail work. This solid old lens, first introduced in July 2003 without Vibration Reduction, serves as a professional lens for DX cameras. It produces excellent images, which its original price of £1500 reflects. Second-hand, it’s a bargain, and you can find it for a few hundred pounds.

I also used the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. The versatile zoom range helps but can be tricky to use in the congested halls. I mainly used this lens for headshots and later in the day when the crowds thinned out.

I didn’t use a flash gun because the halls are well-lit. My modern camera, the D500, handles the available light well, and a bit of grain in the images complements the classic subject matter. I hope you enjoyed this report. We will be back on track (literally) when the motorsport season properly kicks off.