Customs out in force for Kickback show

It’s the big events like Motorcycle Live and the MCN London Bike Show that get most of the headlines in your favourite bike mags and websites.

That’s because they’re the events and shows that get the big manufacturers and big brands, all of which pulls in the biggest crowds into the biggest venues.

Undoubtedly they’re the best places to see the latest motorcycles and the weirdest concept bikes, to get discounted gear, meet the famous names and talk to brand reps who give you the latest info about their product range.

They’re a great experience and exciting to attend for all of those reasons but it’s events like the Kickback Custom Motorcycle Show that give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the smaller brands and the normal people who live and breathe bikes.

The Bike Insurer attends Kickback

Over the weekend, The Bike Insurer visited Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, a venue more associated with horses than the types of steed that were there on Saturday and Sunday.

We went to see the Kickback Show and the army of riders, brands and exhibiters who attend one of the more unique events in the motorcycle calendar.

What is Kickback?

Kickback is a custom bike event that lines-up stunning Honda C90s next to custom choppers.

Vintage Norton bikes rev up next to some customs based on the latest models in the Yamaha range, while proud owners look on and wait to see if their custom bike job is ranked number one out of all the beauties on display in a packed out exhibition hall.

There’s a wide range of brilliant and sometimes bizarre products on show, including horned motorcycle helmet covers, custom fuel tank covers and bespoke seat makers.

Zoe Cano was there talking visitors to her stall through her North American adventures on her Bonneville while artist Karl Hamilton-Cox was hand painting his latest piece of artwork on to a sleeveless leather jacket.

And all this came in between stunt shows by Two Brothers Racing team in the second hall.

Why visit Kickback? Based on the list of exhibitors, bikes, displays and features at Kickback, there’s pretty much something for everyone.

But with a theme like customs, and the fact that Kickback plays host to the National Championship of Custom Bike Building, it’s the kinds of bikers that turn up that make the show.

From grizzled veterans who’ve been toying with engines for years, to custom newbies, the Kickback show is full of people who love the idea of making their own mark on their bike.

That’s confirmed by one look at the car park, one littered with customs and cruisers and not a fairing in sight.

The next show from the Kickback organisers is the Cheltenham Festival of Bikes on 21 August at Cheltenham Racecourse.