Category: BMW Motorrad

Bowker BMW Motorrad in Preston has been recognised at BMW Motorrad’s annual retailer awards – the MOJO Awards.

BMW Motorrad MOJO awards are internal awards given out by BMW Motorrad (BMW’s motorcycle division) to their UK dealerships. The MOJO Awards focus on dealerships’ performance in sales of new and used BMW motorcycles and on overall customer experience. 

The Lancashire motorcycle dealership won two awards at the prestigious ceremony, beating off competition from more than 40 other UK-based BMW Motorrad dealerships. 

Bowker BMW Motorrad won the R18 Retailer of the Year award, recognising The Bowker Motorrad staff’s knowledge and customer experience in selling the iconic R18 model.

Bowker BMW Motorrad also won the Tier One Financial Services Retailer of the Year award. The award was for the UK’s best larger sites and recognised financial excellence, including attention to detail in sales processes.

The annual awards ceremony took place in Portugal, where brand manager John Nichol represented Bowker BMW Motorrad. John said: “To win not one but two awards is a huge achievement. Everyone works hard to look after our customers. The awards show you that hard work pays off. I am so proud of the whole team.”

Bowker Motorrad has renewed its sponsorship agreement with motorbike racing star Kieran Smith for the 2024 season. 

Kieran and his twin brother Christian Smith, aged 18, will compete in the 2024 ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900 R Cup. They debuted in the competition last season, finishing in 7th and 5th positions, respectively.

Before that, the Reading-based brothers had spent two seasons in the Junior Supersport category. They began their racing careers in the Thundersport Superteen class at the age of 13.

The 2024 ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900 R Cup is scheduled to start at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain on April 20th. The series features nine races in total, including several UK circuits like Oulton Park Circuit and Brands Hatch.

The series is recognised for its competitive nature and serves as a platform for emerging riders.

John Nichol, Manager at Bowker Motorrad, said: “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Kieran. He’s not just a talented rider; he’s a fantastic role model for aspiring youngsters in the sport. His success rewards his dedication to the sport. We’re looking forward to the season.”

The performance of the Smith twins in the 2023 season attracted the attention of the Bathams Racing team – and their owner, Michael Rutter. In addition to the renewed sponsorship from Bowker Motorrad, Bathams Racing, along with SCH Moto Prep, will provide support and mentorship to the Smith twins. This collaborative effort aims to facilitate the continued development of the twins in the 2024 season.

Kieran Smith commented on the sponsorship: “I’m over the moon with the continued support from Bowker Motorrad. Their belief in me has been a massive boost. Together with the guidance from Michael Rutter and the team at Bathams Racing, I’m more motivated than ever to push my limits and make this season one to remember.”

The renewal of this sponsorship by Bowker Motorrad underscores their ongoing support for young talent in the field of motorbike racing. This partnership provides Kieran Smith with the resources and backing necessary to compete effectively in the upcoming season and further develop his racing career.

The dates for the 2024 ABK Beer 0% BMW Motorrad F900 R Cup are – 

20–21 Apr       Circuito de Navarra, Spain

4–6 May          Oulton Park Circuit

5–7 Jul             Snetterton Motor Racing Circuit

12–14 Jul         Donington Park           

19–21 Jul         Brands Hatch

9–11 Aug         Thruxton Race Circuit

24–26 Aug       Cadwell Park

27–29 Sep       Donington Park

11–13 Oct       Brands Hatch

Hundreds of Lancashire motorcycle enthusiasts have raised £488.37 for North West Air Ambulance Charity.

The fundraising took place at Bowker Motorrad on the docks in Preston to celebrate the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad. 

North West Air Ambulance Charity hosted a charity stall and a collection and organised a raffle with prized including an Off-Road Skills Course,  FHO Racing Hospitality tickets to British Super Bikes 2023, a Ribby Hall Village Cottage Break, a Waterloo Music Bar show with meet and greet and a selection of BMW Motorrad Riderwear.

The North West Air Ambulance Charity is a non-profit organisation that provides a helicopter emergency medical service to the North West of England. The charity was founded in 1999 and has since responded to over 24,500 missions. 

The North West Air Ambulance Charity receives NO government or NHS funding. It relies entirely on charitable donations from the public to keep its helicopters flying, bringing the hospital to the patient and providing life-saving interventions. 

Kelly Stepaniuk, regional fundraiser for North West Air Ambulance Charity, said: “We were so grateful to be invited along to the event on Saturday. Everyone was so generous, with some fabulous raffle prizes donated, this really helped us to raise so much. We were also able to chat with people at the event about our invaluable work, and some told us how the charity had supported them or someone they knew.

“Thanks to businesses like Bowker Motorrad choosing to support us, we can continue to fly to save lives 365 days a year. We solely rely on charitable donations and receive NO government or NHS funding to keep us operational and need to raise £12m a year.”

The free event featured live music performances by Takeaway Thieves, McHale’s Permanent Brew, and Checkered from Up-Beat Rock Academy. Food trucks were available on-site for attendees to enjoy. There was also a silent raffle in support of North West Air Ambulance.

Other organisations represented at the event included Biker Down, South Lancashire Advanced Motorcyclists and The BMW Club.

For Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the weekend. We are particularly grateful to everyone who donated to the North West Air Ambulance or bought raffle tickets. The motorcycle community is only too aware of the amazing job they do. We were proud to have them with us as part of the celebration.”

BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The company was founded on March 7, 1916. To commemorate this milestone, BMW Motorrad has announced special 100 Years Edition models of the R nineT and R 18 motorcycles.

Additionally, there is a major anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum. The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the historic early days of the motorised two-wheeler and look ahead to the future of motorcycles in an increasingly digital world.

Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts attended Bowker Motorrad on the docks in Preston on Saturday, August 19th, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad.

The free event featured live music performances by Takeaway Thieves, McHale’s Permanent Brew, and Checkered from Up-Beat Rock Academy. Food trucks were available on-site for attendees to enjoy. There was also a silent raffle in support of North West Air Ambulance.

Other organisations represented at the event included Biker Down, South Lancashire Advanced Motorcyclists and The BMW Club.

For Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the weekend. It was a huge success and the perfect celebration of BMW Motorrad bikes and the culture that surrounds them. It was a great event to catch up with old friends, see the latest technology on two wheels, listen to great live music, and enjoy fabulous food!”

The event represented the latest collaboration with Blackpool’s The Waterloo Bar, who hosted a pop-up version of Lemmy’s Bar on-site at Preston. Lemmy’s Bar is the only Motörhead-endorsed bar in the UK. It was the first time a pop-up version celebrating the iconic Motörhead frontman has appeared in Lancashire. 

Ian Fletcher of The Waterloo Bar said: “This was a great way to celebrate our new partnership with Bowker Motorrad. Lemmy’s Bar is the only bar in the UK to officially be allowed to use the name of the much-missed Motörhead frontman. We worked closely with Bowker Motorrad to bring some great local bands who helped us create a memorable day for all who attended.”

Last month Bowker Motorrad unveiled ‘Overkill’, a newly-customised motorcycle, to celebrate their partnership with The Waterloo Music Bar. The bike has been displayed at events throughout Lancashire, promoting The Waterloo Bar and the crusade to support local live music in the county. 

BMW Motorrad is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The company was founded on March 7, 1916. To commemorate this milestone, BMW Motorrad has announced special 100 Years Edition models of the R nineT and R 18 motorcycles.

Additionally, there is a major anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum. The anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the historic early days of the motorised two-wheeler and look ahead to the future of motorcycles in an increasingly digital world.

We are proud to have collaborated with the UK’s no.1 independent live music venue, Waterloo Music Bar, to create ‘Overkill’ – a 1/1 Custom BMW R Nine T.

Over recent years, this ‘small venue with a massive attitude’ on Waterloo Road in Blackpool has welcomed local & international acts, grass roots musicians to big names. Legendary artists such as Buckcherry, Phil Campbell, Terrorvision, Massive Wagons, The Wildhearts, Ugly Kid Joe, Soul Aslym, Cancer Bats and many more have performed sell out shows at The Waterloo Music Bar.

This collaboration highlights The Waterloo Bar’s commitment to supporting and promoting live music in the Lancashire region. In 2022, the Waterloo Music Bar was crowned the first-ever Best Live Venue receiving the first-ever Black Plaque Award. A year earlier, The Waterloo Music Bar won Best Grassroots Venue North West Music Awards.

Waterloo Music Bar permanently houses the only Motörhead endorsed bar in the UK – Lemmy’s Bar. This provided inspiration for the design of the bike, including details such as the Motörhead Snaggletooth logo and Lemmy’s Rocka Rolla Custom Leather Guitar Strap on the tank. These design details are courtesy of Craig Ellison of Northwest Airbrush.

John Nichol, for Bowker Motorrad, said: “We wanted to do something special to celebrate BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary. So, we approached Ian at The Waterloo Music Bar. Our idea was to partner with a local business that is making a difference in the local community and dedicate a customised bike to promote their cause. The Waterloo’s passion for live music represented the perfect fit. Ian and his team do an amazing job supporting local bands and charities; we wanted to help.”

The Waterloo Music Bar owner,  Ian Fletcher, said: “The bike looks amazing. What a great job! It’s great to partner with Bowker Motorrad. Everyone knows about the link between rock music and motorcycles. There’s a deep connection between popular culture and style. 

“I suppose you could say it’s a meeting of minds. We both share a passion for delivering exceptional experiences, whether it’s through the world of motorcycles or the power of live music. And, together, we can create more memorable moments for music fans, motorcyclists and the wider community.”

Bowker Motorrad has confirmed it will host another free to promote motorcycle safety and provide riders with essential skills to manage accidents and improve road awareness.

The new date (June 27th 2023) has been agreed upon after over 50 Lancashire motorcyclists attended the free three-hour Biker Down safety training event at the dealership on Preston Docks.

Bowker Motorrad hosted the training event in collaboration with South Lancashire Advanced Motorcyclists (SLAM). It included a complimentary hot-pot supper and refreshments before a three-hour instruction from the Biker Down team.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, responsible for running Biker Down events, was also present, along with representatives from the ambulance service. SLAM distributed tourniquets following a demonstration highlighting their potential life-saving capabilities at the event.

Richard Chacewicz, from Bowker Motorrad, said: “Thank you to everyone who attended Thursday’s event. It was a huge success. We hosted our first Biker Down event for our customers last September. It was a great evening and well received. We are pleased that SLAM and the Biker Down team have agreed to follow up with our third event in June.

“Recent statistics reveal that motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in road accidents than other vehicle users. These events provide invaluable guidance and support to our community.”

The Biker Down training offers a free three-hour course of instruction providing practical and potentially lifesaving advice. It gave riders of all experience levels an awareness of what to do if they were involved with or saw an injured motorcyclist and how to reduce the risks of being in a collision.

Three comprehensive modules cover incident scene management, casualty care, and the science of being seen. The course is designed to equip motorcyclists with the necessary knowledge and techniques to respond to accidents effectively while waiting for professional help.

Lancashire motorcyclists who want to learn more about the next event in June can visit here.