Sharjah tuning show launches contest for bike customization

The fourth Middle East Motor Tuning Show, which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from March 14 to 16, 2013, will organize a competition for customized bikes, promising a first-of-its-kind bikers' gathering in the Northern Emirates.

"Most of the best-known names in the global motorcycle industry are active in the region, and the number is growing rapidly, catering to the rising demand from a population that is young, affluent and loves their choppers. Through the contest, we are aiming to give them a platform to showcase their creative designs and precision engineering," said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, explaining the rationale behind launching the contest.

This will also be for the first time the Middle East Motor Tuning Show is hosting a customized bikes' competition since its inception in 2010. The show already has an impressive line up of activities like custom car competition, live car modification, audio contest, raceroom competition and drifting arenas.

"Two sets of bikes are in demand here - one is the low-end section that is used usually for delivering products to homes, and the other is the premium section. Since bikes are not used for daily commute, biking is a pastime activity for many superbike owners, who enrich the biking culture and usually get a makeover for their bikes to reflect their personal tastes and style," said Mr. Midfa.

"And, in the UAE and the rest of the region, premium bikes are much in demand, thanks to high disposable income. World-class facilities such as Dubai Autodrome, Yas Marina Circuit and Emirates Motorplex are also fuelling the biking culture in the UAE," he added.

Since the region is home to several biking groups, more than 100 custom bikes are expected to take part in the competition, with the winner getting to take home Dhs. 20,000 prize money in cash. The contest is sponsored by Victory Motorcycles and supported by Bikers Café.

"Victory Motorcycles has always been at the forefront of customization. We would like to share our experience with local and regional enthusiasts. This event offers the perfect opportunity to share our expertise and receive feedback from people sharing our passion," said Karim Kassoul, General Manager of SSE, Victory Motorcycles dealer in the UAE.

"Several bikers' groups from across the GCC have already confirmed their participation, and given the popularity and exclusivity of the event, we expect many more groups and individuals to ride in their mean machines to the event," said Mr. Roman Gavrilin, Project Manager, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The show is committed to popularizing customization to a wider customer base, at the same time driving home the point that everything has to be done or practiced in a safe and secure environment. By associating with MEMTS, we will be better seen and heard by thousands of enthusiasts visiting the show," said Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dr. Custom Motorcycle.

MEMTS will also hold a bike parade that will be held on Friday (March 15), which will pass through all prominent streets and areas of Sharjah, and will offer bike owners a unique opportunity to show off their machines.

For its fourth edition, the Middle East Motor Tuning Show will feature luxury sport cars, modified vehicles, racing vehicles, spare parts, bodykits, tyres, high performance lubricants, multimedia, tuning clubs, specialist technical publications and accessories.

Apart from providing high-value business opportunities for visitors from across the region, MEMTS will also host the first ever motorsport conference to underscore the strong fundamentals of the lucrative customization sector and let regional players gain international experience and expertise.