It's showtime at the NEC

T HE clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and winter is beginning to exert its icy grip. It can only mean one thing – it's time for the International Motorcycle And Scooter Show at Birmingham's NEC.

And The Sentinel has five pairs of adult tickets to give away, worth up to £34 a pair, for the UK's premier biking showcase.

The annual event takes place between November 28 and December 7, and promises to be the best yet with a revamped format and 27 bike manufacturers unveiling their ranges for 2009.

Among the must-see stands will be Yamaha's, which will feature the new, £16,000 V-Max, the long-awaited replacement for a cult bike launched 23 years ago. The company will also be displaying its latest R1, main picture, which boasts technology developed alongside world champion Valentino Rossi's M1 MotoGP machine – which is also at the show. Other exhibitors include MV Agusta, with the Italian marque taking its place at a UK show for the first time since 2005.

British bike-maker Triumph is showing-off its all-new Thunderbird, left, a 1,600cc belt-drive cruiser.

Suzuki is launching the Gladius 650, a new European-styled middleweight.

Other manufacturers at the show will include Honda, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Ducati, Victory and KTM.

One new feature at the NEC is the chance to see a motorcycle actually being built. A team from custom bike specialist Hawg Haven will construct a £30,000 monster live on insurance giant and bike show sponsor Carole Nash's stand during the event.

There is also the Suzuki Off Road Experience, where you can experience riding a motocross bike.

BMW is also offering a fleet of its Low Seat bikes for visitors to try out.

The Thunderdome Games Arena will feature a stunt show, including a Wall Of Death. A large trade area will also be offering bargain kit.

Helmet firm Arai – represented in the UK by Newcastle-based Phoenix Distribution – also has a major presence. As well as the Arai Entertainment Show, it is launching the new top-of-the-range RX-7 GP lid.

Normal entry prices are £15 for an adult if booked in advance, or £17 on the door. Family and children's tickets are also available.

The Sentinel is offering five people the chance to win a pair of adult tickets for the public day of their choice. Answer this question:

When does the motorcycle show finish?

Send your answer with your name, address and a daytime contact number to: Motorcycle Show Competition, Features Desk, The Sentinel, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5SS, or enter online.

Competition is now closed

The closing date is Friday November 21 at 3pm and the editor's decision is final. The Sentinel terms and conditions apply.