Ring in the Changes

Dave Barkshire Motorcycles has been a name synonymous with all your biking needs for many years, with countless loyal customers to our name. 

Although our Rackheath showroom and workshop are now closed, our Motorcycle Training School and Hit the Dirt off-road track will still be going strong in 2026.

We’ve helped many would-be motorcyclists take safely to the roads over the years and we look forward to welcoming many more over the coming year. It’s great that we meet so many riders, from so many walks of life and age groups, successfully completing their training. The photo montage above has many of our November and December Training Riders.

Meanwhile, the Hit the Dirt track at Swaffham provides an exciting ride, in addition to a great training ground for enduro racers at all levels. There have been times when bad weather has forced the track to close, but we’re keen to open when we can and look forward to welcoming more riders there in 2026.

Although the New Year means some changes to the Dave Barkshire brand, our contact details remain the same, so we look forward to you getting in touch, whether it’s to book in at our Training School, explore the off-road track or bag some last-minute motorcycle bargains (all reasonable offers considered).  

As we ring in the changes, we’d like to wish you all a safe and happy New Year! Regards Dave

For more information, speak to Dave Barkshire on: 01603 722800,

Visit the website: http://www.davebarkshire.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveBarkshireMotorcycles/

or you can e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

A New Chapter

 We are always happy to answer your motorcycle questions and queries to help you make the right choices when buying a new bike or parts.

 

Have a chat to Dave Barkshire on: 01603 722800,

or you can e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

Regards Dave

Get Set For Enduro!

Proud to sponsor
the eastern centres championship
#endurorider #offroad #acu#winners

Whether you’re a keen Enduro rider or spectator, then Dave Barkshire has something to offer you in 2025.

Our fantastic Hit the Dirt Enduro track at Swaffham offers a thrilling ride around our forest tracks. 

Many of you may have followed the action of the Dave Barkshire 2-Man Enduro championship in 2024 and it’s back for 2025. We are proud to sponsor the Eastern Centres Championship, so whether you’re going back for more or looking to watch the thrills for the first time, here are the dates for this year:

27th April – Hawkeden – Bury St. Ed.MCC
11th May – Alderford Farm – SMCC
17th August – Wattisfield – Diss MCC
7th September – Pebmarsh – SMCC
14th September – Kenton Stowmarket MCC

So whether riding, watching or maybe both, Dave Barkshire and off-road Enduro make the perfect team!

For more information, speak to Dave Barkshire on: 01603 722800,
visit the website: http://www.davebarkshire.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveBarkshireMotorcycles/
or you can e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

OPEN THIS WEEKEND!

Hit the Dirt Enduro Track open this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of September with support from the Forestry Commission. The team have been working on a new track layout for the upcoming weekends. Info@davebarkshire.com to book!

To book send the following details: Name, number, or Bike and Van Registration of what you are arriving to the track in. Refreshments will be available. See you there, Regards Dave.

Hit The Dirt is Norfolk's premiere off-road, Enduro practice track situated at Swaffham just off the A47 and is described by riders as “Track is fantastic as always Dave & Arron - Riding well…”, "awesome and "wicked fun". We're pleased to offer both the senior/ main and junior/ beginner tracks in a great forest setting, which provide a great challenge and endless enjoyment.

For more information, speak to Dave Barkshire on: 01603 722800,

visit the website: http://www.hitthedirt.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HitTheDirtUK/

or you can e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

  

Hit the Dirt Enduro Track Open this Weekend

The track is again open this weekend, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of May with its new layout and the support of the Forestry Commission. The team have been working on the track layout that will rise well for the upcoming weekends. info@davebarkshire.com to book!

Hit The Dirt is Norfolk's premiere off-road, Enduro practice track situated at Swaffham just off the A47 and is described by riders as "awesome", "great" and "wicked fun". We're pleased to offer both the senior/ main and junior/ beginner tracks in a great forest setting, which provide a great challenge and endless enjoyment. There is a handy refreshment area where you can purchase a variety of hot and cold food and drinks. So now you can make a day of it, ride the tracks, meet up with friends and enjoy some refreshment!  

At Hit The Dirt, we're proud to be associated with the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the top organisation for motorcycle sport, and the complete professionalism of the Forestry Commission, who do such a great job managing our woodlands across the country.  

We love to hear your thoughts and experience of our popular off-road practice track, so get in touch and see you there!  

To book your place, send the following details: Name, number or Bike/Van registration you are arriving at the track in. Regards Dave, Phone: 01603 722800

We are Authorized Dealers

We are Authorized Dealers for RIEJU 2023 Motorcycles including Enduro and MX models.

As we are into summer we hope to meet more of you keen riders, whether it’s to see this new Rieju machine, pick up some motorcycle gear, or bring in your bike for a service.

For more information on these products, speak to Dave Barkshire on: 01603 722800 or you can e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

 

Offers you can’t resist!

December CBT Offer!

FREE CBT with every DUKE 125 as well as 10% discount on all clothing, helmets and accessories at Dave Barkshire Motorcycles

All 2023 EXC models now on a 0% APR finance offer. Starting from as little as £195 per month for 24months #readytorace - at Dave Barkshire Motorcycles

Alpinestarsmx helmets have entered the building! Come have a look at the #astarsmx23 fluid range in stock now at our Rackheath showroom.

As we head into winter we hope to meet more of you keen riders, whether it’s to see that new machine, pick up some motorcycle gear, or bring in your trusted bike for a service. 

For more information on these products speak to Dave Barkshire on 01603 722800 or e-mail us at: info@davebarkshire.com

Riding High

Introducing the Fantic Integra XMF 1.7 Mountain E-Bike 2021. This is the bike that puts the ‘mountain’ into mountain bike by taking riding to new heights. Take to the hills, flying up and down with ease, or tackle those trails in true enduro style.

With it’s mullet design (not talking hair here) meaning that the front wheel is bigger than the rear, the Fantic XMF 1.7 offers great agility and control.

With a Class 1 e-bike, power is delivered while you pedal, whereas the Brose S-Mag motor provides continuous power. E-bikes are the way to go!

Throughout June, July and into August there have been many eager riders undergoing motorcycle training at our dedicated centre, with some fantastic results. Across CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 riders emerged triumphant.  

And of course, you can still come along to our Motorcycle Centre in Rackheath to buy a brilliant new or used bike that suits you. It’s been great to hand over keys to many proud new owners over recent months.  

As we go into autumn we hope to meet many more of you keen riders, whether it’s to purchase that new machine, some motorcycle gear, or even give your trusted ride a good service.

For more information speak to Dave Barkshire on 01603 722800, e-mail: info@davebarkshire.com or come and visit us at our Rackheath showroom.

Prepare For An Adventure

We’re a quarter of the way through the year already and it’s all systems go at our Hit The Dirt Track, Motorcycle Training Facility and Motorcycle Centre.

We’ve recently introduced a new track layout at our popular enduro practice track at Swaffham, offering a new challenge for all you keen riders. There were a few setbacks in March when Storm Gareth took its toll, resulting in a big pump out operation, and the kids’ track closed for the forestry commission survey, but we’re hoping for lots of great weekends ahead. Fancy winning a year’s free riding at Hit The Dirt? Then just like and share our Dave Barkshire Motorcycles Facebook page and find and follow us on Instagram to be entered in our prize draw! You have until 24^th May to enter, so what are you waiting for? http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

The new KTM Adventure R has hit the showrooms, with Dave braving the snowy wilds of Wales to attend the dealers’ launch. Back at our Motorcycle Centre, he was thrilled to hand over one of these prized machines to a happy customer who rode it back up to Scotland, with a trip to Spain next on the agenda. What a great bike this is, powerful and agile, yet offering a super smooth ride.

If it’s motorcycle accessories you’re after, then the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre is still the place to home! Fancy a bit of retro as you ride? Then the new Simpson Bandit motorcycle helmet is worth a look. Pop in to our Rackheath showroom to see all that we have to offer.

Father and son, David and Joe enjoy success at our training facility

Our Motorcycle Training Centre has been busy and we love to hear feedback from some of our happy riders. Ollie enthused, “Brilliant training and genuinely very fun to learn with Pete. I feel like I learnt a lot more here than with any other riding school I've used in the past. Great bikes and great times! Thanks Pete.”  Whilst Luke commented, “Brilliant service and training to complete my CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 test. An enjoyable experience!!” 

Thanks guys. Look forward to meeting a lot more budding riders during the rest of the year.

Winter Offer

Dave Barkshire Motorcycles

FINALLY SAVE UP TO £1442

On Motocross – Enduro 2019 KTM Model Range

Contact our sales team for model details

What A Day!

Sunday 18th November saw great Enduro championship action come to Thetford Forest.

You may have been there to see the thrilling Muntjac event organised by Diss MCC, which was the last round of the ACU Eastern Enduro Championship 2018. For those of you who weren't however, it was a tough course, with penalties making a big difference to the final result. Although Jason Morland started the day in the lead, it was Luke Parker who ended the day in victory! Read more at https://www.acu.org.uk/news/2018/11/parker-takes-victory-and-title-at-acu-eastern-enduro-championship-finale/ (photo of the event by Anthony Ridge from ACU Eastern report)

If this event has given you an appetite for Enduro, then get involved by visiting our Thetford Forest based Hit The Dirt Track, which offers great challenges (and warming refreshments) Hope to see you there!

Muntjac's Back

On 18th November you'll be able to enjoy Diss MCC's Muntjac Enduro in Thetford Forest, as the final round of the ACU Eastern championship.

This is a popular 20 mile course in a great woodland setting, providing some interesting challenges. Diss MCC has been running such events since it reformed after World War II. From grass track in the 1950s to motocross (originally called scramble) in the sixties, the club continues to run great enduro and motocross events.

To offer preparation time at our forest track, we're open the weekend of November 10th and 11th (pausing for remembrance reflection on the Sunday).

And on the subject of muntjac, these plucky little deer reside in Thetford Forest, in addition to red and roe deer. Remember off-road riding is only allowed at designated areas of the forest, including Hit The Dirt, to help protect these species and the environment.

Hope to see you at the Hit The Dirt Track soon! http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

What A Year!

Well, 2017 turned out to be a very busy and eventful year for the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre, our Motorcycle Training facility and the popular Hit The Dirt Practice track.

Our Rackheath Motorcycle Showroom underwent a major revamp with impressive results, and we were pleased to celebrate its completion with many of you back in November. You may have seen the event promoted on Facebook by Dave’s alter egos ‘Disco Dave’ and ‘Ringmaster Dave’. Be sure to keep abreast of our Facebook page for all our latest news and bike offers. Thank you to all of you who came along and helped to make our Open Night Spectacular a great success. We hope to see much more of you in 2018!

Over the year, a large number of successful riders passed through our purpose-built, Salhouse based Motorcycle Training facility, with passes achieved at all levels. The year ended with mod 2 passes from Fay and Martin, whilst 2018 has started with passes by Amanda, Tom and Joe. We offer training courses suitable for all abilities, so make this the year you achieve your motorcycling goals.

 

At the Hit The Dirt practice track in Swaffham, we were pleased to introduce a new refreshment area for 2017, serving hot and cold food and drinks. This has proved very popular, keeping riders fuelled up to enjoy our great forest tracks. If you’ve not tried our fantastic Enduro track, be sure to put it on your to-do list for 2018. Fans of Enduro may also have enjoyed the action of the Dave Barkshire 2-Man Enduro championship, which produced lots of excitement during its four rounds organised by Sudbury, Diss and Woodbridge Motorcycle Clubs. http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

We’re looking forward to lots more fun and action in 2018, so be sure to keep up with all our latest news and offers to be involved!

Tonight's The Night!

We gotta feeling, that tonight's gonna be a good night,

That tonight's gonna be a good night,
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night!

We gotta feeling, that you're gonna like the new bike
The KTM Duke is just right,
Yes, it's gonna be a good, good night!

Tonight's the night, let's big it up
Free food and drink, let's eat it up
Come along, and meet us all
Come along, you'll have a ball!

Be sure to join us between 5.30pm and 9.00pm tonight for bikes, BBQ and banter!

You can reach us by railway

You can reach us by railway

You can reach us by motorway
Run, walk, bus or even hike

And yes you can reach us by motorbike

We don't care how you get here

Just get here if you can!

Come to our showroom spectacular at The Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre, Rackheath, Norwich, Thursday 30th November, 5.30 – 9.00pm

Autumn And Action!

Autumn’s here again, but we hope you all had a great summer of motorcycling. Maybe some of you went on major road trips and made use of the handy tips that we ran on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Dave-Barkshire-Motorcycles-Centre-171106761401)

Heading through September, we’re now looking forward to round 4 of the Dave Barkshire 2-Man Enduro Championship to be held at Tye Farm on Sunday 24^th September, courtesy of Sudbury MCC. Come along and enjoy the action!

We continue to have a fine crop of successful riders at the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Training Centre, including Toby who achieved great passes in his Mod 1 and Mod 2 in the space of a week! Chris also managed a similar feat with clean sheets in both modules! If you’re thinking of taking up motorcycle training, visit http://www.davebarkshiremotorcycletraining.co.uk to read more.

 

We’ve continued to make improvements to the Dave Barkshire Motorcycle Centre at Rackheath, where we offer a great range of new and used bikes, accessories and a motorbike servicing facility. Our knowledgeable team can help make the right choice of bike for you and ensure that it’s kept in A1 condition.

Finally we do endeavour to keep our Hit The Dirt track open weekends weather permitting. To help you plan your visit we do post information of closures on our dedicated Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/Hit-The-Dirt-496006623743122 We’re proud of our practice track that can be enjoyed by all the family. 

 

As Marc Griffin told us, even his 5-year old loves using the kid’s track, so why not make it a great family day out? http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

What A Round!

On Sunday 30^th April round 2 of the Dave Barkshire Motorcycles Two Man Enduro Championship took place at Iken, courtesy of Woodbridge Motorcycle Club who set up a beauty of a course.

The competition hotted up with an action-packed day. In the Championship Class round one winners Jamie & Rick Roper took an early lead from runners up Brendon Mayers and Sam Mitchell, with Lewis Bond and Ben Cole also vying for position. All teams finished at 45 laps, but Mayers and Mitchell emerged victorious.

The tough competition proved a challenge for the Barkshire brothers with Alex and teammate Danny Wright coming 4^th in the Expert Class for the second time running, and Aaron in partnership with Kyle Betts finishing 5^th (also for second time running) in the Clubman Class.

To read a full report and view pictures courtesy of Anthony Ridge visit

www.easternacu.org/2017/Results/Result%20Page/?permalink=dave-barkshire-2-man-enduro-champs-round-1-results-and-photos-20170501150340

There’s now quite a wait for Round 3 of the championship, which is due to be held on Sunday 13^th August at Wattisfield Hall, to be arranged by Alex and Aaron’s home club, Diss MCC.

Got a taste for Enduro? Then visit our great off-road practice track, Hit The Dirt, in Thetford Forest http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

Back On The Track

The 2017 Dave Barkshire Motorcycles Two Man Enduro Championship kicked off on April 9^th with Round One, courtesy of the Sudbury MotorCycle Club, held at Strait’s Mill, Bocking. It was a scorcher of a day and the competition was pretty hot too!

Many contests were close run with our own Alex Barkshire and partner Daniel Wright fourth in the Expert Class on 41.33 laps and Aaron Barkshire and Kyle Betts fifth in the Clubman Class on 39.67 laps. We look forward to watching their progress throughout this year’s competition.

Well done to all class winners: the Roper Brothers in the Championship Class, Ben Grice and Kevin Palmer in the Expert Class and Paul and Daniel Hunt in the Clubman Class, which was a particularly tight battle decided by the Special Test Times. The 2017 Championship certainly looks like being a gripping one to follow!

We’re now looking ahead to Round 2, which is due to take place on 30^th April at Iken, Suffolk, organised by Woodbridge DMCC. Look forward to seeing you there!

Got the Enduro bug? Head over to http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/ for information about our great Hit The Dirt practice track!

Enduro Here We Come!

The 2017 Enduro season is underway and our own Alex Barkshire is back in competition mode with high hopes. Followers of the Dave Barkshire 2-Man Enduro Championship will be pleased to know that it kicks off with round one on Sunday 9^th of April at Straits Mill organised by Sudbury MCC. After a very exciting, closely fought championship last year, we’re looking forward to this year’s action!

With Enduro in mind, those of you keen to experience a taste of the action for yourselves will find our popular Hit The Dirt Practice track in Thetford Forest is even better following recent groundwork. Join the many riders that return time and again to this great track, like SB who enthuses, “First time off road and was really impressed with the track. Will definitely be visiting again”, and TM who kindly writes, “Great adult and kids track, well run by great people.” Read more at http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/

Looking to buy a used bike? You can now find our latest models at www.davebarkshire.net/used-bikes where our range including cruisers and sports motorcycles, as well as off road motorbikes and scooters. With big names such as KTM, Kawasaki, Peugeot and BMW and our assurance that our bikes have undergone rigorous checks to ensure their safety and reliability, you’re sure of great choice and a great bike!

A newbie to motorcycle riding, or keen to up your riding capability? Then head over to www.davebarkshiremotorcycletraining.co.uk and read all the information that you need to enrol on one of our training courses. Join the likes of Julian and Jordan who recently passed their Mod 1 and Steve, John and Kyran who breezed through their Mod 2, in becoming competent motorcycle riders.

From safe riding to Enduro action, Dave Barkshire is the name to know in the motorcycling world

All Things Bike!

Our Hit The Dirt off-road, Enduro practice track off the A47 at Swaffham is proving as popular as ever, and we’re pleased to have added a handy refreshment area new for 2017, where you can enjoy hot and cold food and drinks. You’ll also notice that our website http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/ has had a bit of makeover, with great new photos and information added to keep you informed about the track.

For those of you not familiar with the Hit The Dirt track, it’s vibrant forest setting throws up some great challenges and we're proud to be associated with the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the top organisation for motorcycle sport and the Forestry Commission, who do such a great job managing our woodlands across the country. As you’ll see from reading some of the comments from riders on our website, it’s a “top track and wicked fun”.

Meanwhile, for those of you looking to buy a new or used bike, take a look at http://www.davebarkshire.net where you’ll find great names such as KTM, Kawasaki and Peugeot. We’re also pleased to offer a full bike servicing facility with skilled technicians to keep your machine in great running order.

 

Finally, over at our Motorcycle Training facility, www.davebarkshiremotorcycletraining.co.uk we’ve seen another crop of eager riders enjoy test success, including Stuart, Mohamed, Darren, Rob and Alex in mod 2 and Hugh and Steph in mod 1. Our comprehensive courses run by highly experienced instructors can help you become a successful motorcycle rider too!

Hope to see you at our Hit The Dirt track, Rackheath Motorcycle showroom or Motorcycle Training facility soon!

Winter Round-Up

As Autumn turns to winter, we’ve seen the final round of the Dave Barkshire Two Man Enduro Championship, another clutch of great motorcycle test passes, and sadly a few bad weather closures at the Hit The Dirt Track. 

The final round of the Dave Barkshire Two Man Enduro Championship took place at the Little Loveney Hall Wakes Colne track at the end of October, organised by the Halstead Motor Cycle Club. The challenging track featured many twists and turns and made for an exciting event. We’re now looking forward to next year’s championship and any new challenges that may offer.

Our training centre has been busy putting many eager riders through their paces with great success. Some riders have passed both their Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests in the last couple of months including Sean, Julian, Jonathan and Lee. Alex breezed through a Mod 1 pass, whilst Foster, Jake, Scott, Chris, Nathan, Craig, Andrew and Damian all mastered their Mod 2 with flying colours! If you’re looking for high standard motorcycle training at a well-equipped facility with first class instructors, then visit www.davebarkshiremotorcycletraining.co.uk

Meanwhile, the change in the weather has meant that we’ve had to close the Hit The Dirt off-road track on several occasions in recent weeks, but always endeavour to open whenever possible. You can keep abreast of track conditions and closures by visiting our website http://www.hitthedirtdb.net/ or Facebook page www.facebook.com/Hit-The-Dirt-496006623743122