Britain’s best bike’

A MOTORCYCLIST from Takeley has won a nationwide search to find Britain's best bike in the competition Britain's Got Biking Talent run by Motorcycle News.

Karl Galloway, 38, is the man behind the bike that heralds a story of true dedication and tribute.

He had been tinkering with bikes for nine years whilst balancing his life with work, family and visiting his mother in Scotland who suffered with ill health for a number of years.

In 2006 Karl's mother died of cancer, she had been suffering for two years, but his dedication never wavered, from taking regular trips to Scotland to see her during her illness to building the winning bike in her memory.

He said: "My father died 10 years ago, it was a difficult time with my mum a long way away in Scotland, the distance or cost of going to see her was never important though."

His mother must have appreciated the attention from her son through a tough time, and when she died Karl inherited her house.

"I sold the house and used the money to build this bike as a lasting tribute to my mother," he said.

Although the bike, which cost £16,000 and is now worth £20,000, is already a winner. Karl mentioned that it wasn't finished yet He is going to put an engraved brass plate on it bearing his mother's name to complete the tribute.

The announcement that he had won the competition came at last week's International Motorcycle and Scooter show at the NEC in Birmingham where Karl's bike was on display.

His bike was picked from 1500 entrants across the UK, gaining the majority of the 45,000 votes cast.

He said: "My bike has been on display in Germany and featured in motorcycle magazines, it felt fantastic to win. I put a lot of hard work in, I'm really proud of it."

As he should be, the bike was built in very quick time taking just four months to complete, a build of this type would usually take around two years.

Karl commented: "The financial help from my mother meant I could get things done so much quicker, my wife became a 'garage widow' but she understood. She even brought tea out to me."

Starting life as an old bike Karl, bought in 2004, he stripped it down to its frame before completely rebuilding it.

He said: "I did all the hard work at home in my garage, day in day out to get it done. Mum motivated me."

The bike, an 'extreme' Kawasaki ZRX, is capable of reaching speeds of 186mph and looks stunning.

Karl is now off to Japan in September next year to see the Japanese Moto GP, his chosen prize from winning the award.

He said: "The bike was built as a tribute to my mother, the small inheritance I received went 100 per cent into the bike and, for me, having it appreciated by so many people is a great achievement and a perfect memorial.