Category: BMW Motorrad
Three technicians at Bowker Motorrad have achieved ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) accreditation for BMW motorcycles.
23-year-old Shannon Barton-Constable, who joined the Preston Docks dealership in January 2019, has had an impressive year. Not only has she become qualified as an MOT tester, but she has also qualified as an ATA qualified BMW Technician. 24-year-old Aaron Garth and 29-year-old James Spencer have also qualified as BMW ATA Technicians at the same assessment.
ATA is a national voluntary scheme that tests individual skills in the retail automotive industry. It also appraises commitment to an ethical code of conduct. The accreditation recognises and benchmarks each applicant’s technical knowledge and competence.
“I’m excited to have achieved the ATA qualification,” said Shannon. “It is still early in my career, but I already appreciate the importance of industry qualifications. Each new certification builds my confidence and customers’ confidence in me too!”
ATA accreditation is valid for three years. The process ensures that individuals keep pace with vehicle technology and ever-advancing repair methods.
Richard Rawlings, aftersales manager at Bowker Motorrad, said: “Shannon, Aaron and James have shown real dedication and commitment to their roles at Bowker Motorrad. We’re proud to support their professional development and congratulate them on their achievement. They are a great example to anyone interested in a technical career regarding how you can progress with hard work and focus.”
In 2021, whilst at Preston College, Shannon negotiated a deal to donate a 1250cc BMW engine to the college’s motorcycle engineering department. Usually recycled or broken up for parts, the engine will allow over 90 automotive engineering students to apply their learning practically every year.
To find out more about careers at Bowker Motor Group, visit www.bowkermotorgroup.co.uk/careers.
Sunday 16th April 2023 | 9:30-16:00
Have you been riding for a few years since you passed your test, are perhaps not fully up-to-date on the Highway Code, lacking a little confidence with slow speed maneuvering or would maybe benefit from having someone cast an eye over how you ride?
We are looking to arrange a Free 1 to 1 Assessment Ride Day with an IAM RoadSmart Observer, based from our Centre on Preston Docklands.
The session will begin with a pre-ride chat to find out what your riding interest/experience is and if you have any particular area(s) you would like to improve on, followed by a discussion of the route, which should take approximately 40 minutes covering a variety of roads.
After the ride, your Observer will give their feedback, covering both the good areas and where there is some room for improvement.
Sometimes it’s useful to know how others perceive our riding. You will be given a time slot for your session which should take approximately 2 hours in total.
If you are interested in taking part in our Free 1 to 1 Assessment Ride Day, please complete the enquiry form on this page or call Richard Chacewicz on 01772 767300.
Bowker Motorrad has confirmed it is sponsoring young rider Kieran Smith in the upcoming BMW F 900 R Cup.
The partnership will provide support for Smith as he competes in the new one-make series, which runs alongside the 2023 British Superbike Championship programme.
17 year-old Kieran Smith, from Reading, will compete in the F900R Cup alongside his twin brother Christian. Kieran and Christian’s passion for motorcycles stemmed from a very early age and started for fun at the age of five. Their first racing experience (at the age of 12) was in Motocross on KTM 85s in 2017 and 2018. They both had their rookie year in HEL Junior Supersport BSB in 2021 learning the ropes and became seriously competitive racing again in HEL Junior Supersport in 2022.
For Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Kieran in this first year of the F 900 R Cup. Kieran is a talented rider with a bright future ahead of him, and we are proud to be able to play a part in his journey. We can’t wait for the season to start.”
Designed to be accessible for both aspiring and experienced riders, the F 900 R Cup features up to 40 riders competing on identical 105hp F 900 R roadsters at iconic UK circuits. The event includes multiple practice and qualifying sessions, with points accrued during two races at each round.
The first testing sessions will be held at Donington 25th-26th March and Silverstone 28th -29th March. The series starts at Silverstone on 7th – 9th April and ends nine races later at Brands Hatch on the weekend of October 14th.
Bowker Motorrad’s sponsorship demonstrates the Lancashire dealership’s commitment to supporting up-and-coming talent and provides race-day experiences for customers and a platform for the dealership to reach a wider audience.
Kieran Smith said: “We are grateful to Bowker Motorrad for their support and belief in me. Competing in the F 900 R Cup is a great opportunity, and I am excited to see what the future holds. With the help of Bowker Motorrad, I am excited to get back on the track and looking forward to a great season.”
The F 900 R Cup is set to be a highly competitive event, with riders from across the UK vying for a chance to prove their skills on the track. More information is available at https://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/experience/motorsport/the-bmw-f-900-r-cup
As part of our partnership with the Northern Section of the BMW Owners Club, we are giving a limited number of non-members the chance to experience a group ride out with the Club.
The route will be approx.150 miles, avoiding main roads as much as possible. The Lead Rider, Barry, has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Lancashire-Yorkshire area so an interesting route is guaranteed!
There will be a coffee break at Devil’s Bridge, lunch in Hawes, return via Settle with an afternoon tea break venue to be decided on the day.