The days are getting shorter, the weather colder and fair-weather bikers have packed away their motorcycles. Which means it’s time for London riders to head north - probably by train - for Motorcycle Live, to see the very latest two-wheeled tech.
The UK’s biggest bike show runs at Birmingham’s NEC from Saturday November 18 to Sunday November 26, bursting with live action, new features, entertainment, and scores of new machines from more than 50 manufacturers, for enthusiasts to admire and sit on.
There are activities for a wide range of ages to take part in, for those wanting their very first taste of riding on two wheels, right up to activities for more experienced riders wanting to head out onto the road with the Test Ride Zone.
Other have-a-go activities include trying an emissions-free electric bike, offering those with a full A, A1 or A2 licence the chance to test out some of the latest electric motorcycles and scooters around a specially built indoor track.
Brand-new for 2023, the Electric Motion Trials Experience offers those aged 16, with a motorcycle licence, ACU or CBT, the chance to try trials riding around a mini-course with tuition. Off-road wannabes can take to the dirt in ‘Experience Adventure’, featuring a specially-built track for the event. With all kit provided, visitors don’t even need to bring their own protective clothing.
Motorcycle fans aged from 4-12 can enjoy the Arenacross Youth MX experience, while those aged 14 and over can participate in the MCIA TryRide zone. Entry for under-fives is free while the cost for those aged 6-18 is £2.50
Hero worship
Visitors also have the opportunity to meet their motorcycle heroes. The Black Horse stage is hosting daily entertainment with live games, quizzes and interviews with top racers and riding celebrities throughout the day.
The stage will also host Bob White and John Keogh of White Motorcycle Concepts, to discuss the challenge behind creating the world’s fastest electric motorcycle and its forthcoming land record speed attempt.
The big draw is, of course, the brand-new machinery from motorcycle manufacturers, with some models on display in the UK for the first time.
Included in the line-up is BMW, which will be showing the new M1000R. The firm will also present the BMW Rolling Road, allowing would-be riders to get behind the bars of a motorcycle in what it says will be ‘total safety’, while experiencing the thrill of riding. Using the A2 licence-friendly G 310 R roadster, the Rolling Road is an introduction to the fine balance of throttle and clutch control, allowing newbies to get their first taste of riding.
BSA will exhibit its new Gold Star, while from Ducati, show-goers will get a close-up of the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916. Fantic, meanwhile, will show off its Caballero Scrambler 700 and a small e-bike range.
Honda will be celebrating its 75th anniversary with an array of new machinery, while Indian will present the latest in the range including the FTR, Scout, Chief, Bagger & Tourer models.
Electric dreams
KTM is showcasing the all-new 2024 KTM 990 DUKE, and Kawasaki will be showing its entire range of 2024 motorcycles. Electric bike specialists Maeving will reveal the smart, stylish new RM1S, and Royal Enfield will reveal the new Himalayan.
Suzuki’s entire model range will also be on display, including the GSX-8S and its adventure-shaped sibling, the V-Strom 800DE. The star of Yamaha’s stand will be the 2024 MT-09 with its new body design and updated features including a new five-inch colour TFT panel enabled for navigation and connectivity.
For those seeking old tech, The National Motorcycle Museum is presenting some of the most exquisite and expensive bikes from across the decades. Included in the lineup will be a stunning 1903 BSA Minerva and a 1990 Norton F1.
