Hurrah! It's that time of year when bikers, enthusiasts and wannabes descend on Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre for Motorcycle Live. This year's show promises to be bigger and better than ever, with every major manufacturer in attendance, along with the displays, sideshows, and events. With so much on, you may even be able to persuade disinterested family members to come along, too. It's the only way they'll learn. So let's take a quick look at some of the highlights and must-sees of this year's show.
Who's there?
First of all, the major manufacturers. Ducati will be in attendance (Hall 3A, Stand 3D15) with their complete range, including the newly announced Diavel V4 and the interestingly-painted Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini. Honda (Hall 2, Stand 2D15), Yamaha (Hall 3A, Stand 3D25), and Suzuki (Hall 2, Stand 2C20) will be there with their complete ranges, and it's definitely worth going to take a peek at the new Hayabusa if you haven't seen one in the flesh already. Kawasaki (Hall 3, Stand 3B25) is going all out this year with their complete range available to have a nose around, as well as a few completely new, as yet unrevealed machines. If that's not enough, Kawasaki will also be giving away a brand-spanking new Ninja 400!
BMW Motorrad (Hall 4, Stand 4E15) will have its full range. If you're into fire-breathing monsters, check out the new 210bhp M1000R and the updated M1000RR and S1000RR. If you're the more leisurely, adventurous type, the ever-popular GS range will also be on display, giving those of us with embarrassingly short inside leg measurements a chance to see if we can successfully clamber onto one. KTM (Hall 4, Stand 4B15) will have their updated 1290 Super Duke R Evo on display, as well as their extensive range of street, enduro and motocross machines.
If you fancy something a little more British, there's plenty to see. Ariel (Hall 3, Stand 3A15) will be there with their Ace, BSA (Hall 3A, Stand 3D10) with a collection of bikes past and present, and Norton (Hall 4, Stand 4C10) with the stunning new Commando. Naturally, Triumph (Hall 4, Stand 4C15) will be there with its full range, as well as Herald (Hall 3, Stand 3C10), CCM (Hall 3, Stand 3B15), and Royal Enfield (Hall 3, Stand 3B20) with some classic and retro action. Once you've completed the British bikes, you won't need to cross the Atlantic to see the latest and greatest from the USA. Indian (Hall 3A, Stand 3D30) and Harley-Davidson (Hall 3A, Stand 3E20) are both in attendance, with Harley bringing their JumpStart motorcycle simulator, which features a specially designed rolling road to allow new riders to get a feel for the bike without moving an inch.
You'll also be able to check out bikes from Benelli, Can-am, Husqvarna, Lambretta, Lexmoto, and the amazing electric bikes from Zero Motorcycles.
MCIA TryRide (Hall 2)
In association with MCN, MCIA TryRide offers the chance for anyone aged 14 or over to try riding a motorcycle. Under the guidance of a professional instructor, students will learn how to operate a motorcycle and see if they're bitten by the bug. They'll even provide all the protective clothing, too!
Electric Test Ride Zone (Hall 2)
If you're a little cynical or suspicious of electric motorcycles, get yourself along to hall 2 and give them a go! A range of electric motorcycles and scooters will be available to CBT or full licence holders, and you'll get to experience them around the indoor track. You really should give this a go!
BSB Day (Black Horse Stage)
If you're a BSB fan, you'll probably want to visit on Sunday, 20th November for BSB Day. There will be a live Q&A, rider signings, and you may just bump into freshly-crowned champion Bradley Ray, amongst others. Don't forget to take a Sharpie if you're a bit of an autograph hunter!
What else?
There's a lot to see and do at the show. In fact, I could probably sit here for the next couple of days listing and itemising every exhibit, but that would be quite tiring and probably hurt my fingers. Nevertheless, aside from the impressively flashy manufacturer stands and interactive experiences, dozens of smaller exhibitors show their wares. There's a whole range of helmets, gear, electronics, and accessories available for you to prod and poke—and don't forget that Bike Stop can source most products for you if you're interested in purchasing after the show!
It's also important to remember that whilst there are many suppliers offering genuine goods, it has been known, from time to time, for unlucky patrons to walk away with counterfeit items. We'll be posting an article about counterfeit motorcycle gear in the coming weeks, but for now, if you're intending to buy anything, perform your due diligence. If a deal appears too good to be true, there's a chance that something's amiss. If you're in any doubt, you're better off walking away. There can be no doubt in your mind when you're buying clothing and gear to literally save your skin.
When is it?
The show runs from Saturday, 19th November, until Sunday, 27th November. Doors open at 10 am each day and close at 5 pm. Tickets are available from the Motorcycle Live website priced at £22 for adults, £1 for children aged 6-18 and under 5s get in for free.
