Revamped Motorcycle Live show at Birmingham’s NEC welcomes almost 90,000 visitors

Thousands of bikers descended on Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC) for this year’s rejuvenated Motorcycle Live show – now featuring more stages, additional stunt shows, and an evening of live musical entertainment.

Kicking off on Saturday, November 16, the show concluded on Sunday, November 24 – welcoming in 43 motorcycle manufacturers including established players like Ducati, BMW, and Suzuki, as well as smaller concerns such as CCM, Paton, and Ohvale.  

“Because there’s so much new stuff in there, you don’t really know what to expect as an organiser, but I’m pleased to say the changes have been properly embraced by the visitors,” Managing Director, Finlay McAllan said.

“They’re enjoying them, they’re riding the simulators… and for someone like me, who’s done this for a long time, every day is a school day at the moment.”

A bevvy of high-profile motorcycle racers also greeted fans – including 2024 World Superbike champion, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who stopped by on the final Saturday for an impromptu stunt riding performance aboard the BMW R1300GS and CE 02 electric.

“I’m having a fabulous day here,” visitor Mark Elliott from Matlock Bath told MCN. “I’d not planned to come, I’m here by coincidence, but it’s fabulous being here on the Monday where there’s a nice bit of space to look round.”

Joining Toprak for his one-wheeled performance was multiple world record holding stunt rider Jonny Davies (JD Stunts) who wowed crowds with his Kawasaki ZX-6R on a daily basis.

“This is probably the biggest stage in the UK bike industry, and it’s a childhood dream to perform here,” he told MCN. “I used to come here as a kid with my dad and dream about doing it.

“I can’t really get excited for these things in the build-up because I’m preparing, but once I was here, had tested and had done the first show it sunk in that I was finally here.”

There was also live trials, indoor freestyle motocross within a new ‘Festival Zone’ – an area that also played host to an additional evening of music on the final Saturday, from Rick Parfitt Jnr and the RPJ Band.

“As ever, it’s great to get to Motorcycle Live and see so many people walking around,” Suzuki GB Motorcycle Marketing Manager, Jak Tyrrell added.

The UK arm of the Japanese brand used the event to debut their recently revealed DRZ-4S and SM singles, as well as remember past racing success.

“We enjoyed celebrating a bit of history with our Hayabusa anniversary display and John Reynolds’ 2004 BSB shrine,” Tyrrell continued. “The show is always a good way to extend the motorcycling season, if you will, before the winter.”

This was added to by Indian Motorcycle UK Marketing Manager, Claire D’auria who said: “We were thrilled to be part of Motorcycle Live again this year. As we head into a new year, it’s a key event and a perfect opportunity to connect with riders, existing owners, showcase our latest models, and share our passion for motorcycling.

“This year’s vibe has been incredibly positive with many serious enquiries for new bikes for next season. The Festival Zone has also added even more energy to the show and I’m excited to see this new direction for the event in coming years.”

Watch: Motorcycle Live 2023 walk-around video