Coming soon: Motorcycle Live 2024

A fixture in the calendar for all keen riders, Motorcycle Live at the Birmingham NEC is just as keen to reach out to those who might not yet have a motorbike, or even a licence to ride one. While enthusiasts flock in their thousands to kick the tyres of the latest bikes and look ahead to what they may be riding in 2025 there’s more to the show, with riding experiences catering to those who’ve never got on a bike before, live music, stunt shows and more besides.
It all kicks off November 16 and runs until November 24, meaning plenty of opportunity to get along and enjoy the show for yourself.

While Motorcycle Live is keen to shout about attractions beyond the manufacturers showing off their latest bikes it’s fair to say this is still a big part of the show. And coming off the back of the big EICMA fair in Italy means it’s often the first chance for British bikers to see next year’s models, often just days after their global reveals. We’ve been doing our best to cover these on the Auto Trader bikes feed and have talked about new models from Yamaha, Triumph, Ducati and Royal Enfield. But these are just the tip of the iceberg, and if you’re pondering what bike to buy in 2025 Motorcycle Live is the likely the first chance to check out the latest models in the metal. Stay tuned for rides and reviews of all the new bikes on show in the coming weeks and months as well!

The idea of riding a motorbike can seem scary. But, as we’ve learned here on the Auto Trader team, a little taste can be enough to get you hooked and if you’re even a tiny bit bike curious the Learn To Ride Zone can get you on a bike in safe and controlled environment whether you’ve got a licence or not. Indeed, anyone over 14 can have a go and it’s all included in the price of your entry ticket. The riding is, of course, fully supervised by professional instructors and all the necessary protective clothing is provided. Bookings can only be taken on the day, though, and places fill up fast. Get in there quickly!

If you’ve never ridden a motorbike before you can get a taste of what you’ve been missing without even needing to put a helmet on! Though once you’ve experienced the sounds and sensations of firing a bike up and accelerated up through the gears on the security of a rolling road you may well be inspired to take to the open one. Available with various manufacturers including Honda, Harley-Davidson and BMW you’ll be fully supervised as you put the bike through its paces and learn the basics of clutch control and shifting gears without ever leaving a standstill. Like all the experiences at Motorcycle Live bookings are available on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.

Like SUVs for cars, adventure bikes are one of the most popular style of bikes for their go-anywhere promise and tough looks. And if you fancy trying one out Motorcycle Live has its own indoor dirt track, called the Festival Trail. While not recommended for novice riders there will be a selection of combustion-powered and electric bikes available from CCM, Honda, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield and others whether you’re on a CBT and L-plates, A2 or full A licence. You’ll need to show this on registering and, once signed on, all kit will be provided.

You don’t have to be old enough to remember Kick Start to appreciate the art of trials riding, the Oset Trials Experience using electric trials bikes and open to anyone aged seven or above to get a taste of the low-speed balance and handling required for this popular off-road sport. As with all the other experiences it’s a case of first-come, first-served on the day, with all kit provided and instructors supervising your every move to keep you safe.

Electrification is coming to motorbikes, just as it has to cars, and you can read all about the latest models here on Auto Trader. At Motorcycle Live you can even have a go yourself, the indoor Electric Test Ride Zone open to anyone with an A, A1 or A2 licence and, as before, fully supervised and with equipment provided as needed.

Motorcycle Live is more than a trade show, the Festival Zone hosting stunt shows, trials displays and more throughout the duration of the show and culminating in an evening of live music on Saturday 23 November, headlined by Rick Parfitt Junior and the RPJ band. Kicking off at 5:30pm the show includes bike displays, festival food, various bars and more.