26 September 2025

Motorcycle Live – or MCL25 – returns to NEC

Second only to Milan’s EICMA in size and rather more accessible, Motorcycle Live is the go-to show for many Irish riders.

Birmingham’s NEC plays host to the freshest, together with superb classic and custom displays, bargain-laden stalls, live shows and more.

And, just like at EICMA, you can pick up an overpriced posh coffee too – but it’s better inItaly!

Paul Browne sneaks a preview.

 

What has for years been the biggest annual motorcycle show in this part of northern Europe, Motorcycle Live – or MCL25 as the new branding has it – has been confirmed for this year with the event running from the 15^th until the 23^rd of  November.

This year there’s more of a family vibe on offer with a lot of products for children on display.

Because the little ones’ machines are so much smaller it’s easy to use them inside the hall. So to that end they have Kiddiemoto balance bikes as well as electric motocross bikes.

All the usual stuff will be there with most of the major manufacturers having their 2026 machines on display.

What’s current?

One of the machines that I’m very curious about is the new WN7 all electric bike from Honda.

I previewed this machine last week and I’m more than intrigued to see if it’s the game changer that I think it might be.

Unlike a lot of the European shows the exhibitors are allowed to sell at Motorcycle Live.

This means that it can be a great place to score a half decent bargain if you don’t mind wearing, or using, last years’ designs.

Live action

There’ll also be riding displays from Yamaha as well as trials and FMX.

All of this will be part of the events Moto Action Show.

This year’s event will be hosted by Matt Crowhurst while Jamie Whitham and Jack Burnicle are lined up to do interviews with the good and the great from the world of racing in all its’ formats.

But back to the bikes.

As ever, a huge number will be on display to try on for size.

In total an impressive 52 different motorcycle manufacturers will be displaying their two-wheeled wares

These include the two big American ones, H-D and Indian, as well as the four from Japan and several from Europe.

Testing times

Test rides on a huge fleet of bikes from all the manufacturers will be available around the NEC.

I’ve been told that RST, Arai and AGV will be providing the rider kit for this one. You’ll just need to bring your licence.

All told there’s going to be over 200 different exhibitors and sellers in the hall.

This is in addition to all the usual bits such as simulators, learn to ride facilities and a much more interesting range of food vendors.

Flights to Birmingham from Dublin, Shannon and even Knock airports are all available.

The really interesting thing about this one is that the airport has a monorail connecting it to the NEC, where the show is held. It’s free of charge and takes about 10 minutes to get there. Once you’ve landed it is, perhaps, the easiest ‘Irish’ show to get to…

Since it runs for just over a week, there’s plenty of choice in which day, or days, to fly in and out.

But it’s important to know that it should always be referred to as the ‘NEC Show’ in this part of the world, otherwise it may appear to be a bit like calling the Point Theatre by a name that has something to do with cell phones…

Tickets for whatever you choose to call it – MCL25, Motorcycle Live or, indeed, the NEC Show – can be booked here.  If you’re taking the winter off from riding bikes, the least you could do is go and look at what you’re missing!

For your motorcycle, moped and scooter insurance, call our two-wheel team on 0818 945 950.

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