The British Motorcyclists Federation exists to protect riders’ interests, and that responsibility extends beyond roads, legislation and safety. By defending motorcycling freedoms, culture and future participation, the BMF also helps safeguard the environment in which British motorcycle heritage and industry can continue to thrive.

A visit to Mac Motorcycles in South Yorkshire offered a timely reminder of why that support matters and why the journey behind it deserves to be told in full.

Mac Motorcycles – At a Glance

Location: Near Wentworth Castle Estate, South Yorkshire
Models: Rex & Ruby
Engine: 600cc single cylinder
Build Style: Hand-built, small-batch British manufacturing
Price: Circa £15,500 (incl. VAT)
Visits: By appointment only
Website: mac-motorcycles.com
Social: @macmotorcycles
Known For: Craftsmanship, Simplicity, Yorkshire Grit, Technical Tuesday videos

A Workshop Rooted in History

Set within a beautifully restored stone barn near the historic Wentworth Castle Estate – now cared for by the National Trust, Mac Motorcycles operates from a location steeped in heritage. Surrounded by traditional stonework and open countryside, the setting feels entirely fitting for a company committed to building motorcycles the old-fashioned way: carefully, locally and with purpose.

This is no polished showroom. Instead, the barn has been steadily transformed into an active, evolving production space, one that reflects both ambition and reality. What began as a vision is now becoming a working environment, with insulation, electrics and infrastructure installed largely through hands-on effort.

Much of that work has been a true family undertaking. Ian’s wife, balancing her own full-time commitments, spent weeks painstakingly pointing the main stone feature wall by hand – a level of care that mirrors the attention poured into the motorcycles themselves. It is this personal investment that defines the space: not just a workshop, but a place with character, intention and heart.

The People Behind the Brand

Mac Motorcycles is led by director Ian Oliver, an experienced engineer whose career has included roles with Jaguar and Land Rover before joining Mac in 2017. His lifelong connection to motorcycling is reflected in the ethos behind the brand: building simple, engaging machines designed to be ridden, not merely admired.

Supporting Ian is a small and growing team. Among them is Will, who provides hands-on workshop and development support as Mac transitions from prototype to production. Working alongside them is Vikki Brooks, Mac’s virtual assistant based in Staffordshire. Vikki manages test ride bookings, social media, publicity and the day-to-day coordination that keeps everything running smoothly, while also, as many will appreciate, keeping Ian firmly on track.

Beyond the core team, Mac Motorcycles is supported by a wider network of specialists, collaborators and trusted partners. From engineering support to fabrication and component supply, it is a collective effort, one that reflects the realities of building a motorcycle company in today’s world. Each contribution, whether seen or unseen, plays a part in turning concept into something tangible.

Meet the Team

Ian Oliver – Director
Leads Mac Motorcycles with a focus on engineering integrity, simplicity and rider-centred design. Oversees development, production and the long-term vision of the brand.

Vikki Brooks – Virtual Assistant
Manages test rides, social media, publicity and day-to-day coordination, ensuring the operation runs smoothly and efficiently.

Will – Workshop & Development Support
Provides hands-on assistance in the workshop, supporting the transition from prototype to production and contributing to the practical build process.

MJ & Ian	Ian & Vikki	HQ before image as work begins

A Growing Reputation – Even Before Reaching the Barn

Even before reaching the workshop, the intrigue surrounding Mac was clear. A conversation with a National Trust volunteer – a motorcyclist, retired police officer and, as it turned out, a fellow neighbour from the estate, revealed just how far Mac’s reputation has already travelled. On hearing the purpose of the visit, he immediately recognised who I was looking for and mentioned that he had already offered his services as a volunteer test rider. It was an early reminder of the goodwill, curiosity and genuine community support that this small British manufacturer has inspired.

The Motorcycles: Rex and Ruby

Mac’s current line-up consists of two motorcycles – Rex and Ruby – both powered by a 600cc single-cylinder engine. The design philosophy is unmistakable: a narrow frame, slim tank and compact seat create a purposeful, approachable machine free from unnecessary excess.
While they share the same mechanical heart, each model carries its own identity, offering two distinct interpretations of the same engineering foundation.

These impressions are based solely on direct observation and experience. What stands out is not trend-chasing, but a commitment to simplicity, usability and character – qualities that have long defined the most enduring British motorcycles.

One of Mac’s greatest advantages becomes clear the moment a bike leaves the barn. The surrounding Yorkshire roads offer immediate immersion: flowing, engaging routes that allow riders to connect with the machine straight away. No urban crawl. No motorway slog. Just British engineering meeting British countryside – exactly as intended.

Progress, Pressure & Persistence
Since that initial visit back in January, the pace at Mac Motorcycles has only intensified.

A major milestone now sees Mac opening its doors to customers from Friday 8th May, welcoming visitors by appointment only. Riders will be able to:

Visit the HQ
Sit down for a conversation about the bikes
Experience a test ride
Place an order directly

This marks a significant step forward, a sign of confidence not only in the motorcycles, but in the experience being built around them.
The motorcycles are expected to retail at circa £15,500 (inclusive of VAT). This reflects the reality of building motorcycles in today’s climate, where unprecedented increases in raw materials, manufacturing and logistics have driven production costs sharply upward.

Behind the scenes, the transition into production is well underway. Initial frame batches have been commissioned, materials are arriving, and key systems are being refined. This shift from concept to build is one of the most critical stages for any manufacturer, and one where resilience is tested daily.

Mac continues to build its presence too. From industry press coverage to appearances alongside Richard Hammond’s The Smallest Cog, the brand is steadily gaining recognition. Even the now-famous “pig pee” paint experiment – humorous as it was – highlights something more important: a willingness to innovate, adapt and problem-solve openly.

Looking Ahead – Museum Live 2026

As Mac Motorcycles continues to gain momentum within the British motorcycling scene, the brand is also set to exhibit at Museum Live 2026 at the National Motorcycle Museum. The event is expected to bring together riders, manufacturers, clubs and enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate all aspects of motorcycling culture and heritage.

For a small independent British manufacturer, appearing at such a respected national event represents another important milestone and an opportunity for riders to see the motorcycles up close, speak directly with the team and experience the philosophy behind the brand first hand.

Putting The Rider First

What quickly becomes apparent when speaking with Ian Oliver is that Mac Motorcycles is not simply about producing motorcycles – it is about creating an experience around ownership, riding and connection.

Asked what he wants riders to feel the very first time they sit on a Mac motorcycle, Ian explains: “I want them to feel the sense of fun and freedom you get from riding – the smell, the sound, the feeling of being outside. We want them to feel like their Mac will become part of their lives.”

That rider-focused approach sits at the centre of everything Mac is trying to achieve. Rather than chasing mass production or trends, the focus remains firmly on creating motorcycles with character, simplicity and emotional connection.

When asked, what has been the most rewarding moment so far, Ian’s answer reflects the people-first ethos behind the company: “Seeing how people react to the bikes, answering their questions, hearing their stories and feeling their genuine enthusiasm for biking.”

Summing up Mac Motorcycles in a single sentence, Ian describes the brand as: “It’s about experiencing the joy of configuring, owning and riding your motorbike.”

Perhaps most importantly, Ian is clear about what he wants riders to truly understand about the journey Mac Motorcycles is on: “We’re building something that puts the rider at the heart of what we do – we want you to feel like you’re part of Mac. You arrive as a customer and leave as a friend… hopefully with an order form in your pocket!”

Of course, building a motorcycle manufacturer in modern Britain comes with significant pressures and challenges. Rising costs, supplier closures and economic uncertainty continue to test even the most determined businesses.

Yet despite the difficult days, Ian remains motivated by the reactions from riders themselves: “I remind myself how good it feels when someone rides one of our bikes and tells me how much they love it.”

That passion, resilience and authenticity perhaps explain why Mac Motorcycles continues to attract growing interest from riders who value not only the motorcycle itself, but the story, craftsmanship and people behind it.

The Reality Behind the Build

What the public sees is only a fraction of the story.

Building a motorcycle manufacturer in the UK today means navigating:

Rising material and production costs

Economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis

Supply chain instability, including suppliers ceasing trading

The need to continually source new partners

Increasing lead times and fluctuating component pricing

Even the smallest part can become a major obstacle. A delay, a cost increase or a supplier issue can ripple through the entire build process.
Balancing development, infrastructure, production and brand growth, without the safety net of large-scale manufacturing, requires persistence, adaptability and a clear vision. And yet, despite the pressures, progress continues.

Following the Journey

Those wishing to follow Mac’s progress can do so via their social media channels, including their popular Technical Tuesday videos, or through their website. Riders can also sign up to the Mac Motorcycles newsletter via their website, Facebook or Instagram.

Whether you’ve spoken with Ian, met Vikki at an event, or are planning a visit to the barn, the experience remains personal, approachable and grounded – true to the ethos of the brand.

Why It Matters – Your Ride. Your Rights. Your BMF

The British Motorcyclists Federation plays a crucial role in political lobbying and advocacy, ensuring riders’ voices are heard and British motorcycling interests are protected. Supporting manufacturers like Mac Motorcycles forms part of that wider mission. Without continued support – from riders, organisations and industry alike, British motorcycle manufacturing risks fading further into history.

Mac represents more than a new motorcycle. It is an attempt to build something sustainable, transparent and rooted in British engineering values at a time when doing so is harder than ever.

Visitors to the workshop are met with a genuine Yorkshire welcome – the kettle is always on, and that warmth extends beyond the barn doors to the open road. It is a place where conversation flows as easily as the tea, and where motorcycles are built with care rather than haste.

As Mac Motorcycles continues to build, adapt and push forward, it stands as a reminder that British craftsmanship, when supported, still has a future.

Written by MJ

All images courtesy of Mac Motorcycles