Motorcycle Live 2025: Energy, Thrills & Celebration at Birmingham’s NEC

From 15th–23rd November, Birmingham’s NEC became the epicentre of the UK motorcycling world as Motorcycle Live with Bikesure Insurance welcomed riders, families and industry leaders for nine days of energy, spectacle and community. Running daily from 10 am–5 pm, the show drew over 90,000 visitors, proving that the UK’s wintery weather couldn’t dampen the passion for motorcycles.

The Atmosphere

The halls buzzed with the rumble of engines, the pulse of live music and the steady flow of visitors exploring displays. Every corner offered something new to see, hear and experience from breath taking stunt shows, immersive stage talks, interactive demonstrations and a full festival of motorcycle culture under one roof.

Highlighted Days

Student Days (Tuesday & Thursday): Organised student groups attended for free and were given plastic sprouts, a playful symbol of growth. The gesture encouraged engagement with exhibitors, the Careers Hub and exploration of career paths within the motorcycling industry.

Women in Motorcycling Day (Friday): The ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) hosted talks, meet-ups, and panels with Maria Costello MBE, Jenny Tinmouth, and Grace Webb, who shared insights from racing, training and media. These sessions highlighted opportunities for women in all aspects of motorcycling and reinforced that the sport is for everyone.

Live Stages & Entertainment

The Lab Stage, hosted by Grace Webb, ran a half-hourly timetable from 11 am–3:30 pm. The stage featured sports personalities, influencers and industry experts delivering practical demonstrations, lively discussions and panel interviews.

At the Festival Zone, Black Horse Stage, James Whitham, Jack Burnicle, and Matt Crowhurst hosted the Black Horse Big Quiz at 1:45 pm daily, where racing heroes joined in — a must-see for fans of all ages.

Rides, E-Ride Zone & the Next Generation

Queues to test-ride motorcycles and try simulators were constant. The brand-new E-Ride Zone attracted visitors to try electric motorcycles in a controlled indoor environment. Alongside this, younger visitors enjoyed balance bikes, and youth electric motocross tasters, creating a genuine family atmosphere across the halls.

Many of the Next Gen were also seen marvelling at and sitting on what could be their future dream machines – from smaller motocross-style bikes to the larger, aspirational bikes they hope to own one day.

For those wanting more adrenaline, MCL offered immersive simulator experiences:

Superbike Simulator: Riders could push lap times on a fully reactive set-up, focusing on racing lines, reaction time and precision – perfect for honing competitive instincts.

Isle of Man TT Simulator (additional cost): A motion-based cockpit gave an authentic TT experience, complete with roadside walls, rushing scenery and a real sense of risk and speed. While the Superbike Sim tested skill and precision, the TT Simulator delivered atmosphere, immersion and raw thrill.

Anniversaries & Milestones of 2025

2025 was a year of milestones:

The BMF quietly marked its 65th anniversary, continuing its mission to protect riders’ rights and champion road safety.

MCN celebrated 70 years of Britain’s best-known biking weekly (official birthday 30 November).

Suzuki honoured 40 years of the GSX-R, displaying historic and current models to the delight of visitors.

New Motorcycle Models

MCL25 showcased a wide range of new releases from major OEMs and boutique brands. Highlights included Honda CB1000F, Suzuki GSX-8R, Norton Manx R, and Langen Lightspeed. Every manufacturer had something fresh for visitors to see, sit on or ride, drawing interest from all age groups. True to form, every bike that ended up on the Xmas wish lists of the BMF team all ran on petrol, reaffirming the enduring appeal of combustion engines.

Action & Innovation

The Moto Action Show returned with thrilling stunts, surrounded by seating and eateries so visitors could enjoy the action while refuelling. New for 2025, the E-Ride Zone and the futuristic Microlino Lite – a blend between a car and motorcycle, showcased innovative designs and accessible electric mobility.

MCL also launched a dedicated WhatsApp group sharing daily timetables, videos and interactive questions, making the show more connected and engaging for visitors.

Food, Shopping & Bargains

Visitors could enjoy a Roll & Brew breakfast for £7.95 (Halls 2 & 3, 10–11 am) and 50% off street food in the Festival Zone (4–5 pm). These savings often allowed attendees to explore the bustling trade halls, which featured clothing, security products, accessories, artwork, commissions and high-quality riding gear.

Community & Conversations

Over at the Phoenix Motorcycle Training Ltd stand, Paul Morgan CBE (BMF Government Relations Executive) met with trainers and Craig Carey-Clinch (NMC Executive Director) to discuss road safety and rider development.

Throughout the week, the BMF team mingled & engaged with members and visitors, including lifelong supporter Mike Homer, reinforcing the Federation’s presence and community focus. Attentive visitors may also have spotted team members carrying red “BMF for All Riders” bags – a subtle yet striking reminder of who we are and what we represent.

Why the BMF Still Defends Combustion

The BMF continues to raise concerns about the rapid push towards electrification without sufficient safety safeguards. Lithium-ion battery fires, often caused by damaged or unregulated chargers, pose real risks. These fires burn hotter, spread faster, and are harder to extinguish than many conventional fires.

That is why the BMF advocates for:

Better battery regulation

Proper safety standards

Rider choice — not forced transitions

Continued protection for combustion motorcycles

It’s not about being anti-progress — it’s about being pro-rider.

Electric vs Combustion: What Was on the Floor

Electric motorcycles were more visible than ever at MCL25, concentrated in the E-Ride Zone, youth EV areas and specialist stands. However, internal-combustion motorcycles still dominated:

Traditional OEMs primarily showcased ICE models.

Electric exhibitors made up roughly 10–20% of manufacturer presences with the remainder showing combustion or mixed fleets.

For the BMF, choice remains vital — and combustion motorcycles continue to be at the heart of British motorcycling.

Pricing & Reviews

While the atmosphere was positive, some attendees noted that ticket and car parking costs were high. Many felt that lower or free parking would have left more to spend on the trade floor. Despite this, most visitors & traders reported enjoying MCL25 more than the last two editions, even during quieter weekday sessions and welcomed the chance to explore bargains and the latest bikes.

Looking Ahead

Motorcycle Live 2026 is confirmed for 21st–29th November at Birmingham’s NEC. For the BMF, the mission continues: celebrating community, championing riders and ensuring the thrill of two wheels remains central to UK roads.

Over to You

What were your highlights of Motorcycle Live 2025? Did you test ride a new bike, conquer a simulator, catch a stunt that left you breathless or spot your dream machine? Do you prefer E-bikes? Share your photos and stories at admin@bmf.co.uk as we want to see what captured your attention and hear your thoughts on this year’s MCL event.

Written by MJ

All images are authors own

Header image L to R Craig Carey-Clinch (NMC), Anna Zee (BMF) , Paul Morgan CBE (BMF) and Mark Jaffe (PMCT)