Thousands of visitors gathered at the National Motorcycle Museum over the weekend of October 25–26 for Museum Live 2025, an event that showcased the evolution of motorcycling from vintage icons to modern engineering marvels. Despite the wet, autumn weather, the weekend maintained a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere with music, live engine start-ups, and stage presentations taking place across the site.

The expanded outdoor area offered visitors a range of attractions and activities. Manufacturers BSA and Royal Enfield provided test rides of their latest models, while the Mental Health Motorbike initiative engaged with attendees to raise awareness and support wellbeing within the biking community.

One of the standout features was the dragster start-up demonstration, hosted by Steve Parrish in the museum’s Fountain Courtyard. The headline act was ‘The Hobbit’, a twin-engine, supercharged Weslake 850 machine famed for its record-breaking quarter-mile performance. The thunderous start-ups of The Hobbit and other classic dragsters such as ‘Olympus’ and ‘Norman Conquest’ offered a powerful reminder of the innovation and spirit that continue to drive motorcycle engineering forward.

Inside, visitors were treated to live displays from Allan Millyard, who started his distinctive RC374 six-cylinder and Norton V8 creations. Both machines showcased Millyard’s exceptional craftsmanship and mechanical insight, drawing large crowds during each session.

Guy ‘Skid’ Willison also drew attention with the live start-up of his modified Honda, which took place on stage alongside Allan Millyard’s demonstrations. The bike, featuring extensive performance tuning and bespoke fabrication, delivered an impressive sound that resonated throughout the venue, capturing the attention of both enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The weekend also featured a strong racing presence, with John McGuinness and Dean Harrison joining Henry Cole, Allan Millyard, and Skid for a series of on-stage discussions. Away from the main stage, McGuinness and Harrison took time to meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos, much to the delight of visitors.

In keeping with the theme of progress and inclusion, the event celebrated the growing contribution of women in motorcycling. Jenny Tinmouth, Isle of Man TT lap record holder and BSB racer took part in a live Q&A hosted by Rachael Clegg, joined by Emma Franklin and Saffron Wilson from Motorcycle News (MCN). At the end of her session, Jenny attempted a live start-up of her motorcycle, which had other ideas in refusing to fire at first. Luckily, Allan Millyard swooped in like a mechanical superhero, with the bike soon roaring to life, earning cheers & laughter from the audience. Meanwhile, Liliana Myers signed copies of her book Dave & Me, and The Daisy Belles added a charming vintage musical touch, proving that motorcycles, music, and a little bit of mayhem make for the perfect weekend.

Across the museum’s vast halls, more than 1,000 motorcycles spanning 14 decades were on display, charting the journey of motorcycling from early craftsmanship to cutting-edge performance. Henry Cole’s stage sessions reinforced this message, referencing the phrase “loud pipes save lives” to link safety awareness with the unmistakable sound of motorcycling passion.

Museum Live 2025 captured the sounds, stories, and spirit of motorcycling, celebrating not only the machines that shaped its history but also the evolving culture surrounding them. The increasing presence of women across racing, media, and performance highlighted a positive shift in the industry, reflecting how today’s riding community continues to grow and diversify. By blending heritage with high-octane excitement this event sets the stage for even more thrills and innovation at Museum Live 2026.

Written by MJ

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