Our friends at MCL are starting to tease what’s in store for this year’s MCL show. Expect new features, a few familiar faces and plenty to keep you entertained once the doors open…
At this point, with summer holidays already a dim and distant memory for many of us, it’s time to look ahead to the winter months and find some biking highlights to keep us going through the darker days. What better time to plan a trip to MCL26? Sponsored by Bikesure, the event is once again being held at the NEC from 21–29 November.
All bikers have one thing in common: by law, we have to wear a lid. But that doesn’t mean we’re all cut from the same cloth. This year MCL26 is a celebration of our different tribes. Whether a learner, race fanatic, adventurer or classic-bike fan, the MCL team have worked hard to make sure there’s something to suit every taste, whatever your tribe…
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As with every year, an immense amount of planning goes into the nine-day celebration of all things bike, to create the biggest indoor motorcycle event in the UK. As you’d expect, every major brand will be at the show with all their new metal, giving you the chance to admire, tyre-kick and, if you’re lucky enough, plan your next purchase. There will also be loads of retailers on hand to tempt you to part with your cash, offering everything from riding gear and accessories to holidays and riding experiences.
To keep regular visitors and new show-goers entertained, some cracking new features have been created for 2026, running alongside the old favourites.
New for this year is ‘The Collection’, produced in collaboration with The Moulsdale Foundation (https://moulsdalefoundation.org/), featuring a stunning display of twelve iconic bikes, hand-picked to ensure there is something of interest for everyone. The Moulsdale Foundation is a charitable foundation & collection on the outskirts of Glasgow (and a complete treasure trove), with in excess of 400 motorcycles and 300 cars on show. The doors of the collection are open once a month for open days, with special guests galore, in order to raise money for the foundation.
To curate it, the MCL Team employed the services of a bike expert who spent his day at Moulsdale poring over all the shiny metal to select some real beauties. Spoilt for choice, the team took their time to finalise a line-up that includes an eclectic mix of machines. There’s everything from a high-mileage Honda MBX80 to Kawasaki’s iconic GPZ750 Turbo, alongside a Suzuki RG500, a Foggy FP1 Petronas, a Mike Hailwood replica Ducati and seven other breathtaking bikes.
Another new addition for 2026 is the ‘Show & Shine’ – a concept more commonly seen in the car world, but one that fits perfectly within the hallowed halls of MCL. Proud motorcycle owners are being given the opportunity to enter their pride and joy for consideration to be included in a special display of bikes at MCL for the very first time.
Entry is simple, and can be done online at motorcyclelive.co.uk/feature/show-shine. It’s simply a case of explaining what makes the bike special, uploading a little of its history and adding some images to highlight why 100,000 visitors should take selfies with it! Bikes will then be selected via votes on MCL’s social media channels, and the winners will be invited to deliver their bike to the show for the duration of the event. Throughout the nine days, show visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite, and on the final Sunday, the inaugural Show & Shine ‘Best in Show’ winner will be crowned.
But it’s not all about new features. Previous visitors may have bagged themselves a slot in the Elite Test Ride Zone, where a whole host of the latest new bikes can be ridden, and with all the gear provided by Arai, RST and AGV, you don’t even have to come kitted out! All you need to do is join the queue, bring your driving licence and enjoy a guided ride on your dream bike. If you prefer to stay indoors, there’s the E-Ride Zone, where all the latest electric bikes are fully charged and buzzing to be ridden. It’s the perfect opportunity to lead your way into the future.
For those over 14 who’ve never had the chance to experience the thrill of riding, there’s the new & improved Learn2Ride Zone. Under the watchful eye of the team from The Motorcycle Experience there’s the chance to learn the basics on some of the latest 125cc bikes and scooters. Once the test ride is over, the experts will explain the next steps, from getting a CBT through to full direct access tests, as well as info on everything you need, from clothing to bikes. What better way to get a first taste of what biking is all about, in the perfect place to grab a deal on everything you need?
Tickets are on sale now and adult entry starts from as little as £25 for a weekday ticket. For those who like a deal (and who doesn’t?), there’s a great advance package: for £36.50 (the same price you’d pay for a ticket on the door), you get a Spada Rucksack thrown in. Just grab your ticket online by scanning the QR code, or heading to the MCL website (motorcyclelive.co.uk) and pick up the 39-litre, water-resistant bag at the show.
Get the date in your diary, and we’ll see you in November!
