The time has finally come, and Motorcycle Live 2021 is right around the corner - kicking off on the 4th December until the 12th December.
It’s the UK’s largest motorcycle show, and unless you’re there for a few days, chances are you’ll look at the hall map and wonder how on Earth you’ll get around and see it all.
So we decided to piece together a few of the must-sees for you to jot down for your big day out. It’s in no particular order, and bear in mind some manufacturers have releases penned in to happen whilst the show is running - so keep your ear to the ground when you’re there.
BSA Motorcycles - Hall 4, Stand 4D10
We’ll start with BSA, seeing as they most recently previewed the return of their legendary Gold Star 650. You’ll be one of the first to find out all the details of their Royal Enfield rivalling machine, so swing by for the full scoop - and see what else they have going on.
Norton Motorcycles - Hall 3A, Stand 3C10
We’ve seen photos of the new-Norton V4 based superbike and cafe racer, but head over to the stand and you’ll get a first glimpse of the bikes in the flesh. Historically, Norton hasn’t been too keen on letting you swing a leg over - but being TVS Motors backed, things may have changed… just don’t blame us if you get a stern telling off.
Triumph - Hall 2, Stand 2B20
Ah, Triumph. They’ve got loads to see, and depending on when you’re there, they may be some interesting stuff going on...
I’m not sure I’m really allowed to say anything, so your best bet is head straight over to Triumph when you arrive, look for the person that seems like they have a lot going on (I’m picturing a clipboard and a lot of rushing about) and ask them ‘Visordown said things may be happening, can you tell me what to look out for?’
In any case, you can have a look at the Speed Triple 1200 RS & RR, potentially the Tiger Sport 660, and maybe even the Tiger 900s that myself and Toad took from Lands End to John o’Groats.
BMW Motorrad - Hall 3, Stand 3A10
Again, I’m not sure what I can say here, so head to the BMW stand and see who’s about, and what they’ve got going on.
You may want to check the R18B that we reviewed earlier this year, and the timeless GS series.
Harley Davidson - Hall 3, Stand 3D15, 3C20
No doubt making a lot of noise, it’ll be hard to miss the Harley-Davidson guys and girls.
Check out the Pan America and Sportster S, plus they have a Jumpstart simulator to try out! Say hi to Mick Extance and Charley Boorman, who will be on the stand.
Suzuki - Hall 3A, Stand 3E15
A popular stand, head to Suzuki to find the new GSX-S1000 GT, Burgman 400, GSX-S1000 & 950 (A2 variation), and the new Katana. BSB champ John Reynolds is said to be there both weekends, too.
Kawasaki - Hall 2, Stand 2D20
No favouritism here, but I always love the Kawasaki stand. Have a look at the Jonathan Rea ZX-10RR, get a first UK viewing of the Versys 650 and Ninja H2 SX revealed at EICMA, marvel over the ‘Retrovolution’ Z650RS, and do the classic ‘this thing is incredible’ stare at the H2.
You can also book 2022 slots with the California Superbike School, who’ll be on the stand.
Honda - Hall 3A, Stand 3F20
Another massive stand that you’ll be hard-pressed to miss. Here you can find the new NT1100, CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade 30th Anniversary, the ADV 350, and maybe even Marquez’s MotoGP machine.
The Honda Rolling Road makes a return, as well. That’s always a good laugh.
Electric avenue - loads of electric motorcycles to look for.
Zero - Hall 3A, Stand 3B10
Energica - Hall 3A, Stand 3E30
Super Soco - Hall 2, Stand 2B30
And others, of course.
Royal Enfield - Hall 4, Stand 4B20
As seen at EICMA, you’ll find the new Classic 350, the Meteor 350, the 120th Anniversary 650 Twins, and perhaps even the SG 650 (which looks incredible). Whilst you’re there, have a peek around for a Himalayan 650 (it won’t be there, but please keep asking, maybe they’ll crack and tell you everything they know).
Ducati - Hall 4, Stand 4B10
Loads of releases! Ducati is on a bit of a release-spree at the minute. So, taken from the Motorcycle Live site: ‘The 2022 line-up welcomes the Multistrada V2, Multistrada Pikes Peak, Streetfighter V2 and Streetfighter V2 SP, plus a new evolution of the class-leading Panigale V4.’
Also look for the new Monster, the Diavel, the Hypermotard, and the Desert X - which is due to be revealed on December 9th at 3pm. If you’re there, maybe they’ll wheel one out - who knows (genuinely who knows, I don’t).
Can-Am - Hall 4, Stand 4E15
Hoping to lure some motorcyclists over to three-wheeled luxury, Can-Am is looking enticing with its new Ryker, Spyder and F3 models. They'll likely have a few other machines there too, so it's worth dropping by. Can-Am is always one of those 'if I had the money' type things, very intriguing.
Black Horse stage - Hall 3
There’s always fun to be had at the Black Horse Finance stage. This year, hosted by Steve Parish, you’ll find:
The Mega Motorcycle Store – Memory Game
MCN – Road Test Cinema
Blackhorse – TT Race an Ace
Witham Talks
VISIN Bike Balance
R&G – Wheel Change Challenge
BSB day - Saturday 11th December
BSB 2021 Champ Tarran Mackenzie will be around, plus a host of other BSB stars & legends. If you’re going on the 11th, you’re in for a treat.
There’s plenty more happening at the show, and no doubt plenty that has yet to see the light of day - so make you keep your eyes peeled on every stand!
Signal is sometimes a bit spotty in the halls, so download the map to your phone and never get lost - Motorcycle Live 2021 map.
The show opens at 9am and finishes at 5pm. Get your tickets here, last minute!
