Suzuki to roll out the red carpet, as VIP GSX-R event confirmed

Suzuki has confirmed its plans for this year’s MCL show at the NEC in Birmingham, which runs from 15–23 November, and it’s shaping up to be a major celebration of one of the most iconic names in motorcycling — the GSX-R.

Marking four decades since the first GSX-R750F hit the roads back in 1985, Suzuki will honour its legendary sportsbike lineage with a dedicated anniversary display, fresh machinery for 2026, and a special VIP event on the show’s opening day.

The celebration comes hot on the heels of Suzuki revealing its all-new GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Edition earlier this year — a heavily updated flagship superbike designed to carry the GSX-R legacy into its fifth decade.

You might like to read our Suzuki GSX-8T review.

At MCL, Suzuki’s stand will feature a line-up that pays tribute to every generation of GSX-R. Expect to see the original 1985 GSX-R750F, the revered K5 1000, and the new GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Edition taking pride of place, alongside a selection of SRADs and other historic models that helped define the brand’s racing DNA.

Adding to the excitement, British rider Dan Linfoot — fresh from victory at the 2025 Bol d’Or 24-hour race and his 2024 Endurance World Championship title alongside Gregg Black and Etienne Masson — will appear as a special guest during the show.

Suzuki will also display its latest 2026 models, including the modern-classic-inspired GSX-8T and adventure-ready GSX-8TT, both powered by Suzuki’s 776cc parallel-twin engine. These will sit alongside the award-winning GSX-8S and 8R, as well as the V-Strom 800RE and 800DE. Completing the adventure range are the V-Strom 1050 and 1050DE, while the GSX-S1000GX and GSX-S1000GT will headline the sports-touring offering. The GSX-S1000, Katana, and Hayabusa will also be on display for fans to get up close to.

Visitors keen to get a taste of Suzuki’s range firsthand can take advantage of test rides offered on a first-come, first-served basis — though riders will need to bring both their driving licence and a DVLA check code to participate.

To kickstart the festivities, Suzuki will host a special VIP event on the morning of Saturday 15 November — just before MCL opens its doors to the public. The invite-only celebration, open exclusively to customers who have placed deposits on the GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Edition, will take place on the Suzuki stand.

The event will be hosted by renowned presenter and broadcaster Grace Webb, and will feature insights into the new GSX-R from Paul de Lusignan, Suzuki GB’s Director of Motorcycles. Guests will also hear from Dan Linfoot, as well as John Reynolds, 2004 British Superbike Champion and former GSX-R test rider.

Attendees will receive a special goody bag, the chance to chat with Linfoot, Reynolds, and members of the Suzuki GB team, and get an exclusive first look at the new GSX-R1000R 40th Anniversary Edition in the metal before anyone else in the UK.

Suzuki GB’s marketing manager, Jak Tyrrell, said:

“I think it’s fair to say that no other range of motorcycles has moved the game on in the way that GSX-R has over the last four decades, or has played such a big part in the motorcycling journey of so many riders over the years. Forty years is an incredible milestone, and we’re really excited to be able to celebrate such an anniversary at MCL, talk with owners old and new about their GSX-R history, all ahead of the arrival of the anniversary edition next year.”

Whether you’re a lifelong Gixxer fanatic or just curious to see Suzuki’s latest innovations, MCL 2025 looks set to be a must-visit event for anyone with petrol in their veins.

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