Inside the UK's biggest motorbike show

It happens every year. The days get shorter, the weather colder, fair-weather riders realise that their motorcycle hasn’t been ridden for weeks... so they head to Birmingham, by train, for Motorcycle Live, to see what they’ll be riding (and wearing) next year.

The UK’s biggest bike show blows into the NEC from Saturday November 17 until Sunday 25 November, bursting with live action, new features, entertainment and lots of new machines for enthusiasts to gawp at and sit on.

This year, the all-inclusive ticket gives access to four different halls where there are 10 free opportunities to ride bikes, and a new free-to-watch live action that will have viewers’ hearts in their mouths.

The big draw is, of course, the brand-new, just-unveiled machinery from motorcycle manufacturers, on display in the UK for the first time. Forty manufacturers will be showing their wares, many of them hosting special features on their own stands. Suzuki will be doing a live restoration of the iconic G-54 model, while Norton will be starting up its V4 machine at 2pm every day.

Show-goers can check out the creations in the Custom Xtreme Zone, supported by Back Street Heroes or the iconic machines on display at the Classic Feature supported by The National Motorcycle Museum.

The free riding experience are aimed at all ages and abilities, from novice, to adventure enthusiasts and lovers of extreme sports. The brand-new, high-tech, high-energy live action stunt show, Moto-Cirque, will also make its debut at Motorcycle Live. The choreographed daily performances will include world-class street bike stunt riding, BMX, freestyle motocross and moto trials in what the organisers says will be ‘theatrical’ performances.

The show will be set within an amphitheatre-style layout of ramps, structures and platforms, and surrounded by 2,000 seats giving visitors a birds-eye view.

On the Blackhorse Stage, visitors can enjoy non-stop quizzes and game shows, as well as daily appearance from racing stars from the world and British championships, including 10 former and current champions on opening day.

Saturday 24 November is the official BSB Day, celebrating the British Superbike Championship, while the final Sunday will be Isle of Man TT Day.

Advance tickets are on sale until 5pm on Friday November 16, at £19.50per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds, with free admission for children aged ten and under. More information at motorcyclelive.co.uk.

David Williams can be found Tweeting at @djrwilliams.