For nine days every November, Birmingham NEC transforms into one of the biggest showcases of new motorcycles outside of Italy’s EICMA: Motorcycle Live.
This year saw a new name -MCL- and full rebrand of the event. It felt like more of a social gathering than in previous years. Live bands, food stands and ‘chillout zones’ added to the more casual atmosphere.
Sadly, no amount of pageantry can downplay the fact that this year has seen many dealers close for the last time. Manufacturers have fallen victim, too. For a die hard CCM fan, their absence was a sad reminder that things can change, and quickly.
But enough of the doom and gloom. For show standouts, keep on reading!
Norton Resurgence
Love it or loathe it, Norton Resurgence has arrived in the UK with a bang. New branding, four new models- The Manx R, Manx, Atlas and Atlas GT- and mixed reactions from the press and consumers alike.
The stand was a good place to eavesdrop. There were mumblings from purists that the ‘company has been ruined.’ I get it, it’s a change I’m sure a lot of die-hard Norton fans are struggling to process (my own Dad, a 961 Commando owner, included). But there was an equal measure of positive feedback to be heard.
The Manx R
The standout was the flagship Manx R. The design is purposeful, minimalist, super modern. The aggressive front end reminds me of a Ducati 748. Following one from behind, that distinctive tail light unit leaves no doubt as to the bike being ridden. What that ride feels like (and how much it will cost you) is still unknown. Details we do have so far include:
- All-new 72-degree 1,200cc V4 engine
- Semi-active Marzocchi suspension
- Brembo Hypure brakes
- Under-slung exhaust
- Single sided swingarm
- Carbon fibre body panels and wheels
- Advanced LED lighting
- 8” Touchscreen TFT cluster
Will such a drastic change change in direction be the making or breaking of Norton? Only time will tell.
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield seem to be onto a winning formula at the moment. Dealers are popping up all over the place, with our local biking hub Macpherson Motorcycles joining the fold this week. Something I’m very excited about.
Attending the press launch of two new models- The Flying Flea and Bullet 650- the team’s passion and respect for the brand’s heritage was obvious. What also shone through was their innovation.
The Flying Flea is Enfield’s first foray into the electric bike market. If I’m totally honest, before seeing it in the metal, I had no interest. But after taking a good look at the S6, and talking to the designers, I can see the appeal.
Living on the city outskirts, with a selection of green-lanes on our doorstep, could the S6 be the perfect combination of low-carbon commuter and lightweight dirt road plugger? I never thought I’d say this, but I’m looking forward to finding out.
Although nothing will ever replace the growl of a combustion engine. Sorry, eco warriors.
Deal-breakers will be price, and battery range. And at the moment, here is where most electric bikes disappoint.
BMW
F450 GS
The long awaited baby GS has finally arrived. Powered by a brand new 420cc unit, it’s engineered to be right on the limit of the A2 regs. And with KYB forks, Brembo brakes and enhanced electronics, it’s a huge upgrade from the now defunct G310GS. But starting at £6990 for the base model, it’s also significantly more expensive.
However, I don’t think new riders are necessarily the target audience BMW are aiming for. The appetite for a lightweight, do-all bike is only growing. And I’m sure the 450 will sell well.
Honda
2026 Transalp SP
The Transalp is a bike that is often overshadowed by it’s big brother, the iconic Africa Twin. But if you’ve read my ride review, you’ll know I’m already a huge fan of the platform.
It’s had a few key updates this year, including re-tuned suspension damping and a more intuitive dash. For 2026, you now get a skid plate as standard, and the optional addition of Honda’s e-clutch system.
The SP takes things further, with a retro-inspired colour scheme and beefier crash guards. Whether these upgrades are worth an extra £1000, I’ll leave up to you. It looks great, but is very much a styling exercise. If, like me, you were hoping the SP would be a full Rally Raid version of the XL, sorry to disappoint.
BSA
Thunderbolt 350
BSA threw a massive curveball when they announced the release of the Thunderbolt 350 at EICMA, their first adventure machine. Based on the Bantam’s 334cc single-cylinder platform, it has more than a hint of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 about it.
Specs include:
- 185kg dry weight
- 15L fuel tank
- Dual channel ABS, with 3 riding modes
- Slip assist clutch
- Bluetooth connectivity
- An approachable 815mm seat height
Price is yet to be confirmed. With the Bantam coming in at a £3499, I’d expect the Thunderbolt to be a very reasonably priced adventure machine.
Ducati
DesertX MY26
The adventure and enduro segments of the motorcycle market have exploded in recent years. So it was no surprise to see Ducati’s latest iteration of the DesertX. With a new 890cc V2 engine delivering 110BHP, 4kg of weight savings and tweaks to geometry, it’s designed to meet the needs of the most adventurous of riders.
Set to be available from May 2026, price to be confirmed.
Kawasaki
KLE500 MY 2026
Kawasaki have ventured into the ADV fold, with the brand new KLE500. And it’s about time, too. The KLE name graced the entry level model produced by Kawasaki between 1991-2007, before it was replaced by the Versys 650.
Eighteen years on, and this latest iteration is powered by the parallel-twin 451cc engine already found in the Ninja 500. A 21 inch front and 19 inch rear wheel suggest it’ll have genuine offroad capability. And this is where its closest competitor, the Honda NX500, falls short.
Launching in March 2026, and with an attractive baseline price of £5999, I’m sure it will be a popular addition to the already booming A2 market.
Triumph
Bonneville Bobber
The Bonneville Bobber is a bike that I’ve always been drawn to, but been put off buying due to it’s perceived impracticalities. Fuel tank? Tiny. Luggage options? Limited. But it seems Triumph have taken feedback on board, and for 2026 the Bobber has had some key updates, including:
- An increase in fuel tank capacity from to 12L to 14L
- A wider and more padded seat, for increased comfort
- Lean sensitive ABS and traction control
- An A2 licence friendly restrictor kit will also be available- a first for the 1200 line.
Scrambler 900
The Scrambler 900 has had a significant overhaul for 2026, with advanced electronics and lightweight aluminium rims.
Where the Bobber’s styling has remained largely the same, it’s been drastically overhauled with the Scrambler. And I’m not so sure how I feel about it. I always loved the simplicity of the Street platform. It was a blank canvas, ripe for customisation.
I’d be interested to hear what current Scrambler owners think.
Suzuki
GSXR Showcase
When Suzuki announced they’d be showcasing the GSXR collection at the show for the bike’s 40th anniversary, I knew I had to share my Dad’s enduring love for the classic ‘slab sides’ and ‘slingshot’ models.
Dad had 5 in total, starting with the first model ever made- the GSX-R 750F of 1985. Back then, he didn’t have a car licence, so this would have been his daily commuter. He says if he had the chance, he’d buy another tomorrow.
It was fantastic to see the full evolution of such an iconic bike, concluding with the brand new 2026 GSXR Anniversary models- the R600, R750 and R1000.
Yamaha
XSR 900 & Haxch Moto Custom
I’ve had a soft spot for the XSR900 platform since its launch back in 2016. Then the GP was released, and I was left hankering after a sports bike- something I never thought would happen!
Haxch Moto have taken that platform and turned it into a one of a kind BEAUTY. The XZR Thunderbolt. The tank and fairing panels are all hand-beaten from aluminium, a level of craftsmanship that is rarely seen these days. If you’re into your 90’s retro’s, this bike is for you. There are plans for a limited run of road legal customs, so watch this space.
Moto GB
When I first started visiting MCL, the MotoGB stand was often seen as an afterthought. ‘Lesser’ Chinese bikes were tucked in a corner, passed up in favour of more ‘reputable’ and ‘reliable’ brands. If the crowds at the stand this year were anything to go by, those days are well and truly over.
Hero XPulse 200 & 200 PRO
A trail bike that’s lightweight, low-seated (825mm) and £2499? Sounds too good to be true, but the Hero XPulse is exactly that. A tried and tested model that is hugely popular in India, I’m excited to see how they do in the UK. And for those in need of extra suspension travel, the PRO model still prices at a modest £2699.
Voge DS800X Rally
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this Summer, you’ve probably seen the rave reviews about this bike. And I can see why. The spec sheet belies the 800X’s £7000 price tag, with premium KYB suspension and tubeless cross-spokes as standard.
As an owner and lover of the Voge Rally 300, I can’t wait to get my hands on its much bigger brother next year.
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