Unless you’re London-based, the MCN London Motorcycle Show is one that’s easily left off the calendar. Before it takes place, you’ve probably recently been to Motorcycle Live or, maybe even EICMA.
However, if you dig retro, vintage and custom motorcycles it may be worth making the trip this year [2020].
The London Motorcycle Show 2020
In 2020 it seems the show will be catering more to the tastes of the retro/custom crowd. And, whilst you’ll be able to see all the new bike releases from major manufacturers – on paper, there seems to be more of a nostalgic vibe this year.
Without further ado, here’s a list of must-see exhibits at this year’s MCN London Motorcycle Show.
Barry Sheene’s Collection: GP Bikes
First up; Barry Sheene’s collection is bound to be a major attraction with nine of his GP bikes poised to be displayed.
You may already be aware that, in 2019 Suzuki transported three of Sheene’s GP bikes over from Australia, to its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes for restoration. However, expect to see treble that number of bikes, at the MCN London Motorcycle Show this year.
It’s not just Sheene’s bikes that will be at the show. Sheene’s former teammate Steve Parish and Chief Technician Martyn Ogborne will be in attendance. Clearly, the two will have a few anecdotes about the late and legendary Grand Prix rider. In addition, there should be some valuable insight into these classic racing machines.
Barry Sheene’s GP Bikes on Display at the MCN London Motorcycle Show
- 1969 Suzuki 125 twin RT67 (1967 factory machine)
- 1976 Suzuki 500 XR14A (white/red Texaco Heron livery)
- 1977 Suzuki 500 XR14A (white/red Texaco Heron Forward Trust livery)
- 1978 Suzuki 500 XR22A (black/red Heron Texaco Marlboro livery)
- 1979 Suzuki 680 XR23A (black/red Texaco Heron livery)
- 1980 Yamaha TZ750 (white/red Akai livery)
- 1980 Yamaha TZ500 (black and red)
- 1981 Yamaha TZ750 (white)
- 1984 Suzuki RG500 XR45A Harris frame (DAF trucks livery)
Spada Custom Zone
It’s difficult to ignore the influence of the new wave custom scene, on wider motorcycling culture. And more poignantly, on motorcycle design in recent years.
It seems that the MCN London Motorcycle Show is happy to acknowledge the influence customs exert in shaping the industry – given that there will be a number of customs machines present.
Details are a little scant on which bike builders will be attending however, there is a dedicated custom zone sponsored by Spada. The zone is set to feature an exquisite selection of custom cafe racers, scramblers and bobbers from some of the finest bike builders in Europe.
Bonhams’ Classic Zone
Every year Bonhams holds it Spring Stafford Sale which is a mammoth auction of some of the rarest motorcycles you’re likely to ever set your eyes on.
The venerated auction house will be showcasing twelve motorbikes from the collection of Giancarlo Morbidelli – set for auction on 25th/26th April 2020.
Giancarlo Morbidelli, Motorcycle Collection for Sale
- 1950 Benelli 250cc GP
- 1964 Ducati 125cc Bialbero four
- Ducati 125cc Gran Sport Monoalbero
- 1956 Linto 75cc Bialbero
- 1956 Ducati 125cc Bialbero GP
- 1953 MV Agusta 125cc Bialbero racer
- 1959 Benelli 250cc Bialbero GP
- 1959 Mondial Paton 250cc GP
- 1964 Benelli 250cc four-cylinder GP (ex-Tarquinio Provini)
- 1973 Morbidelli 125cc GP (ex-Angel Nieto)
- 1976 Morbidelli 250cc GP (Agostini’s spare bike)
Bonhams will be supported by the National Motorcycle Museum, who is there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the racing debut of the Rob North-framed works BSA and Triumph triple racers.
Classic TT Launch
For some, the Classic TT has become an unmissable annual event. A pilgrimage of sorts to the hallowed Manx road track, where history and legends were made and are yet to be made. However, for others, it remains on the bucket list, albeit firmly.
This year the Classic TT will officially be launched at the London Motorcycle Show – with tickets for the event available for sale at the show.
There’ll be a variety of classic motorcycle competition-class machines on display. Additionally, you can expect to see stage talks from some of the riders that are competing this year – for instance, John McGuinness. He’ll also be having a pint or two with attendees, during an organised ‘meet and greet the fans’
Classic TT Racing Bikes On Display
- Alistair Cowan Racing 750cc Kawasaki that David Johnson rode in the RST Classic TT Superbike Race
- Ted Woof Craven 350cc Honda that Jamie Coward rode in winning the Locate.im Junior Classic TT Race
- Milenco by Padgetts Racing 250cc Honda that Bruce Anstey rode in the Dunlop Lightweight Classic TT Race
- Team Winfield 500cc Paton that John McGuinness rode in the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race
In short, if you’ve put your bike
Carole Nash/MCN London Motorcycle Show
- Three days [14 – 16 Feb 2020]
- Earlybird tickets – £18 per person when purchased online in advance.
- Children 15 and under go for free.
- Free parking riders.
Image Credits:
- Barry Sheene’s GP Motorcycles NATE K
- All Other Images TOM CALTON
