Many things could inspire a young rider to take up formal motorcycle training, from seeing something a friend is riding or watching motorsport on TV or live at the circuit. But few things can be quite so inspirational as seeing the latest models on display.

That is exactly what has been happening at the NEC on the outskirts of Birmingham as the Motorcycle Live 2023 show takes place. It began on November 18th and will continue until the 26th, featuring a huge array of exhibitors, exciting new models, and some of the biggest sporting legends on two wheels, such as Tommy Bridewell, Glenn Irwin, and Kyle Ryde.

Huge numbers of motorcycling enthusiasts will have made their way to Birmingham and these will vary from veterans who will have had many years on the road and track riding many models through to youngsters keen to get fully qualified so they can get riding themselves.

The Saturday of the show on November 25th will see no fewer than 18 world champions at the venue, while there will also be chances to ride simulators, see vintage models and look at some of the latest innovations, such as electric bikes designed for a zero-carbon future.

If you are heading across to Birmingham and interested in the whole history of motorcycling, you might also want to nip over the road to the National Motorcycle Museum, just across the junction of the A46 and M42.

Opened in 1984, it features more than 1,000 historic motorbikes, making it the biggest motorbike museum in the world, and it attracts around 250,000 visitors a year.

Combined with a trip to the big show at the NEC, a visit to the Midlands could provide a magical experience for motorbike enthusiasts and have you returning home fully revved up to get your rider’s licence.