Following a record number of visitors in 2013, last weekend saw the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show return to London’s ExCeL centre for the biggest Show to date. A bumper crowd of 36,783 people stepped through the doors over the three-day event, meaning an increase on last year despite some of the worst storms in recent years battering the Capital.
Ignoring transport woes being caused by the weather chaos, thousands of bike fans still flocked to the event at London’s ExCeL centre, with motorcyclists taking full advantage of the free bike parking – extra areas were opened on Sunday to accommodate for riders finally enjoying some sunshine.
Other highlights of the show included an emotional Carl Fogarty being reunited with his four World Superbike title winning Ducati’s, appearances from MotoGP stars Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith, MCE British Superbike team announcements, the inaugural London Custom Bike Championship and a world exclusive tribute to Mike Hailwood. The Hailwood exhibit featured many of Mike ‘the bike’s personal treasures including helmets, clothing, trophies, motorcycles and even a Ford GT40 sportscar.
The ‘Revolution’ show proved a huge hit with fans and attracted packed crowds to the middle of the arena to watch TT stars John McGuinness and Michael Dunlop go head-to-head for the first time this year. Both riders were joined by fellow road racing stars Ian Hutchinson, James Whitham, Michael Rutter and Phillip McCallen, who battled through the pain of cracked ribs to complete all three days.
The diverse range of the latest 2014 bikes on offer from some of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers saw a positive response from visitors, as they got up close and personal with these exotic machines. Adam Kelley, General Manager, Sales and Marketing of Yamaha UK, said, “Once again the MCN London Motorcycle Show provided us with the perfect platform to showcase our full two wheeled line up and launch our MiYamaha PCP finance campaign. We also capitalised on the European Press Embargo of one of our key and exciting updated models – the ‘All New YZF-R125′, unveiling it on the opening day.
With a number of new models added to our line up this year including the MT-07, MT-09 and SR400 amongst others, we were particularly pleased with the level of interest we had throughout the show from both existing and non-Yamaha customers.”
Andy Calton, Editor of Motorcycle News added, “This year’s show was another fantastic event and to see an increase in total attendance once again is extremely encouraging. The feedback we’ve received already from fans, manufacturers and retailers has been really positive and is hopefully a further sign that the industry is beginning to turn.
With iconic machines, latest models from some of the biggest names in the industry, racing superstars and of course the ever-popular Revolution show this was the biggest MCN London Motorcycle Show to date and we look forward to coming back even bigger and better next year!”
To keep up to date with next year’s action packed Show, which will be held on 13-15 February, visit www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com
