Showtime in the city
Thousands flock to London’s ExCeL for the Devitt MCN Show
More than 31,000 motorcycle fans headed to the capital at the weekend for the annual Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show.
Taking place at ExCeL, the show played host to the latest new metal from the likes of Triumph, Yamaha, KTM, Suzuki and more – plus test rides from Honda and Norton.
Friday saw a guest appearance from current MotoGP superstar Jorge Martin, while 25-time TT winner Michael Dunlop was crowned MCN Rider of the Year.
Manufacturers reported loads of interest on their stands. “HarleyDavidson celebrated an upbeat season opener at MCN Show, unveiling their next-gen Grand American Touring models,” a spokesperson said. “A favourite on the H-D event calendar, this year didn’t disappoint - with live action, special guests and smiles on the faces of guests who came along.”
Showgoers were also treated to expert talks and demonstrations from famous faces including 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, world renowned motorcycle adventurer Charley Boorman, and TV stars Henry Cole, Allen Millyard and Guy Willison.
“This is the first time I’ve been to the show, and I’ve enjoyed it,” visitor Jon Scrivner told MCN. “There’s so much to see and do and just try and get around everywhere.”
“It’s really interesting listening to a lot of the talks by some of the guys on the Charley Boorman stage,” he continued. “It was really interesting to hear other peoples’ experiences and other people’s knowledge.”
Elsewhere, fans could also watch live racing in the Extreme Enduro zone, with commentary provided by the iconic voice of Barry Nutley. Riders cleared obstacles including barrels, wooden planks, and even a pair of skips, racing their twostroke machinery in pairs.
“It’s nice to come back to this show,” McGuinness added. “It must be 12 or 13 years I’ve been coming on the bounce, and I love it. I really, really enjoy it.
“Me and my boy come down and have a bit of a lad’s weekend and I never get bored of looking at bikes.”
As part of the show, McGuinness joined TT lap record holder Peter Hickman on stage to narrate the fastest-ever lap of the 37.73-mile Mountain course – each time receiving a standing ovation from the spectators.
“We both bounce off each other very well with the chat,” added McGuinness. “You’ve got the ultimate lap record holder and I’ve won a few myself. I’m even learning from his lap and how he commits at some parts of the track; when I was at the top of my game I didn’t commit as hard as that!”
“The MCN London Show team have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to deliver this year’s event, creating a brilliant array of new features to entertain and amuse visitors,” said MCN Publisher, Rachael Beesley. “This year’s show has really showcased what MCN is passionate about, and we’ve loved every minute of sharing it with visitors and our exhibitors.”
‘I’ve been coming 12 or 13 years. I really love it’