TT legends, TV stars, live machines and two-wheeled action!

The National Motorcycle Museum’s popular Museum LIVE event returns on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names in motorcycling, legendary machines, live shows, test rides, specialist experts and the Museum’s world-renowned collection. With FREE ENTRY, Museum LIVE offers a packed weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages.

Stars On Stage

The Henry Cole & Friends live shows return, with Henry joined by motorcycle engineer and builder Allen Millyard, Guy ‘Skid’ Willison and Fuzz Townsend, hosted by TT winner Steve Plater.

Across the weekend, the shows will feature stories, entertainment, special guests and live machine fire-ups. Saturday welcomes Steve Parrish, while Sunday features Jamie Whitham in the morning and TT legend John McGuinness in the afternoon.

Sunday also marks 30 years since John McGuinness first appeared at the Isle of Man TT. John will join journalist and artist Rachael Clegg for a special Tea & TT session, with TT photographer Stephen Davison showcasing his work celebrating John’s TT career.

Rachael will also host a second Tea & TT session on Saturday with Jamie Whitham and TT Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson, with Stephen Davison showcasing his TT photography.

Drag Bike Start Ups

Get ready for some serious noise as legendary drag bikes roar into life in the Museum’s Fountain Courtyard, hosted by former GP ace Steve Parrish.

Among the machines set to feature are John Hobbs’ legendary Olympus and Hobbit, alongside the Double Norton and Hogslayer, with many more spectacular machines joining the line-up.

It’s a lunchtime celebration of the sound and spectacle of classic drag racing – and one not to be missed.

Test Ride BSA & Royal Enfield

Museum LIVE isn’t just about looking at motorcycles – visitors can get out on the road and experience the latest machines for themselves.

BSA will bring their Goldstar, 350cc Bantam and 650cc Scrambler, while Royal Enfield will offer rides on many of their machines including the Himalayan

Torque Zones & Trade Stands

The popular Torque Zones return for 2026, bringing together motorcycle specialists, industry experts, photographers and members of the National Motorcycle Museum’s restoration team.

Visitors can discover more about motorcycle engineering, restoration, racing, customisation and the people working behind the scenes to keep the industry moving.

Alongside the Torque Zones, the Museum’s Trade Area will feature a range of specialist motorcycle businesses, offering everything from parts and services to products and memorabilia.

Get Closer to the Collection

Entry to the National Motorcycle Museum is FREE throughout Museum LIVE, giving visitors the chance to explore more than 1,000 motorcycles spanning over 100 years of British motorcycle history.

Visitors can also join free guided tours with Classic Bike’s Rick Parkington, meet members of the Museum’s restoration team and discover more about the stories behind some of the most important motorcycles in the collection.

One machine certain to attract attention is the extraordinary Millyard V10 Viper, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close to Allen Millyard’s remarkable 8-litre, V10-powered creation.

H&H Auction Preview

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see a selection of motorcycles due to go under the hammer at the H&H Classics auction at the National Motorcycle Museum the following week.

It’s a chance to get up close to some of the motorcycles before they enter the auction and see what the next machines could be to find new homes with collectors and enthusiasts

 

MUSEUM LIVE 2026!

Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October 2026 | 8.30am–5.30pm

At National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, B92 0EJ

 

 

Padgett’s Motorcycles Awarded Prestigious Royal Automobile Club Torrens Trophy Padgett’s Motorcycles, one of the most respected and successful names in British motorcycle racing, has been awarded the historic Torrens Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club in recognition of more than six decades of outstanding contribution to the sport. Presented only in exceptional circumstances, the Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the cause or technical excellence of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom. This rare accolade reflects Padgett’s extraordinary legacy in the sport, spanning more than six decades of success at the highest levels of international racing and road racing. Padgett’s has supported and developed generations of world-class riders, achieving sustained success at the very highest level. Over this period, no other organisation has supported as many British riders across such a wide range of events and championships, from the Isle of Man TT and British Superbikes to Irish road racing and Grand Prix World Championships. As one of the most successful privateer teams in motorcycle racing, Padgett’s has achieved multiple Isle of Man TT victories with riders including Bruce Anstey, and has secured historic success with both John McGuinness and Ian Hutchinson, most notably Hutchinson’s unprecedented clean sweep of all five solo TT races in 2010. The team has also established an enduring and influential presence at major road racing events, including the North West 200. From its early association with Grand Prix legends such as Mike Hailwood and Phil Read, through to its modern-day achievements, Padgett’s Motorcycles holds a unique place at the very heart of British motorcycle racing, making the them truly worthy recipients of this prestigious award. Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: “Over the years, Padgett’s has played a pivotal role in shaping British motorcycle racing, supporting and developing generations of world-class riders while maintaining an unwavering commitment to performance and safety, and establishing standards and relationships that have endured across generations. “Their enduring competitive success, contribution to the advancement of British motorcycling and role in nurturing talent firmly cement their place at the very heart of the sport. This award recognises both their remarkable heritage and their continued influence at the highest level.” ”Clive Padgett, who continues to lead the family-run team, said: “To receive the Torrens Trophy is an incredible honour for everyone involved with Padgett’s. It’s recognition not just of results, but of decades of hard work, passion and commitment to doing things the right way. On a personal level, this means a huge amount to me and my family. My father, Peter, dedicated his life to building Padgett’s into what it is today, and it’s something I know he would have been immensely proud of. To receive this in the same year that we lost him makes it especially poignant.” Multiple Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness MBE added: “Padgett’s is more than just a team, it’s a family. To see them recognised with something as prestigious as the Torrens Trophy is absolutely deserved. They’ve been at the heart of British racing for decades, and I feel privileged to have been part of that story.” Ian Hutchinson said “Clive and the Padgett’s team have always been very special to me. We had an unbelievable year together in 2010, winning all five solo TT races, but it’s always been about much more than the racing. “They’ve been there for me through the good times and the tough ones. There’s so much knowledge, passion and hard work behind Padgett’s, but also real loyalty and friendship. They’ve given so much to riders like me and to motorcycle racing. I’m absolutely chuffed to see them win the Torrens Trophy – they really deserve it.” The Torrens Trophy is awarded only when the Royal Automobile Club considers an achievement or contribution truly worthy of the honour, underlining the significance of Padgett’s Motorcycles joining its distinguished roll of recipients.   About The Royal Automobile Club The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897, and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation. The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, one of the oldest continuously run competitive motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences. Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation, while promoting its own motoring events including London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. This year the Club’s London Motor Week – including the Motoring Book of The Year Awards – runs from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historically world-famous trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Diamond Jubilee Trophy and the Historic Awards.

Motorcycles are well suited to local deliveries. They are compact, relatively economical, and easier to manoeuvre through congested urban areas than larger vehicles. But the bike itself is only one part of an efficient delivery operation.

Route selection, loading, timing, navigation, and rider habits all affect how many jobs can be completed during a shift. Small inefficiencies become expensive when repeated across dozens of deliveries.

Start With Better Route Planning   

A delivery route should be planned around more than distance. The shortest route is not always the fastest. Junctions, one-way systems, traffic lights, road restrictions, and congestion can add significant time to a short journey.

This matters on UK roads. Department for Transport figures show that local A roads in England had an average speed of just 23.0 mph in 2024. Average delay was 48.3 seconds per vehicle per mile compared with free-flow conditions.

For riders handling several addresses, planning the sequence of stops before leaving can reduce unnecessary mileage and repeated sections of road. A free route planner tool can help organise multiple destinations into a more practical route.

Good route planning should consider:

• The location of every delivery

• Required delivery times or customer windows

• Road restrictions and access limitations

• Expected traffic conditions

• The distance between consecutive stops

• Where the rider can safely stop and unload

The objective is not simply to cover fewer miles. It is to reduce total journey time while keeping the route predictable.

Group Deliveries by Location

When several deliveries are assigned to one rider, grouping stops geographically can make a major difference.

Suppose five customers are located across three neighbouring areas. Sending the rider back and forth between those areas creates unnecessary mileage. A better approach is to complete one cluster before moving to the next.

This becomes particularly useful during busy periods. The rider spends less time making route decisions and more time completing deliveries.

However, geographical grouping should not override delivery deadlines. A stop with a strict time window may need to be prioritised even if it sits outside the main cluster.

Keep the Motorcycle Ready for Work

Mechanical reliability directly affects delivery efficiency. A minor problem can turn into a missed delivery schedule and lost working time.

Before a shift, riders should check the basic operating condition of the motorcycle. Tyre pressures deserve particular attention because incorrect pressure can affect handling, braking and fuel consumption.

A practical pre-shift check includes:

• Tyre condition and pressure

• Engine oil level

• Brake operation

• Lights and indicators

• Chain condition and tension

• Fuel level

• Mirrors and controls

The delivery box or luggage system should also be checked. Loose mounting hardware can create vibration and instability. Heavy items should be secured so they cannot move during braking or cornering.

Load the Bike for Faster Stops

Time spent at each address matters just as much as riding time.

If packages are loaded without a clear system, the rider may need to search through the storage box at every stop. That creates small delays that accumulate throughout the day.

Organise packages according to the planned route. Items for the first stops should be accessible without removing everything else. Fragile goods should be protected from movement, while heavier items should be positioned securely and within the motorcycle's luggage capacity.

Labels should be clear and easy to read. If possible, include the delivery sequence on the package or in the rider's navigation system.

Reduce Unnecessary Waiting

Not every delay happens on the road.

A rider can lose considerable time waiting for customers, searching for entrances, finding loading areas, or dealing with unclear delivery instructions.

Before starting the route, check the information available for each address. Commercial buildings may have separate entrances for deliveries. Residential developments may have restricted access or limited parking.

Where the delivery system allows it, customers can also be given an estimated arrival window. Clear instructions reduce the likelihood of the rider having to make additional calls or search for the correct location.

Use Data to Improve Future Routes

Efficiency improves when delivery performance is measured.

Record basic information such as total deliveries, kilometres travelled, shift duration, failed delivery attempts, and average time per stop. After several shifts, patterns become easier to identify.

One route may consistently cause delays during the afternoon. Another may contain too many difficult access points. A particular group of addresses may work better at a different time.

Motorcycle traffic in Great Britain reached 3.0 billion vehicle miles in 2024, up 3.5% from 2023 and 10.6% above 2019 levels, according to the Department for Transport.

As motorcycle use grows, efficient route management becomes increasingly useful for businesses relying on two-wheeled delivery vehicles.

Build a Repeatable Delivery System

The most efficient motorcycle delivery operation is rarely based on riding faster. It comes from removing wasted time.

Plan the route before departure. Group nearby addresses. Load packages in delivery order. Keep the motorcycle maintained. Record performance and adjust routes when the data shows a recurring problem.

These practices make each individual delivery more predictable. Over a full working day, that can mean fewer unnecessary miles, less waiting, and more completed jobs without placing additional pressure on the rider.

 

 

 

 

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The British Motor Museum has announced that it will host another eight key motoring shows this Autumn. The Museum has already hosted a packed calendar of events throughout the summer months. The remaining shows held in September and October include Retro Truck Show on 5 & 6 September, MX-5 Owners Club National Rally on 13 September, DR1VR Show on 20 September, Rustival on 26 September, Jaguars at Gaydon on 27 September, Porsche Boxster 30th Anniversary Celebration on 10 October, Large Model Aircraft Show on 11 October, and the Great British Model Railway Show on 24 & 25 October.

The Retro Truck Show is one of the biggest in the calendar, highlighting some of the top truck manufacturers, from DAF to Volvo. It welcomes trucks from countries across Europe, including France, Belgium and the Netherlands, bringing over 300 trucks from 1971 to 2001 together to create a amazing display. The show is great for families too, with children having a fantastic time looking around the towering trucks on display.  

The MX-5 Owners Club National Rally is returning this September, with over 1,500 cars expected from the UK and beyond. This is nothing less than the world’s biggest event of its kind, and the rally is the backbone of the UK's MX-5 community. There is no better place to connect with fellow fans and leading specialists.

The DR1VR Show is bringing its legendary show back to the Museum, so whether you're a tuner or a fan, this is the place to be! No matter your build, whether bagged, on coilovers, wrapped or painted, it has a place here. Expect live music, hundreds of like-minded petrolheads, and an epic show-car display. Bringing together modern and classic stance, track builds, and timeless classics, DR1VR Show is the place to be for any modified car enthusiast.

Rustival is back for the fifth time, as open-hearted and unpretentious as ever. Hosts Ian and Carly from HubNut, Steph from IDRIVEACLASSIC, and Matt from Furious Driving invite visitors to bring along their ride and take their place amongst a line-up spanning every decade of motoring. From polished pride and joy to gloriously weathered survivor. Cars, bikes, buses and everything in between. Expect surprise guests, generous conversations and good food. At the heart of it all is the renowned Friendship Corner where usernames become handshakes and newcomers become regulars.

The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) is once again partnering with the Museum for its annual gathering of Jaguar enthusiasts at Jaguars at Gaydon. Hundreds of Jaguars will be on the prowl in the show arena, alongside Daimlers, Swallows, SS and Lanchesters. The roving commentator will meet owners and share the stories behind these remarkable vehicles, highlighting the passion, craftsmanship and history that make them so special. The event will also feature the Champion of Champions Concours, showcasing a selection of outstanding vehicles from across the Jaguar community.

The Large Model Aircraft Show is back, bringing with it over 100 large static radio-controlled model aircraft! Every era will be represented, from the legends of WW1 and WW2 to the cutting-edge jets of today. Best of all, no flight line fencing means visitors can get up close to these incredible models. Visitors can enjoy a huge trade area, packed with everything needed to get their model aircraft dreams off the ground, from parts to prebuilt models. Plenty of builders and pilots will be on hand to talk about their creations.

The Porsche Boxster 30th Anniversary will celebrateone of Porsche’s most iconic sports cars, which turns 30 this year. With a display spanning every era of the Porsche Boxster, from the 986 to the 718, this is the largest Boxster gathering the club has ever run. Along with the displays, visitors will also have the chance to mingle with Porsche enthusiasts, share their passion, and shop for parts from leading vendors.

The Great British Model Railway Show is a special family-friendly weekend dedicated to model trains and layouts, where the industry’s biggest names come together with enthusiasts to celebrate masterpieces in miniature. Discover over 40 model railways of every shape and size, plus over 30 specialist traders. All the big names will be there, from Hornby to Bachmann, so whether you’re hunting for rolling stock or rolling hills, you will find everything needed for your next standout build.

Tom Caren, Show Manager at the British Motor Museum, stated, “Summer may be ending, but there is still plenty going on this Autumn at the Museum with a superb range of classic, modern and family-friendly motoring shows for our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy in September and October!”

Show entry, including access to the Museum, is just £18 for adults in advance or £21 on the day, £16 for concessions in advance or £19 on the day and £9 for children (5-16 years) in advance or £10 on the day. Under 5s go FREE. There is also the option to Gift Aid or donate your entry fee and receive an Annual Pass in return at no extra cost. Prices vary on Annual Pass Exempt Days.  To find out more information about the shows, please visit the website at  https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on/