FREE test rides, incredible stunt displays, the latest machines and competitive racing are among the attractions visitors can enjoy at Scotland’s biggest and best motorcycle show in just a few weeks’ time.

The Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show takes place at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre on the weekend of August 9-10, and topping the bill of live action is Yamaha’s Dark Side MT Tour, which sees the Japanese manufacturing giant offering an array of free activities.

Test ride opportunities will be available on models across the MT range, including the MT-09 Street Rally and the new MT-125, and there will also be a host of other riding experiences.

John Milbank, editor of Motor Cycle Monthly and MoreBikes.co.uk, said: “We were the first publication to test the new Street Rally, and we think it’s a fantastic and unique opportunity for riders to be given a chance to do the same.

“Yamaha has sold the MT range as ‘the dark side of Japan’ and I can tell you, this is more than just marketing babble – the MT-09 delivers on that ‘dark side’ promise.

“Make no mistake about it, these bikes are going to be popular. Those wanting to have a go should book their places now.”

A fleet of MT models will be available to test for those with a full motorcycle licence, while novices, A1 and A2 licence holders can sample the MT-125 and the 35kW version of the MT-07 on a specialist test course with instructors on hand to assist.

In addition to the unique test ride opportunity, the MT Tour events will include the incredible Dave Coates Stunt Show, ‘have-a-go’ activities including the MT-09 Extreme Wheelie Machine, the amazing MT Tour truck with exclusive MT apparel and accessories on display, a paddock for existing MT owners and much more.

Another display team, the madcap Purple Helmets, will be making their way to Edinburgh from the Isle of Man adding their own brand of stunt humour to proceedings.

There’s competitive action too in the form of Moped Mayhem and Scottish Supermoto demos as organisers look to make the most of facilities, both inside and out, at the RHC.

“We’ve gone to great lengths in our efforts to provide an all-round motorcycle weekend with interactive, live action taking place outside supplementing the usual excellent trade and club stands filling the halls,” said Nick Mowbray, exhibition manager.

A host of top dealers will be bringing the latest models from Honda, Suzuki, Victory, Indian, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi along with autojumble plots offering all manner of machines and motorcycle parts and accessories.

The event will also welcome racing royalty, with Giacomo Agostini as star guest alongside one of Scotland’s own, three times TT winner Alex George.

“The show will celebrate all that is best about biking, from classic to modern and everything in between,” added Nick.

“We’ve even got Scottish indie-rock cover band Shardlake playing three separate hour-long sets each day of the show – the entertainment simply doesn’t stop.

“Whether it’s someone looking to fill their boots with biking bits or a family looking for a great day out, there really is something for everyone at the Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show.”