Bring on the Test Rides and Demo Days across the UK and Ireland, because I’ve had enough of staring at high-res press photos while nursing a lukewarm coffee.
Thankfully, it appears the salt is finally off the roads and the morning air has lost its bite. There is nothing stopping me from converting hydrocarbons into forward motion and testing the latest motorcycles.
And no, this isn’t an article where I tell you all about sunny locations, and how much I’m going to be wined and dined while having my journalistic ego stroked at new bike launches.
This is about where you can get up close and personal with new bikes, talk to the manufacturer and book your road test.
Whether you’re looking to trade in your tired commuter for something that actually makes your heart race, or you just want to see if the new Kawasaki Z1100 lives up to the hype, the next three months are your golden window.
I’m sure there is more, but here is what we could find for those wanting to try something new or different. Not just eye candy, but where you can get to ride them.
With locations far and wide, it’s worth booking to ensure the “oh look, sunshine” crowd don’t ruin your plans.
Test Rides and Demo Days
| Date | The Event | The Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 7-8 | The Scottish Motorcycle Show | Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh |
| Mar 14 | BMW New Season Launch / Royal Enfield Test Rides & Bike Shed Ride Out | Halliwell Jones, Chester Bike Shed – London |
| Mar 20-21 | Royal Enfield Demo Day | Krazy Horse, Bury St Edmunds |
| Mar 28 | Kawasaki Experience Tour | Phillip McCallen, Lisburn |
| Mar 28-29 | Royal Enfield Test Rides | BaffleHaus, Wales |
| Apr 4 | Ducati Roadshow UK | Ducati Coventry |
| Apr 11-12 | Rykas Cafe Demo Weekend | Box Hill, Dorking |
| Apr 11-12 | Classic Bike Track Day (No test rides) | Castle Combe Circuit |
| Apr 18 | The Italian Invasion | DMC Stoke |
| May 9-10 | The Highland Run (Ducati) | The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum |
| May 17 | Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2026 | Worldwide (Dust off the tweed) |
| May 23 | Royal Enfield Demo Day | Damarells, Saint Comb |
What’s Included
- The Ducati Roadshow: They’re bringing the Panigale V2S. It’s loud, it’s red, and it’ll make your current bike feel like a tractor. Book early or expect to spend the day watching others have all the fun.
- The Kawasaki Tour: Keep an eye out for the Ninja 1100SX. It’s the bike for those of us who want to cross continents without needing a chiropractor at the end of it.
- BMW Motorrad: April and May see the “Experience Days” kick off. It’s less about a 15-minute loop around an industrial estate and more about actually feeling what the GS can do on proper roads.
- Royal Enfield: It is their 125th Anniversary this year, and they are also celebrating 10 years of the Himalayan. Expect the Guerrilla 450 and the Shotgun 650 to feature.
Top Tip
Don’t turn up in a t-shirt and expect a go on a £20k superbike. Bring your full kit, your photocard license, and a clean DVLA check code. No code, no ride. Simple as that.
