2023 Bike Shed Moto Show

It was great to attend the Bike Shed Moto Show again this year and see so many interesting bikes, ranging from full-on custom bikes to some classic race bikes. The folks at Bike Shed Moto always put on a great show with lots of bike displays and plenty of areas to just relax with a beer whilst chatting to friends.

I attended with my friend Mags who’s not a follower of motorbikes but thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, along with plenty of vendors offering cool clothes and vintage memorabilia. 

Best bike from the show?

A common question is ‘what is the best bike at the show?’ and I generally don’t provide an answer. I have specific tastes which are probably not the same as everyone else. What does stand out is the good mix of bikes that are clearly ridden often and bikes that have built to be show bikes. A bit of dirt on the wheels, oxidisation and ripped up tyres demonstrates that someone enjoys their creation beyond the looks.

Bikes that require a double take

Some of the most interesting bikes are those which require a double take to confirm if they are actually what you think they are. I spotted a nice example in one of the smaller display areas which really caught my eye. I’ve always been a fan of the 1980s two stroke street and race replicas, so when a nice Yamaha LC or Suzuki RG appears I usually spend a bit of extra time looking at them, 

Yamaha RD500 / XSR900

At first glance you would be forgiven if you thought is was a very nicely prepared Yamaha RD500LC until you spot the missing expansion chambers. I thought this Yamaha XSR900 based replica was very well done, although you would miss the two stroke scream and smell of two stroke oil.

Tobacco Docks venue

The Tobacco Docks venue is perfectly suited for the show with lots areas across both floors for bike displays and vendors. The area overlooking the river is also very nice if you want to take a break with a beer and something to eat. Your wrist band also allows you to exit and re-enter the venue, which is great if you fancy a walk along the canal or fancy somewhere quiet to eat your lunch. 

Saint Katherine’s Dock is 15 minute walk from the venue along the canal path and provides access to lots of restaurants and pubs for a post show catch-up. I’ll definitely be planning to attend again in 2024, and maybe drop into the Bike Shed Moto bar and restaurant in Shoreditch later in the summer, which is great place if you haven’t already been there. 

Ride safe,

Al (barnfindmotorcycle.com)