Bike Shed Moto Show London 2026

AT A GLANCE: The Essentials

Dates: May 22 – May 24, 2026 (Friday to Sunday).

Friday Evening (May 22): VIP & Press Preview (The most exclusive time to go).

Saturday & Sunday (May 23-24): General Public days.

Location: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2SF.

Official Website: bikeshedlondonshow.com

Tickets: Expect to pay around £35–£40 for standard entry and £55+ for VIP/Friday night access. Buy these in advance; they often sell out.

The Vibe: Sophisticated, creative, and welcoming. Think of it as a mix of a high-end art gallery, a rock concert, and a street food festival, all centered around motorcycles.

The Machines: "Curated, Not Cluttered"

The star of the show is the collection of over 300 custom motorcycles.

Invitation Only: You cannot just pay to display your bike here. Every single motorcycle is hand-picked and invited by the organizers (The Bike Shed crew) because it is unique, beautiful, or ground-breaking.

No Barriers: This is the Bike Shed's golden rule. There are no ropes or fences around the bikes. You can inspect the welding, the paint, and the engineering up close. (Just don't touch!).

The Variety: You will see everything: Cafe Racers, Scramblers, Trackers, Bobbers, Brat-style, and increasingly, high-end Electric Customs.

Beyond the Bikes: The Lifestyle

The Bike Shed Show is famous because you can spend 8 hours there and never get bored, even if you don't ride.

1. The Art & Photography

The event hosts a massive gallery of motorcycle-themed art and photography. This isn't just sketches; it's high-end oil paintings, sculptures, and professional photography prints available for purchase.

2. The Shed Talks

Throughout the weekend, the "Shed Talks" stage hosts live interviews with legends of the motorcycle world. Past guests have included everyone from MotoGP racers to Charley Boorman and designers from major brands.

3. Retail & Gear (The "Marketplace")

The retail section is carefully curated. You won't find bins of cheap plastic parts here. Instead, you'll find:

Premium riding gear (helmets, jackets, boots) from top independent brands.

Lifestyle clothing (selvedge denim, flannels).

Accessories (watches, wallets, jewelry).

4. Grooming & Ink

Barbershop: There is a fully functioning pop-up barbershop on-site for fresh fades and beard trims.

Tattoo Studio: Top tattoo artists set up shop for the weekend (usually pre-booking is essential).

Food & Drink

Tobacco Dock is famous for its hospitality.

The Bars: There are multiple bars spread throughout the venue, often sponsored by premium whiskey or beer brands. It’s a very social event.

Street Food: The "food court" area is top-tier. Expect gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and high-quality coffee, not greasy rally vans.

Logistics: Getting There & Staying

1. Transport (Tube is King)

Do not try to drive and park right next to Tobacco Dock unless you have a motorcycle (there is usually free/secure bike parking, but it fills up).

Best Route: Take the London Overground to Wapping Station or the DLR to Shadwell. Both are a short walk to the venue.

2. Accommodation

London is expensive.

Stay Nearby: Look for hotels in Wapping, Shoreditch, or near Tower Bridge.

Book Early: May is a busy tourist month in London.

3 Insider Tips for Bike Shed 2026

Get the Friday VIP Ticket: If you can afford the extra cost, the Friday evening session is magical. The crowds are thinner, the lighting is moody, the music is great, and you get the first look at the bikes with a drink in hand. It feels like an exclusive party.

Bring a Camera: This is arguably the most photogenic motorcycle event on earth. The lighting in Tobacco Dock (with its timber beams and brick arches) is designed for photography.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Tobacco Dock is huge, and you will walk laps around it multiple times to see everything. The floor is cobbled/brick in places, so leave the high heels or stiff race boots at home. Dress stylishly, but comfortably.