Return of the SA BIKE FESTIVAL

 

For the temperatures we’ve had recently in Johannesburg, it was an unusually hot weekend at Kyalami. This could also be attributed to the hundreds of mean two-wheelers that surrounded the venue.

For the second year running, the South Africa Bike Festival took place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. R200 got you in to a display of the motorcycle industry’s best, along with great food, recreational activities and live music.

There were manufacturer displays along with pit garage activations from brands like KTM, Husqvarna, Honda, Suzuki, Harley Davidson, Yamaha and Ducati, amongst others. All types of bikes could be found at the fest: commuters, offroad, superbikes, leisure, as well as, custom builds.

Indian Motorcycle, “America’s first motorcycle company” and also relatively new to the South African market, announced the arrival of the all-new Scout Sixty. The 2017 Roadmaster Classic was also launched.

KTM had a large display of their 2018 Motocross range and unveiled the RC 16 MotoGP bike. It is the first year that KTM is racing in the MotoGP championship. The MotoGP bike is also the most powerful bike in the KTM range. While their current standings in the championship has KTM at the bottom of the list, Franziska Brandl, Managing Director at KTM Motorcycles SA, mentioned they are learning and working on becoming more competitive.

KTM also launches a limited edition bike every year. This year, the KTM 300 EXC SIX DAYS 2018 France Edition was launched and on display at the fest. The big evolution with this bike is that its fuel injected. The SIX DAYS model comes with all the little extras such as a special sticker kit, in addition to different sprockets, plastics, clamps, exhaust card and frame and engine protectors.

Husqvarna took the covers off their production VITPILEN 401 aka “White Arrow”.  This bike uses the framework of the KTM 390 Duke and doesn’t drift far off from its prototype.

In a quick breakdown:

Suzuki’s GSX-R1000A made its first public appearance.

Ducati launched 7 new bikes: Super Sport, New Monster 1200S, 950 Multistrada, Scrambler Desert Sled, Scrambler Café Racer and the Diavel Diesel.

Honda launched the CBR 1000RR Fireblade.

Zontes, new to SA shores, displayed their entry level Phantom S250 and allowed visitor test rides.

Yamaha launched their new 2017 R6.

The Can-Am Spyder was available for visitor test rides.

Harley-Davidson launched the Street Rod and had on display, for the first time in SA, the Road King Special.

BMW Sandton Motorrad launched the Nine T Racer and the BMW G 310 R.

RocoMamas Custom Bike Build Championship returned to the festival. The competition had 14 categories, from Scooters, Trikes, 3 Wheelers and Café Racers to Classic, Street-Fighters and Sport Bikes. Beautiful custom builds were on display!

30 bikes, dating back to 1995, were also carefully selected for the Pride of Ownership Classic Motorcycle display.

One of the exciting highlights of the event were the Monster energy stunt performances. With their mega Monster truck and Monster girls in tow, an exciting display of jumps and stunts were performed. Riders performing included the FMX daredevil from the States, Jimmy Hall (Yamaha), Monster’s “local elite” Alastair Sayer (Yamaha), and Dallan Goldman (Yamaha).

Monster Energy also had a RAMP RODEO BMX & SKATE setup where BMX and skate athletes could compete for “Ramp Champ” and “Best Trick” titles on the custom mini ramp.

The festival was also host to a round of the GAS Sports, 1000cc class, SuperGP Champions Trophy. 30 of SA’s best superbike riders battled it out over the weekend.

The circuit echoed with over a thousand motorcyclists participating in the DUNLOP Sunday Charity Motorcycle Ride. The charity ride began at Fairland’s Shopping Centre and ended with two formation laps on the Kyalami track. All the proceeds from this ride goes to Ride for a Reason – Claw and Paws Charity organization.

An addition to the fest this year was our, AutoTrader’s, Nearly New Motorcyle Shop. Pre-owned motorcycle dealerships had the opportunity to sell their bikes at the Fest. Victory’s, Honda’s and more were available, along with being able to schedule test rides after the show.

Seipei Mashugane, Biker Queen and Brand Ambassador for the SA Bike Festival, highlighted the importance of such bike festivals. “Festivals like these,” she said, “bring everyone in the biking industry together. From parts and accessories, to manufacturers, enthusiasts, and fans. It’s a family-friendly event where adults and kids alike can learn to ride.”

Mashugane mentioned that biking is a brotherhood, where they run as a pack and as closed as it may seem, an event such as this one welcomes all. There is plenty of opportunity to learn as training, free and paid, are on offer, as well as track test rides. The track is very expensive and the SA Bike Fest grants an opportunity to everyone on the track.

The Festival is not only a trade show but a family festival. If you missed the show now, then attendance in 2018 is a must! Especially for bikers and enthusiasts with all that’s on offer.