2016 Moto Expo showcases Australian Motorcycle Industry
The Australian Motorcycle Industry shone under dark skies all weekend in Melbourne, where over 18,500 motorcycle enthusiasts attended the 2016 Moto Expo Melbourne held at the Melbourne Showgrounds and proudly presented by Shannon’s Insurance.
The latest of the greatest from around the world were revealed Friday morning with media and visitors alike among the first in the country to see a record number of new bikes on display, many for the first time in Australia.
2016 Moto Expo – 2017 Yamaha R6 – Image: Yamaha Motorcycles Australia
Brands including Triumph, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia, Honda, Piaggio, BMW, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Ducati, Indian, Can-Am, Victory, Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield & Benelli, all unveiled new models just weeks after their global launch at EICMA, giving Australians instant hands-on access to all the latest machines.
2016 Melbourne Moto Exp
Many additional brands featured a large line up of 2017 models released in the past few weeks as well, such as Sherco, SWM, CF-Moto, Ural, Kymco along with new release of watercraft from Sea-Doo, Yamaha Marine and Kawasaki Marine.
2016 Moto Expo – Royal Enfield Himalayan – Image: Royal Enfield Australia & NZ
It was the perfect start to a great three days of motorcycle bliss that also included special guests visiting the show, such as American UFC Fighter Miesha Tate at the Harley-Davidson stand.
2016 Moto Expo – Victory Motorcycles stand – Image: Victory Motorcycles Australia
Showtime FMX, Lukey Luke, Yamaha’s Dave McKenna and Epic Darren performed all weekend along with the ALL4FMX Bag Jump team launching everything from Postie Bikes, Scooters, Mini Bikes, Quads and even Harley-Davidsons into the $50,000 air bag.
2016 Moto Expo – Kade Mosig’s Factory Kawasaki #KX450F – Image: Kawasaki Motorcycles Australia
The Baylisstic Scramble (Flat Track Race) presented by Motul, Pirelli, Ixon, UniFilter and Shannon’s Insurance was a popular feature within the Main Arena.
The flat track finals featured legends such as Jason Crump and current All Stars with the three Waters brothers claiming all positions on the podium with the largest share of the $4,000 prize money being awarded to Brodie Waters.
2016 Moto Expo – MV Agusta stand – Image: MV Agusta Australia & NZ
Supermotard demonstrations also made its first appearance at the Moto Expo Melbourne, with a track of bitumen and gravel keeping all riders on the limit over the weekend.
While Australia’s strongest men competed in multiple events including the Showtime FMX 16 Tonne Truck Pull and Double Bike Lift.
2016 Moto Expo – Kawasaki new model presentation – Image: Kawasaki Motorcycles Australia
Promoter Troy Bayliss said, “It was a big weekend showcasing the latest bikes, products and services in Australia, accompanied by live motorcycle entertainment and action for all ages.
“Highlights for me included seeing the children’s faces riding bikes for the first time in the Yamaha Fun Bike area and the public’s reaction to bikes being unveiled for the first time in the country.”
2016 Moto Expo – 2017 Yamaha MT-09 – Image: Yamaha Motorcycles Australia
Bayliss added. “We would like to thank the exhibitors, sponsors and most importantly the visitors who attended the event.”
2016 Moto Expo – Team Honda Racing’s Luke Clout, Todd Waters – Image: Honda Motorcycles Australia
Major door prizes included a trip for two to India with return flights from Melbourne to participate on a 15 Day Nevermind Adventure Motorcycle Tour, won by Grandfather and Grandson Chris and Lachie Gertdz.
Second prize a brand new Royal Enfield 350 Motorcycle was won by Russell Leggatt who said, “You have just made my day, we had a great time at the event and have already planned to go to the next one”.
2016 Moto Expo – Kawasaki stand – Image: Kawasaki Motorcycles Australia
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber announced during the official opening of Moto Expo Melbourne that the 2017 Sydney Motorcycle Show will head to the brand new International Convention Centre (ICC) Darling Harbour Friday 24-26 November 2017.
