The inaugural Australian Motorcycle Festival has been confirmed, with the event to be held at Wollongong’s Lang Park on November 8-10, running alongside the Australian Supercross round, and boasting an even bigger experience than ever before.

Australian insurance provider Shannons Insurance seized the opportunity to partner with the inaugural event confirming their position as presenting sponsor, with Sheena Watkins (Shannons Insurance Business Development Manager) saying the new format will provide a great experience for industry and enthusiasts.

The Shannons Insurance display

“We have been long-time supporters of previous motorcycle expo’s and we are excited to be supporting the new Australian Motorcycle Festival this year,” Watkins said. “The creative new format will provide a great experience for manufacturers and the motorcycling enthusiast community.”

Shannons will host a special display of classic and vintage bikes as well as lead a group ride specifically designed for classics and vintage bikes.

Kawasaki did an early unveil prior to the gates opening, meaning all new models were already on display for the first wave

Kawasaki display at the last Sydney Motorcycle Show

The Australian Motorcycle Festival moves away from the traditional exhibition style show (previously known as Sydney Motorcycle Show) to provide greater interaction for visitors to the event with over 20,000sqm of outdoor space hosting displays and entertainment.

The new location also provides an opportunity for expansion with the all-new festival incorporating interactive elements such as test rides for young and old, live motorcycle demonstrations include safety and stunt riding, as well as PWC test rides and demonstrations which will take place on the water.

Yamaha's Sydney Motorcycle Show display last event

Yamaha’s Sydney Motorcycle Show display last event

Friday 8 November is set aside for manufacturer test rides only, while test rides will continue on Saturday 9 November and Sunday 10 November along with the expo, stalls and all live entertainment.

Those who are thinking about getting started motorcycling are encouraged to attend the event for an introduction to motorcycling, with displays of many of the machines available, plus much more. Festival features include safety demonstrations and numerous introductory events, while motorcycle manufacturers will be on hand to give advice on how to enter the market.

MV Agusta at the Sydney Motorcycle Show

MV Agusta at the Sydney Motorcycle Show

The Australian Motorcycle Festival will run side-by-side with Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship presented by Yamaha, along with the newly announced Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championships to create New South Wales largest weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Renowned stuntman Robbie Maddison will also return to his hometown for the event to perform a trifecta of sea, air and water stunts on Saturday 9 November at both the festival and Supercross.

Robbie Maddison at Darling Harbour on the waterbike

Robbie Maddison at Darling Harbour on the waterbike

Event Organiser Troy Bayliss said bringing the festival to the iconic Lang Park provides the perfect location to showcase the latest offerings from the motorcycle industry, “Motorcycling is a lifestyle and that’s what this festival is all about,” Bayliss said. “Visitors to the festival will get to research, test, try, learn and be entertained all in the one place. This year we are going to see an increase in the number of electric motorcycle on offer as more manufacturers expand into the EV market.

“The main feature of the show is always the new release motorcycles but this year we are also shinning a spotlight on travel and adventure both here and overseas,” he continued. “We want to appeal to newcomers to the Industry without taking away anything for the current enthusiast. “On site test rides as part of the festival will offer a much larger range with a diverse route that will take in Wollongong’s coastal scenery.

Troy Bayliss introduces the show in front of the Triumph stand

Troy Bayliss introduces the show in front of the Triumph stand in 2017

“Group rides are currently being organised and manufacturers who have not attended previous shows are also confirming to attend. This is just the start, it will be a huge event for the industry and consumers alike,” Bayliss concluded.

Visitors to the Australian Motorcycle Festival can expect to see the latest motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s UTV’s, trikes and jet-ski’s as well as related products and services. Tickets to the Australian Motorcycle Festival will be available at the gate, with pricing details yet to be released. Tickets to Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship are available to purchase now via Ticketmaster.

Share this article