Johannesburg - The newly refurbished Kyalami circuit will be two-wheeled heaven this weekend when the South Africa Bike Festival, powered by Discovery Channel, opens its doors.
From Friday until Sunday the Midrand-based venue will stage three days of fun-filled live music and entertainment, leisure pursuits and all things engine, petrol and motorcycling.
Manufacturers BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki, Indian, Victory, Polaris, Linhai, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, SYM, KTM, Can-Am, Husqvarna and Ducati, to name a few, will showcase their brands alongside live music, motorcycle parades, custom-bike competitions and displays, as well as stunt and enduro-cross entertainment. Other highlights include a childrens’ adventure zone and riding school.
The two-wheeled entertainment will be supplied by the Le Riche brothers and their extreme motorcycle show. And what’s a motorcycle festival without SA’s favourite trick trial biker, Brian Capper, showing us his stunts?
Visitors will be able to test ride the latest 2016 models from more than 10 manufacturers on the track throughout the weekend, at a cost of between R50 and R160. These include Suzuki’s new GSX-S1000A and DL1000, the new Honda Africa Twin and VFR1200X, Ducati’s 1299 Panigale S and XDiavel, the Kawasaki ZX14-R and the new ZX10-R.
Triumph will have its new Tiger Explorer and Bonneville classic retro range, and Yamaha its R1, R6 and R3A models. BMW will also have its S1000 XR and S1000 RR available for test rides over the weekend.
Speed Queen Racing will bring Scooters & Commuters to the festival where anybody can have a go in a safe and controlled environment. Rides on the scooters and commuters are free, so be sure to get there early so as not to miss out.
As well as a BMW Motorrad Enduro track, Adventure Ride Outs will be available over the surrounding lands for those who prefer an extended off-road and adventure experience. Test ride Honda, Suzuki, KTM, Yamaha and Triumph motorcycles, to name a few, by venturing out with a technical instructor to show you exactly what these bikes are capable of.
Retail therapy will be supplied by the latest biking accessories, holiday experiences, tattoo artists, fashions and gadgets for your two-wheeled best friend.
A highlight of the festival will be a Custom Bike Show displaying lovingly-crafted motorcycles from all over South Africa. From die-hard fans to the merely curious, visitors will get an appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into modifying bikes or creating them from scratch.
The chief judge and show-master for the championship at the festival will be internationally known master bike-builder, Mario Kyprianides.
Mario, born in Cyprus, is the owner and master-builder of Chopper Kulture, based in Germany and Abu Dhabi. His talent for motorcycle building was inherited from his late grandfather who, during the ‘50s and ‘60s, built Harleys, Indians, Triumphs and BSAs.
Headlining the live acts will be Kahn Morbee from the Parlotones on the Friday night, Gangs of Ballet and rapper phenomenon Reason on Saturday and Cindy Alter from Clout and Majozi on the Sunday.
Visitors to the show should arrive hungry, as there will be a variety of treats available from tacos to burgers to ice-cream and more.
On Sunday morning hundreds of motorcyclists will participate in a charity ride, leaving the WorldWear Shopping Centre, Fairlands at 8.30am for a short ride around Johannesburg, finishing up with two laps around the newly upgraded circuit.
There is also a chance for readers to win a Honda Elite 125 scooter (see competition entry form in Star Motoring today).
Standard ticket prices for the SA Bike Festival are R190 per person, R600 for a family (two adults and two teens), and R950 per person for the VIP Pit Roof Village which gives visitors a 360-degree view of the festival along with a buffet lunch and drinks. Entry for children under 12 will be free.
Tickets can be purchased at www.southafricabike festival.com , www.iTickets.co.za or by calling the iTickets hotline 086 1000 291.
FESTIVAL TIMES
FRIDAY:11am - 9pm
SATURDAY:9am - 9pm
SUNDAY:9am - 5pm
Star Motoring