If it seems like the days of the all-encompassing AMID Motorcycle Show, which annually showcased everything great about South African motorcycling, were long gone, then the following will come as welcome news.
AMID (the Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors) is organising a brand new motorcycle show, the Motorcycle Expo, which is to be held at Red Star Raceway, on the 27th and 28th of January 2024. All the major motorcycle brands will be in attendance, alongside some of South Africa’s biggest apparel and accessory distributors.
The idea once again is to showcase the motorcycle industry in South Africa and, if it is successful, then it will once again become an annual event, something that the industry sorely needs if it is to encourage new blood into motorcycling as well as give back to loyal customers.
Unlike previous AMID shows held at Kyalami, there will sadly be no access to the track for demo rides but we suspect that, if there is demand for it, it might well become a feature of the event in years to come. For the time being, you’ll have to content yourself with drooling over the static displays.
Having said that, there will be the Suzuki motorcycle road safety school taking place on both days, although numbers are limited to 60 participants per day. Interested parties should contact Red Star Raceway directly to book a space.
Also, the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) will be hosting its riding academy on both days, just not on the track, with the aim of introducing people to motorcycling by giving them seat time on scooters to get a feel for the rush that experienced motorcyclists enjoy every day.
Confirmed motorcycle brands that will be in attendance are as follows: BMW, Ducati, Can-Am, CFMoto, Harley-Davidson, Honda, KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha, Kymco and Indian.
Apparel/Accessory company DMD will be there, while AMID is working to confirm the attendance of Langston Motorsports and AutoCycle Centre. Between them, virtually every major apparel/accessory brand will be represented.
The best news is that entrance to the event will be completely free. The Red Star canteen will be open for refreshments on both days, although that, you will have to pay for!
The event is open from 9 am to 5 pm, both days, and we really hope that as many motorcyclists as possible – new and old alike – will make an effort to attend in order to convince the organisers that it will be worth the effort on an annual basis.