Sydney Motorcycle Show hailed a success

Over 25,000 visitors attended the 2017 Sydney Motorcycle Show presented by Shannons Insurance at the all-new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) over the weekend.

Outside the venue, close to 30,000 people filled the Darling Harbour foreshore to witness Robbie Maddison ride the waterbike on Cockle Bay.

The show, which occupied close to 20,000 sqm of exhibition space opened on Friday to large crowds wanting to be amongst the first in Australia to see the covers come off new model motorcycles.

@robbiemaddison pushes the limits once again for Sydney Motorcycle Show. Doors are open until 5pm today at ICC Sydney

A post shared by Sydney Motorcycle Show (@motoexpoaus) on Nov 25, 2017 at 5:37pm PST

Across the weekend, special guests including Toby Price, Robbie Maddison, Gary McCoy, Anthony West and Matt Moran mingled with event goers and enjoyed the event.

Just checking out the new Ducati panigale V4s what a machine with mates @warrenlee58 @baylisstic21 @ducatiausnz #ducati #beast

A post shared by Matt Moran (@chefmattmoran) on Nov 23, 2017 at 5:35pm PST

Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said bringing the event back to Darling Harbour, together with the high quality of exhibits and the many activities associated with the show, created strong appeal for visitors.

“Our members put in a huge amount of work and from a motorcycle industry perspective, the event delivered a brilliant product showcase,” Mr Weber said.

“Having Robbie Maddison riding across the harbour at Cockle Bay almost right outside the front door of the show was another bonus.

“The strength of the show was reflected in the large crowds which attended and we look forward to returning to Sydney again in two years’ time,” he added.

Reflecting on the weekend past I feel so privileged and grateful to have been a part of @motoexpoaus as an ambassador for women in motorcycling. I had a chance along with some wonderfully intelligent, articulate, funny and talented moto sisters to share discussion points and personal experiences that have hopefully encouraged, inspired and broken down some walls and misconceptions about women in the moto scene. . Thank you for having me @motoexpoaus and thank you to the amazing women who opened up with me on stage and shared from their heart to a room full of strangers ♥️ @laurenkvickers @kristie_mckinnon @rhiannabuchanan @thethrottledolls 📸 @audioaction . . #letsride #womenwhoride #honesty #integrity #motodoll #presenter #host #futuregeneration #sydneymotorcycleshow

A post shared by Jacinta Siracusa (@moto_doll) on Nov 28, 2017 at 2:13am PST

The show introduced a number of new initiatives for 2017 which were well received. The inaugural ‘Women in Motorcycling’ sessions hosted on the Shannons Stage by MotoDoll and with special guests Lauren Vickers, the Throttle Dolls, Rhianna Buchanan & Kristie McKinnon were a popular feature with women and men alike.

The ‘Art Showcase’ included three different genres of art. 20 incredible framed prints by photographers Jeff Crow and Greg Smith told the story of Australia’s rich motorcycle racing history.

Show-goers were also able to get up close and view over 60 custom-painted helmets by airbrush artist Mark Brown of Browns Grafix while seven hyper-realism artworks by emerging Queensland artist Kris Hartas hung in one of the entries to the exhibition hall.

A special online auction of one of Hartas artworks featuring the 2008 championship winning Ducati of three-time Superbike World Champion Troy Bayliss’ is currently being auctioned on eBay to raise awareness for Beyond Blue.

Bidding on the unique piece will close at 9.40am (AEST) on Monday 4 December. The proceeds will be split equally between Beyond Blue and Hartas.

Event organiser Troy Bayliss hailed the event as “the best Sydney show” he had been involved in.

“The location in the heart of Sydney is absolutely fantastic.

“It was a great layout and provided something for everyone.

“Visitors got to experience the show, enjoy the event deck and bar, and be entertained by Robbie Maddison who put smiles on people faces as he rode his waterbike around Cockle Bay.”

Just a few legends hanging out @electrobrownieland Stand💪 @robbiemaddison @rhiannabuchanan @kruzmaddison @tobyprice87 @baylisstic21 #electrobrownieland #motoexpoaus #rhiannabuchanan #robbiemaddison #tobyprice #troybayliss #kruzmaddison #custom #art #helmetpaint

A post shared by Jack Field (@jackfield1) on Nov 27, 2017 at 4:12pm PST

In addition to Maddison’s waterbike, the Action Arena included shows featuring Showtime FMX, Jack Field on the KTM electric bike and the dynamic factory Yamaha of Dave McKenna Streetbike Stunts.

The next Moto Expo will be held at Melbourne Showgrounds, November 23-25, 2018.