The Star Late Edition

A two-wheeler extravagan­za with everything

South Africa Bike Festival will rev up Kyalami this weekend

- MOTORING STAFF

KYALAMI will be ground zero for motorcycli­sts this weekend when the South Africa Bike Festival, powered by Discovery Channel, takes place from Friday to Sunday.

Tickets cost R200 per person (kids under 10 go in for free), which gives access to a twowheeler fest of static displays and on-track activities.

Displaying their latest motorcycle­s will be KTM, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BMW Motorrad, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Can-Am, Royal Enfield, Aprilia, MV Agusta, Hyosung, CSR, BetaRacing, Polaris, Linhai, Zontes, Husqvarna and Indian Motorcycle­s.

Visitors will be able to experience some of these bikes on the circuit for between R60 and R160 a test ride, in associatio­n with ZABikers.co.za. Online circuit test ride sales are now closed but remaining rides are for sale on a first come first serve basis. For adventurou­s types, there is also the opportunit­y to test ride a 2km off-road course for R60.

On Sunday the Dunlop Charity Motorcycle Ride will see thousands of motorcycli­sts riding from Fairlands shopping centre to Kyalami, finishing with two laps around the circuit. To participat­e costs R40 over and above the Bike Festival ticket.

Other entertainm­ent includes evening stunt shows on the Friday and Saturday by local and internatio­nal riders; a Custom Bike Build Championsh­ip; a Pride of Ownership Classic Motorcycle Display; and a large line up of live bands including Boxer, Jerry & the Bandits, State Society, Jasper Dan and Deity’s Muse, to mention just a few.

Those who have never been on a motorcycle can also get involved at the Harley-Davidson Jump Start machine to get a feel for what it’s like to ride in a safe and supervised environmen­t.

Those who haven’t yet earned their motorcycle license can practice their skills with the K53 Training School on a specially laid out course.

GAS Sports will host a round of the Deod SuperGP Champions Trophy for 1000cc superbikes, where visitors can look forward to seeing over 30 of SA’s top riders battle it out.

Over a million rand’s worth of prizes will be given away at the festival including a Suzuki GSX-R 750, a Harley Davidson Street Rod, and a Victory Custom Judge.

Children’s activities will include pocket bikes, a mechanical bull, and a climbing wall, while numerous food and craft beer stalls will ensure show visitors stay well fed and hydrated.

The festival runs from 11am to 8pm on Friday, 9am to 9pm on Saturday, and 9am to 6.30pm on Sunday.

For more informatio­n and to buy tickets, visit www.southafric­abikefesti­val.com Bike Festival includes stunt shows hosted by Monster Energy on Friday and Saturday evenings.

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