Melbourne Bike Expo a huge success
The Australian Motorcycle Expo’s southern state stopover proved exceptionally successful, with tens of thousands of visitors on hand to experience all the action and excitement across 3 days at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre
The Australian Motorcycle Expo’s southern state stopover proved exceptionally successful, with tens of thousands of visitors on hand to experience all the action and excitement across 3 days at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The event had something for everyone, with a comprehensive range of manufacturers and models complemented by new and innovative accessories, products and services.
Covers came off a range of awesome new motorcycles, including 2008 model updates of Honda’s Fireblade, Suzuki’s motocross range, Husqvarna’s fuel-injected enduro warriors and many more. BMW Motorrad’s last minute addition of the incredible 450cc Sports Enduro Prototype was an added treat for visitors, and it was the first time in the world that the machine had been viewed in public.
The appearance of Suzuki MotoGP star, Australian Chris Vermeulen had crowds in a frenzy, with all ages lining up for a chat and an autograph with the talented and down-to-earth rider. Vermeulen’s focus now shifts to this weekend’s Phillip Island GP event, where he will be out to build on recent form and return to the podium in front of thousands of Australian supporters.
Visitors were also able to meet with a number of high-profile FMX daredevils, including Seth Enslow, Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams, Cam Sinclair, and the highflying Yamaha Showtime trio of Robbie Marshall, Matt McFerran and Steve Mini.
It truly was ‘Showtime’ in the Yamaha Action Arena, and crowds packed the viewing area as Marshall, McFerran and Mini defied the laws of gravity with an incredible array of FMX manoeuvres across 10 shows. Trials riders from the Hell Team also starred across the 3 days, leaving crowds awestruck as they performed seemingly impossible feats over obstacles.
Hundreds flocked to the Freerider FMX Buff sessions at the Western QBE Stage and Screen, with an awesome range of prizes up for grabs, including tickets to the Phillip Island GP, Motostiks, tickets to Dreamworld to experience the Mick Doohan Motocoaster, movie passes as well as a range of t-shirts and caps. Ms. Jo Kenley of East Melbourne was the lucky winner of the Yamaha YW100-BEEWEE scooter, and she will certainly be getting around town on time and in style.
Mark Petersen, Australian Motorcycle Expo Event Manager, said the Melbourne event had been a resounding success for all involved. “The Melbourne Expo event exceeded expectations with very strong visitor numbers across all 3 days and fantastic feedback from attendees and exhibitors,” said Petersen. “This signals a very promising future for the event, and we’ve already had quite a lot of interest from new and exhibitors wishing to secure their sites for 2008.” After a fast-paced fortnight following the Brisbane and Melbourne events, organisers and exhibitors are now preparing for the Sydney Motorcycle Show from November 2-4. “Preparations for the Sydney event are now in full swing,” continued Petersen. “We’ll have displays at this week’s Phillip Island MotoGP event and the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, and the broadcast and print media campaigns are set to get underway as well.
