- MotoFest evolves into a full motorcycle show for 2026, featuring six major manufacturers, over 30 test bikes, NZSBK racing and the biggest custom display in NZ.
- Legends Garage returns with Aaron Slight, Andrew Stroud, iconic machines like the Britten and Simon Crafar’s GP-winning Yamaha YZR500.
- VIP sign-ups now open, with access to priority demo ride bookings and entry into a $10,000 prize pool; tickets go on sale November 28.
MotoFest, the long-running festival of motorcycle racing, which takes place at Hampton Downs over the first week of March every year, has evolved into a full-blown bike show.
Six motorcycle manufacturers have already been confirmed for the MotoFest Bike Show, which runs from March 6-8 at the North Waikato motorsport complex.
“With the support of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, CF Moto and accessories wholesalers Whites Powersports, Crown Kiwi, Forbes & Davies and Darbi, the event is set to become the major motorcycle festival in New Zealand,” MotoFest creator Mike Marsden says.
MotoFest was created off the back of a major three-year investment from circuit owner Tony Quinn back in 2018, and the event is still supported by Quinn through his NZ CEO Josie Spillane and the team at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.
“It was always our plan when we launched the festival back in 2018 for it to become a fully-fledged bike show.
“Back then, in my role as the commercial manager at Hampton Downs, we brought grand prix great Randy Mamola out from the United States as the headline guest, ran a trail ride, a trials competition and had Levi Sherwood doing an X Games demo, but the mainstay of the event was a full round of the New Zealand Superbike Championship.
“That is still the case today,” Marsden says.
“MotoFest features round three of the Star Insure NZSBK Championship and together with the Legends Garage, featuring Aaron Slight, Andrew Stroud and other legends yet to be confirmed, and a collection of iconic bikes are the mainstay attractions.
“It’s going to be new bikes, race bikes, classic bikes, custom bikes, iconic bikes, racing legends, road tests and off-road vehicle rides that will bring the inaugural MotoFest Bike Show to life in 2026.
“The manufacturers will have the full range of the latest new bikes on display and over 30 models will be available for test rides.
“MotoFest will also feature the biggest custom bike display ever,” Marsden says.
The location and venue are perfect for such a show, given Hampton Downs is only 45 minutes away from both Hamilton and Auckland, and only a couple of hours from Tauranga.
The new show has been welcomed by the New Zealand motorcycle industry.
“It’s great to have another show opportunity in New Zealand,” KTM New Zealand country manager and spokesman for the motorcycle section of the Motor Industry Association Patrick Stafford says.
“MotoFest is already a fantastic event and a show at Hampton Downs gives the industry a wonderful opportunity to showcase our models and products.”
MotoFest is already a destination event for so many riders but having major manufacturer involvement and activations, such as off-road vehicle rides and road tests, will make it unique and take the event to another level, Marsden says.
“As well as the very latest race bikes out on track contesting seven NZSBK classes, we’ve got a large field of classic bikes coming.
“The Legends Garage will be full of some very special bikes, including the Britten and Simon Crafer’s British Grand Prix-winning Yamaha YZR 500, all of which will be out on track at some stage during the day.
There is also an added incentive for show-goers.
“We’re putting up a $10,000 gate prize, which can be redeemed at participating exhibitors,” Marsden says.
“Tickets will be on sale on November 28th but you can sign up now to our ‘VIP Show List’ and go in the draw to win one of 5 double VIP MotoFest Bike Show passes, which include premium lounge hospitality admission and a merchandise pack.
“By signing up now you automatically qualify for an extra entry in the $10,000 prize draw.”
“You will also be added to the priority booking list for the manufacturer test rides and the off road vehicle rides,” Marsden says.
Register here: https://www.nzsuperbikeseries.co.nz/motofestbikeshow
For further details, keep an eye on BRM’s socials.
