The Pulse is Back: Red Star Motorcycle Expo 2026

If you were anywhere near the Delmas area this past weekend, you likely heard the unmistakable mechanical symphony of thousands of engines converging on Red Star Raceway. The weekend of January 30th to February 1st didn't just mark another date on the calendar; it signaled the definitive growth of the South African motorcycle show.

At RidezSA, we’ve been following the industry’s recovery closely. For years, the traditional "big hall" expos were a casualty of the Covid-19 lockdowns and a tightening economy. They became prohibitively expensive for a stressed market and, for a while, it felt like the "glory days" of bike shows were gone for good.

From Humble Beginnings to a Sold-Out Grid

The resuscitation of this scene is a story of grit and collaboration. Back in 2023, Stuart Baker and the Suzuki Motorcycles SA team approached AMID Director Arnold Olivier with a plan: use their Suzuki Safety Track Day as a foundation for a new kind of show.

Three years later, that "humble beginning" has exploded. 2026seems to be the official turning point. This year, exhibitor space wasn't just filled, it was over subscribed. Walking the lanes, you could feel the electricity of brands standing toe to toe. It was a beautiful, crowded chaos of chrome and carbon fiber

The Stars of the Show

The QJ Motor stand was arguably the busiest of the weekend. Making their first public SA appearance alongside sister brand BRC, the public was eager to see if the bikes lived up to the media hype. The verdict? People were genuinely impressed by the build quality and more importantly blown away that the competitive pricing was actually real.

KTM also drew massive crowds. Despite a tumultuous couple of years, the "Ready to Race" brand proved they haven't lost their edge, revealing the KTM 1390 Adventure semi-auto and the stunning 990 RC 8.

The People Behind the Machines

One of the best parts of Red Star is the personal connections. We caught up with Thomas and Troy Tonking of KTM Centurion. They showed us their 2023 RC8 track spec machine and filled us in on Troy’s plans to try out for the Spanish championship this year. Watching the onboard footage of young Troy pinning that RC8 around Red Star, it’s clear the kid is lightning fast. We’re rooting for him!

Everywhere we turned, the feedback was glowing. Brett Skolmen (Insta360), Martin (X-Ramp), and Geoff Ireland (Tromox) all reported a highly successful show. The crowds didn’t just show up; they engaged.

Why It Works

The "new" expo model is a winner. Red Star Raceway now sponsors the exhibition space, while AMID charges a nominal fee to cover the basics. Most importantly? Entrance for the public is absolutely free. To handle the sweltering heat, Red Star’s in-house catering, The Square, was bolstered by a fleet of food and beverage vendors. It was a "lekker" day out—great bikes, cold drinks, and a community that felt more alive than ever.

The Road Ahead

The growth of the Red Star Expo has been exponential. In fact, seeing the success here, we reckon this format has enough momentum to head south. Much like NAMPO, there is a massive appetite for a second show in the Cape, the biking communities in George and Cape Town would turn out in droves.

If 2026 was the turning point, 2027 is going to be "flippen amazing."

Keep an eye on our social medias for more event updates. Now, enough reading, go ride your bike somewhere cool.