YAMAFEST Brings Riders Together at SMSP

YAMAFEST brought together a wide range of riders and machines for a day that combined on-track sessions, new-model reveals and a celebration of the Yamaha brand. While the event was open to all brands, it gave Yamaha owners an opportunity to celebrate their favourite brand with like-minded owners.  

As expected from an event called YAMAFEST, there was a strong Yamaha presence, from the Yamaha display area featuring classic and new-release Yamaha machinery, as well as the Yamaha Racing Team truck, and a display of the new Dunlop Q5 tyres.

Among the event drawcards was the first chance for attendees to hire a Yamaha YZF-R9 triple-cylinder supersport bikes MotoSchool now offers as part of its strategy to get more riders on track. The new 2026 YZF-R7 was also presented, ahead of its official arrival in Australia later this year, with Yamaha Motor Australia’s Sean Goldhawk presenting the updated machine to the crowd at the rider briefing.

For MotoSchool owner Haydan Parker, the success of the first YAMAFEST was the payoff for an idea that had been building since the partnership with Yamaha was created.

“I’ve always been really passionate and excited about doing a brand-specific day since we launched the partnership,” Haydan said. “The fact the first YAMAFEST is a sell-out reflects both the partnership and the brand.”

Demand for the hire-bike experience was strong, with the YZF-R9 fleet proving one of the hottest attractions of the day. “We had a huge number of sign-ups when the R9 opportunity was released,” Haydan revealed. I think all available spots were snapped up within the first 24 hours.”

Haydan also outlined his plans for YAMAFEST to become a regular fixture, with scope to expand into even more model-focused events. “In addition to YAMAFEST we want to do things like an R Day, an MT Day, and something that promotes the step-up culture through the Yamaha category ranges,” he said. “To quote Yamaha, it’s about creating Kando moments.”

Triple-cylinder enthusiast Paul Marelic took the honour of being one of the first to head out on track aboard the fleet of new YZF-R9 hire bikes provided by MotoSchool. He said the chance to ride a brand-new CP3-powered machine at Sydney Motorsport Park was too good to pass up. “I’ve got my own bikes, but I’ve wanted to sample the new YZF-R9 since it was released, so I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to ride a new one at Sydney Motorsport Park,” he said. “What I’m really looking forward to is sampling the three-cylinder engine. I’ve never tried a triple on track.”

At the other end of the experience spectrum was Annie Condon, who used YAMAFEST to tackle her first-ever on track experience on her YZF-R3, the same machine she uses as a daily commuter. Annie’s surname is no stranger to motorcycling. Her father, Mark Condon, owns BikeBiz Parramatta, and the family has been involved in racing for many years. However, Annie said for her the day was about building confidence. “My first session was a bit scary, but I know what to expect next time I go out,” she said. “I commute daily, so this is a little more fun than Parramatta Road. The corner onto the straight is my favourite.”

Annie was also spotted checking out the new 2026 YZF-R7, so maybe a step up from her YZF-R3 is being planned. A little more power for YAMAFEST 2027 maybe? 

Enjoying the event, and cutting some laps on a YZF-R9, Matthew Ferry, General Manager Sales & Marketing Land Mobility, said events like YAMAFEST are important for many reasons. “YAMAFEST provides a way for Yamaha Motor Australia to connect directly with its customer base and create experiences that make riders feel part of the Yamaha family by celebrating the shared enthusiasm at the heart of the brand.” He also thanked MotoSchool and the YMA Land Mobility team for making the inaugural event a huge success.