The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Bike Show (KLBS), from Aug 24-27 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, will benefit the local tourism industry, as it expects to attract 120,000 visitors to the event.
The motorcycle industry will also benefit, as established brands, including local players, will be able to showcase their latest line-up.
Farouk Nurish, managing director of Moventuum Sdn Bhd, said KLBS hopes to be the local version of the world-famous International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition in Italy (EICMA).
Farouk said the KLBS was different from many other bike shows, as it hopes to offer something for every level of the biking community.
“Unlike most bike shows, which cater to only one category or one particular type, here, we will have something for everyone,” said Farouk, who is organising KLBS with motorcycle magazine, Roda-Roda.
He said the event would also help reinvigorate the tourism industry, now that the Covid-19 pandemic is slowly fading away into the background.
“We are in a climate where people cannot wait to travel. That is why you see many events in the last quarter,” said Farouk.
“KLBS is good for the biking industry and tourism, as we expect between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors over the four days.
“When these people come here, it is not only a day trip. They will spend nearly a week in Kuala Lumpur. They will take in the sights around the city, and this will in turn, benefit local businesses, including hotels.”
Farouk said bikers from Thailand and Singapore have indicated their interest in riding to the show, while some Indonesian motorcycle clubs have proposed shipping their bikes to Penang, and riding down from there.
The KLBS team is also working on attracting bikers from other Asian nations and Europe.
Farouk said his dream was for KLBS to be on a par with EICMA, which takes place in Italy, every November. During that event, most motorcycle manufacturers would debut their latest models.
“It brings bike enthusiasts from around the world. Why not have something similar in Asia?” asked Farouk.
He said local manufacturers would also benefit as KLBS has a ‘marketplace’ where gear, related to motorcycles and bicycles, including apparel, will be on sale.
“The exhibits will cover everything – from kapchais to superbikes. While browsing through the marketplace, you can buy a sticker for RM5, or outfits from local traders.
“You could end up purchasing something more valuable, like a superbike. The idea is to give everyone a chance to showcase their products, with priority to Malaysian businesses,” said Farouk.
Asked why the show was being held at the World Trade Centre, Yusseri Yussof, director of Bayu D Enterprise, the publisher of Roda-Roda magazine, said it was a matter of convenience.
He said it was easy to get to, as it is accessible by trains and buses.
“Parking is also easy, as you can park at the centre or the shopping mall next door,” said Yusseri.
“Also, there are other bike or car shows elsewhere, and we wanted to be different. We wanted to be in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.”
Yusseri added that Roda-Roda, which was first published in 1986, had organised many activities over the years to promote the communal spirit and the brotherhood of bikers, and it was always his dream to do something on this scale.
“There will be a full range of everything, from scooters to superbikes, adventure machines, dirt bikes, sports bikes, and petrol, and electric bikes,” he said.
“Every club has events, but this will be the first event where we cater to all types.”
Besides Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association, KLBS is also supported by Honda and Suzuki.
