Bikes back at Bathurst? Well, kind of. Motorcycles returned to Mount Panorama for first time since 2000 for two 15-minute demonstration sessions.
The bikes were back at Bathurst this Easter, with a group of riders taking to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit for the first time since the Bathurst TT in 2000.
The historic moment unfolded during the weekend’s Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, which drew a crowd of 20,216 spectators under clear autumn skies. While the production-car enduro delivered its usual close racing, it was two wheels that generated a big buzz.
A select group of six riders rolled onto the closed circuit for two 15-minute demonstration sessions — marking the first time motorcycles have lapped Mount Panorama in 26 years. The runs were deliberately low-key, kept under wraps until their successful completion on Sunday afternoon, and served as a proof-of-concept for potential future motorcycle activity at the venue.
The invited riders included Australian Superbike legends Shawn Giles, Roy Leslie and Ken Watson, joined by current racer Keo Watson, former racer Steve Wood and ex-racer/current bike journo Jeff Ware.
“I’ve been coming to Bathurst at Easter since I was a child,” said Giles. “Being back in the pits brings back memories and riding today with Roy was fantastic. I was getting déjà vu over the mountain from our 1994 TT battle. The Suzuki GSX-8R was the perfect bike here and I look forward to riding here more often. Everything went smoothly and to plan, with safety paramount.”
Leslie echoed the sentiment. “This was a great experience and a lot of fun. The last time I rode here was in 1994 racing against Shawn. Today I felt at home on the Ducati almost immediately, and in the second session it all started to come back — I hopped off wishing I had another dozen laps.”
For Watson, who last rode at the venue during the 2000 TT, the return carried particular significance. “A lot of effort behind the scenes has gone into making this happen and everyone involved deserves a big pat on the back. Everything went well and, more importantly, safely. It was fantastic to ride here again.”
The demonstration was the result of collaboration between the Australian Racing Group (ARG), Bathurst Regional Council and Motorcycling Australia, with Bathurst Mayor Robert ‘Stumpy’ Taylor playing a key role in facilitating the return.
“Without the efforts of ARG and everyone involved, we would not have been able to make this historic moment happen,” said Taylor. “After the success of these demonstration laps, I will be meeting with Motorcycling Australia to discuss future events and ideas for 2027 and beyond. It was fantastic to witness two wheels back on Mount Panorama.”
The bikes ran on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning, with fans, officials and car teams lining the fences to witness the long-awaited return.
While competitive racing is unlikely to make a return to Mount Panorama Raceway, the positive reception from both spectators and organisers suggests that the future for non-competitive motorcycle action on The Mountain could once again become a regular presence.
Pics: JPMedia
